bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
POVERTY IN RURAL INDIA: CASTE AND TRIBE
Authors: Gang Ira N. , Sen Kunal , Yun Myeong‐Su
Published: February 2008

This paper analyzes the determinants of rural poverty in India, contrasting the situation of scheduled caste (SC) and scheduled tribe (ST) households with the non‐scheduled population. The incidence of poverty in SC and ST households is much higher than among non‐scheduled households. By combining regression estimates for the ratio of per capita expenditure to the poverty line and an Oaxaca‐type decomposition analysis, we study how these differences in the incidence of poverty arise. We find that for SC households, differences in characteristics explain the gaps in poverty incidence more than differences in transformed regression coefficients. In contrast, for ST households, differences in the transformed regression coefficients play the more important role.
REDISTRIBUTIVE OUTCOMES OF SICKNESS INSURANCE ON INCOME: AN EMPIRICAL STUDY OF SOCIAL INSURANCE INSTITUTIONS
Authors: Khan Jahangir , Jansson Bjarne
Published: February 2008

We analyzed the redistributive outcomes of sickness benefits using a typology of social insurance institutions, including four different systems, after adjusting for sickness risk factors. The aim is to empirically observe if the expected redistributive pattern of the typology could be verified whether or not considering the variations in sickness risk across the countries. Data on household earnings and sickness benefits in ten countries and for different years were taken from the Luxembourg Income Study. We also used data on labor force demography and educational attainment. Gini coefficients were used for measuring earnings inequality. Relative changes in earnings inequality for sickness benefits were predicted by social insurance institutional dummies using multiple regression analyses. Among the four different schemes, the encompassing system is found to be most redistributive, followed by basic security and targeting systems. The corporatist system has shown no significant difference from the encompassing system in redistributive outcomes.
Cuckoo in the Nest? Australian Military Historiography: The State of the Field
Authors: Grey Jeffrey
Published: February 2008

Military history in Australia presents a paradox: a field with a healthy popular profile and high‐level political endorsement but which attracts decidedly mixed interest amongst university‐based historians. This article surveys the current state of the field and examines the legacy of the official history tradition, the recent re‐emergence of populist ‘blockbusters’, the academic historians’ emphasis upon memory, commemoration and the history of emotions, and military biography. The article concludes by noting the divide between historians whose work concentrates on operations, technology, logistics and doctrine and those, mostly academic, historians whose chief influence is social history.
Elimination of Migraine‐Associated Nausea in Patients Treated with Rizatriptan Orally Disintegrating Tablet (ODT): A Randomized, Double‐Blind, Placebo‐Controlled Study
Authors: Freitag Fred , Taylor Frederick R. , Hamid Mohammed A. , Rodgers Anthony , Hustad Carolyn M. , Ramsey Karen E. , Skobieranda Franck
Published: February 2008

Objective.— To confirm the efficacy of rizatriptan 10 mg orally disintegrating tablet (ODT) for the elimination of migraine‐associated nausea.

Background.— Pooled studies of rizatriptan analyzing elimination of nausea as a secondary endpoint showed that 65% of rizatriptan patients reported elimination of nausea at 2 hours compared with 41% of patients taking placebo.

Methods.— This was a multicenter, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled single‐attack trial enrolling adult patients with at least a 6‐month history of migraine who typically experience migraine‐associated nausea. Patients treated a moderate or severe migraine headache at the earliest sign of nausea with either rizatriptan 10 mg ODT or placebo (2 : 1). The primary endpoint was elimination of nausea at 2 hours postdose, and the secondary endpoint was pain relief at 2 hours postdose.

Results.— Although not statistically significant, a greater percentage of patients had elimination of nausea at 2 hours with rizatriptan compared with placebo (70.3% vs 62.0%, P = .165, odds ratio [95% CI] = 1.45 [0.86, 2.46]). When patients were grouped by baseline headache severity, rizatriptan showed a greater advantage than placebo for patients with moderate pain (rizatriptan 72.8% vs placebo 57.4%), but no difference for patients with severe pain (rizatriptan 67.7% vs placebo 66.7%). There were significantly more patients who achieved 2‐hour pain relief with rizatriptan (69.7% vs 54.3%, P = .012, odds ratio [95% CI] = 1.94 [1.16, 3.25]).

Conclusion.— Although the efficacy of rizatriptan 10 mg ODT for the elimination of migraine‐associated nausea was comparable to that seen in previous rizatriptan trials, the higher‐than‐usual placebo response prevented a finding of a statistically significant difference. There was a sizable difference in placebo response between patients who treated moderate vs severe migraine. Rizatriptan was effective for 2‐hour pain relief.
Safety and Pharmacokinetics of Dihydroergotamine Mesylate Administered Via a Novel (Tempo™) Inhaler
Authors: Shrewsbury Stephen B. , Cook Robert O. , Taylor Glyn , Edwards Ceri , Ramadan Nabih M.
Published: February 2008

Objective.— We investigated the pulmonary absorption of dihydroergotamine (DHE) mesylate and compared the safety, pharmacokinetic, and metabolic profile of 4 different doses of orally inhaled DHE delivered by the Tempo™ Inhaler (MAP Pharmaceuticals Inc., Mountain View, CA, USA) with 1.0 mg intravenously (IV) administered DHE in 18 healthy subjects.

Methods.— Safety was measured by monitoring adverse events, vital signs, electrocardiograms, spirometry, and changes in biochemical and hematological laboratory values. Liquid chromatography, tandem mass spectrometry was used to determine plasma DHE levels while Cmax, tmax, AUC0‐6, AUC0‐48, AUC0‐inf, and t1/2 of parent DHE and the major bioactive metabolite, 8′OH‐DHE. Pharmacokinetic parameters and qualitative spectrograms for DHE and metabolites for all treatment groups were compared after inhaled DHE (MAP0004) and IV DHE 1.0 mg. Geometric means and 90% confidence intervals of log‐transformed data were calculated and the ratio of means compared.

Results.— Inhaled DHE resulted in rapid systemic absorption with pharmacokinetic parameters of both parent DHE and 8′OH‐DHE similar to those achieved after a 3‐minute IV infusion. Post‐peak (tmax∼12 minutes) DHE concentrations achieved after 4 actuations (∼0.88 mg respirable dose) of MAP0004 were comparable to those detected after IV administration. The systemic exposure to DHE after 6 actuations of MAP0004 was slightly greater than that achieved after IV administration (geometric mean AUC0‐inf ratio = 1.24).

Conclusion.— The 4‐actuation delivery was well tolerated and provided systemic levels of DHE and 8′OH‐DHE slightly lower than IV administration and predicted levels.
Headache With Autonomic Features in a Child: Cluster Headache or Contact‐Point Headache?
Authors: Mishra Devendra , Choudhury Krishna Kant , Gupta Alok
Published: February 2008

Headache and facial pain due to diseases of the nose and sinuses are not uncommon in children. However, nasal contact‐point associated with headache is relatively uncommon and has unclear etiological significance. We herein report a child having headache with autonomic features and contact‐point in the nose, and discuss the difficulties in diagnostic categorization.
Serial LPs Without Serial Imaging in Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension: A Lesson Learned
Authors: Rourke Thomas , Davies S. , Samandouras George
Published: February 2008

With obscure etiology, confusing terminology, and controversial management, idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH), most commonly known as benign intracranial hypertension, remains a common and challenging clinical problem of the general and neurological practice. The authors present a case of a patient who was diagnosed with IIH and treated with serial lumbar punctures for 4 years prior to her final diagnosis of a large intracranial tumor. This case emphasizes that IIH, an enigmatic disease that affects young females and can potentially lead to blindness, should be diagnosed after an exhausting exclusion of secondary causes of intracranial hypertension.
Induction of Apoptosis and Necrosis in Human Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells by Fatty Acid Ethyl Esters
Authors: Alhomsi Khaled , Selig Martin , Sustic Tonci , Katrangi Eyad , Weissig Volkmar , Laposata Michael
Published: February 2008

Background:  Fatty acid ethyl esters (FAEE), nonoxidative products of ethanol metabolism, are formed by the esterification of fatty acids and ethanol. Alcoholic subjects have high levels of FAEE in the circulation as well as in organs and tissues, especially those most often damaged by ethanol abuse. Our previous studies showed a significant synthesis of FAEE by human mononuclear cells within seconds of exposure to physiologic doses of ethanol. In addition, FAEE inhibited phytohemagglutinin (PHA)‐stimulated interleukin‐2 production and calcium (Ca2+) influx into human mononuclear cells. FAEE also caused a rapid increase in the intracellular cAMP. The mechanism by which alcohol suppresses the immune system remains undetermined.

Objectives:  To evaluate the morphological and physiological effects of FAEE on human mononuclear cells and to study the impact of FAEE on cell viability.

Methods:  Mononuclear cell fractions of human white blood cells (WBC) were incubated with physiological doses (25 and 50 μM) of ethyl oleate, a representative FAEE, for 15, 30, 60, 120 or 180 minutes. Morphological changes were evaluated by light and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release was measured as a physiological indicator of necrosis. Physiological changes were also evaluated by western blots performed on whole‐cell lysates of treated and untreated cells and by DNA electrophoresis.

Results:  Significant morphological changes were detected in cells exposed to FAEE by both light and TEM. Concentration and time‐dependent increases in the rates of apoptosis and necrosis were found by light microscopy and by LDH release, respectively, following 60 minutes exposure to 25 or 50 μM FAEE. One‐hour 50 μM FAEE exposure caused activation of the caspase cascade, as demonstrated by Poly (ADP‐ribose) Polymerase (PARP) cleavage, and significant DNA damage as a result of necrosis in human mononuclear cells.

Conclusions:  These studies provide evidence to support the toxic effects of FAEE on intact human mononuclear cells. The results from our studies also show that both apoptosis and necrosis are modes of cell death in FAEE‐treated human mononuclear cells. This may be an important mechanism in alcohol‐induced immunosuppression.
Prefrontal Cortex Volumes in Adolescents With Alcohol Use Disorders: Unique Gender Effects
Authors: Medina Krista Lisdahl , McQueeny Timothy , Nagel Bonnie J. , Hanson Karen L. , Schweinsburg Alecia D. , Tapert Susan F.
Published: February 2008

Background:  Adolescents with alcohol use disorders (AUD) have shown smaller prefrontal cortex (PFC) volumes compared with healthy controls; however, differences may have been due to comorbid disorders. This study examined PFC volumes in male and female adolescents with AUD who did not meet criteria for comorbid mood or attention disorders.

Methods:  Participants were adolescents aged 15 to 17 who met criteria for AUD (n = 14), and demographically similar healthy controls (n = 17). Exclusions included any history of a psychiatric or neurologic disorder other than AUD or conduct disorder. Magnetic resonance imaging scans occurred after at least 5 days of abstinence from alcohol or drugs. Overall PFC volumes and white matter PFC volumes were compared between groups.

Results:  After controlling for conduct disorder, gender, and intracranial volume, AUD teens demonstrated marginally smaller anterior ventral PFC volumes (p = 0.09) than controls, and significant interactions between group and gender were observed (p < 0.001 to p < 0.03). Compared with same‐gender controls, females with AUD demonstrated smaller PFC volumes, while males with AUD had larger PFC volumes. The same pattern was observed for PFC white matter volumes.

Conclusions:  Consistent with adult literature, alcohol use during adolescence is associated with prefrontal volume abnormalities, including white matter differences. However, adolescents with AUD demonstrated gender‐specific morphometric patterns. Thus, it is possible that gender may moderate the impact of adolescent alcohol use on prefrontal neurodevelopment, and the neurodevelopmental trajectories of heavy drinking boys and girls should be evaluated separately in longitudinal studies.
Affective Circuitry and Risk for Alcoholism in Late Adolescence: Differences in Frontostriatal Responses Between Vulnerable and Resilient Children of Alcoholic Parents
Authors: Heitzeg Mary M. , Nigg Joel T. , Yau Wai‐Ying Wendy , Zubieta Jon‐Kar , Zucker Robert A.
Published: February 2008

Background:  Children of alcoholics (COAs) are at elevated risk for alcohol use disorders (AUD), yet not all COAs will develop AUD. The 2 primary aims of this study were to identify neural activation mechanisms that may mark protection or vulnerability to AUD in COAs and to map the same activation patterns in relation to risk behavior (externalizing or internalizing behavior).

Methods:  Twenty‐two adolescent COAs were recruited from an ongoing community longitudinal study of alcoholic and matched control families. They were categorized as either vulnerable (n = 11) or resilient (n = 11) based on the level of problem drinking over the course of adolescence. Six other adolescents with no parental history of alcoholism, and no evidence of their own problem drinking were recruited from the same study and labeled as low‐risk controls. Valenced words were presented to the participants in a passive viewing task during functional magnetic resonance imaging. Activation to negative versus neutral words and positive versus neutral words were compared between groups. Behavior problems were assessed with the Youth Self‐Report (YSR).

Results:  The resilient COA group had more activation of the orbital frontal gyrus (OFG), bilaterally, and left insula/putamen than the control and vulnerable groups, in response to emotional stimuli. In contrast, the vulnerable group had more activation of the dorsomedial prefrontal cortex and less activation of the ventral striatum and extended amygdala, bilaterally, to emotional stimuli than the control and resilient groups. The vulnerable group had more externalizing behaviors which correlated with increased dorsomedial prefrontal activation and decreased ventral striatal and extended amygdala activation.

Conclusions:  These results are consistent with dissociable patterns of neural activation underlying risk and resiliency in COAs. We propose that the pattern observed in the resilient COAs represents an active emotional monitoring function, which may be a protective factor in this group. On the other hand, the vulnerable group displayed a pattern consistent with active suppression of affective responses, perhaps resulting in the inability to engage adaptively with emotional stimuli.
Kinship Support, Family Relations, and Psychological Adjustment Among Low‐Income African American Mothers and Adolescents
Authors: Taylor Ronald D. , Seaton Eleanor , Dominguez Antonio
Published: February 2008

The association of kin social support with mothers' adjustment and family relations was assessed among 204 African American mothers and adolescents who were on average 14.45 years of age. Also examined was the association of mothers' adjustment with family relations and adolescents' adjustment. Findings revealed that kin social and emotional support was positively associated with mothers' optimism. Poor relations with kin were positively associated with mothers' depression. Kin advice and counseling and kin social and emotional support were positively linked to family routine. Poor relations with kin were positively associated with parent/adolescent communication problems. Mothers' optimism was positively associated with family routine and mediated the association of kin social and emotional support with family routine. Parent/adolescent communication problems were positively associated with adolescents' depression. The findings were discussed in light of their support for theoretical and empirical work on family processes among poor African American families.
Influence of Close Friends on the Boundaries of Adolescent Personal Authority
Authors: Daddis Christopher
Published: February 2008

Perceptions of close friends' influence on the construction of boundaries between legitimate parental and personal authority were assessed using a semistructured interview with 183 early (M=11.82 years) and middle (M=15.72 years) adolescents. Participants described sources relevant to the construction of authority beliefs, processes of friend influence, and justifications for influence and noninfluence. Personal, conventional, prudential, and multifaceted issues were assessed. Friends were most salient sources in the construction of boundaries about personal and multifaceted issues and were more salient for middle than for early adolescents. Parental influence was most significant over conventional and prudential issues. Friend influence was primarily attributed to indirect processes, as adolescents used friends as metrics demonstrating age‐appropriate levels of freedom. Adolescents endorsed moral reasoning when they justified monitoring friends' jurisdictional bounds.
Orphanhood and Completion of Compulsory School Education Among Young People in South Africa: Findings From a National Representative Survey
Authors: Operario Don , Cluver Lucie , Rees Helen , MacPhail Catherine , Pettifor Audrey
Published: February 2008

We examined the association of orphanhood and completion of compulsory school education among young people in South Africa. In South Africa, school attendance is compulsory through grade 9, which should be completed before age 16. However, family and social factors such as orphanhood and poverty can hinder educational attainment. Participants were 10,452 16–24‐year‐olds who completed a South African national representative household survey. Overall, 23% had not completed compulsory school levels. In univariate analyses, school completion was lower among those who had experienced orphanhood during school‐age years, males, and those who reported household poverty. In multivariate analyses controlling for household poverty, females who had experienced maternal or paternal orphanhood were less likely to have completed school; orphanhood was not independently associated with males' school completion. Findings highlight the need for evidence‐informed policies to address the education and social welfare needs of orphans and vulnerable youth, particularly females, in South Africa.
Isolating the Posterior Left Atrium and Pulmonary Veins with a “Box” Lesion Set: Use of Epicardial Ablation to Complete Electrical Isolation
Authors: REDDY VIVEK Y. , NEUZIL PETR , D'AVILA ANDRE , RUSKIN JEREMY N.
Published: February 2008

Similar to the surgical mini‐maze procedure, the posterior “box” lesion set employs linear ablation lesions along the anterior aspects of both sets of PVs connected by a roof line and an inferior line to electrically isolate the PVs and complete posterior LA wall en masse. However, creating fully transmural linear atrial lesions can be difficult to achieve, even with an irrigated ablation catheter. This report details a case wherein a combined endocardial and epicardial approach was required to create an electrically continuous posterior box lesion in a patient with persistent AF.
Noradrenaline Reduces Ischemia‐Induced Arrhythmia in Anesthetized Rats: Involvement of α1‐Adrenoceptors and Mitochondrial KATPChannels
Authors: IMANI ALIREZA , FAGHIHI MAHDIEH , SADR SAYYED SHAHABEDDIN , KESHAVARZ MANSOOR , NIARAKI SOMAYEH SADEGHI
Published: February 2008

Introduction:We have evaluated the part played by the mitochondrial ATP‐sensitive potassium (mKATP) channels on effect of α1‐adrenoceptor activation by noradrenaline in ischemia‐induced ventricular arrhythmia.

Methods and Results:Anesthetized rats were subjected to 25 minutes of regional ischemia, and infarct size (IS) and ischemia‐induced ventricular arrhythmia were measured. Group I served as saline control with ischemia (n = 9). In group II (n = 9), the ischemic period was preceded by three short episodes of ischemia, followed by reperfusion. In group III, noradrenaline (2 μg/kg, IV, n = 9) was injected prior to ischemia. In group IV, an α1‐adrenoceptor blocker (prazosin, 0.5 mg/kg, IV, n = 6) was administrated prior to noradrenaline injection. In Groups V and VI, rats received a specific mitochondrial KATPchannel inhibitor [5‐hydroxydecanoic acid (5‐HD), 10 mg/kg, IV, n = 6] prior to or after noradrenaline injection. Ischemic preconditioning (IPC) and noradrenaline markedly reduced incidences of ventricular fibrillation (VF) (0%, 0% vs. 55.5% in control, P < 0.05) and ventricular tachycardia (VT) (11%, 44.5% vs. 100% in control, P < 0.001 and P < 0.05), duration of VF + VT (3 ± 1 seconds, 4.7 ± 2.1 seconds vs. 52.9 ± 6 seconds in control, P < 0.001), number of VF + VT episodes (1.7 ± 1.7, 5.75 ± 2.4 vs. 60.5 ± 8 in control, P < 0.001), severity of arrhythmias (0.3 ± 0.3, 1.7 ± 0.5 vs. 3.9 ± 0.3 in control rats, P < 0.001 and P < 0.01), and IS (13.6 ± 1.8%, 18.2 ± 1.5% vs. 49.6 ± 2.4% in control, P < 0.001). Administration of prazosin or 5‐HD prior to or after noradrenaline injection intensified incidences of VF (66.6%, 66.6% and 50%, P < 0.05) and VT (100%, 100%, and 100%, P < 0.05), duration of VF + VT episodes (70.2 ± 10.5 seconds, 69.8 ± 6.75 seconds, and 60.8 ± 14.9 seconds, P < 0.001), number of VF + VT episodes (56 ± 16.4, 67 ± 11, and 45 ± 3.5, P < 0.01, P < 0.001, and P < 0.05), severity of arrhythmias(3.8 ± 0.3, 4 ± 0.5, and 3.7 ± 0.2, P < 0.01, P < 0.05, and P < 0.01), and IS (45.5 ± 3%, 46.8 ± 3.4%, and 43 ± 2.5%, respectively, P < 0.001) compared with the noradrenaline‐treated group.

Conclusion:Prazosin or 5‐HD treatment eliminated the beneficial effects of noradrenaline on arrhythmogenesis and infarct size.
Endothelin‐1 Modulates the Arrhythmogenic Activity of Pulmonary Veins
Authors: UDYAVAR AMEYA R. , CHEN YAO‐CHANG , CHEN YI‐JEN , CHENG CHEN‐CHUAN , LIN CHENG‐I , CHEN SHIH‐ANN
Published: February 2008

Objective:Endothelin‐1 has important cardiovascular effects and is activated during atrial fibrillation. Pulmonary veins (PVs) play a critical role in the pathophysiology of atrial fibrillation. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether endothelin‐1 affects PV arrhythmogenic activity.

Methods:Conventional microelectrodes were used to record the action potentials (APs) and contractility in isolated rabbit PV tissue specimens before and after the administration of endothelin‐1 (0.1, 1, 10 nM). The ionic currents of isolated PV cardiomyocytes were investigated before and after the administration of endothelin‐1 (10 nM) through whole‐cell patch clamps.

Results:In the tissue preparation, endothelin‐1 (1, 10 nM) concentration dependently shortened the AP duration and decreased the PV firing rates. Endothelin‐1 (10 nM) decreased the resting membrane potential. Endothelin‐1 (0.1, 1, 10 nM) decreased the contractility and increased the resting diastolic tension. In single PV cardiomyocytes, endothelin‐1 (10 nM) decreased the PV firing rates from 2.7 ± 1.0 Hz to 0.8 ± 0.5 Hz (n = 16). BQ‐485 (100 μM, endothelin‐1 type A receptor blocker) reversed and prevented the chrono‐inhibitory effects of endothelin‐1 (10 nM). Endothelin‐1 (10 nM) reduced the L‐type calcium currents, transient outward currents, delayed rectifier currents, transient inward currents, and sodium–calcium exchanger currents in the PV cardiomyocytes with and without pacemaker activity. Endothelin‐1 (10 nM) increased the inward rectifier potassium current, hyperpolarization‐induced pacemaker current, and the sustained outward potassium current in PV cardiomyocytes with and without pacemaker activity.

Conclusion:Endothelin‐1 may have an antiarrhythmic potential through its direct electrophysiological effects on the PV cardiomyocytes and its action on multiple ionic currents.
The Effect of Electrogram Duration on Quantification of Complex Fractionated Atrial Electrograms and Dominant Frequency
Authors: STILES MARTIN K. , BROOKS ANTHONY G. , JOHN BOBBY , SHASHIDHAR, M.D.  , WILSON LAUREN , KUKLIK PAWEL , DIMITRI HANY , LAU DENNIS H. , ROBERTS‐THOMSON ROSS L. , MACKENZIE LORRAINE , WILLOUGHBY SCOTT , YOUNG GLENN D. , SANDERS PRASHANTHAN
Published: February 2008

Introduction: Sites of complex fractionated atrial electrograms (CFAEs) and highest dominant frequency (DF) have been proposed as critical regions maintaining atrial fibrillation (AF). This study aimed to determine the minimum electrogram recording duration that accurately characterizes CFAE or DF sites for ablation without unduly lengthening the procedure.

Methods and Results: Fourteen patients with AF undergoing catheter ablation had high‐density (498 ± 174 points) biatrial mapping performed during AF before ablation. At each point, 8‐second electrograms were recorded. CFAE characterization using the NavX software provided a representation of electrogram complexity (CFE‐mean). CFE‐mean for each point from 7‐, 6‐, 5‐, 4‐, 3‐, 2‐, and 1‐second subsamples were compared with the index 8‐second CFE‐mean. Offline spectral analysis defined DF as the frequency with greatest power, and DF of subsamples were compared with index DF. Index 8‐second electrogram CFE‐mean was 114 ± 20 ms for right atria and 102 ± 17 ms for left atria (P = 0.01); DF was 5.7 ± 0.8 Hz for right atria and 6.0 ± 0.8 Hz for left atria (P = 0.02). Means from shorter electrograms were nonsignificantly decreased for CFE‐mean and overestimated for DF (P < 0.001). Mean absolute differences between subsampled and index values ranged from 3.3 to 20.1 ms for CFE‐mean and 0.11 to 1.18 Hz for DF. Subsampled electrograms deviating >10% from index values ranged from 2.5 to 56% for CFE‐mean and 3.5 to 41% for DF. Intraclass correlation coefficients ranged from 0.992 to 0.788 for CFE‐mean and 0.897 to 0.233 for DF. Unacceptable differences from index values were found with CFE‐mean and DF from electrograms <5 seconds.

Conclusion: Electrograms of ≥5‐second duration are required to accurately characterize CFAE and DF sites for ablation.
Impairment of the Atrial Substrates by Chronic Cigarette Smoking in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: TUAN TA‐CHUAN , CHANG SHIH‐LIN , TAI CHING‐TAI , LIN YENN‐JIANG , HU YU‐FENG , LO LI‐WEI , WONGCHAROEN WANWARANG , UDYAVAR AMEYA R. , CHIANG SHUO‐JU , CHEN YI‐JEN , TSAO HSUAN‐MING , UENG KWO‐CHANG , CHEN SHIH‐ANN
Published: February 2008

Background: Smoking is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease. The impact of smoking on the right and left atrial substrates is unknown.

Methods: This study included 88 patients (age 50 ± 13 years, M/F = 71/17) who underwent four pulmonary veins isolation (PVI) for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF). The mean voltage and total activation time of the individual atria were obtained by using a NavX mapping system, and were compared between the patients with and without a previous smoking history. The dose effect was evaluated by the smoking intensity‐duration, defined as the number of packs per day plus how many years they had been smoking.

Results: The right atrial (RA) mean voltage was lower in the patients with a previous history of smoking than in those without a history of smoking (1.92 ± 0.49 vs 2.17 ± 0.56 mV, P < 0.05). The left atrial (LA) mean voltage was similar between the two groups (1.73 ± 0.67 vs 1.82 ± 0.48 mV, P = 0.488). Further, the total activation time of the RA was longer in the patients with a previous history of smoking than in those without a history of smoking, but not so for the LA. Furthermore, the voltage reduction in the RA was related to the smoking intensity‐duration (Pearson's correlation, r = 0.650, P < 0.001).

Conclusions: In patients with atrial fibrillation, the RA mean voltage and total activation time were significantly correlated to smoking and had a dose‐dependent effect.
Global Nurse Migration Today
Authors: Brush Barbara L.
Published: February 2008

Purpose

:
To examine emerging trends in global nurse migration and those effects on nurse workforce planning and development efforts in select donor and recipient countries.

Design and Methods

: This integrative literature review is an analysis of current literature (journal articles, media, and press releases) and data from various sources (PUMS, NSSRN, CGFNS, Nurse & Midwifery Council) to explicate new trends in nurse migration.

Findings

: Rapid changes in nurse migration are significantly challenging nurse workforce management efforts in both donor and recipient nations.

Conclusions

: As the market demand for nurses around the globe escalates, the changes and consequences associated with nurse migration are increasingly in need of policy solutions that indicate the needs and motivations of all stakeholders.
Searching for the Intervention in Intervention Research Reports
Authors: Conn Vicki S. , Cooper Pamela S. , Ruppar Todd M. , Russell Cynthia L.
Published: February 2008

Purpose

: Precisely described interventions in nursing research reports are essential as a foundation for nursing practice and to facilitate future research. The purpose of this project was to characterize the intervention descriptions in nursing intervention research reports.

Design and Methods

: Quantitative content analysis was used to analyze intervention descriptions in reports published in English‐language general nursing journals during 2005. Normative analysis was used to examine reports for details related to intervention content and delivery. Physical unit analysis was used to compare relative amounts of article space devoted to intervention description vs. other methodological details.

Findings

: Results were tabulated for 141 research articles published in 27 journals. Analysis indicated incomplete reporting of intervention details in many articles. Dose and dosing frequency were rarely completely defined. Delivery setting and interventionist were frequently not indicated, and the professional credentials of nurse interventionists were often unclear. While descriptions of interventions involving substances or devices were typically detailed, the specifics of psychological, educational, behavioral, and systems‐level interventions were often lacking. Intervention descriptions averaged 7.27% of total article space, whereas nonintervention methodological descriptions averaged 20.74% of space. Of studies examined, only 38 (27.0%) reported enough detail to potentially replicate the study or translate the intervention into practice.

Conclusions

: Intervention descriptions in general nursing journals lack sufficient detail to provide the evidence basis for practice.
Evaluating Home Health Care Nursing Outcomes With OASIS and NOC
Authors: Schneider Julia Stocker , Barkauskas Violet , Keenan Gail
Published: February 2008

Purpose

: To determine the sensitivity and responsiveness of the Outcome and Assessment Information Set (OASIS) and the Nursing Outcomes Classification (NOC) to the effects of home healthcare nursing interventions.

Methods

: A quasi‐experimental before‐after study was conducted using a sample of 106 home healthcare participants referred to one of seven participating Midwest home healthcare agencies for treatment of a cardiac condition. Patient outcomes data were collected at home healthcare admission and discharge using OASIS and NOC. Nursing intervention data were collected at each visit using the Nursing Interventions Classification (NIC). Intervention intensity was calculated by totaling the number of NIC interventions provided over the episode of care.

Findings

: Neither OASIS nor NOC were sensitive to the effects of home healthcare nursing as measured by intervention intensity. The OASIS was not responsive to clinically discernable changes in patient outcomes; while the NOC was responsive to patient status change in the outcome categories including activities of daily living, cardiopulmonary status, coping, and illness management behavior.

Conclusions

: Outcome measures that are more condition‐specific and discipline‐specific are more responsive to the effects of home healthcare nursing. Further research is needed to identify and refine outcome measures that are sensitive and responsive to the effects of nursing care in home health and other nursing settings.

Clinical Relevance

: The use of outcome measures that are more sensitive and responsive to nursing are more effective in guiding nursing practice.
Predictors of Health‐Related Quality of Life 3 Months After Traumatic Injury
Authors: Lee Bih‐O , Chaboyer Wendy , Wallis Marianne
Published: February 2008

Purpose:
Examination of predictors of health related quality of life (HRQoL) with a focus on the ability of illness representations to predict HRQoL 3 months after hospital discharge in patients who experienced moderate to severe traumatic injury.

Design and Method:
A prospective predictive study, using a survey design was undertaken to identify predictors of HRQoL. Telephone interviews were conducted 3 months after patients were discharged from the hospital. Demographic and clinical data and two scales: the Chinese Illness Perception Questionnaire Revised (IPQ‐R, Trauma) and the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form 36 (SF‐36) were used in this study. Simultaneous multiple regressions were used to identify predictors of HRQoL.

Findings:
A total of 114 participants completed the survey. The most frequently reported symptoms were pain, weight loss, strength loss, and fatigue. The illness representations that scored the highest were Illness coherence, Controllability, and Consequences. The average SF‐36 physical summary score was lower than the average mental summary score. Role (physical) had the lowest scores on the physical subscale and vitality had the lowest scores on the mental subscale. Significant predictors of the physical summary score were identity, consequences, timeline (acute/chronic), age, and injury severity score (ISS), and for the mental summary score predictors were identity, emotional representations, and timeline.

Conclusions:
Illness representations can be used to predict HRQoL 3 months after traumatic injury. These findings can help clinicians to understand illness perceptions of patients with traumatic injury, and help provide a foundation for an interventional program to help patients have better HRQoL following traumatic injury.

Clinical Relevance:
By understanding patients' illness representations, clinicians could provide information related to postinjury care to facilitate more congruent representations between expectations and real situations. By helping patients understand the important role early interventions might play in their recovery, clinicians might help patients develop more positive cognitive representations.
Positive Illusions in Parenting: Every Child Is Above Average
Authors: Wenger Andrew , Fowers Blaine J.
Published: February 2008

This study examined the paradox between the difficulties of parenting and the high levels of parenting satisfaction in terms of positive illusions. Results were consistent with a positive illusions model, as biological parents with a child between the ages of 2 and 5 reported unrealistically positive views of their children. They rated their own children as possessing more positive and less negative attributes than the average child. The more positively parents rated themselves, the more positively they rated their children. Parents' self‐esteem scores, unrealistically positive ratings of the child, and positive illusions of parenting were related to 3 aspects of the parenting experience. This study extends the literature on positive illusions to encompass parents' positive illusions about their young children.
Fairness, Self‐Interest, and Cooperation in a Real‐Life Conflict1
Authors: Müller Markus M. , Kals Elisabeth , Maes Jürgen
Published: February 2008

Effects of procedural fairness and self‐interest on cooperation vs. hardness in an urban planning conflict were examined in a questionnaire study. The self‐interest perspective posits that people seek to maximize their outcomes and, therefore, cooperate only when they can gain advantages or avoid disadvantages by doing so, while fairness models of cooperation view cooperative actions as based mainly on justice motives. The data give strong support for the fairness hypothesis, showing that self‐interest accounts only for hard strategies, whereas justice motives explain a considerable part of cooperation. The impact of the results on further research on social conflicts and their settlement, as well as the elaboration of models of fairness in the social psychology of conflicts are discussed.
Attitudes Toward Abortion in a Sample of South African Female University Students
Authors: Patel Cynthia J. , Myeni Manqoba C.
Published: February 2008

This study examines the structure of abortion attitudes in a sample of 124 full‐time female university residence students, the relationship between self‐rated religiosity and abortion attitudes, as well as their knowledge of the Choice on Termination of Pregnancy Act passed in South Africa in 1996. The data provide evidence for the existence of an underlying structure of abortion attitudes, which is complex and multifaceted. Almost 76% of the students described themselves as religious to very religious, and a pronounced trend toward pro‐life is evident.
Harnessing Cognitive Dissonance to Promote Positive Attitudes Toward Older Workers in Australia
Authors: Gringart Eyal , Helmes Edward , Speelman Craig
Published: February 2008

Negative stereotyping of older workers has been identified as a major factor in employment discrimination against them. A study of Australian employers’ attitudes toward older workers found systematic negative stereotyping and low likelihood of hiring older workers. The current study employed a national random sample of 267 employers, and tested 3 interventions aimed at promoting positive attitudes toward older workers and increasing the likelihood of their hiring. The first intervention was in the form of a fact sheet; the second aimed at inducing cognitive dissonance; and the third was a combination of the two. The combination intervention produced promising results. Employers in this condition showed more favorable attitudes toward older workers overall, and greater preference toward hiring older workers.
Social Distance as a Measure of Prejudice Among Ethnic Groups in the United States
Authors: Weaver Charles N.
Published: February 2008

Data from surveys representative of the population of the United States were used to investigate 2 aspects of social distance as a measure of prejudice among Hispanics, non‐Hispanic Whites, Jews, Asians, and Blacks. The results extended through 2000 a 65‐year decline in prejudice. But, contrary to expectations, these groups were, on average, significantly opposed to virtually all other ethnic groups living in their neighborhoods or marrying their close relatives. The findings suggest that the popular hierarchical explanation of social distances with Whites at the top, Jews next, followed by Asians and Hispanics, and Blacks at the bottom is incorrect. A more accurate explanation is proposed.
Determinants of Endothelial Function in Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection: A Complex Interplay Among Therapy, Disease, and Host Factors
Authors: Mondy Kristin E.
Published: February 2008

In the era of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection has become a chronic disease in which patients may develop significant metabolic complications and risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD), including insulin resistance, visceral fat deposition, and increases in atherogenic cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Epidemiologic studies have found that persons infected with HIV are likely to be at higher risk for premature CVD compared with the general population, and clinical studies examining endothelial function in HIV‐infected cohorts have supported such conclusions. The mechanisms underlying the regulation of endothelial function in HIV‐infected persons appear to be multifactorial, including direct effects of HIV on the endothelium, indirect effects of HIV on lipids and inflammatory cytokines, HAART‐related effects, and traditional/host factors. Better understanding of these processes can lead to improved strategies for the long‐term management of HIV infection.
Migration of Apicomplexa Across Biological Barriers: The Toxoplasma and Plasmodium Rides
Authors: Tardieux Isabelle , Ménard Robert
Published: February 2008

The invasive stages of Apicomplexa parasites, called zoites, have been largely studied in in vitro systems, with a special emphasis on their unique gliding and host cell invasive capacities. In contrast, the means by which these parasites reach their destination in their hosts are still poorly understood. We summarize here our current understanding of the cellular basis of in vivo parasitism by two well‐studied Apicomplexa zoites, the Toxoplasma tachyzoite and the Plasmodium sporozoite. Despite being close relatives, these two zoites use different strategies to reach their goal and establish infection.
Filling in the Picture: Contexts and Contacts of Jane Cavendish
Authors: Bennett Alexandra G.
Published: February 2008

This paper introduces a Literature Compass cluster on Margaret Cavendish. The full cluster is made up of the following articles:

‘Recent Developments in the Study of Seventeenth‐Century Literature and Three Papers from the 2007 Margaret Cavendish Conference’, James Fitzmaurice, Literature Compass 5 (2008), DOI: 10.1111/j.1741-4113.2008.00523.x.

‘Filling in the Picture: Contexts and Contacts of Jane Cavendish’, Alexandra G. Bennett, Literature Compass 5 (2008), DOI: 10.1111/j.1741-4113.2008.00524.x.

 ‘Mrs. Dalloway and the Duchess: Virginia Woolf Reads and Writes Margaret Cavendish’, Lise Mae Schlosser, Literature Compass 5 (2008), DOI: 10.1111/j.1741-4113.2008.00525.x.

 ‘From Drama to Science: Margaret Cavendish as Vanishing Mediator’, John Shanahan, Literature Compass 5 (2008), DOI: 10.1111/j.1741-4113.2008.00526.x.
Mrs. Dalloway and the Duchess: Virginia Woolf Reads and Writes Margaret Cavendish
Authors: Schlosser Lise Mae
Published: February 2008

This paper introduces a Literature Compass cluster on Margaret Cavendish. The full cluster is made up of the following articles:

‘Recent Developments in the Study of Seventeenth‐Century Literature and Three Papers from the 2007 Margaret Cavendish Conference’, James Fitzmaurice, Literature Compass 5 (2008), DOI: 10.1111/j.1741-4113.2008.00523.x.

‘Filling in the Picture: Contexts and Contacts of Jane Cavendish’, Alexandra G. Bennett, Literature Compass 5 (2008), DOI: 10.1111/j.1741-4113.2008.00524.x.

‘Mrs. Dalloway and the Duchess: Virginia Woolf Reads and Writes Margaret Cavendish’, Lise Mae Schlosser, Literature Compass 5 (2008), DOI: 10.1111/j.1741-4113.2008.00525.x.

‘From Drama to Science: Margaret Cavendish as Vanishing Mediator’, John Shanahan, Literature Compass 5 (2008), DOI: 10.1111/j.1741-4113.2008.00526.x.
From Drama to Science: Margaret Cavendish as Vanishing Mediator
Authors: Shanahan John
Published: February 2008

This paper introduces aLiterature Compasscluster on Margaret Cavendish. The full cluster is made up of the following articles:

‘Recent Developments in the Study of Seventeenth‐Century Literature and Three Papers from the 2007 Margaret Cavendish Conference’, James Fitzmaurice,Literature Compass5 (2008), DOI:10.1111/j.1741-4113.2008.00523.x.

‘Filling in the Picture: Contexts and Contacts of Jane Cavendish’, Alexandra G. Bennett,Literature Compass5 (2008), DOI:10.1111/j.1741-4113.2008.00524.x.

‘Mrs. Dalloway and the Duchess: Virginia Woolf Reads and Writes Margaret Cavendish’, Lise Mae Schlosser,Literature Compass5 (2008), DOI:10.1111/j.1741-4113.2008.00525.x.

‘From Drama to Science: Margaret Cavendish as Vanishing Mediator’, John Shanahan,Literature Compass5 (2008), DOI:10.1111/j.1741-4113.2008.00526.x.

***

This essay examines Margaret Cavendish's dramatic and scientific works together in order to find shared features among them. What is common in all of her work is a commitment to a form of knowledge I term ‘forensic’. I argue that Cavendish contributed to the conceptual formation of the new science of the seventeenth century in two ways: first, in the imagination of highly forensic spaces (that is, spaces for the examination of rival hypotheses), and second, by focusing on the inherent theatricality of empirical experimentation. But this two‐fold contribution was muted and increasingly rendered invisible as the new Royal Society pioneered ways to exploit such forensic spaces in ways Cavendish did not imagine, and developed rhetorical strategies to disavow or manage the theatricality of experimentation. Cavendish's work as a fellow‐traveler of the new science, once notable in its time, became – with the triumph of the Royal Society program – a vanishing mediator in the development of experimental science.
Following God without Belief: Moral Objections to Agnostic Religious Commitment
Authors: Corte Samantha
Published: February 2008

Since pragmatic arguments for agnostic religious commitment do not require one to believe on insufficient evidence, they avoid one of the moral objections to pragmatic arguments for belief in God: the objection that one should not believe on insufficient evidence. However, I will argue that pragmatic arguments for agnostic religious commitment must deal with two related moral objections. First, if we have a duty to investigate the truth in matters of importance to our behavior, then making such a commitment turns out to conflict to some extent with that duty, though not, I think, to an unacceptable degree. Second, some people have a conception of God and the religious life such that making an agnostic religious commitment may interfere with the person's ability to reflect on moral matters and act on her conclusions, thus putting her at greater risk of doing the wrong thing.
Platelet count evaluation using three automated haematology analysers compared with the immunoplatelet reference method, and estimation of possible inadequate platelet transfusion
Authors: HONG K. H. , KIM M. J. , LEE K. W. , PARK K. U. , KIM H. S. , SONG J.
Published: February 2008

The accuracy of three automated haematology analysers [Sysmex XE‐2100 (both optical and impedance mode), Bayer Advia 120, and Beckman Coulter LH‐750] was compared with the immunoplatelet reference method for platelet measurement. A total of 165 blood specimens were obtained from patients and platelet counts were determined using the four‐automated haematology analyser methods and the immunoplatelet reference method. The coefficients of determination (R2) between the automated haematology analyser methods and the immunoplatelet reference method for the overall platelet range were >0.98. A bias study, however, showed some disagreement. The use of a coincidence correction calculation for the immunoplatelet method did not improve the correlation between the immunoplatelet method and the automated haematology analyser methods. To estimate the possibility of inadequate platelet transfusion, the number of prophylactic platelet transfusion indications determined by the automated haematology analyser platelet counts were compared with the number of transfusion indications according to the platelet counts determined by the immunoplatelet method. An additional 48 blood specimens were included in this analysis. All of the automated haematology analysers showed some disagreement in the transfusion indications when compared with the immunoplatelet method, suggesting the possibility of inadequate platelet transfusion.