bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identifying the Fundamentals of Care within Cochrane Systematic reviews: The role of the Cochrane Nursing Care Field Fundamentals of Care Node
Authors: Kitson Alison , Robertson‐Malt Suzi , Conroy Tiffany
Published: April 2013

The role of the Fundamentals of Care (FoC) Node within the Cochrane Nursing Care Field (CNCF) is to identify universal aspects of patient care as they relate to and potentially affect the application of the results of systematic reviews. The CNCF was established to provide a nursing perspective of Cochrane reviews and to promote their dissemination and uptake. The core functions of the CNCF include identifying topics for nursing care not currently addressed by Cochrane Reviews, raising awareness of the Cochrane Collaboration and the resources it has that supports the delivery of nursing care and the dissemination of relevant reviews to the nursing care community.

We outline how volunteers with an interest in the FoC can work to identify care‐related aspects for specific clinical reviews. This article describes the development of a tool designed to guide the review of a Cochrane Systematic Review from the vantage of the FoC. The FoC Node is seeking volunteers to undertake this review work, and we have outlined the steps used to do this. We also show how using the FoC Template can inform the tagging and classifying of existing reviews within the Cochrane library.
Supporting minority nursing students: ‘Opportunity for Success’ for Ethiopian immigrants in Israel
Authors: Arieli D. , Hirschfeld M.J.
Published: April 2013

Aim

To report on an Israeli academic nursing project, aimed at supporting the integration of Ethiopian immigrants into nursing studies.

Background

The representation of ethnic minorities within nursing is crucial for the provision of efficient care in diverse societies. Nevertheless, successful integration of minority students in nursing programs is not a simple task and needs developing support systems that will attract and retain students from minorities. Ethiopian Jewish immigrants and their descendants in Israel form a community of 120 000 people. Their participation in the national workforce is low, as well as their average income.

Methods

The paper is based on formative evaluation, using action research, of an academic nursing program in Israel.

Findings

Four main strategies identify this project: (1) a policy of institutional commitment, (2) personal relations with staff, (3) personal tutoring, and (4) cultural safety education. The project has reached success in terms of attraction, retention and students' satisfactions. The project's two main challenges, which need further concern, are: (1) giving support without labelling and (2) supporting without creating dependency.

Conclusions and International Policy Implications

Appropriate strategies can enable success of minority students. Nevertheless, the amount of support needed for such programs raises two major questions: (1) To what extent should individual nursing departments be expected to bear solutions to this widely experienced problem? (2) How does focusing on one minority affect cultural safety of the overall group?
Chronic rhinosinusitis and asthma: novel understanding of the role of IgE ‘above atopy’
Authors: Bachert C. , Zhang N.
Published: April 2013

Abstract.  Bachert C, Zhang N (Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium). Chronic rhinosinusitis and asthma: novel understanding of the role of IgE ‘above atopy’ (Review). J Intern Med 2012; 272: 133–143.

Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) affects more than 10% of the European population and is often associated with asthma. Phenotypes of CRS can be differentiated based on mucosal remodelling and inflammatory patterns. Understanding the role of central mediators, such as interleukin‐5, in these different phenotypes may lead to the development of specific therapeutic approaches. The impact of staphylococcal superantigens has been shown to further modify the immune response, contributing to persistent severe disease via the activation of T and B cells and the formation of local IgE. It is clear that these mechanisms are involved in the systemic spread of upper airway disease with resulting asthma comorbidity, when IgE antibodies to staphylococcal enterotoxins are present at measurable levels in serum. Recent findings point to superantigens as possible causal agents in the intrinsic form of severe asthma, and an anti‐IgE strategy has shown promising therapeutic potential in nonatopic patients with nasal polyps and asthma. These findings should lead to a clinically relevant endotyping of patients with upper and lower airway disease and to a new understanding of the role of IgE ‘above atopy’.
Clinical determinants and mortality predictability of stearoyl‐CoA desaturase‐1 activity indices in dialysis patients
Authors: Huang X. , Stenvinkel P. , Qureshi A. R. , Cederholm T. , Bárány P. , Heimbürger O. , Lindholm B. , Risérus U. , Carrero J. J.
Published: April 2013

Background

Stearoyl‐CoA desaturase‐1 (SCD‐1) converts dietary saturated fatty acids to monounsaturated fatty acids. Elevated SCD‐1 activity thus signifies impaired fatty acid metabolism and excess saturated fat intake. In the general population, increased SCD‐1 activity is associated with cardiovascular disease and mortality. The determinants and implications of SCD‐1 activity in dialysis patients are unknown.

Subjects

A total of 222 dialysis patients (39% women) with prospective follow‐up, median age of 57 years and an average of 12 months of dialysis.

Design

Fatty acid compositions in plasma phospholipids and free fatty acids (FFAs) were assessed by gas–liquid chromatography. SCD‐1 activity indices were calculated as the product‐to‐precursor fatty acid ratio (palmitoleic acid/palmitic acid) in each fraction to reflect SCD‐1 activities in the liver and adipose tissue.

Results

Median hepatic and adipose tissue SCD‐1 activity indices were 0.016 and 0.150, respectively. In multivariate analyses, SCD‐1 was positively associated with age, female sex and serum interleukin‐6 level. During 18.4 (interquartile range 5.5–37.3) months of follow‐up, there were 61 deaths and 115 kidney transplants. The cut‐off level for high SCD‐1 indices was determined by receiver operating characteristic curve analyses. In fully adjusted competing risk models, patients with high SCD‐1 indices in both phospholipids and FFAs had more than twofold increased mortality risk before kidney transplantation [hazard ratio (HR) 2.29, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.28–4.11 and HR 2.36, 95% CI 1.38–4.03, respectively], compared with patients with low SCD‐1 indices.

Conclusions

Both hepatic and adipose tissue SCD‐1 activity indices independently predict mortality in dialysis patients. Further studies are warranted to determine whether reducing SCD‐1 activity by dietary intervention (limiting saturated fat) could improve survival in dialysis patients.
Genetically elevated bilirubin and risk of ischaemic heart disease: three Mendelian randomization studies and a meta‐analysis
Authors: Stender S. , Frikke‐Schmidt R. , Nordestgaard B. G. , Grande P. , Tybjærg‐Hansen A.
Published: April 2013

Background

Elevated plasma levels of bilirubin, an endogenous antioxidant, have been associated with reduced risk of ischaemic heart disease (IHD) and myocardial infarction (MI). Whether this is a causal relationship remains unclear.

Objective

We tested the hypothesis that elevated plasma bilirubin is causally related to decreased risk of IHD and MI.

Design

We used a Mendelian randomization approach and three independent studies from Copenhagen, Denmark. We measured bilirubin in 43 708 white individuals from the general population, and genotyped rs6742078 G>T in the uridine diphosphate glucuronosyltransferase 1A1 (UGT1A1) gene in 67 068 individuals, of whom 11 686 had IHD.

Results

Third versus first tertile of baseline bilirubin levels was associated with 134% increased bilirubin levels, with sex‐ and age‐adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) of 0.86 [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.76–0.98; P = 0.02] for IHD and 0.81 (95% CI, 0.66–0.99; P = 0.04) for MI, but with corresponding multifactorially adjusted HRs of 0.93 (95% CI, 0.82–1.06; P = 0.29) and 0.90 (95% CI, 0.73–1.12; P = 0.35). UGT1A1 rs6742078 TT versus GG genotype was associated with 95% increased bilirubin levels (P < 0.001); TT versus GG genotype was associated with odds ratios (ORs) of 1.03 (95% CI, 0.96–1.11; P = 0.73) for IHD and 1.01 (95% CI, 0.92–1.12; P = 0.68) for MI. Finally, in a meta‐analysis of the present three studies and eight previous studies including a total of 14 711 cases and 60 324 controls, the random effects OR for ischaemic cardiovascular disease for genotypes with approximately 100% increased bilirubin levels versus reference genotypes was 1.01 (95% CI, 0.88–1.16).

Conclusion

These data suggest that plasma bilirubin is not causally associated with risk of IHD.
The road barely taken: funerals, and people with intellectual disabilities
Authors: Forrester‐Jones Rachel
Published: April 2013

Background

The topic of funerals within the life cycle approach to care in the UK remains largely absent. This small exploratory study sought to investigate how practitioners deal with this sensitive issue and to capture the views of older people with and without intellectual disabilities about funerals.

Methods

A semi‐structured questionnaire was administered to 40 service managers, and five focus groups for 26 people with and without intellectual disabilities were facilitated. Questionnaires were subjected to thematic content analysis; focus group data were analysed using a grounded theory approach.

Results

Managers demonstrated confusion about organizing the funerals of people with intellectual disabilities. Few differences existed between the views of people with and without intellectual disabilities in relation to funerals and a number of core themes were identified including the lack of opportunities to attend funerals.

Conclusions

More thought and practical interventions are needed to support vulnerable people to participate in the funerals of people they know.
Validation of Accuracy of Three‐Dimensional Left Atrial CartoSound™ and CT Image Integration: Influence of Respiratory Phase and Cardiac Cycle
Authors: KIMURA MASAOMI , SASAKI SHINGO , OWADA SHINGEN , HORIUCHI DAISUKE , SASAKI KENICHI , ITOH TAIHEI , ISHIDA YUJI , KINJO TAKAHIKO , OKUMURA KEN
Published: April 2013

CartoSound Merge Using Left Atrial Posterior Wall

Background

CartoSound™ (CS) module is useful in integrating 3‐dimensional (3D) left atrial (LA) image with CT image. Integration method, however, has not been established. We reported the accuracy of LA electroanatomical (EA) and CT image integration by registering LA roof (LAR) and posterior wall (LAPW).

Methods

The consecutive 56 atrial fibrillation patients undergoing pulmonary vein isolation were studied. In the initial 29 patients, before the transseptal puncture, 3D CS LAR and LAPW image was created by registering a mean of 10 contour lines between the right and left pulmonary veins. After transseptally inserting a mapping catheter into LA, 3D EA image of LAR and LAPW was obtained by sampling a mean of 40 points. LA CT image was taken at the full‐inspiratory position and 0% of R–R interval. After visual alignment of CS or EA and LA CT image, the 2 images were integrated with surface registration program. In the latter 27 patients, both CT and CS images were taken while matching the respiratory phase at the end‐tidal position and cardiac cycle at 50% of R–R interval.

Results

In the initial 29 patients, the mean distances between EA and CT images and between CS and CT images were 1.53 ± 0.27 and 1.59 ± 0.23 mm, respectively (P = NS). In the latter 27, the mean distance was decreased to 1.08 ± 0.14 mm (P < 0.0001).

Conclusions

CS system is useful in image integration with 3D CT. Matching both respiratory phase and cardiac cycle between CS and CT image acquisition improves the image integration accuracy.
Effect of Helicobacter pylori infection on esophagogastric variceal bleeding in patients with liver cirrhosis and portal hypertension
Authors: Sakamoto Yoshihiro , Oho Kazuhiko , Toyonaga Atsushi , Kumamoto Masafumi , Haruta Tsuyoshi , Inoue Hiroto , Emori Keigo , Tsuruta Osamu , Sata Michio
Published: April 2013

Background and Aims

Bleeding from esophageal and gastric varices is a fatal event in patients with liver cirrhosis and portal hypertension. However, the effects of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection on esophagogastric variceal bleeding are not known. The present study was aimed to elucidate the role of H. pylori infection in esophagogastric variceal bleeding.

Methods

The subjects were 196 cirrhotic patients who were admitted to the Kurume University Hospital to treat their esophagogastric varices consisted of 95 with acute bleeding and 101 with nonbleeding but high risk of bleeding. For the diagnosis of H. pylori infection, a 13C‐urea breath test was used, and serum pepsinogen (PG) I and II levels and the PG I/II ratio were also measured.

Results

Esophagogastric variceal bleeding was seen in 34.9% (n = 30) of the H. pylori‐infected patients (n = 86) and in 59.1% (n = 65) of the noninfected patients (n = 110) (P < 0.0007). There was no significant difference in the infection rate between the bleeding sites of the esophagus and the stomach. The serum PG I and II levels and the PG I/II ratio were 65.6 ng/dL, 14.7 ng/dL, and 4.4, respectively, for the bleeding patients (n = 95), and 43.7 ng/dL, 17.7 ng/dL, and 3.1 for the nonbleeding patients (n = 101). Thus, the nonbleeding patients had significantly higher rate of H. pylori infection and lower acid secretion than bleeding patients (0.001). In addition, multivariate logistic regression analysis showed a significant negative association between H. pylori infection and esophagogastric variceal bleeding.

Conclusions

These results suggest that H. pylori infection has a protective effect against esophagogastric variceal bleeding through the induction of gastric mucosal atrophy and concomitant hypoacidity.
Involvement in research activities and factors influencing research capacity among dietitians
Authors: Howard A. J. , Ferguson M. , Wilkinson P. , Campbell K. L.
Published: April 2013

Background

A healthcare professional's aptitude to develop research skills and actively engage in research is necessary to optimise healthcare efficacy. The present study investigated the factors that contribute to research capacity within the Australian dietetic workforce.

Methods

Queensland‐based dietitians scored their department and individual skill or success in research on a 10‐point scale using an anonymous online survey that incorporated the validated Research Capacity in Context tool. Descriptive statistics were assessed against geographical setting, dietetic experience and the proportion of role (Full Time Equivalent; FTE) designated to research. Research activities were defined by the number of items currently involved in or completed in the past 6 months (n = 11). Factors associated with research activities were assessed by multivariable linear regression.

Results

Dietitians (n = 130) identified having a moderate skill or success in 14 research items [mean (SD) 5.1 (1.7)] and perceived that their departments provided a moderate level of research support in 19 research items [mean (SD) 6.1 (2.5)]. Geographical setting, the proportion of role designated to research (FTE) and participation in research activities were associated with individual and department ratings of research skill or success. Research involvement was predicted by the proportion of role (FTE) designated to research (β = 0.34, t = 4.16, P < 0.001) and years of experience in dietetics (β = 0.32, t = 2.67, P < 0.009).

Conclusions

A dietitian's capacity for research is related to professional experience and the designation of research in the role description. The findings of the present study will provide a baseline of research capacity and expertise among dietitians, and also inform the strategic development of building research capacity.
Syndromes of orthostatic intolerance: a hidden danger
Authors: Fedorowski A. , Melander O.
Published: April 2013

Orthostatic hypotension (OH) is a relatively common heterogenous and multifactorial disorder, traditionally classified as neurogenic (less common but often more severe) or nonneurogenic (more common, with no direct signs of autonomic nervous system disease). The different clinical variants of orthostatic intolerance include initial, classical and delayed OH as well as postural tachycardia syndrome. Orthostatic instability may induce syncopal attacks either alone or in combination with other mechanisms, and is often dismissed as a precipitating factor. Moreover, prevalent OH is an independent risk factor for all‐cause mortality and cardiovascular morbidity, and the majority of patients with OH are asymptomatic or have few nonspecific symptoms. Management of symptomatic orthostatic intolerance includes both nonpharmacological and pharmacological methods, but it is not always successful and may lead to complications. Future studies of OH should focus on mechanisms that lead to neurogenic and nonneurogenic OH, novel diagnostic methods and more effective therapeutic modalities.
The niche under siege: novel targets for metastasis therapy
Authors: Santamaria‐Martínez A. , Huelsken J.
Published: April 2013

Metastasis is an inefficient process and most cancer cells fail to colonize secondary sites. There are several possible reasons for this. First, the nature of the infiltrating cells is important as a small population of cancer stem cells has been shown to have exclusive metastasis‐initiating potential. Secondly, supportive niches are required to promote the outgrowth of disseminated tumour cells. Such niches are either produced prior to the arrival of cancer cells in the target organ or are induced ad hoc upon cell infiltration. Components of the extracellular matrix (ECM) have been found to play a role in establishing these niches. This has highlighted the importance of the ECM for metastatic progression, and suggests that such components may provide alternative targets for treatment of metastatic disease.
Effects of an isocaloric healthy Nordic diet on insulin sensitivity, lipid profile and inflammation markers in metabolic syndrome – a randomized study (SYSDIET)
Authors: Uusitupa M. , Hermansen K. , Savolainen M. J. , Schwab U. , Kolehmainen M. , Brader L. , Mortensen L. S. , Cloetens L. , Johansson‐Persson A. , Önning G. , Landin‐Olsson M. , Herzig K.‐H. , Hukkanen J. , Rosqvist F. , Iggman D. , Paananen J. , Pulkki K. J. , Siloaho M. , Dragsted L. , Barri T. , Overvad K. , Bach Knudsen K. E. , Hedemann M. S. , Arner P. , Dahlman I. , Borge G. I. A. , Baardseth P. , Ulven S. M. , Gunnarsdottir I. , Jónsdóttir S. , Thorsdottir I. , Orešič M. , Poutanen K. S. , Risérus U. , Åkesson B.
Published: April 2013

Background

Different healthy food patterns may modify cardiometabolic risk. We investigated the effects of an isocaloric healthy Nordic diet on insulin sensitivity, lipid profile, blood pressure and inflammatory markers in people with metabolic syndrome.

Methods

We conducted a randomized dietary study lasting for 18–24 weeks in individuals with features of metabolic syndrome (mean age 55 years, BMI 31.6 kg m−2, 67% women). Altogether 309 individuals were screened, 200 started the intervention after 4‐week run‐in period, and 96 (proportion of dropouts 7.9%) and 70 individuals (dropouts 27%) completed the study, in the Healthy diet and Control diet groups, respectively. Healthy diet included whole‐grain products, berries, fruits and vegetables, rapeseed oil, three fish meals per week and low‐fat dairy products. An average Nordic diet served as a Control diet. Compliance was monitored by repeated 4‐day food diaries and fatty acid composition of serum phospholipids.

Results

Body weight remained stable, and no significant changes were observed in insulin sensitivity or blood pressure. Significant changes between the groups were found in non‐HDL cholesterol (−0.18, mmol L−1 95% CI −0.35; −0.01, P = 0.04), LDL to HDL cholesterol (−0.15, −0.28; −0.00, P = 0.046) and apolipoprotein B to apolipoprotein A1 ratios (−0.04, −0.07; −0.00, P = 0.025) favouring the Healthy diet. IL‐1 Ra increased during the Control diet (difference −84, −133; −37 ng L−1, P = 0.00053). Intakes of saturated fats (E%, beta estimate 4.28, 0.02; 8.53, P = 0.049) and magnesium (mg, −0.23, −0.41; −0.05, P = 0.012) were associated with IL‐1 Ra.

Conclusions

Healthy Nordic diet improved lipid profile and had a beneficial effect on low‐grade inflammation.
Combination of budesonide/formoterol more effective than fluticasone/salmeterol in preventing exacerbations in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: the PATHOS study
Authors: Larsson K. , Janson C. , Lisspers K. , Jørgensen L. , Stratelis G. , Telg G. , Ställberg B. , Johansson G.
Published: April 2013

Objectives

Combinations of inhaled corticosteroids (ICSs) and long‐acting β2‐agonists (LABAs) are recommended for patients with moderate and severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, it is not known whether different fixed combinations are equally effective. The aim of this study was to investigate exacerbation rates in primary care patients with COPD treated with budesonide/formoterol compared with fluticasone/salmeterol.

Methods

Patients with physician‐diagnosed COPD and a record of postdiagnosis treatment with a fixed combination of budesonide/formoterol or fluticasone/salmeterol were included. Data from primary care medical records were linked to those from Swedish national hospital, drug and cause of death registers. Pairwise (1 : 1) propensity score matching was carried out at the index date (first prescription) by prescribed fixed ICS/LABA combination. Exacerbations were defined as hospitalizations, emergency visits and collection of oral steroids or antibiotics for COPD. Yearly event rates were compared using Poisson regression.

Results

Matching of 9893 patients (7155 budesonide/formoterol and 2738 fluticasone/salmeterol) yielded two cohorts of 2734 patients, comprising 19 170 patient‐years. The exacerbation rates were 0.80 and 1.09 per patient‐year in the budesonide/formoterol and fluticasone/salmeterol groups, respectively (difference of 26.6%; P < 0.0001); yearly rates for COPD‐related hospitalizations were 0.15 and 0.21, respectively (difference of 29.1%; P < 0.0001). All other healthcare outcomes were also significantly reduced with budesonide/formoterol versus fluticasone/salmeterol.

Conclusions

Long‐term treatment with fixed combination budesonide/formoterol was associated with fewer healthcare utilization‐defined exacerbations than fluticasone/salmeterol in patients with moderate and severe COPD.
The Amplification Effect: Foreign Aid's Impact on Political Institutions
Authors: Dutta Nabamita , Leeson Peter T. , Williamson Claudia R.
Published: April 2013

How does foreign aid affect recipient countries' political institutions? Two competing hypotheses offer contradictory predictions. The first sees aid, when delivered correctly, as an important means of making dictatorial recipient countries more democratic. The second sees aid as a corrosive force on recipient countries' political institutions that makes them more dictatorial. This paper offers a third hypothesis about how aid affects recipients' political institutions that we call the “amplification effect.” We argue that foreign aid has neither the power to make dictatorships more democratic nor to make democracies more dictatorial. It only amplifies recipients' existing political institutions. We investigate this hypothesis using panel data for 124 countries between 1960 and 2009. Our findings support the amplification effect. Aid strengthens democracy in already democratic countries and dictatorship in already dictatorial regimes.
Tracing the Link between Government Size and Growth: The Role of Public Sector Quality
Authors: Oto‐Peralías Daniel , Romero‐Ávila Diego
Published: April 2013

This paper shows evidence of strong heterogeneity in the relationship between government size and growth, depending on the quality of public sector institutions. Focusing on a wide sample of developed and developing countries over the period 1981–2005, we find that government size reduces growth when bureaucracy quality is low, whereas no significant effect is observed for sufficiently high levels of bureaucracy quality. The results hold both in cross‐section and panel data analyses and are robust to a large number of robustness checks. These findings have important implications for assessing the role of government size in economic growth.
Do Major Policy Enactments Affect Public Evaluations of Congress? The Case of Health Care Reform
Authors: Jones David R.
Published: April 2013

This study analyzes changes in individual evaluations of Congress immediately before and after enactment of national health care reform in 2010. It tests three alternative hypotheses: that enactment increased the likelihood of approval by demonstrating congressional competence; that it decreased the likelihood of approval by calling attention to partisan processes; or that it differentially affected citizens’ evaluations depending on their individual policy preferences. The results show enactment polarized citizens’ evaluations of Congress, with supporters of the bill increasing their approval of Congress and opponents decreasing. These findings represent the first concrete evidence that enactments can affect evaluations of Congress.
Evasion of killing by human antibody and complement through multiple variations in the surface oligosaccharide of Haemophilus influenzae
Authors: Clark Sarah E. , Eichelberger Kara R. , Weiser Jeffrey N.
Published: April 2013

The lipopolysaccharide (LPS) of H. influenzae is highly variable. Much of the structural diversity is derived from phase variation, or high frequency on‐off switching, of molecules attached during LPS biosynthesis. In this study, we examined the dynamics of LPS phase variation following exposure to human serum as a source of antibody and complement in multiple H. influenzae isolates. We show that lic2A, lgtC and lex2A switch from phase‐off to phase‐on following serial passage in human serum. These genes, which control attachment of a galα1–4gal di‐galactoside structure (lic2A and lgtC phase‐on) or an alternative glucose extension (lex2A phase‐on) from the same hexose moiety, reduce binding of bactericidal antibody to conserved inner core LPS structures. The effects of the di‐galactoside and alternative glucose extension were also examined in the context of the additional LPS phase variable structures phosphorylcholine (ChoP) and sialic acid. We found that di‐galactoside, the alternative glucose extension, ChoP, and sialic acid each contribute independently to bacterial survival in the presence of human complement, and have an additive effect in combination. We propose that LPS phase variable extensions serve to shield conserved inner core structures from recognition by host immune components encountered during infection.
The noncanonical type III secretion system of Xanthomonas translucens pv. graminis is essential for forage grass infection
Authors: Wichmann Fabienne , Vorhölter Frank‐Jörg , Hersemann Lena , Widmer Franco , Blom Jochen , Niehaus Karsten , Reinhard Sonja , Conradin Constanze , Kölliker Roland
Published: April 2013

Xanthomonas translucens pv. graminis (Xtg) is a gammaproteobacterium that causes bacterial wilt on a wide range of forage grasses. To gain insight into the host–pathogen interaction and to identify the virulence factors of Xtg, we compared a draft genome sequence of one isolate (Xtg29) with other Xanthomonas spp. with sequenced genomes. The type III secretion system (T3SS) encoding a protein transport system for type III effector (T3E) proteins represents one of the most important virulence factors of Xanthomonas spp. In contrast with other Xanthomonas spp. assigned to clade 1 on the basis of phylogenetic analyses, we identified an hrp (hypersensitive response and pathogenicity) gene cluster encoding T3SS components and a representative set of 35 genes encoding putative T3Es in the genome of Xtg29. The T3SS was shown to be divergent from the hrp gene clusters of other sequenced Xanthomonas spp. Xtg mutants deficient in T3SS regulating and structural genes were constructed to clarify the role of the T3SS in forage grass colonization. Italian ryegrass infection with these mutants led to significantly reduced symptoms (P < 0.05) relative to plants infected with the wild‐type strain. This showed that the T3SS is required for symptom evocation. In planta multiplication of the T3SS mutants was not impaired significantly relative to the wild‐type, indicating that the T3SS is not required for survival until 14 days post‐infection. This study represents the first major step to understanding the bacterial colonization strategies deployed by Xtg and may assist in the identification of resistance (R) genes in forage grasses.
How does Monetary Policy Respond to Exchange Rate Movements? New International Evidence*
Authors: Bjørnland Hilde C. , Halvorsen Jørn I.
Published: April 2013

This article analyzes how monetary policy has responded to exchange rate movements in six open economies, paying particular attention to the two‐way interaction between monetary policy and the exchange rate. We address this issue using a structural VAR model that is identified using a combination of sign and short‐term (zero) restrictions. Doing so we find that, while there is a instantaneous reaction in the exchange rate following a monetary policy shock in all countries, monetary policy responds significantly on impact to an exchange rate shock in only four of the six countries.
A Distributional Analysis of Earnings Losses of Displaced Workers in an Economic Depression and Recovery
Authors: korkeamäki Ossi , kyyrä Tomi
Published: April 2013

We study the earnings losses of Finnish private sector workers who lost their jobs at two very different points in the business cycle. The first group wdisplad in 1992 (depression period) and the second one in 1997 (recovery period). The focal point of the analysis is the quantile displacement effect, the change in the earnings distribution due to involuntary job separation. We use mass layoffs and plant closures to identify groups of workers who were displaced from exogenous causes. The effect of displacement is strongest at the lower end of the earnings distribution and small or negligible at the upper end. Workers displaced during the depression period are subject to much larger earnings losses.
Early fish introduction and neonatal antibiotics affect the risk of asthma into school age
Authors: Goksör Emma , Alm Bernt , Pettersson Rolf , Möllborg Per , Erdes Laslo , Åberg Nils , Wennergren Göran
Published: April 2013

Background

The early introduction of fish has been reported to reduce the risk of wheezing disorder in early childhood, while broad‐spectrum antibiotics in the first week have been associated with an increased risk. However, it is uncertain whether the effects remain into school age. The aim was to explore these risk factors for doctor‐diagnosed asthma at 8 years.

Methods

Data were obtained from a prospective, longitudinal study of a cohort of children born in western Sweden. The parents answered questionnaires at 6 months and 1, 4.5 and 8 years of age. The response rate at 8 years was 80% of the questionnaires distributed (4051/5044), that is, 71% of the families entering the study (4051/5654).

Results

At 8 years, 5.7% reported current doctor‐diagnosed asthma. Of these, 65% had atopic asthma and 35% non‐atopic asthma. In the multivariate analysis, atopic heredity, male gender and own allergic disease during infancy were risk factors for doctor‐diagnosed asthma at 8 years. In addition, the introduction of fish before the age of 9 months independently reduced the risk (adjusted OR 0.6; 95% CI 0.4–0.96), while broad‐spectrum antibiotics in the first week independently increased the risk of current asthma at school age (aOR 2.3; 1.2–4.2). Regarding types of asthma, the effects were significant in atopic asthma but not in non‐atopic asthma.

Conclusion

The early introduction of fish and neonatal antibiotic treatment influence the risk of asthma into school age. The significant effect on atopic asthma is of particular importance, as this phenotype is of major clinical significance.
Co‐infection by Botryosphaeriaceae and Ilyonectria spp. fungi during propagation causes decline of young grafted grapevines
Authors: Whitelaw‐Weckert M. A. , Rahman L. , Appleby L. M. , Hall A. , Clark A. C. , Waite H. , Hardie W. J.
Published: April 2013

Decline of newly planted, grafted grapevines is a serious viticultural problem worldwide. In the Riverina (New South Wales, Australia), characteristic symptoms include low fruit yields, very short shoots and severely stunted roots with black, sunken, necrotic lesions. To determine the cause, roots and wood tissue from affected plants in 20 vineyards (Vitis vinifera cv. Chardonnay grafted to V. champini cv. Ramsey rootstock) were assayed for microbial pathogens. Ilyonectria spp. (I. macrodidyma or I. liriodendra, producers of phytotoxin brefeldin A, BFA, and cause of black foot disease of grapevines) and Botryosphaeriaceae spp. (predominantly Diplodia seriata) were isolated from rootstocks of 100 and 95% of the plants, respectively. Togninia minima and Phaeomoniella chlamydospora (cause of grapevine Petri disease) were isolated from 13 and 7% of affected plants, respectively. All Ramsey rootstock stems of grafted plants sampled from a supplier nursery were infected with Ilyonectria spp. and D. seriata. Diplodia seriata, but not Ilyonectria spp., was also isolated from 25% of canes sampled from the rootstock source block. Root inoculation of potted, disease‐free Chardonnay plants with Ilyonectria isolates from diseased vineyards caused typical disease symptoms, while co‐inoculation with Botryosphaeriaceae spp. increased disease severity. This is the first study to show that a major cause of young grapevine decline can be sequential infection by Botryosphaeriaceae from rootstock cuttings and Ilyonectria spp. from nursery soil. Although the Petri disease fungi were less common in young declining grafted grapevines in the Riverina, they are likely to contribute to the decline of surviving plants as they mature.
The “red‐alert” effect in visual search: Evidence from human electrophysiology
Authors: Fortier‐Gauthier Ulysse , Dell'Acqua Roberto , Jolicœur Pierre
Published: April 2013

Participants had to determine the orientation of a segment inside a target color circle among other gray distractor circles. The target circle was either red or green and was accompanied in the display by a distractor in the other color. To dissociate event‐related potentials of target and distractor processing, one of them was on the vertical meridian and the other in a lateral position. In Experiment 1, the target color was indicated on a per‐trial basis and, in Experiment 2, on a per‐block basis. The results revealed the N2pc elicited by red targets had an earlier latency relative to the N2pc elicited by green targets. Contralateral responses of positive polarity linked to distractor inhibition were found only with red lateral distractors. The results suggest that the choice of colors to distinguish targets from distractors may play a role in visual search performance and in the functional characterization of event‐related lateralizations.
‘I am afraid to make the damage worse’ – fear of engaging in physical activity among patients with neck or back pain – a gender perspective
Authors: Stenberg Gunilla , Fjellman‐Wiklund Anncristine , Ahlgren Christina
Published: April 2013

Rationale

Neck and back pain are major public health problems in Western societies and cause considerable disability and health service use. Swedish women report more severe neck and back pain compared with Swedish men. Most studies on the aetiology of gender differences in pain deal with biological mechanisms, and less with the role of psychological and sociocultural factors. ‘Pain beliefs’ is a sociocultural factor and can be expressed in different ways among women and men. It is important to know what pain beliefs are held by neck and back pain patients, especially when medical guidelines recommend that back pain patients stay physically active.

Aim

Exploring pain beliefs in relation to physical activity among neck and back pain patients consulting primary health care.

Method

Twelve patients (seven women, five men) consulting primary health care for an initial episode of neck or back pain were interviewed before their first appointment with a physiotherapist or general practitioner and 3 months later. The interviews covered patient experiences of neck or back pain, consequences, strategies and treatment experiences. The interviews were analysed with qualitative content analysis from a gender perspective.

Result

One theme ‘Fear of hurting the fragile body’ was expressed by all neck or back pain patients. Five categories were identified ‘The mechanical body’, ‘Messages about activity’, ‘Earlier experiences of pain and activity’, ‘To be a good citizen’ and ‘Support to be active’ supported or undermined beliefs about pain and physical activity. Gender expressions occurred in the categories ‘Messages about activity’, ‘To be a good citizen’ and ‘Support to be active’.

Conclusions

Neck or back pain patients in the study saw the body as fragile and were afraid of hurting it. Notions of gender had an impact on the given advice about activity and on how patients perceived the message about staying active.
Loneliness, self‐esteem, and life satisfaction as predictors of Internet addiction: A cross‐sectional study among Turkish university students
Authors: Bozoglan Bahadir , Demirer Veysel , Sahin Ismail
Published: April 2013

This study investigated the relationship among loneliness, self‐esteem, life satisfaction, and Internet addiction. Participants were 384 university students (114 males, 270 females) from 18 to 24 years old from the faculty of education in Turkey. The Internet Addiction, UCLA Loneliness, Self‐esteem, and Life Satisfaction scales were distributed to about 1000 university students, and 38.4% completed the survey (see Appendix A and B). It was found that loneliness, self‐esteem, and life satisfaction explained 38% of the total variance in Internet addiction. Loneliness was the most important variable associated with Internet addiction and its subscales. Loneliness and self‐esteem together explained time‐management problems and interpersonal and health problems while loneliness, self‐esteem, and life satisfaction together explained only the interpersonal and health problems subscales.
Fatal herpes simplex virus type 2 hepatitis in a heart transplant recipient: a case report and review of the literature
Authors: Pietrucha‐Dilanchian P. , Tanawuttiwat T. , Abbo L. , Regatieri A. , Chaparro S. , Ruiz P. , Morris M.I.
Published: April 2013

Herpes simplex virus (HSV) hepatitis is often unrecognized clinically with most untreated cases diagnosed postmortem. HSV hepatitis has been reported in solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients, mostly in kidney and liver transplants, and rarely in heart transplant recipients. We describe a fatal case of community‐acquired HSV‐2 hepatitis in a 24‐year‐old heart transplant recipient occurring 3 years after transplant. We also review the literature summarizing HSV hepatitis and the potential role of quantitative HSV polymerase chain reaction monitoring in the SOT population.
IMAGING DIAGNOSIS—ULTRASONOGRAPHIC AND CT FINDINGS IN A GRAY SEAL (HALICHOERUS GRYPUS) WITH HEPATIC CIRRHOSIS, PYELONEPHRITIS, AND NEPHROLITHIASIS
Authors: de Swarte Marie , Bryan Jill , Zarelli Micaela , Huuskonen Vihelmiina , Schneeweiss Wilfried , McAllister Hester
Published: April 2013

An immature gray seal was presented with lethargy, weight loss, vomiting and hematuria. Hepatic disease and urinary tract infection were suspected. Abdominal ultrasound showed hyperechoic structures with marked acoustic shadowing spread throughout both kidneys, but incomplete visualization of the liver. Abdominal CT showed mineral densities scattered throughout both kidneys and poor delineation of the liver. Due to the poor quality of life, the seal was euthanized. Postmortem examination showed ammonium urate nephroliths, pyelonephritis, and hepatic cirrhosis. This case report emphasizes the difficulty of characterizing liver disease with conventional 2D‐ultrasound and CT in a deep‐chested animal with minimal intra‐abdominal fat.
Jet Impingement Heat Transfer Using Air-Laden Nanoparticles With Encapsulated Phase Change Materials
Authors: Wu W. , Bostanci H. , Chow L. C. , Hong Y. , Ding S. J. , Su M. , Kizito J. P.
Published: April 2013

Nanoparticles made of polymer encapsulated phase change materials (PCM) are added in air to enhance the heat transfer performance of air jet impingement flows applied to cooling processes. Encapsulation prevents agglomeration of the PCM (paraffin) nanoparticles when they are in the liquid phase. The sizes of the particles are chosen to be small enough so that they maintain near velocity equilibrium with the air stream. Small solid paraffin particles can absorb a significant amount of energy rapidly from a heat source by changing phase from solid to liquid. Nanoparticle volume fraction is found to play an important role in determining the overall pressure drop and heat transfer of the jet impingement process. Specifically, air jets laden with 2.5% particulate volume fraction were shown to improve the average heat transfer coefficient by 58 times in the air flow speed range of 4.6 to 15.2 m/s when compared to that of pure air alone. In addition, the structural integrity of the encapsulating shells was demonstrated to be excellent by the repeated use of the nanoparticles in closed loop testing.
Reliability Assessment and Activation Energy Study of Au and Pd-Coated Cu Wires Post High Temperature Aging in Nanoscale Semiconductor Packaging
Authors: Gan C. L. , Hashim U.
Published: April 2013

Wearout reliability and high temperature storage life (HTSL) activation energy of Au and Pd-coated Cu (PdCu) ball bonds are useful technical information for Cu wire deployment in nanoscale semiconductor device packaging. This paper discusses the influence of wire type on the wearout reliability performance of Au and PdCu wire used in fine pitch BGA package after HTSL stress at various aging temperatures. Failure analysis has been conducted to identify the failure mechanism after HTSL wearout conditions for Au and PdCu ball bonds. Apparent activation energies (Eaa) of both wire types are investigated after HTSL test at 150 °C, 175 °C and 200 °C aging temperatures. Arrhenius plot has been plotted for each ball bond types and the calculated Eaa of PdCu ball bond is 0.85 eV and 1.10 eV for Au ball bond in 110 nm semiconductor device. Obviously Au ball bond is identified with faster IMC formation rate with IMC Kirkendall voiding while PdCu wire exhibits equivalent wearout and or better wearout reliability margin compare to conventional Au wirebond. Lognormal plots have been established and its mean to failure (t50) have been discussed in this paper.
Nocardia brasiliensisvertebral osteomyelitis and epidural abscess
Authors: Johnson Philip , Ammar Hussam
Published: April 2013

Nocardiaspecies exist in the environment as a saprophyte; it is found worldwide in soil and decaying plant matter. They often infect patients with underlying immune compromise, pulmonary disease or history of trauma or surgery. The diagnosis of nocardiosis can be easily missed as it mimics many other granulomatous and neoplastic disease. We report a 69-year-old man who presented with chronic back pain and paraparesis. He was found to haveNocardial brasiliensisvertebral osteomyelitis and epidural abscess. Laminectomy and epidural wash out was performed but with no neurological recovery. This is the second reported case ofN brasiliensisvertebral osteomyelitis in the literature.
Spontaneous rupture of the non-gravid uterus
Authors: Weng Leong Chee , Menon Tulsi , Hool Graham
Published: April 2013

A 71-year-old woman presents with acute onset abdominal pain with sepsis. Initial workup with an abdominal CT scanning revealed intraperitoneal air with an enlarged uterus and thickened small bowel loops. Haemodynamic instability with sepsis prompted urgent laparotomy. At laparotomy, spontaneous perforation of the uterus was identified. The cause was due to infarction of the myometrium. This occurred on a background of not having any previous instrumentation of the uterus.
Qualitative analysis of patients’ feedback from a PROMs survey of cancer patients in England
Authors: Corner Jessica , Wagland Richard , Glaser Adam , Richards Sir Mike
Published: April 2013

Objective

This study examined how free-text comments from cancer survivors could complement formal patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs), as part of the England PROMs survey programme for cancer.

Design

A qualitative content analysis was conducted of responses to a single open-ended free-text question placed at the end of the cross-sectional population-based postal questionnaire.

Setting

Individuals were identified through three UK Cancer Registries and questionnaires were posted to their home addresses.

Participants

A random sample of individuals (n=4992) diagnosed with breast, colorectal, non-Hodgkins lymphoma or prostate cancer at 1, 2, 3 and 5 years earlier.

Results

3300 participants completed the survey (68% response rate). Of these 1056 (32%) completed the free-text comments box, indicating a high level of commitment to provide written feedback on patient experience. Almost a fifth (19%) related experiences of excellent care during the treatment phase, with only 8% reporting negative experiences. This contrasted with experiences of care after primary cancer treatment where the majority were negative. Factors impacting negatively upon patient-reported outcomes included the emotional impact of cancer; poor experiences of treatment and care; comorbidities, treatment side effects, social difficulties and inadequate preparation for a wide range of sometimes long-lasting on-going physical and psychological problems. Mediating factors assisting recovery incorporated both professional-led factors, such as quality of preparation for anticipated problems and aftercare services, and participant-led factors, such as learning from other cancer survivors and self-learning through trial and error. The support of friends and family was also a factor in participants' outcomes.

Conclusions

This analysis of free-text comments complements quantitative analysis of PROMs measure's by illuminating relationships between factors that impact on quality of life (QoL) and indicate why cancer patients may experience significantly worse QoL than the general population. The data suggest more systematic preparation and aftercare for individuals to self-manage post-treatment problems might improve QoL outcomes among cancer survivors.