bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Relationship between serum osteocalcin levels and non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease in Chinese men
Authors: Dou Jianxin , Ma Xiaojing , Fang Qichen , Hao Yaping , Yang Rong , Wang Feifei , Zhu Jiaan , Bao Yuqian , Jia Weiping
Published: January 2013

The present study was designed to investigate the relationship between serum osteocalcin levels and non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in Chinese men.

In all, 1558 men (21–78 years old) were recruited to the study. Serum osteocalcin, glucose and lipid profiles were determined. Demographic and clinical characteristics were recorded. All participants underwent hepatic ultrasonographic examination.

Serum osteocalcin levels were significantly lower in subjects with NAFLD than those without (P < 0.01). All study subjects were divided into four subgroups according to quartiles of serum osteocalcin levels. The frequency of NAFLD increased progressively with declining serum osteocalcin levels (Ptrend < 0.01). Serum osteocalcin levels were inversely correlated with NAFLD (P < 0.01). However, the significant association between serum osteocalcin levels and NAFLD disappeared in logistic regression analyses. Furthermore, multiple stepwise regression analysis showed that serum osteocalcin levels were independently associated with serum alanine aminotransferase levels in Chinese men (P < 0.01).

The findings of the present study suggest that serum osteocalcin levels are not directly correlated with NAFLD.
Trends in the prevalence, risk and pregnancy outcome of multiple births with congenital anomaly: a registry‐based study in 14 European countries 1984–2007
Authors: Boyle B , McConkey R , Garne E , Loane M , Addor MC , Bakker MK , Boyd PA , Gatt M , Greenlees R , Haeusler M , Klungsøyr K , Latos‐Bielenska A , Lelong N , McDonnell R , Métneki J , Mullaney C , Nelen V , O'Mahony M , Pierini A , Rankin J , Rissmann A , Tucker D , Wellesley D , Dolk H
Published: January 2013

Objective

To assess the public health consequences of the rise in multiple births with respect to congenital anomalies.

Design

Descriptive epidemiological analysis of data from population‐based congenital anomaly registries.

Setting

Fourteen European countries.

Population

A total of 5.4 million births 1984–2007, of which 3% were multiple births.

Methods

Cases of congenital anomaly included live births, fetal deaths from 20 weeks of gestation and terminations of pregnancy for fetal anomaly.

Main outcome measures

Prevalence rates per 10 000 births and relative risk of congenital anomaly in multiple versus singleton births (1984–2007); proportion prenatally diagnosed, proportion by pregnancy outcome (2000–07). Proportion of pairs where both co‐twins were cases.

Results

Prevalence of congenital anomalies from multiple births increased from 5.9 (1984–87) to 10.7 per 10 000 births (2004–07). Relative risk of nonchromosomal anomaly in multiple births was 1.35 (95% CI 1.31–1.39), increasing over time, and of chromosomal anomalies was 0.72 (95% CI 0.65–0.80), decreasing over time. In 11.4% of affected twin pairs both babies had congenital anomalies (2000–07). The prenatal diagnosis rate was similar for multiple and singleton pregnancies. Cases from multiple pregnancies were less likely to be terminations of pregnancy for fetal anomaly, odds ratio 0.41 (95% CI 0.35–0.48) and more likely to be stillbirths and neonatal deaths.

Conclusions

The increase in babies who are both from a multiple pregnancy and affected by a congenital anomaly has implications for prenatal and postnatal service provision. The contribution of assisted reproductive technologies to the increase in risk needs further research. The deficit of chromosomal anomalies among multiple births has relevance for prenatal risk counselling.
Beyond the mean: sensitivities of the variance of population growth
Authors: Trotter Meredith V. , Krishna‐Kumar Siddharth , Tuljapurkar Shripad
Published: January 2013

Populations in variable environments are described by both a mean growth rate and a variance of stochastic population growth. Increasing variance will increase the width of confidence bounds around estimates of population size, growth, probability of and time to quasi‐extinction. However, traditional sensitivity analyses of stochastic matrix models only consider the sensitivity of the mean growth rate.

We derive an exact method for calculating the sensitivity of the variance in population growth to changes in demographic parameters. Sensitivities of the variance also allow a new sensitivity calculation for the cumulative probability of quasi‐extinction. We apply this new analysis tool to an empirical dataset on at‐risk polar bears to demonstrate its utility in conservation biology.

We find that in many cases a change in life history parameters will increase both the mean and variance of population growth of polar bears. This counterintuitive behaviour of the variance complicates predictions about overall population impacts of management interventions. Sensitivity calculations for cumulative extinction risk factor in changes to both mean and variance, providing a highly useful quantitative tool for conservation management.

The mean stochastic growth rate and its sensitivities do not fully describe the dynamics of population growth. The use of variance sensitivities gives a more complete understanding of population dynamics and facilitates the calculation of new sensitivities for extinction processes.
Using genetic information from candidate gene and genome‐wide association studies in risk prediction for alcohol dependence
Authors: Yan Jia , Aliev Fazil , Webb Bradley T. , Kendler Kenneth S. , Williamson Vernell S. , Edenberg Howard J. , Agrawal Arpana , Kos Mark Z. , Almasy Laura , Nurnberger John I. , Schuckit Marc A. , Kramer John R. , Rice John P. , Kuperman Samuel , Goate Alison M. , Tischfield Jay A. , Porjesz Bernice , Dick Danielle M.
Published: January 2013

Family‐based and genome‐wide association studies (GWAS) of alcohol dependence (AD) have reported numerous associated variants. The clinical validity of these variants for predicting AD compared with family history information has not been reported. Using the Collaborative Study on the Genetics of Alcoholism (COGA) and the Study of Addiction: Genes and Environment (SAGE) GWAS samples, we examined the aggregate impact of multiple single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) on risk prediction. We created genetic sum scores by adding risk alleles associated in discovery samples, and then tested the scores for their ability to discriminate between cases and controls in validation samples. Genetic sum scores were assessed separately for SNPs associated with AD in candidate gene studies and SNPs from GWAS analyses that met varying P‐value thresholds. Candidate gene sum scores did not exhibit significant predictive accuracy. Family history was a better classifier of case‐control status, with a significant area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of 0.686 in COGA and 0.614 in SAGE. SNPs that met less stringent P‐value thresholds of 0.01–0.50 in GWAS analyses yielded significant AUC estimates, ranging from mean estimates of 0.549 for SNPs with P < 0.01 to 0.565 for SNPs with P < 0.50. This study suggests that SNPs currently have limited clinical utility, but there is potential for enhanced predictive ability with better understanding of the large number of variants that might contribute to risk.
Clinical evaluation of different adhesives used in the restoration of non‐carious cervical lesions: 24‐month results
Authors: Tuncer D , Yazici AR , Özgünaltay G , Dayangac B
Published: January 2013

Background

The aim of this study was to compare after 24 months the clinical performance of cervical restorations placed with the use of an etch‐and‐rinse and an all‐in‐one adhesive.

Methods

Twenty‐four patients with at least one pair of non‐carious cervical lesions participated in this study. One hundred and twenty‐three cervical lesions were restored (62 etch‐and‐rinse adhesive, Solobond M; 61 all‐in‐one adhesive, Futurabond NR). A nanohybrid resin composite, Grandio, was used as the restorative material. Restorations were evaluated according to modified USPHS criteria by two independent examiners. The survival rates of the restorations were calculated by the Kaplan‐Meier estimator and log‐rank test. The restorations in each category were compared using the Pearson chi‐square test, while the performance of restorations at the baseline and at each recall time was evaluated by McNemar's test (p < 0.05).

Results

The recall rate of patients was 100%. The retention rates were 82% and 75% at 6 months and 77% and 62% at 12 months for Solobond M and Futurabond NR, respectively. At the 24‐month recall, the retention rate was 69% for Solobond M and 49% for Futurabond NR, and this difference was statistically significant (p < 0.05). No statistically significant difference was found for colour match, marginal staining, or marginal adaptation between the adhesives (p > 0.05). None of the restorations had secondary caries, loss of anatomical form, or surface texture changes.

Conclusions

Cervical restorations placed with an etch‐and‐rinse adhesive showed higher retention than an all‐in‐one adhesive.
Developing consensus on hospital prescribing indicators of potential harms amenable to decision support
Authors: Thomas Sarah K. , McDowell Sarah E. , Hodson James , Nwulu Ugochi , Howard Rachel L. , Avery Anthony J. , Slee Ann , Coleman Jamie J.
Published: January 2013

Aims

To develop a list of prescribing indicators specific for the hospital setting that would facilitate the prospective collection of high‐severity and/or high‐frequency prescribing errors, which are also amenable to electronic clinical decision support.

Methods

A two‐stage consensus technique (electronic Delphi) was carried out with 20 experts across England. Participants were asked to score prescribing errors using a five‐point Likert scale for their likelihood of occurrence and the severity of the most likely outcome. These were combined to produce risk scores, from which median scores were calculated for each indicator across the participants in the study. The degree of consensus between the participants was defined as the proportion that gave a risk score in the same category as the median. Indicators were included if a consensus of 80% or more was achieved.

Results

A total of 80 prescribing errors were identified by consensus as being high or extreme risk. The most common drug classes named within the indicators were antibiotics (n = 13), antidepressants (n = 8), nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (n = 6) and opioid analgesics (n = 6). The most frequent error type identified as high or extreme risk were those classified as clinical contraindications (n = 29 of 80).

Conclusions

Eighty high‐risk prescribing errors in the hospital setting have been identified by an expert panel. These indicators can serve as a standardized, validated tool for the collection of prescribing data in both paper‐based and electronic prescribing processes. This can assess the impact of safety improvement initiatives, such as the implementation of electronic clinical decision support.
Constructing the health care system in Greece: responsibility and powerlessness
Authors: Lentza Vassiliki , Montgomery Anthony J. , Georganta Katerina , Panagopoulou Efharis
Published: January 2013

Objectives

Based on health care professionals' (HPs) and patients' interviews about work demands and quality of care in hospitals, the study explores the way that patients and HPs constructed their identities to describe and construct the health care system in Greece.

Design

This is a qualitative study using a focus group (FG) design.

Methods

Seven FGs discussions were conducted: three FGs discussions were conducted for the assessment of job stressors (1 for doctors, 1 for nurses and 1 for residents) and four FGs discussions for the assessment of quality of care (1 for doctors, 1 for nurses, 1 for residents and 1 for patients). The sample consisted of health care professionals working in a teaching hospital in the region of Thessaloniki, Greece, and patients who had at least one experience of any kind in the same hospital. Transcripts of the FGs discussions underwent discourse analysis.

Results

The results showed that both HPs and patients construct the health care system based on bipolar constructions of responsibility and powerlessness. In particular, participants use these constructions to allocate the responsibility to different levels of the health care system hierarchy or to the system per se constructing, at the same time, themselves as the ‘viewers’ of this system.

Conclusions

The study allowed a deeper understanding of issues related to quality of care in hospitals providing context‐specific information. Identity in health care organizations was inextricably linked to power and responsibility. The need to deconstruct this responsibility/powerlessness ideology is discussed.

Statement of contribution

What is already known on the subject? Relatively little is known about how both patients and health care professionals construct quality of care. Organizational cultures in health care settings are symbiotically linked with quality of care and medical errors.

What does this study add? The constructions of health care professionals and patients create and recreate the organizational culture organically. The present study illuminates how health care professionals and patients negotiate their identities based on passivity and rejection of accountability, which contribute to medical errors and passivity.
Current role of image‐guided robotic radiosurgery (Cyberknife®) for prostate cancer treatment
Authors: Seisen Thomas , Drouin Sarah J. , Phé Véronique , Parra Jérome , Mozer Pierre , Bitker Marc‐Olivier , Cussenot Olivier , Rouprêt Morgan
Published: January 2013

Objectives

To describe the most recent data from phase I and II clinical trials of stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) using image‐guided robotic radiosurgery, specifically the Cyberknife® (Accuracy Incorporated, Sunnyvale, CA, USA).

To better determine thecurrent role of this type of radiosurgery in prostate cancer (PCa) management.

Materials and Methods

Current clinical trials and relevant retrospective studies were identified from the literature, clinical trial databases, websites and conference abstracts.

The indications, technical aspects, efficacy and toxicity of SBRT using the Cyberknife® system were summarized.

Results

The Cyberknife® system is an experimental treatment mostly used for localized PCa in stage cT1/T2a–b N0 M0 with a Gleason score ≤7 and PSA level ≤20 ng/mL. Hypofractionated radiation therapy was delivered in five fractions of 7–7.25 Gy for a total dose of 35–36.25 Gy.

After treatment, the median PSA levelfell from 4.9–8.3 ng/mL to 0.1–1.6 ng/mL at a median follow‐up of 4–60 months.

The biochemical progression‐free survival rates ranged from 78.3 to 100%.

Acute and late toxicities were mostly grade 1/2 rectal or urinary complications. Few grade 3 and no grade 4 toxicities occurred during follow‐up; however, erectile dysfunction and testes toxicity were also reported.

Conclusions

The use of the Cyberknife® system is limited mainly by its pretreatment and maintenance costs.

Despite encouraging preliminary results, longer‐term follow‐up and randomized controlled phase III clinical trials are necessary before the Cyberknife® system becomes a standard treatment method.
Impaired Cytoplasmic–Nuclear Transport of Hypoxia‐Inducible Factor‐1α in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Authors: Nagara Yuko , Tateishi Takahisa , Yamasaki Ryo , Hayashi Shintaro , Kawamura Mami , Kikuchi Hitoshi , Iinuma Kyoko Motomura , Tanaka Masahito , Iwaki Toru , Matsushita Takuya , Ohyagi Yasumasa , Kira Jun‐ichi
Published: January 2013

We investigated the mechanisms underlying abnormal vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) production in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). We immunohistochemically studied VEGF, its receptors VEGFR1 and 2, and hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1α (HIF‐1α) in autopsied ALS spinal cords. We also chronologically assessed the expression of HIF‐1α, karyopherin β1, karyopherin β‐cargo protein complex inhibitors and nuclear pore complex proteins in G93A mutant superoxide dismutase 1 (mSOD1) transgenic mice at presymptomatic, symptomatic and end stages. In ALS patients, compared with controls, HIF‐1α immunoreactivity in the cytoplasm of anterior horn cells (AHCs) was significantly increased, while immunoreactivities for VEGF and VEGFRs were significantly decreased. Similar changes in HIF‐1α and VEGF levels were observed in mSOD1 transgenic mice. HIF‐1α co‐localized with karyopherin β1 in the cytoplasm of AHCs and karyopherin β1 co‐localized with nucleoporin 62 (Nup62) on the nuclear envelope. From the presymptomatic stage of mSOD1 transgenic mice, karyopherin β1 immunoreactivity in AHC nuclei significantly decreased and morphological irregularities of the Nup62‐immunostained nuclear envelope became more pronounced with disease progression. Thus, in AHCs from mSOD1 transgenic mice, transport of cytoplasmic HIF‐1α to the nuclear envelope and into the nucleus is impaired from the presymptomatic stage, suggesting that impaired cytoplasmic–nuclear transport of HIF‐1α through the nuclear pore might precede motor neuron degeneration.
Social and Ecological Change over a Decade in a Village Hunting System, Central Gabon
Authors: COAD L. , SCHLEICHER J. , MILNER‐GULLAND E. J. , MARTHEWS T. R. , STARKEY M. , MANICA A. , BALMFORD A. , MBOMBE W. , DIOP BINENI T. R. , ABERNETHY K. A.
Published: January 2013

Despite widespread recognition of the major threat to tropical forest biological diversity and local food security posed by unsustainable bushmeat hunting, virtually no long‐term studies tracking the socioecological dynamics of hunting systems have been conducted. We interviewed local hunters and collected detailed hunting data to investigate changes in offtake and hunter characteristics over 10 years (2001–2010) in Dibouka and Kouagna villages, central Gabon, in the context of hunter recollections of longer term trends since the 1950s. To control for changes in hunter behavior, such as trap location and characteristics, we report hunting offtake data per trap. Our results suggest the hunting area was already highly depleted by 2001; local hunters reported that 16 large‐bodied prey species had become rare or locally extirpated over the last 60 years. Overall, we observed no significant declines in hunting offtake or changes in species composition from 2001 to 2010, and offtakes per trap increased slightly between 2004 and 2010. However, trapping distance from the villages increased, and there was a switch in hunting techniques; a larger proportion of the catch was hunted with guns in 2010. The number of hunters declined by 20% from 2004 to 2010, and male livelihood activities shifted away from hunting. Hunters with the lowest hunting incomes in 2004 were more likely than successful hunters to have moved away from the village by 2010 (often in response to alternative employment opportunities). Therefore, changes in trap success (potentially related to biological factors) were interacting with system‐level changes in hunter number and composition (related to external socioeconomic factors) to produce a relatively static overall offtake. Our results highlight the importance of understanding the small‐scale context of hunting to correctly interpret changes or apparent stasis in hunting effort and offtake over time.

Cambio Social y Ecológico a lo Largo de Una Década en un Sistema de Cacería Aldeana, Gabón Central
The concept of the onychodermis (specialized nail mesenchyme): an embryological assessment and a comparative analysis with the hair follicle
Authors: Sellheyer Klaus , Nelson Paula
Published: January 2013

Background

Recently, an intriguing concept was introduced into the literature that defines the area underlying the nail bed as a specific mesenchymal substructure unique to the nail organ. It has been termed onychodermis. The onychodermis expresses CD10 with remarkable specificity. Herein, we compare adult and fetal human hair follicles with fetal nail organs in an attempt to draw analogies for the mesenchyme associated with both adnexal structures.

Methods

We examined immunohistochemically samples from adult and fetal hair follicles for the expression of CD10, CD34 and the mesenchymal stem cell marker nestin and compared the antigen profile with that of the fetal nail organ.

Results

The CD10‐positive/CD34‐negative onychodermis is prominently visible at the end of the second trimester. A corresponding follicular structure was not identified, either in the adult or in the developing hair follicle. Nestin staining does not define the onychodermis.

Conclusions

The concept of the onychodermis is equally valid in the developing nail organ where it is also defined by its expression for CD10. Its function may be related to the anchorage of the overlying nail bed but may also involve a more dynamic role in the induction of hard keratins in the latter, contributing to the formation of the nail plate.
New insights into the survival strategy of the invasive soilborne pathogen Phytophthora cinnamomi in different natural ecosystems in Western Australia
Authors: Jung T. , Colquhoun I. J. , Hardy G. E. St. J.
Published: January 2013

Despite its importance as one of the most notorious, globally distributed, multihost plant pathogens, knowledge on the survival strategy of Phytophthora cinnamomi in seasonally dry climates is limited. Soil and fine roots were collected from the rhizosphere of severely declining or recently dead specimens of 13 woody species at 11 dieback sites and two dieback spots and from healthy specimens of five woody species at four dieback‐free sites in native forests, woodlands and heathlands of the south‐west of Western Australia (WA). Phytophthora cinnamomi was recovered from 80.4, 78.1 and 100% of tested soil, fine root and soil–debris slurry samples at the 11 dieback sites, in some cases even after 18‐month storage under air‐dry conditions, but not from the small dieback spots and the healthy sites. Direct isolations from soil–debris slurry showed that P. cinnamomi colonies exclusively originated from fine roots and root fragments not from free propagules in the soil. Microscopic investigation of P. cinnamomi‐infected fine and small woody roots and root fragments demonstrated in 68.8, 81.3 and 93.8% of samples from nine woody species the presence of thick‐walled oospores, stromata‐like hyphal aggregations and intracellular hyphae encased by lignitubers, respectively, while thin‐walled putative chlamydospores were found in only 21.2% of samples from five woody species. These findings were confirmed by microscopic examination of fine roots from artificially inoculated young trees of 10 woody species. It is suggested that (i) the main function of chlamydospores is the survival in moderately dry conditions between consecutive rain events and (ii) selfed oospores, hyphal aggregations, and encased hyphae and vesicles in infected root tissue of both host and non‐host species are the major long‐term survival propagules of P. cinnamomi during the extremely dry summer conditions in WA.
Loss of retinal nerve fibre layer axons indicates white but not grey matter damage in early multiple sclerosis
Authors: Young K. L. , Brandt A. U. , Petzold A. , Reitz L. Y. , Lintze F. , Paul F. , Martin R. , Schippling S.
Published: January 2013

Background and purpose

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) has shown thinning of the retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL) and total macular volume (TMV) in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. Measures of retinal atrophy are associated with the brain parenchymal fraction (BPF) assessed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). However, in MS, data on the relation of OCT measures and grey and white matter volumes are contradictory. We performed a prospective cross‐sectional study with a statistically pre‐defined endpoint to test our hypothesis that OCT measures of neuro‐axonal degeneration are related to global and partial brain atrophy in early forms of MS.

Methods and results

Forty‐four patients with clinically isolated syndrome (n = 10) or relapsing–remitting MS (n = 34; mean disease duration = 3.2 years, median EDSS = 1.5) were enrolled in the study. Peripapillary‐ and volumetric OCT scans of the macula were performed using latest spectral‐domain OCT technology. BPF as well as white and grey matter fractions (WMF/GMF) were assessed by 1.5 Tesla MRI scans. Generalized estimating equation models adjusted for age and linear regression statistics were used to assess the association between OCT and MRI measures. RNFL thickness, TMV and age were significantly associated with BPF. RNFL thickness and TMV independently predicted WMF (P = 0.003 and P = 0.032) but not GMF (P = 0.717 and P = 0.357) when corrected for age. In contrast, age was strongly associated with GMF (P < 0.001) but not WMF.

Conclusion

Our study suggests that, in early MS, OCT measures of retinal atrophy are related to volumetric changes in the white but not grey matter compartment as assessed by MRI. It further substantiates the association of retinal thinning and brain tissue loss in MS.
A new COL3A1 mutation in Ehlers–Danlos syndrome type IV
Authors: Eder Johanna , Laccone Franco , Rohrbach Marianne , Giunta Cecilia , Aumayr Klaus , Reichel Christofer , Trautinger Franz
Published: January 2013

The vascular type of the Ehlers–Danlos syndrome (Ehlers–Danlos syndrome type IV, EDS IV; OMIM #130050) is a rare connective tissue disorder with autosomal dominant transmission caused by mutations in the COL3A1 gene resulting in increased fragility of connective tissue with arterial, intestinal, and uterine ruptures and premature death. We present a 28‐year‐old female who in addition to typical EDS IV symptoms had severe peripheral artery occlusive disease (PAOD) and subtotal stenosis of the abdominal aorta. COL3A1 sequencing resulted in detection of an as yet undescribed mutation in exon 36 at position 2465 leading to a nucleotide replacement (c.2465G>C; p.G822A). Ultrastructural analysis of a skin biopsy revealed abnormal morphology and distribution of dermal collagen fibres. We conclude that PAOD is a possible manifestation of EDS IV and that further research is required to define its true prevalence among patients with EDS IV and its molecular pathology including genotype–phenotype correlation.
A 2 °C warmer world is not safe for ecosystem services in theEuropeanAlps
Authors: Elkin Ché , Gutiérrez Alvaro G. , Leuzinger Sebastian , Manusch Corina , Temperli Christian , Rasche Livia , Bugmann Harald
Published: January 2013

Limiting the increase in global average temperature to 2 °C is the objective of international efforts aimed at avoiding dangerous climate impacts. However, the regional response of terrestrial ecosystems and the services that they provide under such a scenario are largely unknown. We focus on mountain forests in theEuropeanAlps and evaluate how a range of ecosystem services (ES) are projected to be impacted in a 2 °C warmer world, using four novel regional climate scenarios. We employ three complementary forest models to assess a wide range ofESin two climatically contrasting case study regions. Within each climate scenario we evaluate if and whenESwill deviate beyond status quo boundaries that are based on current system variability. Our results suggest that the sensitivity of mountain forestESto a 2 °C warmer world depends heavily on the current climatic conditions of a region, the strong elevation gradients within a region, and the specificESin question. Our simulations project that large negative impacts will occur at low and intermediate elevations in initially warm‐dry regions, where relatively small climatic shifts result in negative drought‐related impacts on forestES. In contrast, at higher elevations, and in regions that are initially cool‐wet, forestESwill be comparatively resistant to a 2 °C warmer world. We also found considerable variation in the vulnerability of forestESto climate change, with some services such as protection against rockfall and avalanches being sensitive to 2 °C global climate change, but other services such as carbon storage being reasonably resistant. Although our results indicate a heterogeneous response of mountain forestESto climate change, the projected substantial reduction of some forestESin dry regions suggests that a 2 °C increase in global mean temperature cannot be seen as a universally ‘safe’ boundary for the maintenance of mountain forestES.
Volume estimation in dialysis patients: The concordance of brain‐type natriuretic peptide measurements and bioimpedance values
Authors: Tapolyai Mihály , Faludi Mária , Réti Virág , Lengvárszky Zsolt , Szarvas Tibor , Fülöp Tibor , Bekő Gabriella , Berta Klára
Published: January 2013

Correct estimation of the dialysis patients' hydration status remains an important clinical challenge. Bioimpedance measurements have been validated by various physiological tests, and the use of brain‐type natriuretic peptide (BNP) has been validated by inferior vena cava diameter measurements. This is an observational cohort study that evaluated the correspondence between bioimpedance‐measured overhydration percentage (OH%) and BNP. We measured predialysis OH% by bioimpedance apparatus (Body Composition Monitor) and BNP by microparticle enzyme‐linked immunoassay in 41 prevalent stable hemodialysis patients, 19 (46%) women, aged 58.9 ± 14.5 years. The cohort's average BNP was 2694 ± 3278 pg/mL and 10 (24.4%) of these 41 patients had BNP < 500 pg/mL (average 260.7 ± 108.5). The OH% was 8.5 ± 7.0% among those with a BNP < 500 pg/mL, while the rest of the population had an OH% of 21.4 ± 8.0%, corresponding to excess volumes of 1.6 ± 1.3 and 4.4 ± 3.8 L, respectively. The OH% vs. BNP relationship was best described by the exponential regression of y = 216.4e0.097x, predicting a BNP of 216.4 pg/mL at 0% overhydration status (r 0.61). Receiver‐operating curves revealed an area under the curve of 0.885 for BNP when the OH% was set ≥15% of overhydration and an area under the curve of 0.918 for OH% when the BNP was set ≥500 pg/mL for being abnormal. We conclude that in our cohort there was a high degree of correspondence between these two tests with an exponential relationship between the measurements.
Examination of the predictive validity of theDynamicAppraisal ofSituationalAggression in two mental health units
Authors: Griffith Jessica J. , Daffern Michael , Godber Timothy
Published: January 2013

Empirically derived structured violence risk assessment instruments are increasingly used by nurses in forensic mental health settings, typically demonstrating stronger predictive validity than unaided clinical risk assessments, and associated with reduced aggression and reduced restrictive practices including seclusion. However, these instruments are less often used in non‐forensic mental health settings despite frequent aggression in these settings. This study represents the first test of theDynamicAppraisal ofSituationalAggression (DASA‐IV), a structured instrument used to appraise risk for imminent aggression in a non‐forensic mental health hospital. Predictive validity ofDASA‐IV, and unaided clinical and structured clinical judgements made afterDASA‐IVassessments were compared. Participants included 105 nurses at two mental health inpatient units in ruralVictoria,Australia. During the study, 482DASA‐IVassessments and structured clinical judgements were compared with 997 unaided clinical risk judgements.DASA‐IVtotal scores predicted aggression significantly better than unaided clinical risk ratings over the subsequent 24 hours and for the next shift. Nurses' structured clinical judgement ratings were more accurate than unaided clinical appraisals but less accurate than actuarial (DASA‐IVderived) scores. TheDASA‐IVpresents as a valid measure for appraising risk of imminent aggression in mainstream mental health inpatient settings.
Trauma‐informed care in inpatient mental health settings: A review of the literature
Authors: Muskett Coral
Published: January 2013

Trauma‐informed care is an emerging value that is seen as fundamental to effective and contemporary mental health nursing practice. Trauma‐informed care, like recovery, leaves mental health nurses struggling to translate these values into day‐to‐day nursing practice. Many are confused about what individual actions they can take to support these values. To date, the most clearly articulated policy to emerge from the trauma‐informed care movement in Australia has been the agreement to reduce, and wherever possible, eliminate the use of seclusion and restraint. Confronted with the constant churn of admissions and readmissions of clients with challenging behaviours, and seemingly intractable mental illness, the elimination of seclusion and restraint is seen to be utopian by many mental health nurses in inpatient settings. Is trauma‐informed care solely about eliminating seclusion and restraint, or are there other tangible practices nurses could utilize to effect better health outcomes for mental health clients, especially those with significant abuse histories? This article summarizes the findings from the literature from 2000–2011 in identifying those practices and clinical activities that have been implemented to effect trauma‐informed care in inpatient mental health settings.
A comparison of the in vitro moisture vapour transmission rate and in vivo fluid‐handling capacity of six adhesive foam dressings to a newly reformulated adhesive foam dressing
Authors: Zehrer Cindy L. , Holm David , Solfest Staci E. , Walters Shelley‐Ann
Published: January 2013

This study compared moisture vapour transmission rate (MVTR) and wear time or fluid‐handling capacities of six adhesive foam dressings to a reformulated control dressing. Standardised in vitro MVTR methodology and a previously published in vivo artificial wound model (AWM) were used. Mean inverted MVTR for the reformulated dressing was 12 750 g/m2/24 hours and was significantly higher than four of the six comparator dressings (P < 0·0001), which ranged from 830 to 11 360 g/m2/24 hours. Mean upright MVTR for the reformulated dressing was 980 g/m2/24 hours and was significantly different than all of the comparator dressings (P < 0·0001), which ranged from 80 to 1620 g/m2/24 hours (three higher/three lower). The reformulated dressing median wear time ranged from 6·1 to >7·0 days, compared with 1·0 to 3·5 days for the comparator dressings (P = 0·0012 to P < 0·0001). The median fluid volume handled ranged from 78·0 to >87 ml compared with 13·0 to 44·5 ml for the comparator dressings (P = 0·0007 to P < 0·001). Interestingly, inverted MVTR did not correspond well to the AWM. These results suggest that marked differences exist between the dressings in terms of both MVTR and wear time or fluid‐handling capacity. Furthermore, high inverted MVTR does not necessarily predict longer wear time or fluid‐handling capacities of absorbent dressings.
Salamanders breeding in subterranean habitats: local adaptations or behavioural plasticity?
Authors: Manenti R. , Ficetola G. F.
Published: January 2013

The exploitation of novel habitats requires the expression of specific behaviours. This may occur through both behavioural plasticity and local adaptations, but assessing the relative role of these processes is challenging. Animals colonizing underground environments are exposed to strong selective pressure: epigeous species using caves during one or more phases of their life cycles can help to understand mechanisms allowing cave exploitation. The fire salamander (Salamandra salamandra) may breed both in cave springs and in epigeous streams. We compared predation performance of larvae from cave and stream populations, and assessed whether local adaptations or behavioural plasticity (or both) improve predation in underground environments. We performed a behavioural experiment about prey detection and capture. We collected larvae from both caves and streams, and reared them under contrasting conditions: underground and outdoor. In the darkness, we tested two measures of predation performance of larvae: time of head turning towards the prey and frequency of prey capturing. We used an information‐theoretic approach to assess the relative support of potential mechanisms (adaptations vs. plasticity). Both cave and stream larvae were able to detect and capture prey in the darkness. Larvae born in caves captured prey with higher success than those from streams. Acclimatization to underground conditions did not improve predation performance, suggesting that plasticity plays a minor role. This study indicates that the exploitation of underground environments leads to behavioural local adaptations, allowing an improved predation performance in environments where prey are both scarce and difficult to detect.
Everolimus‐Eluting Stents Versus Sirolimus‐ or Paclitaxel‐Eluting Stents: Two‐Year Results from the Guthrie Health Off‐Label Stent (GHOST) Registry
Authors: HARJAI KISHORE J. , KONDAREDDY SREEKANTH , PINKOSKY BRIAN , HARJAI NEIL , ORSHAW PAM , BOURA JUDY
Published: January 2013

Objectives

We sought to compare the safety and effectiveness of everolimus‐eluting stents (EES) versus first generation drug‐eluting stents (FG‐DES; sirolimus‐eluting stent [SES] or paclitaxel‐eluting stent [PES]).

Methods

In 2,126 patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), we compared the 2‐year incidence of stent thrombosis (ST) and target vessel revascularization (TVR) between the EES versus FG‐DES groups. Secondary end‐points included all‐cause death, myocardial infarction (MI), death or MI, and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE, including death, MI, ST, or TVR). Further, we evaluated these end‐points in 2 propensity‐matched subgroups: EES versus SES; EES versus PES.

Results

Complete 2‐year follow‐up was available in 1,911 (90%) patients. Compared to FG‐DES, implantation of EES was associated with trends towards lower ST (0.9% vs. 2.8%, P = 0.068) and TVR (3.8% vs. 7.2%, P = 0.052), which persisted after adjustment for baseline differences (for ST, adjusted hazard ratio, HR 0.32; 95% confidence interval, 95% CI 0.10–1.02, P = 0.053; for TVR, HR 0.40; 95% CI 0.22–0.75, P = 0.004). Compared to SES, EES implantation was associated with lower TVR and a trend towards lower ST. Compared to PES, EES implantation was associated with less ST and TVR and trends towards lower death/MI and MACE. In the EES group, no ST was seen after the first 3 months.

Conclusions

The use of EES compared to FG‐DES appears to be associated with reductions in ST and TVR at 2‐year follow‐up. Improved outcomes with EES are observed in comparison with SES as well as PES. (J Interven Cardiol 2013;26:153–162)
Procedural Effectiveness of a Novel 1.20 mm Diameter Angioplasty Catheter: Clinical and Angiographic Outcomes
Authors: KANDZARI DAVID E. , TEIRSTEIN PAUL S. , KEREIAKES DEAN J. , CANNON LOUIS A. , HEARNE STEVEN E. , KUO HAI‐CHIEN , YING SHIH‐WA , CHEONG WAI‐FUNG , POPMA JEFFREY J.
Published: January 2013

Objective

To evaluate clinical and angiographic outcomes using a 1.20 mm diameter angioplasty catheter as part of a predilation strategy for coronary lesion treatment.

Background

Development of an angioplasty catheter with low crossing profile and small balloon diameter represents an opportunity to facilitate percutaneous revascularization of complex coronary disease.

Methods

Clinical and angiographic outcomes were evaluated following a predilation treatment strategy using a low profile, 1.20 mm angioplasty catheter. The primary end‐point of procedural success was defined as successful device delivery, performance and lesion treatment without occurrence of perforation, flow‐limiting dissection, reduction in baseline TIMI grade, or clinically significant arrhythmias, and with final achievement of TIMI 3 flow. In‐hospital major adverse events were also determined.

Results

Among 71 patients (83 lesions), angiographic characteristics included: de novo lesion, 75.9%; saphenous vein graft 9.6%; lesion length (mean ± standard deviation), 12.27 ± 5.96 mm; reference vessel diameter, 2.61 ± 0.57 mm; lesion classification B2/C, 59.0%; baseline TIMI 0/1 flow, 4.8%. Procedural success was achieved for 98.5% (66/67) of patients. Catheter delivery to the target lesion was achieved in all patients, and the rate of device success with luminal improvement after predilation was 96.2% (75/78). No acute procedural complications were observed, and in‐hospital target lesion failure occurred in 6 patients (8.5%) related to peri‐procedural non‐Q wave myocardial infarction.

Conclusions

Coronary lesion predilation with a low profile, 1.20 mm angioplasty catheter is associated with favorable procedural safety and efficacy and may represent an effective treatment for complex coronary anatomy. (J Interven Cardiol 2013;26:131–136)
Scale dependency of metapopulation models used to predict climate change impacts on small mammals
Authors: Haby Nerissa A. , Prowse Thomas A. A. , Gregory Stephen D. , Watts Michael J. , Delean Steven , Fordham Damien A. , Foulkes Jeff , Brook Barry W.
Published: January 2013

To investigate potential range shifts in a changing climate it is becoming increasingly common to develop models that account for demographic processes. Metapopulation models incorporate the spatial configuration of occupied habitat (i.e. arrangement, size and quality), population demographics, and inter‐patch dispersal making them suitable for investigating potential threats to small mammal range and abundance. However, the spatial scale (resolution) used to represent species–environment dynamics may affect estimates of range shift and population resilience by failing to realistically represent the spatial configuration of suitable habitat, including stepping stones and refugia. We aimed to determine whether relatively fine‐scale environmental information influenced predictions of metapopulation persistence and range shift. Species distribution models were constructed for four small terrestrial mammals from southern Australia using environmental predictors measured at 0.1 × 0.1 km (0.01 km2) or 1.0 × 1.0 km (1 km2) resolution, and combined with demographic information to parameterise coupled niche‐population models. These models were used to simulate population dynamics projected over 40‐yr under a stable and changing climate. Initial estimates of the area of available habitat were similar at both spatial scales. However, at the fine‐scale, habitat configuration comprised a greater number of patches (ca 12 times), that were more irregular in shape (ca 8 times the perimeter:area), and separated by a tenth of the distance than at the coarse‐scale. While small patches were not more prone to extinction, populations generally declined at a higher rate and were associated with a lower expected minimum abundance. Despite increased species vulnerability at the fine‐scale, greater range shifts were measured at the coarse‐scale (for species illustrating a shift at both scales). These results highlight the potential for range shifts and species vulnerability information to be misrepresented if advanced modelling techniques incorporating species demographics and dispersal inadequately represent the scale at which these processes occur.
Exploitation ecosystems and trophic cascades in non‐equilibrium systems: pasture – red kangaroo – dingo interactions in arid Australia
Authors: Choquenot David , Forsyth David M.
Published: January 2013

The exploitation ecosystems hypothesis (EEH) proposes that 1) plant biomass reflects the primary productivity of an ecosystem modified by the regulating effect of herbivory, and 2) herbivore abundance reflects the productivity of plants modified by the regulating effect of predation. Primary productivity thus determines the number of trophic levels in an ecosystem and the extent to which bottom–up and top–down regulation influence the biomass ratios of adjacent and non‐adjacent trophic levels (i.e. trophic cascading). We constructed an interactive model of plant (pasture), herbivore (red kangaroo Macropus rufus) and predator (dingo Canis lupus dingo), a system in which trophic cascades have been suggested to occur, and used it to test the effects of increasing stochastic variation in primary productivity and dingo culling on predictions of the EEH. The model contained four feedback loops: the predator–herbivore and herbivore–plant feedback loops, and the predator and plant density‐dependent feedback loops. The equilibrium conditions along the primary productivity gradient reproduced the three zones of trophic dynamics predicted by the EEH, plus an additional zone at productivities above which the maximum density of a predator is achieved due to social regulation: that zone is characterized by increasing herbivore density and decreasing plant biomass. Culling dingoes produced trophic cascades that were strongly attenuated at primary productivities below which the maximum density of dingoes was attained. Results were robust to uncertainty in kangaroo off‐take by dingoes and to the efficacy of dingo culling, but prey switching by dingoes from red kangaroos to reptiles would weaken trophic cascades. We conclude that social regulation of carnivores has important implications for expression of the EEH and trophic cascades, and that attenuation of trophic cascades increases with increasing stochasticity in primary productivity. Our model also provides a framework for understanding the conditions in which dingo‐mediated trophic cascades might be expected to occur, and generates testable predictions about the effects of higher dingo densities (e.g. by stopping culling or reintroduction to former range) on kangaroo and pasture dynamics.
Effect of Bismate Frits Under Fast Firing on Reactions Between Ag Electrodes and Si Wafer for Si Solar Cells
Authors: Kim Dongsun , Kim Hyungsun
Published: January 2013

Leaded frits in Ag pastes have generally been used to fabricate Ag electrodes. The bismate glass system has been reported to be an appropriate frit for use in Ag pastes for eco‐friendly materials. The characteristics of bismate frits under fast firing were first studied to elucidate the phenomena occurring in the molten glass. To determine the reactions among Ag, frits, and an Si wafer coated with SiNx, the interfacial structures between Ag electrodes and the Si wafer were investigated using scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDX), transmission electron microscopy coupled with EDX, and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The precipitates formed in the molten frits were found to be Bi nanoparticles. The interfacial structures between the Ag electrodes and the Si wafer consisted of Ag electrodes, glass layers, and recrystallites formed in the n+ emitter. The recrystallite elements existed as Ag–Si and Ag–Bi–Si, which are segregated, as well as Ag. These results suggest that the contact formation between the Ag electrodes and the Si wafer was caused by the characteristics of bismate frits in Ag pastes under fast firing.
Superhydrophilic Transparent Titania Films by Supersonic Aerosol Deposition
Authors: Park Jung‐Jae , Kim Do‐Yeon , Lee Jong‐Gun , Kim Donghwan , Oh Joon‐Ho , Seong Tae‐Yeon , van Hest Maikel F.A.M. , Yoon Sam S.
Published: January 2013

Photocatalytic and hydrophilic TiO2 thin‐film applications include water purification, cancer therapy, solar energy conversion, self‐cleaning devices, and antifogging windows. We demonstrate superhydrophilicity of aerosol‐deposition (AD) TiO2 films on a glass substrate without use of a carrier solvent, thereby removing the possibility of impurity contamination. AD films exhibit high visible light transmittance (greater than 80%) and superhydrophilicity (0° contact angle) with even minimal UV‐light irradiation exposure. This AD method represents a significant step toward the realization of economically viable, functional thin films for the aforementioned applications.