bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Regrounding the sacred: transnational religion, place making and the politics of diaspora among the Congolese in London and Atlanta
Authors: GARBIN DAVID
Published: June 2014

Drawing on case studies of several Congolese churches in London and Atlanta, in this article I explore the practices and strategies of religious territorialization associated with the politics of diaspora. A focus on the manifold ways of enacting and performing diasporic religious identities enables one to understand how religious actors connect spaces and temporalities to carve out spiritual and symbolic cartographies. More specifically, I analyse the particular interplay of diasporic politics, religious identity, place and history in the context of political crisis in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The transnational scope of the groups studied – Catholics, Kimbanguists and Pentecostals – significantly shapes their diasporic religious experience as they are embedded in larger polycentric social fields and ‘sacredscapes’ within which people, money, ideas, images, objects or values circulate. I also link the individual and collective experiences of diasporic religion to the shaping role of power relations and conflicts within wider transnational social fields.
Playing global: the religious adaptations of Indian and Somali Muslims to racial hierarchies and discrimination in South Africa
Authors: SADOUNI SAMADIA
Published: June 2014

In this article, I examine the role of religion in Somali and Indian Muslims' adaptations to South Africa's ethno‐racial political regimes from the country's colonial to its post‐apartheid eras. Somali and Indian Muslims created and drew on transnational dimensions of global Islam to contest the racial status imposed on their communities. Although colonial and apartheid legacies of ethnic separation, racial hierarchies and discrimination still mark the new South Africa, the new democratic state favours the development of autonomous religious communities that provide services and resources for their members. In this contemporary political context, Muslim solidarity helps Indians and Somalis to renew their religiously based adaptation to South African society.
Exploring consumer opinions on the presentation of side‐effects information in Australian Consumer Medicine Information leaflets
Authors: Tong Vivien , Raynor David K , Blalock Susan J , Aslani Parisa
Published: June 2014

Background

Consumer Medicine Information (CMI) is a brand‐specific and standardized source of written medicine information available in Australia for all prescription medicines. Side‐effect information is poorly presented in CMI and may not adequately address consumer information needs.

Objective

To explore consumer opinions on (i) the presentation of side‐effect information in existing Australian CMI leaflets and alternative study‐designed CMIs and (ii) side‐effect risk information and its impact on treatment decision making.

Design

Fuzzy trace, affect heuristic, frequency hypothesis and cognitive‐experiential theories were applied when revising existing CMI side‐effects sections. Together with good information design, functional linguistics and medicine information expertise, alternative ramipril and clopidogrel CMI versions were proposed. Focus groups were then conducted to address the study objectives.

Participants and setting

Three focus groups (n = 18) were conducted in Sydney, Australia. Mean consumer age was 58 years (range 50–65 years), with equal number of males and females.

Results

All consumers preferred the alternative CMIs developed as part of the study, with unequivocal preference for the side‐effects presented in a simple tabular format, as it allowed quick and easy access to information. Consumer misunderstandings reflected literacy and numeracy issues inherent in consumer risk appraisal. Many preferred no numerical information and a large proportion preferred natural frequencies.

Conclusions

One single method of risk presentation in CMI is unable to cater for all consumers. Consumer misunderstandings are indicative of possible health literacy and numeracy factors that influence consumer risk appraisal, which should be explored further.
Parid foraging choices in urban habitat and their consequences for fitness
Authors: Mackenzie Julia A. , Hinsley Shelley A. , Harrison Nancy M.
Published: June 2014

Urban environments are habitat mosaics, often with an abundance of exotic flora, and represent complex problems for foraging arboreal birds. In this study, we used compositional analysis to assess how Blue Tits Cyanistes caeruleus and Great Tits Parus major use heterogeneous urban habitat, with the aim of establishing whether breeding birds were selective in the habitat they used when foraging and how they responded to non‐native trees and shrubs. We also assessed whether they showed foraging preferences for certain plant taxa, such as oak Quercus, that are important to their breeding performance in native woodland. Additionally, we used mixed models to assess the impact of these different habitat types on breeding success (expressed as mean nestling mass). Blue Tits foraged significantly more in native than non‐native deciduous trees during incubation and when feeding fledglings, and significantly more in deciduous than evergreen plants throughout the breeding season. Great Tits used deciduous trees more than expected by chance when feeding nestlings, and a positive relationship was found between the availability of deciduous trees and mean nestling mass. Overall, the breeding performance of both species was poor and highly variable. Positive relationships were found between mean nestling mass and the abundance of Quercus for Great Tits, but not for Blue Tits. Our study shows the importance of native vegetation in the complex habitat matrix found in urban environments. The capacity of some, but not all, species to locate and benefit from isolated patches of native trees suggests that species vary in their response to urbanization and this has implications for urban ecosystem function.
In vitro evaluation of temperature changes in the root canal induced by ultrasonic scalers
Authors: Van der Velden U , Koster TJG , Feilzer AJ , Timmerman MF , Van der Weijden GA
Published: June 2014

Objective

To evaluate in vitro the thermal effects induced by four different ultrasonic scalers on the temperature in the root canal during ultrasonic scaling.

Methods

An extracted lower central incisor provided with a thermocouple in the root canal and a tube, entering the tooth incisally and exiting it apically to simulate an artificial bloodstream, was placed in a model of the lower jaw with soft artificial gingiva. Tested ultrasonic scaler systems included: EMS PM‐600, Satelec P‐max, Dürr Vector and Dentsply Cavitron. The tooth was scaled with each system at full water supply of 21°C. Furthermore, the amount of water supply was determined to maintain during scaling a constant temperature in the root canal. Finally, thermal changes due to scaling without water were assessed.

Results

Except for the Vector all scaler systems showed a temperature decrease in the root canal. The Vector with water/polish suspension showed a trend towards an increase in temperature. To maintain a constant temperature in the root canal the Cavitron needed twice the amount of water compared with PM‐600 and P‐max. Without water, all scaling systems induced a temperature increase.

Conclusion

For safe ultrasonic scaling, care should be taken that the cooling water has room temperature and that, dependent on the scaler system, the proper amount of water is supplied.
Effect of ultraviolet‐B irradiation on antioxidative properties of aqueous extracts from shiitake (Lentinus edodes) mushrooms
Authors: Kim Mi‐Ja , Lee JaeHwan , Lee Jin‐Sil
Published: June 2014

Antioxidant properties of aqueous extracts from Lentinus edodes treated with UV‐B irradiation were examined in vitro systems including DPPH, ABTS and oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) assays and in riboflavin‐photosensitised oil‐in‐water (O/W) emulsions. Changes in total phenolics, total flavonoids and vitamin C were also analysed. Lentinus edodes receiving 25 kJ m−2 UV‐B treatment showed high radical scavenging ability based on DPPH and ABTS assays compared with samples with 0, 50 and 75 kJ m−2, while those with 50 kJ m−2 had higher antioxidant capacities than other samples from ORAC assays. Samples with 25 kJ m−2 UV treatment had significantly 7.1% higher total phenolic content, 12.0% higher total flavonoid content and 8.0% higher vitamin C content than UV‐B‐untreated sample (P < 0.05), respectively. In O/W emulsions under riboflavin photosensitisation, 25 and 50 kJ m−2 UV treatment significantly increased the oxidative stability compared with other samples based on headspace oxygen content and lipid hydroperoxide analyses (P < 0.05). Aqueous extracts of UV‐B‐treated mushrooms possessed enhanced antioxidant properties compared with untreated mushrooms.
Family Business Performance from a Governance Perspective: A Review of Empirical Research
Authors: Pindado Julio , Requejo Ignacio
Published: June 2014

Given the complexity of the family business phenomenon, empirical research has still reached no consensus on whether family control is beneficial or detrimental to firm performance. To shed new light on this issue, this paper covers more than 350 articles published in 37 top finance and management journals. More specifically, it provides an in‐depth analysis of the family business governance system in three steps. First, after examining the various family business definitions and measures of performance used in empirical research, the authors discuss the findings on the direct effect of family control on performance in different geographical regions. Second, the authors pay special attention to the choice of ownership structures by business families and analyse how family owners influence strategic decisions faced by their corporations, including the succession process. Finally, the authors explore the interaction of family control with other governance devices to gain a better understanding of family firms' corporate decision‐making and performance. The holistic approach highlights the need to contemplate the multiple relations that exist among the various governance dimensions of family firms to explain their unique performance. In addition to enhancing understanding of family business conduct, the authors emphasize the need to go beyond the borders of the family firm to identify its external antecedents and consequences. By integrating the finance and management perspectives and analysing the theoretical frameworks and methodologies used in these disciplines, the review highlights the need for interdisciplinary collaboration to advance family business research and thus to consolidate it as a distinctive academic field.
A review of the literature regarding stress among nursing students during their clinical education
Authors: Alzayyat A. , Al‐Gamal E.
Published: June 2014

Background

There has been increased attention in the literature about stress among nursing students. It has been evident that clinical education is the most stressful experience for nursing students.

Aim

The aim of this paper was to critically review studies related to degrees of stress and the type of stressors that can be found among undergraduate nursing students during their clinical education.

Methods

The search strategy involved the utilization of the following databases: MEDLINE (Medical Literature on‐Line), CINAHL (Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature), PsycINFO (Psychology Information) and PubMed. Keywords were stress, undergraduate nursing students, clinical practice. The review included those studies published between 2002 and 2013, conducted in any country as long as reported in English, and including a focus on the clinical practice experience of nursing students. Thirteen studies met the eligibility criteria.

Results

Four themes were identified: initial clinical experience, comparison between different academic years, cross‐cultural comparison, and eustress aspects of clinical experience.

Implications for nursing and health policy

This review expands current knowledge in the area of stress in clinical settings and calls for further research. Nursing teachers should utilize the findings of this review to direct their students during clinical practice. Moreover, hospital administrators need to promote policies to promote a training environment where students are supported and inspired.
Suture‐Free Technique for Canine Ureteral Resection‐Anastomosis Using a Microvascular Anastomotic System: A Cadaveric Study
Authors: Wavreille Vincent , Adin Christopher A. , Arango Johnattan , Ham Kathleen L. , Byron Julie K. , McLoughlin Mary A.
Published: June 2014

Objective

To describe a suture‐free technique for canine ureteral resection‐anastomosis using a microvascular anastomotic system (MAS) and to compare surgical time and burst pressure of hand‐sewn (HS) ureteral end‐to‐end anastomosis with the MAS technique.

Study Design

Experimental ex vivo study.

Animals

Canine cadavers (n = 8).

Methods

For each cadaver, 1 ureter was randomly assigned to undergo HS anastomosis and the contralateral ureter had MAS anastomosis. The first 3 cadavers (6 ureters) were used to refine the MAS technique. In the other 5 dogs, surgical time and ureteral burst pressure were compared between groups (n = 5 ureters/group).

Results

Preliminary procedures showed that selective impaling of the mucosa and submucosa (without muscularis and adventitia) is necessary to allow complete mechanical interlock of the anastomotic rings for the MAS technique. Median anastomotic time was significantly shorter for MAS (7.6 min) than HS (16.6 min; p = .029) and burst pressure higher for MAS (393 cm H2O) than HS (180 cm H2O; p = .012).

Conclusion

This study demonstrated the feasibility of a suture‐free technique of canine ureteral resection‐anastomosis using a commercially available MAS. The MAS anastomosis was faster and had higher burst strength compared with the HS anastomosis.
Evaluation of candidate spermatogonial markers ID4 and GPR125 in testes of adult human cadaveric organ donors
Authors: Sachs C. , Robinson B. D. , Andres Martin L. , Webster T. , Gilbert M. , Lo H.‐Y. , Rafii S. , Ng C. K. , Seandel M.
Published: June 2014

The optimal markers for human spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) are not known. Among the genes recently linked to SSCs in mice and other animals are the basic helix‐loop‐helix transcription factor ID4 and the orphan G‐protein‐coupled receptor GPR125. While ID4 and GPR125 are considered putative markers for SSCs, they have not been evaluated for coexpression in human tissue. Furthermore, neither the size nor the character of the human spermatogonial populations that express ID4 and GPR125, respectively, are known. A major barrier to addressing these questions is the availability of healthy adult testis tissue from donors with no known reproductive health problems. To overcome this obstacle, we have employed healthy testicular tissue from a novel set of organ donors (n = 16; aged 17–68 years) who were undergoing post‐mortem clinical organ procurement. Using immunolabelling, we found that ID4 and GPR125 are expressed on partially overlapping spermatogonial populations and are more broadly expressed in the normal adult human testis. In addition, we found that expression of ID4 remained stable during ageing. These findings suggest that ID4 and GPR125 could be efficacious for identifying previously unrecognized human spermatogonial subpopulations in conjunction with other putative human stem cell markers, both in younger and older donors.
FirstmtDNAsequencing of Volga and Ob basin taimenHucho taimen: European populations stem from a late Pleistocene expansion ofH. taimenout of western Siberia and are not intermediate toHucho hucho
Authors: Marić S. , Alekseyev S. , Snoj A. , Askeyev O. , Askeyev I. , Weiss S.
Published: June 2014

New concatenatedmtDNAsequences (three genes;n= 22) of Siberian taimenHucho taimenprimarily from west Siberian and European regions of the species' range were added to 12 previously published sequences to provide a phylogeographic overview of the species. European samples show only very minor divergence from west Siberian populations, supporting a late Pleistocene expansion from Siberia into the Urals, with no particular relation to the Danube River basin huchenHucho huchoas once hypothesized. The disjunct distribution of the genus is most likely based on an early Pleistocene vicariant event.
Realizing the Promise of Well‐Being: Longitudinal Research from an Effective Early Intervention Program for Substance Exposed Babies and Toddlers Identifies Essential Components
Authors: Katz Lynne F. , Ullery Mary Anne , Lederman Cindy S.
Published: June 2014

The University of Miami Linda Ray Intervention Program (LRIP) is a Part C early intervention program for children under the age of three, with verified developmental delays located in Miami‐Dade County that has established a strong link and referral process from the Juvenile Court as well as local community‐based care agencies. Creating a system where early intervention communicates well with the court system is paramount in changing the well‐being trajectories of these vulnerable children. This article describes the growing need for early intervention services as well as the results of one successful early intervention‐court partnership that has shown promising short and long‐term results for developmentally‐delayed children who were born prenatally exposed to cocaine.
Infantile haemangiomas that failed treatment with propranolol: Clinical and histopathological features
Authors: Phillips Roderic J , Lokmic Zerina , Crock Catherine M , Penington Anthony
Published: June 2014

Aim

To describe the clinical and histopathological characteristics of infantile haemangiomas that failed treatment with oral propranolol .

Design

This study is a case series from the vascular birthmarks clinic at Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne.

Patients

The patients for this study were infants who commenced treatment with oral propranolol before 6 months of age and who were treated for at least 4 months without a satisfactory
result. For histology and immunohistochemistry, tissue from the four non‐responding patients who subsequently underwent surgical excision was matched with four historical controls.

Outcome measures

Based on medical record review and photographic assessments, infants were defined as having failed treatment with oral propranolol if the infantile haemangioma either continued to grow or showed 20% improvement or less. Tissue sections were examined for tissue structure, mast cells, sympathetic innervations and beta‐2 adrenergic receptor expression, and the number of mast cells and beta‐2 adrenergic positive cells.

Results

From a group of 135 infants who met the inclusion criteria, 14 infants failed propranolol treatment. Eleven of these infants had focal facial haemangiomas. No difference was seen in tissue morphology, tissue innervations, beta‐2 adrenergic receptor expression, cell number or mast cell distribution, and number between non‐responding and control haemangiomas.

Conclusion

We report a treatment failure rate of 10%, which is higher than previously reported. Focal facial lesions failed to respond twice as frequently as other types of haemangioma. No histopathological reason was identified to indicate why some haemangiomas failed to respond.
Stability studies of antiandrogenic compounds in Curcuma aeruginosa Roxb. extract
Authors: Suphrom Nungruthai , Srivilai Jukkarin , Pumthong Ganniga , Khorana Nantaka , Waranuch Neti , Limpeanchob Nanteetip , Ingkaninan Kornkanok
Published: June 2014

Objectives

Curcuma aeruginosa Roxb. extract is a 5α-reductase antagonist that can be used to treat hair loss. We aimed to study the stability of antiandrogenic constituents, germacrone and other sesquiterpene components in the extract.

Methods

Germacrone and the extract were analyzed as solid forms or solublized with polyethylene glycol-40 (PEG-40) or methanol using high-performance liquid chromatography and gas chromatography with flame ionization detector. The effects of pH, temperature and light on their stability were studied.

Key findings

Degradation of antiandrogenic compounds in C. aeruginosa was highly sensitive to temperature especially pure anhydrous germacrone, which was completely lost within 3 days at 45°C. Curiously, degradation was slower than as a dried extract. Paradoxically, when solubilized with PEG-40, it was largely intact even after 90 days at 45°C. The MS spectrum of a major degradation product suggested that it was elemenone probably produced by Cope rearrangement. Two other putative degradation products were germacrone-1,10-epoxide and germacrone-4,5-epoxide suggesting that oxidation of double bonds was an important mechanism. Germacrone stability was unaffected by pH (2.0–9.0) but only as dried extract it was slightly degraded by light.

Conclusion

Antiandrogenic constituents of C. aeruginosa were instable at high temperature and in solid form. Thus, the extract would be optimately stored as a solution or otherwise as solid form at low temperature.
Predicting Biochemical Response to Clomiphene Citrate in Men with Hypogonadism
Authors: Mazzola Clarisse R. , Katz Darren J. , Loghmanieh Nina , Nelson Christian J. , Mulhall John P.
Published: June 2014

Introduction

Clomiphene citrate (CC) is as an effective treatment for men with hypogonadism (HG). Identifying the ideal candidate for this strategy has to date largely relied upon a patient's interest in preservation of testicular volume and spermatogenesis.

Aim

This analysis was undertaken to define if predictors existed of robust elevation in serum testosterone (T) levels in response to CC.

Methods

Seventy-six men with a diagnosis of HG (two separate early morning total T levels <300 ng/dL) opting for CC therapy constituted the study population. Demographic, comorbidity data, and physical and laboratory characteristics were recorded. Laboratory tests were conducted 4 weeks after commencement and every 6 months thereafter. Multivariable analysis was conducted to define if predictors of biochemical response could be identified. Parameters included in the model were patient age, mean testicular volume, varicocele presence, and baseline total T, free T, and luteinizing hormone (LH) levels.

Main Outcome Measure

Successful biochemical response to CC, defined as an increase of ≥200 ng/dL in total T level at ≥6 months after commencing CC, was the main outcome measure.

Results

Mean age was 46 ± 22 years. Mean pretreatment testicular volume was 16 ± 8 mL. Mean baseline T and LH levels were 179 ± 72 ng/dL and 7.2 ± 5.6 IU/mL, respectively. Mean total T on CC was 467 ± 190 ng/dL. Forty-seven patients (62%) met the responder definition, with a mean increase in total T levels of 302 ± 76 (204–464) ng/dL. In CC responders, the mean LH rise was 5.6 ± 3.1 IU/mL. On multivariable analysis, factors predictive of CC response included: mean testicular volume (adjusted [adj.] r = 0.32, P < 0.01), mean testicular volume ≥14 mL (hazard ratio [HR] 2.2, P < 0.01), LH level (adj. r = 0.48, P < 0.001), and LH level ≤6 IU/mL (HR 3.5, P < 0.001).

Conclusion

These data indicate that two thirds of men with HG meet a robust responder definition and that pretreatment testicular volume and LH levels (in continuous and dichotomized fashions) are predictors of response.
Improving Patients' Understanding of Terms and Phrases Commonly Used in Self-Reported Measures of Sexual Function
Authors: Alexander Angel M. , Flynn Kathryn E. , Hahn Elizabeth A. , Jeffery Diana D. , Keefe Francis J. , Reeve Bryce B. , Schultz Wesley , Reese Jennifer Barsky , Shelby Rebecca A. , Weinfurt Kevin P.
Published: June 2014

Introduction

There is a significant gap in research regarding the readability and comprehension of existing sexual function measures. Patient-reported outcome measures may use terms not well understood by respondents with low literacy.

Aim

This study aims to test comprehension of words and phrases typically used in sexual function measures to improve validity for all individuals, including those with low literacy.

Methods

We recruited 20 men and 28 women for cognitive interviews on version 2.0 of the Patient-Reported Outcome Measurement Information System® (PROMIS®) Sexual Function and Satisfaction measures. We assessed participants' reading level using the word reading subtest of the Wide Range Achievement Test. Sixteen participants were classified as having low literacy.

Main Outcome Measures

In the first round of cognitive interviews, each survey item was reviewed by five or more people, at least two of whom had lower than a ninth-grade reading level (low literacy). Patient feedback was incorporated into a revised version of the items. In the second round of interviews, an additional three or more people (at least one with low literacy) reviewed each revised item.

Results

Participants with low literacy had difficulty comprehending terms such as aroused, orgasm, erection, ejaculation, incontinence, and vaginal penetration. Women across a range of literacy levels had difficulty with clinical terms like labia and clitoris. We modified unclear terms to include parenthetical descriptors or slang equivalents, which generally improved comprehension.

Conclusions

Common words and phrases used across measures of self-reported sexual function are not universally understood. Researchers should appreciate these misunderstandings as a potential source of error in studies using self-reported measures of sexual function. This study also provides evidence for the importance of including individuals with low literacy in cognitive pretesting during the measure development.
Three-Year Outcomes of Recovery of Erectile Function after Open Radical Prostatectomy with Sural Nerve Grafting
Authors: Siddiqui Khurram M. , Billia Michelle , Mazzola Clarisse R. , Alzahrani Ali , Brock Gerald B. , Scilley Christopher , Chin Joseph L.
Published: June 2014

Introduction

Optimal oncologic control of higher stage prostate cancers often requires sacrificing the neurovascular bundles (NVB) with subsequent postoperative erectile dysfunction (ED), which can be treated with interposition graft using sural nerve.

Aims

To examine the long term outcome of sural nerve grafting (SNG) during radical retropubic prostatectomy (RRP) performed by a single surgeon.

Methods

Sixty-six patients with clinically localized prostate cancer and preoperative International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) score >20 who underwent RRP were included. NVB excision was performed if the risk of side-specific extra-capsular extension (ECE) was >25% on Ohori’ nomogram. SNG was harvested by a plastic surgeon, contemporaneously as the urologic surgeon was performing RRP. IIEF questionnaire was used pre- and postoperatively and at follow-up.

Main Outcome Measures

Postoperative IIEF score at three years of men undergoing RRP with SNG. Recovery of potency was defined as postoperative IIEF-EF domain score >22.

Results

There were 43 (65%) unilateral SNG and 23 (35%) bilateral SNG. Mean surgical time was 164 minutes (71 to 221 minutes).The mean preoperative IIEF score was 23.4+1.6. With a mean follow-up of 35 months, 19 (28.8%) patients had IIEF score >22. The IIEF-EF scores for those who had unilateral SNG and bilateral SNG were 12.9+4.9 and 14.8+5.3 respectively. History of diabetes (P = 0.001) and age (P =0.007) negatively correlated with recovery of EF. 60% patients used PDE5i and showed a significantly higher EF recovery (43% vs. 17%, P = 0.009).

Conclusions

SNG can potentially improve EF recovery for potent men with higher stage prostate cancer undergoing RP. The contemporaneous, multidisciplinary approach provides a good quality graft and expedited the procedure without interrupting the work-flow.
Do Gynecologists Talk About Sexual Dysfunction With Their Patients?
Authors: Kottmel Andrea , Ruether-Wolf Katharina V. , Bitzer Johannes
Published: June 2014

Introduction

Female sexual problems and dysfunctions have a high prevalence, ranging from 12% to 80%, depending on the definition being used, underlying comorbidities, and age. Despite the high prevalence, there are only scarce data about the approach gynecologists use to address female sexual dysfunction.

Aim

The aim of this study is to evaluate the approach of Swiss gynecologists to addressing sexual problems among their outpatients.

Methods

After a pilot study including 56 physicians, a modified 19-item self-administered questionnaire was sent to 856 Swiss gynecologists to evaluate their methods of management of patients with sexual issues and their attitudes regarding the integration of sexual health issues into the gynecological consultation.

Main Outcome Measures

Besides demographic information, the self-administered questionnaire included questions about addressing sexual health as part of consultation routine, estimated frequency of symptoms, reasons for not addressing sexuality, clinical conditions in which sexuality was addressed, and methods of management of sexual problems.

Results

Of the 341 responding gynecologists (39.8% response rate), 40.4% reported having at least brief (at least 1–2 days) of training in sexual medicine, 7.9% of the respondents routinely explored sexual issues with more than 80% of their patients, 28.2% of the respondents offered appointments specifically for sexual issues, and 85% proposed referrals to specialized colleagues. Lack of motivation for therapy on the part of the patient was mentioned as the most common cause for persisting symptoms (63.3%). Dyspareunia was quoted as the most/second most prevalent type of female sexual dysfunction by 77.1% of the respondents.

Conclusion

We conclude that among Swiss gynecologists, sexual problems are regarded as an important issue in gynecological outpatient care, but addressing patients' sexuality is not yet part of routine practice. Swiss gynecologists seem to be most likely to consider hormonal changes (although not so much those due to oral contraceptives) to necessitate discussion of sexual health issues, while psychosocial transitions or stress seem to be considered less important.
Estimating marbofloxacin withdrawal time in broiler chickens using a population physiologically based pharmacokinetics model
Authors: Yang F. , Yang Y. R. , Wang L. , Huang X. H. , Qiao G. , Zeng Z. L.
Published: June 2014

Residue depletion of marbofloxacin in broiler chicken after oral administration at 5 mg/kg/day for three consecutive days was studied in this study. The areas under the concentration–time curve from 0 h to ∞ (AUC0–∞s) of marbofloxacin in tissues and plasma were used to calculate tissue/plasma partition coefficients (PXs). Based on PXs and the other parameters derived from published studies, a flow‐limited physiologically based pharmacokinetics (PBPK) model was developed to predict marbofloxacin concentrations, which were then compared with those derived from the residue depletion study so as to validate this model. Considering individual difference in drug disposition, a Monte Carlo simulation included 1000 iterations was further incorporated into the validated model to generate a population PBPK model and to estimate the marbofloxacin residue withdrawal times in edible tissues. The withdrawal periods were compared to those derived from linear regression analysis. The PBPK model presented here successfully predicted the measured concentrations in all tissues. The withdrawal times in all edible tissues derived from the population PBPK model were longer than those from linear regression analysis, and based on the residues in kidney, a withdrawal time of 4 days was estimated for marbofloxacin after oral administration at 5 mg/kg/day for three consecutive days. It was shown that population PBPK model could be used to accurately predict marbofloxacin residue withdrawal time in edible tissues in broiler chickens.
The use of guideline images to improve histological estimation of hepatic steatosis
Authors: Hall Andrew R. , Green Anna C. , Luong Tu‐Vinh , Burroughs Andrew K. , Wyatt Judith , Dhillon Amar P.
Published: June 2014

Background & Aims

Guideline images of specific fat proportionate area (FPA) percentages have recently been published to aid the histological assessment of liver steatosis as subjective estimates of FPA are usually overestimated. To assess, (i) the effect of guideline images on accuracy and concordance of estimated FPA (eFPA), (ii) experience of steatosis grading systems on eFPA, (iii) the effect of magnification on assessment of FPA (iv) and produce a range of guideline images at x4 objective magnification (OM).

Methods

Two circulations of sample images (C1 and C2) were circulated to UK liver external quality assessment histopathology scheme members who were asked to independently evaluate steatosis. Each circulation consisted of 15 images taken at both x20 and x4OM representing the full range of steatosis. C1 was distributed first, then C2 with guideline images of FPA 6 weeks later.

Results

Participants overestimated FPA in C1. In C2, there was significant improvement in accuracy (P < 0.001) of eFPA for sample images with mFPA >5%. Concordance of x4OM eFPA was substantial in both circulations (C1 K = 0.878, C2 K = 0.724).

Conclusion

The tendency to overestimate eFPA has been corroborated and can be largely corrected with the use of guideline images (without needing digital image analysis). There is a need to redefine steatosis grades that are clinically significant and validated using an accurate quantification of steatosis.
Respiratory manifestations of gastroesophageal reflux disease
Authors: Harding Susan M. , Allen Jacqui E. , Blumin Joel H. , Warner Elizabeth A. , Pellegrini Carlos A. , Chan Walter W.
Published: June 2014

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is highly associated with a range of respiratory symptoms, arising from a variety of etiologies. The following commentaries on respiratory manifestations of GERD address evidence for a role of a vagally mediated bronchoconstriction reflex in the development of asthma; the direct effects of airway obstruction on lower esophageal sphincter (LES) pressure and reflux episodes; the mechanisms by which reflux may play roles in chronic cough and airway stenosis; the limited efficacy of laparoscopic antireflux surgery (LARS) in improving GERD‐related respiratory symptoms; the search for a marker for microaspiration and reflux‐induced airway disease; and the potential of proton pump inhibitor (PPI) treatment for patients presenting with asthma and GERD.
Neuogenic and oropharyngeal dysphagia
Authors: Rofes Laia , Clavé Pere , Ouyang Ann , Scharitzer Martina , Pokieser Peter , Vilardell Natalia , Ortega Omar
Published: June 2014

Oropharyngeal dysphagia (OD) is a swallowing disorder caused by congenital abnormalities and structural damage and disease‐associated damage of the oral cavity, pharynx, and upper esophageal sphincter. Patients with OD lack the protective mechanisms necessary for effective swallowing, exhibiting difficulty controlling food in the mouth and initiating a swallow, leading to choking, coughing, and nasal regurgitation. OD is a major risk factor for malnutrition, dehydration, and aspiration pneumonia. The following on OD includes commentaries on the application of simulation of oropharyngeal transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) and maneuvers like the Shaker exercise to improve the safety and efficacy of swallow in OD patients; the prevalence of esophageal pathologies in OD patients and the need to evaluate the esophagus, esophagogastric junction, and stomach; and strategies for clinical screening to detect OD and aspiration among high‐risk patients and to improve oral health care, maintain nutrition and hydration, and prevent aspiration pneumonia.
Endotherapy for and tailored approaches to treating GERD, and refractory GERD
Authors: Locke G. Richard , Horwhat John , Mashimo Hiroshi , Savarino Edoardo , Zentilin Patrizia , Savarino Vincenzo , Zerbib Frank , Armbruster Steven P. , Wong Roy K. , Moawad Fouad
Published: June 2014

This paper presents commentaries on how endoluminal antireflux procedures compare to laparoscopic fundoplication; new endoscopic procedures being studied to treat refractory gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD); the new Stretta; the relationship between obesity and proton pump inhibitor (PPI) resistance; data concerning acid hypersensitivity and sensory receptors (vallinoid, TRPV1) causing refractory GERD; whether microscopic esophagitis is relevant in determining symptoms of non‐erosive reflux disease (NERD); how concomitant functional gastrointestinal disorders affect the PPI response in NERD; the evidence that a functional esophagus is associated with inflammatory bowel syndrome (IBS); the role of GABA agonists in the treatment of refractory GERD; the role of biofeedback and antidepressants in refractory GERD; and endoluminal fundoplication using the EsophyX device.
Combined inoculation of wheat pathogens Zymoseptoria tritici and Fusarium culmorum as a tool for increasing selection intensity in resistance breeding
Authors: Miedaner Thomas , Lieberherr Bärbel , Koch Silvia , Scholz Meike , Ebmeyer Erhard
Published: June 2014

Resistances to Septoria tritici blotch (STB) and Fusarium head blight (FHB) are important goals in European wheat breeding. We tested 25 winter wheat cultivars differing in their resistance to both diseases by inoculating Zymoseptoria tritici or Fusarium culmorum either separately on different plots or combined on the same plot. Experiments were carried out across three location × year combinations in four variants: non‐inoculated, STB inoculated, FHB inoculated and STB+FHB inoculated at the respective optimal plant stages. On the individually inoculated plots, mean STB severities ranged from 12% to 70% and mean FHB severities from 0.3% to 67% across wheat cultivars. The resistances to STB and FHB were not correlated. Mean disease severities of the respective inoculation variants, STB vs. STB+FHB and FHB vs. STB+FHB, were not significantly different (P > 0.1), and correlations between both inoculation variants were extremely high (r = 0.98) for STB. In conclusion, breeding populations have to be selected for both resistances separately, but phenotyping can be performed on the same plot without ranking differences of the respective resistance.
Expression of Arabidopsis acyl‐CoA‐binding proteins AtACBP1 and AtACBP4 confers Pb(II) accumulation in Brassica juncea roots
Authors: DU ZHI‐YAN , CHEN MO‐XIAN , CHEN QIN‐FANG , GU JI‐DONG , CHYE MEE‐LEN
Published: June 2014

In Arabidopsis thaliana, the expression of two genes encoding acyl‐CoA‐binding proteins (ACBPs) AtACBP1 and AtACBP4, were observed to be induced by lead [Pb(II)] in shoots and roots in qRT‐PCR analyses. Quantitative GUS (β‐glucuronidase) activity assays confirmed induction of AtACBP1pro::GUS by Pb(II). Electrophoretic mobility shift assays (EMSAs) revealed that Pas elements in the 5′‐flanking region of AtACBP1 were responsive to Pb(II) treatment. AtACBP1 and AtACBP4 were further compared in Pb(II) uptake using Brassica juncea, a potential candidate for phytoremediation given its rapid growth, large roots, high biomass and good capacity to accumulate heavy metals. Results from atomic absorption analyses on transgenic B. juncea expressing AtACBP1 or AtACBP4 indicated Pb(II) accumulation in roots. Subsequent Pb(II)‐tracing assays demonstrated Pb(II) accumulation in the cytosol of root tips and vascular tissues of transgenic B. juncea AtACBP1‐overexpressors (OXs) and AtACBP4‐OXs and transgenic Arabidopsis AtACBP1‐OXs. Transgenic Arabidopsis AtACBP1‐OXs sequestered Pb(II) in the trichomes and displayed tolerance to hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) treatment. In addition, AtACBP1 and AtACBP4 were H2O2‐induced in the roots of wild‐type Arabidopsis, while lipid hydroperoxide (LOOH) measurements of B. juncea AtACBP1‐OX and AtACBP4‐OX roots suggested that AtACBP1 and AtACBP4 can protect lipids against Pb(II)‐induced lipid peroxidation.
Open prospective study of ziprasidone in patients with schizophrenia with depressive symptoms: A multicenter study
Authors: Jung Woo‐Young , Kim Sung‐Gon , Lee Jin‐Seong , Kang Dong‐Ho , Jung Bong‐Joo , Shin Dong‐Hun , Lee Young‐Min , Choi Sang‐Heon
Published: June 2014

Aims

The goal of this study was to examine the efficacy and safety of ziprasidone to treat depressive symptoms in Korean patients with schizophrenia who showed stable symptoms.

Methods

In this 8‐week, open‐label, prospective, non‐randomized, multicenter study, 34 patients with schizophrenia who showed a stable response to previous medications, maintained a stable dose, and who had depressive symptoms, were recruited. Ziprasidone was the only antipsychotic agent allowed for 8 weeks after a 2–7‐week washout period.

Results

Steady decreases were observed on the Montgomery–Asberg Depression Rating Scale, the Calgary Depression Scale for Schizophrenia, the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale, and the Clinical Global Impression‐Severity Scale scores. The Montgomery–Asberg Depression Rating Scale score was 20.26 ± 4.77 at baseline and 12.21 ± 7.94 at the end‐point (P < 0.01). The Calgary Depression Scale for Schizophrenia score was 9.76 ± 4.11 at baseline and 5.00 ± 3.94 at the end‐point (P < 0.01). The Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale total score was 75.24 ± 22.63 at baseline and 66.53 ± 24.28 at the end‐point (P < 0.01). The Clinical Global Impression‐Severity Scale score was 3.44 ± 0.66 at baseline and 3.15 ± 0.86 at the end‐point (P < 0.05). No significant differences were observed for total scores on the Simpson and Angus Rating Scale, the Barnes Akathisia Rating Scale, or the Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale between the baseline and end‐point.

Conclusions

Ziprasidone was effective for improving depressive symptom scores and was well tolerated. Switching to ziprasidone is a good strategy in patients with schizophrenia who are experiencing depressive symptoms.
Commentary: Is the Public Economics Toolbox Applicable to Budget Analysis?
Authors: Lackman Abraham
Published: June 2014

Lackman Podcast Episode
An Immunohistochemical Observations on the Oviduct of the Goat
Authors: Marettová E , Maretta M
Published: June 2014

Contents

The oviduct has an important role in regulating transport of gametes and fertilization. The main role in these functions has a smooth muscle cells and ciliated epithelium lining the oviduct. All functions are under the influence of hormonal and nervous system. The objective of this study was immunohistochemically to examine the following structures: lining epithelium, smooth muscle cells, elastic fibres and nerve fibres. For this purpose, the following antibodies were used: cytokeratin 18, S‐100 protein, acetylated α‐tubulin, smooth muscle actin, desmin and elastin. Ciliary and secretory cells of the lining epithelium were positive for cytokeratin 18 and S‐100 protein. Cilia and the basal body‐associated structures of ciliary cells were positive to acetylated α‐tubulin. Smooth muscle cells (SMC) in mucosa and of the muscular layer were positive for α‐smooth muscle actin (SMA) and desmin. High density of nerve fibres positively reacted to acetylated α‐tubulin and S100 protein was present in the mucosa, muscular layer and serosa. Elastic fibres positive for elastin form a dense network at the base of the mucosal folds and in the muscle layer. A dense network of these fibres is accompanying the blood vessels. It is supposed that together with smooth muscle cells they are involved in the transport of ovum and in blood flow regulation.
Conducting Systematic Reviews of Intervention Questions III: Synthesizing Data from Intervention Studies Using Meta‐Analysis
Authors: O'Connor A. M. , Sargeant J. M. , Wang C.
Published: June 2014

This article is the sixth in a series of six articles describing systematic reviews of interventions in animal agriculture and veterinary medicine. The first article provided an overview of systematic reviews, followed by an article on building evidence across study designs, and an article describing criteria for validity in randomized controlled trials. The fourth article in this series overviewed the initial steps in conducting a systematic review: development of a review protocol, identification of the structured question to be addressed and conducting a comprehensive literature search to identify potentially relevant research to address the review question. The fifth article introduced relevance screening of literature to identify and include research that is relevant to the review question, the use of standardized checklists and procedures to assess the risk of bias in the relevant research, data extraction from primary research studies and summarizing the results of the body of research identified. Many systematic reviews of interventions aim to use a quantitative method to combine the results of multiple studies and provide a more precise estimate of the effect of the intervention on the outcome, that is, a summary effect measure. The objective of this article was to describe general approaches that are available for quantitative synthesis of data. Specific details of all meta‐analysis statistical approaches are beyond the capacity of this article.
Conducting Systematic Reviews of Intervention Questions I: Writing the Review Protocol, Formulating the Question and Searching the Literature
Authors: O'Connor A. M. , Anderson K. M. , Goodell C. K. , Sargeant J. M.
Published: June 2014

This article is the fourth of six articles addressing systematic reviews in animal agriculture and veterinary medicine. Previous articles in the series have introduced systematic reviews, discussed study designs and hierarchies of evidence, and provided details on conducting randomized controlled trials, a common design for use in systematic reviews. This article describes development of a review protocol and the first two steps in a systematic review: formulating a review question, and searching the literature for relevant research. The emphasis is on systematic reviews of questions related to interventions. The review protocol is developed prior to conducting the review and specifies the plan for the conduct of the review, identifies the roles and responsibilities of the review team and provides structured definitions related to the review question. For intervention questions, the review question should be defined by the PICO components: population, intervention, comparison and outcome(s). The literature search is designed to identify all potentially relevant original research that may address the question. Search terms related to some or all of the PICO components are entered into literature databases, and searches for unpublished literature also are conducted. All steps of the literature search are documented to provide transparent reporting of the process.
Introduction to Systematic Reviews in Animal Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine
Authors: Sargeant J. M. , O'Connor A. M.
Published: June 2014

This article is the first in a series of six articles related to systematic reviews in animal agriculture and veterinary medicine. In this article, we overview the methodology of systematic reviews and provide a discussion of their use. Systematic reviews differ qualitatively from traditional reviews by explicitly defining a specific review question, employing methods to reduce bias in the selection and inclusion of studies that address the review question (including a systematic and specified search strategy, and selection of studies based on explicit eligibility criteria), an assessment of the risk of bias for included studies and objectively summarizing the results qualitatively or quantitatively (i.e. via meta‐analysis). Systematic reviews have been widely used to address human healthcare questions and are increasingly being used in veterinary medicine. Systematic reviews can provide veterinarians and other decision‐makers with a scientifically defensible summary of the current state of knowledge on a topic without the need for the end‐user to read the vast amount of primary research related to that topic.