bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Going underground: in search of Carboniferous coal forests
Authors: Falcon‐Lang Howard J. , DiMichele William A. , Elrick Scott , Nelson W. John
Published: September 2009

The development of coal forests during the Carboniferous is one of the best‐known episodes in the history of life. Although often reconstructed as steamy tropical rainforests, these ancient ecosystems were a far cry from anything we might encounter in the Amazon today. Bizarre giant club‐mosses, horsetails and tree ferns were the dominant plants, not flowering trees as in modern rainforests. At their height, coal forests stretched all the way from Kansas to Kazakhstan, spanning the entire breadth of tropical Pangaea. Most of what we know of their biodiversity and ecology has been quite literally mined out of the ground through two centuries of hard labour. Without coal mining, our knowledge would be greatly impoverished. Over the past few years, we've been exploring underground coal mines in the United States, where entire forested landscapes have been preserved intact over huge areas. Never before have geologists had the opportunity to walk out through mile upon mile of fossilized forest. In this feature article, we describe some of our recent explorations and attempt to shed new light on these old fossils.
A putative hexamerin from a Campodea sp. suggests an independent origin of haemocyanin‐related storage proteins in Hexapoda
Authors: Pick C. , Burmester T.
Published: September 2009

Haemocyanins are copper‐containing respiratory proteins in the arthropod haemolymph. In hexapods, haemocyanins gave rise to hexamerins, which have lost the ability to bind copper and thus oxygen. Hexamerins are thought to act mainly as storage proteins in nonfeeding periods. So far, hexamerins have only been identified in ectognathan hexapods, but not in Entognatha. Here we report the identification of a putative hexamerin from Campodea sp. (Diplura). The full‐length cDNA of Campodea sp. hexamerin 1 (CspHex1) measures 2188 bp and translates into a native polypeptide of 667 amino acids. As in other hexamerins, the six copper‐coordinating histidines are not conserved. However, sequence comparison and phylogenetic analyses demonstrated that CspHex1 is not closely related to other hexapod hexamerins, which derive from hexapod type 1 haemocyanin subunits in the ectognathan lineage, but rather resembles a derivative of hexapod type 2 haemocyanin subunits. Hence, haemocyanin‐related storage proteins emerged at least two times independently in Hexapoda.
Nursing students’ knowledge and practice of infection control precautions: an educational intervention
Authors: Wu Chia‐Jung , Gardner Glenn , Chang Anne M.
Published: September 2009

Title.  Nursing students’ knowledge and practice of infection control precautions: aneducational intervention.

Aim.  This paper is a report of the effectiveness of a purpose‐designed education program in improving undergraduate nursing students’ understanding and practice of infection control precautions.

Background.  The severe acute respiratory syndrome outbreak in 2003 highlighted that healthcare workers were under‐prepared for such an epidemic. While many in‐service education sessions were arranged by institutions in response to the outbreak, preservice nursing education has overlooked preparation for handling such infectious disease epidemics.

Method.  A quasi‐experimental design was used and a 16‐hour, purpose‐designed infection control education programme was implemented for preservice nursing students in southern Taiwan. Self‐administered questionnaires were distributed at three time points during the period September 2005 to April 2006 to examine the sustainability and effectiveness of the intervention.

Results.  A total of 175 preservice nursing students participated in the study. Following the education programme, students in the intervention group showed a statistically significant improvement across time in their knowledge of these precautions [F(2, 180) = 13·53, P < 0·001] and confidence in resolving infection‐related issues [F(1·79, 168·95) = 3·24] when compared with those in the control group.

Conclusion.  To improve nursing students’ capacity in responding to infectious epidemics, an educational programme that integrates the theme of infection precautions, learning theory and teaching strategies is recommended for all nursing institutes.
Resource‐enhancing psychosocial support in family situations: needs and benefits from family members’ own perspectives
Authors: Tanninen Hanna‐Mari , Häggman‐Laitila Arja , Pietilä Anna‐Maija
Published: September 2009

Title.  Resource‐enhancing psychosocial support in family situations: needs and benefits from family members’ own perspectives.

Aim.  This paper is a report of a study conducted to evaluate a resource‐enhancing family nursing intervention to identify and meet mothers’, fathers’ and children’s psychosocial support needs.

Background.  Although a family’s resources are a central concept in nursing science, descriptions of the content of the concept and ways to enhance families’ resources are scant. Studies have usually identified the need for support by families with children from the perspective of one family member, most often the mother.

Method.  A total of 75 family members from 30 families with small children participated in the study in 2004–2005. The data were collected before and after intervention, using structured questionnaires called the Family Situation Barometer. Descriptive statistics and nonparametric Wilcoxon tests were used as statistical methods.

Results.  Participants’ need for psychosocial support was reduced or alleviated during the family nursing intervention. The mental health of the mothers and fathers improved, as did their marital relationships and emotional lives. Furthermore, their social support networks increased and their employment situation improved. There were also positive changes in the mental health and sleep‐related issues of the children.

Conclusion.  The resource‐enhancing family nursing proved to be useful in improving the well‐being and health of family members. The Family Situation Barometer proved to be a practical tool in the home context and can supplement the instruments developed earlier in family nursing science. Research into supporting interpersonal and family‐systems nursing remains a future challenge.
Anxiety, depression and perceived control in patients having coronary artery bypass grafts
Authors: Gallagher Robyn , McKinley Sharon
Published: September 2009

Title.  Anxiety, depression and perceived control in patients having coronary artery bypass grafts.

Aim.  This paper is a report of a study to determine (1) the course of anxiety, depression and perceptions of control, and (2) the influence of perceptions of control, in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafts before surgery, after surgery in hospital and 2 weeks after discharge.

Background.  Anxiety and depression are common in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery patients and predictive of worse outcomes. Few researchers have examined the influence of perceived control on these emotional states in the acute surgical period.

Methods.  A prospective, descriptive design was used with a convenience sample of patients having coronary grafts (n = 155). Anxiety and depression were measured by the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and perceptions of control over their cardiac illness by the Control Attitudes Scale before surgery, after surgery during hospitalization and 2 weeks after hospital discharge. The data were collected in 2005.

Results.  Patients had low levels of anxiety at each timepoint; however, borderline or clinically significant levels were common before surgery (38·7%) and after discharge. (38·6%). Depression levels were low, but increased over time (F = 27·03, P < 0·001). Patients had low to moderate perceptions of control over their illness before surgery, which increased over time (F = 25·51, P < 0·001). Those with stronger perceptions of control were less anxious or depressed at all times and those who were more anxious or depressed before surgery continued to be so afterwards.

Conclusion.  Routine assessment of anxiety, depression and perceptions of control are justified to identify patients at risk and to intervene to promote control perceptions.
Stress in telephone helpline nurses: research protocol for a study of theoretical determinants, physiological aspects and behavioural consequences
Authors: Allan Julia , Farquharson Barbara , Choudhary Carolyn , Johnston Derek W. , Jones Martyn C. , Johnston Marie
Published: September 2009

Title.  Stress in telephone helpline nurses: research protocol for a study of theoretical determinants, physiological aspects and behavioural consequences.

Aim.  This is a report of a research protocol to assess level, determinants and consequences of stress in NHS‐24 telephone helpline nurses.

Background.  Nurses working in traditional hospital settings report high levels of occupational stress. Many nurses now work in call centres, environments with their own inherent stressors. Stress in nurses has been linked to reduced physical and psychological health, reduced job satisfaction, increased sickness absence and turnover, and poorer job performance. In this study, we will use multiple methods, including real time data collection to assess stress in telephone helpline nurses.

Design.  During 2008/09, NHS‐24 nurses will (a) report general stress and call‐by‐call stress over two working shifts, (b) complete measures of theoretical determinants of occupational stress (demand, control, effort and reward), (c) have their concentration and attention tested before and after two shifts, (d) have their heart rate monitored over two shifts, (e) report job satisfaction, absenteeism and intended turnover and (f) allow the research team to retrieve related call data and performance indicators. Relationships between the variables will be assessed using regression and multi‐level modelling.

Discussion.  Data will be analysed to examine the relationships between reported stress, physiological aspects of stress, call type, workplace attributes, cognitive performance, job satisfaction and absenteeism. The analysis will test models of occupational stress and assess the effects of stress on multiple work outcomes. The results will inform theoretical understanding of nurse stress, its determinants and possible methods of management. The practical challenges of conducting such a comprehensive study in a clinical environment are discussed.
Full spectrum filterless fluorescence microscopy
Authors: BOOTH M.J. , JESACHER A. , JUŠKAITIS R. , WILSON T.
Published: September 2009

In conventional microscopes, fluorescence emission is separated from the backscattered illumination using the Stokes shift, whereby the emission occurs at a longer wavelength to the excitation. Such separation is usually achieved through a combination of wavelength filters that divide the spectrum into mutually exclusive excitation and emission bands. It is therefore impossible in these microscopes to access the full excitation/emission spectrum of the specimen in a single image. We report on a microscope that acquired fluorescence images using illumination across the spectral range 450–680 nm; the full emission spectrum was detected simultaneously across the same range. The microscope was also combined with structured illumination optical sectioning to give three‐dimensionally resolved images with improved background rejection. Full spectrum fluorescence images of biological specimens are demonstrated. As this system is more versatile than the standard fluorescence microscope, it could be of benefit in many fluorescence imaging applications.
Histological study of rat masseter muscle following experimental occlusal alteration
Authors: Nishide N. , Baba S. , Hori N. , Nishikawa H.
Published: September 2009

It has been suggested that occlusal interference results in masticatory muscle dysfunction. In our previous study, occlusal interference reduced the rat masseter energy level during masticatory movements. The purpose of this study was to investigate the histological alterations of rat masseter muscles following experimental occlusal alteration with unilateral bite‐raising. A total of eight male adult Wistar rats were equally divided into control and experimental groups. The experimental rats wore bite‐raising splints on the unilateral upper molar. However, 4 weeks after the operation, the anterior deep masseter muscles were removed and then stained for succinic acid dehydrogenase (SDH), haematoxylin eosin (HE) and myofibrillar ATPase. Most of the muscle fibres in experimental rats remained intact, although partial histological changes were observed, such as extended connective tissue, appearance of inflammatory cells in the muscle fibres and existence of muscle fibres with central nuclei and central cores. Moreover, the fibre area‐fibre frequency histograms of experimental muscle indicated a broad pattern than that of controls. These results indicated that occlusal interference caused histological changes in masseter muscles and that this may be related to the fact that the masseter energy level was reduced during masticatory movements in unilateral bite‐raised rats.
Galvanic corrosion of selected dental alloys
Authors: Karov J. , Hinberg I.
Published: September 2009

Samples prepared from three different amalgam brands were coupled to two gold alloys and orthodontic brackets. In the resulting galvanic cells, the amalgam coupled to gold were anodic, exhibiting galvanic current densities about one order of magnitude higher than the uncoupled corrosion current densities of 0·2–0·5 μA. Coupling amalgams to orthodontic brackets resulted in galvanic current densities of the same magnitude as the uncoupled samples. Corrosion current densities at the anode were found to be up to six times higher than the measured galvanic current densities. Brushing caused transient increases in galvanic current densities that decayed within 100 s to the previous steady state levels. Brushing of amalgam/bracket couples, caused an anodic peak followed by brief polarization reversal during which the brackets were anodic.
Trait anxiety in pregnant women predicts offspring birth outcomes
Authors: Hosseini Shahla M. , Biglan Minhnoi W. , Larkby Cynthia , Brooks Maria M. , Gorin Michael B. , Day Nancy L.
Published: September 2009

The goal of our study was to characterise the relationships between trait anxiety symptoms of women during their pregnancies and birth outcomes of their offspring using a longitudinal cohort from the Maternal Health Practices and Child Development Project. We used the State‐Trait Personality Index anxiety measure that is based on Spielberger's State‐Trait Anxiety Inventory to measure self‐reported trait anxiety at two gestational assessments (fourth and seventh months, representing the first and second trimesters, respectively) and at a third assessment shortly after delivery (representing the third trimester). Demographic, social, psychological, substance use and medical factors were assessed prenatally, and outcomes of the 763 live, singleton births were determined at delivery.

In regression models, trait anxiety at the second and third trimesters predicted lower birthweight and shorter birth length, controlling for confounders. Anxiety reported at the third trimester predicted shortened gestational age, controlling for confounders. At the first and second trimesters, the relationship of birthweight and birth length to maternal trait anxiety was only significant for severe anxiety. Women whose anxiety reached severe levels for at least two trimesters were significantly more likely to deliver offspring of lower birthweight and shorter birth length than those women who reported severe anxiety at none or only one of the trimesters. Additionally, offspring of women who experienced severe anxiety during all three trimesters had shorter mean gestational age than offspring of women who did not report severe anxiety at any trimester. Women who report chronic, severe trait anxiety are at the highest risk of having shorter gestations and delivering smaller babies.
The upstream open reading frame of the Arabidopsis AtMHX gene has a strong impact on transcript accumulation through the nonsense‐mediated mRNA decay pathway
Authors: Saul Helen , Elharrar Einat , Gaash Rachel , Eliaz Dror , Valenci Meital , Akua Tsofit , Avramov Meital , Frankel Neta , Berezin Irina , Gottlieb Dror , Elazar Meirav , David‐Assael Ora , Tcherkas Vered , Mizrachi Keren , Shaul Orit
Published: September 2009

Approximately 20% of plant genes possess upstream open‐reading frames (uORFs). The effect of uORFs on gene expression has mainly been studied at the translational level. Very little is known about the impact of plant uORFs on transcript content through the nonsense‐mediated mRNA decay (NMD) pathway, which degrades transcripts bearing premature termination codons (PTCs). Here we examine the impact of the uORF of the Arabidopsis AtMHX gene on transcript accumulation. The suggestion that this uORF exposes transcripts containing it to NMD is supported by (i) the increase in transcript levels upon eliminating the uORF from constructs containing it, (ii) experiments with a modified uORF‐peptide, which excluded peptide‐specific degradation mechanisms, (iii) the increase in levels of the native AtMHX transcript upon treatment with cycloheximide, which inhibits translation and blocks NMD, and (iv) the sensitivity of transcripts containing the uORF of AtMHX to the presence of introns. We also showed that introns can increase NMD efficiency not only in transcripts having relatively short 3′ untranslated regions (UTRs), but also in uORF‐containing transcripts. AtMHX transcript levels were almost unaltered in mutants of the NMD factors UPF3 and UPF1. Possible reasons, including the existence of a NMD‐compensatory mechanism, are discussed. Interestingly, the levels of UPF3 transcript were higher in upf1 mutants, suggesting a compensatory mechanism that links weak function of the NMD machinery to increased expression of UPF3. Our findings highlight that uORFs, which are abundant in plants, can not only inhibit translation but also strongly affect transcript accumulation.
Epidemiology and burden of disease from Japanese encephalitis in Cambodia: results from two years of sentinel surveillance
Authors: Touch Sok , Hills Susan , Sokhal Buth , Samnang Chham , Sovann Ly , Khieu Virak , Soeung Sann Chan , Toda Kohei , Robinson Jaimie , Grundy John
Published: September 2009

Objectives  To describe the results from two years of Japanese encephalitis (JE) sentinel surveillance in Cambodia.

Methods  Sentinel site surveillance for JE in children aged 15 years and under was implemented in Cambodia in mid‐2006. It was integrated into the routine meningoencephalitis surveillance system. Six hospitals were selected as sentinel sites. Epidemiological information and diagnostic specimens were collected from each patient presenting with meningoencephalitis. Cerebrospinal fluid and sera were tested for presence of immunoglobulin M antibodies against JE and dengue viruses by an ELISA. Surveillance data from 2006 to 2008 were analysed.

Results  Of 586 patients presenting with meningoencephalitis, 110 (19%) were confirmed to have JE. The percentage of confirmed JE cases at individual sentinel sites ranged from 13% to 35% of all meningoencephalitis cases. Mean age was 6.2 years, with 95% of JE cases in children aged 12 years and under. Cases occurred year‐round in both 12‐month reporting periods.

Conclusions  JE is an important cause of meningoencephalitis in Cambodian children. As JE is a vaccine‐preventable disease, an immunization programme could result in a considerable reduction in morbidity and mortality from JE among children in Cambodia.
Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation bridge to adult heart transplantation
Authors: Chung Jennifer Chia‐Ying , Tsai Pi‐Ru , Chou Nai‐Kuan , Chi Nai‐Hsin , Wang Shoei‐Shen , Ko Wen‐Je
Published: September 2009

Chung JC, Tsai PR, Chou NK, Chi NH, Wang SS, Ko WJ. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation bridge to adult heart transplantation. Clin Transplant 2010: 24: 375–380. © 2009 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Abstract:  Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) can rescue some critical patients with circulatory collapse when intra‐aortic balloon pump (IABP) and ventricular assist devices (VAD) are not suitable. A subset of these patients can use ECMO for direct bridging, or indirect double bridging via VAD to heart transplantation (HTx). For these patients, we identified risk factors for unsuccessful ECMO bridging, with survival to receiving either HTx or VAD as the measure of success. The characteristics evaluated were age, sex, body mass index, pre‐ECMO cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), IABP use, dialysis use, sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) score, and the etiology of cardiomyopathy. From January 1995 to August 2007, there were 70 adult ECMO patients with the intent to bridge to HTx (male: 55, age: 46 ± 14 yr). Thirty‐one patients (44%) were successful in bridging. A stepwise multivariate logistic regression analysis found that age > 50 yr (p = 0.003), pre‐ECMO CPR (p = 0.001) and SOFA score > 10 at ECMO initiation (p = 0.018) were significant independent predictors of unsuccessful bridging. Direct VAD implantation, if possible, is preferable to double bridging in patients over 50 yr. Also, elective ECMO support before hemodynamic deterioration to cardiac arrest or multiple organ dysfunction would improve rates of successful ECMO bridging.
Recurrent selection for physiological resistance to white mould in dry bean
Authors: Terán H. , Singh S. P.
Published: September 2009

With 1 figure and 5 tables

White mould (WM) [caused by Sclerotinia sclerotiorum (Lib.) de Bary] is a widespread disease of dry and green bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) in North America and elsewhere. Our objective was to determine the effectiveness of recurrent selection (RS) for pyramiding WM resistance from Andean, Middle American and inter‐specific breeding lines. Two double‐cross populations, Pop I = USPT‐WM‐1/CORNELL 601//USPT‐CBB‐1/92BG‐7 and Pop II = ‘Chase’/I 9365–25//ABL 15/A 195 were developed. Each double‐cross comprised 848 F1 plants for RS cycle one (C1). Twenty six WM‐resistant plants from each double‐cross were used to produce RS cycle two (C2). To measure the gain for WM resistance, 13 selected S2 families from each of C1 and C2 of each population and their four parents (C0) were tested in a randomized complete block design with three replicates in two greenhouse environments in 2008. Two separate inoculations on each plant one week apart using a cut‐stem method were made. The WM reaction was scored at 16, 23 and 33 days post inoculation (DPI) using a 1 (no disease symptoms) to 9 (severely diseased or dead plants) scale. The effects of environment were significant (P = 0.05), but replicate and population effects were not significant (P > 0.05). The RS was effective in changing the mean WM score of selected families from C0 to C1 and C2, but the gain between C1 and C2 was not significant in Pop I. The gain in WM resistance for Pop I was 12%. Selection gain in Pop II was 5%, but no significant differences in mean WM scores of C0, C1 and C2 were found. However, selected S2 families had WM scores similar to those of the best parent and selected families from Pop I. Thus, one cycle of RS applied to double‐cross populations was adequate for improving WM resistance in common bean.
Consulting parents on childhood obesity and implications for medical student learning
Authors: O'Keefe Maree , Coat Suzette
Published: September 2009

Aim:  It is important that medical schools take some account of community expectations for health care when planning curricula. This is particularly important for emerging public health problems such as childhood obesity. The aim of this study was to explore parent attitudes to the role of the doctor in childhood obesity and implications for medical student learning.

Methods:  The views of eight mothers and one father were explored through interview. Transcripts were analysed using an iterative process of theme identification and testing against transcript data. A range of recruitment strategies were used in an attempt to increase participant numbers.

Results:  Participants believed doctors should support parent decisions about children's diet and life‐style and be prepared to ‘step‐in’ with a more active role when, in the parent's view, this was needed. Participants wanted doctors to provide advice on healthy nutrition, be proficient in child physical assessment and be able to communicate sensitively with both children and parents.

Conclusion:  Although the parents who agreed to be interviewed expressed views demonstrating their commitment to preventing and reducing childhood obesity, many other parents declined the invitation to contribute. It may be that parent concern within the broader community that childhood obesity is a real and significant health risk does not reflect the level of concern of the medical profession. The most likely implications for the teaching of medical students are a need for more comprehensive teaching around healthy diet and activity for all children, improved recognition of overweight and obesity and ongoing communication skills development.
Cigarette smoking accelerates progression of renal failure in primary renal disease. A prospective study in parallel group design with matched groups
Authors: Schiffl Helmut , Lang Susanne M , Fischer Rainald , Bergner Albrecht
Published: September 2009

There is substantial evidence for the adverse impact of smoking on deterioration of renal function in diabetic nephropathy but very little information is available concerning effects of smoking on the evolution of other renal diseases. In a prospective study in parallel group design with matched groups, 45 cigarette smoking patients (≥ 1 pack/day) with glomerular or tubulointerstitial lesions were compared with 45 non‐smoking patients matched for age, gender, cause and severity of renal disease as well as presence of hypertension. The monthly decline of creatinine clearance was significantly faster in smoking patients than in non‐smoking patients (follow‐up period 2 years) (1.25 mL/min vs 0.67 mL/min, P < 0.001). Smoking promoted progression of both glomerular and tubulointerstitial nephropathy. This effect occurred independently of changes in blood pressure, proteinuria or lipid concentration. The results of this investigation indicate that cigarette smoking is an independent risk factor not only for diabetic but also for non‐diabetic nephropathies.
PREDICTIVE VALUE OF ENDOSCOPY AND ENDOSCOPIC ULTRASONOGRAPHY FOR REGRESSION OF GASTRIC DIFFUSE LARGE B‐CELL LYMPHOMAS AFTER HELICOBACTER PYLORI ERADICATION
Authors: Tari Akira , Asaoku Hideki , Kashiwado Kozo , Yoshino Tadashi , Kitadai Yasuhiko , Tanaka Shinji , Fujihara Megumu
Published: September 2009

Background:  Some gastric diffuse large B‐cell lymphomas have been reported to regress completely after the successful eradication of Helicobacter pylori. The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical characteristics of gastric diffuse large B‐cell lymphomas without any detectable mucosa‐associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma that went into complete remission after successful H. pylori eradication.

Patients and Methods:  We examined the effect of H. pylori eradication in 15 H. pylori‐positive gastric diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma patients without any evidence of an associated MALT lymphoma (clinical stage I by the Lugano classification) by endoscopic examination including biopsies, endoscopic ultrasonography, computed tomography, and bone marrow aspiration.

Results:  H. pylori eradication was successful in all the patients and complete remission was achieved in four patients whose clinical stage was I. By endoscopic examination, these gastric lesions appeared to be superficial. The depth by endoscopic ultrasonography was restricted to the mucosa in two patients and to the shallow portion of the submucosa in the other two patients. All four patients remained in complete remission for 7–100 months.

Conclusion:  In gastric diffuse large B‐cell lymphomas without a concomitant MALT lymphoma but associated with H. pylori infection, only superficial cases and lesions limited to the shallow portion of the submucosa regressed completely after successful H. pylori eradication. The endoscopic appearance and the rating of the depth of invasion by endosonography are both valuable for predicting the efficacy of H. pylori eradication in treating gastric diffuse large B‐cell lymphomas.
PERCUTANEOUS ENDOSCOPIC GASTROSTOMY AND VENTRICULOPERITONEAL SHUNTS: A DANGEROUS COMBINATION?
Authors: Cairns Alastair , Geraghty Joseph , Al‐Rifai Ahmed , Babbs Christopher
Published: September 2009

Background:  We report the largest European series of patients in whom both ventriculoperitoneal shunts (VPS) and percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomies (PEG) have been inserted with the aim of determining if this combination is safe or if there is an increased risk of VPS infection.

Patients and Methods:  The paper and electronic records of 302 patients who had a ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt inserted in the regional Neurosciences unit at Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust between 2002 and 2007 were reviewed.

Results:  A total of 24 patients with VP shunts had 26 PEG inserted. Thirteen PEG were inserted in 11 patients with a pre‐existing VP shunt. The median age was 58 years (21–77 Yrs) with seven male and 17 female patients. In total, five patients developed a shunt infection (20.8%) compared to the overall rate of VP shunt infection for Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust of 7% (P = 0.017). The increase in number of VP shunt infections when the procedures were done more than 10 days apart (2/14) was not significant (P = 0.25).

Conclusion:  In patients who need long‐term enteral feeding following a VP shunt insertion it may be prudent to delay insertion of a PEG for at least 10 days to reduce VPS infection. In stable patients who have had a VP shunt inserted on previous hospital admissions PEG insertion need not be avoided because of concern regarding cerebrospinal fluid or shunt infection.
Urinary nerve growth factor but not prostaglandin E2 increases in patients with interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome and detrusor overactivity
Authors: Liu Hsin‐Tzu , Tyagi Pradeep , Chancellor Michael B. , Kuo Hann‐Chorng
Published: September 2009

Study Type – Aetiology (case series) Level of Evidence 4

OBJECTIVE

To compare urinary nerve growth factor (NGF) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) levels among patients with detrusor overactivity (DO), increased bladder sensation (ISB), interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome(IC/BPS) and controls.

PATIENTS, SUBJECTS AND METHODS

Urine samples were collected from 40 women with IC/BPS, 54 with overactive bladder (OAB) and 27 normal women as controls, all with a full bladder. Patients with OAB were further classified into subgroups of DO or IBS by urodynamic results. Urinary NGF and PGE2 levels were measured using an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Urinary NGF and PGE2 levels were normalized by urinary creatinine (Cr) levels and compared among all subgroups.

RESULTS

Urinary NGF levels were increased in the 40 women with IC/BPS and 23 with DO but not in 31 with IBS and the 27 controls. Mean (sd) urinary NGF/Cr levels were not significantly different between patients with IC/BPS, at 1.35 (0.36), and DO, at 1.93 (0.77). Urinary NGF/Cr levels were significantly higher in women with IC/BPS than in women with IBS, at 0.25 (0.10) (P = 0.01). Using receiver operating characteristic curves for assessing urinary NGF/Cr levels in patients with IC/BPS and IBS, IC/BPS was diagnosed with a sensitivity and specificity of 75% and 65.5%, respectively, based on a urinary NGF/Cr threshold of 0.015. However, urinary PGE2/Cr levels were not significantly different among all subgroups.

CONCLUSIONS

Urinary NGF/Cr levels are elevated in women with IC/BPS or DO, but not in those with IBS. The differential diagnosis of women with IC/BPS from those with frequency‐urgency syndrome is possible based on urinary NGF/Cr levels but not urinary PGE2/Cr level.
Organization Capital
Authors: LEV BARUCH , RADHAKRISHNAN SURESH , ZHANG WEINING
Published: September 2009

We develop a firm‐specific measure of the most important intangible asset—organization capital—and document that organization capital is associated with five years of future operating and stock return performance, after controlling for other factors. Thus, our organization capital measure captures firms' fundamental ability to generate abnormal performance. We also find that executive compensation is positively associated with our measure of organization capital, showing that the measure indeed reflects managerial ability.
Accounting for Intangible Assets: There is Also an Income Statement
Authors: PENMAN STEPHEN H.
Published: September 2009

Accounting is often criticized for omitting intangible assets from the balance sheet. This paper points out that the omission is not necessarily a deficiency. There is also an income statement, and the value of intangible (and other) assets can be ascertained from the income statement. Thus, calls for the recognition of ‘intangible assets’ on the balance sheet may be misconceived. The paper lays out the property whereby the income statement corrects for deficiencies in the balance sheet. It then explores the case where the income statement perfectly corrects for a deficient balance sheet and the case where it does so imperfectly. In the latter case, the paper then asks whether accounting in the balance sheet—by capitalization and amortization of intangible assets or carrying them at fair value—could remedy the deficiency in the income statement (or makes it worse). The investigation involves an analysis and valuation of Microsoft Corporation and Dell Inc., two companies presumed to posses a good deal of ‘intangibles assets’. The paper is instructive, not only to those concerned with accounting issues but also to analysts attempting to value firms, like Microsoft and Dell, with assets missing from the balance sheet.
Three Randomized Controlled Trials of Early Long‐Chain Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Supplementation on Means‐End Problem Solving in 9‐Month‐Olds
Authors: Drover James , Hoffman Dennis R. , Castañeda Yolanda S. , Morale Sarah E. , Birch Eileen E.
Published: September 2009

This study examines whether feeding infants formula supplemented with long‐chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFA) improves cognitive function of 9‐month‐olds. Participants included 229 infants from 3 randomized controlled trials. Children received either formula supplemented with docosahexaenoic acid and arachidonic acid, or a control formula beginning at 1–5 days (12‐month feeding study), or following 6 weeks (6‐week‐weaning study) or 4–6 months of breastfeeding (4‐to 6‐month weaning study). Infants were assessed with a 2‐step problem solving task. In the 12‐month feeding and 6‐week weaning studies, supplemented children had more intentional solutions (successful task completions) and higher intention scores (goal‐directed behaviors) than controls. These results suggest that LCPUFA supplementation improves means‐end problem solving.
A Computer Model for Selecting Facility Evacuation Design Using Cellular Automata
Authors: Chu Chih‐Yuan
Published: September 2009

Abstract:  New construction must comply with building codes to ensure safety performance. However, the code itself is insufficient to provide information regarding hazard mitigation performance of a facility design. This paper proposes a computer simulation model for selecting the facility design for emergency evacuation that includes a pedestrian model and a selection model. A cellular automaton model of pedestrian movements with three‐dimensional visualization is implemented and calibrated. Unlike previous studies that focus on behavior theories and ignore model calibration, this paper calibrates the pedestrian model with empirical data at the macroscopic level (flow, density, and speed). After candidate facility designs are evaluated with the calibrated model, a two‐stage procedure is used for the statistical selection of the alternatives. As a result, the best design can be selected with a pre‐determined probability of correct selection and targeted difference between the best and the second‐best systems. Moreover, the required number of repetitions can be calculated in advance to avoid incorrect selection or unnecessary work. The procedure proposed is, thus, an effective and efficient tool for facility design.
Employment integration after therapeutic community treatment: a case study from Spain
Authors: López‐Goni José Javier , Fernández‐Montalvo Javier , Menéndez Juan Carlos , Yudego Fausto , García Angel Rico , Esarte Sonia
Published: September 2009

López‐Goni JJ, Fernández‐Montalvo J, Menéndez JC, Yudego F, García AR, Esarte S. Employment integration after therapeutic community treatment: a case study from Spain

Int J Soc Welfare 2011: 20: 292–297 © 2009 The Author(s), International Journal of Social Welfare © 2009 Blackwell Publishing Ltd and the International Journal of Social Welfare.

This article describes the employment evolution from pre‐ to post‐treatment of 112 patients in two therapeutic communities of Proyecto Hombre (Spain). Moreover, an analysis was made using the composite scores of the EuropASI in order to evaluate the secondary outcomes in work status, beyond drug consumption. The results show that nearly half of the patients (46 per cent of the sample) changed their employment status after treatment. Specifically, 78.6 per cent of the men (N= 77) and 64.3 per cent of the women (N= 9) were working after treatment; there were no statistically significant differences between them. Although the unemployment figures after treatment remained high, the residents were satisfied with their work integration. No statistically significant differences were observed between those who completed the treatment and those who did not. Implications of these results for further research and clinical practice are discussed.
Adnexal tumours of the skin as markers of cancer‐prone syndromes
Authors: Kanitakis J
Published: September 2009

Adnexal tumours of the skin are benign, more rarely malignant, primary skin tumours that originate from, or differentiate towards, hair follicles, sebaceous and sweat glands. Although they are usually encountered as single, sporadic tumours, they may occasionally be multiple, hereditary; in that case, they may herald complex genetic syndromes that comprise visceral cancers. Dermatologists should be aware of these adnexal skin tumours, the diagnosis of which may contribute to an early detection of a cancer‐prone syndrome with a potentially lethal outcome. The main tumours falling into this category and their associated syndromes are reviewed here.
Paediatric psoriasis – narrowband UVB treatment
Authors: Zamberk P , Velázquez D , Campos M , Hernanz JM , Lázaro P
Published: September 2009

Narrowband UV‐B is a safe and efficacious option for the treatment of adult psoriasis. However, the use of this therapy has been limited in children due to its long‐term carcinogenic potential. It has proven to be an adequate alternative in patients whose condition is refractory to topical treatment.

Aims  To evaluate the efficacy and short‐term safety of narrowband UV‐B in the treatment of paediatric psoriasis, and to compare our results with those obtained in other studies on paediatric psoriasis.

Materials and methods  Over a period of 2 years and 4 months, we administered narrowband UV‐B to 20 children diagnosed with psoriasis that was refractory to topical therapy. The therapeutic response was measured using the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI).

Results  Between August 2005 and December 2007, 20 children received narrowband UV‐B. Their median age was 13 years (range, 5–17 years), and the median initial PASI score was 8.25 (2.7–22.2). A median of 28 (10–59) sessions was required to achieve clearance, reaching almost complete or total remission (median final PASI) in all but two patients. Six patients required a new therapeutic course because of relapse, and the mean duration of remission was 8 months (4–18). No patients experienced severe adverse events during therapy, and only one discontinued treatment, for unrelated reasons.

Discussion and conclusion  Narrowband UV‐B for the treatment of paediatric psoriasis has received little attention in the literature. This treatment has been limited in children because of its potential long‐term carcinogenic effects, and most information has been extrapolated from adults. Nevertheless, narrowband UV‐B phototherapy is an effective and well‐tolerated therapeutic alternative in paediatric patients with severe psoriasis.
The clinical presentation of mitochondrial diseases in children with progressive intellectual and neurological deterioration: a national, prospective, population‐based study
Authors: VERITY CHRISTOPHER M , WINSTONE ANNE MARIE , STELLITANO LESLEY , KRISHNAKUMAR DEEPA , WILL ROBERT , McFARLAND ROBERT
Published: September 2009

Aim  Our aim was to study the clinical presentation, mode of diagnosis, and epidemiology of mitochondrial disorders in children from the UK who have progressive intellectual and neurological deterioration (PIND).

Method  Since April 1997, we have identified patients aged 16 years or younger with suspected PIND through the monthly notification card sent to all UK consultant paediatricians by the British Paediatric Surveillance Unit. Clinical details obtained from reporting paediatricians are classified by an Expert Group.

Results  By July 2008, 2493 cases of PIND had been reported, among which there were 112 children (69 males, 43 females) with mitochondrial diseases presenting between birth and 14 years 7 months (median 12mo), divided into 13 subgroups. In some instances, clinical features were characteristic of mitochondrial disease, but many children presented non‐specifically with combinations of developmental delay, hypotonia, failure to thrive, and seizures; 16 children had multisystem disease at presentation. Mortality was high: 40 children had died. Blood and/or cerebrospinal fluid lactate measurements were abnormal in 87 children, and 47 of 78 brain magnetic resonance images showed increased basal ganglia signal. Definite diagnoses were usually made by muscle enzyme or genetic studies.

Interpretation  This is a unique population‐based study of the mitochondrial disorders that cause childhood neurodegenerative disease. It provides detailed information about the clinical presentation and investigation of these complex cases.
Mortality shifts in Caenorhabditis elegans: remembrance of conditions past
Authors: Wu Deqing , Rea Shane L. , Cypser James R. , Johnson Thomas E.
Published: September 2009

The analysis of age‐specific mortality can yield insights into how anti‐aging interventions operate that cannot be matched by simple assessment of longevity. Mortality, as opposed to longevity, can be used to assess the effects of an anti‐aging intervention on a daily basis, rather than only after most animals have died. Various gerontogene mutations in Caenorhabditis elegans have been shown to increase longevity as much as tenfold and to decrease mortality at some ages even more. Environmental alterations, such as reduced food intake (dietary restriction) and lower temperature also result in reduced mortality soon after the intervention. Here, we ask how soon anti‐aging interventions, applied during adult life, affect age‐specific mortality in nematodes. Using maximum likelihood analysis, we estimated the Gompertz parameters after shifts of temperature, and of food concentration and maintenance conditions. In separate experiments, we altered expression of age‐1 and daf‐16, using RNAi. Using about 44 000 nematodes in total, to examine daily mortality, we find that for both types of environmental shift, mortality responded immediately in the first assessment, while RNAi‐induced changes resulted in a slower response, perhaps due to delayed mechanics of RNAi action. However, under all conditions there is a permanent ‘memory’ of past states, such that the initial mortality component [a] of the Gompertz equation [μ(x) = aebx] bears a permanent ‘imprint’ of that earlier state. However, ‘b’ (the rate of mortality increase with age) is always specified by the current conditions.
Canine platelet transfusions
Authors: Callan Mary Beth , Appleman Elizabeth H. , Sachais Bruce S.
Published: September 2009

Objective –To review potential platelet storage options, guidelines for administration of platelets, and adverse events associated with platelet transfusions.

Data Sources –Data sources included original research publications and scientific reviews.

Human Data Synthesis –Transfusion of platelet concentrates (PCs) plays a key role in the management of patients with severe thrombocytopenia. Currently PCs are stored at 22°C under continuous gentle agitation for up to 5 days. Chilling of platelets is associated with rapid clearance of transfused platelets, and galactosylation of platelets has proven unsuccessful in prolonging platelet survival. Although approved by the American Association of Blood Banks, cryopreservation of human platelets in 6% DMSO largely remains a research technique. Pre‐storage leukoreduction of PCs has reduced but not eliminated acute inflammatory transfusion reactions, with platelet inflammatory mediators contributing to such reactions.

Veterinary Data Synthesis –Canine plateletpheresis allows collection of a concentrate with a high platelet yield, typically 3–4.5 × 1011versus <1 × 1011for whole blood‐derived platelets, improving the ability to provide sufficient platelets to meet the recipient's transfusion needs. Cryopreservation of canine platelets in 6% DMSO offers immediate availability of platelets, with an acceptable posttransfusion in vivo platelet recovery and half‐life of 50% and 2 days, respectively. While data on administration of rehydrated lyophilized platelets in bleeding animal models are encouraging, due to a short lifespan (min) posttransfusion, their use will be limited to control of active bleeding, without a sustained increase in platelet count.

Conclusions –Fresh PC remains the product of choice for control of bleeding due to severe thrombocytopenia or thrombopathia. While cryopreservation and lyophilization of canine platelets offer the benefits of immediate availability and long‐term storage, the compromise is decreased in vivo recovery and survival of platelets and some degree of impaired function, though such products could still be life saving.