bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The German version of the chronic urticaria quality‐of‐life questionnaire: factor analysis, validation, and initial clinical findings
Authors: Młynek A. , Magerl M. , Hanna M. , Lhachimi S. , Baiardini I. , Canonica G. W. , Brzoza Z. , Kasperska‐Zajac A. , Rogala B. , Zalewska‐Janowska A. , Zuberbier T. , Maurer M.
Published: May 2009

Background:  Chronic urticaria (CU) is a common skin disorder that causes a substantial burden on patients’ quality‐of‐life (QoL). The aim of this work was to generate and validate a German version of the Chronic Urticaria Quality of Life Questionnaire (CU‐Q2oL) and to provide reference assessments of QoL.

Methods:  The Italian CU‐Q2oL was translated into German and administered to 157 CU patients. They also completed two well‐established general dermatology QoL questionnaires, the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) and Skindex‐29. Factor analysis was used to identify scales of the German CU‐Q2oL. Correlation to the DLQI and Skindex‐29 was used for validation. Multiple linear regression was used to determine which patient characteristics were associated with which dimensions of QoL.

Results:  The factor analysis identified six scales of the German CU‐Q2oL: functioning, sleep, itching/embarrassment, mental status, swelling/eating, and limits looks, which accounted for 70% of the data variance. Five of these six scales showed good internal consistency, and another five demonstrated convergent validity. On a percentile scale, they had these median CU‐Q2oL scores: 29 functioning, 44 sleep, 50 itching/embarrassment, 50 mental status, 31 swelling/eating, 31 limits looks. Disease severity significantly predicted scores on all scales. Age predicted functioning, sleep, itching/embarrassment, and swelling/eating. Sex predicted itching/embarrassment and limits looks.

Conclusion:  This study yielded a robust validation of the German version of the CU‐Q2oL. It confirmed previous studies that CU has a clinically meaningful burden on QoL, especially for sleep and mental health, and that women are more severely affected by pruritus. The German CU‐Q2oL should be widely adopted in clinical research on the treatment of CU.
A Study on the Occurrence of Polyovular Follicles in Porcine Ovaries with Particular Reference to Intrafollicular Hormone Concentrations, Quality of Oocytes and their in vitro Fertilization
Authors: Stankiewicz T. , Błaszczyk B. , Udała J.
Published: May 2009

The aim of this study was to identify the occurrence of polyovular follicles in porcine ovaries. We investigated the presence of such follicles in relation to age, and compared the intrafollicular concentrations of steroid hormones between poly‐ and uniovular follicles. Then we measured the size, viability and the in vitro fertilizing ability of the oocytes from polyovular follicles. Histological examinations documented the occurrence of polyovular follicles in pigs at various stages of follicular growth. Within antral follicles, the number of polyovular follicles was higher in the ovaries of gilts than in sows (P < 0.01). We noticed differences in the viability and size of oocytes recovered from the same follicles. We noted a higher concentration of oestradiol‐17β and a lower concentration of progesterone in polyovular follicles as compared with uniovular follicles (P < 0.01). The amount of embryos after in vitro‐fertilization of oocytes from polyovular follicles was significantly lower than that from uniovular ones. Nevertheless, we found that some oocytes from polyovular follicles also have the capacity to be fertilized in vitro and be developed to the blastocyst stage.
Routine use of humidification with nasal continuous positive airway pressure
Authors: Worsnop C. J. , Miseski S. , Rochford P. D.
Published: May 2009

Background: Heated humidification can reduce nasal symptoms caused by continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatment, but its routine use has not been studied over the medium term in a randomized controlled trial. The aim of this study is to determine if heated humidification would reduce nasal symptoms and improve adherence with CPAP treatment in all patients with sleep apnoea irrespective of whether they had nasal symptoms initially.

Methods: A randomized, parallel group design. Patients were treated for 3 months with a Fisher & Paykel HC201 pump with built‐in heated humidification, or with the heater disabled and without water. Adherence was measured with a timer built into the pumps. Nasal symptoms were measured with a 10‐cm visual analogue scale.

Results: There were 25 in the humidification group and 29 in the non‐humidification group. After 12 weeks mean (standard deviation) adherence with CPAP was 4.7 (2.4) and 4.5 (2.2) hours per night respectively. Nasal symptoms that were reduced were nose blocked* 6 (12), 18 (26); sneezing* 4 (8), 15 (25); dry nose* 8 (12), 24 (33); stuffy nose* 7 (14), 22(31); dry mouth* 13 (18), 33(36); and runny nose* 6 (17), 14 (29). Parameters marked with an asterisk ‘*’ had P < 0.05 with t‐tests.

Conclusion: The routine use of heated humidification with CPAP in all patients with sleep apnoea reduced nasal symptoms, but did not improve adherence.
Exploring contrary trends in bladder cancer incidence, mortality and survival: implications for research and cancer control
Authors: Luke C. , Tracey E. , Stapleton A. , Roder D.
Published: May 2009

Aim: To investigate trends in bladder cancer incidence, mortality and survival, and cancer–control implications.

Methods: South Australian Registry data were used to calculate age‐standardized incidence and mortality rates from 1980 to 2004. Sociodemographic predictors of invasive as opposed to in situ disease were examined. Determinants of disease‐specific survival were investigated using Kaplan–Meier estimates and proportional hazards regression.

Results: Incidence rates for invasive cancers decreased by 21% between 1980–84 and 2000–04, similarly affecting men and women. Meanwhile increases occurred for combined in situ and invasive disease. While mortality rates decreased by approximately a third in men and women less than 70 years of age after the early 1990s, no changes were evident for older residents. The proportion of cancers found at an in situ stage was higher in younger ages and more recent diagnostic periods. Five‐year survivals of invasive cases decreased from 64% for 1980–84 diagnoses to 58% for 1995–2004. Multivariable analysis showed that diagnostic period was not predictive of survival after age adjustment (P= 0.719), with lower survival relating to older age, transitional compared with papillary transitional cancers, female sex, indigenous status and a country as opposed to metropolitan residence.

Conclusions: Reductions in invasive disease incidence may be due to increased detection at an in situ stage. The decline in survival from invasive disease in more recent periods is explained by increased age at diagnosis. Poorer outcomes of invasive cases remain for women after adjusting for age, histology, indigenous status and residential location.
Clinical audit: virological and immunological response to combination antiretroviral therapy in HIV patients at a Sydney sexual health clinic
Authors: Hsu D. C. , Quin J. W.
Published: May 2009

Aim: Bigge Park Centre (BPC) is a sexual health clinic located in a socially disadvantaged area in Southwest Sydney. This served as a retrospective clinical audit, documenting patient demographics, identifying factors associated with virological, immunological and discordant responses, evaluating the centre's ability in HIV control and investigating changes in practice from 1996 to 2007.

Method: Data including age, gender, ethnicity, mode of transmission, hepatitis co‐infection, prior acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS)‐defining‐illness, HIV‐1 RNA and CD4+cell counts of patients on combination antiretroviral therapy (CART) for treatment of HIV with at least 1‐year follow up at the BPC were analysed. Results were compared with other cohorts in medical literature.

Results: BPC manages HIV patients from diverse backgrounds. Sequential monotherapy was associated with poor virological control, lower CD4+cell recovery and discordant response. When patients who had sequential monotherapy were excluded, Caucasian race, high viral load at 1 month and triple‐NRTI (nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor) regimen were associated with lack of virological control. Lower baseline viral load and triple‐NRTI regimen were associated with lower CD4+cell recovery. Lower baseline CD4+cell count and prior diagnosis of AIDS were associated with discordant response. Virological control and CD4+cell recovery achieved were comparable to that documented in medical literature. There was no significant change over time in terms of timing of CART initiation, attainment of immunological response or virological control since the late 1990s.

Conclusion: HIV control achieved at the BPC was comparable to that reported in medical literature. Enhancement of strategies to promote screening and improve adherence as well as performance of HIV resistance assessment and avoidance of triple‐NRTI therapy will likely improve patient care.
Ventrolateral prefrontal cortex is required for performance of a strategy implementation task but not reinforcer devaluation effects in rhesus monkeys
Authors: Baxter Mark G. , Gaffan David , Kyriazis Diana A. , Mitchell Anna S.
Published: May 2009

The ability to apply behavioral strategies to obtain rewards efficiently and make choices based on changes in the value of rewards is fundamental to the adaptive control of behavior. The extent to which different regions of the prefrontal cortex are required for specific kinds of decisions is not well understood. We tested rhesus monkeys with bilateral ablations of the ventrolateral prefrontal cortex on tasks that required the use of behavioral strategies to optimize the rate with which rewards were accumulated, or to modify choice behavior in response to changes in the value of particular rewards. Monkeys with ventrolateral prefrontal lesions were impaired in performing the strategy‐based task, but not on value‐based decision‐making. In contrast, orbital prefrontal ablations produced the opposite impairments in the same tasks. These findings support the conclusion that independent neural systems within the prefrontal cortex are necessary for control of choice behavior based on strategies or on stimulus value.
Endogenous rhythmicity of Bmal1 and Rev‐erbα in the hamster pineal gland is not driven by norepinephrine
Authors: Wongchitrat Prapimpun , Felder‐Schmittbuhl Marie‐Paule , Phansuwan‐Pujito Pansiri , Pévet Paul , Simonneaux Valérie
Published: May 2009

Pineal melatonin is synthesized with daily and seasonal rhythms following the hypothalamic clock‐driven release of norepinephrine (NE). The pineal gland of rats and mice, like the biological clock, expresses a number of clock genes. However, the role of pineal clock elements in pineal physiology is still unknown. We examined the expression and regulation of several clock genes (Per1, Cry2, Bmal1 and Rev‐erbα) under different lighting conditions or following adrenergic treatments in the Syrian hamster, a seasonal rodent. We found that Per1 and Cry2 genes were similarly regulated by the nocturnal release of NE: levels of Per1 and Cry2 mRNA displayed a nocturnal increase that was maintained after 2 days in constant darkness (DD) but abolished after 2 days under constant light (LL), a condition that suppresses endogenous NE release, or after an early night administration of the adrenergic antagonist propranolol. In contrast, Bmal1 and Rev‐erbα exhibited a different pattern of expression and regulation. mRNA levels of both clock genes displayed a marked daily variation, maintained in DD, with higher values at midday for Bmal1 and at day/night transition for Rev‐erbα. Remarkably, the daily variation of both Bmal1 and Rev‐erbα mRNA was maintained in LL conditions and was not affected by propranolol. This study confirms the daily regulation of Per1 and Cry2 gene expression by NE in the pineal gland of rodents and shows for the first time that a second set of clock genes, Bmal1 and Rev‐erbα are expressed with a circadian rhythm independent of the hypothalamic clock‐driven noradrenergic signal.
Different neural systems mediate morphine reward and its spontaneous withdrawal aversion
Authors: Vargas‐Perez Hector , Ting‐A‐Kee Ryan , Van Der Kooy Derek
Published: May 2009

The opponent‐process theory posits that the aversive state of acute opiate withdrawal is a consequence of, and depends on, the previous rewarding state evoked by acute morphine reward. Although the brainstem tegmental pedunculopontine nucleus (TPP) is crucial for the rewarding component of morphine, the source of the later aversive component is not known. It is possible that (i) the second aversive process takes place within the TPP itself or (ii) morphine reward in the TPP activates an unconditioned opponent motivational process in another region of the brain. The effects of reversible inactivation of the TPP on the motivational properties of acute morphine and its spontaneous withdrawal effects in non‐drug‐dependent rats were examined using a place‐conditioning paradigm. Reversible inactivation of the TPP with lidocaine or bupivacaine immediately before the morphine injection blocked the rewarding properties of morphine in non‐dependent rats. Blocking the rewarding effects of morphine also blocked the opponent aversive effects of acute morphine withdrawal. In contrast, reversible inactivation of the TPP during the acute morphine withdrawal did not block this opponent aversive process. Our results confirm that the TPP is a critical neural substrate underlying the acute rewarding effects of morphine in non‐dependent rats. Furthermore, the opponent aversive process of acute morphine withdrawal is induced by the acute rewarding effects of morphine. However, the TPP does not directly mediate the spontaneous withdrawal aversion (the opponent process), suggesting that a different system, triggered by the changes in the TPP after the primary drug response, produces the aversion itself.
Dorsal telencephalon‐specific RA‐GEF‐1 knockout mice develop heterotopic cortical mass and commissural fiber defect
Authors: Bilasy Shymaa E. , Satoh Takaya , Ueda Shuji , Wei Ping , Kanemura Hoshimi , Aiba Atsu , Terashima Toshio , Kataoka Tohru
Published: May 2009

Neural migration defects lead to various types of human malformations of cortical development including subcortical band heterotopia, which shows formation of a secondary cortical plate beneath the primary cortex and is typically caused by mutation of the DCX (doublecortin) gene. Subcortical band heterotopia is usually associated with mental retardation and epilepsy. We previously discovered RA‐GEF‐1 as a guanine nucleotide exchange factor (GEF) for Rap1 small GTPase. Here we have analysed its in‐vivo role in formation of the adult cerebral cortex by using telencephalon‐specific RA‐GEF‐1 conditional knockout (cKO) mice, generated by mating RA‐GEF‐1flox/flox mice with Emx1‐cre knockin mice. RA‐GEF‐1 cKO mice showed severe defects in their brain structures including an ectopic cortical mass underlying a relatively normal cortex. The ectopic cortical mass lacked the normal six‐layered lamination but preserved the subcortical connectivity as revealed by retrograde tracing. Further, RA‐GEF‐1 cKO mice exhibited a lower threshold for the induction of epileptic seizures. These phenotypes have a resemblance to those of human subcortical band heterotopia. In addition, the agenesis of anterior commissures, the dorsal hippocampus commissure, the corpus callosum and the enlargement of the lateral ventricles were observed in cKO mice. Our findings suggest a crucial function of RA‐GEF‐1 in neural migration.
Postnatal functional inactivation of the entorhinal cortex or ventral subiculum has different consequences for latent inhibition‐related striatal dopaminergic responses in adult rats
Authors: Meyer F. , Peterschmitt Y. , Louilot A.
Published: May 2009

Latent inhibition has been found to be disrupted in patients with acute schizophrenia. Striatal dopaminergic dysregulation is commonly acknowledged in schizophrenia. This disease may be consecutive to a functional disconnection between integrative regions, stemming from neurodevelopmental failures. Various anomalies suggesting early abnormal brain development have been described in the entorhinal cortex (ENT) and ventral subiculum (SUB) of patients. This study examines the consequences of a neonatal transitory blockade of the left ENT or left SUB for latent inhibition‐related dopamine responses in the anterior part of the dorsal striatum using in‐vivo voltammetry in freely moving adult rats. Reversible inactivation of both structures in different animals was achieved by local microinjection of tetrodotoxin (TTX) at postnatal day 8. Results obtained during the retention session of a three‐stage latent inhibition protocol showed that the functional neonatal disconnection of the ENT or SUB caused the behavioural latent inhibition expression in pre‐exposed (PE)‐TTX‐conditioned adult rats to disappear. After postnatal inactivation of the SUB, PE‐TTX‐conditioned rats displayed a reversal of the latent inhibition‐related striatal dopamine responses, whereas after neonatal blockade of the ENT, dopamine changes in PE‐TTX‐conditioned rats monitored in the anterior striatum were between those observed in PE‐phosphate‐buffered‐saline‐conditioned and non‐PE‐TTX‐conditioned animals. These data suggest that neonatal functional inactivation of the SUB disrupts latent inhibition‐related striatal dopamine responses in adult animals more than that of the ENT. They may help improve understanding of the pathophysiology of schizophrenia.
Linking supply to demand: the neuronal monocarboxylate transporter MCT2 and the α‐amino‐3‐hydroxyl‐5‐methyl‐4‐isoxazole‐propionic acid receptor GluR2/3 subunit are associated in a common trafficking process
Authors: Pierre Karin , Chatton Jean‐Yves , Parent Annabelle , Repond Cendrine , Gardoni Fabrizio , Di Luca Monica , Pellerin Luc
Published: May 2009

MCT2 is the major neuronal monocarboxylate transporter (MCT) that allows the supply of alternative energy substrates such as lactate to neurons. Recent evidence obtained by electron microscopy has demonstrated that MCT2, like α‐amino‐3‐hydroxyl‐5‐methyl‐4‐isoxazole‐propionic acid (AMPA) receptors, is localized in dendritic spines of glutamatergic synapses. Using immunofluorescence, we show in this study that MCT2 colocalizes extensively with GluR2/3 subunits of AMPA receptors in neurons from various mouse brain regions as well as in cultured neurons. It also colocalizes with GluR2/3‐interacting proteins, such as C‐kinase‐interacting protein 1, glutamate receptor‐interacting protein 1 and clathrin adaptor protein. Coimmunoprecipitation of MCT2 with GluR2/3 and C‐kinase‐interacting protein 1 suggests their close interaction within spines. Parallel changes in the localization of both MCT2 and GluR2/3 subunits at and beneath the plasma membrane upon various stimulation paradigms were unraveled using an original immunocytochemical and transfection approach combined with three‐dimensional image reconstruction. Cell culture incubation with AMPA or insulin triggered a marked intracellular accumulation of both MCT2 and GluR2/3, whereas both tumor necrosis factor α and glycine (with glutamate) increased their cell surface immunolabeling. Similar results were obtained using Western blots performed on membrane or cytoplasm‐enriched cell fractions. Finally, an enhanced lactate flux into neurons was demonstrated after MCT2 translocation on the cell surface. These observations provide unequivocal evidence that MCT2 is linked to AMPA receptor GluR2/3 subunits and undergoes a similar translocation process in neurons upon activation. MCT2 emerges as a novel component of the synaptic machinery putatively linking neuroenergetics to synaptic transmission.
Inhibition of the bradycardic component of the von Bezold–Jarisch reflex and carotid chemoreceptor reflex by periaqueductal gray stimulation: involvement of medullary receptors
Authors: Netzer Florence , Mandjee Nathalie , Verberne Anthony J. , Bernard Jean‐François , Hamon Michel , Laguzzi Raul , Sévoz‐Couche Caroline
Published: May 2009

Stimulation of the dorsolateral periaqueductal gray matter (dlPAG) and the B3 cell group inhibits the cardiovagal component of the baroreflex in rats. Our aim was to determine whether the defence reaction induces similar modulatory effects on the cardiac response of the von Bezold–Jarisch reflex and the carotid chemoreceptor reflex. We examined the effects of dlPAG stimulation on the reflex bradycardia triggered by systemic administration of phenylbiguanide or potassium cyanide. Electrical and chemical stimulation of the dlPAG produced marked inhibition of the cardiovagal components of the von Bezold–Jarisch and the carotid chemoreceptor reflexes. In addition, as 5‐HT3, NK1and GABAAreceptor activation blocks cardiac reflex responses, we studied whether these receptors were involved in the dlPAG‐induced inhibitory effects. We found that, after microinjection of granisetron (a 5‐HT3receptor antagonist), bicuculline (a GABAAreceptor antagonist) and GR‐205171 (an NK1receptor antagonist) into the nucleus of the solitary tract (NTS), reflex bradycardic responses were preserved during dlPAG stimulation. Finally, activation of the B3 region also inhibited both reflex bradycardic responses, and these effects were prevented by prior blockade of 5‐HT3receptors in the NTS. The inhibitory effect of dlPAG stimulation on the cardiac reflex responses was prevented by inhibition of neurons in the medullary B3 region. In conclusion, 5‐HT3, GABAAand NK1receptors in the NTS appear to be involved in the inhibition of the von Bezold–Jarisch reflex and the carotid chemoreceptor reflex bradycardia evoked by activation of neurons in the dlPAG and the raphé magnus.
Transvaginal nephrectomy with a multichannel laparoscopic port: a cadaver study
Authors: Aron Monish , Berger Andre K. , Stein Robert J. , Kamoi Kazumi , Brandina Ricardo , Canes David , Sotelo Rene , Desai Mihir M. , Gill Inderbir S.
Published: May 2009

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether a novel port (QuadPort, Advanced Surgical Concepts, Wicklow, Ireland) can facilitate transvaginal nephrectomy (TN), a natural orifice transluminal surgery (NOTES) procedure, using standard and articulating laparoscopic instruments.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Four fresh female cadavers were used in this feasibility study with a plan to perform two right‐sided and two left‐sided TN. Exclusion criteria were a history of nephrectomy and a height of >1.82 m. The cadaver was placed in the lithotomy position with the target side up 30–45°. A three‐channel R‐port (Advanced Surgical Concepts) was placed in the umbilicus to monitor the transvaginal procedure. The four‐channel QuadPort was placed through the posterior fornix into the peritoneal cavity. Regular laparoscopic instruments were used transvaginally to mobilize the colon, dissect the ureter, identify and divide the renal artery between clips, and divide the renal vein with a laparoscopic stapler. Remaining attachments of the kidney were divided and the specimen entrapped in a plastic bag before transvaginal extraction.

RESULTS

Three (two right‐ and one left‐sided) TNs were performed successfully; one left‐sided TN was aborted in the last cadaver due to dense pelvic adhesions from previous pelvic surgery. In the first two cadavers we required assistance from the umbilical port only to divide the attachments between the upper pole of the kidney and the diaphragm supero‐posteriorly. In the third case we were able to perform this dissection completely transvaginally using a flexible gastroscope.

CONCLUSIONS

A completely NOTES‐based TN in humans is challenging. Robust laparoscopic instruments have the requisite tensile strength when deployed through a large calibre, secure, multichannel transvaginal port. Extra‐long laparoscopic instruments are helpful. The cephalad aspect of the hilum and the upper pole attachments are difficult areas. Novel and robust flexible instruments still need to be developed.
Is Disability Disabling in All Workplaces? Workplace Disparities and Corporate Culture
Authors: SCHUR LISA , KRUSE DOUGLAS , BLASI JOSEPH , BLANCK PETER
Published: May 2009

Using nearly 30,000 employee surveys from fourteen companies, we find disability is linked to lower average pay, job security, training, and participation in decisions, and to more negative attitudes toward the job and company. Disability gaps in attitudes vary substantially, however, across companies and worksites, with no attitude gaps in worksites rated highly by all employees for fairness and responsiveness. The results indicate that corporate cultures that are responsive to the needs of all employees are especially beneficial for employees with disabilities.
Older Married Workers and Nonstandard Jobs: The Effects of Health and Health Insurance
Authors: WENGER JEFFREY B. , REYNOLDS JEREMY
Published: May 2009

We examine the effects of health and health insurance coverage on older married workers’ decisions to work in temporary, contract, part‐time, self‐employment, and regular full‐time jobs. We model the behavior of older married workers as interdependent, showing that one spouse’s health and insurance status affects the employment of the other. In general, we find that men and women are less likely to be employed in regular full‐time jobs when they are in fair or poor health and are more likely to be in regular full‐time employment when their spouses are in poor health.
Previous Marriage and the Lesbian Wage Premium
Authors: DANESHVARY NASSER , JEFFREY WADDOUPS C. , WIMMER BRADLEY S.
Published: May 2009

This paper provides insight into the wage gap between partnered lesbians and other groups of women. Using data from the 2000 Decennial Census, we find that wages of never‐married lesbians are significantly higher than wages of previously married lesbians and other groups of women. Results indicate that controlling for previous marriage reduces the estimated lesbian wage premium by approximately 20 percent. Our research also reveals that wage patterns of previously married lesbians mirror those of cohabiting heterosexual women. Overall, our results are consistent with the notion that the lesbian wage premium is driven, in part, by differences in the labor‐market commitment of lesbians and heterosexual women.
Race and Gender Differences in the Earnings of Black Workers
Authors: KIM MARLENE
Published: May 2009

In addition to facing earnings penalties because of their race and additional penalties because of their gender, black women appear to suffer a small but additional penalty because of the intersection of their race and gender. Black women have larger gender than race penalties. Although black men have greater racial penalties than do black women, black women experience larger earnings losses because in addition to racial penalties they face gender and race–gender interaction penalties.
Human Resource Structures: Reducing Discrimination or Raising Rights Awareness?
Authors: HIRSH ELIZABETH , KMEC JULIE A.
Published: May 2009

Using data from 84 hospitals linked to Equal Employment Opportunity Commission discrimination‐charge data, we consider how four human resource (HR) structures affect hospitals’ receipt of discrimination charges. HR structures that establish accountability (affirmative action plans, EEO units) are marginally related to charges. Structures that moderate bias (management diversity training) reduce the odds of receiving a charge while structures that raise employees’ rights awareness (employee diversity training) increase the odds of receiving a charge. Structures relate differently to sexual harassment versus personnel charges.
Worker Control and Workplace Learning: Expansion of the Job Demand‐Control Model
Authors: WESTSTAR JOHANNA
Published: May 2009

This paper uses a sub‐sample (N = 5,800) of a unique data set on work and lifelong learning to develop the learning dimension of the Job Demand‐Control model (Administrative Science Quarterly [1979] 24:285). The model is expanded by including three distinct learning behaviors to allow for a complete assessment of workplace learning. Worker control is also expanded to include often confounded dimensions of Social and Technical Control. The results confirm that different types of learning are related to different determinants and that Social and Technical Control are key factors in learning participation.
A Case for Homogeneity of Personality at the Occupational Level
Authors: Satterwhite Robert C. , Fleenor John W. , Braddy Phillip W. , Feldman Jack , Hoopes Linda
Published: May 2009

The forces of attraction–selection–attrition have been hypothesized to create homogeneity of personality within organizations, and vocational choice theory predicts that these forces lead to a ‘modal personality’ within given occupations. This study compared the homogeneity of a set of personality characteristics for 6582 incumbents from eight organizations in eight occupations. The results indicated that (1) the homogeneity hypothesis was supported both within organizations as well as within occupations; and (2) the homogeneity within occupations was higher than that found in organizations.
Using Biodata to Predict Turnover, Organizational Commitment, and Job Performance in Healthcare
Authors: Bret Becton J. , Matthews Michael C. , Hartley David L. , Whitaker Douglas H.
Published: May 2009

The purpose of the present study was to test whether or not a biodata instrument could be used to predict turnover, organizational commitment, and job performance in healthcare organizations. A criterion‐related, predictive validation strategy was used using a sample of 672 employees from two different hospitals in the southeastern United States. Supervisory ra0tings of organizational commitment and job performance were highly correlated with responses to the organizational commitment scale and the total score on the biodata instrument, respectively. Actual turnover was correlated with responses to the retention scale, although the effect size was small. Additionally, the study examined the fairness of biodata in this context as it relates to differences in performance among minority and non‐minority candidates. The findings in this study suggest that using such an instrument may provide organizations with the potential to improve organizational commitment and job performance, while reducing turnover with minimal group differences.
Why Don't You Just Show Me? Performance interviews for skill‐based promotions
Authors: Morgeson Frederick P. , Campion Michael A. , Levashina Julia
Published: May 2009

Despite the high skill levels needed to cope with complex technical systems and the pace of technological change, there remain persistent skill gaps in the United States workforce. Organizations are increasingly relying on skill‐based programs to encourage and foster employee skill development. Unfortunately, many questions remain about how to make skill‐based promotions. Drawing from research on performance testing and structured interviewing, as well as work that examines broader issues of performance prediction and candidate reactions, we outline the development and empirical test of a performance interview that can be used for skill‐based promotions. Such interviews allow employees to demonstrate their skills on the job, and thus may be more accepted by employees. We first discuss seven design principles that form the conceptual foundation for the performance interview, followed by the specific steps practitioners can follow to develop a performance interview. Finally, using a sample of 230 auto parts manufacturing employees, we provide empirical evidence for the high reliability, validity, and positive candidate reactions to the performance interview.
Job Experience and Big Five Personality Dimensions
Authors: Moscoso Silvia , Iglesias Mar
Published: May 2009

Using a sample of engineers (N=80), the correlation between job experience and the personality dimensions was estimated. The results showed very small correlations. Based on these results, we suggest that composites created with job experience and personality measures can be useful for personnel selection.
Thrombolytic treatment of ischaemic stroke occurring during a migrainous attack: A case report
Authors: Školoudík D , Král M , Šaňák D , Vlachová I , Hluštík P , Michálková K , Herzig R , Kaňovský P
Published: May 2009

Authors report a case of young female suffering from the acute ischaemic stroke with right-sided hemiplegia, hemianopsia and hemihypoaesthesia during a migrainous attack without aura. Magnetic resonance imaging detected infarction in the left occipital lobe and occlusion of branches of the posterior cerebral artery (PCA). Combined treatment with systemic thrombolysis and sonothrombolysis was used, leading to the early PCA recanalization, and to a favourable clinical outcome after 1 month. Intravenous thrombolytic treatment administered within the therapeutic window may be useful in cerebral ischaemia associated with migraine when an arterial occlusion is documented.
A 7‐year longitudinal follow‐up of intellectual development in children with congenital hemiplegia
Authors: GONZALEZ‐MONGE SIBYLLE , BOUDIA BAYA , RITZ ANNIE , ABBAS‐CHORFA FATIMA , RABILLOUD MURIEL , IWAZ JEAN , BÉRARD CAROLE
Published: May 2009

Aims  Our aim was to examine intellectual development in children with congenital hemiplegia from early childhood to adolescence.

Method  Full‐scale IQ (FIQ), Verbal IQ (VIQ), and Performance IQ (PIQ) scores were measured in 32 participants (19 males, 13 females) with congenital hemiplegia at mean ages of 4 years 6 months (SD 7mo; 31 participants), 7 years (SD 6mo; 23 participants), and 14 years (SD 1y 5mo; 26 participants).

Results  The FIQ and VIQ scores did not change with age, but the PIQ declined significantly (0.7 points per year; p=0.004). The estimated mean (95% confidence intervals) scores in males born at term with right‐sided lesions without epilepsy were FIQ 106.5 (95.29–117.74), VIQ 105.9 (95.57–116.24), and PIQ 103.7 (93.19–114.31). Those means were negatively associated with preterm birth. PIQ was negatively associated with epilepsy. VIQ increased more quickly in males and in children with right‐sided lesions.

Interpretation  The results confirm previous findings of FIQ stability, PIQ decline, the impact of epilepsy, and the status of females with left‐sided lesions, and also reveal the effect of gestational age at birth. They underline the importance of management focused on nonverbal functions and further the debate about the early lateralization of language, the ‘crowding effect’, and the difference in brain plasticity between males and females.
Longitudinal change in muscle and fat thickness in children and adolescents with cerebral palsy
Authors: OHATA KOJI , TSUBOYAMA TADAO , HARUTA TAISHI , ICHIHASHI NORIAKI , NAKAMURA TAKASHI
Published: May 2009

Aim  In a prospective, longitudinal study, we investigated the influence of the severity of motor impairment on changes in body characteristics in children with moderate‐to‐severe cerebral palsy (CP).

Method  Twenty‐six single children and adolescents (15 females, 11 males; mean age 10y 6mo, SD 3y 3mo) with spastic (quadriplegia, hemiplegia, or diplegia), athetotic, or hypotonic CP at Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) levels III to V participated. They were categorized into moderate (GMFCS levels III or IV, n=11) and severe (GMFCS level V, n=15) groups. Muscle thickness of the quadriceps femoris (MTQ) and fat thickness of the anterior thigh (FTA) measured using ultrasound images, together with weight and height, were obtained at annual measurements over 3 years.

Results  Significant increases in all variables were found in both groups. The areas under the curve (AUCs: an index of the gain) for weight, MTQ, and FTA were significantly higher in the moderate group. The AUC for weight, adjusted for height, was significantly correlated with the AUC for MTQ in the moderate group, and with the AUC for FTA in the severe group.

Interpretation  Weight gain in children with severe CP does not necessarily reflect muscle growth.
Healthcare professionals’ views on two computer‐based decision aids for women choosing mode of delivery after previous caesarean section: a qualitative study
Authors: Rees KM , Shaw ARG , Bennert K , Emmett CL , Montgomery AA
Published: May 2009

Objective  To explore healthcare professionals’ views about decision aids, developed by the DiAMOND study group, for women choosing mode of delivery after a previous caesarean section.

Design/Methods  A qualitative focus group study. Data were analysed thematically.

Setting  Two city maternity units, surrounding community midwife units and general practitioner (GP) practices in southwest England.

Sample  Twenty‐eight healthcare professionals, comprising obstetricians, hospital and community midwives and GPs, who participated in six focus groups.

Results  Participants were generally positive about the decision aids. Most thought they should be implemented during early pregnancy in the community, but should be accessible throughout pregnancy, with any arising questions discussed with an obstetrician nearer to term. Perceived barriers to implementation included service issues (e.g. time pressure, cost and access), computer issues (e.g. computer literacy) and people issues (e.g. women’s prior delivery preferences and clinician preference). Facilitators to implementation included access to more standardised and reliable information and empowerment of the user. Self‐accessing the aids, increased awareness of decision aids among healthcare professionals and incorporation of aids into usual care were suggested as possible ways to improve implementation success.

Conclusions  This study gives insight into healthcare professionals’ views on the role of decision aids for women choosing a mode of delivery after a prior caesarean section. It highlights potential obstacles to their implementation and ways to address these. Such aids could be a useful adjunct to current antenatal care.
Estimating intrapartum‐related perinatal mortality rates for booked home births: when the ‘best’ available data are not good enough
Authors: Gyte G , Dodwell M , Newburn M , Sandall J , Macfarlane A , Bewley S
Published: May 2009

Objective  To critically appraise a recent study on the safety of home birth (Mori R, Dougherty M, Whittle M. BJOG 2008;115:554) and assess its contribution to the debate about risks and benefits of planned home birth for women at low risk of complications.

Design  Critical appraisal of a published paper.

Setting  England and Wales.

Population or Sample  Home births from 1994–2003 and all women giving birth in the same time period.

Methods  Six members of a multidisciplinary group appraised the paper independently. Comments were collated and synthesised.

Main outcome measures  Assessment of: overall methodology; assumptions used in estimating figures; methods used for calculations; conclusions drawn from the results and reliability and consistency of data.

Results  Although there were some positive aspects to the study, there were weaknesses in design and an inaccurate estimate of risk. Our evidence suggests that the conclusions drawn did not reflect the results and the methodological weaknesses found in the study rendered both the results and conclusions invalid.

Conclusions  On the basis of our critical appraisal, the study does not contribute to the existing evidence about the safety of home birth to inform decision‐making or provision of care. The limitations could have been identified by the peer review process and the problems were compounded by an inaccurate press release. Great care needs to be taken by journals to ensure the accuracy of information before dissemination to the scientific community, clinicians and the public. These data should not have been used to inform national guidelines.
Is it clinically and cost effective to screen for postnatal depression: a systematic review of controlled clinical trials and economic evidence
Authors: Hewitt CE , Gilbody SM
Published: May 2009

Background  Postnatal depression (PND) is a common mental health problem, which is associated with adverse consequences beyond the individual with depression. It is not known whether using formal methods to identify PND are clinically and cost effective in improving maternal and infant outcomes.

Objectives  To evaluate the clinical and cost effectiveness of antenatal and postnatal identification of depressive symptoms.

Search strategy  Twenty electronic databases were searched to retrieve English and non‐English language articles published until February 2007.

Selection criteria  Randomised controlled trials or controlled trials comparing the use of formal methods to identify PND, with or without enhancement of care, or feedback of scores with not using formal methods to identify PND or usual care.

Data collection and analysis  Two reviewers independently assessed studies for inclusion and extracted data. Results from the trials were combined to calculate odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals for dichotomous outcomes.

Main results  Five studies were identified that compared formal use of a method to identify PND, with or without enhancement of care, or feedback of scores with not using a formal method or usual care. All of the studies used the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) to identify women with PND. The results of the studies indicated beneficial effects of using the EPDS in reducing EPDS scores (OR = 0.61; 95% CI 0.48–0.76).

Author’s conclusions  Despite some apparent beneficial effects of using formal methods to identify PND, it is difficult to disentangle the effects of the screening component alone from interventions linked to a positive screen as some of the studies included enhancements of care and/or an intervention.
Comparison of aerobic exercise capacity and muscle strength in overweight women with and without polycystic ovary syndrome
Authors: Thomson RL , Buckley JD , Moran LJ , Noakes M , Clifton PM , Norman RJ , Brinkworth GD
Published: May 2009

Objective  To assess maximal aerobic capacity () and muscle strength in overweight and obese women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and determine their relationship with metabolic and hormonal factors.

Design  Cross‐sectional study.

Setting  Clinical Research Unit.

Population  Overweight and obese women with PCOS (n = 10) and age‐and weight‐matched healthy controls (n = 16).

Methods  was measured during an incremental treadmill test and maximal isometric (ImS) and isokinetic knee extensor strength (IkS) (120°/second) were assessed by isokinetic dynamometry.

Main outcome measures  , ImS, IkS, waist circumference, blood lipids, glucose, insulin, insulin resistance (homeostatic model assessment [HOMA2]), C‐reactive protein (CRP), hormonal profile.

Results  PCOS women had higher levels of testosterone and free testosterone (P ≤ 0.05), but there were no significant differences in any cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk markers between the groups. was similar in women with PCOS and healthy controls (PCOS 26.0 ± 4.1 ml/kg/minute, controls 25.7 ± 3.8 ml/kg/minute; P = 0.90), as was ImS (PCOS 1.50 ± 0.54 Nm/kg, controls 1.50 ± 0.47 Nm/kg; P = 0.96) and IkS (PCOS 1.04 ± 0.32 Nm/kg, controls 1.16 ± 0.23 Nm/kg; P = 0.32). was inversely related to waist circumference, insulin, HOMA2 and CRP. Waist circumference was inversely associated with ImS and IkS. No significant associations between exercise parameters and hormonal variables were identified.

Conclusions  Compared to age‐ and weight‐matched healthy overweight and obese women with similar insulin resistance and CVD risk profiles, women with PCOS had similar aerobic capacity and muscle strength. This suggests PCOS, at least in the absence of an adverse metabolic profile is unlikely to limit physical function. Larger studies examining the effects of PCOS on exercise tolerance in a diverse range of PCOS phenotypes is required.
The active components of effective training in obstetric emergencies
Authors: Siassakos D , Crofts JF , Winter C , Weiner CP , Draycott TJ
Published: May 2009

Confidential enquiries into poor perinatal outcomes have identified deficiencies in team working as a common factor and have recommended team training in the management of obstetric emergencies. Isolated aviation‐based team training programmes have not been associated with improved perinatal outcomes when applied to labour ward settings, whereas obstetric‐specific training interventions with integrated teamwork have been associated with clinical improvements. This commentary reviews obstetric emergency training programmes from hospitals that have demonstrated improved outcomes to determine the active components of effective training. The common features identified were: institution‐level incentives to train; multi‐professional training of all staff in their units; teamwork training integrated with clinical teaching and use of high fidelity simulation models. Local training also appeared to facilitate self‐directed infrastructural change.
Retrospective cohort study of diagnosis–delivery interval with umbilical cord prolapse: the effect of team training
Authors: Siassakos D , Hasafa Z , Sibanda T , Fox R , Donald F , Winter C , Draycott T
Published: May 2009

Objective  To determine whether the introduction of multi‐professional simulation training was associated with improvements in the management of cord prolapse, in particular, the diagnosis–delivery interval (DDI).

Design  Retrospective cohort study.

Setting  Large tertiary maternity unit within a University Hospital in the United Kingdom.

Sample  All cases of cord prolapse with informative case record: 34 pre‐training, 28 post‐training.

Methods  Review of hospital notes and software system entries; comparison of quality of management for umbilical cord prolapse pre‐training (1993–99) and post‐training (2001–07).

Main outcome measures  Diagnosis–delivery interval; proportion of caesarean section (CS) in whom actions were taken to reduce cord compression; type of anaesthesia for CS births; rate of low (<7) 5‐minute Apgar scores; rate of admission to neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) (if birthweight >2500 g).

Results  After training, there was a statistically significant reduction in median DDI from 25 to 14.5 minutes (P < 0.001). Post‐training, there was also a statistically significant increase in the proportion of CS where recommended actions had been performed (from 34.78 to 82.35%, P = 0.003). There was a nonsignificant increase in the use of spinal anaesthesia for CS, from 8.70 to 17.65%, and a nonsignificant reduction in the rate of low Apgar scores from 6.45 to 0% and in the rate of admission to NICU from 38.46 to 22.22%.

Conclusions  The introduction of annual training, in accordance with national recommendations, was associated with improved management of cord prolapse. Future studies could assess whether this improved management translates into better outcomes for babies and their mothers.
Pregnancy following obstetric fistula repair, the management of delivery
Authors: Browning A
Published: May 2009

Obstetric fistula patients invariably have dreadful obstetric histories. The antecedent delivery usually ends in a stillbirth and even multiparous obstetric fistula patients often have previous histories of multiple stillbirths and neonatal deaths. There is very little published on subsequent pregnancies following obstetric fistula repair or even on reproductive capabilities after repair. This study examines 49 pregnancies following obstetric fistula repair and the management and outcome of delivery.