bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A critical review of the evidence for nurses as information providers to cancer patients
Authors: Koutsopoulou Sotiria , Papathanassoglou Elizabeth DE , Katapodi Maria C , Patiraki Elisabeth I
Published: February 2010

Aims.  To review evidence on the role of oncology nurses in the provision of information to cancer patients and to delineate evidence‐based implications for clinical practice and research.

Background.  Provision of information is central for the empowerment of patients to participate in their care. There is not enough evidence regarding the nursing role in the information delivery process in cancer patients.

Design.  Descriptive literature review.

Methods.  From January 1990–2008, databases searched included Medline, CINAHL, PubMed, CancerLit and the Cochrane Library. Original research articles addressing the role of nurses in information delivery were included. We explored evidence on: (1) the effectiveness of nurses as information providers, (2) the way patients evaluate nurses’ input to information delivery, (3) the extent to which nurses contribute to information delivery to cancer patients and (4) the types of information provided by nurses.

Results.  The most important findings were: (1) nurses’ role as information providers for cancer patients is prominent, especially after the initiation of treatment, (2) specialist nurses are very effective in providing information, (3) no clear evidence exists on how nurses compare with other health‐care professionals as information providers and (4) some evidence exists that patients may prefer nurses as information providers at specific times in their treatment and especially in regards to symptom management.

Conclusion.  Well‐designed studies provide some evidence that nurses are effective as information providers to cancer patients. Specifically, oncology nurses are able to provide information of both high quality and of appropriate quantity and to assist individuals to interpret information provided by others.

Relevance to clinical practice.  Oncology nurses should be specifically educated and prepared to offer explicit, practical and timely information and they should be trained in interpersonal communication skills, which will increase their ability to comprehend patient information needs.
Perceptions of the psychological well‐being and care of older home care clients: clients and their carers
Authors: Eloranta Sini , Arve Seija , Isoaho Hannu , Welch Anthony , Viitanen Matti , Routasalo Pirkko
Published: February 2010

Aim.  To explore and compare older home care clients’ (65+) and their professionals’ perceptions of the clients’ psychological well‐being and care and to identify possible differences in these perceptions.

Background.  Psychological well‐being is considered an important dimension of quality of life. With advancing age, older people require home care support to be able to remain in their own home. The main goal of care is to maximise their independence and quality of life.

Design.  Descriptive, survey design with questionnaire.

Methods.  A postal questionnaire was distributed to 200 older home care clients and 570 social and health care professionals in 2007. The total response rate was 63%. The questionnaire consisted of questions about clients’ psychological well‐being and the provision of care by home care professionals. The differences in responses between clients and professionals were analysed using cross‐tabulations, the Pearson Chi‐Square Test and Fisher’s Exact Tests.

Results.  The professional group believed that their clients did not have plans for the future. They believed that their clients felt themselves depressed and suffering from loneliness significantly more often than the client group did. The client group were also significantly more critical of the care (motivating independent actions, physical, psychological and social care) they got from the professional group than how the professionals evaluated the care they gave.

Conclusions.  To be able to support older clients to continue living at home, professionals need to provide a service that meets client’s own perceptions and complex social and health care needs as well as personal sense of well‐being.

Relevance to clinical practice.  The findings offer useful insights for the professional in planning and delivering appropriate home care services. A better understanding of differences between clients’ and professionals’ perceptions could lead to a better individualised care outcome.
The fatigue experiences of older Taiwanese women with breast cancer
Authors: Tsai Sung‐Ling , Lin Hung‐Ru , Chao Tsu‐Yi , Lin Pay‐Fan
Published: February 2010

Aims and objectives.  This study explored the fatigue experiences in older Taiwanese women with breast cancer.

Background.  Cancer is a common disease for older people, and breast cancer ranks second in occurrence among all cancers. Fatigue is the most frequently seen symptom, with more than 90% of cancer patients having such experiences. Fatigue may lead to functional dependence, affecting the care and quality of life for this older population.

Design.  A qualitative design was used in this study.

Methods.  In‐depth interviews were conducted with participants being treated at the oncology outpatient department in a teaching hospital in northern Taiwan. Data were collected from November 2006–March 2007.

Results.  The study included 15 women, aged 65–82, with breast cancer. Analysis of the interviews revealed three themes: factors related to fatigue, interpretation of fatigue and ways to deal with fatigue. The factors related to fatigue arose from treatment, symptom distress and the impact of their emotions. Participants interpreted the fatigue as an inevitable normal reaction, and they were embarrassed to share its occurrence with others. Although fatigue made participants suffer, they found the ways to decrease the feeling of fatigue using psychological adjustments, practical changes and support systems.

Conclusions.  Facing the multilayered influences from treatments and ageing, older women with breast cancer considered fatigue as a physical and psychological expression. By raising the awareness of fatigue, nurses can help this older population manage or relieve fatigue by controlling symptoms, providing emotional support and making related resources available.

Relevance to clinical practice.  The results of this study can enhance the sensitivity and evaluation abilities of nurses in dealing with the cancer‐related fatigue in older women with breast cancer.
Supervising medication administration by undergraduate nursing students: influencing factors
Authors: Reid‐Searl Kerry , Moxham Lorna , Walker Sandra , Happell Brenda
Published: February 2010

Background.  The administration of medication is an important skill nursing students need to learn in the clinical setting to develop safe practices. Legally within Queensland, registered nurses are required to provide personal supervision for this process. Research undertaken by the authors suggests the supervision students receive frequently falls short of what is legally required.

Aims and objectives.  The aim of the study was to examine the factors that influence the experiences of final‐year undergraduate nursing students when administering medications in the clinical setting.

Design.  A grounded theory approach was used with constant comparative analysis to identify categories from the data.

Methods.  The experiences of final‐year nursing students were explored using a grounded theory approach. In‐depth, semi‐structured interviews were conducted with 28 final‐year undergraduate nursing students in Queensland, Australia.

Results.  Supervision was found to be the central issue influencing medication administration for students. Three main factors were identified as influencing the supervision provided by registered nurses: attitudes of the registered nurse, communication from the university, and busyness and having time.

Conclusions.  The extent to which registered nurses provide direct supervision to nursing students when administering medication is influenced by factors inherent within the clinical environment.

Relevance to clinical practice.  The factors influencing the supervision provided by registered nurses needs further exploration that effective strategies can be implemented to ensure safe practices in relation to medication administration can be implemented.
Enhancing three bliss concepts among nursing home elders in Taiwan
Authors: Chang Su‐Hsien , Fang Mao‐Chun , Chang Hsiang‐Yu
Published: February 2010

Aims.  The purpose was to examine the effectiveness of the self‐care self‐efficacy enhancement programme (SCSEEP) to improve the three bliss concepts, life satisfaction, self‐esteem and motivation in health behaviours, among Taiwanese nursing home elders.

Background.  Promoting self‐care is the most effective means for Chinese elders to achieve happiness and bliss. No studies have examined how to enhance bliss by improving self‐care ability in older nursing home residents in Taiwan.

Design.  This study used an experimental, longitudinal research design. The 101 subjects were recruited and randomly assigned to an experimental group (n = 55) and a comparison group (n = 46).

Methods.  Subjects in the experimental group received the SCSEEP. Programme from nursing home staff. Subjects in the comparison group received care as usual. The programme was implemented immediately after staff received a SCSEEP. The training programme was based partly on the SCSEEP developed by the principal investigator. Activities used in the SCSEEP included performance accomplishment, vicarious experiences and verbal persuasion.

Findings.  Results found that there was a significant positive correlation between life satisfaction and ADL performance (p = 0·019), self‐esteem and ADL performance (p < 0·001) as well as levels of ADL performance and motivation in health behaviour (p = 0·003). Additionally, the repeated measures design revealed a significant difference between scores on four tests of life satisfaction (LS) (p < 0·001), self‐esteem (p < 0·001) and motivation in health behaviours (p < 0·001) in two groups of subjects.

Conclusions.  The SCSEEP is valuable to prevent decline in life satisfaction, self‐esteem and motivation in health behaviours among Taiwanese nursing home elders.

Relevance to clinical practice.  The SCSEEP provides nursing home staff a series of interventions to improve self‐care ability of Chinese nursing home which in turn enhances the three bliss concept.
Moisture lesions: interrater agreement and reliability
Authors: Kottner Jan , Halfens Ruud
Published: February 2010

Aims and objectives.  The aim of this study was to examine interrater reliability and agreement of the diagnosis of moisture lesions as defined by the European Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel.

Background.  Differentiation between superficial pressure ulcers and moisture‐related skin damages is difficult. To enhance the precision of the identification of moisture lesions, the European Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel provided wound‐ and patient‐related characteristics. Empirical evidence regarding interrater reliability and agreement among nurses for the detection of moisture‐related skin damages in clinical practice is lacking.

Design.  Observational.

Methods.  Home care clients (n = 339) were independently assessed twice by trained nurses. A head to toe skin inspection was conducted.

Results.  For the diagnosis of moisture lesion (yes/no), nurses exactly agreed in 95% of all assessed clients. Interrater reliability was intraclass correlation coefficient (1,1) = 0·67 (95% CI 0·61–0·73).

Conclusions.  Nurses were able to differentiate between home care clients with and without moisture lesions but assessment results contained a high degree of measurement error. It seems that the descriptions for the identification of moisture lesions provided by the European Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel do support the diagnostic process but reliability must be enhanced.

Relevance to clinical practice.  Because of low interrater reliability, it is questionable whether the diagnosis of moisture lesions in clinical practice is valid. Measurement error is too high to make adequate inferences for individuals. Definitions and descriptions provided by the European Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel, provisions of a single training and images are not sufficient to achieve acceptable interrater reliability in clinical practice.
Claudins: unlocking the code to tight junction function during embryogenesis and in disease
Authors: Gupta IR , Ryan AK
Published: February 2010

Gupta IR, Ryan AK. Claudins: unlocking the code to tight junction function during embryogenesis and in disease.

Claudins are the structural and molecular building blocks of tight junctions. Individual cells express more than one claudin family member, which suggests that a combinatorial claudin code that imparts flexibility and dynamic regulation of tight junction function could exist. Although we have learned much from manipulating claudin expression and function in cell lines, loss‐of‐function and gain‐of‐function experiments in animal model systems are essential for understanding how claudin‐based boundaries function in the context of a living embryo and/or tissue. These in vivo manipulations have pointed to roles for claudins in maintaining the epithelial integrity of cell layers, establishing micro‐environments and contributing to the overall shape of an embryo or tissue. In addition, loss‐of‐function mutations in combination with the characterization of mutations in human disease have demonstrated the importance of claudins in regulating paracellular transport of solutes and water during normal physiological states. In this review, we will discuss specific examples of in vivo studies that illustrate the function of claudin family members during development and in disease.
Burnout, psychosomatic symptoms and job satisfaction among Dutch nurse anaesthetists: a survey
Authors: MEEUSEN V. , VAN DAM K. , BROWN‐MAHONEY C. , VAN ZUNDERT A. , KNAPE H.
Published: February 2010

Background: To meet the increasing demand for healthcare providers, it is crucial to recruit and retain more nurse anaesthetists (NAs). The majority of NAs in the Netherlands are >45 years old, and retaining them in their jobs is very important. This study investigates the relationships among burnout, physical health and job satisfaction among Dutch NAs.

Methods: Two thousand NAs working in Dutch hospitals were invited to participate in this online questionnaire. We tested the relationships among burnout, psychosomatic symptoms, sickness absence, perceived general health and job satisfaction.

Results: Nine hundred and twenty‐three questionnaires were completed and analysed (46% response rate). Burnout and psychosomatic symptoms were negatively associated with job satisfaction, and predicted 27% of job satisfaction. Perceived general health was positively and sickness absence was negatively related to job satisfaction. Older NAs had a higher incidence of burnout than their younger counterparts.

Conclusions: The results confirmed the importance of a healthy psychosocial work environment for promoting job satisfaction. To prevent burnout, further research is necessary to determine the factors causing stress. These findings may also apply to anaesthesiologists who share many tasks and work in close cooperation with NAs.
Detection of novel mitochondrial haplotype variants in populations of the Mediterranean fruit fly, Ceratitis capitata, from Tunisia, Israel and Morocco
Authors: Elfékih S. , Makni M. , Haymer D. S.
Published: February 2010

The direct analysis of DNA sequence‐based mitochondrial haplotypes in individuals from populations of the Mediterranean fruit fly, Ceratitis capitata, from Tunisia, Morocco and Israel has revealed levels of genetic diversity that far exceed those previously described. A total of 33 distinct haplotypes were identified from 117 individuals representing seven populations from these countries. A network of haplotypes was constructed showing that we have captured essentially all of the sequence variations present in these populations for this gene. These results have important implications for future studies of the genetic structure of this and other closely related pest species.
Proctolin affects gut functions in lepidopteran larvae
Authors: Fiandra L. , Casartelli M. , Diamante B. , Giordana B.
Published: February 2010

We examined if the pentapeptide proctolin, a well‐investigated myotropic neutrotrasmitter/neuromodulator for which a possible role in insect control has been suggested, affected the gastrointestinal function in lepidopteran larvae. We verified in the model species Bombyx mori (Lepidoptera, Bombicidae) if the visceral muscles of the larval gut expressed receptors for the peptide, by monitoring the spontaneous contractions of the hindgut in the absence or in the presence of proctolin. The frequency of the peristaltic contractions increased only at a very high concentration of the peptide, suggesting that proctolin could effectively bind with low affinity to non‐specific receptors. The outcome on larval fitness of increasing doses of proctolin orally administered to fourth instar larvae were investigated by recording the standard nutritional indices. A significant decrease of the Efficiency of Conversion of Ingested and Digested food to body substance with a concomitant reduction of the Relative Growth Rate (RGR) was observed at the lowest dose tested (0.18 mg/g larva). The amount of peptide administered appeared critical, because a 10‐fold higher dose of proctolin abolished the negative effect on RGR by a stimulation of the feeding behaviour, possibly as a result of the activation of compensatory mechanisms. A similar decrease of larval RGR with a low concentration of proctolin was observed also in the polyphagous pest Spodoptera littoralis (Lepidoptera, Noctuidae).
Chemical control of Diabrotica virgifera virgifera LeConte
Authors: Van Rozen K. , Ester A.
Published: February 2010

The western corn rootworm, Diabrotica virgifera virgifera LeConte (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), is one of the most important pest species of maize in several countries of Central and Eastern Europe. This pest insect has invaded from the USA and is mainly controlled by insecticides in the EU. In the USA reliance on insecticides seems to decrease due to transgenic maize production. The EU project Diabr‐Act aims at establishing a harmonized and sustainable control strategy for western corn rootworm populations in Europe. In this respect, current chemical control strategies used in the USA and EU are described. Seed, soil and foliar treatments as well as transgenically protected maize are discussed. Specific attention is given to insecticide resistance. Seed treatment has clear environmental benefits, but factors influencing the efficacy should be declared. Soil and foliar treatments have perspectives, though new technologies limiting environmental hazards should be considered. Transgenic maize may have serious perspectives.
Primary prophylaxis of venous thromboembolism in children
Authors: Cole Catherine H
Published: February 2010

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is rare in children and young adolescents, and occurs predominantly in those with congenital heart disease in whom guidelines exist for VTE prophylaxis. For other paediatric patients, the rarity of the event makes writing an evidence‐based clinical practice guideline difficult because each of the known risk factors contributes only a small increase in risk. Thrombophilia screening is controversial because few results assist with prediction of likely thrombosis and may not alter recommendations for prophylaxis. Recent publications highlight the importance of non‐pharmacological prevention of VTE in children and adolescents undergoing surgery and the importance of liaison among surgeon, anaesthetist and haematologist. This annotation was written with the aim of collating current evidence for VTE prophylaxis and emphasising the need for further research in vulnerable subgroups.
Chronic urticaria of neonatal onset: A potential sign of autoinflammation
Authors: Mehr Sam , Jones Kristi J , Singh‐Grewal Davinder , Aksentijevich Ivona , Kakakios Alyson
Published: February 2010

We present a 6 year old boy with chronic urticaria of neonatal onset associated in childhood with features of neurological and joint inflammation. Genetic analysis confirmed the diagnosis of neonatal onset multi‐inflammatory disorder (NOMID). Daily subcutaneous anti‐IL‐1 receptor antagonist therapy resulted in a dramatic and sustained amelioration of systemic inflammation. NOMID must be considered in any child with chronic urticaria of neonatal/infantile onset, particularly if associated with joint and/or neurological inflammation.
Bilateral exophthalmos: Report of a case and review of a fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 mutation associated with non‐penetrant Crouzon syndrome
Authors: Quintero‐Rivera Fabiola , Martinez‐Agosto Julian A
Published: February 2010

The differential diagnosis of exophthalmos requires careful examination to identify potentially serious aetiologies. We present the case of a child with exophthalmos in whom genetic analysis identified a mutation in the fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 associated with Crouzon syndrome. The variable presentation should remind paediatricians to consider mutations in fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 among the aetiologies of exophthalmos.
The role of the neuropeptides PACAP and VIP in the photic regulation of gene expression in the suprachiasmatic nucleus
Authors: Dragich Joanna M. , Loh Dawn H. , Wang Louisa M. , Vosko Andrew M. , Kudo Takashi , Nakamura Takahiro J. , Odom Irene H. , Tateyama Sei , Hagopian Arkady , Waschek James A. , Colwell Christopher S.
Published: February 2010

Previously, we have shown that mice deficient in either vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) or pituitary adenylate cyclase‐activating polypeptide (PACAP) exhibit specific deficits in the behavioral response of their circadian system to light. In this study, we investigated how the photic regulation of the molecular clock within the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) is altered by the loss of these closely‐related peptides. During the subjective night, the magnitude of the light‐induction of FOS and phosphorylated mitogen‐activated protein kinase (p‐MAPK) immunoreactive cells within the SCN was significantly reduced in both VIP‐ and PACAP‐deficient mice when compared with wild‐type mice. The photic induction of the clock genePeriod1(Per1) in the SCN was reduced in the VIP‐ but not in the PACAP‐deficient mice. Baselines levels of FOS, p‐MAPK orPer1in the night were not altered by the loss of these peptides. In contrast, during the subjective day, light exposure increased the levels of FOS, p‐MAPK andPer1in the SCN of VIP‐deficient mice, but not in the other genotypes. During this phase, baseline levels of these markers were reduced in the VIP‐deficient mice compared with untreated controls. Finally, the loss of either neuropeptide reduced the magnitude of the light‐evoked increase inPer1levels in the adrenals in the subjective night without any change in baseline levels. In summary, our results indicate that both VIP and PACAP regulate the responsiveness of cells within the SCN to the effects of light. Furthermore, VIP, but not PACAP, is required for the appropriate temporal gating of light‐induced gene expression within the SCN.
Circadian entrainment to light–dark cycles involves extracellular nitric oxide communication within the suprachiasmatic nuclei
Authors: Plano Santiago A. , Golombek Diego A. , Chiesa Juan J.
Published: February 2010

The ability to synchronize to light–dark (LD) cycles is an essential property of the circadian clock, located in mammals within the hypothalamic suprachiasmatic nuclei (SCN). Single light pulses activate nitric oxide (NO) intracellular signaling, leading to circadian phase‐shifts required for synchronization. In addition, extracellular NO has a role in the SCN paracrine communication of photic phase advances. In this work, the extracellular nitrergic transmission was assessed in steady‐state synchronization to LD cycles of locomotor rhythms in the golden hamster (Mesocricetus auratus). Extracellular NO levels were pharmacologically decreased in vivo with the specific scavenger, 2‐phenyl‐4,4,5,5‐tetramethylimidazoline‐1‐oxyl 3‐oxide (PTIO). Hamsters were subjected to LD cycles different from normal 24 h (LD 14 : 10) cycles (i.e. T‐cycles), with a single 30‐min light pulse presented either every 23 h (T23 cycles), or every 25 h (T25 cycles), thus allowing synchronization by advances or delays, respectively. Acute PTIO intracerebroventricular microinjections, delivered 30 min previous to the light pulse, inhibited synchronization by phase advances to T23 cycles, but did not alter phase delays under T25 cycles. In addition, NO scavenging inhibited light‐induced expression of PERIOD1 protein at circadian time 18 (i.e. the time for light‐induced phase advances). These findings demonstrate the role of extracellular NO communication within the SCN in the steady‐state synchronization to LD cycles.
Processing English Compounds in the First and Second Language: The Influence of the Middle Morpheme
Authors: Murphy Victoria A. , Hayes Jennifer
Published: February 2010

Native English speakers tend to exclude regular plural inflection when producing English noun‐noun compounds (e.g., rat‐eater not rats‐eater) while allowing irregular plural inflection within compounds (e.g., mice‐eater) (Clahsen, 1995; Gordon, 1985; Hayes, Smith & Murphy, 2005; Lardiere, 1995; Murphy, 2000). Exposure to the input alone has been considered insufficient to explain this dissociation between regular and irregular plurals in compounds because naturally occurring compounds in English rarely have plurals of any type included within them (e.g., Gordon, 1985). However, the constraint on the production of plural inflection in English compounds could be derived from the patterns in which regular plural and possessive morphemes occur in the input. To explore this idea, native adult English speakers and adult Chinese learners of English were asked to process a series of compounds containing different medial morphemes and phonemes. Comparisons were made across compounds with regular and irregular plurals and possessive [‐s]. Native speakers (NS) of English processed compounds with medial possessive morphology faster than compounds with medial regular plural morphology. The second language learners did not show the same pattern as the NSs, which could be due to the fact that they had considerably less exposure to the relevant input patterns relative to the NSs. Regular plurals may be excluded before a rightmost noun in English because the pattern “Noun–[‐s] morpheme–Noun” is more frequently used for marking possession in English. Irregular plurals do not end in the [‐s] morpheme and therefore do not “compete” with the possessive marker and, consequently, may be optionally included in compounds. It is possible, therefore, that the input English learners receive could indeed be sufficient to constrain this aspect of English compound production.
Ungual seborrheic keratosis
Authors: Bon‐Mardion M , Poulalhon N , Balme B , Thomas L
Published: February 2010

Background/Objectives  Seborrheic keratoses are ubiquitous benign epithelial skin tumours. A number of unusual locations have already been reported. We report herein the case of a seborrheic keratosis of the nail bed with typical histological features.

Methods/Results  A 58‐year‐old man presented with a 1‐year‐history of longitudinal leukoxanthonychia of the right hallux. Surgical treatment was performed. The diagnosis of typical seborrheic keratosis of the nail bed was made on histological examination.

Conclusion  To our knowledge, this is the first report of a typical, histologically documented seborrheic keratosis of the nail bed. Therefore, this condition should be added to the differential diagnosis of acquired longitudinal leukoxanthonychia. However, surgical treatment remains necessary to rule out other causes, including squamous cell carcinoma.
Treatment of Thyrotoxic Crisis With Plasmapheresis and Single Pass Albumin Dialysis: A Case Report
Authors: Koball Sebastian , Hickstein Heiko , Gloger Martin , Hinz Michael , Henschel Jörg , Stange Jan , Mitzner Steffen
Published: February 2010

Thyrotoxic crisis (thyroid storm) is a life‐threatening condition. Standard therapy is based on thiamazole, prednisolone, and nonselective beta‐blockers. Extracorporeal plasmapheresis is an additional tool for removing circulating thyroxine in patients who do not respond quickly to conventional standard therapy. As thyroxine can be bound by albumin, the aims of the present therapy report were to investigate the potential of extracorporeal single‐pass albumin dialysis (SPAD) to remove thyroid hormones and to compare it with plasmapheresis. A 68‐year‐old female with thyrotoxic crisis refractory to conventional therapy underwent two sessions of plasmapheresis without clinical response. For the treatment dose to be increased, the patient was then treated with a modified continuous veno‐venous hemodialysis with a dialysate containing 4% of human serum albumin (SPAD) intended to bind and remove thyroxines continuously. In total, the patient received three sessions of plasmapheresis and four SPAD treatments. Thyroxine levels were detected in the patient and in exchanged plasma or albumin dialysate, respectively, to calculate the amount removed. The main finding was that SPAD treatments were tolerated well by the patient. Due to continuous approach, SPAD sessions removed more thyroid hormone than plasmapheresis did, resulting in the improvement of the clinical status of the patient (reduction of heart rate and catecholamine dosage), which enabled bridging the patient to thyroidectomy as the ultimate surgical treatment. This is the first clinical report of the use of albumin dialysis in thyroid storm. SPAD represents a safe and efficient alternative to plasmapheresis as it can be performed continuously in this critical condition.
Alternatives for Reducing the Environmental Impact of the Main Residue From a Desalination Plant
Authors: Meneses Montse , Pasqualino Jorgelina C. , Céspedes‐Sánchez Raquel , Castells Francesc
Published: February 2010

One of the most important problems today is the scarcity of fresh water safe enough for human, industrial, and agricultural use. Desalination is an alternative source of fresh water supply in areas with severe problems of water availability. Desalination plants generate a huge amount of brine as the main residual from the plant (about 55% of collected seawater). Because of that, it is important to determine the best environmental option for the brine disposal.

This article makes a global environmental analysis, under Spanish conditions, of a desalination plant and an environmental assessment of different final brine disposals, representing a range of the most common alternatives: direct disposal, wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) outflow dilution, and dilution with seawater. The environmental profile of the plant operation and a comparison of the brine final disposal alternatives were established by means of the life cycle assessment (LCA) methodology. From an analysis of the whole plant we observed that the highest environmental impact was caused by energy consumption, especially at the reverse osmosis stage, while the most relevant waste was brine. From an analysis of brine final disposal we have elaborated a comparison of the advantages and detriments of the three alternatives. As all of them might be suitable in different specific situations, the results might be useful in decisions about final brine disposal.
An Easy Technique to Obtain Articulated Casts Using the Palate for the Interocclusal Record
Authors: Rodrigues Dalton Matos , Fernandes Flávio Henrique Carriço Nogueira , Orsi Iara Augusta , Bezzon Osvaldo Luiz
Published: February 2010

This article describes a highly efficient technique to obtain articulated casts. Interocclusal recording is carried out using the palate as an area of registration without having to remove or section provisional prostheses while also maintaining the established vertical dimension.
Quasi‐One‐Dimensional Bismuth Tungsten Oxide Nanostructures Templated by Cotton Fibers
Authors: Cui Zhankui , Liu Jun , Zeng Dawen , Liu Hongwei , Xie Changsheng
Published: February 2010

Using cotton fibers as templates, quasi‐one‐dimensional bismuth tungsten oxide (Bi2WO6) nanostructures were successfully synthesized using a combination of solution dipping and calcinating at 500°C. The Bi2WO6 nanostructures were characterized using X‐ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and N2 adsorption and desorption measurements. Their optical property was studied using a UV‐vis spectrum, and the photocatalytic activity was investigated by degrading the organic compound. It was found that the Bi2WO6 nanostructures maintained the quasi‐one‐dimensional morphology of the cotton fibers and were composed of nanoparticles about 40 nm in size. The mechanism of formation of the quasi‐one‐dimensional Bi2WO6 nanostructures was also discussed. Moreover, the quasi‐one‐dimensional Bi2WO6 nanostructures exhibited good visible light absorption and could efficiently decompose rhodamine B under visible light irradiation.
Synthesis and Densification of Monolithic Zirconium Carbide by Reactive Hot Pressing
Authors: Nachiappan Chidambaram , Rangaraj Lingappa , Divakar Canchi , Jayaram Vikram
Published: February 2010

Synthesis and densification of monolithic zirconium carbide (ZrC) has been carried out by reactive hot pressing of zirconium (Zr) and graphite (C) powders in the molar ratios 1:1, 1.25:1, 1.5:1, and 2:1 at 40 MPa, 1200°–1600°C. Monolithic ZrC could be synthesized with a C/Zr ratio ∼0.5–1.0 and the post heat‐treated samples have the lattice parameter in the range 4.665 to 4.698 Å. Densification improves with an increasing deviation from the stoichiometry. Fine‐grained (∼1 μm) and nearly fully dense material (99% RD) could be obtained at a temperature as low as 1200°C with C/Zr ∼0.67. Microstructural and XRD observations suggest that densification occurred at low temperatures with nonstoichiometric Zr–C powder mixtures.
New Negative Temperature Coefficient Ceramics in Ca–Ce–Nb–M–O (M=Mo or W) System
Authors: Deepa Mannarakoth , Rao Padala Prabhakar , Sumi Sreedevi , Radhakrishnan Ambiyil Narayana Pillai , Koshy Peter
Published: February 2010

A series of quaternary powellites with varying cerium contents in a Ca–Ce–Nb–M–O (where M=Mo or W) system has been synthesized through the solid‐state route. Powder X‐ray diffraction analysis shows that these compounds crystallize in a tetragonal powellite structure with the I41/a space group. The structure was further confirmed by Raman spectroscopic analysis. The electrical conductivity studies reveal that they exhibit negative temperature coefficient (NTC) thermistor characteristics. The characteristic parameter of the thermistor (β) is found to be in the range of 5000–7000 K, and these values can be tuned with the cerium concentration. The electrical conductivity in these compounds is due to the presence of Ce3+, which remains in the reduced state without being oxidized to Ce4+ due to the structural stabilization. The X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis corroborates the presence of Ce in the 3+ state.
Use of the Risk Perception Attitude Framework for Promoting Breast Cancer Prevention
Authors: Rimal Rajiv N. , Juon Hee‐Soon
Published: February 2010

The risk perception attitude (RPA) framework classifies people into 4 groups based on their perceptions of risk and personal efficacy: responsive (high risk, high efficacy), avoidance (high risk, low efficacy), proactive (low risk, high efficacy), and indifference (low risk, low efficacy). This study tested the central propositions from the RPA framework among a group of immigrant Indian women (N = 413) in the Washington, DC area in their propensity to pay attention to breast cancer information and engage in self‐exams and clinical screening. Self‐efficacy and knowledge about breast cancer were consistent predictors of these outcomes. Use of the RPA framework explained 16% to 27% of the variance. Implications for breast cancer prevention campaigns are discussed.
A Comparison of Hindsight Bias in Groups and Individuals: The Moderating Role of Plausibility
Authors: Choi Dong‐Won , Choi Incheol
Published: February 2010

We compared the magnitude of the hindsight bias in individuals and groups with the prediction that the plausibility of an outcome would affect the magnitude of the group–individual difference. We provided groups and individuals with outcomes of scientific studies, and asked them to predict the probability of those outcomes as if they did not know the given outcomes and to report their level of surprise at the outcomes. Overall, groups were more prone to hindsight bias than were individuals, but the group–individual difference was present only when the given outcomes were relatively implausible (Study 1). Moreover, this difference was not eliminated even when participants were asked to consider alternative outcomes (Study 2). Implications are discussed.
Integrative Complexity of Public Beliefs Toward Wildfire Management: Development of a Scale
Authors: Carroll Joshua , Bright Alan
Published: February 2010

Integrative complexity is a useful tool for examining the complex way people think about dichotomous, highly charged issues. However, the qualitative nature of this research is lengthy and requires much work from respondents and investigators alike. This paper presents the process by which a combination open‐ended and fixed‐item scale was developed to measure the complexity of thought that is consistent with integrative complexity. We used the controversial issue of wildfire management in developing the scale because it has become a pervasive natural resource concern that has divided the public's perceptions regarding its management. The resulting scale is designed for use in large surveys across any number of natural resource issues.
Psychological Resources and Attitudes Toward People With Physical Disabilities
Authors: Keller Carmen , Siegrist Michael
Published: February 2010

In a representative sample of the population (N = 950), this study investigated the influence of psychological resources on attitudes toward people with physical disabilities. Hierarchical regression analysis showed that 2 psychological resources (liking people, belief in a just world) had a significant influence on attitude toward people with disabilities, controlling for the demographic variables of age, education, and sex. Contact, social desirability, and the Big Five dimensions of Extraversion, Neuroticism, and Openness also proved to be significant. The psychological resources of self‐esteem, life satisfaction, and hope were not significant. Practical implications are discussed.
In the Eye of the Beholder: Differences Across Ethnicity and Gender in Evaluating Creative Work
Authors: Kaufman James C. , Niu Weihua , Sexton Janel D. , Cole Jason C.
Published: February 2010

Creativity has been proposed as a supplement to ability tests as a way to reduce bias, as a result of the typical lack of ethnic or gender differences. Yet, creativity is usually measured through a consensus of rater judgment. Could there be implicit biases against people of different ethnicities or gender? This study examined stories and poems written by 205 students and rated by 108 different students. Females wrote poems that were judged to be more creative; there were no significant differences by ethnicity across all raters. Among notable findings, European Americans and African Americans both preferred stories written by European Americans. Reasons for this and other findings are discussed.
Skin wound healing in MMP2‐deficient and MMP2 / Plasminogen double‐deficient mice
Authors: Frøssing Signe , Rønø Birgitte , Hald Andreas , Rømer John , Lund Leif R.
Published: February 2010

Please cite this paper as: Skin wound healing in MMP2‐deficient and MMP2/Plasminogen double‐deficient mice. Experimental Dermatology 2010; 19: e234–e240.

Abstract:  During healing of incisional skin wounds, migrating keratinocytes dissect their way under the crust to re‐epithelialize the wounded area. The efficiency of this tissue remodelling process depends on the concomitant activity of several extracellular proteases, including members of the plasminogen activation (PA) system and the matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) family. Treatment with the broad spectrum MMP inhibitor, galardin, delays wound healing in wildtype mice and completely arrest wound healing in plasminogen (Plg)‐deficient mice, indicating a functional overlap between plasmin‐ and galardin‐sensitive MMPs during wound healing. To address whether MMP2 is accountable for the galardin‐induced healing deficiency in wildtype and Plg‐deficient mice, incisional skin wounds were generated in MMP2 single‐deficient mice and in MMP2/Plg double‐deficient mice and followed until healed. Alternatively, tissue was isolated 7 days post wounding for histological and biochemical analyses. No difference was found in the time from wounding to overt gross restoration of the epidermal surface between MMP2‐deficient and wildtype control littermate mice. MMP2/Plg double‐deficient mice were viable and fertile, and displayed an unchallenged general phenotype resembling that of Plg‐deficient mice, including development of rectal prolapses. MMP2/Plg double‐deficient mice displayed a slight increase in the wound length throughout the healing period compared with Plg‐deficient mice. However, the overall time to complete healing was not significantly different between Plg‐deficient and MMP2/Plg double‐deficient mice. These results show that MMP2 activity is not essential for wound healing and indicate that lack of MMP2 only marginally potentiates the effect of Plg deficiency.
ORIGINAL ARTICLE: Activation of the Alternative Pathway of Complement is a Feature of Pre‐Term Parturition but not of Spontaneous Labor at Term
Authors: Vaisbuch Edi , Romero Roberto , Erez Offer , Mazaki‐Tovi Shali , Kusanovic Juan Pedro , Soto Eleazar , Dong Zhong , Chaiworapongsa Tinnakorn , Kim Sun Kwon , Ogge Giovanna , Pacora Percy , Yeo Lami , Hassan Sonia S.
Published: February 2010

Citation Vaisbuch E, Romero R, Erez O, Mazaki‐Tovi S, Kusanovic JP, Soto E, Dong Z, Chaiworapongsa T, Kim SK, Ogge G, Pacora P, Yeo L, Hassan SS. Activation of the alternative pathway of complement is a feature of pre‐term parturition but not of spontaneous labor at term. Am J Reprod Immunol 2010; 63: 318–330

Problem  Plasma concentrations of fragment Bb (FBb) are a marker for activation of the alternative pathway of the complement system. High concentrations of FBb in maternal blood, as early as the first trimester, are associated with subsequent spontaneous pre‐term delivery <34 weeks of gestation. The aim of this study was to determine whether spontaneous pre‐term labor (PTL) with intact membranes, intra‐amniotic infection/inflammation (IAI) or labor at term are associated with alterations in circulating maternal FBb concentrations.

Method of study  This cross‐sectional study included women in the following groups: (i) non‐pregnant (n = 40); (ii) normal pregnancy (gestational age range 20–36, 6/7 weeks, n = 63); (iii) women at term not in labor (n = 70); (iv) women at term in spontaneous labor (n = 59); (v) patients with an episode of PTL who delivered at term (n = 62); (vi) PTL without IAI who delivered pre‐term (n = 30); and (vii) PTL with IAI who delivered pre‐term (n = 67). Maternal plasma FBb concentrations were determined by ELISA.

Results  (i) Among patients with PTL, those who had a pre‐term delivery either with IAI (1.21 μg/mL, IQR 0.77–2.16) or without IAI (1.13 μg/mL, IQR 0.92–2.08) had a higher median maternal plasma FBb concentration than those who delivered at term (0.86 μg/mL, IQR 0.64–1.57; P = 0.007 and P = 0.026, respectively); (ii) there was no difference in the median plasma FBb concentration between patients with and without IAI who delivered pre‐term (P = 0.9); (iii) in contrast, spontaneous labor at term was not associated with a significant change in the maternal plasma FBb concentration (P = 0.8); (iv) maternal plasma concentration of FBb did not differ significantly between normal pregnant women and the non‐pregnant controls (P = 0.8) and were not correlated with advancing gestational age (r = −0.28, P = 0.8).

Conclusion  (i) Pre‐term parturition is associated with activation of the alternative complement pathway in maternal circulation; (ii) such activation is not detectable in spontaneous labor at term; (iii) IAI does not explain the activation of the alternative pathway of complement in PTL. Collectively, these observations suggest that pre‐term and term labors have fundamental differences in the regulation of innate immunity.
Alcohol and aldehyde dehydrogenase polymorphisms and risk for suicide: a preliminary observation in the Japanese male population
Authors: Hishimoto A. , Fukutake M. , Mouri K. , Nagasaki Y. , Asano M. , Ueno Y. , Nishiguchi N. , Shirakawa O.
Published: February 2010

Epidemiological studies have shown that excessive alcohol consumption is a potent risk factor to develop suicidal behavior. Genetic factors for suicidal behavior have been observed in family, twin, and adoption studies. Because alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH1B) His47Arg and mitochondrial aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH2) Glu487Lys single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), which affect alcohol metabolism, have been reported to exert significant impacts on alcohol consumption and on the risk for alcoholism in East Asia populations, we explored associations of the two functional SNPs with suicide using a case–control study of 283 completed suicides and 319 control subjects in the Japanese population. We found that the inactive ALDH2 allele (487Lys) was significantly less frequent in the completed suicides (19.3%) than in the controls (29.3%), especially in males, whereas this was not the case in females. The males bearing alcoholism‐susceptible homozygotes at both loci (inactive ADH1B Arg/Arg and active ALDH2 Glu/Glu genotypes) have a 10 times greater risk for suicide compared with the males bearing alcoholism‐protective homozygotes at both loci. Our data show the genetic impact of the two polymorphisms on suicidal behavior in the Japanese population, especially in males. Because we did not verify the daily alcohol consumption, the association of these SNPs with suicide might be due to alcoholism itself. Further studies using case–control subjects, which verifies the details of current and past alcohol consumption and diagnosis for alcoholism, are required to confirm these findings.
Most games violate the common priors doctrine
Authors: Nyarko Yaw
Published: February 2010

The type of a player in a game describes the beliefs of that player about the types of others. We show that the subset of vectors of such player‐type beliefs which obey the consistency condition sometimes called the Harsanyi doctrine is of Lebesgue measure zero. Furthermore, as the number of players becomes large the ratio of the dimension Harsanyi‐consistent beliefs to the set of all beliefs tends to zero.