bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prevalence and classification of rhinitis in the elderly: a nationwide survey in Portugal
Authors: Morais‐Almeida M. , Pite H. , Pereira A. M. , Todo‐Bom A. , Nunes C. , Bousquet J. , Fonseca J.
Published: August 2013

Background

Nationwide epidemiologic data on rhinitis in the elderly do not exist. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of rhinitis in the population aged 65 years or above in mainland Portugal and to characterize and classify rhinitis in this age group.

Methods

Cross‐sectional, nationwide, population‐based survey of citizens aged 65 years or above, living in mainland Portugal. Current rhinitis (CR) was defined as the presence of at least two symptoms: ‘repeated sneezing and itchy nose’, ‘blocked nose for more than one whole hour’, or ‘runny nose when not having a cold or flu’, either usually or in the last 12 months.

Rhinitis severity was assessed using a visual analogue scale; rhinitis was classified according to ARIA.

Results

Data were obtained from 3678 responders (92.5% response rate). The prevalence of CR was 29.8% (95% confidence interval (CI): 28.4%–31.3%): 49.1% had mild intermittent, 7.0% mild persistent, 27.5% moderate‐severe intermittent, and 16.4% moderate‐severe persistent rhinitis. Only 38.6% of patients with CR had been physician diagnosed and 38.7% were under treatment for this disease in the previous year. Allergic conjunctivitis symptoms were referred by 68.6% of subjects with CR (rhinoconjunctivitis population prevalence, 20.5% (95% CI: 19.2%–21.8%)).

Conclusions

Rhinitis and rhinoconjunctivitis are common but underdiagnosed and undertreated diseases in the geriatric population. This was the first nationwide epidemiological survey classifying rhinitis according to ARIA guidelines in this age group. More than 40% of old‐age patients presented moderate‐severe disease.
Development, validation, and initial results of the Angioedema Activity Score
Authors: Weller K. , Groffik A. , Magerl M. , Tohme N. , Martus P. , Krause K. , Metz M. , Staubach P. , Maurer M.
Published: August 2013

Background

Recurrent angioedema (RecA) is a frequent clinical problem characterized by suddenly occurring cutaneous and/or mucosal swellings. Depending on their location, RecA may be painful, hindering, disfiguring, or even life‐threatening. The assessment of disease activity in affected patients is important to guide treatment decisions. Currently, however, there is no standardized and validated outcome measure available to do so.

Objective

To develop and validate the first specific patient‐reported outcome instrument to assess disease activity in RecA patients, the Angioedema Activity Score (AAS).

Methods

After a set of potential AAS items was developed, item evaluation and reduction were performed by means of impact analysis, factor analysis, regression analysis, and by checking for face validity. In addition, the items of the final AAS questionnaire were tested for their validity and reliability during a 12‐week validation study.

Results

In total, data from 110 and 80 RecA patients were used during the AAS item evaluation and validation phase, respectively. The resulting AAS consisted of five items and was found to have a one‐dimensional structure and excellent internal consistency. It correlated well with other measures of disease activity and quality‐of‐life impairment, thus demonstrating its convergent validity. In addition, the known‐groups validity and test–retest reliability of the AAS were found to be good.

Conclusions

The AAS is the first validated and reliable tool to determine disease activity in RecA patients, and it may serve as a valuable instrument in future clinical studies and routine patient care.
Immunomodulation of alveolar epithelial cells by Mycobacterium tuberculosis phosphatidylinositol mannosides results in apoptosis
Authors: Vir Pooja , Gupta Dheeraj , Agarwal Ritesh , Verma Indu
Published: August 2013

During intracellular residence in macrophages, mycobacterial lipids, namely phosphatidylinositol mannosides (PIM) and lipoarabinomannans, are expelled in the lung milieu to interact with host cells. PIM include a group of essential lipid components of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tb) cell wall. Given that PIM function as mycobacterial adhesins for binding to host cells, the present study explored the consequences of interaction of M. tb PIM with alveolar epithelial cells (AEC). A 24‐h PIM exposure at a concentration of 10 μg/mL to AEC conferred cytolysis to AEC via induction of apoptosis, suggesting their potential to alter alveolar epithelium integrity. The results also reflected that type I like AEC are more sensitive to cytolysis than type II AEC. PIM‐treated AEC exhibited significant production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and an immunosuppressive cytokine transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β) in the culture supernatants. Although AEC displayed constitutive mRNA transcripts for toll‐like receptors (TLR2 and 4) as well as chemokines (IL‐8 and MCP‐1), no significant change in their expression was observed upon PIM treatment. Collectively, these results offer insights into PIM potential as M. tb virulence factor that might promote mycobacterial dissemination by causing cytolysis of AEC via increased production of ROS and TGF‐β.
An overview of adjuvant formulations and delivery systems
Authors: García Alexis , De Sanctis Juan B.
Published: August 2013

Adjuvants may promote immune responses: by recruiting professional antigen‐presenting cells (APCs) to the vaccination site, increasing the delivery of antigens to APCs, or by activating APCs to produce cytokines and by triggering T cell responses. Aluminium salts have been effective at promoting protective humoral immunity; however, they are not effective in generating cell‐mediated immunity. A number of different approaches have been developed to potentiate immune response and they have been partially successful. Research has been conducted into vaccine delivery systems (VDS); enhancing cross‐presentation by targeting antigens to (APCs). Antigen discovery has increased over the past decade, and consequently, it has accelerated vaccine development demanding a new generation of VDS that combines different types of adjuvants into specific formulations with greater activity. The new approaches offer a wide spectrum of opportunities in vaccine research with direct applications in the near future.
Sysmex UF‐1000i performance for screening yeasts in urine
Authors: Gutiérrez‐Fernández José , Riazzo Cristina , Sanbonmatsu Sara , de Dios Luna Juan , Sorlózano Antonio , Miranda Consuelo , Navarro José María
Published: August 2013

We tested the capacity of the Sysmex UF‐1000i system to detect yeasts in urine by screening a total of 22 132 urine samples received for culture in our microbiology laboratory during 1 year. We also analyzed different dilutions of previously filtered urine inoculated with a strain of Candida albicans. With clinical samples, a single cut‐off point of 50 yeast‐like cells (YLCs)/μL detected candiduria ≥10 000 colony forming units (CFU)/mL and >100 000 CFU/mL with a sensitivity of 87.3%/95.4%, a specificity of 97%, a negative predictive value of 95.9%, and a positive predictive value of 9.3%/5.7%. With the simulated samples, a linear relationship was observed between the dilution factor and the number of cells detected by UF‐1000i. This instrument appears to be able to reliably rule out candiduria of a magnitude of at least 10 000 CFU/mL and facilitate urine sample screening, thereby providing fast results. The Sysmex UF1000i system can be adapted for candiduria screening by the use of an appropriate YLCs/μL cut‐off point that takes account of the prevalence of candiduria in the population.
Wan laki aelan? Diverse development strategies on Aniwa, Vanuatu
Authors: Wilson Katherine
Published: August 2013

In a challenging contemporary context of isolation and inequality, inhabitants of small Pacific islands have employed a variety of strategies to ensure that their livelihoods are both secure and sustainable. On the outer island of Aniwa, subsistence activities still constitute the basis of island life but are complemented by an increasingly diverse mix of cash‐generating livelihood practices. Different motivations and constraints, including access to natural, physical, financial, social and human capital, affect the composition and success of household livelihood portfolios. Despite the significant inequality in household cash incomes on Aniwa, traditional sharing and exchange relationships between households on the island and between island and migrant households ensure sufficient food and shelter for all villagers. Rather than being a one‐way drain on the island's skills and income‐generation potential, the constant flows of people, money and goods between the home island and migration destinations sustain the outer‐island community and its diasporas. Aniwa thus exemplifies how diversification and migration can provide a basis for sustainable and resilient island livelihoods.
Intercultural capacity deficits: Contested geographies of coexistence in natural resource management
Authors: Howitt Richard , Doohan Kim , Suchet‐Pearson Sandie , Cross Sherrie , Lawrence Rebecca , Lunkapis Gaim James , Muller Samantha , Prout Sarah , Veland Siri
Published: August 2013

Focusing on the coexistence of competing and contested interests in intercultural natural resource management (NRM) systems in Australia and Malaysia, this paper explores the ways in which ontological pluralism and the interplay of socio‐cultural, political–economic and biophysical influences shape NRM systems. We aim to foster a discursive space in which to reframe the challenges of capacity building in the rapidly changing spaces of intercultural NRM systems. The paper synthesizes the conceptual arguments of field research to conclude that capacity deficits of dominant institutions, processes and knowledge systems drive many systemic failures in land and sea management affecting Indigenous peoples. We advocate urgent action to build intercultural competence and new capacities and competencies in those institutions. The paper reframes intercultural NRM in terms of coexistence and invites wider debate about these ‘new geographies of coexistence’ in intercultural NRM systems.
Decolonising the interface between Indigenous peoples and mining companies in Australia: Making space for cultural heritage sites
Authors: Marsh Jillian K.
Published: August 2013

Howitt () claims that state control over mineral and energy resources and developer–Indigenous relations constitute the ‘active erasure’ of Indigenous knowledge and governance. The cultures and interests of Indigenous players are diverse and at times conflicting during Indigenous–mining interface, and collective bargaining has been shown to substantially weaken these positions, especially in regard to those Indigenous players primarily concerned with the protection of localised heritage. This paper explores a case study from a remote region of South Australia to document this erasure and its implications and to advocate decolonisation of the regulatory interfaces between mining and Indigenous peoples in resource, environmental and heritage governance. It adopts an Indigenous standpoint for research and argues the need for academic research to accept responsibility for some weaknesses in existing systems. The experiences of Adnyamathanha people are used to support an argument that Indigenous empowerment through informed decision‐making and a decolonising engagement strategy are yet to be fully realised as key components of an effective interface between Indigenous and commercial players.
Caring as Country: Towards an ontology of co‐becoming in natural resource management
Authors: Suchet‐Pearson Sandie , Wright Sarah , Lloyd Kate , Burarrwanga Laklak ,   Bawaka Country
Published: August 2013

This collaboratively written paper takes the reader on a journey to Bawaka, in North East Arnhem Land, northern Australia, to explore how a Yolŋu ontology of co‐becoming can inform natural resource management (NRM) theory and practice. By focusing on the process of gathering and sharing miyapunu mapu (turtle eggs) and the foundational Yolŋu concept of wetj, we challenge NRM to take seriously Indigenous ways of knowing and becoming, and to attend to the vibrant, more‐than‐human relationality of our world. We discuss this relational cosmology, highlighting the importance of being aware and attentive, as well as the underlying ethical imperative of responsibility and obligation. We argue that as important as the concept of Caring for Country has been for NRM in Australia, it is critical that the human imperative to care for Country is balanced with a multi‐directional and beyond‐human understanding of the human–Country relationship. This requires engagement with the ways Country also cares and acknowledgement that humans are part of Country and not separate from it. We therefore propose a reframing, that we not only Care for Country but Care as Country. This has implications for understanding the ways that humans can and should relate to the environment as they exist together through co‐becoming.
Confusion over land rights and development opportunities through communal titles in Sabah, Malaysia
Authors: Lunkapis Gaim James
Published: August 2013

Confusion over land rights issues and opportunities created through communal titles may just be rhetoric to some, but for the poor rural communities, it is a matter of survival. As this paper reveals, this may be due to contradictory interpretations between native communities and state agencies of what constitutes native customary rights. The methods and materials used are based on case studies in the state of Sabah, Malaysia with regard to the policies, programmes and projects that have been implemented in rural areas. This was made possible through interviews with key informants, textual analyses and state documents, and through observations of projects implemented in the rural areas of Sabah. Based on the information gathered, this paper reveals a worrying pattern of state and peoples' interactions over the provision of communal titles and state projects.
Design principles in tribal and settled areas spate irrigation management institutions in Punjab, Pakistan
Authors: Kamran Muhammad Asif , Shivakoti Ganesh Prasad
Published: August 2013

The paper investigates how political processes shape the institutional arrangements and then affect performance of Indigenous irrigation systems. External interventions in the form of coercive authority and new rules resulted in a shift of resource governance from farmers to state officials in state‐administered areas of Pakistani Punjab during British rule. The primary farm‐level data were collected from 280 spate irrigation farmers from four systems. The analysis of systems‐level agricultural production and institutional performance indicators of irrigation systems in identical environments is conducted. We examined Elinor Ostrom's Design Principles that characterise long‐enduring, self‐governing resource systems to compare robustness of tribal and state‐administered area spate irrigation institutions. The state intervention in Indigenous irrigation systems weakened collective action and distorted equity in access to customary irrigation rights in state‐administered areas. The study concludes that tribal areas systems working without state intervention have evolved effective local irrigation management institutions based on social and ecological values to ensure sustainable self‐governing resource regimes.
Technologising the opinion: focus groups, performance and free speech
Authors: Koch Natalie
Published: August 2013

Focus groups, like interviews and survey research, are typically employed in liberal settings, and are often designed to reveal the ‘opinion’ of participants. However, as I argue here, the ‘opinion’ is itself a technology of government, which cannot be assumed to operate the same under different regimes of governmentality. Giving the example of my experience with focus group research in Kazakhstan in autumn 2010, I demonstrate how, in many places around the world, popular ‘opinions’ are not technologised under prevailing regimes of government: they are not the basis of rule and/or legitimacy. Extending the geographic literature on methodological research as a set of ‘collaborative performances’, I argue that differential subjectivity practices in ‘closed contexts’ have important implications for the field methods that researchers choose to employ. I thus call for attention not just to the micro‐political context of these research practices, but also to the macro‐political context (and its concomitant technologies of government) in the conduct of qualitative field research.
Relationship between frontostriatal morphology and executive function deficits in bipolar I disorder following a first manic episode: data from the Systematic Treatment Optimization Program for Early Mania (STOP‐EM)
Authors: Kozicky Jan‐Marie , Ha Tae Hyon , Torres Ivan J , Bond David J , Honer William G , Lam Raymond W , Yatham Lakshmi N
Published: August 2013

Objectives

Executive function impairments are a core feature of bipolar I disorder (BD‐I), not only present during acute episodes but also persisting following remission of mood symptoms. Despite advances in knowledge regarding the neural basis of executive functions in healthy subjects, research into morphological abnormalities underlying the deficits in BD‐I is lacking.

Methods

Patients with BD‐I within three months of sustained remission from their first manic episode (n = 41) underwent neuropsychological testing and a 3T magnetic resonance imaging scan and were compared to healthy subjects matched for age, sex, and premorbid IQ (n = 30). Group dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC; Brodmann areas 9 and 46) and caudate volumes were examined and analyzed for relationships with the average score from three computerized tests of executive function: Spatial Working Memory, Stockings of Cambridge, and Intradimensional/Extradimensional Shift.

Results

Right caudate volumes were enlarged in patients (z = 3.57, p < 0.05 corrected). No differences in DLPFC volumes were found. Patients showed large deficits in executive function relative to healthy subjects (d = −0.92, p < 0.001). While in healthy subjects, a larger right (r = +0.39, p < 0.05) and left (r = +0.44, p < 0.05) caudate was associated with better executive function score, in patients, larger right (r = −0.36, p < 0.05) and left (r = −0.34, p < 0.05) volumes correlated with poorer performance.

Conclusions

Although the etiology of gray matter changes is unknown, volume increases in the right caudate may be an important factor underlying executive function impairments during remission in patients with BD‐I.
From alpha to omega: A practical solution to the pervasive problem of internal consistency estimation
Authors: Dunn Thomas J. , Baguley Thom , Brunsden Vivienne
Published: August 2013

Coefficient alpha is the most popular measure of reliability (and certainly of internal consistency reliability) reported in psychological research. This is noteworthy given the numerous deficiencies of coefficient alpha documented in the psychometric literature. This mismatch between theory and practice appears to arise partly because users of psychological scales are unfamiliar with the psychometric literature on coefficient alpha and partly because alternatives to alpha are not widely known. We present a brief review of the psychometric literature on coefficient alpha, followed by a practical alternative in the form of coefficient omega. To facilitate the shift from alpha to omega, we also present a brief guide to the calculation of point and interval estimates of omega using a free, open source software environment.
Organising the Hombre Nuevo Gay: LGBT Politics and the Second Sandinista Revolution
Authors: KAMPWIRTH KAREN
Published: August 2013

The LGBT or sexual diversity movement in Nicaragua, which was repressed by the FSLN in the 1980s, is currently supported by that party. I argue that this change in the FSLN's policy responds to shifting international frames regarding sexuality and human rights as well as to efforts to separate the LGBT movement from its allies in the feminist movement, and efforts to incorporate the LGBT movement into the FSLN's clientelistic networks. Despite real gains for LGBT activists as a result of these new policies, ultimately the FSLN has offered sexual diversity activists far more in the area of culture than rights.
How effective do families of non–English‐speaking background (NESB) and child protection caseworkers in Australia see the use of interpreters? A qualitative study to help inform good practice principles
Authors: Sawrikar Pooja
Published: August 2013

Little empirical research has been conducted in Australia on what constitutes as effective practice with interpreters in child protection matters. This study aimed to address this gap. Qualitative interviews were conducted with 29 non–English‐speaking background (NESB) client families and 17 child protection caseworkers (as part of a larger study). Four examples of good practice (e.g. accurate translation) and 14 examples of ineffective practice emerged. The examples of poor practice were consequently grouped as issues with: (i) interpreters (e.g. inaccurate translation); (ii) caseworkers (e.g. insufficient time); (iii) NESB families (e.g. refusing to use an interpreter); and (iv) resources (e.g. insufficient face‐to‐face interpreters). As expected, the results largely replicate the (scant) national and international literature, indicating that features of good practice, and barriers to them, are similar across multicultural countries. This paper does however argue that training for interpreters dealing in such sensitive matters and training for caseworkers on working effectively with interpreters seem to be at the heart of good practice. This study is significant because it draws on the richness of data that qualitative methods offer to identify the full range of relevant variables and provide empirical support for principles of good practice.
A quantitative assessment model of T‐cell immune function for predicting risks of infection and rejection during the early stage after liver transplantation
Authors: Li Rui‐dong , Sun Zhen , Dong Jia‐yong , Yin Hao , Guo Wen‐yuan , Fu Zhi‐ren , Wang Zheng‐xin
Published: August 2013

Although more and more clinical studies indicated that ImmuKnow assay could efficiently assess the immune status of recipients, it still has the challenge to predict the occurrence of clinical adverse events. This study aimed to establish a quantitative assessment model, which could more efficiently predict immune function of T lymphocytes after liver transplantation based on three indexes: CD4+ T lymphocyte count (C), CD4+/CD8+ ratio (R), and ImmuKnow adenosine triphosphate (ATP) value (A). We selected 194 recipients and measured the A, C, and R index every week, then obtained the Fisher linear discriminant functions by SPSS 16.0. Next, we divided the recipients into three groups: infection, stable, and rejection groups according to clinical status. After calculating, the discriminant function, 0.012A + 0.019C + 1.322R (simplified into T = 2A + 3C + 200R), was selected to represent the T‐cell‐mediated immune function. Based on the model, the optimal cutoff T values for infection and rejection were 1415 (sensitivity = 80%, specificity = 79.9%,AUC = 92.3%) and 1939.5 (sensitivity = 93.9%, specificity = 77.6%, AUC = 88.6%), relatively (p < 0.001). In conclusion, this model may be a more feasible way to evaluate the cellular immune function status in liver transplantation recipients.
The impact of mean first‐year heart rate on outcomes after heart transplantation: does it make a difference?
Authors: Shah Ankit B. , Patel Jignesh K. , Rafiei Matthew , Morrissey Ryan P. , Kittleson Michelle M. , Kobashigawa Jon A.
Published: August 2013

Background

Cardiac denervation following transplantation has a variable effect on heart rate (HR), and the consequence of this is not known. We examined the impact of first‐year HR on five‐yr outcomes after heart transplant.

Methods

We evaluated 544 heart transplant recipients from 1994 to 2008. Patients were divided into groups by mean first‐year HR: group 1, HR < 90 (mean 85.0 ± 4.3); group 2, 90 ≤ HR < 110 (mean 97.8 ± 4.9); group 3, HR ≥ 110 (mean 111.5 ± 1.8). Endpoints included one‐yr freedom from treated rejection, five‐yr survival, five‐yr freedom from cardiac allograft vasculopathy (CAV), and five‐yr freedom from non‐fatal major adverse cardiac events (NF‐MACE).

Results

One‐yr freedom from treated rejection, five‐yr survival and freedom from CAV were not significantly different between groups. Five‐yr freedom from NF‐MACE was significantly lower in group 3 compared with group 2, 69% vs. 91%, p < 0.01, mainly due to higher prevalence of congestive heart failure (CHF) in group 3 over five yr.

Conclusions

Mean first‐year HR does not provide prognostic significance for one‐yr freedom from treated rejection, five‐yr survival or development of CAV five yr after heart transplant. These results suggest that HR post‐heart transplantation does not affect long‐term outcomes, but high first‐year HRs may be associated with new‐onset CHF.
Abdominal tuberculosis following kidney transplantation: clinicopathologic features and follow‐up in a unique case series
Authors: Rocha Ana , Lourenço Laercio , Viana Laila , Taver Marcus , Gaspar Melissa , Medina‐Pestana Jose Osmar
Published: August 2013

Background

Kidney transplant recipients are at a high risk of opportunistic infection. The aims of this study were to describe the epidemiology, clinical features, and prognosis of abdominal tuberculosis (TB) in kidney transplant recipients.

Methods

All cases of abdominal TB that occurred in kidney transplant recipients at our center between 1998 and 2010 were retrospectively reviewed. Detailed demographic data, clinical profile information, and the treatment response were recorded.

Results

Among the 7833 kidney transplantations performed during the study period, eight patients (0.1%) developed abdominal TB. There were four men and four women in this group. The mean age of the patients was 44 ± 12 yr. The time from kidney transplantation to TB was 6.7 ± 3.4 yr. The symptoms were weight loss (87.5%), diarrhea (87.5%), fever (75%), abdominal pain (62.5%), and lower gastrointestinal bleeding (37.5%). The delay between the identification of the clinical symptoms and the diagnosis was an average of six months. The diagnosis was confirmed histopathologically for most patients. The cecum and ascending colon were the most common sites involved. Two patients required surgical intervention. Five patients received a 4‐drug regimen, and three had hepatotoxicity. The median length of antituberculous therapy was nine (6–12) months. Five patients lost their graft. Overall, the hospital mortality was 12.5%.

Conclusions

Kidney transplantation increases the risk of TB, particularly as an extrapulmonary disease. The symptoms of infection are often attenuated, leading to delayed diagnosis. Therefore, a careful approach to the patient and supportive data are necessary to make the final and timely diagnosis.
Stress hyperglycaemia in hospitalized patients with coronary artery disease and type 2 diabetes risk
Authors: Colomo Natalia , Linares Francisca , Rubio‐Martín Elehazara , Moreno María J. , de Mora Manuel , García Ana M. , González Ana M. , Rojo‐Martínez Gemma , Valdés Sergio , Ruiz de Adana María S. , Olveira Gabriel , Soriguer Federico
Published: August 2013

Background

Aims: (i) To evaluate glucometabolic status of patients without known diabetes hospitalized due to coronary artery disease (CAD), (ii) to assess markers of systemic inflammation determined during admission and to evaluate their relationship with glucometabolic status and (iii) to analyse usefulness of HbA1c determined during admission in patients with CAD to detect abnormal glucose regulation (AGR).

Materials & methods

We studied 440 patients with CAD admitted to the cardiology ward. Patients were grouped in four groups during admission according to clinical data, fasting plasma glucose and HbA1c: diabetes, HbA1c > 5·9%, stress hyperglycaemia (SH) and normal. In 199 subjects without known diabetes, an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was performed 3 months after discharge, and they were reclassified according to WHO 1998 criteria. Biochemical and inflammatory markers were measured.

Results

The OGTT showed that 27·4% of subjects without known diabetes at admission had diabetes, 11·2% had impaired fasting glucose + impaired glucose tolerance, 33·5% impaired glucose tolerance, 3·6% impaired fasting glucose, and 24·4% normal glucose metabolism. Odds ratio for having diabetes 3 months after discharge in HbA1c > 5·9% group was 5·91 (P < 0·0001) and in SH group was 1·82 (P = 0·38). The best HbA1c cut‐off point to predict AGR was 5·85%. HbA1c levels during admission were highly predictive of having AGR (AUC ROC 0·76 [95% CI 0·67–0·84]).

Conclusion

We reported a high prevalence of AGR in subjects with CAD. Stress hyperglycaemia in patients with CAD was not associated with an increased risk of diabetes 3 months later. HbA1c in patients hospitalized with CAD was a useful tool to detect AGR.
Should I Stay or Should I go? The Influence of Handling by Researchers on Den use in an Arboreal Nocturnal Rodent
Authors: Kukalová Monika , Gazárková Anežka , Adamík Peter
Published: August 2013

Understanding how animals respond to disturbance by investigators is essential for a fair assessment of the presence of bias in routinely used research protocols. It is also an essential prerequisite for anyone interested in animal welfare and ethically sound research. Here, we utilize an automatic logging system to monitor nest box use by PIT‐tagged edible dormice, Glis glis, after standard handling procedures applied during a regular nest‐box monitoring programme. The edible dormouse is an arboreal nocturnal rodent that relies on tree hollows as daytime den sites. We assessed the effect of disturbance on dormice in two ways: whether it affected the decision of an individual to stay in the same den site for a subsequent day and whether it affected the timing of the individual's nocturnal emergence from the den site. We found handling had a strong negative effect on short‐term den use. In addition, females and sexually active individuals were more likely to spend the following day in the nest box. Individuals that had left the den site after our handling returned to them after an average of 4 d. Handling did not have a significant effect on the period of absence, but reproductively active animals returned on average after 3 d, while reproductively quiescent animals returned after more than 5 d. Manipulation did not have a significant effect on the initiation of nocturnal activity. Our study suggests that disturbance by investigators may modify certain aspects of animal behaviour, but this effect is likely to be short term and does not appear to impair the efficacy of routinely practiced capture‐mark‐recapture field protocols.
fat facets induces polyubiquitination of Imd and inhibits the innate immune response in Drosophila
Authors: Yagi Yoshimasa , Lim Young‐Mi , Tsuda Leo , Nishida Yasuyoshi
Published: August 2013

The IMD pathway is one of the major regulators of the innate immune response in Drosophila. Although extensive analysis of the IMD pathway has been carried out, precise mechanisms for how each target gene of the pathway is down‐regulated remain to be clarified. Here, we carried out genetic screening and found that fat facets (faf), which encodes a deubiquitinating enzyme, inhibited the expression of the target genes of the IMD pathway. Overexpression of faf suppressed the infection‐induced expression of Diptericin and increased susceptibility to bacterial infection in flies, whereas faf loss‐of‐function mutants decreased susceptibility. Time course analysis revealed that specific subsets of the target genes of the IMD pathway were affected by faf. Biochemical analysis showed that Faf made a complex with Imd, and both Faf and Imd were polyubiquitinated when they were co‐overexpressed. Given that faf‐dependent Imd polyubiquitination did not seem to cause protein degradation of Imd, Faf might inhibit the IMD pathway by modulating the state of Imd ubiquitination and/or stability.
Golden goal controls dendrite elongation and branching of multidendritic arborization neurons in Drosophila
Authors: Hakeda Satoko , Suzuki Takashi
Published: August 2013

Precise refinement of axonal and dendritic patterns is essential for the maturation of functional neuronal circuits. Although several transmembrane molecules have been shown to control the development of both axons and dendrites, the molecular mechanisms that regulate these different processes are poorly understood. Golden Goal (Gogo) is one of the molecules that are known to control the development of axons in the Drosophila visual system. In this study, we analyzed Gogo function in dendritic field formation of dorsal multidendritic arborization (md‐da) neurons of the Drosophila Peripheral Nervous System. We showed that Gogo is required to restrain the growth of ddaC dendrites toward the midline in the embryo. During larval stages, Gogo promotes dendritic branching of the complex classIV ddaC neurons. However, over‐expression of Gogo restrained dendritic branch formation in ddaC neurons, and this phenotype was enhanced by co‐over‐expression with Flamingo (Fmi), a partner of Gogo in axon guidance. These results suggest Gogo plays important roles in maintaining homeostasis of dendritic branching. Like axons, the cytoplasmic part of Gogo is required for its function in dendritic tree formation, suggesting that Gogo conveys information from extracellular cues to intracellular molecules that control dendrite development.
Impact of arterial microcalcification of the vascular access on cardiovascular mortality in hemodialysis patients
Authors: Yun Yu Seon , Choi Su Jin , Lee Ja Young , Kim Young Soo , Yoon Sun Ae , Park Sun Chul , Shin Ok Ran , Jang Eun Joung , Kim Young Ok
Published: August 2013

Gross vascular calcification seen on imaging studies is common in hemodialysis (HD) patients, and is a significant predictor for cardiovascular mortality in HD patients. We have reported that arterial microcalcification (AMiC) of the vascular access is associated with increased aortic stiffness. This study investigated the impact of vascular access AMiC on cardiovascular mortality in HD patients. The study included 149 HD patients (mean age: 59.1 ± 13.9 years, 86 men and 63 women, 65.8% diabetic) who underwent vascular access surgery. Radial or brachial artery specimens were obtained intraoperatively, and pathologic examination was performed using von Kossa stain to identify AMiC. We compared all‐cause and cardiovascular mortality between patients with and without AMiC. The mean follow‐up was 37.8 ± 34.5 months, and AMiC was present in 38.8% (n = 57) of patients. The presence of diabetes (odds ratio: 16.49, 95% confidence interval: 1.81–150.36, P = 0.013) was the only independent risk factor for vascular access AMiC. During the observational period, there were 27 cardiovascular deaths. Kaplan–Meier analysis showed an increased cardiovascular mortality risk (log rank = 4.83, P = 0.028) in AMiC patients, and Cox regression analysis confirmed that AMiC was an independent predictor for cardiovascular mortality (hazard ratio: 2.35, 95% confidence interval: 1.09–5.09, P = 0.030). In conclusion, vascular access AMiC is a strong risk factor for cardiovascular mortality in HD patients.
Effect of hyperbaric pressure and temperature on respiration rates and quality attributes of Boston lettuce
Authors: Liplap Pansa , Boutin Jérôme , LeBlanc Denyse I. , Vigneault Clément , Vijaya Raghavan G. S.
Published: August 2013

A study was conducted to determine whether hyperbaric treatment has an effect on the shelf life of lettuce during short‐term storage. Lettuce was treated with different pressure and temperature conditions (100–850 kPa at 20 °C and 100 kPa at 4 °C). A preliminary experiment was performed with different treatment periods, that is, 3, 5 and 7 days. Hyperbaric treatment of lettuces at 20 °C caused noticeable changes in sensory quality, but the product was still marketable after 3 days. On the other hand, the cold‐stored lettuce showed little degradation even after 7 days of treatment, at which time all the lettuce treated at 20 °C was unmarketable. At 5 days of treatment, the respiration rate of hyperbaric‐treated lettuces at 625 and 850 kPa remained fairly stable, while that of the lower‐pressure‐treated lettuce began to increase, indicating the initiation of decay. The 850‐kPa hyperbaric treatment showed better quality results than the 100 kPa, 20 °C treatment. Overall, hyperbaric treatment has the potential of being used as an alternative technique for short‐term storage of lettuce without refrigeration.
Investigating nurses' knowledge, attitudes and self‐confidence patterns to perform the conscious level assessment: A cluster analysis
Authors: Chan Moon Fai , Matter Ihsan
Published: August 2013

By accurately assessing a patient's conscious level, the nurse is able to detect neurological changes in order to improve survival outcomes and minimize long‐term sequelae. However, problems are encountered when using the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) to assess a patient's conscious level. This study aims to identify the profile of a group of nurse's knowledge, attitudes and self‐confidence (KAS) to perform the conscious level assessment using the GCS. A descriptive correlational survey was conducted from January to March 2010 in one acute care hospital in Singapore. A convenience sampling was used, and 114 nursing staff (91.2% response rates) completed a self‐reported questionnaire. Four main outcomes: demographic and clinical experiences, and KAS. Two‐step cluster analysis yielded two clusters. Cluster A (48.2%) was labelled ‘average attitudes, knowledge and self‐confidence’ group. Cluster B (51.8%) was labelled as ‘positive attitudes, good knowledge and high self‐confidence’ group. Two clusters showed differences in the levels of their KAS. Findings may be used for management to improve support of nurses to ensure accurately assessing patient's conscious level. Management should formulate strategies to encourage nurses to resolve actual problems following training or mentoring and to increase the depth and breadth of nurses' KAS to perform the conscious level assessment using the GCS.
Factors affecting metacognition of undergraduate nursing students in a blended learning environment
Authors: Hsu Li‐Ling , Hsieh Suh‐Ing
Published: August 2013

This paper is a report of a study to examine the influence of demographic, learning involvement and learning performance variables on metacognition of undergraduate nursing students in a blended learning environment. A cross‐sectional, correlational survey design was adopted. Ninety‐nine students invited to participate in the study were enrolled in a professional nursing ethics course at a public nursing college. The blended learning intervention is basically an assimilation of classroom learning and online learning. Simple linear regression showed significant associations between frequency of online dialogues, the Case Analysis Attitude Scale scores, the Case Analysis Self Evaluation Scale scores, the Blended Learning Satisfaction Scale scores, and Metacognition Scale scores. Multiple linear regression indicated that frequency of online dialogues, the Case Analysis Self Evaluation Scale and the Blended Learning Satisfaction Scale were significant independent predictors of metacognition. Overall, the model accounted for almost half of the variance in metacognition. The blended learning module developed in this study proved successful in the end as a catalyst for the exercising of metacognitive abilities by the sample of nursing students. Learners are able to develop metacognitive ability in comprehension, argumentation, reasoning and various forms of higher order thinking through the blended learning process.
Difference in perception between nurses and patients related to patients' health locus of control
Authors: Hamdan‐Mansour Ayman M. , Marmash Lily R. , Alayyan Rana , Hyarat Saba Y.
Published: August 2013

Patient's health locus of control (HLOC) belief associates with superior health outcomes and patient satisfaction. Higher levels of HLOC beliefs among patients and nurses contribute positively in developing the partnership model of care. The purpose of this study was to examine the differences between nurses and patients' perception of patient's health locus of control at the Jordanian general health‐care settings. This study used cross‐sectional, descriptive‐correlation design to collect data using self‐report questionnaires from 180 general nurses and 178 patients in general wards. Data collected were in regard to patient's perception of health locus of control. Patients and nurses expressed high level of externality and internality HLOC beliefs inferring the significance of partnership model of care. Chance was rated low among nurses and patients. The study emphasizes the role of nurses in enhancing their patient control and power over their health and participation in planning and implementation of health‐care plans.
Surgical glove perforation among nurses in ophthalmic surgery: A case‐control study
Authors: Shek Karen Mei‐Yan , Chau Janita Pak‐Chun
Published: August 2013

Many of the ophthalmic surgical instruments are extremely fine and sharp. Due to the dim light environment required for ophthalmic surgical procedures, the passing of sharp instruments among surgeons and scrub nurses also poses a risk for glove perforations. A case‐control study was performed to determine the number and site of perforations in the surgical gloves used by a group of scrub nurses during ophthalmic surgery. All six nurses working in an eye and refractive surgery centre in Hong Kong participated in the study. A total of 100 (50 pairs) used surgical gloves were collected following 50 ophthalmic surgeries. Fifty pairs of new surgical gloves were also collected. Every collected surgical glove underwent the water leak test. The surgical procedure perforation rate was 8%, and none of the perforations were detected by the scrub nurses. No perforations were found in any unused gloves. The findings indicate that glove perforations for scrub nurses during ophthalmic surgery do occur and mostly go unnoticed. Future studies should continue to explore factors contributing to surgical glove perforation.
Finnish nurses' perceptions of care of older patients
Authors: Eloranta Sini , Arve Seija , Isoaho Hannu , Aro Ilme , Kalam‐Salminen Ly , Routasalod Pirkko
Published: August 2013

The aim of the study was to explore how far the perceptions of care of nurses in Finland take into account the preferences of the older patient and the patient's family members and to evaluate related background factors. The data were collected by questionnaire with nurses (n = 167) working in a geriatric hospital. The questionnaire contained items about shared decision‐making, attitudes to nursing patients, assessment of patients' functional ability and need for care, goal‐setting, evaluation of outcomes and discharge planning. This study showed that taking into account the preferences of the patient and the patient's family members regarding the patient's care was challenging for the nurses in practice. About one‐third of the nurses reported making the decisions on a patient's care themselves and not respecting patient autonomy in situations where patients are not able to assess their own situation. In addition, the nurses reported asking for the views of patients less frequently than those of family members when assessing and setting patient care goals. In practice, nurses need to be aware of this, during the transition from routine‐centred care to patient‐centred care.
Towards patient‐centred care: Perspectives of nurses and midwives regarding shift‐to‐shift bedside handover
Authors: Kerr Debra , Lu Sai , McKinlay Louise
Published: August 2013

The aim of this descriptive qualitative study was to explore perspectives of nurses and midwives towards the introduction of shift‐to‐shift bedside handover. Semistructured interviews with nurses (n = 20) and midwives (n = 10) occurred 12 months after the introduction of bedside handover. Data were analyzed using thematic content analysis. Two main themes were identified: enhanced individual patient care and documentation, along with improved patient–clinician partnerships; and protection of confidentiality and privacy. The newly introduced bedside handover model improved efficiency and accuracy of the handover process and led to the provision of safe, high‐quality care. Development of ward‐specific tools and relevant educational resources, along with clinical support, are identified as the facilitators to ensure the new model can be successfully integrated into normal clinical practice.
Alignment: a conceptual shift from adherence
Authors: Selzer R. M. , Ellen S. , McGartland M.
Published: August 2013

Developing a treatment plan with a patient is one of the cornerstones of clinical medicine. The current concept of adherence, a conceptual shift away from the notion of compliance, connotes an agreement to and implementation of a plan. There are, however, myriad causes that can impinge on whether or not a treatment plan is followed through. The current clinical usage of the word ‘adherence’ tends to focus on the ultimate behaviour of the patient, and as such the factors acting on the behaviour may escape attention. We propose the concept of treatment ‘alignment’. The term ‘alignment’ conveys an image of the patient and clinician in the context of a range of factors that must ‘line up’ to maximise the chances of a treatment plan being successfully implemented.
Advances in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: McDonald C. F. , Khor Y.
Published: August 2013

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is characterised by progressive airflow limitation in the presence of identifiable risk factors. Inflammation is the central pathological feature in the pathogenesis of COPD. In addition to its pulmonary effects, COPD is associated with significant extrapulmonary manifestations, including ischaemic heart disease, osteoporosis, stroke and diabetes. Anxiety and depression are also common. Spirometry remains the gold standard diagnostic tool. Pharmacologic and non‐pharmacologic therapy can improve symptoms, quality of life and exercise capacity and, through their effects on reducing exacerbations, have the potential to modify disease progression. Bronchodilators are the mainstay of pharmacotherapy, with guidelines recommending a stepwise escalating approach. Smoking cessation is paramount in managing COPD, with promotion of physical activity and pulmonary rehabilitation being other key factors in management. Comorbidities should be actively sought and managed in their own right. Given the chronicity and progressive nature of COPD, ongoing monitoring and support with timely discussion of advanced‐care planning and end‐of‐life issues are recommended.
How Trustworthy Is the Scientific Literature in Industrial and Organizational Psychology?
Authors: Kepes Sven , McDaniel Michael A.
Published: August 2013

The trustworthiness of research findings has been questioned in many domains of science. This article calls for a review of the trustworthiness of the scientific literature in industrial–organizational (I–O) psychology and a reconsideration of common practices that may harm the credibility of our literature. We note that most hypotheses in I–O psychology journals are confirmed. Thus, we are either approaching omniscience or our journals are publishing an unrepresentative sample of completed research. We view the latter explanation as more likely. We review structural problems in the publication process and in the conduct of research that is likely to promote a distortion of scientific knowledge. We then offer recommendations to make the I–O literature more accurate and trustworthy.