bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prevalence, molecular characteristics and risk factors for cryptosporidiosis among Iranian immunocompromised patients
Authors: Izadi Morteza , Jonaidi‐Jafari Nematollah , Saburi Amin , Eyni Hossein , Rezaiemanesh Mohammad‐Reza , Ranjbar Reza
Published: October 2012

Cryptosporidium spp. is a major cause of diarrhea in developing countries, mainly affecting people with compromised immune systems in general and HIV‐infected individuals with low CD4 + T‐cell counts in particular. This infection is self‐limiting in healthy persons; however, it can be severe, progressive and persistent in those who are immunocompromised. There are few published studies concerning cryptosporidiosis andCryptosporidiumgenotypes in Iranian immunocompromised patients and none of them describe risk factors. This study was undertaken to identify prevalence, genotypes and risk factors for cryptosporidiosis in immunocompromised patients. Three fecal samples were obtained at two day intervals from each of the 183 patients and processed with modified Ziehl–Neelsen staining methods and 18S rRNA gene amplification and sequencing. The overall infection prevalence was 6%.Cryptosporidium parvumwas identified in isolates from five HIV‐infected patients, one patient who had undergone bone marrow transplantation and one with chronic lymphocytic leukemia.Cryptosporidium hominiswas identified in isolates from two HIV‐infected patients and two patients with acute lymphocytic leukemia. According to univariate analysis, the statistically significant factors were diarrhea (OR = 21.7, CI = 2.83–78.4,P= 0.003), CD4 + lymphocytes less than 100 cells/mm3(OR = 41.3, CI = 13.45–114.8,P< 0.0001), other microbial infections (OR = 7.1321.7, CI = 1.97–25.73,P= 0.006), weight loss (OR = 73.78, CI = 15.5–350,P< 0.0001), abdominal pain (OR = 10.29, CI = 2.81–37.74.4,P= 0.001), dehydration (OR = 72.1, CI = 17.6–341.5,P< 0.0001), vomiting (OR = 4.87, CI = 1.4–16.9,P= 0.015), nausea (OR = 9.4, CI = 2.38–37.2,P< 0.001), highly active antiretroviral therapy (OR = 0.089, CI = 0.01–0.8,P= 0.015) and diarrhea in household members (OR = 7.37, CI = 2.04–26.66,P= 0.001). After multivariate analysis and a backward deletion process, only < 100 CD4 + T‐lymphocytes/mm3maintained a significant association with infection. The authors recommend that this infection should be suspected in patients with diarrhea, weight loss and dehydration in general and in diarrheal individuals with < 100 CD4 + T‐lymphocytes/mm3.
How do static and dynamic risk factors work together to predict violent behaviour among offenders with an intellectual disability?
Authors: Lofthouse R. E. , Totsika V. , Hastings R. P. , Lindsay W. R. , Hogue T. E. , Taylor J. L.
Published: October 2012

Background

Research on risk assessment with offenders with an intellectual disability (ID) has largely focused on estimating the predictive accuracy of static or dynamic risk assessments, or a comparison of the two approaches. The aim of this study was to explore how static and dynamic risk variables may ‘work together’ to predict violent behaviour.

Methods

Data from 212 offenders with an ID were analysed. Risk assessment tools included one static measure (Violence Risk Appraisal Guide), and two dynamic measures (Emotional Problems Scale and the Short Dynamic Risk Scale). Six‐month concurrent prediction data on violent behaviour were collected. A structured methodology was employed to explore putative relationships between static and dynamic factors.

Results

Static risk factors temporally preceded dynamic ones, and were shown to dominate both dynamic measures, while there was a non‐zero relationship between the static and the two dynamic measures. According to Kraemer et al., these findings suggest that dynamic risk factors function as proxy risk factors for static risk.

Conclusions

Dynamic and static risk factors appear to capture elements of the same underlying risk associated with violent behaviour in individuals with an ID. This is the first study to empirically explore risk interrelationships in the forensic ID field. We discuss the importance of the contribution of dynamic variables in the prediction and management of risk.
Shaking the Diptera tree of life: performance analysis of nuclear and mitochondrial sequence data partitions
Authors: CARAVAS JASON , FRIEDRICH MARKUS
Published: October 2012

The value of mitochondrial versus nuclear gene sequence data in phylogenetic analysis has received much attention without yielding definitive conclusions. Theoretical arguments and empirical data suggest a lower phylogenetic utility than equivalent nuclear gene sequences, but there are many examples of important progress made using mitochondrial sequences. We undertook a systematic performance analysis of mitochondrial and nuclear sequence partitions taken from a representative sample of dipteran species. When analysed alone, mitochondrial genes generally performed less well than nuclear genes; however, these genes resolved some branches for which nuclear genes failed. Moreover, the combined use of mitochondrial and nuclear sequences produced superior results without artifacts for nodes where mitochondrial and nuclear gene data generated conflicting topologies. These findings strongly advocate the inclusion of mitochondrial sequences, even in deep phylogeny reconstruction. Comparison of tree support between our and previous analyses identified robustly supported high‐confidence clades in the Diptera, but also revealed problematic groupings in need of further analysis.
Knotless “three‐U‐stitches” technique for urethrovesical anastomosis during laparoscopic radical prostatectomy
Authors: Zarrelli Giovanni , Mastroprimiano Gianluca , Giovannone Riccardo , De Berardinis Ettore , Gentile Vincenzo , Busetto Gian Maria
Published: October 2012

We describe a new technique for urethrovesical anastomosis that consists of placing three “U” stitches of Monocryl 2‐0 to connect the bladder neck and urethral stump together. The margins are united by a double passage of the suture, without tying any knots. The sutures are tied on the bladder's surface using Lapra‐Ty clips fixed at a certain distance from where to two mucosal margins have been joined. We carried out this technique on 90 patients who underwent laparoscopic extraperitoneal radical prostatectomy. The good joining of the margins, the absence of knots and the minimum trauma to the urethral wall together enable to create an anastomosis that is both “sealed” and “tension free”, allowing a quick “welding” of the margins and an early catheter removal. Regarding urinary continence, 56.6% (51) of patients were continent at catheter removal, 87.6% (78) were continent 3 months later and 98.9% (89) were continent after 6 months. In nine patients (10%), an episode of acute urinary retention occurred within 24 h after the removal of the catheter. We did not encounter any cases of vesicourethral anastomosis stenosis.
Avoiding back wound dehiscence in extended latissimus dorsi flap reconstruction
Authors: Mannu Gurdeep S. , Farooq Naheed , Down Sue , Burger Amy , Hussien Maged I.
Published: October 2012

Background

The latissimus dorsi breast reconstruction flap has a number of advantages, but despite the advances in surgical techniques, it has remained vulnerable to skin dehiscence or necrosis at the donor site. We describe a novel surgical technique to prevent this.

Methods

Patients treated with extended latissimus dorsi flap reconstruction between January 2005 and January 2010 were studied prospectively.

Results

Eighteen patients were reviewed (12 immediate and 6 delayed). Two patients were smokers. The mean age was 54.4 (range: 42–64) years and the mean body mass index was 31.6 (range: 22.3–38). The mean weight of the mastectomy specimen was 551 g (range: 280–980 g). Six patients developed back seroma which required aspiration, and one patient developed a haematoma of the reconstructed breast. All wounds healed primarily.

Conclusion

The new technique is safe, simple and effective in avoiding wound dehiscence at the donor site after extended latissimus dorsi flap reconstruction.
High‐grade renal injury: non‐operative management of urinary extravasation and prediction of long‐term outcomes
Authors: Long Jean‐Alexandre , Fiard Gaelle , Descotes Jean‐Luc , Arnoux Valentin , Arvin‐Berod Alexis , Terrier Nicolas , Boillot Bernard , Skowron Olivier , Thuillier Caroline , Rambeaud Jean‐Jacques
Published: October 2012

Study Type – Therapy (outcomes)

Level of Evidence 2b

What's known on the subject? and What does the study add?

High‐grade renal trauma seems to be eligible for conservative management. Ureteric stent placement raises issues about its usefulness and its timing. Predictive factors of post‐trauma function and surgery need to be known.

Urinary extravasation is not associated with poor functional outcome. Ureteric stenting is needed only in case of sepsis and ureteric clot retention. The only independent predictor of long‐term renal function is the importance of devascularised renal fragments.

OBJECTIVE

To predict the outcomes of a non‐operative approach to managing urinary extravasation after blunt renal trauma.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A prospective observational study was conducted between January 2004 and October 2011. First‐line non‐operative management was proposed for 99 patients presenting with a grade IV blunt renal injury according to the revised American Association for the Surgery of Trauma (AAST) classification. Among them, 72 patients presented with a urinary extravasation.

Management and outcomes were recorded and compared between patients presenting and those who did not present with urinary leakage. Relative postoperative renal function was assessed 6 months after the trauma using dimercapto‐succinic acid renal scintigraphy.

Predictors of the need for endoscopic or surgical management and long‐term renal function were evaluated on multivariate analysis.

RESULTS

Among patients with urinary leakage, endoscopic ureteric stent placement and open surgery were required in 37% and 15%, respectively.

On multivariate analysis, fever of >38.5 °C and ureteric clot obstruction were independent predictors of the need for ureteric stent placement. The only predictor of open surgery was the percentage of devitalised parenchyma.

Long‐term renal function loss was correlated to the percentage of devitalised parenchyma and associated visceral lesions. Urinary extravasation did not predict surgical intervention or long‐term renal function loss.

CONCLUSIONS

Urinary extravasation after blunt renal trauma can be successfully managed conservatively and does not predict long‐term decreased renal function or surgery requirement.

A devascularised parenchyma volume of >25% predicts a higher rate of surgery and poorer renal function.
Firm Characteristics and Stock Price
Authors: Rezee Zabihollah , Espahbodi Reza , Espahbodi Pouran , Espahbodi Hassan
Published: October 2012

This study examines the stock price reaction to the internal control reporting required under Section 404 of the Sarbanes‐Oxley Act of 2002 for three distinct groups of firms. After controlling for general stock price movements, we find that stock returns are most negative for firms that delay filing of their internal control reports, continue to be negative for firms with ineffective internal controls, and are positive for firms with effective internal controls. The decrease in stock prices of the first two groups is more pronounced for those with a lower return on assets, higher growth rate in sales, and no prior disclosure of their internal controls weaknesses. Our results indicate that market participants value the reliability of financial information ensuing from Section 404 compliance, irrespective of firm size and debt proportion. Thus, regulators and policymakers worldwide should consider mandating comparable SOX 404 compliance for all publicly held companies to improve the accuracy and reliability of financial reports.
Scottish Independence and the All-Affected Interests Principle
Authors: Saunders Ben
Published: October 2012

It is frequently argued that non-Scottish UK citizens should be enfranchised in any referendum on the future of Scotland because they are affected by the decision. This article argues that this position cannot in fact be supported by the all-affected interests principle for two reasons. First, a consistent application of the all-affected interests principle would require enfranchising not only all UK citizens but also many non-UK citizens who are also affected. Second, doubt is cast upon the all-affected interests principle itself by consideration of other cases of separation, such as divorce.
Awareness and use of nonoccupational HIV post‐exposure prophylaxis among people receiving rapid HIV testing in Spain
Authors: Fernández‐Balbuena S , Belza MJ , Castilla J , Hoyos J , Rosales‐Statkus ME , Sánchez R , de la Fuente L ,   Madrid Rapid HIV Testing Group
Published: October 2012

Objectives

This paper examines the awareness and use of nonoccupational HIV post‐exposure prophylaxis (nPEP) in Spain, and the factors that influence this awareness.

Methods

Between June 2009 and July 2010, a mobile unit offered free, rapid HIV tests in a number of Spanish cities. A total of 2545 people were passively recruited and tested, and answered a self‐administered questionnaire containing sociodemographic, behavioural and nPEP‐related questions. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were performed, stratifying by gender/sexual behaviour.

Results

Some 34% of the responders were men who have sex with men (MSM), 30% were men who have sex exclusively with women (MSW), and 35% were women. Approximately 26% were foreigners, 46% had a university degree, and 51% had previously taken an HIV test. Overall, 22% were aware of nPEP. Only 2% had ever used it; 70% of these after high‐risk sexual intercourse. Awareness was higher among MSM (34%) than women (16%) and MSW (15%). Multivariate analysis showed a lack of nPEP awareness to be associated with being born in Latin America, while awareness increased with the number of previous HIV tests among women and MSW. In MSM, awareness was also associated with having a university degree, the degree of interaction with gay culture, number of partners, and use of the internet as the main way of meeting partners.

Conclusions

nPEP awareness in the studied population was unacceptably low. The promotion of its availability should be made a major objective of prevention programmes, as a complementary measure to condom use.
Caregivers in older peoples' care: perception of quality of care, working conditions, competence and personal health
Authors: From Ingrid , Nordström Gun , Wilde‐Larsson Bodil , Johansson Inger
Published: October 2012

The aim was to describe and compare nursing assistants', enrolled nurses' and registered nurses' perceptions of quality of care, working conditions, competence and personal health in older peoples' care.

Altogether 70 nursing assistants, 163 enrolled nurses and 198 registered nurses completed a questionnaire comprising Quality from the Patient's Perspective modified for caregivers, Creative Climate Questionnaire, Stress of Conscience Questionnaire, items on education and competence and Health Index.

The caregivers reported higher perceived reality of quality of care in medical–technical competence and physical–technical conditions than in identity‐oriented approach and socio‐cultural atmosphere. In subjective importance, the highest rating was assessed in one of the physical–technical items. The organisational climate was for three of the dimensions rather close/reached the value for a creative climate, for seven dimensions close to a stagnant climate. In perceived stress of conscience, there were low values. Nursing assistants had lower values than enrolled nurses and registered nurses. The caregivers reported highest values regarding previous education making them feel safe at work and lowest value on the item about education increasing the ability for a scientific attitude. Registered nurses could use knowledge in practice and to a higher degree than nursing assistants/enrolled nurses reported a need to gain knowledge, but the latter more often received education during working hours. The health index among caregivers was high, but registered nurses scored lower on emotional well‐being than nursing assistants/enrolled nurses. The caregivers' different perceptions of quality of care and work climate need further attention. Although stress of conscience was low, it is important to acknowledge what affected the caregivers work in a negative way. Attention should be paid to the greater need for competence development among registered nurses during working hours.
In Medication‐Overuse Headache, fMRI Shows Long‐Lasting Dysfunction in Midbrain Areas
Authors: Ferraro Stefania , Grazzi Licia , Muffatti Riccardo , Nava Simone , Ghielmetti Francesco , Bertolino Nicola , Mandelli Maria Luisa , Visintin Eleonora , Bruzzone Maria Grazia , Nigri Anna , Epifani Francesca , Bussone Gennaro , Chiapparini Luisa
Published: October 2012

Objective.

The primary aim of our study was to evaluate if a group of medication‐overuse headache (MOH) patients present dysfunctions in the mesocorticolimbic dopamine circuit. The secondary aim was to disentangle the role of the medication overuse and of the acute/chronic headache in determining these alterations and to investigate their persistence.

Background.

Several researches have suggested that MOH may belong to the spectrum of addictive behavior. Preclinical models and neuroimaging studies have consistently demonstrated that in addiction, critical long‐lasting alterations occur in the mesocorticolimbic dopamine circuit. If MOH shares some neurophysiological features with addiction, long‐lasting functional alterations of the mesocorticolimbic dopamine system related to medication overuse should be present.

Methods.

We collected functional magnetic resonance imaging data during the execution of a decision‐making under risk paradigm in 8 MOH patients immediately after beginning medication withdrawal, in 8 detoxified MOH patients at 6 months after beginning medication withdrawal, in 8 chronic migraine patients, and in 8 control subjects.

Results.

Our results revealed that MOH patients present: (1) reduced task‐related activity in the substantia nigra/ventral tegmental area complex and increased activity in the ventromedial prefrontal cortex, when compared with controls; (2) reduced activity in the substantia nigra/ventral tegmental area complex, when compared with chronic migraine patients; (3) increased activity in the ventromedial prefrontal cortex, when compared with detoxified MOH patients.

Conclusion.

Our study showed that MOH patients present dysfunctions in the mesocorticolimbic dopamine circuit, in particular in the ventromedial prefrontal cortex and in the substantia nigra/ventral tegmental area complex. The ventromedial prefrontal cortex dysfunctions seem to be reversible and attributable to the acute/chronic headache, whereas the substantia nigra/ventral tegmental area complex dysfunctions are persistent and possibly related to medication overuse. These dysfunctions might be the expression of long‐lasting neuroadaptations related to the overuse of medications and/or a pre‐existing neurophysiological condition leading to vulnerability to medication overuse. The observed persistent dysfunctions in the midbrain dopamine suggest that MOH may share some neurophysiological features with addiction.
Biomechanical Comparison of Glycomer 631 and Glycomer 631 Knotless for Use in Canine Incisional Gastropexy
Authors: Arbaugh Melissa , Case J. Brad , Monnet Eric
Published: October 2012

Objective

To compare the load to failure of incisional gastropexy performed with standard glycomer 631 (G) and with knotless glycomer 631 (GV) inex vivomodel of gastropexy.

Study Design

Cadaveric study.

Sample Population

Cadaveric canine stomach and body wall (n = 24).

Methods

Specimens were divided into 4 groups based on suture type (G, GV) and size (3 metric, 2 metric). An incisional gastropexy was performed on all samples, and load to failure evaluated.

Results

Gastropexy with GV had significantly higher load to failure than gastropexy performed with G (P= .0006). Suture size had no significant effect on maximum load to failure (P= .36). The interaction between size of the suture and suture materials had a significant effect on the load to failure of the gastropexy (P= .0474). Knotless glycomer 631, 3 metric had significantly greater load to failure than G 3 metric (P= .0016) and G 2 metric (P= .0107).

Conclusion

A knotless suture appears to have comparable, if not greater load to failure than a standard suture of similar composition when used in canine incisional gastropexy in an acuteex vivomodel.
Cosmetic Reconstruction of a Nasal Plane and Rostral Nasal Skin Defect Using a Modified Nasal Rotation Flap in a Dog
Authors: ter Haar Gert , Buiks Sjef C. , Kirpensteijn Jolle
Published: October 2012

Objective

To report reconstruction of a defect of the nasal plane and the rostral dorsum of the nose in a dog using a nasal rotation flap withBurow's triangles.

Study Design

Clinical report.

Animals

Mixed‐breed dog (1.5 years, 8.6 kg).

Methods

A nasal defect caused by chronic granulomatous inflammation and involving the lateral nasal plane and adjacent rostral nasal dorsum in a dog was reconstructed and closed using a unilateral nasal rotation flap incorporating dorsal nasal plane tissue, with excision ofBurow's triangles.

Results

The modified unilateral nasal rotation flap was effective in closing a defect of the rostral nasal dorsum. Incorporation of dorsal nasal plane tissue in the flap allowed for a cosmetic reconstruction of the lateral nasal plane defect (wing of nostril).

Conclusions

Skin defects on the rostral dorsum of the nose and defects of the nasal plane in dogs can be closed and/or reconstructed using nasal rotation flaps incorporating nasal plane tissue.
Evaluation of stain removal and inhibition properties of eight denture cleansers: an in vitro study
Authors: Al‐Huraishi Haila , Moran John , Jagger Robert , MacDonald Emma
Published: October 2012

Gerodontology 2012; doi: 10.1111/j.1741‐2358.2011.00522.x

 

Evaluation of stain removal and inhibition properties of eight denture cleansers: an in vitro study

Objectives:  To determine the ability of eight denture cleansers to remove and inhibit tea‐stain build‐up on acrylic resin.

Materials and methods:  In the stain removal study, Perspex® (cast heat polymerised resin) specimens previously soaked in saliva were stained using multiple exposures of chlorhexidine and tea solutions. Specimens were exposed for 1 min to one of the eight denture cleansers for five cycles, washed and dried and their optical density read on a uv/vis spectrophotometer at 295 nm. In the stain inhibition study, clear specimens were exposed to saliva followed by cleansers then tea solution, for five cycles. The build‐up of stain at each cycle was measured, and differences in optical densities from baseline were calculated.

Results:  All denture cleansers were significantly more effective than water in removing stain (p < 0.05). There were significant differences in cleaning ability between cleansers (p < 0.001), Dentural® and Kleenite® were particularly effective. The stain inhibition experiment showed that most cleansers were significantly more effective than water in inhibiting stain (p < 0.05). There were significant differences in inhibition ability between cleansers (p < 0.01). Kleenite® and Equate were particularly effective.

Conclusions:  All denture cleansers had a capacity to remove stain and most had an inhibitory effect on staining. Kleenite® was particularly effective in controlling stain formation.
Trans‐Golgi Network—An Intersection of Trafficking Cell Wall ComponentsF
Authors: Worden Natasha , Park Eunsook , Drakakaki Georgia
Published: October 2012

The cell wall, a crucial cell compartment, is composed of a network of polysaccharides and proteins, providing structural support and protection from external stimuli. While the cell wall structure and biosynthesis have been extensively studied, very little is known about the transport of polysaccharides and other components into the developing cell wall. This review focuses on endomembrane trafficking pathways involved in cell wall deposition. Cellulose synthase complexes are assembled in the Golgi, and are transported in vesicles to the plasma membrane. Non‐cellulosic polysaccharides are synthesized in the Golgi apparatus, whereas cellulose is produced by enzyme complexes at the plasma membrane. Polysaccharides and enzymes that are involved in cell wall modification and assembly are transported by distinct vesicle types to their destinations; however, the precise mechanisms involved in selection, sorting and delivery remain to be identified. The endomembrane system orchestrates the delivery of Golgi‐derived and possibly endocytic vesicles carrying cell wall and cell membrane components to the newly‐formed cell plate. However, the nature of these vesicles, their membrane compositions, and the timing of their delivery are largely unknown. Emerging technologies such as chemical genomics and proteomics are promising avenues to gain insight into the trafficking of cell wall components.

image

[ Georgia Drakakaki (Corresponding author)]
Improvement in Stroke Risk Prediction: Role of C-Reactive Protein and Lipoprotein-Associated Phospholipase A2 in the Women's Health Initiative
Authors: Wassertheil-Smoller Sylvia , McGinn Aileen , Allison Matthew , Ca Tianxi , Curb David , Eaton Charles , Hendrix Susan , Kaplan Robert , Ko Marcia , Martin Lisa W. , Xue Xiaonan
Published: October 2012

Background

Classification of risk of ischemic stroke is important for medical care and public health reasons. Whether addition of biomarkers adds to predictive power of the Framingham Stroke Risk or other traditional risk factors has not been studied in older women.

Methods

The Hormones and Biomarkers Predicting Stroke Study is a case-control study of blood biomarkers assayed in 972 ischemic stroke cases and 972 controls, nested in the Women's Health Initiative Observational Study of 93 676 postmenopausal women followed for an average of eight-years. We evaluated additive predictive value of two commercially available biomarkers: C-reactive protein and lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 to determine if they added to risk prediction by the Framingham Stroke Risk Score or by traditional risk factors, which included lipids and other variables not included in the Framingham Stroke Risk Score. As measures of additive predictive value, we used the C-statistic, net reclassification improvement, category-less net reclassification improvement, and integrated discrimination improvement index.

Results

Addition of C-reactive protein to Framingham risk models or additional traditional risk factors overall modestly improved prediction of ischemic stroke and resulted in overall net reclassification improvement of 6·3%, (case net reclassification improvement = 3·9%, control net reclassification improvement = 2·4%). In particular, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein was useful in prediction of cardioembolic strokes (net reclassification improvement = 12·0%; 95% confidence interval 4·3–19·6%) and in strokes occurring in less than three-years (net reclassification improvement = 7·9%, 95% confidence interval 0·8–14·9%). Lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 was useful in risk prediction of large artery strokes (net reclassification improvement = 19·8%, 95% confidence interval 7·4–32·1%) and in early strokes (net reclassification improvement = 5·8%, 95% confidence interval 0·4–11·2%).

Conclusions

C-reactive protein and lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 can improve prediction of certain subtypes of ischemic stroke in older women, over the Framingham stroke risk model and traditional risk factors, and may help to guide surveillance and treatment of women at risk.
Secondary Prevention of Stroke in Saskatchewan, Canada: Hypertension Control
Authors: Bartsch Janelle Ann , Teare Gary F. , Neufeld Anne , Hudema Nedeene , Muhajarine Nazeem
Published: October 2012

Background

In the province of Saskatchewan, Canada, stroke is the third leading cause of death as well as the major cause of adult disability. Once a person suffers a stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA), they are at high risk for having a secondary stroke. Hypertension (elevated blood pressure) is the single most important modifiable risk factor for both first and recurrent stroke, and is thus an important risk factor to be controlled. According to the Canadian Stroke Strategy (CSS) Best Practice Recommendations, blood pressure lowering treatment should be initiated before discharge from hospital for all stroke/TIA patients. The purpose of this study was to examine the quality of medically driven secondary stroke prevention care in Saskatchewan as applied to hypertension control.

Aims

The objectives of the study were to: ( 1 ) develop methodology and calculate a secondary stroke process of care measure using available data in Saskatchewan, based on an appropriate hypertension therapy indicator recommendation from the CSS Performance Measurement Manual; ( 2 ) examine variation in secondary stroke prevention hypertensive care among the Saskatchewan Regional Health Authorities; and ( 3 ) investigate factors associated with receiving evidence-based hypertensive secondary stroke prevention.

Methods

This multi-year cross-sectional study was an analysis of deidentified health data derived from linkage of administrative health data. A select indicator from the CSS Performance Measurement Manual that measures adherence to a CSS Best Practice Guidelines concerning use of antihypertensive medications for secondary stroke prevention was calculated. Logistic regression was used to quantify the association of patient demographic and socioeconomic characteristics and geographic location of care with receipt of guideline-recommended hypertensive secondary stroke prevention. The target population was all Saskatchewan residents who were hospitalized in Saskatchewan for a stroke or TIA between April 1, 2001 and March 31, 2008.

Results

The results of this study indicate that the management of hypertension for secondary stroke prevention is suboptimal in Saskatchewan. Although there was some improvement over the time period, approximately 40% of patients were not taking antihypertensives at 90 days after discharge from acute care. The correlates, urban/non-urban, previous use of antihypertensive drugs and effect of age modified by sex, were found to be significantly associated with receiving hypertensive secondary stroke prevention, suggesting there are modifiable factors that contribute to variations in this form of secondary stroke care quality in Saskatchewan.

Conclusions

The results of this study suggest that there is a need for province-wide improvement to secondary stroke prevention in Saskatchewan, Canada.
Increasing the Revenue of Self‐Storage Warehouses by Facility Design
Authors: Gong Yeming (Yale) , deKoster René B. M. , Frenk J. B. G. (Hans) , Gabor Adriana F.
Published: October 2012

Self‐storage is a booming industry. Both private customers and companies can rent temporary space from such facilities. The design of self‐storage warehouses differs from other facility designs in its focus on revenue maximization. A major question is how to design self‐storage facilities to fit market segments and accommodate volatile demand to maximize revenue. Customers that cannot be accommodated with a space size of their choice can be either rejected or upscaled to a larger space. Based on data of 54 warehouses in America, Europe, and Asia, we propose a new facility design approach with models for three different cases: an overflow customer rejection model and two models with customer upscale possibilities, one with reservation and another without reservation. We solve the models for several real warehouse cases, and our results show that the existing self‐storage warehouses can be redesigned to generate larger revenues for all cases. Finally, we show that the upscaling policy without reservation generally outperforms the upscaling policy with reservation.
Script Usage in Standardized and Customized Service Encounters: Implications for Perceived Service Quality
Authors: Victorino Liana , Verma Rohit , Wardell Don G.
Published: October 2012

This study examines the effect that verbal scripts have on customer perceived service quality for two distinct service process types. We designed a video experiment that varied the level of verbal scripting for standardized and customized service encounters. We found that in standardized service encounters, an increase in the level of verbal scripting had no effect on perceived service quality. However, for customized encounters, perceived service quality was impacted. More specifically, a predominantly scripted encounter for customized service processes, on average, resulted in the lowest perception of service quality by respondents. Since verbal scripting was shown to impact customer perceptions of service quality, we suggest that a service provider's decision regarding the degree of verbal scripting is an important service design consideration.
Coordination in Games with Strategic Complementarities: An Experiment on Fixed vs. Random Matching
Authors: Hyndman Kyle , Kraiselburd Santiago , Watson Noel
Published: October 2012

In this article, we study behavior in a series of two‐player supply chain game experiments. Each player simultaneously chooses a capacity before demand is realized, and sales are given by the minimum of realized demand and chosen capacities. We focus on the differences in behavior under fixed pairs and random rematching. Intuition suggests that long‐run relations should lead to more profitable outcomes. However, our results go against this intuition. While subjects' capacity choices are better aligned (i.e., closer together) under fixed pairs, average profits are more variable. Moreover, learning is slower under fixed pairs—so much so that over the last five periods, average profits are actually higher under random rematching. The underlying cause for this finding appears to be a “first‐impressions” bias, present only under fixed matching, in which the greater the misalignment in initial choices, the lower are average profits.
The genus Cordyceps: a chemical and pharmacological review
Authors: Yue Kai , Ye Meng , Zhou Zuji , Sun Wen , Lin Xiao
Published: October 2012

Objectives

Natural remedies are becoming increasingly popular and important in the public and scientific communities. Historically, natural remedies have been shown to present interesting biological and pharmacological activity and are used as chemotherapeutic agents. For centuries Cordyceps, which is a genus of more than 400 species in the family Clavicipitaceae, has been used in traditional Chinese medicine. This study highlights the chemistry and pharmacology of Cordyceps, especially Cordyceps sinensis (Berk.) Sacc. and C. militaris (Fr.) L. Information was obtained from Google Scholar and the journal databases PubMed and Scopus.

Key findings

Many bioactive components of Cordyceps have been extracted, such as cordycepin, cordycepic acid, ergosterol, polysaccharides, nucleosides and peptides. Studies show that Cordyceps and its active principles possess a wide range of pharmacological actions, such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antitumour, antihyperglycaemic, antiapoptosis, immunomodulatory, nephroprotective, and hepatoprotective.

More research is required to discover the full extent of the activity of Cordyceps.
Fertility potential in men with a history of congenital undescended testes: a long‐term follow‐up study
Authors: van Brakel J. , Kranse R. , de Muinck Keizer‐Schrama S. M. P. F. , Hendriks A. E. J. , de Jong F. H. , Bangma C. H. , Hazebroek F. W. J. , Dohle G. R.
Published: October 2012

Men with a history of congenital undescended testes (UDT) have an increased risk of fertility problems. Despite no definitive proof, current guidelines recommend early surgical intervention because this may have a positive effect on future fertility potential by preventing degenerative changes of the testes in early life. Also surgical intervention facilitates observability of the testes in view of possible malignancy. We evaluated testicular function in adult men with previous UDT treated at different ages before puberty. A long‐term follow‐up study of men with previous UDT was performed. Andrological evaluation included medical history taking, physical examination, scrotal ultrasound, determination of reproductive hormones, and semen analysis. Findings were compared with those of a control group of men with normal testicular descent. The influence of age at orchiopexy on future fertility parameters was evaluated in a multivariate regression analysis. 62 men were included of whom seven had had bilateral UDT. Twenty‐four patients had had their orchiopexy before the age of 24 months of whom eight men had it before 12 months of age. Forty‐eight men had had unsuccessful luteinizing‐hormone‐releasing‐hormone (LHRH) nasal spray treatment during childhood, whereas 14 of 24 men operated before 24 months of age had not received LHRH treatment before orchiopexy. Fertility potential in men with a history of UDT is compromised in comparison with controls. We could not detect any influence of age at orchiopexy on fertility parameters. However, the number of patients operated before the age of 12 months is limited. This study does not support the assumption that early orchiopexy results in better fertility potential.
Towards a Lacanian Group Psychology: The Prisoner's Dilemma and the Trans‐subjective
Authors: Hook Derek
Published: October 2012

Revisiting Lacan's discussion of the puzzle of the prisoner's dilemma provides a means of elaborating a theory of the trans‐subjective. An illustration of this dilemma provides the basis for two important arguments. Firstly, that we need to grasp a logical succession of modes of subjectivity: from subjectivity to inter‐subjectivity, and from inter‐subjectivity to a form of trans‐subjective social logic. The trans‐subjective, thus conceptualized, enables forms of social objectivity that transcend the level of (inter)subjectivity, and which play a crucial role in consolidating given societal groupings. The paper advances, secondly, that various declarative and symbolic activities are important non‐psychological bases—trans‐subjective foundations—for psychological identifications of an inter‐subjective sort. These assertions link interesting to recent developments in the contemporary social psychology of interobjectivity, which likewise emphasize a type of objectivity that plays an indispensible part in co‐ordinating human relations and understanding.
Is There Any Objective Improvement of Nocturia by Combination Treatment of Zolpidem and Alpha‐Blocker Therapy for Unresponsive to Alpha‐Blocker Monotherapy in Men with Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms?
Authors: DOO Seung Whan , KIM Jae Heon , YANG Won Jae , SONG Yun Seob
Published: October 2012

Objectives: The aim of the present study was to determine whether administration of zolpidem, a nonbenzodiazepine sedative‐hypnotic agent, at night would improve the nocturia unresponsive to alpha‐blocker monotherapy in men with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS).

Methods: This was a prospective observational study comprised of 39 men aged 50 years and older. The study inclusion criteria were age more than 50 years, and nocturia twice or more per night after taking alpha‐blockers for more than 8 weeks. A total of 39 patients met the criteria and constituted the study cohort. Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), frequency volume chart (FVCs) and uroflowmetry were recorded. Patients were given 10 mg alfuzosin and 10 mg zolpidem once at night for the 8 weeks.

Results: There were no serious side‐effects in any patient. Nocturia decreased from a baseline (3.1 ± 0.1) to 8 weeks (1.6 ± 0.2) (P = 0.001). After treatment, global PSQI scores and severe sleep disorders improved. Storage and voiding symptoms including total IPSS scores and quality of life index improved. Nocturnal urine volume and functional bladder capacity improved. Maximum flow rate, voided volume increased and residual urine volume decreased.

Conclusion: Combined zolpidem and alpha‐blocker therapy resulted in a subjective and objective reduction in nocturia episodes when given to men with nocturia unresponsive to alpha‐blocker monotherapy.
European phylogeography of the epiphytic lichen fungusLobaria pulmonariaand its green algal symbiont
Authors: Widmer Ivo , Dal Grande Francesco , Excoffier Laurent , Holderegger Rolf , Keller Christine , Mikryukov Vladimir S. , Scheidegger Christoph
Published: October 2012

In lichen symbiosis, fungal and algal partners form close associations, often codispersed by vegetative propagules. Due to the particular interdependence, processes such as colonization, dispersal or genetic drift are expected to result in congruent patterns of genetic structure in the symbionts. To study the population structure of an obligate symbiotic system inEurope, we genotyped the fungal and algal symbionts of the epiphytic lichenLobaria pulmonariaat eight and seven microsatellite loci, respectively, and analysed about 4300L. pulmonariathalli from 142 populations from the species'European distribution range. Based on a centroid approach, which localizes centres of genetic differentiation with a high frequency of geographically restricted alleles, we identified the SouthItaly–Balkan region as the primary glacial refugial area of the lichen symbiosis. Procrustean rotation analysis and a distance congruence test between the fungal and algal population graphs indicated general concordance between the phylogeographies of the symbionts. The incongruent patterns found in areas of postglacial recolonization may show the presence of an additional refugial area for the fungal symbiont, and the impact that horizontal photobiont transmission and different mutation rates of the symbionts have on their genotypic associations at a continental scale.
The relationship between variable host grouping and functional responses among parasitoids ofAntispila nysaefoliella(Lepidoptera:Heliozelidae)
Authors: Low Candace , Scheffer Sonja J. , Lewis Matthew L. , Gates Michael W.
Published: October 2012

Our study investigated the importance of variability in the parasitoid community as a source of selection on host group size using a field population of the tupelo leafminer,Antispila nysaefoliellaClemens, which specializes on tupelo,Nyssa sylvaticaMarsh. Larvae were collected from leaves with variable numbers of larvae and screened for parasitism using polymerase chain reaction of mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I using markers designed specifically for amplifying parasitoidDNAwhile excluding hostDNA. This method of selectivePCRwas effective for detecting the presence and identifying species of immature stages of three hymenopteran superfamilies:Chalcidoidea,Ichneumonoidea andPlatygastroidea, which represented 83.4%, 16.0% and 0.6% of the total detectable parasitism, respectively. Our resulting sequences were then calibrated with sequences from identified adult parasitoids that had been either reared or field‐captured. A cluster analysis revealed 10 distinct clades that showed differences in attack patterns with respect to host traits and season. Total parasitism followed an inverse density‐dependent or density‐independent pattern with respect to host density (number per leaf). However, when parasitoid taxa were considered separately, one clade, which could be a cryptic species ofPnigalio maculipesCrawford (Chalcidoidea:Eulophidae), was found to increase its per leaf attack rate with host density. Our results suggest that parasitoid community composition and differences among species in their attack strategies can play a large role in determining the adaptive advantage of host grouping.
How lizards survived blizzards: phylogeography of theLiolaemus lineomaculatusgroup (Liolaemidae) reveals multiple breaks and refugia in southernPatagonia and their concordance with other codistributed taxa
Authors: Breitman M. Florencia , Avila Luciano J. , Sites Jack W. , Morando Mariana
Published: October 2012

Patagonia was shaped by a complex geological history, including the Miocene uplift of the Andes, followed by volcanism, marine introgressions, and extreme climatic oscillations during Pliocene–Pleistocene glaciation–deglaciation cycles. The distributional patterns and phylogenetic relationships of southern patagonian animals and plants were affected in different ways, and those imprints are reflected in the seven phylogeographic breaks and eight refugia that have been previously proposed. In this study, we estimated time‐calibrated phylogenetic/phylogeographic patterns in lizards of theLiolaemus lineomaculatusgroup and relate them to historical Miocene‐to‐Pleistocene events of Patagonia and the previously proposed phylogeographic patterns. Individuals from 51 localities were sequenced for the mitochondrial marker (cyt‐b) and a subsample of individuals from each mitochondrial lineage was sequenced for one nuclear (LDA12D) and one slow evolving mitochondrial gene (12S). Our analyses revealed strong phylogeographic structure among lineages and, in most cases, no signal of demographic changes through time. Thelineomaculatusgroup is composed of three strongly supported clades (lineomaculatus,hatcheriandkolengh + silvanae), and divergence estimates suggested their origins associated with the oldest known Patagonian glaciation (7–5 Ma); subsequent diversification within thelineomaculatusclade coincided with the large Pliocene glaciations (~3.5 Ma). Thelineomaculatusclade includes nine strongly genetically and geographically structured lineages, five of which are interpreted as candidate species. Our findings suggest that someLiolaemuslineages have persistedin situ, each of them in a different refugium, through several glaciation–deglaciation cycles without demographic fluctuations. We also summarize and update qualitative evidence of some shared phylogeographic breaks and refugia among plants, rodents and lizards.
Important aspects of oral paracoccidioidomycosis–a literature review
Authors: de Abreu e Silva Mariana Àlvares , Salum Fernanda Gonçalves , Figueiredo Maria Antonia , Cherubini Karen
Published: October 2012

Paracoccidioidomycosis is a deep mycosis endemic to Latin America, with considerable morbidity and mortality. It is caused by the dimorphic fungusParacoccidioides brasiliensis, which affects, among other organs in the human body, the oral cavity. Fungus virulence and immunocompetence of the host determine the establishment of infection or active disease, whose severity and clinical behaviour depend mostly on the cellular immune response of the host. Often, oral lesions constitute the first sign and site of confirmation of diagnosis, which in most cases is delayed. The success of the treatment depends on early and correct diagnosis, as well as on the patient’s adherence to the drug therapy.
Renal impairment among acute hospital admissions in a rural Ethiopian hospital
Authors: Riley Stephen , Diro Ermias , Batchelor Peter , Abebe Alula , Amsalu Ashenafi , Tadesse Yewondwossen , Williams John , Phillips Aled O
Published: October 2012

This paper describes the spectrum of acute kidney injury (AKI) in a general hospital in rural Ethiopia. Most patients were young, had pre‐renal AKI, and the mortality was no different from those with no AKI. Despite limitations, the study brings out differences with AKI seen in developed World.
Complexity reduction of chromatin architecture in macula densa cells during mouse postnatal development
Authors: Pantic Igor , Basta‐Jovanovic Gordana , Starcevic Vesna , Paunovic Jovana , Suzic Slavica , Kojic Zvezdana , Pantic Senka
Published: October 2012

An observation study in mice suggesting that the chromatin of macula densa cells undergoes loss of structural complexity that is most pronounced immediately after birth and remains during the first month of postnatal life. The findings add to the knowledge about the changes that take place in the kidney during postnatal development function and tissue structural organization, which are linked to changes in physiological function.