bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Managing a supply chain's web of risk
Authors: Chakravarty Vikram
Published: March 2013

Purpose

This purpose of this article is to look at how companies focused on optimizing their supply chain through global sourcing and just‐in‐time (JIT) delivery systems to dramatically cut the cost of production, now must learn to reduce their exposure to a variety of complex risks.

Design/methodology/approach

The article traces how in the aftermath of the March 2011 earthquake and tsunami in Japan, many manufacturers around the world suddenly discovered how exposed their operations were to unanticipated interruption in their supply chain.

Findings

The author suggests steps companies can take to analyze risk, to prevent supply chain disruption and to manage its consequences when it happens.

Practical implications

For identifiable individual risks, a company can choose a variety of mitigation approaches: avoid; transfer; mitigate; minimize; respond; monitor; accept.

Originality/value

The paper presents at a five‐level approach where improved risk management can be tackled at five levels of increasing sophistication: level 1 – efficient firefighting; level 2 – insurance; level 3 – core risk management; level 4 – return‐risk optimization; and level 5 – distributed operations for uncertainty and complexity.
Embracing connectedness: insights from the IBM 2012 CEO study
Authors: Berman Saul , Korsten Peter
Published: March 2013

Purpose

This article seeks to highlight some of the findings of the 2012 IBM CEO Study, Leading through Connection, based on interviews with CEOs and public sector leaders in every part of the world.

Design/methodology/approach

The study was designed to determine how technology is fundamentally changing how stakeholders engage.

Findings

A major finding was that CEOs are focusing on how recent advances in technology allow companies to re‐imagine connections among people – customers, employees, partners and investors.

Research limitations/implications

Between September 2011 and January 2012, IBM met face to face with 1,709 CEOs and senior public sector leaders in 64 countries and 18 industries.

Practical implications

CEOs are reevaluating how they engage partners. Boundaries between organizations are becoming more porous. Interactions span more functions and are more continuous.

Originality/value

The study points to two conclusions. These are, first, empowering employees through values. For CEOs, organizational openness offers tremendous upside potential – empowered employees, free‐flowing ideas, more creativity and innovation, happier customers, better results. Teams will need processes and tools that inspire collaboration on a massive scale. Second, amplifying innovation with partnerships. Rising complexity and escalating competition have made partnering a core innovation strategy for many organizations.
Differentiating clinical governance, clinical management and clinical practice
Authors: Brennan Niamh M. , Flynn Maureen A.
Published: March 2013

Purpose

This paper seeks to review prior definitions of the umbrella term “clinical governance”. The research question is: do clinical governance definitions adequately distinguish between governance, management and practice functions? Three definitions are introduced to replace that umbrella term.

Design/methodology/approach

Content analysis is applied to analyse 29 definitions of clinical governance from the perspective of the roles and responsibilities of those charged with governance, management and practice.

Findings

The analysis indicates that definitions of the umbrella term “clinical governance” comprise a mixture of activities relating to governance, management and practice which is confusing for those expected to execute those roles.

Practical implications

Consistent with concepts from corporate governance, the paper distinguishes between governance, management and practice. For effective governance, it is important that there be division of duties between governance roles and management and practice roles. These distinctions will help to clarify roles and responsibilities in the execution of clinical activities.

Originality/value

Drawing on insights from corporate governance, in particular, the importance of a division of functions between governance roles, and management and practice roles, the paper proposes three new definitions to replace the umbrella term “clinical governance”.
Paediatric tonsillectomy
Authors: Soni‐Jaiswal Archana , Parry Nadiah , Kumar Nirmal
Published: March 2013

Purpose

The published evidence in support of a tonsillectomy is equivocal relying on historical studies using objective outcome measures. Based on this, NICE have suggested that tonsillectomy is a “low clinical value treatment” and its funding curtailed by PCTs. This paper aims to prospectively evaluate the effect of a tonsillectomy on quality of life (QOL) of children affected by recurrent infective tonsillitis using a qualitative patient reported outcome measure (PROM).

Design/methodology/approach

Parents of children under the age of 16, undergoing a tonsillectomy, were enrolled. Parents completed a paediatric throat disorders outcome (PTDO) test prior to their child's surgery and then six months post‐operatively. Results were analysed using the Mann‐Whitney U test. The power of the study was 0.8 to detect a difference of 10 in a total score of 70.

Findings

A total of 63 children participated and an 86 per cent response rate was received at six months. The mean total score improved from 31.29 pre‐op to 7.41 post‐op (p<0.001). The mean score for the first two subgroups remained static but for the remaining 12 sub‐groups significantly improved post‐op.

Originality/value

The study demonstrates that performing tonsillectomies in a carefully selected cohort of children, significantly improves their QOL. It adds to a growing body of evidence that tonsillectomy is not a “low clinical value procedure” and has a substantial impact on the patients' symptoms.
The RADICAL framework for implementing and monitoring healthcare risk management
Authors: Edozien Leroy C.
Published: March 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to facilitate an integrative approach to the implementation, monitoring and reporting of risk management in healthcare settings.

Design/methodology/approach

A framework, identified by the acronym RADICAL, is presented. The underlying principles and the strengths of the framework are described.

Findings

The framework comprises the following domains in an integrated grid: raise awareness, design for safety, involve users, collect and analyse patient safety data, and learn from patient safety incidents.

Practical implications

The RADICAL framework provides a simple but comprehensive approach to the implementation, monitoring and reporting of healthcare risk management. It is designed to facilitate learning and accountability at both individual and organisational levels, advocating a balance between “person” and “system”. It covers all domains of patient safety while also being flexible to allow local customisation of the content and metrics for each domain.

Originality/value

The RADICAL framework can be used by service providers and commissioners to implement and monitor risk management, and by regulators for monitoring performance. It can also be used in education and training, and to provide information on quality and safety to service users.
A re‐evaluation of the role of rotational forceps: retrospective comparison of maternal and perinatal outcomes following different methods of birth for malposition in the second stage of labour
Authors: Tempest N , Hart A , Walkinshaw S , Hapangama DK
Published: March 2013

Objective

To compare the outcomes of operative cephalic births by Kielland forceps (KF), rotational ventouse (RV), or primary emergency caesarean section (pEMCS) for malposition in the second stage of labour in modern practise.

Design

Retrospective observational study.

Population

Data were included from 1291 consecutive full‐term, singleton cephalic births between 2 November 2006 and 30 November 2010 with malposition of the fetal head during the second stage of labour leading to an attempt to deliver by KF, RV or pEMCS.

Methods

Maternal and neonatal outcomes of all KF births were compared with other methods of operative birth for malposition in the second stage of labour (RV or pEMCS).

Main outcome measures

Achieving a vaginal birth was the primary outcome and fetal (admission to special care baby unit, low cord pH, low Apgar, shoulder dystocia, Erb's palsy) and maternal (massive obstetric haemorrhage—blood loss of >1500 ml, sphincter injury, length of stay in hospital) safety outcomes were also recorded.

Results

Women were more likely to need caesarean section if RV (22.4%) was selected to assist the birth rather than KF (3.7%; adjusted odds ratio 8.20; 95% confidence interval 4.54–14.79). Births by KF had a rate of adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes comparable to those by RV and pEMCS in the second stage for malposition.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that, in experienced hands, assisted vaginal birth by KF is likely to be the most effective and safe method to prevent the ever rising rate of caesarean sections when malposition complicates the second stage of labour.
Ten‐year follow‐up of a randomised controlled trial comparing bipolar endometrial ablation with balloon ablation for heavy menstrual bleeding
Authors: Herman MC , Penninx JPM , Mol BW , Bongers MY
Published: March 2013

Objective

Previously, we have reported that, at both 12 months and 5 years after treatment, bipolar endometrial ablation is superior to balloon ablation in the treatment of heavy menstrual bleeding. In this article, we evaluate the results at 10 years after these interventions.

Design

Ten‐year follow‐up of a double‐blind randomised controlled trial.

Setting

A teaching hospital in the Netherlands.

Population

Premenopausal women suffering from heavy menstrual bleeding.

Method

A follow‐up questionnaire was sent to women 10 yearsafter randomisation for bipolar ablation and balloon ablation (2 : 1 ratio).

Main outcome measures

Amenorrhoea rates, re‐intervention and patient satisfaction.

Results

At 10 years of follow‐up, the response rate was 69/83 (83%) in the bipolar group and 35/43 (81%) in the balloon group. Amenorrhoea rates were 50/69 (73%) in the bipolar group and 23/35 (66%) in the balloon group [relative risk, 1.1 (95% CI, 0.83–1.5)]. Further treatment following initial ablation was reported in 21 cases, 14 in the bipolar group and nine in the balloon group [relative risk, 0.9 (95% CI, 0.63–1.3)]. Eight of these women required further treatment after 5 years, including two hysterectomies. Patient satisfaction in the bipolar group was 81% (56/69) compared with 77% (27/35) in the balloon group [relative risk, 1.1 (95% CI, 0.82–1.2)].

Conclusion

Ten years after treatment, the superiority of bipolarablation over balloon ablation in the treatment of heavy menstrual bleeding was no longer evident.
Early Traumatic Events in Psychopaths
Authors: Borja Karina , Ostrosky Feggy
Published: March 2013

The relationship between diverse early traumatic events and psychopathy was studied in 194 male inmates. Criminal history transcripts were revised, and clinical interviews were conducted to determine the level of psychopathy using the Psychopathy Checklist‐Revised (PCL‐R) Form, and the Early Trauma Inventory was applied to assess the incidence of abuse before 18 years of age. Psychopathic inmates presented a higher victimization level and were more exposed to certain types of intended abuse than sociopathic inmates, while the sum of events and emotional abuse were associated with the PCL‐R score. Our studies support the influence of early adverse events in the development of psychopathic offenders.
Cattle‐Caused Fatalities in a Province of Western Turkey: 1996–2010 Autopsy Results
Authors: Karbeyaz Kenan , Ayranci Unal , Balci Yasemin , Gunduz Tarik
Published: March 2013

Cattle‐caused injuries and deaths are much more than predicted. The aim of this research is to determine the prevalence of cattle‐caused fatalities and the factors affecting it in a province of western Turkey. The court files on cattle‐caused fatalities during a 15‐year period between 1996 and 2010 were explored. The proportion of forensic‐qualified deaths from the total of 3753 was 0.9% (35/3753). Most of the cases were between the ages of 18 and 65 (60%). Most deaths occurred in the spring and summer months compared with autumn and winter months (9 and 22 vs. 3 and 1, respectively). The mortality rate was much higher in men compared with women (94.3% and 5.7%, respectively). The majority of deaths were caused by injuries on the chest (71.4%). The reason for most deaths was due to hemopneumothorax and lung injury (71.4%). Predicting the behavior of cattle may not always be possible, as such, it is advisable that one wears protective equipment when dealing with cattle.
Human Versus Animal: Contrasting Decomposition Dynamics of Mammalian Analogues in Experimental Taphonomy
Authors: Stokes Kathryn L. , Forbes Shari L. , Tibbett Mark
Published: March 2013

Taphonomic studies regularly employ animal analogues for human decomposition due to ethical restrictions relating to the use of human tissue. However, the validity of using animal analogues in soil decomposition studies is still questioned. This study compared the decomposition of skeletal muscle tissues (SMTs) from human (Homo sapiens),pork (Sus scrofa), beef (Bos taurus), and lamb (Ovis aries) interred in soil microcosms. Fixed interval samples were collected from theSMTfor microbial activity and mass tissue loss determination; samples were also taken from the underlying soil forpH, electrical conductivity, and nutrient (potassium, phosphate, ammonium, and nitrate) analysis. The overall patterns of nutrient fluxes and chemical changes in nonhumanSMTand the underlying soil followed that of humanSMT. Ovine tissue was the most similar to human tissue in many of the measured parameters. Although no single analogue was a precise predictor of human decomposition in soil, all models offered close approximations in decomposition dynamics.
Establishing Likelihood Ratios for Patterned Garment Comparisons from Seam Measurement Data,
Authors: Johnson D. B. , Perlin Victor E. , Rohde Mitchell M. , Thomas Alice C. , Luu Cuong Q. , Chang Jennifer
Published: March 2013

It is often challenging to ascribe an objective measure of confidence for identifications based on surveillance imagery from a crime scene. The present work seeks to address this deficiency in the case of garment comparison evidence by developing a quantitative method for establishing a conservative lower bound on the likelihood ratio (LR) for identifications involving patterned garments. The method is based on statistical analysis of pattern offset measurements taken from a sample of garments of the same type (manufacturer, style, and size) as the seized evidence. The developed analysis framework was demonstrated on different types of garments over a range of modeled surveillance imaging scenarios with variable image quality; the lower bounds on the LRs ranged from approximately 10–1 to over 400–1. The statistical model was tested and validated through a large‐scale empirical study involving both simulated and human observer‐performed garment comparisons.
Accuracy and Usefulness of the AVOXimeter 4000 as Routine Analysis of Carboxyhemoglobin
Authors: Fujihara Junko , Kinoshita Hiroshi , Tanaka Naoko , Yasuda Toshihiro , Takeshita Haruo
Published: March 2013

The measurement of blood carboxyhemoglobin (CO‐Hb) is important to determine the cause of death. The AVOXimeter 4000 (AVOX), a portable CO‐oximeter, has the advantages of a low purchase price and operating cost, ease of operation, and rapid results. Little information is available on the usefulness of AVOX in the forensic sample, and the previous study investigated only six samples. Therefore, in this study, we confirmed the usefulness of the AVOX through a comparison of its results with data previously obtained using the double wavelength spectrophotometric method in autopsies. Regression analysis was performed between CO‐Hb levels measured by the AVOX and those measured by the conventional double wavelength spectrophotometric method in postmortem blood samples: a significant correlation was observed. This study suggests the usefulness of the AVOX to analyze postmortem blood, and the AVOX is suitable for routine forensic analysis and can be applied at the crime scene.
Gastric emptying of solids and its relationship with microalbuminuria in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus (儿童与青少年1型糖尿病患者的固体食物胃排空情况以及它与微量白蛋白尿之间的关系)
Authors: Ersoy Betul , Sayit Elvan , Can Sule , Urk Vildan , Batok Dilek , Polat Muzaffer
Published: March 2013

Background

The aims of the present study were to determine the frequency of delayed gastric emptying in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) and to investigate the relationship between gastric emptying rate and other contributing factors (e.g. serum HbA1c, duration of diabetes and microalbuminuria) in these patients.

Methods

This was a clinical trial evaluating the rate of gastric emptying of solid meals in 33 children and adolescents with T1DM and in 26 healthy peers using a radionuclide method. Three consecutive overnight urine collections were used to calculate the albumin excretion rate.

Results

There was no significant difference in the gastric half‐emptying time (GE t½) between patients and controls (151.7 ± 154.5 vs 109.8 ± 60.5 min, respectively; P = 0.885) or the frequency of delayed gastric emptying (36.4% vs 30.8%, respectively; P = 0.433). There was a moderately positive correlation between GE t½ and the duration of diabetes (r = 0.380; P = 0.029). There was no correlation between GE t½ and microalbumin levels in T1DM patients. In these patients, the body mass index standard deviation scores were significantly lower than in patients with normal gastric emptying (–0.13 ± 0.87 vs 0.7 ± 1.23, respectively; P = 0.044).

Conclusion

Progression of delayed gastric emptying is more likely to be related to a longer duration of diabetes than glycemic control in children and adolescents with T1DM. Patients with delayed gastric emptying are thinner compared with patients with a normal rate of gastric emptying; they may also be asymptomatic.
Autophagy is required for trap formation in the nematode‐trapping fungus Arthrobotrys oligospora
Authors: Chen Yuan‐Li , Gao Ying , Zhang Ke‐Qin , Zou Cheng‐Gang
Published: March 2013

Nematode‐trapping fungi live mainly as saprobes in soil environments. When encountering nematodes, these fungi become ‘carnivorous’ and develop specialized trapping devices to attack their hosts for extracting nutrients, especially nitrogen source. Thus, nematode‐trapping fungi are model organisms for understanding the molecular mechanism of the switch between saprobic and parasitic phases of pathogen life cycles. Arthrobotrys oligospora, one of the best‐studied nematode‐trapping fungi, mainly lives as a saprobe. In the presence of nematodes, A. oligospora enters the parasitic stage by forming adhesive reticulate traps to capture nematodes. In filamentous fungi, autophagy has been shown to be involved in morphogenesis and morphology. In this study, we demonstrate that autophagy is induced by nematodes during the early stage of trap formation in A. oligospora. Disruption of atg8 gene not only abolishes the nematode‐induced autophagy, but also suppresses trap formation and reduces pathogenicity for nematodes. During the early stage of trap formation, the expression of genes involved in amino acid biosynthesis is upregulated and the transcriptional activity of GCN4 is induced in A. oligospora, suggesting that nematodes induce autophagy probably by triggering intracellular amino acid starvation. Autophagy is thus crucial for trap formation in A. oligospora during infection of nematodes.
Sulfur‐oxidizing bacterial populations within cyanobacterial dominated coral disease lesions
Authors: Bourne David G. , van der Zee Marc J. J. , Botté Emmanuelle S. , Sato Yui
Published: March 2013

This study investigated the diversity and quantitative shifts of sulfur‐oxidizing bacteria (SOB) during the onset of black band disease (BBD) in corals using quantitative PCR (qPCR) and cloning approaches targeting the soxB gene, involved in sulfur oxidation. Four Montipora sp. coral colonies identified with lesions previously termed cyanobacterial patches (CP) (comprising microbial communities different from those of BBD lesions), was monitored in situ as CP developed into BBD. The overall abundance of SOB in both CP and BBD lesions were very low and near the detection limit of the qPCR assay, although consistently indicated that SOB populations decreased as the lesions transitioned from CP to BBD. Phylogenetic assessment of retrieved soxB genes showed that SOB in both CP and BBD lesions were dominated by one sequence type, representing > 70% of all soxB gene sequences and affiliated with members of the Rhodobacteraceae within the α‐Proteobacteria. This study represents the first assessment targeting SOB within BBD lesions and clearly shows that SOB are not highly diverse or abundant in this complex microbial mat. The lack of oxidation of reduced sulfur compounds by SOB likely aids the accumulation of high levels of sulfide at the base of the BBD mat, a compound contributing to the pathogenicity of BBD lesions.
Arabinogalactan and fructo‐oligosaccharides have a different fermentation profile in the Simulator of the Human Intestinal Microbial Ecosystem (SHIME®)
Authors: Terpend Kathleen , Possemiers Sam , Daguet David , Marzorati Massimo
Published: March 2013

Current prebiotics, such as fructo‐oligosaccharides (FOS), are limited in their persistence in the distal colon and are predominantly fermented in the proximal colon. In order to identify a potential alternative, the differences in the fermentation profile of arabinogalactan (AG) and FOS have been assessed in the Simulator of the Human Intestinal Microbial Ecosystem. The effect of each product on the composition and activity of the microbial community was analysed during a 3‐week treatment period at a dose of 5 g day−1. While FOS indeed was mainly fermented in the simulated proximal colon, AG was still available for fermentation in the simulated distal colon as shown by pH profiles, size exclusion chromatography and analyses of specific enzymatic activities. As a consequence, the main effect of the products (increase in propionate and butyrate and decrease in ammonium production) occurred in different intestinal areas. DGGE and qPCR analyses confirmed that the main modulation of the microbiota by the two products occurred in different areas of the gut. AG was associated with a statistically significant increase in the concentration of total bacteria, Bacteroidetes, Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, a delayed bifidogenic effect and a decrease of the pathogenic Clostridium perfringens. FOS led to a strong lactobacillogenic effect.
Site occupancy models in the analysis of environmental DNA presence/absence surveys: a case study of an emerging amphibian pathogen
Authors: Schmidt Benedikt R. , Kéry Marc , Ursenbacher Sylvain , Hyman Oliver J. , Collins James P.
Published: March 2013

The use of environmental DNA (eDNA) to detect species in aquatic environments such as ponds and streams is a powerful new technique with many benefits. However, species detection in eDNA‐based surveys is likely to be imperfect, which can lead to underestimation of the distribution of a species.

Site occupancy models account for imperfect detection and can be used to estimate the proportion of sites where a species occurs from presence/absence survey data, making them ideal for the analysis of eDNA‐based surveys. Imperfect detection can result from failure to detect the species during field work (e.g. by water samples) or during laboratory analysis (e.g. by PCR).

To demonstrate the utility of site occupancy models for eDNA surveys, we reanalysed a data set estimating the occurrence of the amphibian chytrid fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis using eDNA. Our reanalysis showed that the previous estimation of species occurrence was low by 5–10%. Detection probability was best explained by an index of the number of hosts (frogs) in ponds.

Per‐visit availability probability in water samples was estimated at 0·45 (95% CRI 0·32, 0·58) and per‐PCR detection probability at 0·85 (95% CRI 0·74, 0·94), and six water samples from a pond were necessary for a cumulative detection probability >95%. A simulation study showed that when using site occupancy analysis, researchers need many fewer samples to reliably estimate presence and absence of species than without use of site occupancy modelling.

Our analyses demonstrate the benefits of site occupancy models as a simple and powerful tool to estimate detection and site occupancy (species prevalence) probabilities despite imperfect detection. As species detection from eDNA becomes more common, adoption of appropriate statistical methods, such as site occupancy models, will become crucial to ensure that reliable inferences are made from eDNA‐based surveys.
Environmental influence on transmitter detection probability in biotelemetry: developing a general model of acoustic transmission
Authors: Gjelland Karl Ø. , Hedger Richard D.
Published: March 2013

Environmental factors, such as wind, may have a strong influence on the detection probability and detection rate of acoustic telemetry tags. The effect of environmental factors may obscure biological effects and distort the interpretation of acoustic telemetry data.

This study was undertaken with fish internally tagged with acoustic transmitters containing depth sensors and monitored by an array of automatic receivers. The influence of environmental factors on the hourly detection rate was evaluated using environmental data from a nearby climate station. The signal detection probability was modelled within the framework of general theory of sound propagation in water.

Wind was found to have the strongest influence on the detection rate. Transmitter depth range and rain also contributed significantly to the variation in detection rate.

By modelling the attenuation coefficient as a function of wind speed, we show that the probability of detecting a free‐swimming acoustically tagged animal can be successfully modelled using general sound propagation theory.

The approach of modelling detection probability as a function of the attenuation coefficient offers a wide applicability, as it implies a direct link between detection probability and physical characteristics of the water at the study site. Correcting for varying detection probability is in many cases extremely important to do, since rhythms in biological/behavioural factors are often confounded with environmental variables that influence detection probability (e.g. sea breeze, tide).
Species identity and human consumption of beaked whales in the Gilbert Islands, Republic of Kiribati
Authors: Baker C. S. , Hutt A. , Thompson K. , Dalebout M. L. , Robins J. , Brownell R. L. , Stone G. S.
Published: March 2013

We investigated the species identity and local use of cetaceans on the Gilbert Islands, Republic of Kiribati. Working with the Kiribati Ministry of Environment, Lands and Agricultural Development and Fisheries Division, we visited the islands of Tarawa, Tabiteuea (North), Butaritari and Onotoa from June to July 2009, and collected 24 bones, bone fragments or teeth attributed to recent strandings. The mitochondrial DNA control region or cytochrome b was successfully amplified from 12 bones or bone fragments and used to identify four species: Mesoplodon sp. representing a new species or subspecies of beaked whale, the dense‐beaked whale Mesoplodon densirostris, Cuvier's beaked whale Ziphius cavirostris and the pygmy sperm whale Kogia breviceps. This is the first confirmed identification of the dense‐beaked, Cuvier's and pygmy sperm whales from the Gilbert Islands. All specimens were reportedly used for human consumption.
No evidence for rapid evolution of seed dispersal ability in range edge populations of the invasive species Senecio madagascariensis
Authors: Bartle Karen , Moles Angela T. , Bonser Stephen P.
Published: March 2013

Theory suggests that range edge populations of invading plants and animals may experience runaway selection for increased dispersal ability. This theory has been supported by field data for cane toads in Australia, and for Senecio inaequidens in Europe. In this study, we asked whether range edge populations of Senecio madagascariensis (Asteraceae), an invasive plant in eastern Australia, displayed higher dispersal ability that did populations from the established range. We measured 1363 diaspores from 33 populations. There was no significant difference in dispersal potential between populations from the range edge, and those from the established range (P = 0.19). We also used a glasshouse study to determine whether the range edge populations differed from populations in the established range in three critical life history traits: germination success, plant size and time to first reproduction. The only significant difference was for higher germination in range edge populations. The null result for dispersal ability is excellent news for land managers, as this is the first published evidence that selection for ever‐increasing dispersal rates is not ubiquitous in invading populations.
Spatial pattern and severity of fire in areas with and without buffel grass (Cenchrus ciliaris) and effects on native vegetation in central Australia
Authors: Schlesinger Christine , White Sarah , Muldoon Shane
Published: March 2013

The spread of buffel grass (Cenchrus ciliaris) in semi‐arid Australia in recent decades has substantially increased ground cover and fuel loads, particularly in open woodland vegetation communities. The resulting alteration of fire regimes may be the most significant impact of buffel invasion on ecological communities in these areas. Broad scale management of buffel grass is currently not an option in Australia but it is becoming increasingly relevant to assess the benefits of restoring areas of native vegetation where preventing buffel grass invasion is no‐longer possible. We managed buffel grass in a series of experimental plots from 2008–2012. In June and August 2011, two unplanned fires burnt through the plots providing a unique opportunity to compare the outcome of wildfire, including the spatial pattern of fire, and the effect on ground vegetation and on a long‐lived, perennial overstorey species, in replicated managed and unmanaged plots. The area of ground that remained unburnt was much greater in managed plots (with predominantly native vegetation) than unmanaged (predominantly buffel grass) plots and where the managed plots did burn the fire was more patchy. This had direct implications for the richness of ground layer plant taxa following fire and the extent to which overstorey trees were exposed to fire. Fire increased pre‐existing differences in the number of taxa in the ground level vegetation, an effect that persisted for the duration of our study, suggesting that fire accelerates direct negative competitive effects between buffel grass and native grasses and forbs. Hakea divaricata (fork‐leafed corkwood) trees in unmanaged buffel grass sites suffered higher burn intensities, and their long‐term viability at this location is likely to be threatened if fires fuelled by buffel grass continue. Our results demonstrate clear benefits of removing fire‐enhancing invasive plants from areas of high conservation value.
Sex differences in cerebral palsy incidence and functional ability: a total population study
Authors: Chounti A , Hägglund G , Wagner P , Westbom L
Published: March 2013

Aim

To describe gender difference in a total population of children with cerebral palsy (CP), related to subtype, gross and fine motor function, and to compare CP incidence trends in girls and boys.

Methods

All 590 children with CP born in southern Sweden 1990–2005 were included. CP subtype was classified according to the Surveillance of Cerebral Palsy in Europe, gross motor function according to Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) and manual ability according to Manual Ability Classification System (MACS). Trends in CP incidence by birth year were analysed using Poisson regression modelling.

Results

There was a male predominance in all levels of GMFCS except level II, in all levels of MACS and in all CP subtypes except ataxic CP. There was no statistically significant difference between males and females regarding gross motor function or manual ability. The CP incidence trends in boys compared with girls did not change during the period 1990–2005.

Conclusion

No equalization was detected in the incidence of CP between girls and boys during recent years in this total population. We could not confirm any consistent sex difference in motor function levels. Male sex is a risk factor for CP.
Echocardiography allows more accurate placement of peripherally inserted central catheters in low birthweight infants
Authors: Tauzin Laurent , Sigur Nathalie , Joubert Corinne , Parra Johanna , Hassid Sophie , Moulies Marie‐Eve
Published: March 2013

Aim

The use of plain radiographs provides limited information on the placement of peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs). Moreover, changes in upper extremity positioning cause migration of the catheters in neonates. This study aimed to investigate the use of echocardiography for determining catheter tip position, compared with plain radiographs, in low birthweight (LBW) infants in a tertiary neonatal intensive care unit.

Methods

The study examined the placement of 109 catheters in 89 infants born between September 2010 and December 2012. The placement of these catheters was controlled by echocardiography, with the patient's shoulder in adduction and the elbow in flexion. The number of catheter tips, echocardiographically identified within the heart, was expressed as a percentage of the total catheters deemed to be well positioned on plain radiographs.

Results

The number of catheter tips that were echocardiographically identified within the heart was significant (25%, p < 0.001). Twenty‐three catheters were repositioned to be outside of the heart, without any complications.

Conclusion

This study demonstrated the value of echocardiography for identifying the positioning of catheter tips in LBW infants. Echocardiography, coupled with initial plain radiographs, should be the gold standard for assessing PICC tip positions in those infants.
Swedish child health nurses' views of early father involvement: a qualitative study
Authors: Wells Michael B , Varga Gabriella , Kerstis Birgitta , Sarkadi Anna
Published: March 2013

Aim

To explore Swedish child health nurses' views on their role of involving fathers at the Child Health Centres (CHCs).

Methods

Interviews with 17 experienced Swedish Child Health nurses nurses were recorded, transcribed and analysed using systematic text condensation. Following the first analysis, the transtheoretical model of behavioural change was used to interpret the results.

Results

Four themes emerged during the analysis: (1) the nurses' own agenda; (2) nurses' opinion about the father's role; (3) nurses' gatekeeping; and (4) wanting more father involvement. Most nurses were in the precontemplation stage according to the transtheoretical model when they expressed their roles as nurses (Theme 1), how they perceived the father's role within the family (Theme 2) and how they actively encouraged mothers, but not fathers, to visit the CHCs (Theme 3/Mothers are our priority). Nurses in the contemplation stage started to consider involving fathers in the CHCs (Theme 3/The gate is closed…). Still others were in the preparation (Theme 4/Fathers are worthy of change) and action stages (Theme 4/Active in involving fathers), respectively.

Conclusion

Child Health nurses place more emphasis on engaging mothers than fathers in the services. To increase father involvement, nurses need support to become aware, initiate and maintain action.
Validation of the nine‐item Patient Health Questionnaire to screen for major depression in a Chinese primary care population
Authors: Chen Shulin , Fang Yu , Chiu Helen , Fan Hainan , Jin Tao , Conwell Yeates
Published: March 2013

Introduction

The aim of this study was to examine the reliability and validity of the nine‐item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ‐9) for screening depression in Chinese primary care settings.

Methods

In 100 randomly selected primary care clinics (PCC) of Hangzhou city, we recruited 2,639 patients (aged ≥18 years) and applied the PHQ‐9 to screen for depression. Then, 280 of them were further interviewed with the Structured Clinical Interview for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual Disorders (SCID) for the diagnosis of major depression. Statistical analysis of the demographic data, reliability, validity and receiver–operator curve were performed.

Results

The mean administration time was 7 minutes, and the Cronbach's α was 0.89. The optimal cutoff score of 10 on the PHQ‐9 revealed a sensitivity of 0.87, specificity of 0.81, and positive likelihood ratio of 5.04. The area under the receiver–operator curve in this study was 0.91 (95% confidence interval, 0.87–0.94).

Discussion

The PHQ‐9 performs well and has acceptable psychometric properties for screening of patients with depression in a Chinese primary care population.
Marital satisfaction and depression among couples following men's acute coronary syndrome: Testing dyadic dynamics in a longitudinal design
Authors: Dekel Rachel , Vilchinsky Noa , Liberman Gabriel , Leibowitz Morton , Khaskia Abed , Mosseri Morris
Published: March 2013

Objectives

The current study examined the contribution of marital satisfaction to symptoms of depression among patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and their partners.

Method

The sample comprised of 91 ACS male patients and their female partners. Data were collected at the time of initial hospitalization and 6 months later. Patients' and partners' assessments of marital satisfaction were measured using the ENRICH scale. Symptoms of depression were measured using the Brief Symptoms Inventory (BSI). Dyadic analysis applying the Actor–Partner Inter‐dependence Model (APIM) was used.

Results

Different patterns emerged for the two phases. In the acute phase, only the Actor effect was significant: for both patients and partners, one's greater marital satisfaction was associated with one's lower levels of depression. In the chronic phase, both Actor and Partner effects were significant, while different trends were found for patients and partners. Partners' marital satisfaction was associated with their own and the patients' decreased depression symptoms, whereas among patients, higher levels of marital satisfaction were associated with elevated levels of depression both for themselves and for their partners.

Conclusions

A dyadic perspective and phases of illness have to be taken into account in understanding adjustment and developing interventions following ACS.

Statement of contribution

What is already known on this subject?

The contribution of marital satisfaction to psychological adjustment following cardiac illness has been explored, but mainly from the perspective of one partner only.

Different phases of an illness present different challenges for both patients and family members.

What does this study add?

A dyadic perspective on recovery from cardiac illness.

The partner's contribution during the different phases of the illness.
How mitochondrial dysfunction affects zebrafish development and cardiovascular function: an in vivo model for testing mitochondria‐targeted drugs
Authors: Pinho Brígida R , Santos Miguel M , Fonseca‐Silva Anabela , Valentão Patrícia , Andrade Paula B , Oliveira Jorge M A
Published: March 2013

Background and Purpose

Mitochondria are a drug target in mitochondrial dysfunction diseases and in antiparasitic chemotherapy. While zebrafish is increasingly used as a biomedical model, its potential for mitochondrial research remains relatively unexplored. Here, we perform the first systematic analysis of how mitochondrial respiratory chain inhibitors affect zebrafish development and cardiovascular function, and assess multiple quinones, including ubiquinone mimetics idebenone and decylubiquinone, and the antimalarial atovaquone.

Experimental Approach

Zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryos were chronically and acutely exposed to mitochondrial inhibitors and quinone analogues. Concentration‐response curves, developmental and cardiovascular phenotyping were performed together with sequence analysis of inhibitor‐binding mitochondrial subunits in zebrafish versus mouse, human and parasites. Phenotype rescuing was assessed in co‐exposure assays.

Key Results

Complex I and II inhibitors induced developmental abnormalities, but their submaximal toxicity was not additive, suggesting active alternative pathways for complex III feeding. Complex III inhibitors evoked a direct normal‐to‐dead transition. ATP synthase inhibition arrested gastrulation. Menadione induced hypochromic anaemia when transiently present following primitive erythropoiesis. Atovaquone was over 1000‐fold less lethal in zebrafish than reported for Plasmodium falciparum, and its toxicity partly rescued by the ubiquinone precursor 4‐hydroxybenzoate. Idebenone and decylubiquinone delayed rotenone‐ but not myxothiazol‐ or antimycin‐evoked cardiac dysfunction.

Conclusion and Implications

This study characterizes pharmacologically induced mitochondrial dysfunction phenotypes in zebrafish, laying the foundation for comparison with future studies addressing mitochondrial dysfunction in this model organism. It has relevant implications for interpreting zebrafish disease models linked to complex I/II inhibition. Further, it evidences zebrafish's potential for in vivo efficacy or toxicity screening of ubiquinone analogues or antiparasitic mitochondria‐targeted drugs.
A novel macrolide/fluoroketolide, solithromycin (CEM‐101), reverses corticosteroid insensitivity via phosphoinositide 3‐kinase pathway inhibition
Authors: Kobayashi Y , Wada H , Rossios C , Takagi D , Charron C , Barnes P J , Ito K
Published: March 2013

Background and Purpose

Corticosteroid insensitivity is a major therapeutic problem for some inflammatory diseases including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and it is known to be induced by reduced histone deacetylase (HDAC)‐2 activities via activation of the phosphoinositide 3‐kinase (PI3K) pathway. The aim of this study is to evaluate effects of a novel macrolide/fluoroketolide, solithromycin (SOL, CEM‐101), on corticosteroid sensitivity induced by oxidative stress.

Experimental Approach

Corticosteroid sensitivity was determined by IC50/EC50 of dexamethasone (Dex) on TNF‐α‐induced CXCL8 production in U937 monocytic cell line and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from COPD patients. Activities of HDAC and protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) were measured by fluorescence‐based assay in cells exposed to hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). We also investigated steroid insensitive airway neutrophilia in cigarette smoke exposed mice in vivo.

Key Results

SOL (10 μM) restored Dex sensitivity in PBMC from COPD patients, H2O2‐treated U937 cells and phorbol 12‐myristate 13‐acetate‐differentiated U937 cells. In addition, SOL restored HDAC activity with concomitant inhibition of Akt phosphorylation as surrogate marker of PI3K activation. The inhibition of Akt phosphorylation by SOL was due to increased PP2A phosphatase activity, which was reduced in COPD and oxidative stress model. Other known macrolides, such as eryhthromycin, clarithromycin and azithromycin, were significantly less effective in these responses. In cigarette smoke‐exposed mice, SOL (100 mg kg−1, po) showed significant but weak inhibition of neutrophilia, whereas Dex (10 mg kg−1, p.o.) showed no such effect. However, a combination of SOL and Dex inhibited neutrophilia by over 50%.

Conclusions and Implications

SOL has potential as novel therapy for corticosteroid‐insensitive diseases such as COPD.
Inhibition of iPLA2β and of stretch‐activated channels by doxorubicin alters dystrophic muscle function
Authors: Ismail H M , Dorchies O M , Perozzo R , Strosova M K , Scapozza L , Ruegg U T
Published: March 2013

Background and Purpose

Chronic elevation in intracellular Ca2+ concentration participates in death of skeletal muscle from mdx mice, a model for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). Candidate pathways mediating this Ca2+ overload involve store‐operated channels (SOCs) and stretch‐activated channels (SACs), which are modulated by the Ca2+‐independent form of PL A2 (iPLA2). We investigated the effect of doxorubicin (Dox), a chemotherapeutic agent reported to inhibit iPLA2 in other systems, on the activity of this enzyme and on the consequences on Ca2+ handling and muscle function in mdx mice.

Experimental Approach

Effects of Dox on iPLA2 activity, reactive oxygen species production and on Ca2+ influx were investigated in C2C12 and mdx myotubes. The mechanism of Dox‐mediated iPLA2 inhibition was evaluated using purified 6x histidine‐tagged enzyme. Aequorin technology was used to assess Ca2+ concentrations underneath the plasma membrane. Isolated muscles were exposed to fatigue protocols and eccentric contractions to evaluate the effects of Dox on muscle function.

Key Results

Dox at 1–30 μM inhibited iPLA2 activity in cells and in the purified enzyme. Dox also inhibited SAC‐ but not SOC‐mediated Ca2+ influx in myotubes. Stimulated elevations of Ca2+ concentrations below the plasmalemma were also blocked. Exposure of excised muscle to Dox was not deleterious to force production and promoted recovery from eccentric contractions.

Conclusions and Implications

Dox showed efficacy against targets known to play a role in the pathology of DMD, namely iPLA2 and SAC. The potent SAC inhibitory effect of Dox is a novel finding that can explain partly the cardiomyopathy seen in chronic anthracycline treatment.
PKPD modelling of the interrelationship between mean arterial BP, cardiac output and total peripheral resistance in conscious rats
Authors: Snelder N , Ploeger B A , Luttringer O , Rigel D F , Webb R L , Feldman D , Fu F , Beil M , Jin L , Stanski D R , Danhof M
Published: March 2013

Background and Purpose

The homeostatic control of arterial BP is well understood with changes in BP resulting from changes in cardiac output (CO) and/or total peripheral resistance (TPR). A mechanism‐based and quantitative analysis of drug effects on this interrelationship could provide a basis for the prediction of drug effects on BP. Hence, we aimed to develop a mechanism‐based pharmacokinetic‐pharmacodynamic (PKPD) model in rats that could be used to characterize the effects of cardiovascular drugs with different mechanisms of action (MoA) on the interrelationship between BP, CO and TPR.

Experimental Approach

The cardiovascular effects of six drugs with diverse MoA, (amlodipine, fasudil, enalapril, propranolol, hydrochlorothiazide and prazosin) were characterized in spontaneously hypertensive rats. The rats were chronically instrumented with ascending aortic flow probes and/or aortic catheters/radiotransmitters for continuous recording of CO and/or BP. Data were analysed in conjunction with independent information on the time course of drug concentration using a mechanism‐based PKPD modelling approach.

Key Results

By simultaneous analysis of the effects of six different compounds, the dynamics of the interrelationship between BP, CO and TPR were quantified. System‐specific parameters could be distinguished from drug‐specific parameters indicating that the model developed is drug‐independent.

Conclusions and Implications

A system‐specific model characterizing the interrelationship between BP, CO and TPR was obtained, which can be used to quantify and predict the cardiovascular effects of a drug and to elucidate the MoA for novel compounds. Ultimately, the proposed PKPD model could be used to predict the effects of a particular drug on BP in humans based on preclinical data.