bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nouvelles normes de l'OIT sur le travail décent pour les travailleurs domestiques: résumé des débats
Authors: Tomei Manuela , Belser Patrick
Published: March 2012

Des millions de domestiques dans le monde sont exclus des législations nationales, car ils travaillent au domicile de particuliers avec une relation de travail atypique. Ils sont vulnérables à l'exploitation et aux abus – souvent surmenés, souspayés et victimes de violence. Adoptée par l'OIT en juin 2011, la convention (n° 189) et la recommandation (n° 201) sur les travailleuses et travailleurs domestiques concrétisent la volonté des gouvernements et des organisations d'employeurs et de travailleurs de remédier à cette situation. Associés aux travaux et aux négociations tripartites qui ont conduit à leur adoption, les auteurs passent en revue le contenu des deux instruments et les débats préparatoires.
Patch test practices and perceptions of Chinese dermatologists: results of a cross‐sectional survey
Authors: Zou Ying , Wang Xue Min
Published: March 2012

Background Patch testing is the most valuable tool for diagnosing allergic contact dermatitis. Whereas previous surveys have evaluated patch test practices and perceptions of dermatologists worldwide, no such information is available relating to Chinese dermatologists.

Objectives We surveyed Chinese dermatologists by using questionnaires to investigate their patch test practices and the prevalence of patch testing.

Methods A cross‐sectional survey of Chinese dermatologists was conducted at the National Congress of Dermatology in December 2006.

Results Of the 1116 questionnaires distributed, 1089 (97.6%) were returned. Eighty‐six per cent of dermatologists reported performing patch testing. Dermatologists from regional hospitals were significantly more likely to perform patch testing (p < 0.001). The majority (80.8%) used the baseline (standard) allergen series made in China. Eighty‐seven per cent of testers performed only a single patch test reading. The dermatologists' perceptions of the patch test indicated that 43.1% of the respondents thought that patch testing could be used to diagnose irritant contact dermatitis, and only 30.3% of the respondents made the correct choice when asked to read a patch test reaction.

Conclusions Patch testing is widespread among Chinese dermatologists, but further improvement and education regarding the procedure is required.
Stability of selected volatile contact allergens in different patch test chambers under different storage conditions
Authors: Mose Kristian F. , Andersen Klaus E. , Christensen Lars Porskjær
Published: March 2012

Background. Patch test preparations of volatile substances may evaporate during storage, thereby giving rise to reduced patch test concentrations.

Objectives. To investigate the stability of selected acrylates/methacrylates and fragrance allergens in three different test chambers under different storage conditions.

Methods. Petrolatum samples of methyl methacrylate (MMA), 2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate (2‐HEMA), 2‐hydroxypropyl acrylate (2‐HPA), cinnamal and eugenol in patch test concentrations were stored in three different test chambers (IQ chamber™, IQ Ultimate™, and Van der Bend® transport container) at room temperature and in a refrigerator. The samples were analysed in triplicate with high‐performance liquid chromatography.

Results. The decrease in concentration was substantial for all five allergens under both storage conditions in IQ chamber™ and IQ Ultimate™, with the exception of 2‐HEMA during storage in the refrigerator. For these two chamber systems, the contact allergen concentration dropped below the stability limit in the following order: MMA, cinnamal, 2‐HPA, eugenol, and 2‐HEMA. In the Van der Bend® transport container, the contact allergens exhibited acceptable stability under both storage conditions, whereas MMA and 2‐HPA required cool storage for maintenance of the limit.

Conclusion. The Van der Bend® transport container was the best device for storage of samples of volatile contact allergens.
No skin reactions to mineral powders in nickel‐sensitive subjects
Authors: Lodén Marie , Nilsson Gert , Parvardeh Masomeh , Neimert Carne Kristina , Berg Mats
Published: March 2012

Background. Cosmetic products are known to be able to induce contact dermatitis. Contact dermatitis may also be induced by nickel, and it is estimated that up to 17% of women are allergic to nickel.

Objectives. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether nickel sensitized individuals react to make‐up products containing pigments with nickel as an impurity.

Patients/Materials/Methods. Twenty‐three individuals with a clinical history of nickel allergy and/or with positive patch test reactions to nickel were exposed to mineral make‐up products and individual pigments dispersed in alkylbenzoate (50%) in small Finn Chambers® for 48 hr. The skin reactions were evaluated visually and with a non‐invasive instrument that quantifies skin erythema.

Results. The results showed that 74% of the included individuals showed a visible reaction to the positive control nickel sulfate, and a significant correlation was found between the visual and instrumental readings. However, none of the nickel sensitive individuals reacted to the test products. A subgroup analysis of the 50% most sensitive individuals also confirmed the absence of skin reactions to the powders.

Conclusions. The bioavailability of the trace amounts of nickel in the particles was below the level needed to elicit an eczematous reaction in any of the nickel‐sensitized individuals.
Larval parasitism rate increases in herbivore‐damaged trees: a field experiment with cyclic birch feeding moths
Authors: Klemola Tero , Ammunét Tea , Andersson Tommi , Klemola Netta , Ruohomäki Kai
Published: March 2012

Indirect plant defence mechanisms enhance the effectiveness of natural enemies of herbivores. Herbivore‐induced plant volatiles (HIPVs) attract the parasitoids of insect herbivores as shown both in numerous choice tests conducted under laboratory conditions and in relatively few common‐garden setups in agro‐ecosystems. However, the importance of this indirect defence trait at higher levels of biological organization has yet to be investigated through natural field experiments. Here, we report a field experiment of larval parasitism of two cyclic geometrid defoliators in herbivore‐damaged and fairly intact mountain birch Betula pubescens ssp. czerepanovii under natural conditions. Parasitism rates in larvae of the autumnal (Epirrita autumnata) and winter moth (Operophtera brumata) exposed for 30 h on defoliated trees were more than twice as high as those on control trees. This finding indicates that hymenopteran parasitoids were attracted to previously defoliated trees by some cues from the host plants, HIPVs being the most likely candidates. The third trophic level should thus be considered in natural plant herbivore interactions. Furthermore, parasitoids and food resources are key factors in the population regulation of forest insect pests, and indirect plant defences could be important in their interactions. Our research also emphasizes the quality of control treatments in field experiments, since immediate plant responses easily obscure the results as soon as control trees become infested by herbivorous insects.
Comparison and evaluation of the current staging of cutaneous carcinomas
Authors: Breuninger Helmut , Brantsch Kay , Eigentler Thomas , Häfner Hans‐Martin
Published: March 2012

Background: Recently the “Union for International Cancer Control” (UICC) and the “American Joint Committee on Cancer” (AJCC) changed their TNM (tumor, node, metastasis) classification of cutaneous carcinomas. Methods: We compared these classifications, tested their practicability with 615 prospectively collected, unselected, primary cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas, and introduced additional classification criteria.

Results: Neither classification contains information about prognosis. Non‐metastasizing types of cutaneous carcinoma should be excluded. The vermilion border of the lower lip and the eyelids should be included. Both systems have been improved, but in part they are irreproducible. The AJCC has introduced six “high‐risk features” to differentiate between T1 and T2. However, this does not seem reasonable. Only rare cases are classified as T4. Both systems have different N classifications. A clinical cT classification based on tumor size 2 cm seems reasonable but not sufficient. It should be complemented by a postoperative p (pathologic) T classification based on tumor thickness: “no risk”≤ 2 mm thickness (0% risk of metastasis), “low risk” > 2 mm to 6 mm thickness (4% risk of metastasis), and “high risk” > 6 mm thickness (16% risk of metastasis). Immune suppression, poor differentiation/desmoplasia, and the ear as tumor site are additional risk factors for metastasis, currently not evaluable.

Conclusions: The classifications are unsuitable for a realistic estimate of the risk of metastasis which is possible using a combination of tumor size and thickness. The N staging system should consider histopathologic findings.
Rain forest understorey ferns facilitate tree seedling survival under animal non‐trophic stress
Authors: Song Guo‐Zhang Michael , Yates David J. , Doley David
Published: March 2012

Questions

Although forest ecosystems harbour many animal species and animal non‐trophic effects are as ubiquitous as trophic effects, few studies have examined animal non‐trophic effects on plant–plant interactions. Can animal non‐trophic behaviour influence plant–plant interactions and thus, change the net effect of interactions, especially those between understorey vegetation and tree seedlings? How do the species traits of understorey vegetation and animals contribute to their interactions with seedlings?

Location

The Main Range National Park, southeast Queensland, Australia.

Methods

Seedling survival related to the cover of understorey vegetation (mainly the fern Lastreopsis decomposita) was monitored in a 0.5‐m wide and 200‐m long transect for 2 yrs. Ten per cent of the transect was caged to estimate the effects of non‐trophic disturbances from two pheasant‐size, ground‐dwelling birds (Menura alberti and Alectura lathami) for 1 yr. Two hundred plastic tags (5 × 5 cm) were placed in the transect to quantify bird disturbance and litter input.

Results

The negative effects of the fern understorey on seedlings were increased light deficits, greater risk of herbivory and wilting or rotting; the positive effects were reduced uprooting and litter smothering due to abiotic and bird disturbances. Notably, the exclusion of bird activity changed the net effect of the fern understorey from positive to neutral, and seedling survival was positively correlated with fern cover.

Conclusions

The net effect of plant‐plant interactions is subject to change when additional species are involved. In addition to trophic effects, non‐trophic effects are such that they can change interactions between plants. A conceptual model of species traits contributing to interactions is presented.
On and Off the Reservation: A Discussion of the Social, Physical, and Mental Health Indicators of Suicide in the Native American Community
Authors: Guittar Nicholas A.
Published: March 2012

This article reviews explanations for the heightened rates of suicide among the US Native American population. Particular attention is afforded to the social, historical, physical, and mental health stressors that may contribute to such high rates. A great deal of scientific research has centered on determining and analyzing the many socio‐demographic indicators of suicide. Studies at the intersection of race/ethnicity and suicide have drawn attention to the fact that certain groups have higher suicide rates than others. At the pinnacle of groups most susceptible to suicide are Native Americans, followed closely by White non‐Hispanics, and then all other racial/ethnic groups (Sederer 1994). As of 2008, Native Americans were more than twice as likely to commit suicide as Blacks, Hispanics, or Asian‐Americans. The analysis begins with an exploration of potential explanations behind the alarming rates of suicide within the Native American community, followed by critiques of the various theories.
The role of the brain in farmed fish
Authors: Papoutsoglou Sofronios E.
Published: March 2012

As is well known, optimal levels of both homeostasis and welfare of farmed fish are almost completely dependent upon human endeavour to investigate fish brain capacities and utilize them for the greatest benefit. According to the accumulated research experience specifically concerning minimization of farmed fish stress, the final outcome of the involved mechanisms is strongly associated with fish species and biological stage as well as a number of rearing environment parameters related to the type of the production system applied.

Based on the conclusions gained, it is clear that the fish brain‐neuroendocrinological system is an extraordinarily rich and expressive one forming a species‐specific living ethology that incorporates cognitive behaviour and ‘demands’, the whole constituting, in effect, the fish “personality”. The diverse facets of this ‘personality’ are expressed via a wide range of phenomena: e.g. the power of learning, memorizing, sound production, particular external coloration changes, courtship behaviour, parent care and “emotional feelings” including the manifestation of aggressiveness and the demonstration of “happiness”. The final conclusion to be drawn is that fish are indeed amazing creatures. One can only marvel at the superb plasticity of their brain which, over hundreds of millions of years and through myriad genomic, evolutionary and epigenetic developments, has enabled them to adapt and respond to and remarkably thrive in all extremes of environments, and all this though they lack a cerebral neocortex.
Efficacy of Cilostazol on Uncontrolled Coronary Vasospastic Angina: A Pilot Study
Authors: Yoo Sang‐Yong , Song Sung‐Gook , Lee Jae‐Hwan , Shin Eun‐Seok , Kim Jeong‐Su , Park Yong‐Hyun , Kim Jun , Chun Kook‐Jin , Kim June‐Hong
Published: March 2012

Background: Although an angina attack by vasospastic angina (VSA) can usually be relieved or controlled with nitrates and calcium channel blockers (CCBs), there are some patients who cannot be controlled even by higher doses and combinations of these drugs. Cilostazol is a selective inhibitor of phosphodiesterase 3 that increases intracellular cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) contents. A stimulation of cAMP signal transduction increases coronary nitric oxide production. We examined whether cilostazol improved angina symptoms in patients with VSA uncontrolled by conventional treatment. Methods: This study was conducted in a prospective, multicenter, nonrandomized manner. The subject consisted of 21 patients (13 men, 57 ± 9 year‐old) who were diagnosed with VSA and had at least two angina attacks during the past 1 week despite of conventional medications such as CCBs and/or nitrates. They took cilostazol 100 mg twice daily for 2 weeks in addition to the conventional medications. The patients recorded the frequency of angina attack and wrote down the numeric rating scale of a "severity of angina attack" while taking conventional medications and cilostazol for 2 weeks, and also recorded an averaged scale or total number of event during the last week at the time of the assessment. Using the Wilcoxon rank‐sum test, we compared the changes in the scores of frequency and severity of angina attack before and after adding cilostazol to the conventional medications. Results: After adding cilostazol to the conventional medications, there were 78.9% relative reduction of the score of angina intensity and 73.5% of angina frequency (P < 0.001). There were four patients (19%) who were forced to stop cilostazol due to headache as an adverse event. Conclusions: Cilostazol appears to be an effective therapy in VSA uncontrolled with conventional medical treatment. A further prospective, randomized, placebo‐controlled study will be needed to validate this result.
Angiopoietin 2 levels in serum and bronchial lavage fluids and their relationship with cancer stages in lung cancer patients
Authors: Ayten Omer , Tas Dilaver , Demirer Ersin , Okutan Oguzhan , Ciftci Faruk , Aytekin Metin , Uysal Atilla , Kartaloglu Zafer
Published: March 2012

Background:  Angiopoietin 2 (Ang‐2) has an important role in tumor angiogenesis. In this study, Ang‐2 levels of serum and bronchioloalveolar lavage fluids (BALF) in patients with lung cancer were measured and correlated with clinical and biochemical parameters.

Methods:  Thirty‐five cases newly diagnosed with lung cancer and 18 controls with non‐cancerous lung diseases were included in the study. Tumor histology, staging, metastasis, tumor markers, biochemical and clinical parameters were all recorded.

Results:  Serum Ang‐2 levels were significantly higher in the lung cancer group compared to the control (lung cancer median: 2.42 ng/mL [2.19–2.98], control 0.67 [0.31–1.10]; P < 0.001), whereas Ang‐2 levels in BALF were lower in the lung cancer group compared to the control (lung cancer median 0.41 ng/mL [0.22–0.79], control 0.67 [0.46–1.03]; P = 0.02). In the cancer group, higher serum Ang‐2 levels (r = 0.52, P < 0.001) were associated with the stage of cancer. No significant correlation was observed between BALF Ang‐2 levels and non‐small cell lung cancer stages and small‐cell lung cancer advanced stage (P = 0.793, r = 0.07). Serum Ang‐2 levels were significantly higher in distant metastasis (M1) versus no distant metastasis (M0) (M1: 2.57 ng/mL [2.38–2.87], M0: 2.22 [1.49–2.40], P = 0.01). No significant correlation was observed between BALF Ang‐2 levels and M1 (r = 0.11, P = 0.53).

Conclusions:  Serum Ang‐2 levels were significantly higher in lung cancer patients and positive correlations were observed between serum Ang‐2, tumor stage, and metastasis.
Peri‐implantitis: from diagnosis to therapeutics
Authors: Nguyen‐Hieu Tung , Borghetti Alain , Aboudharam Gérard
Published: March 2012

Peri‐implantitis is an infection of the tissue around an implant, resulting in the loss of supporting bone. Risk factors for peri‐implantitis consist of a history of periodontitis, dental plaque, poor oral hygiene, smoking, alcohol consumption and diabetes. A clinical diagnosis indicates inflammatory signs including bleeding on probing with or without suppuration and a peri‐implant pocket depth ≥5 mm. A radiograph shows images of marginal bone loss ≥2 mm. A differential diagnosis of peri‐implant mucositis, occlusal overload, retrograde peri‐implantitis and inflammatory implant periapical lesions suggests the appropriate treatment in each case. The non‐surgical treatment of peri‐implantitis, including a mechanical treatment alone or combined with antiseptics or antibiotics can improve clinical parameters in the short term but residual defects may still persist. Surgical treatment such as guided bone regeneration results in a gain of clinical attachment level and bone reconstruction in the long term. The limited effect of laser‐assisted therapy needs to be further evaluated. The concept of prevention based on early detection and regular maintenance plays a principal role in reducing the occurrence of peri‐implantitis.
Beware the ‘Loughborough School’ of Social Psychology? Interaction and the politics of intervention
Authors: Stokoe Elizabeth , Hepburn Alexa , Antaki Charles
Published: March 2012

The authors explain the attractions of applying discursive psychology (DP) and conversation analysis (CA) by reporting three different examples of their engagement with practitioners and clients. Along the way, a case is made for separating DP/CA from other kinds of qualitative analysis in social psychology, and for deconstructing some commonly held misunderstandings and caricatures of DP/CA.
Niche and Neutral Effects of Acquired Immunity Permit Coexistence of Pneumococcal Serotypes
Authors: Cobey Sarah , Lipsitch Marc
Published: March 2012

Diversity in Immune Adversity

Streptococcus pneumoniae
commonly colonizes the nasopharynx and has the potential to cause life-threatening infections. Many variants of this pathogen are recognized that have subtly different capsule (an external polysaccharide coat) structures, which prompt distinct immune responses from the host and allow classification of this pathogen into serotypes. A consistent pattern of multiple coexisting serotypes occurs in human populations.
Cobey and Lipsitch
(p.
1376
, published online 1 March) probed the mechanisms behind serotype coexistence by developing an ecological model and feeding it data from nasopharyngeal carriage studies.
Antiretroviral Therapy as Prevention in South Africa
Authors: Barnabas Ruanne V.
Published: March 2012

Modeling shows that South Africa’s new HIV treatment guidelines could prevent almost 20% of new HIV infections cost-effectively.
Biosafety Considerations of Mammalian-Transmissible H5N1 Influenza
Authors: Imperiale Michael J. , Hanna Michael G.
Published: March 2012

The ability to produce an H5N1 influenza virus that can be transmitted from human to human raises both biosecurity and biosafety concerns. After analyzing the biosafety risks of such a virus, we propose that it be handled at biosafety level 4 (BSL4) containment until and unless it becomes clear that the risks to humans and other mammals can be mitigated.
Fibroproliferative changes on high-resolution CT in the acute respiratory distress syndrome predict mortality and ventilator dependency: a prospective observational cohort study
Authors: Ichikado Kazuya , Muranaka Hiroyuki , Gushima Yasuhiro , Kotani Toru , Nader Habashi M , Fujimoto Kiminori , Johkoh Takeshi , Iwamoto Norihiro , Kawamura Kodai , Nagano Junji , Fukuda Koichiro , Hirata Naomi , Yoshinaga Takeshi , Ichiyasu Hidenori , Tsumura Shinsuke , Kohrogi Hirotsugu , Kawaguchi Atsushi , Yoshioka Masakazu , Sakuma Tsutomu , Suga Moritaka
Published: March 2012

Objectives

To examine whether the extent of fibroproliferative changes on high-resolution CT (HRCT) scan influences prognosis, ventilator dependency and the associated outcomes in patients with early acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).

Design

A prospective observational cohort study.

Setting

Intensive care unit in a teaching hospital.

Participants

85 patients with ARDS who met American-European Consensus Conference Criteria and eligible criteria.

Interventions

HRCT scans were performed and prospectively evaluated by two independent observers on the day of diagnosis and graded into six findings according to the extent of fibroproliferation. An overall HRCT score was obtained by previously published method.

Primary and secondary outcomes

The primary outcome was 60-day mortality. Secondary outcomes included the number of ventilator-free days, organ failure-free days, the incidence of barotraumas and the occurrence of ventilator-associated pneumonia.

Results

Higher HRCT scores were associated with statistically significant decreases in organ failure-free days as well as ventilator-free days. Multivariate Cox proportional hazards model showed that the HRCT score remained an independent risk factor for mortality (HR 1.20; 95% CI 1.06 to 1.36; p=0.005). Multivariate analysis also revealed that the CT score had predictive value for ventilator weaning within 28 days (OR 0.63; 95% CI 0.48 to 0.82; p=0.0006) as well as for an incidence of barotraumas (OR 1.61; 95% CI 1.08 to 2.38; p=0.018) and for an occurrence of ventilator-associated pneumonia (OR 1.46; 95% CI 1.13 to 1.89; p=0.004). A HRCT score <210 enabled prediction of 60-day survival with 71% sensitivity and 72% specificity and of ventilator-weaning within 28 days with 75% sensitivity and 76% specificity.

Conclusions

Pulmonary fibroproliferation assessed by HRCT in patients with early ARDS predicts increased mortality with an increased susceptibility to multiple organ failure, including ventilator dependency and its associated outcomes.
Extensively hydrolysed casein formula supplemented withLactobacillus rhamnosusGG maintains hypoallergenic status: randomised double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover trial
Authors: Muraro Antonella , Hoekstra Maarten O , Meijer Yolanda , Lifschitz Carlos , Wampler Jennifer L , Harris Cheryl , Scalabrin Deolinda M F
Published: March 2012

Objective

To evaluate the hypoallergenicity of an extensively hydrolysed (EH) casein formula supplemented withLactobacillus rhamnosusGG (LGG).

Design

A prospective, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover trial.

Setting

Two study sites in Italy and The Netherlands.

Study participants

Children with documented cow's milk allergy were eligible for inclusion in this trial.

Interventions

After a 7-day period of strict avoidance of cow's milk protein and other suspected food allergens, participants were tested with an EH casein formula with demonstrated hypoallergenicity (control, EHF) and a formula of the same composition with LGG added at 108colony-forming units per gram powder (EHF-LGG) in randomised order in a double-blind placebo-controlled food challenge (DBPCFC). After absence of adverse reactions in the DBPCFC, an open challenge was performed with EHF-LGG, followed by a 7-day home feeding period with the same formula.

Main outcome measure

Clinical assessment of any adverse reactions to ingestion of study formulae during the DBPCFC.

Results

For all participants with confirmed cow's milk allergy (n=31), the DBPCFC and open challenge were classified as negative.

Conclusion

The EH casein formula supplemented with LGG is hypoallergenic and can be recommended for infants and children allergic to cow's milk who require an alternative to formulae containing intact cow's milk protein.

Trial registration number

http://ClinicalTrials.govIdentifier:NCT01181297.
Hypertension Analysis of stress Reduction using Mindfulness meditatiON and Yoga (The HARMONY Study): study protocol of a randomised control trial
Authors: Blom Kimberly , How Maxine , Dai Monica , Baker Brian , Irvine Jane , Abbey Susan , Abramson Beth L , Myers Martin , Perkins Nancy , Tobe Sheldon W
Published: March 2012

Introduction

Hypertension (HTN) is a leading risk factor for preventable cardiovascular disease, with over one in five adults affected worldwide. Lifestyle modification is a key strategy for the prevention and treatment of HTN. Stress has been associated with greater cardiovascular risk, and stress management is a recommended intervention for hypertensives. Stress reduction through relaxation therapies has been shown to have an effect on human physiology, including lowering blood pressure (BP). However, individualised behavioural interventions are resource intensive, and group stress management approaches have not been validated for reducing HTN. The HARMONY Study is a pilot randomised controlled trial designed to determine if mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR), a standardised group therapy, is an effective intervention for lowering BP in stage 1 unmedicated hypertensives.

Methods and analysis

Men and women unmedicated for HTN with mean daytime ambulatory blood pressure (ABP) ≥135/85 mm Hg or 24 h ABP ≥130/80 mm Hg are included in the study. Subjects are randomised to receive MBSR immediately or after a wait-list control period. The primary outcome measure is mean awake and 24 h ABP. The primary objective of the HARMONY Study is to compare ABP between the treatment and wait-list control arm at the 12-week primary assessment period. Results from this study will determine if MBSR is an effective intervention for lowering BP in early unmedicated hypertensives.

Ethics and dissemination

This research project was approved by the Sunnybrook Research Ethics Board and the University Health Network Research Ethics Board (Toronto, Canada). Planned analyses are in full compliance with the principles of the Declaration of Helsinki. Data collection will be completed by early spring 2012. Primary and secondary analysis will commence immediately after data monitoring is completed; dissemination plans include preparing publications for submission during the summer of 2012.

Trial registration number

This study is registered withhttp://clinicaltrials.gov(NCT00825526).
Economic evaluation in patient safety: a literature review of methods
Authors: Alves de Rezende Bruna , Or Zeynep , Com-Ruelle Laure , Michel Philippe
Published: March 2012

Patient safety practices, targeting organisational changes for improving patient safety, are implemented worldwide but their costs are rarely evaluated. This paper provides a review of the methods used in economic evaluation of such practices. International medical and economics databases were searched for peer-reviewed publications on economic evaluations of patient safety between 2000 and 2010 in English and French. This was complemented by a manual search of the reference lists of relevant papers. Grey literature was excluded. Studies were described using a standardised template and assessed independently by two researchers according to six quality criteria. 33 articles were reviewed that were representative of different patient safety domains, data types and evaluation methods. 18 estimated the economic burden of adverse events, 3 measured the costs of patient safety practices and 12 provided complete economic evaluations. Healthcare-associated infections were the most common subject of evaluation, followed by medication-related errors and all types of adverse events. Of these, 10 were selected that had adequately fulfilled one or several key quality criteria for illustration. This review shows that full cost–benefit/utility evaluations are rarely completed as they are resource intensive and often require unavailable data; some overcome these difficulties by performing stochastic modelling and by using secondary sources. Low methodological transparency can be a problem for building evidence from available economic evaluations. Investing in the economic design and reporting of studies with more emphasis on defining study perspectives, data collection and methodological choices could be helpful for strengthening our knowledge base on practices for improving patient safety.
Socioeconomic position and place of death of cancer patients
Authors: Neergaard Mette Asbjoern , Jensen Anders Bonde , Sokolowski Ineta , Olesen Frede , Vedsted Peter
Published: March 2012

Objective

Most terminally ill patients and relatives prefer care and death to occur at home. However, in many cases patients die in hospital and the question arises whether social inequity in palliative care exists. The aim of this study was to analyse associations between dying at home and demographic and socioeconomic characteristics adjusted for healthcare utilisation among Danish cancer patients.

Method

Population-based, cross-sectional register study in Aarhus County, Denmark. 599 deceased adults who died from cancer from 1 March to 30 November 2006 in a well-defined geographical area were identified. Based on unique personal identifier numbers, socioeconomic data and healthcare utilisation from different registers were retrieved and analysed.

Results

Multivariate analysis showed that dying at home was negatively associated with, first, being either 50–59 (prevalence ratio (PR): 0.67 (95% CI 0.45 to 0.99)) or 70–79 years of age (PR: 0.83 (95% CI 0.70 to 0.99)) compared with being 80 years or above; second, a middle personal income compared with a high income (PR: 0.86 (95% CI 0.75 to 1.00)); and, third, being employed or having a leadership position compared with being unemployed/student/receiving social security (PR: 0.72 (95% CI 0.53 to 0.98)).

Conclusion

The found socioeconomic differences in whether death occurred at home or at institutions indicate that age, income and social class must be taken into account when palliative care services engage in fulfilling preferences of dying at home. This may lead to more equality in the possibility of dying at home, despite differences in socioeconomic level.
Peritoneal fluid analysis in dairy cows with left displaced abomasum and abomasal volvulus
Authors: Grosche A. , Fürll M. , Wittek T.
Published: March 2012

Peritoneal fluid (PF) was evaluated in 40 cows with left displaced abomasum (LDA) and 15 cows with abomasal volvulus (AV). PF was obtained by abdominocentesis at the right ventral abdomen at admission. Simultaneously, a blood sample was taken from the jugular vein. Biochemical and cytological variables in blood and PF specific for ischaemia, inflammation and cell damage were compared. Total protein, albumin, glucose and cholesterol were normal in PF of cows with LDA and AV. Although L‐lactate increased in both groups, cows with AV had significantly higher values (LDA: 1.47/0.69/2.68 mmol/l; AV: 6.45/4.55/12.89 mmol/l (median/1. quartile/3. quartile)). D‐dimer (LDA: 0.50/0.22/0.88 mg/l; AV: 1.11/0.40/1.85 mg/l) and LDH (LDA: 663/437/943 U/l; AV: 1099/750/1439 U/l) were only increased in PF of cows with AV. The number of leucocytes was normal; however, significantly more peritoneal neutrophils appeared necrotic or apoptotic after AV.

PF of cows with abomasal displacement showed distinctive features of ischaemia and inflammation. Characteristics of haemostatic dysfunction and cell damage were mainly evident in PF of cows with AV. The results suggest that anti‐inflammatory therapy is indicated in each cow with abomasal displacement. Additionally, medical treatment should be directed to prevent complications of ischaemia and reperfusion in cows with AV.
Effects of climate change on the distribution of invasive alien species in Canada: a knowledge synthesis of range change projections in a warming world
Authors: Smith Andrea L. , Hewitt Nina , Klenk Nicole , Bazely Dawn R. , Yan Norman , Wood Stepan , Henriques Irene , MacLellan James I. , Lipsig-Mummé Carla
Published: March 2012

The interactive effects of climate change and invasive alien species (IAS) pose serious threats to biodiversity, ecosystems and human well-being worldwide. In particular, IAS are predicted to experience widespread changes in distribution in response to climate change, with many expanding their ranges into new areas. However, the two drivers of global change are seldom considered together in policy and management. We conducted a knowledge synthesis to assess the state of research on IAS range shifts under climate change in Canada. We found that the study of IAS distribution changes caused by climate change is a relatively new field of inquiry that integrates research in the areas of ecology, conservation biology, and environmental sciences. The multidisciplinary dimensions of the issue are largely overlooked in the scholarly literature, with most studies having a purely natural science perspective. Very little original research has occurred in the field to date; instead literature reviews are common. Research focuses on modeling range changes of current IAS threats, rather than predicting potential future IAS threats. The most commonly studied IAS already occur in Canada as native species that have spread beyond their range (e.g., lyme disease, mountain pine beetle, smallmouth bass) or as established invaders (e.g., gypsy moth). All of these IAS are expected to expand northward with climate change, resulting in widespread negative impacts on forest and freshwater biodiversity, carbon sequestration, and public health. Many barriers to predicting IAS range change under climate change are identified in the literature, including the complexity of the issue, lack of ecological data, and failure to integrate climate change – IAS interactions into research, policy, and management. Recommendations for increased research and monitoring, and the need for policy and management reform predominate in the literature.
Flow-through land-based aquaculture wastewater and its treatment in subsurface flow constructed wetlands
Authors: Snow A. , Anderson B. , Wootton B.
Published: March 2012

The growing of finfish, crustaceans, molluscs, and aquatic plants is termed aquaculture and it is currently the fastest growing animal food producing sector in the world. Flow-through aquaculture facilities are the most commonly used production system for the culture of salmonids. Flow-through land-based aquaculture facilities place great demands on water resources because they require large volumes of high quality source water to grow fish and they also discharge their wastewaters into the aquatic environment. The main source of waste in aquaculture wastewaters is the addition of formulated feed to the culture structure. Discharge of untreated aquaculture wastewaters can lead to physicochemical and biological degradation of receiving waters. Despite advances in feed quality and feeding practices, the treatment of wastewaters from flow-through land-based aquaculture facilities is a necessary practice. Conventional wastewater treatment from flow-through land-based aquaculture facilities has focused on gravitational sedimentation and mechanical screening of the wastewater, which successfully addresses the particulate fraction of the waste. In the past decade, the use of subsurface flow constructed wetlands (SSFCWs), which treat both the particulate and the dissolved fraction of the waste have been gaining attention for the treatment of wastewater from flow-through land-based salmonid farms. Existing studies have demonstrated that SSFCWs have the potential to successfully remove solids, oxygen demanding materials and nutrients from flow-through land-based salmonid wastewaters.
Impacts of experimental leaf harvesting on a North American medicinal shrub, Rhododendron groenlandicum
Authors: Tendland Youri , Pellerin Stéphanie , Haddad Pierre , Cuerrier Alain
Published: March 2012

Harvesting of medicinal plants from wild populations is increasing worldwide, however, studies on sustainable harvesting techniques are lacking. In this exploratory study, we investigated the impact of leaf harvesting on Rhododendron groenlandicum (Oeder) Kron & Judd, a North American temperate shrub, used traditionally as a medicinal plant by the Cree Nation. The species is widely distributed, but Crees are worried that commercial harvesting could threaten local plant populations. Our study was conducted near the Cree Nation of Mistissini (James Bay, Northern Quebec). Three leaf harvest regimes were tested in 2008 and 2009: no harvest, all leaves harvested, and only old leaves harvested; each treatment was performed on 30 plants. The harvesting of all leaves had a negative impact on stem elongation after the first harvest, while leaf production and stem radial growth decreased after the second harvest. Two-thirds of the plants also died following the second regime of harvesting all leaves. The harvesting of old leaves had no significant impact on growth, leaf production, or survival of R. groenlandicum, even after 2 years of harvest. These results lead to the conclusion that sustainable harvest of this species is possible, but further study is required to make definite recommendations.
Antheridiogen concentration and spore size predict gametophyte size inCeratopteris richardii
Authors: Ganger Mike , Sturey Tiffany
Published: March 2012

In many plants females invest more in reproduction than males. In organisms that exhibit environmental sex determination, individuals in low-quality environments or who are slow growing are expected to develop into males. The gametophytes of Ceratopteris richardii Brongn., a homosporous fern, may develop as males or hermaphrodites. Hermaphrodites secrete a pheromone called antheridiogen that induces undifferentiated spores to develop as males. Given that induction is not 100% in the presence of antheridiogen, it is hypothesized that resources may alter C. richardii gender decisions. An experiment was undertaken to determine (i) whether spore size predicts gender, (ii) whether spore size predicts gametophyte size, (iii) whether antheridiogen negatively affects the growth of C. richardii, and (iv) whether wild-type C. richardii and him1 mutants (genetic mutants disposed to male development regardless of antheridiogen presence) behave similarly in their response to antheridiogen. Spore size was not predictive of gender but was positively related to both male and hermaphrodite gametophyte size. Antheridiogen was found to slow the growth of male and hermaphrodite gametophytes of the wild type and male gametophytes of the him1 mutant. These results are supportive of the idea that gender may be determined indirectly through antheridiogen’s effect on gametophyte growth.
Two distinct pathways for iron acquisition by iron-limited cyanobacterial cells: evidence from experiments using siderophores and synthetic chelators
Authors: Sonier Mathew B. , Contreras Daniel A. , Treble Ron G. , Weger Harold G.
Published: March 2012

Iron-limited cyanobacterial cells are generally considered to acquire extracellular iron through a siderophore-dependent system, although evidence has started to accumulate that other, as yet poorly characterized, iron acquisition systems may also play a role. Iron-limited cells of the cyanobacterium Anabaena flos-aquae (Lyng.) Brèb. are well known to produce the relatively low Fe(III) affinity dihydroxamate siderophore schizokinen. In this set of experiments we show that iron-limited A. flos-aquae cells (i) acquired iron at substantial rates in the absence of the schizokinen and (ii) acquired iron from a bacterial siderophore (the trihydroxamate molecule desferrioxamine B (DFB)), and also a synthetic chelator (N, N-bis(2-(bis(carboxymethyl)amino)ethyl)glycine (DTPA)), with substantially higher affinities for Fe(III) than schizokinen, indicating that a schizokinen-independent iron acquisition pathway was operating. We suggest that there exists a siderophore-independent iron acquisition system that is able to acquire Fe(III) from high stability Fe(III)-chelates, which are not accessible to iron-limited cells via the schizokinen-based system. As well, we present two possible models for iron acquisition by iron-limited A. flos-aquae cells. Both of these models suggest that there are two major routes for Fe(III) entry into the periplasm of iron-limited cells: (1) the well-characterized siderophore (schizokinen) dependent process and (2) a siderophore-independent process that is able to access Fe(III) sources not biologically available to the schizokinen system.
Interactions between plant hormones and light quality signaling in regulating the shoot growth ofArabidopsis thalianaseedlings
Authors: Kurepin Leonid V. , Walton Linda J. , Hayward Allison , Emery R. J. Neil , Pharis Richard P. , Reid David M.
Published: March 2012

The effects of a decrease in red to far-red (R/FR) ratio on shoot growth of two-week-old Arabidopsis thaliana (L.) Heynh. seedlings were examined in the context of possible causal involvement of key plant growth hormones. Decreasing the R/FR ratio significantly increased petiole elongation and leaf area expansion of the Columbia (Col) line seedlings. In contrast, seedlings of the Landsberg erecta (Ler) line showed no significant change in leaf area and only a marginal increase in petiole growth. This low R/FR ratio-induced growth was accompanied by significant increases in concentrations of the growth “effector” gibberellin (GA4) and an auxin (indole-3-acetic acid (IAA)) in shoot tissues of Col. However, cytokinins (CKs) in Col shoot tissues were decreased and ethylene evolution was reduced when the R/FR ratio was decreased from that of normal sunlight to a low R/FR ratio. Several A. thaliana genotypes with plant hormone-related mutations were also assessed, including auxin resistant, axr2-1; GA insensitive, gai-1; and ethylene over-producing, eto2. None of these increased their petiole length or leaf area growth in response to lowering the R/FR ratio. We thus conclude that both GA4and IAA are causally involved in the increased shoot growth of A. thaliana Col seedlings that occurs in response to a lower than normal R/FR ratio.
Quantum effects in a noncommutative Friedman world model
Authors: Heller Michael , Pysiak Leszek , Sasin Wiesław
Published: March 2012

We present a noncommutative version of the closed Friedman world model and show how its classical space–time geometry can be expressed in terms of typically quantum mathematical structures, namely in terms of an operator algebra [Formula: see text] on a family of Hilbert spaces. The operator algebra [Formula: see text] can be completed to the von Neumann algebra [Formula: see text], but the geometry cannot be prolonged from [Formula: see text] to [Formula: see text]. This mathematical fact is a stumbling block in creating full quantum gravity theory. Two effects appearing in this model, generation of matter and probabilistic properties of singularities, are also discussed.
ESTIMATION OF HAIR ARSENIC AND STATISTICAL NATURE OF ARSENICOSIS IN HIGHLY ARSENIC EXPOSED BANGLISH VILLAGE IN COMILLA DISTRICT OF BANGLADESH
Authors: ISLAM MD. SHAFIQUL , SERA KOICHIRO , TAKATSUJI TOSHIHIRO , HOSSAIN MD. ANWAR , NAKAMURA TSUYOSHI
Published: March 2012

This study was carried out to investigate biological and statistical nature of arsenicosis risks on a severely arsenic ( As ) affected population in the Banglish village in Comilla district of Bangladesh. Subject's hair As and vegetables As levels were estimated by PIXE method, and arsenicosis status of the subject was examined by a physician. Arsenicosis was found in 45% female and 61% male subjects. Arsenic levels > 0.50 ppm showed greater arsenicosis risks that significantly varied with subject's sex and age. Unlike children, young (≥10 years) to middle aged (~49 years) population were significantly affected by arsenicosis. Logistic regression model analysis showed that arsenicosis risks are not only the devastating toxicity of As accumulation in human body through ingestion of contaminated drinking water, but the summation of all sources of As accumulation. Human hair As levels were found as the biomarker ranging from 0.03-8.3 μg/g in stage I arsenicosis patients, and from 1.1-56.9 ppm in the stage II patients up to 49 age. Hair As level was declined to 2.2-25.5 ppm at > 49 aged population. The findings inferred that groundwater As affecting the public health through contaminating total environment, that in turn posing an alarming situation in the study area.
EFFECT OF ROTATING DIRECTION AND INTERVAL ON GIANT MAGNETO-IMPEDANCE OF SPUTTERED Ni80Fe20/Cu COMPOSITE WIRES
Authors: CHEN D. L. , ZHAO Z. J. , JIANG L. , RUAN J. Z. , YANG X. L.
Published: March 2012

In this paper, a new method for fabricating Ni80Fe20/Cu composite wires is presented. A series of samples were prepared by alternating the rotating direction of the Cu wire during RF magnetron sputtering. In order to keep the overall coating thickness of all the samples constant, the alternating intervals and rotating period of each sample during sputtering were varied. As the rotating period increased, the samples showed different magneto-impedance profiles. Experimental results indicated that there was a critical thickness for single sputtered layer which the MI ratio was significantly enhanced at a relatively low driven current frequency. Qualitative discussion on these phenomena was explained in terms of exchange interaction and electromagnetic interactions.
THERMAL MODEL FOR LASER-INDUCED DISCHARGE SURFACE STRENGTHENING
Authors: ZHOU ZHONGQIANG , WANG ZHITONG , YANG MINGJIANG
Published: March 2012

The temperature field due to laser-induced discharge surface strengthening (LIDSS) has significant influence on the microstructure transformation and also the formation quality of discharge pit. A transient axisymmetric thermal model is developed to estimate the temperature distribution during LIDSS based on Fourier heat conduction equation. In the model, a Gaussian heat input distribution is assumed; temperature-dependent material properties are applied and the latent heat of fusion and vaporization is calculated on an enthalpy method. As an application, we use this model to compute the temperature field during the process of tungsten tool electrode machining 1045 steel workpiece and find that the computational results are well consistent with the experimental data.