bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Role of CB1‐Receptors in the Proconvulsant Effect of Leptin on Penicillin‐Induced Epileptiform Activity in Rats
Authors: Arslan Gokhan , Alici Sabiha Kubra , Ayyildiz Mustafa , Agar Erdal
Published: March 2013

Aims

Prior studies have demonstrated the involvement of leptin and cannabinoids in food intake and metabolism. However, the interaction between leptin and cannabinoids in epilepsy has not been studied. This study elucidated the relationship between leptin and cannabinoids in penicillin‐induced epileptiform activity in rats.

Methods

The CB1 receptor agonist, arachidonyl‐2‐chloroethylamide (ACEA), at doses of 2.5 and 7.5 μg, the CB1 receptor antagonist, [N‐(piperidine‐1‐yl)‐5‐(4‐iodophenyl)‐1‐(2,4‐dichlorophenyl)‐4‐methyl‐1H‐pyrazole‐3 carboxamide] (AM‐251), at doses of 0.125 and 0.25 μg, and leptin, at the dose of 1 μg, were administered intracerebroventricularly (i.c.v.) 30 min after intracortical penicillin (i.c.) application.

Results

Leptin caused proconvulsant activity in all groups. The administration of AM‐251, at a dose of 0.25 μg, increased the frequency of penicillin‐induced epileptiform activity by producing status epilepticus‐like activity, whereas AM‐251, at a dose of 0.125 μg, was not effective when applied alone. ACEA, at a dose of 7.5 μg, decreased the frequency of epileptiform activity. Leptin reversed the anticonvulsant activity of ACEA and enhanced the proconvulsant activity of AM‐251.

Conclusions

This study provides electrophysiological evidence that the proconvulsant activity of leptin is mediated, at least in part, by inhibition of cannabinoids in the experimental model of epilepsy.
Are rectoceles the cause or the result of obstructed defaecation syndrome? A prospective anorectal physiology study
Authors: Hicks C. W. , Weinstein M. , Wakamatsu M. , Pulliam S. , Savitt L. , Bordeianou L.
Published: March 2013

Aim

To determine the relationship between obstructed defaecation syndrome (ODS) and rectoceles.

Method

From December 2007 to November 2011, all female patients with ODS were prospectively evaluated with full interview, clinical examination and anorectal physiology testing. The characteristics of patients with and without rectoceles were compared, and logistic regression was utilized to identify factors predictive of patients having a rectocele beyond the introitus.

Results

Of 239 patients with ODS, 90 (mean age: 52.3 ± 1.7 years) had a rectocele. Patients with rectoceles (R+) had a similar prevalence of incomplete emptying compared with patients with no rectocele (R−) (P ≥ 0.21), but only R+ patients reported splinting with defaecation (36.7% vs 0%; P < 0.0001). Anorectal manometry measurements, including mean resting pressure, maximum resting pressure and maximum squeeze pressure, were similar between groups (P ≥ 0.12). There were also no significant differences in rectal compliance (maximum tolerated volume) or rectal sensitivity (volume of first sensation) (P ≥ 0.65). R+ patients had greater difficulty expelling a 60 cm3 balloon (70.1% R+ patients vs 57.5% R− patients; P = 0.05), but the prevalence of pelvic floor dyssynergia, as quantified by nonrelaxation on electromyography (EMG) testing, was similar to that of R− patients (P = 0.49). Logistic regression suggested that only difficulty with balloon expulsion was associated with higher odds of having a rectocele (OR = 3.00; P = 0.002), whereas mean resting pressure, EMG nonrelaxation and symptoms of incomplete emptying were not (P ≥ 0.12).

Conclusion

Rectoceles are not associated with an increased severity of ODS‐type symptoms, anorectal abnormalities or pelvic floor dyssynergia in patients with ODS. This suggests that rectoceles may be the result, rather than the cause, of ODS.
Perineal rectosigmoidectomy: quality of life
Authors: Kim M. , Reibetanz J. , Schlegel N. , Germer C.‐T. , Jayne D. , Isbert C.
Published: March 2013

Aim

For any surgical treatment of full‐thickness rectal prolapse, little attention has been given to quality of life (QoL). This study prospectively evaluated continence, constipation and QoL after perineal rectosigmoidectomy for full‐thickness rectal prolapse in young and elderly patients in the long term.

Method

From May 2003 to May 2010, consecutive patients suffering from full‐thickness rectal prolapse and treated with perineal rectosigmoidectomy were prospectively studied. A standardized questionnaire, including the Cleveland Clinic Constipation Score (CCCS), the Cleveland Clinic Incontinence Score (CCIS) and generic [EuroQol five‐dimension (EQ‐5D)] and constipation‐specific [Patient Assessment of Constipation‐Quality of Life (PAC‐QOL)] QoL scores, was administered pre‐ and postoperatively. The Wilcoxon test (for EQ‐5D data) and two‐sample Student's t‐test [for EuroQol visual analogue scale (EQ‐VAS), CCCS, CCIS and PAC‐QOL data) were used for statistical analyses.

Results

Fifty‐three patients (47 women), 72.7 (range 30–89) years of age, underwent perineal rectosigmoidectomy. One patient died and one patient needed reoperation. Five full‐thickness recurrences occurred. Thirty‐seven patients completed the follow‐up questionnaire at a median of 49 (range, 6–89) months. Postoperative incontinence and constipation improved significantly (CCIS from 13 ± 7.28 to 8.7 ± 6.96 and CCCS from 8.32 ± 6.96 to 3.49 ± 4.17). Furthermore, QoL, in terms of mobility, usual activity, pain/discomfort and anxiety/depression and subjective state of health, were significantly better at follow‐up (P < 0.001). All dimensions of constipation‐related QoL improved (P < 0.001). The results did not differ significantly between patients under or over 69 years of age.

Conclusion

Patients' experience improved general and constipation‐related QoL after perineal rectosigmoidectomy, and this was independent of age.
DRAWN INTO VIOLENCE: EVIDENCE ON “WHAT MAKES A CRIMINAL” FROM THE VIETNAM DRAFT LOTTERIES
Authors: LINDO JASON M. , STOECKER CHARLES
Published: March 2013

Draft lottery number assignment during the Vietnam Era provides a natural experiment to examine the effects of military service on crime. Using exact dates of birth for inmates in state and federal prisons in 1979, 1986, and 1991, we find that draft eligibility increases incarceration for violent crimes but decreases incarceration for nonviolent crimes among whites. This is particularly evident in 1979, where two‐sample instrumental variable estimates indicate that military service increases the probability of incarceration for a violent crime by 0.34 percentage points and decreases the probability of incarceration for a nonviolent crime by 0.30 percentage points. We conduct two falsification tests, one that applies each of the three binding lotteries to unaffected cohorts and another that considers the effects of lotteries that were not used to draft servicemen. (JEL K42, H56)
STEREOTYPE THREAT AND THE STUDENT‐ATHLETE
Authors: DEE THOMAS S.
Published: March 2013

Achievement gaps may reflect the cognitive impairment thought to occur in evaluative settings (e.g., classrooms) where a stereotyped identity is salient (i.e., stereotype threat). This study presents an economic model of stereotype threat that reconciles prior evidence on how student effort and performance are influenced by this social‐identity phenomenon. This study also presents empirical evidence from a framed field experiment in which students at a selective college were randomly assigned to a treatment that primed their awareness of a negatively stereotyped identity (i.e., student‐athlete). This social‐identity manipulation reduced the test‐score performance of athletes relative to non‐athletes by 12%. These negative performance effects were concentrated among male student‐athletes who also responded to the social‐identity manipulation by attempting to answer more questions. (JEL I2, C9, D0)
Validating Student Score Inferences With Person‐Fit Statistic and Verbal Reports: A Person‐Fit Study for Cognitive Diagnostic Assessment
Authors: Cui Ying , Roduta Roberts Mary
Published: March 2013

The goal of this study was to investigate the usefulness of person‐fit analysis in validating student score inferences in a cognitive diagnostic assessment. In this study, a two‐stage procedure was used to evaluate person fit for a diagnostic test in the domain of statistical hypothesis testing. In the first stage, the person‐fit statistic, the hierarchy consistency index (HCI; Cui, 2007; Cui & Leighton, 2009), was used to identify the misfitting student item‐score vectors. In the second stage, students’ verbal reports were collected to provide additional information about students’ response processes so as to reveal the actual causes of misfits. This two‐stage procedure helped to identify the misfits of item‐score vectors to the cognitive model used in the design and analysis of the diagnostic test, and to discover the reasons of misfits so that students’ problem‐solving strategies were better understood and their performances were interpreted in a more meaningful way.
General fearfulness, attitudes to dental care, and dental anxiety in adolescents
Authors: Stenebrand Agneta , Wide Boman Ulla , Hakeberg Magnus
Published: March 2013

The etiology of dental anxiety (DA) may involve a spectrum of factors related to past dental experiences, general and specific fears, and other personality factors, but is relatively unexplored in adolescents. The aim of this study was to examine how general fearfulness and attitudes to dental care/personnel were related to DA in 15‐yr‐old subjects. The sample included 263 randomly selected 15‐yr‐old adolescents living in the municipality of Jönköping in southern Sweden. Four questionnaires were used: one general questionnaire regarding background data and three psychometric instruments dealing with DA, general fearfulness, and dental beliefs. Of all participants, 6.5% were classified as having DA. Dental anxiety was moderately to strongly correlated both with attitudes to dental care/personnel and with general fearfulness and indicated the strongest impact for individuals with both high general fearfulness and high dental beliefs in relation to DA. The linear multiple regression analysis showed that the best predictors of DA were general fearfulness and dental beliefs. This suggests that both individual vulnerability in terms of generalized fear and apprehensions about dental staff, which is linked to experiences of dentistry, appear to be important factors for DA and may be considered as risk factors for DA in adolescents.
Breaking the Links in Intergenerational Violence: An Emotional Regulation Perspective
Authors: Siegel Judith P.
Published: March 2013

The saying “violence begets violence” is an apt descriptor of the cycle of family violence, as children who witness parental violence are at high risk for repeating family violence in their own adult intimate relationships. Neuroscience research suggests that emotional regulation may be an important link in the heritability of family violence, and promotes awareness of the importance of internalizing as well as externalizing responses to stress, neglect, and abuse. This study argues for a trauma‐informed approach to identifying children and parents whose symptoms of emotional dysregulation may be otherwise overlooked, and for an expanded approach to treatment that incorporates family systems and emotional regulation strategies.
Decorin interferes with platelet‐derived growth factor receptor signaling in experimental hepatocarcinogenesis
Authors: Baghy Kornélia , Horváth Zsolt , Regős Eszter , Kiss Katalin , Schaff Zsuzsa , Iozzo Renato V. , Kovalszky Ilona
Published: March 2013

Decorin, a secreted small leucine‐rich proteoglycan, acts as a tumor repressor in a variety of cancers, mainly by blocking the action of several receptor tyrosine kinases such as the receptors for hepatocyte, epidermal and insulin‐like growth factors. In the present study we investigated the effects of decorin in an experimental model of thioacetamide‐induced hepatocarcinogenesis and its potential role in modulating the signaling of platelet‐derived growth factor receptor‐α (PDGFRα). Genetic ablation of decorin in mice led to enhanced tumor prevalence and a higher tumor count compared with wild‐type mice. These findings correlated with decreased levels of the cyclin‐dependent kinase inhibitor p21Waf1/Cip1and concurrent activation (phosphorylation) ofPDGFRα in the hepatocellular carcinomas generated in the decorin‐null vis‐à‐vis wild‐type mice. Notably, in normal liverPDGFRα localized primarily to the membrane of nonparenchymal cells, whereas in the malignant counterpartPDGFRα was expressed by the malignant cells at their cell surfaces. This process was facilitated by a genetic background lacking endogenous decorin. Double immunostaining of the proteoglycan and the receptor revealed only minor colocalization, leading to the hypothesis that decorin would bind to the natural ligandPDGFrather than to the receptor itself. Indeed, we found, using purified proteins and immune‐blot assays, that decorin binds toPDGF. Collectively, our findings support the idea that decorin acts as a secreted tumor repressor during hepatocarcinogenesis by hindering the action of another receptor tyrosine kinase, such as thePDGFRα, and could be a novel therapeutic agent in the battle against liver cancer.
Dysferlin‐deficient muscular dystrophy and innate immune activation
Authors: Mariano Andrew , Henning Audrey , Han Renzhi
Published: March 2013

Cells encounter many physical, chemical and biological stresses that perturb plasma membrane integrity, warranting an immediate membrane repair response to regain cell homeostasis. Failure to respond properly to such perturbation leads to individual cell death, which may also produce systemic influence by triggering sterile immunological responses. In this review, we discuss recent progress on understanding the mechanisms underlying muscle cell membrane repair and the potential mediators of innate immune activation when the membrane repair system is defective, specifically focusing on pathology associated with dysferlin deficiency.
Towards a Topology of ‘Doing Gender’: An Analysis of Empirical Research and Its Challenges
Authors: Nentwich Julia C. , Kelan Elisabeth K.
Published: March 2013

‘Doing gender’ is a much used term in research on gender, work and organizations. However, translating theoretical insight into empirical research is often a challenging endeavour. A lack of clarity with regard to the conceptualization and operationalization of key terms in turn often limits the theoretical and empirical purchase of a concept. The aim of this article is therefore to provide a systematization of empirical approaches to ‘doing gender’. This systematization leads to a topology of five themes that is derived from empirical research in the field. The five themes identified are structures, hierarchies, identity, flexibility and context specificity, and gradual relevance/subversion. Each theme explores a different facet of ‘doing gender’. This topology helps empirical researchers to be more specific about which aspects of ‘doing gender’ they are referring to. This in turn can help to unfold the theoretical potential of the concept of ‘doing gender’.
Serotonin and its implication in the side‐effects of interferon‐based treatment of patients with chronic viral hepatitis: Pharmacological interventions
Authors: Stasi Cristina , Rosselli Massimo , Zignego Anna Linda , Laffi Giacomo , Milani Stefano
Published: March 2013

Depression is a frequent side‐effect of interferon‐based treatment of patients with chronic viral hepatitis, that may lead to reduction or discontinuation of treatment. Clinical trials data showed the importance of therapy of psychiatric disorders for a successful antiviral treatment. Emerging evidence suggests that interferon may cause depression affecting serotonin synthesis via increased activity of indoleamine 2,3‐dioxygenase. Serotonin reuptake inhibitors significantly improve mood disorders, but the use of these drugs requires caution because some studies reported the emergence of mania in patients treated for depression during antiviral therapy. Therefore, this review will examine and discuss the putative role of serotonin and its metabolism in the development of depression during antiviral therapy, focusing on pharmacological interventions to reduce side‐effects.
Low‐Temperature Co‐Fired Ceramic Substrates for High‐Performance Strain Gauges
Authors: Brandt Bjoern , Gemeinert Marion , Rabe Torsten , Bolte Jochen
Published: March 2013

Recent advances in the development of high gauge factor thin films for strain gauges prompt the research on advanced substrate materials. A glass ceramic composite has been developed in consideration of a high coefficient of thermal expansion (9.4 ppm/K) and a low modulus of elasticity (82 GPa) for the application as support material for thin‐film sensors. In the first part, constantan foil strain gauges were fabricated from this material by tape casting, pressure‐assisted sintering, and subsequent lamination of the metal foil on the planar ceramic substrates. The accuracy of the assembled load cells corresponds to accuracy class C6. That qualifies the load cells for the use in automatic packaging units and confirms the applicability of the low‐temperature co‐fired ceramic (LTCC) substrates for fabrication of accurate strain gauges. In the second part, to facilitate the deposition of thin‐film sensor structures to the LTCC substrates, pressure‐assisted sintering step is modified using smooth setters instead of release tapes, which resulted in fabrication of substrates with low average surface roughness of 50 nm. Titanium thin films deposited on these substrates as test coatings exhibited low surface resistances of 850 Ω comparable to thin films on commercial alumina thin‐film substrates with 920 Ω. The presented material design and advances in manufacturing technology are important to promote the development of high‐performance thin‐film strain gauges.
Web‐based distance learning for nurse education: a systematic review
Authors: Du S. , Liu Z. , Liu S. , Yin H. , Xu G. , Zhang H. , Wang A.
Published: March 2013

Background

Web‐based distance learning is considered a promising approach to replace or supplement conventional nursing instruction. However, no systematic review has been seen to explore the effect of web‐based distance education in nursing.

Aim

To examine the efficacy of the web‐based distance education for nursing students and employed nurses.

Methods

A systematic review of randomized controlled studies was undertaken. Multiple search strategies were performed in PubMed and Embase until July 2012. Two reviewers independently selected trials, conducted quality critical appraisal, and extracted the data from the included studies.

Results

Nine randomized controlled trials met inclusion criteria, among which five studies were rated as A quality level, and the other four studies as B quality level. The results showed that web‐based distance learning has produced equivalent or better effects in knowledge acquisition. For nursing skill performance, four studies revealed a positive role for the new teaching mode, and one study showed a negative viewpoint. This review also demonstrated that participants generally accepted web‐based education with high satisfaction rates. Two studies reported a more positive trend for self‐efficacy in performing nursing skills in the experiment group compared with control group. Some negative feedbacks were also expressed.

Conclusion

Web‐based education has encouraging effects in improving both participants' knowledge and skills performance, and in enhancing self‐efficacy in performing nursing skills, with a high satisfaction rate expressed by participants. More rigorous experimental studies are advocated.
Role of life cycle assessment in sustainable aquaculture
Authors: Cao Ling , Diana James S. , Keoleian Gregory A.
Published: March 2013

As an alternative food source to wild fisheries, aquaculture shows a great potential to help meet the growing demand for seafood and animal protein. The expansion of aquaculture has been achieved partly by system intensification, which has drawn vast criticisms of aquaculture for its environmental, social and economic sustainability issues. Life cycle assessment (LCA) has become the leading tool for identifying key environmental impacts of seafood production systems. A LCA evaluates the sustainability of diverse aquaculture systems quantitatively from a cradle‐to‐grave perspective. It provides a scientific basis for analysing system improvement and the development of certification and eco‐labelling criteria. Current efforts focus on integrating local ecological and socio‐economic impacts into the LCA framework. A LCA can play an important role in informing decision makers in order to achieve more sustainable seafood production and consumption. This article reviews recent applications of LCA in aquaculture, compares the environmental performance of different aquaculture production systems, explores the potential of including biodiversity issues into LCA analysis and examines the potential of LCA in setting criteria for certification and eco‐labelling.
Managing childhood eczema: qualitative study exploring carers' experiences of barriers and facilitators to treatment adherence
Authors: Santer Miriam , Burgess Hana , Yardley Lucy , Ersser Steven J. , Lewis‐Jones Sue , Muller Ingrid , Hugh Catherine , Little Paul
Published: March 2013

Aim

To explore parents and carers' experiences of barriers and facilitators to treatment adherence in childhood eczema

Background

Childhood eczema is common and causes significant impact on quality of life for children and their families, particularly due to sleep disturbance and itch. Non‐adherence to application of topical treatments is the main cause of treatment failure.

Design

Qualitative interview study.

Methods

Qualitative interviews were carried out with 31 carers from 28 families of children with eczema. Participants were recruited through primary care and included if they had a child aged 5 or less with a diagnosis of eczema. Interviews were carried out between December 2010–May 2011. Data were analysed using a constant comparative approach.

Findings

Barriers to treatment adherence included carer beliefs around eczema treatment, the time consuming nature of applying topical treatments, and child resistance to treatment. Families employed a range of strategies in an attempt to work around children's resistance to treatment with varying success. Strategies included involving the child in treatment, distracting the child during treatment, or making a game of it, using rewards, applying treatment to a sleeping child or, in a few cases, physically restraining the child. Some carers reduced frequency of applications in an attempt to reduce child resistance.

Conclusions

Regular application of topical treatments to children is an onerous task, particularly in families where child resistance develops. Early recognition and discussion of resistance and better awareness of the strategies to overcome this may help carers to respond positively and avoid establishing habitual confrontation.
Characterization and comparison of microsatellite markers derived from genomic and expressed libraries for the desert locust
Authors: Blondin L. , Badisco L. , Pagès C. , Foucart A. , Risterucci A‐M. , Bazelet C. S. , Vanden Broeck J. , Song H. , Ould Ely S. , Chapuis M‐P.
Published: March 2013

The desert locust (Schistocerca gregaria) has been feared agricultural pest since early civilization, with plagues documented in ancient texts. Population genetic studies of the desert locust are needed to determine genetic variation and movement pattern for efficient control of the pest. In this study, we complemented the limited available microsatellite collection for the desert locust with 34 new polymorphic and multiplexed microsatellite loci. To this aim, we screened an expressed sequence tags library and constructed a partial genomic library enriched for dinucleotide repeats to develop high‐throughput and high‐quality genotyping assays. We then paid particular attention to quality control and carefully validated 26 of these novel microsatellites and six previously described loci for the absence of null alleles in Western African field populations. This large panel of high‐quality microsatellite markers provides new opportunity to infer dispersal rates between populations of the desert locust and help prioritize early monitoring and control. Furthermore, high potential for cross‐taxa utility of markers was observed withinSchistocercagenus, which includes other locust pest species, with reliable amplification achieved for at least ten of loci per species. Microsatellite markers developed from transcriptome resources were largely devoid of null alleles and were conserved across species compared with those derived from traditional genomic libraries. Accordingly, the number of highly reliable microsatellite markers was greatly improved compared with that of previous studies onOrthopteran species, and this strategy might be broadly applied in other insect species prone to null alleles.
Haematological response of curimbas Prochiloduslineatus, naturally infected with Neoechinorhynchuscuremai
Authors: Belo M. A. A. , Souza D. G. F. , Faria V.P. , Prado E. J. R. , Moraes F. R. , Onaka E. M.
Published: March 2013

This study evaluated the haematological response of curimbas Prochilodus lineatus, naturally infected with Neoechinorhynchus curemai (Acanthocephala: Neoechinorhynchidae). Thirty‐seven fish were captured in October 2010 from the Mogi Guaçu River, Porto Ferreira, SP, Brazil. Infected fish presented increased mean corpuscular volume of erythrocytes, and lower thrombocyte and higher monocyte counts than uninfected fish.
Moon phase influences the diet of southern Ray's bream Brama australis
Authors: Horn P. L. , Forman J. S. , Dunn M. R.
Published: March 2013

Diet composition of the southern Ray's bream Brama australis was examined from stomach contents of 399 specimens sampled by bottom trawl on Chatham Rise to the east of South Island, New Zealand, over 3 years. Prey items were predominantly mesopelagic fishes and crustaceans. Multivariate analysis indicated that moon phase explained more of the diet variability than any other predictor examined. It appears likely that diet composition is influenced by a combination of changes in both tidal flows and illumination. Different combinations of prey were consumed by B. australis at different times of the lunar cycle. An influence of moon phase on feeding by fishes has rarely been reported, but it is likely that moon phase influences the diets of other species that specialize in mesopelagic prey. The most important prey group by mass for B. australis was Myctophidae (primarily Lampanyctodes hectoris), followed by Stomiiformes (primarily Maurolicus australis) and shrimps (Sergestes spp). An ontogenetic shift in diet was observed, from numerical dominance by small crustaceans including amphipods and euphausiids (with some fishes) in smaller (mass <1045 g) B. australis to pelagic teleost prey (with a few larger crustaceans) in larger (>1440 g) B. australis.
Effect of Storage Temperatures and Cooking Times on Viability of Listeria monocytogenes and Escherichia coli O157:H7 Inoculated in/on Goetta
Authors: Porto‐Fett A.C.S. , Pierre J. , Shoyer B.A. , Luchansky J.B.
Published: March 2013

The viability of a five‐strain cocktail of Listeria monocytogenes or Escherichia coli O157:H7 was separately evaluated in/on goetta, a sausage‐like meat product, both during extended refrigerated storage and following cooking. At 4C, L. monocytogenes numbers increased from ca. 1.4 to 8.4 log cfu/g over 90 days, whereas E. coli O157:H7 numbers remained relatively unchanged. At 12C, L. monocytogenes and E. coli O157:H7 numbers increased from ca. 1.4 to 9.0 log cfu/g over 28 days. After cooking for 2 to 6 min per side at an external temperature of 176.7C, reductions of 0.7 to 6.6 log cfu/g were observed for L. monocytogenes and E. coli O157:H7. Although goetta supported the growth/survival of L. monocytogenes and E. coli O157:H7 during refrigerated storage, a ≥5‐log reduction of both pathogens was achieved by cooking the product for at least 5 min per side at the manufacturer's recommended internal temperature of 73.8C.

Practical Applications

Although there have been no reported recalls/illnesses associated with goetta, a specialty/ethnic meat enjoyed as a breakfast item, information is lacking to confirm if goetta would support the growth/survival of foodborne pathogens such as L. monocytogenes and E. coli O157:H7. Thus, we determined if goetta would provide a favorable environment for persistence of these pathogens and, if so, would consumer reheating/storage practices be sufficient to kill any cells of either pathogen that might be present. Our data highlight the importance for proper storage and cooking of specialty/ethnic products such as goetta to extend shelf life and ensure wholesomeness. In this regard, it is significant from a public health perspective that goetta supported growth/survival of L. monocytogenes and E. coli O157:H7, and more importantly that cooking goetta at specific time/temperature combinations can achieve a ≥5‐log reduction of both pathogens. These data may be useful for establishing consumer guidelines for storing and cooking/reheating goetta prior to consumption.
Hospital Fall Prevention: A Systematic Review of Implementation, Components, Adherence, and Effectiveness
Authors: Hempel Susanne , Newberry Sydne , Wang Zhen , Booth Marika , Shanman Roberta , Johnsen Breanne , Shier Victoria , Saliba Debra , Spector William D. , Ganz David A.
Published: March 2013

Objectives

To systematically document the implementation, components, comparators, adherence, and effectiveness of published fall prevention approaches in U.S. acute care hospitals.

Design

Systematic review. Studies were identified through existing reviews, searching five electronic databases, screening reference lists, and contacting topic experts for studies published through August 2011.

Setting

U.S. acute care hospitals.

Participants

Studies reporting in‐hospital falls for intervention groups and concurrent (e.g., controlled trials) or historic comparators (e.g., before–after studies).

Intervention

Fall prevention interventions.

Measurements

Incidence rate ratios (IRR, ratio of fall rate postintervention or treatment group to the fall rate preintervention or control group) and ratings of study details.

Results

Fifty‐nine studies met inclusion criteria. Implementation strategies were sparsely documented (17% not at all) and included staff education, establishing committees, seeking leadership support, and occasionally continuous quality improvement techniques. Most interventions (81%) included multiple components (e.g., risk assessments (often not validated), visual risk alerts, patient education, care rounds, bed‐exit alarms, and postfall evaluations). Fifty‐four percent did not report on fall prevention measures applied in the comparison group, and 39% neither reported fidelity data nor described adherence strategies such as regular audits and feedback to ensure completion of care processes. Only 45% of concurrent and 15% of historic control studies reported sufficient data to compare fall rates. The pooled postintervention incidence rate ratio (IRR) was 0.77 (95% confidence interval = 0.52–1.12, P = .17; eight studies; I2: 94%). Meta‐regressions showed no systematic association between implementation intensity, intervention complexity, comparator information, or adherence levels and IRR.

Conclusion

Promising approaches exist, but better reporting of outcomes, implementation, adherence, intervention components, and comparison group information is necessary to establish evidence on how hospitals can successfully prevent falls.
Mobility Activity and Its Value as a Prognostic Indicator of Survival in Hospitalized Older Adults
Authors: Ostir Glenn V. , Berges Ivonne M. , Kuo Yong‐Fang , Goodwin James S. , Fisher Steven R. , Guralnik Jack M.
Published: March 2013

Objectives

To objectively assess total steps and minutes active in the first and last 24 hours of hospitalization and to examine associations with survival after discharge in hospitalized older adults.

Design

A prospective study.

Setting

A 20‐bed Acute Care for Elders (ACE) hospital unit.

Participants

Two hundred twenty‐four older adults admitted to an ACE hospital unit.

Measurements

An activity monitor was used to collect information on total steps and minutes of activity in the first and last 24 hours of hospitalization. The main outcome was 2‐year survival from hospital discharge date.

Results

Participants were active for approximately 80 minutes in the first 24 hours of hospitalization. Participants aged 65–84 were active approximately 28 minutes more in the last 24 hours of hospitalization, but activity levels were essentially unchanged for those aged 85 and older. The median step count for participants was low, with a median of 478 steps in the first 24 hours of hospitalization and 846 in the last 24 hours. Multivariate survival models showed that, in the first and last 24 hours of hospitalization, each 100‐step increase was associated with a 2% (hazard ratio (HR) = 0.98, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.96–1.00) and 3% (HR = 0.97, 95% CI = 0.94–0.99) lower risk of death over 2 years, respectively. A decline in steps from first to last 24 hours of hospitalization was associated with a more than four times greater risk of death (HR = 4.21, 95% CI = 1.65–10.77) 2 years after discharge.

Conclusion

Accelerometers could provide meaningful information about walking activity. The ability to apply objective information about the individual's functional status to improve the delivery of health care and health outcomes is important.
Factor structure investigation of perceived facilitators and barriers in end‐of‐life care among Korean nurses
Authors: Lee JuHee , Choi Mona , Kim So‐sun , Beckstrand Renea
Published: March 2013

Aim

The aim of this study was to assess the validity and reliability of the Korean version of a questionnaire assessing facilitators/barriers in end‐of‐life care that was originally developed for nurses in the USA.

Methods

Back‐translation was undertaken to produce the Korean version. A principal component analysis with varimax rotation and Cronbach's alpha was used to test factorial validity and reliability, respectively.

Results

The analysis examined data from 383 nurses in a tertiary hospital in Korea. For end‐of‐life care facilitators, five factors accounted for 59% of the total variance. The factors were labeled “family preparedness”, “support for nurses”, “nurse–patient relationship”, “transition after death”, and “decision‐making”. Six factors, explaining 59% of the variance, were extracted for end‐of‐life care barriers. These factors were “misunderstanding patient's will”, “preoccupied nursing workload”, “lack of institutional support”, “dealing with family's maladaptive coping”, “visiting hours”, and “communication about patient's status with family members”. Cronbach's alpha was 0.89 for the 23 facilitator items and 0.90 for the 24 barrier items.

Conclusion

Overall, the findings demonstrate that the questionnaire has measurement properties in a sample of Korean nurses. Further studies are needed with different populations to reflect end‐of‐life care in various clinical settings.
Adolescent Precursors of Pathways From School to Work
Authors: Vuolo Mike , Mortimer Jeylan T. , Staff Jeremy
Published: March 2013

Longitudinal data from the Youth Development Study are used to examine (1) how young people establish work with self‐identified career potential and how these patterns are linked to educational attainments; and (2) how adolescent achievement orientations, experiences in school and work, and sociodemographic background distinguish youth who establish themselves in careers and those who flounder during this transition. Multilevel latent class models reveal four school‐to‐work pathways from ages 18–31: two groups that attain careers through postsecondary education (via bachelor's or associate's–vocational degrees) and two groups that do not (distinguished by attempting college). Multinomial logistic regression models demonstrate that academic orientations, socioeconomic background, and steady paid work during high school help adolescents avoid subsequent floundering during the school‐to‐work transition.
Effects of Benefit‐Focused Versus Standard Expressive Writing on Adolescents' Self‐Concept During the High School Transition
Authors: Facchin Federica , Margola Davide , Molgora Sara , Revenson Tracey A.
Published: March 2013

This randomized trial compared two types of expressive writing—benefit‐focused versus standard expressive writing—with a factual writing (control) condition in enhancing adolescents' self‐concept during the transition to high school. First‐year male students (N = 201) wrote on three consecutive days about either the potential benefits of the school transition, their deepest thoughts and feelings about this transition, or their school activities. The benefit‐focused group had better short‐term academic self‐concept relative to the other two conditions, especially among students who had low academic self‐concept at baseline, but these changes were not lasting. Writing about the benefits of the transition may be a cost‐effective school‐based intervention to strengthen academic self‐concept, but may need augmentation with booster sessions or interpersonal discussion.
Morphological and Molecular Characterization of Fusarium Isolated From Maize in Syria
Authors: Madania Ammar , Altawil Merfat , Naffaa Walid , Volker Paul H , Hawat Mohammad
Published: March 2013

Maize is the third most important cereal after wheat and barley in Syria. Maize plants are attacked by several Fusarium species causing mainly stalk and ear rot of maize which poses a major impact worldwide. Identification of Fusarium species is important for disease control and for assessment of exposure risk to mycotoxines. To identify Fusarium species attacking maize in Syria, a total of 32 Fusarium isolates were recovered from maize ears collected from four different geographical regions, mainly from Ghouta surrounding Damascus. Fusarium isolates were identified based on morphology and on partial DNA sequencing of the TEF1‐α and rDNA/ITS genes. The majority (26 of 32) of these isolates was identified as F. verticillioides (subdivided into four groups), whereas three isolates turned out to be F. thapsinum, F. equiseti and F. andiyazi. The remaining three isolates were close to F. andiyazi, although further investigation is needed to confirm whether they represent a yet undescribed species. Furthermore, our results showed that sequencing the TEF1‐α gene is much more informative than sequencing of the rDNA/ITS region for Fusarium identification at the species level. PCR analysis showed that only F. verticillioides isolates were potentially fumonisin producers and that only the F. equiseti isolate was potentially trichotecene producer. This is the first report on Fusarium thapsinum, F. equiseti and F. andiyazi attacking maize in Syria.
Access to Care and Impacts of Cancer on Daily Life: Do They Differ for Metropolitan Versus Regional Hematological Cancer Survivors?
Authors: Paul Christine L. , Hall Alix E. , Carey Mariko L. , Cameron Emilie C. , Clinton‐McHarg Tara
Published: March 2013

Purpose

Little is known about access to care for hematological cancer patients. This study explored patient experiences of barriers to accessing care and associated financial and social impacts of the disease. Metropolitan versus nonmetropolitan experiences were compared.

Methods

A state‐based Australian cancer registry identified adult survivors of hematological cancers (including lymphoma, leukemia and myeloma) diagnosed in the previous 3 years. Survivors were mailed a self‐report pen and paper survey.

Findings

Of the 732 eligible survivors, 268 (37%) completed a survey. Forty percent of participants reported at least one locational barrier which limited access to care. Only 2% reported cancer‐related expenses had restricted their treatment choices. Almost two‐thirds (64%) reported at least one financial or social impact on their daily lives related to cancer. The most frequently reported impacts were the need to take time off work (44%) and difficulty paying bills (21%). Survivors living in a nonmetropolitan location had 17 times the odds of reporting locational or financial barriers compared with those in metropolitan areas. Preferred potential solutions to alleviate the financial and social impacts of the disease were: free parking for tests or treatment (37%), free medications or treatments (29%), and being able to get treatment in their local region (20%).

Conclusions

Providing more equitable access to care for hematological cancer patients in Australia requires addressing distances traveled to attend treatment and their associated financial and social impacts on nonmetropolitan patients. Greater flexibility in service delivery is also needed for patients still in the workforce.
The subjective–objective mismatch in sleep perception among those with insomnia and sleep apnea
Authors: Bianchi Matt T. , Williams Kathryn L. , Mckinney Scott , Ellenbogen Jeffrey M.
Published: March 2013

The diagnosis and management of insomnia relies primarily on clinical history. However, patient self‐report of sleep–wake times may not agree with objective measurements. We hypothesized that those with shallow or fragmented sleep would under‐report sleep quantity, and that this might account for some of the mismatch. We compared objective and subjective sleep–wake times for 277 patients who underwent diagnostic polysomnography. The group included those with insomnia symptoms (n = 92), obstructive sleep apnea (n = 66) or both (n = 119). Mismatch of wake duration was context dependent: all three groups overestimated sleep latency but underestimated wakefulness after sleep onset. The insomnia group underestimated total sleep time by a median of 81 min. However, contrary to our hypothesis, measures of fragmentation (N1, arousal index, sleep efficiency, etc.) did not correlate with the subjective sleep duration estimates. To unmask a potential relationship between sleep architecture and subjective duration, we tested three hypotheses: N1 is perceived as wake; sleep bouts under 10 min are perceived as wake; or N1 and N2 are perceived in a weighted fashion. None of these hypotheses exposed a match between subjective and objective sleep duration. We show only modest performance of a Naïve Bayes Classifier algorithm for predicting mismatch using clinical and polysomnographic variables. Subjective–objective mismatch is common in patients reporting insomnia symptoms. We conclude that mismatch was not attributable to commonly measured polysomnographic measures of fragmentation. Further insight is needed into the complex relationships between subjective perception of sleep and conventional, objective measurements.
Comparison of Sampling Sites and Laboratory Diagnostic Tests for S. equi subsp. equi in Horses from Confirmed Strangles Outbreaks
Authors: Lindahl S. , Båverud V. , Egenvall A. , Aspán A. , Pringle J.
Published: March 2013

Background

Strangles is a contagious equine‐specific disease caused by Streptococcus equi subsp. equi. Unfortunately, detection of S. equi can fail in up to 40% of horses with strangles. Whereas recent molecular biologic methods and sampling techniques have improved recovery of S. equi optimal sampling methods and laboratory analyses remain ill‐defined.

Objectives

To determine the yield of S. equi from horses with acute strangles in confirmed outbreaks by field‐sampling methods subjected to culture and biochemical identification, and real‐time PCR directly and after culture.

Animals

Fifty‐seven horses of varying breeds and ages from 8 strangles outbreaks.

Methods

Prospective study. Culture with biochemical identification and real‐time PCR directly, and from culture, were performed on nasal swabs, nasopharyngeal swabs, and nasopharyngeal lavages.

Results

Real‐time PCR directly from samples identified the highest number of infected horses, with 45/57 nasal swabs, 41/57 nasopharyngeal swabs, and 48/57 nasopharyngeal lavages S. equi positive. Biochemical identification (highest positives 22/57) was inferior to real‐time PCR for S. equi recovery regardless of sampling method. Real‐time PCR of nasopharyngeal lavage directly and after culture yielded 52/57 positives whereas direct real‐time PCR of nasopharyngeal lavage combined with either nasopharyngeal swabs or nasal swabs yielded 53/57 positives. Three horses were negative on all samples.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Nasopharyngeal lavage analyzed by a combination of real‐time PCR directly and after culture or, alternatively, real‐time PCR directly on a nasopharyngeal lavage and a nasal/nasopharyngeal swab can identify S. equi in over 90% of acute strangles cases.
Shifts in plant species elevational range limits and abundances observed over nearly five decades in a western North America mountain range
Authors: Kopp Christopher W. , Cleland Elsa E.
Published: March 2013

Question

Have there been shifts in abundance and distribution of alpine and sub‐alpine plant species along an elevational gradient in an arid North American mountain range during the last half‐century?

Location

Elevational gradient in the White Mountains, California, USA (37°30′ N, 118°10′ W).

Methods

We conducted a 49‐yr re‐survey of plant species distribution and abundance in areas originally surveyed in 1961. Species abundance data were collected along line transects between elevations of 2900 and 4000 m. We evaluated the degree of plant community shift over time across elevations; specifically, we expected species ranges to shift upward such that species peak abundances would be observed higher in elevation in 2010 than in 1961. To address this expectation we conducted a permutational multivariate linear model analysis with elevation, soil type and year as factors. We further performed single‐species analyses to evaluate how focal species contributed to the multivariate community‐level shifts between 2010 and 1961, and how these varied across elevations and soil types. Growing season climate data (June 1 through October 31) collected between 1961 and 2010 were analysed to quantify the change in annual mean temperature and precipitation at this site.

Results

We found that Artemisia rothrockii increased in abundance at the upper reaches of its distribution between the 2010 and 1961 surveys. Additionally, we recorded significant declines in abundances in the lower elevation ranges of three alpine cushion plants: Trifolium andersonii, Phlox condensata and Eriogonum ovalifolium. These shifts coincided with a 0.98 °C increase in mean growing season temperatures and a 53 mm decrease in mean annual precipitation between 1961 and 2010.

Conclusions

These results suggest that rising temperatures and decreasing precipitation are negatively impacting alpine plant species while promoting expansion of sub‐alpine species, possibly signalling the transition of this alpine plant community to sagebrush steppe.