bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
WAGE FLOORS, IMPERFECT PERFORMANCE MEASURES, AND OPTIMAL JOB DESIGN
Authors: Kragl Jenny , Schöttner Anja
Published: April 2014

We analyze the effects of wage floors on optimal job design in a moral‐hazard model with asymmetric tasks and imperfect aggregate performance measurement. Due to cost advantages of specialization, assigning the tasks to different agents is efficient. A sufficiently high wage floor, however, induces the principal to dismiss one agent or to even exclude tasks from the production process. Imperfect performance measurement always lowers profit under multitasking, but may increase profit under specialization. We further show that variations in the wage floor and the agents' reservation utility have significantly different effects on welfare and optimal job design.
TEMPORARY EMIGRATION AND WELFARE: THE CASE OF LOW‐SKILLED LABOR
Authors: Djajić Slobodan
Published: April 2014

This article studies the implications of temporary emigration for the welfare of a source country. The framework is one of general equilibrium, where the economy's stocks of both capital and labor are endogenously determined by the saving and migration decisions of optimizing agents. Simulations of the model suggest that for realistic values of the parameters, welfare of nonmigrants of the source country is maximized when the migrants are employed abroad for a period in the range of roughly 8–12 years. The ideal duration is found to be an increasing function of the international wage differential, migration costs, and the degree to which the rights of migrants are protected in the host country.
Blue Upconversion Emission in Germanate Glass Co‐Doped with Yb3+/Tm3+ Ions
Authors: Dorosz Dominik , Kochanowicz Marcin , Zmojda Jacek
Published: April 2014

In the paper, the upconversion luminescence of 70GeO2–30[Ga2O3–BaO–Na2O] glass system co‐doped with Yb3+/Tm3+ ions was investigated. Strong blue emission at 478 nm corresponding to the transition 1G4 → 3H6 in thulium ions was measured under the excitation of 976‐nm diode laser. The dependence of the upconversion emission upon the thulium ion concentration was studied to determine the optimal conditions of energy transfer between energy levels of active dopants. The most effective energy transfer Yb3+ → Tm3+ was obtained in glass co‐doped with molar ratio of dopant 0.7 Yb2O3/0.07 Tm2O3. The increase in thulium concentration more than 0.07 mol% results in the reverse energy transfer from Tm3+ → Yb3+, which leads to rapid quenching of the luminescence line at the wavelength 478 nm. In germanate glass co‐doped with 0.7Yb2O3/0.07Tm2O3, the longest lifetime of 1G4 level equal 278 μs was achieved. The presented results indicate that elaborated germanate glass co‐doped with Yb3+/Tm3+ ions is a promising material that can be used to produce fiber lasers and superluminescent fiber sources generating radiation in the visible spectrum.
Stress, sleep quality and unplanned Caesarean section in pregnant women
Authors: Ko Yi‐Li , Lin Pi‐Chu , Chen Shu‐Chuan
Published: April 2014

This study examines the relationship among prenatal maternal stress, sleep quality and unplanned Caesarean delivery. For this research, we adopted a prospective survey design and a sample of 200 women in the early stages of labour. The findings were as follows: (i) 11.5% of the participants underwent unplanned Caesarean sections; (ii) based on a Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index split point of 5, approximately 90.5% of the participants experienced poor sleep quality; and (iii) the odds ratio for primiparas undergoing an unplanned Caesarean section was 4.183 times that for multiparas (95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.177 to 14.864), indicating a statistically significant difference. The results also showed that stress was a significant factor related to unplanned Caesarean sections; a 1‐point increase on the Pregnancy Stress Rating Scale was associated with a 1.033‐fold higher probability of undergoing an unplanned Caesarean section (95% CI = 1.002 to 1.065). Furthermore, prenatal stress was a significant variable that can be used to predict unplanned Caesarean deliveries.
Profiling nurses' job satisfaction, acculturation, work environment, stress, cultural values and coping abilities: A cluster analysis
Authors: Goh Yong‐Shian , Lee Alice , Chan Sally Wai‐Chi , Chan Moon Fai
Published: April 2014

This study aimed to determine whether definable profiles existed in a cohort of nursing staff with regard to demographic characteristics, job satisfaction, acculturation, work environment, stress, cultural values and coping abilities. A survey was conducted in one hospital in Singapore from June to July 2012, and 814 full‐time staff nurses completed a self‐report questionnaire (89% response rate). Demographic characteristics, job satisfaction, acculturation, work environment, perceived stress, cultural values, ways of coping and intention to leave current workplace were assessed as outcomes. The two‐step cluster analysis revealed three clusters. Nurses in cluster 1 (n = 222) had lower acculturation scores than nurses in cluster 3. Cluster 2 (n = 362) was a group of younger nurses who reported higher intention to leave (22.4%), stress level and job dissatisfaction than the other two clusters. Nurses in cluster 3 (n = 230) were mostly Singaporean and reported the lowest intention to leave (13.0%). Resources should be allocated to specifically address the needs of younger nurses and hopefully retain them in the profession. Management should focus their retention strategies on junior nurses and provide a work environment that helps to strengthen their intention to remain in nursing by increasing their job satisfaction.
From challenges to advanced practice registered nursing role development: Qualitative interview study
Authors: Jokiniemi Krista , Haatainen Kaisa , Pietilä Anna‐Maija
Published: April 2014

The aim of this study is to describe the factors hindering and facilitating the implementation of the advanced practice registered nurses role at Finnish university hospitals, and to examine the implications for its future development. A descriptive qualitative approach, using thematic individual interviews, was conducted in 2011 with a sample of 11 advanced practice registered nurses. The data were analysed using qualitative content analysis. The advanced practice registered nurses role barriers had an impact on the role development needs. In turn, the facilitating factors helped encounter the challenges of the role, therefore having an impact on both the current role achievement, as well as contributing to the future role development. The factors hindering and facilitating the advanced practice registered nurses role need to be acknowledged to support the role implementation and planning of the future of the role.
Novel inactivating mutation of the calcium‐sensing receptor in a young woman with mild hypercalcaemia
Authors: Kim D. D. W. , Que L. , Raizis A. M. , Florkowski C. M.
Published: April 2014

A young woman with mild hypercalcaemia and an inappropriately normal serum parathyroid hormone had parathyroid scintigraphy suggestive of an active ectopic parathyroid tissue in the superior mediastinum. Urinary calcium to creatinine clearance ratio was low, and a subsequent genetic analysis confirmed a novel mutation (Q164K) in the calcium sensing receptor gene, consistent with familial hypocalciuric hypercalcaemia. We propose that this mutation accounts for her clinical and investigational findings, although a double pathology of Q164K and an ectopic parathyroid adenoma is also conceivable.
Knowledge and attitudes regarding the personally controlled electronic health record: an Australian national survey
Authors: Lehnbom E. C. , Brien J. E. , McLachlan A. J.
Published: April 2014

The personally controlled electronic health record (PCHER) was designed to bring important information together to facilitate effective communication between clinicians and so improve patient care. This national cross‐sectional survey of 405 healthcare providers and consumers found that they had relatively low awareness and knowledge about the PCEHR; that 62% of respondents believed that healthcare providers with access to the PCEHR would be able to provide better quality of care but only 50% of respondents would sign up to have a PCEHR.
Complete recovery from paraparesis in spinal cord compression due to extramedullary haemopoiesis in beta‐thalassaemia by emergency radiation therapy
Authors: Ruo Redda M. G. , Allis S. , Reali A. , Bartoncini S. , Roggero S. , Anglesio S. M. , Piga A.
Published: April 2014

Extramedullary haemopoiesis (EMH) is a complication commonly associated with beta‐thalassaemia intermedia; it is frequently asymptomatic but can sometimes lead to symptomatic tumour‐like masses. No guidelines or common consensus are available in literature regarding the different treatment strategies and only single cases have been reported. We describe a case of spinal cord compression due to intrathoracic EMH masses treated with combined radiotherapy and hydroxyurea.
Fatal quinine‐induced thrombocytopenia from pulmonary haemorrhage
Authors: Samaranayake C. B. , Yap E.
Published: April 2014

Severe drug‐induced thrombocytopenia is a well known but rare complication of quinine. This paper presents a discussion on quinine‐induced thrombocytopenia based on a patient who developed fatal thrombocytopenia and pulmonary haemorrhage.
Nurses' knowledge about venous leg ulcer care: a literature review
Authors: Ylönen M. , Stolt M. , Leino‐Kilpi H. , Suhonen R.
Published: April 2014

Introduction

There is an increasing prevalence of venous leg ulcers coinciding with increasing older people populations. They are therefore important health problems, which restrict daily activities and incur high costs.

Background

Efficient and comprehensive nursing care for people with venous leg ulcers requires knowledge of causes, presentations and characteristics, the effects that venous leg ulcers have on individuals and nursing care with evidence‐based treatment.

Aim

To identify the gaps between nurses' demonstrated knowledge of venous leg ulcers and the related nursing care treatment with evidence‐based nursing care.

Method

A computerized search using MEDLINE, CINAHL the COCHRANE LIBRARY was conducted.

Results

The initial search yielded 174 citations from which 16 relevant articles were included in this review. Four themes in venous leg ulcer nursing care emerged demonstrating nurses' knowledge gaps: assessment, physiology and the healing process, nursing care and dressings, and compression treatment.

Conclusion

This review suggests that there is a lack of knowledge related to venous leg ulcer physiology, the healing process and how this influences care and treatment. Nurses may not be using the evidence base sufficiently well to support ulcer healing and patient well‐being.

Implications for nursing and health policy

There is a need for a positive work culture development and ongoing educational programmes aimed at improving nurses' knowledge of venous leg ulcer treatment and care, which address the themes within the results of this review.
International Federation of Nurse Anesthetists' Anesthesia Program Approval Process
Authors: Horton B.J. , Anang S.P. , Riesen M. , Yang H.‐J. , Björkelund K.B.
Published: April 2014

The International Federation of Nurse Anesthetists is improving anaesthesia patient care through a voluntary Anesthesia Program Approval Process (APAP) for schools and programmes. It is the result of a coordinated effort by anaesthesia leaders from many nations to implement a voluntary quality improvement system for education. These leaders firmly believe that meeting international education standards is an important way to improve anaesthesia, pain management and resuscitative care to patients worldwide.

By 2013, 14 anaesthesia programmes from France, Iceland, Indonesia, Philippines, Sweden, Switzerland, Netherlands, Tunisia and the USA had successfully completed the process. Additional programmes were scheduled for review in 2014. Faculty from these programmes, who have successfully completed APAP, show how anaesthesia educators throughout the world seek to continually improve education and patient care by pledging to meet common education standards.

As national governments, education ministers and heads of education institutions work to decrease shortages of healthcare workers, they would benefit from considering the value offered by quality improvement systems supported by professional organizations. When education programmes are measured against standards developed by experts in a profession, policy makers can be assured that the programmes have met certain standards of quality. They can also be confident that graduates of approved programmes are appropriately trained healthcare workers for their citizens.
Factors associated with health‐related quality of life among patients with implantable cardioverter defibrillator: identification of foci for nursing intervention
Authors: Wong Florence Mei Fung , Sit Janet Wing Hung , Wong Eliza Mi Ling , Choi Kai Chow
Published: April 2014

Aim

To explore factors associated with health‐related quality of life of patients with implantable cardioverter defibrillators.

Background

Substantial evidence indicates that implantable cardioverter defibrillator is proven to increase survival rate by terminating life‐threatening arrhythmia. However, this device can negatively affect health‐related quality of life. Little is known about factors associated with health‐related quality of life of patients with implantable cardioverter defibrillators, particularly in Asian population.

Design

A transversal descriptive design was used.

Methods

Data were collected from a convenience sample of 139 adult patients with implantable cardioverter defibrillators from 4 January–30 April 2012 using the structured questionnaires administered by the researcher and medical record reviews. The Short Form‐36 Health Survey version 2 was used to measure health‐related quality of life.

Results

A total of 139 Chinese patients, including 107 (77·0%) males with a mean age of 63·0 (14·6) years, were selected. The physical component summary was relatively lower, whereas the mental component summary was relatively higher than that of the general Hong Kong Chinese population. Multivariable regression analysis revealed gender, self‐care dependence, educational level, atrial fibrillation, diabetes mellitus, anxiety and depression significantly associated with physical or mental quality of life.

Conclusions

Depression was a common factor affecting physical and mental quality of life. Self‐care dependence, atrial fibrillation, diabetes mellitus, depression and anxiety could be improved. Our findings expand existing knowledge on identifying at‐risk patients for having lower quality of life, thus allowing development of appropriate interventions targeting risk factors for improving health‐related quality of life of patients with implantable cardioverter defibrillator.
Management of a Facial Talon Cusp on a Maxillary Permanent Central Incisor: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Yazıcıoğlu Oktay , Ulukapı Haşmet
Published: April 2014

Background

A talon cusp is a morphologically well‐delineated accessory cusp. This case report discusses the unusual appearance of a talon cusp on the facial surface of the maxillary right permanent central incisor, which was conservatively treated and followed up for a period of 1 year.

Methods

A 21‐year‐old female was referred for the treatment of a maxillary right central incisor that caused an esthetic problem. Intraoral examination and radiographic and computerized tomographic investigation indicated that there was no connection between the pulp chamber, a “V”‐shaped radiopaque structure, and three radiolucent globe areas. The accessory cusp was treated by selective cuspal grinding, followed by resin‐based composite placement. The restoration was clinically evaluated 1 week after placement, as a baseline, and after 1 year. The restoration did not exhibit postoperative sensitivity at the 1‐year evaluation. No difference was observed in the color match, marginal discoloration, marginal adaptation, or anatomic form compared with the baseline evaluation.

Conclusion

The management and treatment outcome of a talon cusp depends on its size, presenting complications and patient cooperation. The present case report outlines the conservative management of a talon cusp.

Clinical Significance

This paper outlines a viable esthetic treatment option and a review of the relevant literature with regards to managing a facial talon cusp.
The association between actual and perceived flood risk and evacuation from Hurricane Irene, Beaufort County, North Carolina
Authors: Wallace J.W. , Poole C. , Horney J.A.
Published: April 2014

Hurricane evacuation orders are often issued by local governments for individuals living in flood‐prone areas, but adherence to these orders is dependent on many factors, including an accurate perception of risk. One month after Hurricane Irene made landfall, interviews were conducted with 205 households in Beaufort County, NC, to assess the association between perceived and actual risk of flooding and evacuation. Crude and adjusted prevalence differences were calculated among households within areas of known flood risk. Households in the 100‐ and 500‐year flood plain were more likely to evacuate than those in non‐flood areas prior to Hurricane Irene, but perceived risk was not associated with evacuation, even after adjustment. Perceptions of flood risk did not align with actual risk of flooding in the majority of respondents. Actual flood risk is an important environmental cue in the construction of risk perception and in the decision to evacuate prior to hurricanes.
Anything but Basic: Nursing's Challenge in Meeting Patients’ Fundamental Care Needs
Authors: Kitson Alison L. , Muntlin Athlin Åsa , Conroy Tiffany
Published: April 2014

Purpose

Nursing has not explored the fundamental aspects of patient care in a systematic, conceptually coherent, scientific way, and this has created a number of ongoing challenges.

Organizing Construct

Each challenge is identified and addressed in the form of a proposition, with evidence provided to support the arguments put forward and defend the proposed actions.

Findings

The challenges include: the need for an integrated way of thinking about the fundamentals of care from a conceptual, methodological, and practical perspective; the ongoing and unresolved tension in nursing practice between a depersonalized and mechanistic approach (termed a “task and time” driven culture) and the need for consistency around understanding and managing the dynamics of the nurse–patient relationship or encounter (termed a “thinking and linking” approach); and the need for a systematic approach to the fundamentals or basics of care that combines the physical, psychosocial, and relational dimensions of the care encounter within the wider context of the care environment. Pragmatic and practical frameworks are needed to ensure that the basic physical and psychosocial needs of patients are embedded not only in the practice but also in the thinking, reflection, and assessment processes of the nurse.

Conclusions

Nursing's challenge to meet patients’ basic or fundamental needs is complex. Developing a knowledge base will include identifying researchable questions, using rigorous methodologies, ensuring the relational dimensions are not lost, and ensuring the new knowledge is applied in practice. This requires collaboration on an international scale to achieve improvements in care.

Clinical Relevance

To work collaboratively to generate, test, and implement meaningful ways of capturing nursing practice around basic or fundamental care in order to ensure more integrated, holistic patient care nursing practices.
Scientific Misconduct: Also an Issue in Nursing Science?
Authors: Fierz Katharina , Gennaro Susan , Dierickx Kris , Van Achterberg Theo , Morin Karen H. , De Geest Sabina
Published: April 2014

Purpose

Scientific misconduct (SMC) is an increasing concern in nursing science. This article discusses the prevalence of SMC, risk factors and correlates of scientific misconduct in nursing science, and highlights interventional approaches to foster good scientific conduct.

Methods

Using the “Fostering Research Integrity in Europe” report of the European Science Foundation as a framework, we reviewed the literature in research integrity promotion.

Findings

Although little empirical data exist regarding prevalence of scientific misconduct in the field of nursing science, available evidence suggests a similar prevalence as elsewhere. In studies of prospective graduate nurses, 4% to 17% admit data falsification or fabrication, while 8.8% to 26.4% report plagiarizing material. Risk factors for SMC exist at the macro, meso, and micro levels of the research system. Intervention research on preventing scientific misconduct in nursing is limited, yet findings from the wider field of medicine and allied health professions suggest that honor codes, training programs, and clearly communicated misconduct control mechanisms and misconduct consequences improve ethical behavior.

Conclusions

Scientific misconduct is a multilevel phenomenon. Interventions to decrease scientific misconduct must therefore target every level of the nursing research systems.

Clinical Relevance

Scientific misconduct not only compromises scientific integrity by distorting empirical evidence, but it might endanger patients. Because nurses are involved in clinical research, raising their awareness of scientifically inappropriate behavior is essential.
Comparative study of the shell development of hard‐ and soft‐shelled turtles
Authors: Nagashima Hiroshi , Shibata Masahiro , Taniguchi Mari , Ueno Shintaro , Kamezaki Naoki , Sato Noboru
Published: April 2014

The turtle shell provides a fascinating model for the investigation of the evolutionary modifications of developmental mechanisms. Different conclusions have been put forth for its development, and it is suggested that one of the causes of the disagreement could be the differences in the species of the turtles used – the differences between hard‐shelled turtles and soft‐shelled turtles. To elucidate the cause of the difference, we compared the turtle shell development in the two groups of turtle. In the dorsal shell development, these two turtle groups shared the gene expression profile that is required for formation, and shared similar spatial organization of the anatomical elements during development. Thus, both turtles formed the dorsal shell through a folding of the lateral body wall, and the Wnt signaling pathway appears to have been involved in the development. The ventral portion of the shell, on the other hand, contains massive dermal bones. Although expression of HNK‐1 epitope has suggested that the trunk neural crest contributed to the dermal bones in the hard‐shelled turtles, it was not expressed in the initial anlage of the skeletons in either of the types of turtle. Hence, no evidence was found that would support a neural crest origin.
Polymorphism in the epidermal growth factor gene is associated with pre‐eclampsia and low birthweight
Authors: Chenthuran Thurayratnam , Galhenagey Gayani Harendra , Jayasekara Rohan W. , Dissanayake Vajira H. W.
Published: April 2014

Aim

We have previously reported that polymorphism in the epidermal growth factor (EGF) gene is associated with pre‐eclampsia and birthweight based on case–control association studies involving two single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP). We extended that work to investigate other SNP in the EGF gene for their association with pre‐eclampsia and the weight of babies at birth.

Material and Methods

A population‐based DNA collection was genotyped to determine whether the selected SNP were polymorphic in the study population. In total, 175 women with pre‐eclampsia and 171 matched normotensive controls were genotyped for the polymorphic SNP using polymerase chain reaction/restriction fragment length polymorphism and MassARRAY Sequenom iPLEX methodology.

Results

The rs3756261A, rs4444903G, rs2237051G haplotype was associated with the highest increased risk of pre‐eclampsia (odds ratio: 3.70, 95% confidence interval: 1.38–9.94; P = 0.016). The rs3756261A allele was the one that contributed to this high degree of significance. The same allele was present in the haplotype rs3756261A, rs11568943G, rs2237051G, rs11569017A, rs4698803T (likelihood ratio statistic = 20.4671, d.f. = 3, P‐value = 0.0001), which was associated with the lower birthweight.

Conclusions

In this study we found further evidence for the association of polymorphism in the EGF gene with pre‐eclampsia and the weight of babies at birth and identified rs3756261A>G as the SNP that makes the most significant contribution to this association. Bioinformatic analysis showed that this effect may be mediated by caudal type homeohox‐2, a transcriptional repressor expressed in the trophoblast, for which a binding site is created at this polymorphic site when the rs3756261A allele is present.
Concomitant ovarian drilling and oocyte retrieval by laparoendoscopic single‐site surgery led to live birth using in vitro maturation of oocyte and transfer of frozen–thawed blastocyst in woman with polycystic ovary syndrome
Authors: Hirata Tetsuya , Fujimoto Akihisa , Koga Kaori , Wada‐Hiraike Osamu , Fujii Tomoyuki , Osuga Yutaka
Published: April 2014

This case report describes a case of concomitant ovarian drilling and retrieval of oocytes using laparoendoscopic single‐site surgery and the resultant birth of a healthy infant after transfer of frozen–thawed blastocyst from in vitro matured oocyte in a woman with polycystic ovary syndrome. A 33‐year‐old woman presented with anovulatory, clomiphene‐resistant polycystic ovary syndrome, and 1‐year history of infertility. Thirty‐seven immature oocytes were retrieved and multiperforation of ovaries was performed at the same time by laparoendoscopic single‐site surgery. Twenty‐three oocytes reached metaphase II after 24‐h culture in in vitro maturation medium, which was followed by intracytoplasmic sperm injection. Eventually, seven embryos were vitrified and spontaneous ovulation was restored after the operation. Although the first single frozen–thawed blastocyst transferred in a natural cycle ended up a biochemical pregnancy, the second frozen–thawed blastocyst transfer resulted in successful pregnancy, followed by live birth of a healthy male infant.
Management of recurrent miscarriage
Authors: Sugiura‐Ogasawara Mayumi , Ozaki Yasuhiko , Suzumori Nobuhiro
Published: April 2014

Recurrent miscarriage is classically defined as three or more consecutive pregnancy losses. Many researchers have now revised this definition to two or more pregnancy losses because of the recent increase in the prevalence of childless couples. Established causes of recurrent miscarriage are antiphospholipid antibodies, uterine anomalies and abnormal chromosomes in either partner, particularly translocations. Antiphospholipid syndrome is the most important treatable cause of recurrent miscarriage. However, it is not yet established as to what kind of testing should be conducted in patients with recurrent pregnancy loss. Standardization of tests for antiphospholipid antibodies is needed. On the other hand, embryonic aneuploidy is the most frequent cause of recurrent miscarriage. Chromosome analysis of the embryo is important, because it has good predictive value for subsequent live birth. It is not necessary to give any medications for unexplained cases of recurrent miscarriage, and provision of psychological support may be the most important to encourage the couples to continue to conceive until a live birth results.
The roles of the shikimate pathway genes, aroA and aroB, in virulence, growth and UV tolerance of Burkholderia glumae strain 411gr‐6
Authors: Karki Hari Sharan , Ham Jong Hyun
Published: April 2014

Burkholderia glumae is the major causal agent of bacterial panicle blight of rice, which is a growing disease problem for rice growers worldwide. In our previous study, some B. glumae strains showed pigmentation phenotypes producing at least two (yellow–green and purple) pigment compounds in casein–peptone–glucose agar medium. The B. glumae strains LSUPB114 and LSUPB116 are pigment‐deficient mutant derivatives of the virulent and pigment‐proficient strain 411gr‐6, having mini‐Tn5gus insertions in aroA encoding 3‐phosphoshikimate 1‐carboxyvinyltransferase and aroB encoding 3‐dehydroquinate synthase, respectively. Both enzymes are known to be involved in the shikimate pathway, which leads to the synthesis of aromatic amino acids. Here, we demonstrate that aroA and aroB are required for normal virulence in rice and onion, growth in M9 minimal medium and tolerance to UV light, but are dispensable for the production of the phytotoxin toxoflavin. These results suggest that the shikimate pathway is involved in bacterial pathogenesis by B. glumae without a significant role in the production of toxoflavin, a major virulence factor of this pathogen.
Berberine ameliorates renal interstitial fibrosis induced by unilateral ureteral obstruction in rats
Authors: Wang Fang‐Ming , Yang Yu‐jie , Ma Lu‐lin , Tian Xiao‐jun , He Ya‐qiang
Published: April 2014

Aim

To investigate the potential effects of berberine on renal interstitial fibrosis (RIF) of obstructed kidneys in a unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) rat model.

Methods

Forty‐eight rats were randomly divided into three groups: sham‐operated, vehicle‐treated UUO, and berberine‐treated UUO. Rats were gavaged with berberine (200 mg/kg per day) or vehicle. Eight randomly chosen rats in each group were kiled and specimens were collected at day 14 after UUO. Physiological parameters and histological changes were assessed, RIF was evaluated using Masson's trichrome and Sirius red staining, oxidative stress and inflammation markers were determined, transforming growth factor β1 (TGF‐β1), phosphorylated Smad3 (pSmad3) and α‐smooth muscle actin (α‐SMA) were measured using immunohistochemistry or western blotting analysis. The obstruction was relieved at day 14 by percutaneous nephrostomy in the remaining UUO rats. The resistive index of left kidneys was undertaken by coloured Doppler flow imaging at day 14 before nephrostomy and day 7 after the relief.

Results

Berberine treatment significantly attenuated RIF induced by UUO. The UUO‐induced reduction in kidney superoxide dismutase and catalase activities increased, whereas elevated kidney malondialdehyde level markedly decreased. Berberine treatment significantly ameliorated UUO‐induced inflammation, and decreased TGF‐β1, pSmad3 and α‐SMA expression of UUO kidneys. Moreover, berberine treatment significantly suppressed the increase of resistive index compared with UUO group at day 14 after UUO as well as day 7 after the relief of obstruction.

Conclusion

Berberine treatment ameliorates RIF in a UUO rat model by inhibition of oxidative stress, inflammatory responses, and TGF‐β1/pSmad3 signalling.
The effect of non‐surgical weight loss interventions on urinary incontinence in overweight women: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Vissers D. , Neels H. , Vermandel A. , De Wachter S. , Tjalma W. A. A. , Wyndaele J‐J. , Taeymans J.
Published: April 2014

Although the aetiology of urinary incontinence can be multifactorial, in some cases weight loss could be considered as a part of the therapeutic approach for urinary incontinence in people who are overweight. The objective of this study was to review and meta‐analyse the effect of non‐surgical weight loss interventions on urinary incontinence in overweight women. Web of Science, PubMed, Pedro, SPORTDiscus and Cochrane were systematically searched for clinical trials that met the a priori set criteria. Data of women who participated in non‐surgical weight loss interventions (diet, exercise, medication or a combination) were included in the meta‐analysis. After removing duplicates, 62 articles remained for screening on title, abstract and full text. Six articles (totalling 2,352 subjects in the intervention groups) were included for meta‐analysis. The mean change in urinary incontinence (reported as frequency or quantity, depending on the study) after a non‐surgical weight loss intervention, expressed as standardized effect size and corrected for small sample sizes (Hedges' g), was −0.30 (95%CI = −0.47 to −0.12). This systematic review and meta‐analysis shows evidence that a non‐surgical weight loss intervention has the potential to improve urinary incontinence and should be considered part of standard practice in the management of urinary incontinence in overweight women.
Step‐along power vector method for astigmatic wavefront propagation
Authors: Roselló Silvia , Thibos Larry , Micó Vicente
Published: April 2014

Purpose

To propose both a new algebraic solution and a graphical monitoring method for astigmatic wavefront propagation in the framework provided by power vectors.

Methods

The generalised propagation equation describing the propagation of astigmatic wavefronts from one plane to another is adapted to the power vectors formalism using a novel algorithm based on a step‐along method. The step‐along procedure is directly applied to the tuple of power vectors [M, J0, J45] representing an arbitrary astigmatic wavefront and it permits the calculation of the tuple of power vectors [M′, J′0, J′45] after a given propagation distance. This is achieved mathematically first by temporarily rotating the astigmatic wavefront so that one of the principal meridians is horizontal, then propagating the wavefront, and finally rotating the propagated wavefront back to its original orientation.

Results

A transfer rule for power vectors representing astigmatic wavefronts is analytically obtained. The new algorithm provides an algebraic solution for the propagation of astigmatic wavefronts using power vectors in a homogeneous medium. In addition, the new step‐along procedure allows 2D as well as 3D graphical monitoring of the astigmatic wavefront being referred to the X–Y conventional reference framework by virtue of the trajectories of the power vector coordinates. The proposed solution has been validated through several numerical examples.

Conclusions

A new step‐along method for astigmatic wavefront propagation using power vectors has been presented and validated for classical as well as new numerical examples. The method provides algebraic calculation as well as graphical monitoring of the wavefront vergence during propagation.
The impact of postgraduate training on UK optometrists’ clinical decision‐making in glaucoma
Authors: Myint Joy , Edgar David F. , Murdoch Ian E. , Lawrenson John G.
Published: April 2014

Purpose

To investigate the impact of a postgraduate training module on optometrists’ clinical decision‐making in relation to the diagnosis and management of primary open‐angle glaucoma.

Methods

A group of United Kingdom community optometrists (n = 53) were assessed immediately before and again 3 months after completing a 3‐day didactic postgraduate university module on the diagnosis and management of glaucoma. A smaller control cohort (n = 20), who did not receive the intervention, was recruited and completed the same assessments on two occasions, separated by approximately 3 months. The assessments comprised: knowledge of five key features of the optic disc in glaucoma, performance on a computer program (Discus) that assessed the ability to differentiate normal from glaucomatous discs and a clinical decision‐making exercise using case‐based scenarios.

Results

The scores for the knowledge of important disc features for the intervention cohort significantly increased from a median of 2/5 to 5/5 post‐intervention (p < 0.001). For the control cohort, the difference in median scores between the two tests was not significant. Analysing the performance of the intervention cohort using the Discus program showed no significant improvement in ability to diagnose a glaucomatous disc following the intervention [mean area under the receiver operating characteristic curve pre‐intervention = 0.85 (95% CI: 0.76–0.91), post‐intervention = 0.84 (95% CI: 0.76–0.91)]. Similarly, there were no statistically significant differences in mean areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve between tests for the control cohort, although both cohorts compared favourably with a previously published Discus data set from a panel of experts in disc analysis (mean area = 0.87). For the clinical decision‐making exercise the median test score for the intervention cohort was unchanged pre‐ and post‐intervention.

Conclusion

The results of the present study suggest that a traditional didactic approach, in isolation, is unlikely to be suited to training optometrists to achieve or develop the clinical competencies required for glaucoma detection and management. Consideration should be given to the development of specialist postgraduate training that is more practice‐based, provides opportunities for active learning and includes strategies for feedback and reinforcement.
First decapod crustaceans in aLateDevonian continental ecosystem
Authors: Gueriau Pierre , Charbonnier Sylvain , Clément Gaël
Published: April 2014

The origin and early diversification of decapod crustaceans and their expansion from marine to continental environments are key events in arthropod evolution. Rare fossil decapods are known from the Palaeozoic, and the earliest eumalacostracans with undoubted decapod affinities are theLateDevonianPalaeopalaemonandAciculopoda, found in offshore marine deposits. Here, we describe a new species of the shrimpTealliocarisfound in floodplain and temporary pond deposits from theFamennian (LateDevonian) ofBelgium, together with a rarePalaeozoic assemblage of other crustaceans (conchostracans, notostracans and anostracans) and chelicerates (eurypterids).Tealliocaris walloniensis sp. nov. documents the earliest occurrence of continental decapod crustaceans and indicates that decapods have been part of continental ecosystems at least since theLateDevonian.
Remanufactured Products in Closed‐Loop Supply Chains for Consumer Goods
Authors: Abbey James D. , Meloy Margaret G. , Guide V. Daniel R. , Atalay Selin
Published: April 2014

This study empirically investigates consumer perceptions of remanufactured consumer products in closed‐loop supply chains. A multi‐study approach led to increasing levels of measure refinement and facilitated examination of various assumptions researchers have made about the consumer market for remanufactured products. Based in part on the measure building studies, an experimental study examined remanufactured product perceptions from a national panel of consumers. The consumers responded to remanufactured product descriptions that manipulated price discount and brand equity. The results indicate that discounting had a consistently positive, linear effect on remanufactured product attractiveness. Curiously, the brand equity manipulation proved less important to consumers than specific remanufactured product quality perceptions. The results also show that green consumers and consumers who consider remanufactured products green typically found remanufactured products significantly more attractive. Finally, the findings introduce the concept of negative attribute perceptions, such as disgust, that had a significantly detrimental effect on remanufactured product attractiveness.
Strategic Design Responsiveness: An Empirical Analysis of US Retail Store Networks
Authors: Shockley Jeff , Plummer Lawrence A. , Roth Aleda V. , Fredendall Lawrence D.
Published: April 2014

This study uses a service operations management (SOM) strategy lens to investigate chain store retailers' strategic design responsiveness (SDR)—a term that captures the degree to which retailers dynamically coordinate investments in human and structural capital with the complexity of their service and product offerings. Labor force and physical capital are respectively used as proxies for investments in human capital and structural capital, whereas gross margins are proxies for product/service offering complexity. Consequently, SDR broadly reflects three salient complementary choices of SOM design strategy. We test the effects of “brick and mortar” chain store retailers' SDR on current and future firm performance using publically available panel data collected from Compustat and the University of Michigan American Customer Satisfaction Index databases for the period 1996–2011. We find that retailers that fail to keep pace with investments in both structural and human capital exhibit short‐term financial benefits, but have worse ongoing operational performance. These findings corroborate the importance of managers strategically maintaining the complementarity of design‐related choices for improving and maintaining business performance.
“Yesterday Redeemed and Tomorrow Made More Beautiful”: Historical Injustice and Possible Collective Selves
Authors: Greenwood Ronni Michelle
Published: April 2014

This research examines the ways in which talk about reparations for historical injustice demonstrates individuals' ambitions for future collective identities. Interviews with White Tulsans (n = 25) illustrate how discursive temporal constructions justify support for or opposition to reparations for the 1921 Tulsa Race Riot. It is argued that White Tulsans strategically employed these constructions to either transform or maintain collective identities. These findings bring a discursive approach to theories of collective continuity (Sani, Bowe, & Herrera, 2008) and possible selves (Cinnirella, 1998; Markus & Nurius, 1986; McAdams, 2006; Vignoles, 2008). From this perspective, reckoning with the past is as much about who we can be tomorrow as it is guilt for who we were yesterday.
A proteomic approach reveals new actors of nodule response to drought in split‐root grown pea plants
Authors: Irar Sami , González Esther M. , Arrese‐Igor Cesar , Marino Daniel
Published: April 2014

Drought is considered the more harmful abiotic stress resulting in crops yield loss. Legumes in symbiosis with rhizobia are able to fix atmospheric nitrogen. Biological nitrogen fixation (SNF) is a very sensitive process to drought and limits legumes agricultural productivity. Several factors are known to regulate SNF including oxygen availability to bacteroids, carbon and nitrogen metabolisms; but the signaling pathways leading to SNF inhibition are largely unknown. In this work, we have performed a proteomic approach of pea plants grown in split‐root system where one half of the root was well‐irrigated and the other was subjected to drought. Water stress locally provoked nodule water potential decrease that led to SNF local inhibition. The proteomic approach revealed 11 and 7 nodule proteins regulated by drought encoded by Pisum sativum and Rhizobium leguminosarum genomes respectively. Among these 18 proteins, 3 proteins related to flavonoid metabolism, 2 to sulfur metabolism and 3 RNA‐binding proteins were identified. These proteins could be molecular targets for future studies focused on the improvement of legumes tolerance to drought. Moreover, this work also provides new hints for the deciphering of SNF regulation machinery in nodules.
HLA‐B*55:46, a novel allele, identified in a Chinese platelet donor
Authors: Li J.‐P. , Li X.‐F. , Zhang X. , Lin F.‐Q. , Zhang K.‐L.
Published: April 2014

HLA‐B*55:46 has one nucleotide change from HLA‐B*55:02:01 where 138N is changed to D.
CD4 count outperforms World Health Organization clinical algorithm for point‐of‐care HIV diagnosis among hospitalised HIV‐exposed Malawian infants
Authors: Maliwichi Madalitso , Rosenberg Nora E. , Macfie Rebekah , Olson Dan , Hoffman Irving , van der Horst Charles M. , Kazembe Peter N. , Hosseinipour Mina C. , McCollum Eric D.
Published: April 2014

Objective

To determine, for the WHO algorithm for point‐of‐care diagnosis of HIV infection, the agreement levels between paediatricians and non‐physician clinicians, and to compare sensitivity and specificity profiles of the WHO algorithm and different CD4 thresholds against HIV PCR testing in hospitalised Malawian infants.

Methods

In 2011, hospitalised HIV‐exposed infants <12 months in Lilongwe, Malawi, were evaluated independently with the WHO algorithm by both a paediatrician and clinical officer. Blood was collected for CD4 and molecular HIV testing (DNA or RNA PCR). Using molecular testing as the reference, sensitivity, specificity and positive predictive value (PPV) were determined for the WHO algorithm and CD4 count thresholds of 1500 and 2000 cells/mm3 by paediatricians and clinical officers.

Results

We enrolled 166 infants (50% female, 34% <2 months, 37% HIV infected). Sensitivity was higher using CD4 thresholds (<1500, 80%; <2000, 95%) than with the algorithm (physicians, 57%; clinical officers, 71%). Specificity was comparable for CD4 thresholds (<1500, 68%, <2000, 50%) and the algorithm (paediatricians, 55%, clinical officers, 50%). The positive predictive values were slightly better using CD4 thresholds (<1500, 59%, <2000, 52%) than the algorithm (paediatricians, 43%, clinical officers 45%) at this prevalence.

Conclusion

Performance by the WHO algorithm and CD4 thresholds resulted in many misclassifications. Point‐of‐care CD4 thresholds of <1500 cells/mm3 or <2000 cells/mm3 could identify more HIV‐infected infants with fewer false positives than the algorithm. However, a point‐of‐care option with better performance characteristics is needed for accurate, timely HIV diagnosis.
Dealing with a serious incident requiring investigation in obstetrics and gynaecology: a training perspective
Authors: Macdonald Madeleine , Gosakan Radhika , Cooper Alison E , Fothergill Diana J
Published: April 2014

Key content

A serious incident requiring investigation (SIRI), previously known as a serious untoward incident (SUI), is often an unexpected and a traumatic event for all those involved: the patient, their family and friends and healthcare professionals.

Most NHS hospitals have well‐developed pathways and processes for dealing with these incidents.

Revalidation takes SIRIs into account.

This article reviews literature, guidance, best practice recommendations and dealing with the aftermath of a SIRI and discusses how these could be applied to obstetrics and gynaecology training at a trust, deanery and national level.

Learning objectives

To understand the meaning of a SIRI.

For trainees and trainers to be aware of what to do in the event of a SIRI and the structure of the support available within the workplace.

Ethical issues

The challenge of giving constructive criticism to a colleague, trainee or consultant without discouraging or undermining them.

Understanding when performance at work may be affected by an incident at work and how this may impact on patient safety.