bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Beneficial Role of Thiamine in Parkinson Disease
Authors: Lương Khanh v. q. , Nguyễn Lan T. H.
Published: March 2013

Parkinson disease (PD) is the second most common form of neurodegeneration among elderly individuals. PD is clinically characterized by tremors, rigidity, slowness of movement, and postural imbalance. In this paper, we review the evidence for an association between PD and thiamine. Interestingly, a significant association has been demonstrated between PD and low levels of serum thiamine, and thiamine supplements appear to have beneficial clinical effects against PD. Multiple studies have evaluated the connection between thiamine and PD pathology, and candidate pathways involve the transcription factor Sp1, p53, Bcl‐2, caspase‐3, tyrosine hydroxylase, glycogen synthase kinase‐3β, vascular endothelial growth factor, advanced glycation end products, nuclear factor kappa B, mitogen‐activated protein kinase, and the reduced form of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate. Thus, a review of the literature suggests that thiamine plays a role in PD, although further investigation into the effects of thiamine in PD is needed.
Preclinical Assessment of Ketamine
Authors: Wang Cheng , Liu Fang , Patterson Tucker A. , Paule Merle G. , Slikker William
Published: March 2013

Ketamine is used as a general anesthetic, and recent data suggest that anesthetics can cause neurodegeneration and/or neuroprotection. The precise mechanisms are not completely understood.
This review is to examine the work on ketamine and to address how developmental biology may be utilized when combined with biochemical, pathological, and pharmacokinetic assessments to produce a bridging model that may decrease the uncertainty in extrapolating preclinical data to human conditions. Advantages of using preclinical models to study critical issues related to ketamine anesthesia have been described. These include the relationships between ketamine‐induced neurotoxicity/protection and the preclinical models/approaches in elucidating mechanisms associated with ketamine exposure. The discussions focus on the following: (1) the doses and time‐course over which ketamine is associated with damage to, or protection of, neural cells, (2) how ketamine directs or signals neural cells to undergo apoptosis or necrosis, (3) how such exposures can trigger mitochondrial dysfunction, (4) how antioxidants and knockdowns of specific transcription modulators or receptors affect neurotoxicity induced by ketamine, and (5) whether the potential neural damage can be monitored after ketamine exposure in living animals using positron emission tomography.
TRACING THE EFFECTS OF GUARANTEED ADMISSION THROUGH THE COLLEGE PROCESS: EVIDENCE FROM A POLICY DISCONTINUITY IN THE TEXAS 10% PLAN
Authors: FLETCHER JASON M. , MAYER ADALBERT
Published: March 2013

The Texas 10% law states that students who graduated among the top 10% of their high school class are guaranteed admission to public universities in Texas. We estimate the causal effects of this admissions guarantee on a sequence of connected decisions: students' application behavior, admission decisions by the university, students' enrollment choices conditional on admission; as well as the resulting college achievement. We identify these effects by comparing students just above and just below the top 10% rank cut off. We assume that other student characteristics and incentives are continuous at this cut off. We find that students react to incentives created by the admissions guarantee—for example, by reducing applications to competing private universities. The effects of the admissions guarantee depend on the university and the type of students it attracts. The 10% law is binding and alters the decisions of the admissions committees. We find little evidence that the law increases diversity or leads to meaningful mismatch for the marginal student admitted.(JELI23, I28)
Basaloid large cell lung carcinoma presenting as cutaneous metastasis at the colostomy site after abdominoperineal resection for rectal carcinoma
Authors: Sabater‐Marco Vicente , García‐García José Angel , Roig‐Vila José Vicente
Published: March 2013

The occurrence of a tumor at the colostomy site after abdominoperineal resection for rectal carcinoma is rare and it may be related to a previously resected carcinoma or another primary tumor. We report a 61‐year‐old man who developed an ulcerated skin nodule at her colostomy site 6 years after resection of a rectal adenocarcinoma. Histopathologically, the skin nodule was composed of atypical large and pleomorphic cells with high mitotic rate and they were arranged in nests and within lymphatic channels in the dermis. The neoplastic cells were immunoreactive for cytokeratin (CK) AE1/3, CK7, CK34ßE12, epithelial membrane antigen and vimentin while detection of human papillomavirus and Epstein–Barr virus DNA was negative. A diagnosis of basaloid large cell carcinoma of pulmonary origin was suggested and it was confirmed by computed tomography‐guided fine needle aspiration of a right subpleural mass. A metastatic tumor at the colostomy site is an exceptional finding and may be the first manifestation of lung cancer, especially if it consist of pleomorphic large cells with high mitotic rate and basaloid immunophenotype.
Vascular anomalies – a practical approach
Authors: Theiler Martin , Wälchli Regula , Weibel Lisa
Published: March 2013

Vascular anomalies are common clinical problems (around 4.5% of all patients) in pediatric dermatology. A correct diagnosis is possible on clinical grounds in around 90% of cases; the remaining patients may require radiologic evaluations (duplex ultrasonography, MRI scan) and, rarely, histology.

Vascular anomalies are divided into tumors and vascular malformations. This clear division reflects the different biological behaviors of these two groups. The infantile hemangioma represents by far the most common vascular tumor and is characterized by a typical growth cycle consisting of rapid proliferation, plateau phase, and finally slow regression. The discovery in 2008 of the efficacy of beta blockers in this disease is a therapeutic milestone.

Vascular malformations can affect all types of vessels (capillaries, veins, arteries and lymphatic vessels). They usually manifest at birth and grow proportionally with the affected child. Some show marked progression especially during puberty. Considerable progress has been made with innovative interventional therapies in recent years, but surgery remains an important option.

Basic knowledge of these diseases is important to every dermatologist in order to be able to counsel and manage affected patients correctly.
Efficacy and safety of canagliflozin in subjects with type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease
Authors: Yale J.‐F. , Bakris G. , Cariou B. , Yue D. , David‐Neto E. , Xi L. , Figueroa K. , Wajs E. , Usiskin K. , Meininger G.
Published: March 2013

Aims

Canagliflozin is a sodium glucose co‐transporter 2 inhibitor in development for treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). This study evaluated the efficacy and safety of canagliflozin in subjects with T2DM and stage 3 chronic kidney disease [CKD; estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) ≥30 and <50 ml/min/1.73 m2].

Methods

In this randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, phase 3 trial, subjects (N = 269) received canagliflozin 100 or 300 mg or placebo daily. The primary efficacy endpoint was change from baseline in HbA1c at week 26. Prespecified secondary endpoints were change in fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and proportion of subjects reaching HbA1c <7.0%. Safety was assessed based on adverse event (AE) reports; renal safety parameters (e.g. eGFR, blood urea nitrogen and albumin/creatinine ratio) were also evaluated.

Results

Both canagliflozin 100 and 300 mg reduced HbA1c from baseline compared with placebo at week 26 (–0.33, –0.44 and –0.03%; p < 0.05). Numerical reductions in FPG and higher proportions of subjects reaching HbA1c < 7.0% were observed with canagliflozin 100 and 300 mg versus placebo (27.3, 32.6 and 17.2%). Overall AE rates were similar for canagliflozin 100 and 300 mg and placebo (78.9, 74.2 and 74.4%). Slightly higher rates of urinary tract infections and AEs related to osmotic diuresis and reduced intravascular volume were observed with canagliflozin 300 mg compared with other groups. Transient changes in renal function parameters that trended towards baseline over 26 weeks were observed with canagliflozin.

Conclusion

Canagliflozin improved glycaemic control and was generally well tolerated in subjects with T2DM and Stage 3 CKD.
The implications of myelodysplastic syndrome – associated chromosomal abnormalities in the development of graft‐versus‐host disease
Authors: Arai Yasuyuki , Yamashita Kouhei , Mizugishi Kiyomi , Takaori‐Kondo Akifumi , Chiba Tsutomu , Watanabe Tomohiro
Published: March 2013

There is a growing body of evidences that acquired chromosomal abnormalities in bone marrow (BM) cells are associated with clinical manifestations of myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). However, to our knowledge, there are no reports that describe the association between chromosomal abnormalities in MDS and graft‐versus‐host disease (GVHD) after allogeneic stem cell transplantation (allo‐SCT). Here, we describe two MDS cases with trisomy 8 and der(1;7)(q10;p10), who developed severe GVHD after allo‐SCT. We analyzed cytokine production and cell survival of monocytes from these patients with MDS before allo‐SCT, in comparison with healthy controls or an MDS patient with a different chromosomal abnormality, who has not developed GVHD. The monocytes from MDS patients with trisomy 8 and der(1;7)(q10;p10) produced a larger amount of pro‐inflammatory cytokine, tumor necrosis factor‐α, and a smaller amount of anti‐inflammatory cytokine, interleukin‐10, on stimulation with Toll‐like receptor (TLR) ligands. In addition, the monocytes from MDS cases with GVHD showed a decrease in apoptotic cell death upon stimulation with TLR ligands. We also detected host‐derived pro‐inflammatory antigen‐presenting cells (APCs) in skin GVHD lesions after allo‐SCT. These data suggest that trisomy 8 and der(1;7)(q10;p10) may be associated with the development of severe GVHD, by prolonging survival of pro‐inflammatory host‐derived APCs in GVHD lesions.
Uncovering novel actors in astrocyte–neuron crosstalk in Parkinson's disease: the Wnt/β‐catenin signaling cascade as the common final pathway for neuroprotection and self‐repair
Authors: Marchetti Bianca , L'Episcopo Francesca , Morale Maria Concetta , Tirolo Cataldo , Testa Nuccio , Caniglia Salvo , Serapide Maria Francesca , Pluchino Stefano
Published: March 2013

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a common neurodegenerative disorder characterized by progressive loss of dopaminergic (DAergic) neuronal cell bodies in the substantia nigra pars compacta and gliosis. The cause and mechanisms underlying the demise of nigrostriatal DAergic neurons are ill‐defined, but interactions between genes and environmental factors are recognized to play a critical role in modulating the vulnerability to PD. Current evidence points to reactive glia as a pivotal factor in PD pathophysiology, playing both protective and destructive roles. Here, the contribution of reactive astrocytes and their ability to modulate DAergic neurodegeneration, neuroprotection and neurorepair in the 1‐methyl‐4‐phenyl‐1,2,3,6‐tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) rodent model of PD will be discussed in the light of novel emerging evidence implicating wingless‐type mouse mammary tumor virus integration site (Wnt)/β‐catenin signaling as a strong candidate in MPTP‐induced nigrostriatal DAergic plasticity. In this work, we highlight an intrinsic Wnt1/frizzled‐1/β‐catenin tone that critically contributes to the survival and protection of adult midbrain DAergic neurons, with potential implications for drug design or drug action in PD. The dynamic interplay between astrocyte‐derived factors and neurogenic signals in MPTP‐induced nigrostriatal DAergic neurotoxicity and repair will be summarized, together with recent findings showing a critical role of glia–neural stem/progenitor cell (NPC) interactions aimed at overcoming neurodegeneration and inducing neurorestoration. Understanding the intrinsic plasticity of nigrostriatal DAergic neurons and deciphering the signals facilitating the crosstalk between astrocytes, microglia, DAergic neurons and NPCs may have major implications for the role of stem cell technology in PD, and for identifying potential therapeutic targets to induce endogenous neurorepair.
The strongest does not attract all but it does attract the most – evaluating the criminal attractiveness of shopping malls using fuzzy logic
Authors: Mago Vijay K. , Frank Richard , Reid Andrew , Dabbaghian Vahid
Published: March 2013

Crime attractors are locations (e.g. shopping malls) that attract criminally motivated offenders because of the presence of known criminal opportunities. Although there have been many studies that explore the patterns of crime in and around these locations, there are still many questions that linger. In recent years, there has been a growing interest to develop mathematical models in attempts to help answer questions about various criminological phenomena. In this paper, we are interested in applying a formal methodology to model the relative attractiveness of crime attractor locations based on characteristics of offenders and the crime they committed. To accomplish this task, we adopt fuzzy logic techniques to calculate the attractiveness of crime attractors in three suburban cities in the Metro Vancouver region of British Columbia, Canada. The fuzzy logic techniques provide results comparable with our real‐life expectations that offenders do not necessarily commit significant crimes in the immediate neighbourhood of the attractors, but travel towards it, and commit crimes on the way. The results of this study could lead to a variety of crime prevention benefits and urban planning strategies.
The CRHR1 gene, trauma exposure, and alcoholism risk: a test of G × E effects
Authors: Ray L. A. , Sehl M. , Bujarski S. , Hutchison K. , Blaine S. , Enoch M.‐A.
Published: March 2013

The corticotropin‐releasing hormone type I receptor (CRHR1) gene has been implicated in the liability for neuropsychiatric disorders, particularly under conditions of stress. On the basis of the hypothesized effects of CRHR1 variation on stress reactivity, measures of adulthood traumatic stress exposure were analyzed for their interaction with CRHR1 haplotypes and single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in predicting the risk for alcoholism. Phenotypic data on 2533 non‐related Caucasian individuals (1167 alcoholics and 1366 controls) were culled from the publically available Study of Addiction: Genetics and Environment genome‐wide association study. Genotypes were available for 19 tag SNPs. Logistic regression models examined the interaction between CRHR1 haplotypes/SNPs and adulthood traumatic stress exposure in predicting alcoholism risk. Two haplotype blocks spanned CRHR1. Haplotype analyses identified one haplotype in the proximal block 1 (P = 0.029) and two haplotypes in the distal block 2 (P = 0.026, 0.042) that showed nominally significant (corrected P < 0.025) genotype × traumatic stress interactive effects on the likelihood of developing alcoholism. The block 1 haplotype effect was driven by SNPs rs110402 (P = 0.019) and rs242924 (P = 0.019). In block 2, rs17689966 (P = 0.018) showed significant and rs173365 (P = 0.026) showed nominally significant, gene × environment (G × E) effects on alcoholism status. This study extends the literature on the interplay between CRHR1 variation and alcoholism, in the context of exposure to traumatic stress. These findings are consistent with the hypothesized role of the extra hypothalamic corticotropin‐releasing factor system dysregulation in the initiation and maintenance of alcoholism. Molecular and experimental studies are needed to more fully understand the mechanisms of risk and protection conferred by genetic variation at the identified loci.
The construction of family values in geopolitical discourse: the ongoing legacy of Adolf Hitler and Britain's ‘supreme emergency’
Authors: Flint Colin
Published: March 2013

The use of the philosophical axioms of just war theory by political leaders justifying their participation in war is examined. Especially, the just war themes of ‘supreme emergency’ and ‘emergency ethics’ are investigated as a means of justifying extra‐territorial wars, or wars that are far away from a state's borders and where no imminent threat of invasion is present. The practice of equating geopolitical situations to the actions of Hitler and Nazi Germany is seen as a consequence of the mobilisation of the language of ‘emergency ethics’. The rhetoric justifying extra‐territorial warfare uses an idealised sense of the home that is reinforced by the practices of soldiers. Furthermore, the importance of values in the ‘emergency ethics’ logic is investigated by exploring the memoirs of a British Army chaplain serving in the Korean War. The contemporary relevance of the article lies in the extra‐territorial nature of the War on Terror and the persistent use of reference to values to justify immoral and illegal acts of war.
Association of statin use with risk of dementia: A meta‐analysis of prospective cohort studies
Authors: Song Yu , Nie Hongwei , Xu Yong , Zhang Ling , Wu Yan
Published: March 2013

Statins are a class of medications that reduce cholesterol by inhibiting 3‐hydroxy‐3‐methylglutaryl‐coenzyme A reductase, which were thought to have a positive impact on dementia. We carried out the present meta‐analysis to investigate whether statins might be associated with a reduction on risk of dementia. We carried out a meta‐analysis of prospective cohort studies to examine the risk of dementia associated with statins. Ovid‐Medline database, PubMed database, Springer Link database and Google Scholar in English search were carried out for relevant studies. Selected studies had to describe an original study defined by strict screening and diagnostic criteria. We included eight prospective cohort studies that reported relative risks with 95% confidence intervals for the association of statins and dementia risk. A random effects model was used to calculate the summary risk estimates. The studies eligible for analysis involved 2851 cases and 57020 participants. The summary relative risk of dementia for the use of statins was 0.62 (95% confidence interval 0.43–0.81), with evidence of heterogeneity (P = 0.001, I2 = 70.8%). Findings of the present meta‐analysis show that statin use was associated with a reduced risk of dementia. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2013; 13: 817–824.
Lethal cardiac arrhythmia during central venous catheterization in a uremic patient: A case report and review of the literature
Authors: Huang Ya‐Chin , Huang Jiun‐Chi , Chen Szu‐Chia , Chang Jer‐Ming , Chen Hung‐Chun
Published: March 2013

Double‐lumen central venous catheter (CVC) is a rapid access technique for hemodialysis (HD) when an arteriovenous fistula or graft is not available. A variety of procedure‐related complications have been reported, such as infection and pneumothorax, but serious cardiac complications are relatively less mentioned. We report a uremic woman with preexisting left bundle branch block who required emergent HD and received jugular double‐lumen CVC insertion, which was complicated by short‐duration ventricular tachycardia followed by complete atrio‐ventricular block and bradycardia. Pharmacological management did not reverse heart rate and rhythm. External pacing was not applied because she remained hemodynamically stable in the course of HD. Heart rate returned to sinus rhythm with left bundle branch block 4 hours later and did not recur through the whole admission period. We speculate that the transient arrhythmia might have been induced by mechanical contact with the ventricular wall during the procedure with the guided metallic wire. In conclusion, physicians responsible for CVC catheterization should pay more attention to patients with preexisting cardiac arrhythmia to prevent such technical mistakes from transpiring.
The Efficacy and Impact of the Alien Transfer Exit Programme: Migrant Perspectives from Nogales, Sonora, Mexico
Authors: De León Jason
Published: March 2013

The Alien Transfer Exit Programme (ATEP) is a US deportation strategy created in 2008 whereby migrants are returned to border regions of Mexico distant from their initial place of apprehension. The goal of this strategy is to geographically separate migrants from their coyotes [paid crossing guide], who are often waiting for them in Mexico, in an attempt to discourage people from attempting additional border crossings. The official government stance concerning this programme is that it is both effective at deterring migration and that it protects migrants from abusive coyotes who often “force” them to cross the harsh Sonoran desert. The effectiveness of this new policy or its impact on the experiences of migrants has yet to be examined. Using a combination of ethnography and archaeology, I describe ATEP and its impacts on the social process of border crossing with an emphasis on the experiences of migrants who have been deported from California to the Mexican border town of Nogales. I argue that recent formalized deportation strategies such as ATEP build on previous lateral relocation programmes that have long been ineffective at slowing migration. In addition, ATEP contributes to sustaining previous migration control policies of exclusion (based on age, gender, and health) that now produce new dangers for both those included and excluded from this programme. ATEP should be viewed as an enforcement strategy aimed at systematically placing migrants in harm's way by relocating them geographically and by undermining the resources (i.e., human and social capital) that people have come to rely on for successful (and safer) border crossings. These findings contribute to the growing literature on the anthropology of deportation and the critical phenomenology of illegality.
Economic evaluation of micafungin versus caspofungin for the treatment of candidaemia and invasive candidiasis
Authors: Neoh C. F. , Liew D. , Slavin M. A , Marriott D. , Chen S. C.‐A. , Morrissey O. , Stewart K. , Kong D. C. M.
Published: March 2013

Background

Micafungin demonstrated non‐inferiority to caspofungin as definitive therapy for candidaemia and invasive candidiasis (IC) in a major randomised clinical trial.

Aim

The aim of this study was to investigate if micafungin is a cost‐saving option compared with caspofungin for treating candidaemia andIC.

Methods

A decision analytical model was constructed to capture downstream consequences of using either agent as initial therapy for candidaemia andIC. The main outcomes were treatment success and treatment failure (i.e. death, mycological persistence, emergent infection, clinical failure but microbiological success). Outcome probabilities and treatment pathways were derived from the literature. Cost inputs were from the latest Australian resources, and resource use was estimated by expert panel. The analysis was from theAustralian hospital perspective. Sensitivity analyses usingMonteCarlo simulation were conducted.

Results

Micafungin (AU$52 816) was associated with a lower total cost than caspofungin (AU$52 976), with a net cost‐saving of $160 per patient. This was primarily due to the lower cost associated with alternative antifungal treatment in the micafungin arm. Hospitalisation was the main cost‐driver for both arms. The model outcome was most sensitive to the proportion of treatment success in the micafungin arm. Uncertainty analysis demonstrated that micafungin had a 58% chance of being cost‐saving compared with caspofungin.

Conclusions

Micafungin was cost‐equivalent to caspofungin in treating candidaemia andIC, with variation in drug acquisition cost the critical factor.
The dark side of information technology use
Authors: Tarafdar Monideepa , Gupta Ashish , Turel Ofir
Published: March 2013

A large body of research has considered the positive aspects of information technology (IT) use. However, emerging research and practice commentary is beginning to focus on complex and often alarming ways in which use of IT affects organisational and social life. This Special Issue focuses on these ‘dark’ effects of IT use.
Voluntary angler logbooks reveal long‐term changes in a lentic pike, Esox lucius, population
Authors: Jansen T. , Arlinghaus R. , Als T. D. , Skov C.
Published: March 2013

Sixty‐two years of voluntarily collected angling logbook data from a large natural Danish lake were used to study variation in pike, Esox lucius L., CPUE (catch per unit effort), expressed as no. of captured pike per boat trip, as an index of stock size. Pike CPUE was positively related to pike release rate by anglers and negatively affected by certain commercial fishers. The stocking of young‐of‐the‐year pike and a fishery‐dependent index of perch, Perca fluviatilis L., abundance (which may be pike prey or predator depending on size) did not correlate with pike CPUE. Analyses of the size distribution of pike, based on sizes of annual record trophy pike captured by anglers, confirmed the negative impact of commercial pike fishing and revealed a positive influence of air temperature. It is concluded that high‐quality angler logbooks that record effort and catch can be a cost‐effective tool to inform lake fisheries management by revealing long‐term population trends. Further, state space modelling, a statistical technique not yet seen in recreational fisheries science, is recommended as a tool to model proxies for population dynamics from angler logbook data.
Controlled Delivery of Low‐Dose Bone Morphogenetic Protein‐2 Using Heparin‐Conjugated Fibrin in the Posterolateral Lumbar Fusion of Rabbits
Authors: Koo Ki‐Hyoung , Lee Jong‐Min , Ahn Jung‐Min , Kim Byung‐Soo , La Wan‐Geun , Kim Chang‐Sung , Im Gun‐Il
Published: March 2013

The heparin‐conjugated fibrin (HCF) system has been developed to deliver bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) for a long‐term period and thus enhance bone regeneration. In the present study, we tested the effectiveness of the delivery system for spinal fusion with a very low dose of BMP‐2. A total of 15 rabbits underwent posterolateral lumbar spine, divided into three groups. The control group received only collagen sponges without BMP‐2, another group (BMP‐only group) received collagen sponges loaded with BMP‐2 (10 μg each side), and the last group (BMP/HCF group) received collagen sponges filled with HCF loaded with BMP‐2 (10 μg each side). All animals were euthanized 8 weeks after surgery, and the fusion was assessed by radiographs, manual palpation, computed tomography scan, and mechanical testing. No case in the BMP/HCF group or in the control group achieved solid fusion, while all cases in BMP‐only group showed evidence of solid fusion. BMP/HCF group had significantly lower fusion rate and tensile strength than BMP‐only group at the dose of 10 μg of BMP‐2. The HCF long‐term delivery system with the low dose of BMP‐2 (10 μg) is ineffective for the induction of lumbar posterolateral fusion in the rabbits.
A new taxonomy of the family Teloschistaceae
Authors: Arup Ulf , Søchting Ulrik , Frödén Patrik
Published: March 2013

The lichen family Teloschistaceae is one of the larger families of lichenized fungi. Currently it includes one very large heterogenous genus,Caloplaca, with some 1000 or more species with a vast variation in morphology, anatomy and chemistry. The rest of the family is split into 10–15 smaller genera, each with 20 or fewer species. There is no modern classification of the family based on molecular data. Here we attempt a first phylogenetic evaluation of a large part of the family, including a total of 337 species. Of these, 162 were used in a combined phylogenetic analysis of the ribosomal RNA sequence markers nrITS, nrLSU and mrSSU, using Bayesian inference. We also analysed all species using nrITS data, split into four different analyses. As a result we propose a new classification of the family, where a total of 39 genera are recognized, of which 31 are newly described or resurrected. The new genera are:Athallia, Austroplaca, Bryoplaca, Calogaya, Cerothallia, Flavoplaca, Gondwania, Haloplaca, Orientophila, Pachypeltis, Parvoplaca, Rufoplaca, Shackletonia, Scutaria, Sirenophila, Solitaria, Squamulea, Stellarangia, Teloschistopsis, Usnochroma, Variospora, VillophoraandWetmoreana. Resurrected genera areBlastenia, Dufourea, Follmannia, Gyalolechia, Leproplaca, Polycauliona, PyrenodesmiaandXanthocarpia. The speciesOrientophila subscopularisis described as new. A third subfamily, Teloschistoideae, is proposed to accommodate the genusTeloschistesand related genera, parallel to the two previously recognized subfamilies Xanthorioideae and Caloplacoideae. We also show the large plasticity in both morphological and anatomical characters between closely related species within genera, indicating the low value of these as evolutionary markers. The secondary chemistry is a better marker in some parts of the family. We recognize a large number of geographically delimited clades with clear centres of evolution, but often showing large variation in morphology and anatomy.
Exploring the expectations, needs and experiences of general practitioners and nurses towards a proactive and structured care programme for frail older patients: a mixed‐methods study
Authors: Bleijenberg Nienke , Ten Dam Valerie Hester , Steunenberg Bas , Drubbel Irene , Numans Mattijs E. , De Wit Niek J. , Schuurmans Marieke J.
Published: March 2013

Aim

To report the expectations and experiences of general practitioners and practice nurses regarding the U‐CARE programme, to gain a better understanding of the barriers and facilitators in providing proactive, structured care to frail older people and to determine whether implementation is feasible.

Background

Care for older patients with complex care needs in primary care is fragmented, reactive and time consuming. A structured, proactive care programme was developed to improve physical functioning and quality of life in frail older patients.

Design

An explanatory mixed‐methods study nested in a cluster‐randomized trial.

Methods

The barriers to and needs for the provision of structured, proactive care, and expectations regarding the U‐CARE programme were assessed with pre‐questionnaires sent to all participating general practitioners (n = 32) and practice nurses (n = 21) in October 2010. Postquestionnaires measured experiences with the programme after 5 months. Twelve months later, focus group meetings were conducted.

Results

Practice nurses and general practitioners reported that it was difficult to provide proactive and structured care to older patients with multi‐morbidity, different cultural backgrounds and low socioeconomic status. Barriers were a lack of time and financial compensation. Most general practitioners and practice nurses indicated that the programme added value for the coordination of care and allowed them to provide structured care.

Conclusion

This explanatory mixed‐methods study showed that general practitioners and practice nurses perceived the U‐CARE programme as feasible in general practice. A transition was made from reactive, ad hoc care towards a proactive and preventive care approach.
Nursing intellectual capital theory: testing selected propositions
Authors: Covell Christine L. , Sidani Souraya
Published: March 2013

Aims

To test the selected propositions of the middle‐range theory of nursing intellectual capital.

Background

The nursing intellectual capital theory conceptualizes nursing knowledge's influence on patient and organizational outcomes. The theory proposes nursing human capital, nurses' knowledge, skills and experience, is related to the quality of patient care and nurse recruitment and retention of an inpatient care unit. Two factors in the work environment, nurse staffing and employer support for nurse continuing professional development, are proposed to influence nursing human capital's association with patient and organizational outcomes.

Design

A cross‐sectional survey design.

Methods

The study took place in 2008 in six Canadian acute care hospitals. Financial, human resource and risk data were collected from hospital departments and unit managers. Clearly specified empirical indicators quantified the study variables. The propositions of the theory were tested with data from 91 inpatient care units using structural equation modelling.

Results

The propositions associated with the nursing human capital concept were supported. The propositions associated with the employer support for nurse continuing professional development concept were not. The proposition that nurse staffing's influences on patient outcomes was mediated by the nursing human capital of an inpatient unit, was partially supported.

Conclusion

Some of the theory's propositions were empirically validated. Additional theoretical work is needed to refine the operationalization and measurement of some of the theory's concepts. Further research with larger samples of data from different geographical settings and types of hospitals is required to determine if the theory can withstand empirical scrutiny.
The effect of educational audiotape programme on anxiety and depression in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft
Authors: Hoseini Shirzad , Soltani Fahimeh , Babaee Beygi Mohammadali , Zarifsanaee Nahid
Published: March 2013

Aims and objectives

To investigate use of educational audiotape programme on anxiety and depression in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft (CABG).

Background

Anxiety and depression after CABG are the most common complications, having a negative impact on the prognosis of heart disease, leading to special needs according to their new physical and mental conditions.

Design

Randomised clinical trial.

Methods

This study conducted in Iran, 70 patients undergoing CABG were included and divided into two equal groups, the control group and intervention group. They were followed up for six weeks. An audiotape educational programme was given to the intervention group after surgery in addition to the routine training. But patients in the control group received only routine training. Anxiety and depression were assessed by Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, a standardised questionnaire for anxiety and depression. Data were collected before and six weeks after the intervention. For the comparison of mean scores between the groups, the data were analysed in spss, version 16, using independent T‐test and paired T‐test.

Results

The mean scores obtained in both anxiety and depression dimensions were significantly different between the intervention and control groups.

Conclusions

Audiotape educational programme used by patients undergoing CABG decreases the level of their anxiety and depression after cardiac surgery.

Relevance to clinical practice

The most significant finding was the importance of audiotape educational programme to meet the needs of the CABG patients, which suggest that patient education through audiotape can be effective in self‐care after heart surgery and nurses can use an audiotape containing preparatory information to improve outcomes and reduce anxiety and depression in patients having CABG.
MULTIUNIT AUCTIONS
Authors: Kwasnica Anthony M. , Sherstyuk Katerina
Published: March 2013

We survey experimental research on multiunit auctions with an emphasis on topics that may be of a unifying interest to experimental, as well as theoretical and empirical economists. Topics include static and dynamic multiunit auctions; combinatorial auctions and efficient auction design; simultaneous and sequential auctions; bidder asymmetry and endogenous entry, and collusion in auctions. We also discuss behavioral regularities observed in multiunit auction experiments.
Substrate selection for urine spraying in captive wildcats
Authors: Ruiz‐Olmo J. , Such‐Sanz A. , Piñol C.
Published: March 2013

This study documents the urine spraying behaviour of wildcats, Felis silvestris. Urine spraying is considered a short term visual mark and the main form of scent marking by felids. When urine spraying, a wildcat raises up its tail and ejects backwards a spray of urine against a prominent object of its surrounding environment. The selection of a urinating substrate should maximize the communicating value of the mark, but the factors that influence this selection are poorly understood. We hypothesized that urine spraying marks are not placed randomly, but that wildcats select marking post based on traits that enhance the effectiveness of the scent mark, by maximizing their detectability, diffusion or persistence. This study shows that wildcats select common juniper, Juniperus communis, to spray their urine mark on not because of the physical traits of the plant, but based on the species. The effectiveness of an olfactive mark has to do with the degradation and oxidation of its chemical components. The common juniper has a high concentration of volatile organic compounds (VOC) with antioxidant activity. We therefore suggest that wildcats can recognize the VOC composition of different plants, and based on its VOC, select those plants which could enhance the olfactory effectiveness of the mark. Thus, the recognition of volatile compounds in the surrounding environment should be important in the marking behaviour of wildcats.
Dose‐dependent reduction of replication elongation rate by (p)ppGpp in Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis
Authors: DeNapoli Jessica , Tehranchi Ashley K. , Wang Jue D.
Published: March 2013

DNA replication is regulated in response to environmental constraints such as nutrient availability. While much is known about regulation of replication during initiation, little is known about regulation of replication during elongation. In the bacterium Bacillus subtilis, replication elongation is paused upon sudden amino acid starvation by the starvation‐inducible nucleotide (p)ppGpp. However, in many bacteria including Escherichia coli, replication elongation is thought to be unregulated by nutritional availability. Here we reveal that the replication elongation rate in E. coli is modestly but significantly reduced upon strong amino acid starvation. This reduction requires (p)ppGpp and is exacerbated in a gppA mutant with increased pppGpp levels. Importantly, high levels of (p)ppGpp, independent of amino acid starvation, are sufficient to inhibit replication elongation even in the absence of transcription. Finally, in both E. coli and B. subtilis, (p)ppGpp inhibits replication elongation in a dose‐dependent manner rather than via a switch‐like mechanism, although this inhibition is much stronger in B. subtilis. This supports a model where replication elongation rates are regulated by (p)ppGpp to allow rapid and tunable response to multiple abrupt stresses in evolutionarily diverse bacteria.
Therapeutic Patient Education in Children with Atopic Dermatitis: Position Paper on Objectives and Recommendations
Authors: Barbarot Sébastien , Bernier Claire , Deleuran Mette , De Raeve Linda , Eichenfield Lawrence , El Hachem May , Gelmetti Carlo , Gieler Uwe , Lio Peter , Marcoux Danielle , Morren Marie‐Anne , Torrelo Antonio , Stalder Jean Francois ,   The Oriented Patient‐Education Network in Dermatology
Published: March 2013

Poor adherence is frequent in patients with atopic dermatitis (AD), leading to therapeutic failure. Therapeutic patient education (TPE) helps patients with chronic disease to acquire or maintain the skills they need to manage their chronic disease. After a review of the literature, a group of multispecialty physicians, nurses, psychologists, and patients worked together during two international workshops to develop common recommendations for TPE in AD. These recommendations were structured as answers to nine frequently asked questions about TPE in AD: What is TPE and what are its underlying principles? Why use TPE in the management of AD? Who should benefit from TPE in AD? How can TPE be organized for AD? What is the assessment process for TPE in AD? What is the evidence of the benefit of TPE in AD? Who are the people involved in TPE? How should TPE be funded in dermatology? What are the limits of the TPE process?
Comparison of recombinant human erythropoietin and darbepoetin alpha in children
Authors: Can Ceren , Emre Sevinç , Bilge Ilmay , Yilmaz Alev , Şirin Aydan
Published: March 2013

Background

The aim was to compare the clinical efficacy of recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEPO) and darbepoetin alpha (DA) in the treatment of anemia in children with chronic kidney disease (CKD).

Method

Thirty‐four (13 female, 21 male) CKD patients were enrolled in the study. Mean age was 11.42 ± 4.05 years. Nine patients were on hemodialysis, 18 were on peritoneal dialysis and seven patients were in CKD stage 4.

Results

Seventeen patients received rHuEPO and the remaining 17 patients received DA. Hemoglobin (Hb) was not significantly different between the two groups during monthly follow up and at the end of 6 months (P > 0.05), but there was a significant increase within each group at the end of 6 months (P = 0.01 for rHuEPO; P = 0.02 for DA). Hb was not different between the patients on and not on dialysis in both groups at the end of the study (P > 0.05). The efficacy of the s.c. and i.v. routes was similar within each group (P > 0.05). Systolic hypertension was observed in only one patient in the DA group, no other adverse effect was observed in either groups.

Conclusion

DA is a reasonable alternative to rHuEPO in the treatment of anemia in pediatric CKD patients, due to its clinical efficacy, convenience of use, patient compliance and tolerability.
A Theoretical Rationale why Furan‐side Monoadduct is More Favorable Toward Diadduct Formation in 8‐Methoxypsoralen and Thymine Complexes
Authors: Huang Xuebin , Zhang Rubo
Published: March 2013

The photoinduced mechanism of formation of mono‐ and diadducts between 8‐MOP and thymine bases is studied using the ONIOM(MPWB1K/6–31 + G(d,p):B3LYP/6–31G(d,p):UFF) and B3LYP/6–31 + G(d,p) methods. The relevant cycloaddition displays favorable energy barriers and reaction energies in the triplet excited state, which involves the initial formation of a diradical followed by ring closure via singlet–triplet interaction. The monoadduct on the pyrone side is favored over the furan side when comparing reaction energies. The distinguishing feature in the formation of the monoadducts is that the furan‐side adduct displays a better photostability, which is a relatively high‐barrier exothermic reaction, and thus the energy balance of the monoadduct on the furan side toward final diadduct formation is favored.
Influence of infection on malaria‐specific antibody dynamics in a cohort exposed to intense malaria transmission in northern Uganda
Authors: Proietti C. , Verra F. , Bretscher M. T. , Stone W. , Kanoi B. N. , Balikagala B. , Egwang T. G. , Corran P. , Ronca R. , Arcà B. , Riley E. M. , Crisanti A. , Drakeley C. , Bousema T.
Published: March 2013

The role of submicroscopic infections in modulating malaria antibody responses is poorly understood and requires longitudinal studies. A cohort of 249 children ≤5 years of age, 126 children between 6 and 10 years and 134 adults ≥20 years was recruited in an area of intense malaria transmission in Apac, Uganda and treated with artemether/lumefantrine at enrolment. Parasite carriage was determined at enrolment and after 6 and 16 weeks using microscopy and PCR. Antibody prevalence and titres to circumsporozoite protein, apical membrane antigen‐1 (AMA‐1), merozoite surface protein‐1 (MSP‐119), merozoite surface protein‐2 (MSP‐2) and Anopheles gambiae salivary gland protein 6 (gSG6) were determined by ELISA. Plasmodium falciparum infections were detected in 38·1% (194/509) of the individuals by microscopy and in 57·1% (284/493) of the individuals by PCR at enrolment. Antibody prevalence and titre against AMA‐1, MSP‐119, MSP‐2 and gSG6 were related to concurrent (sub‐)microscopic parasitaemia. Responses were stable in children who were continuously infected with malaria parasites but declined in children who were never parasitaemic during the study or were not re‐infected after treatment. These findings indicate that continued malaria infections are required to maintain antibody titres in an area of intense malaria transmission.
Nudge to Health: Harnessing Decision Research to Promote Health Behavior
Authors: Li Meng , Chapman Gretchen B.
Published: March 2013

We review selected literature that examines how biases in decision making can be utilized to encourage individual health behavior, such as vaccination, and promote policy decisions, such as resource allocation. These studies use simple interventions to nudge people towards more optimal health decisions without restricting decision‐makers’ freedom of choice. Examples include framing effects, defaults, implementation intentions, position effects, social norm, incentives, and emotions. We suggest that nudges are an effective way to promote healthy behavior.
D category IV: a group of clinically relevant and phylogenetically diverse partial D
Authors: von Zabern Inge , Wagner Franz F. , Moulds Joann M. , Moulds John J. , Flegel Willy A.
Published: March 2013

Background

The D typing strategies in several European countries protect carriers of D category VI (DVI) from anti‐D immunization but not carriers of other partial D. Besides DVI, one of the clinically most important partial D is D category IV (DIV). A detailed description and direct comparison of the different DIV types was missing.

Study Design and Methods

RHD nucleotide sequences were determined from genomic DNA. D epitope patterns were established with commercial monoclonal anti‐D panels.

Results

DIV comprises several variants of the D antigen with distinct serology, molecular structures, evolutionary origins, and ethnic prevalences. The DIV phenotype is determined by 350H shared by all, but not limited to, DIV variants which are further divided into DIVa and DIVb. The DIVa phenotype is expressed by DIV Type 1.0 harboring 350H and the dispersed amino acids 62F, 137V, and 152T. The DIVb phenotype is expressed by DIV Type 3 to Type 5 representing RHD‐CE‐D hybrids. Four of the six postulated DIV variants were encountered among 23 DIV samples analyzed. Of 12 DIV carriers with anti‐D, 10 were female and seven likely immunized by pregnancy. Two DIV‐related alleles are newly described: DWN, which differs from DIV Type 4 by 350D and epitope pattern. DNT carries 152T, known to cause a large D antigen density.

Conclusion

DIV alleles arose from at least two independent evolutionary events. DIV Type 1.0 with DIVa phenotype belongs to the oldest extant human RHD alleles. DIV Type 2 to Type 5 with DIVb phenotype arose from more recent gene conversions. Anti‐D immunization, especially dreaded in pregnancies, will be avoided not only in carriers of DVI but also in carriers of other D variants like DIV, if our proposed D typing strategy is adopted.