bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Beyond History and Memory: New Perspectives in Memory Studies
Authors: Tamm Marek
Published: June 2013

This article outlines some recent achievements and new perspectives in contemporary memory studies. It first gives an overview of the recent handbooks and anthologies of memory studies, which testify to the institutionalisation of the young discipline. Then, it discusses the emergence of cultural memory studies, one of the most fruitful and promising trends in the memory studies of the last decade. And finally, it addresses the old debate over the relationship of history and memory, in order to propose an alternative conceptual framework for it and demonstrate the perspectives opened by a new avenue of research, mnemohistory. To conclude with, it argues that the rise of memory studies can be regarded as part of a broader change in how we nowadays see time and the interrelations of the past, the present and the future. It is plausible that these developments have irreversibly changed both the nature and outlooks of history writing.
Investigation of Glaze Layer Formation on Green Ceramic Bodies
Authors: Fischer Undine , Chaves Humberto , Aneziris Christos G. , Schmidt Gert
Published: June 2013

Using a high‐speed and high‐resolution‐camera system of droplets in glaze sprays and their impact on the surface of a green ceramic body based on silicate tiles have been characterized. The influence of the surface tension of the glaze slips on the droplet size distribution and their wetting behavior on contact with the green silicate body surface have been investigated. The unfired glaze layers have been studied by means of scanning electron microscopy and computer tomography. The impact angle of the droplets as well as the size of the droplets is of great importance for a high glaze surface quality.
The impact of strawflower and mistletoe extract on quality properties of rainbow trout fillets
Authors: Özogul Fatih , Kus Bünyamin , Kuley Esmeray
Published: June 2013

Many plants, including strawflower and mistletoe, contain antioxidants and antimicrobials, which can increase the shelf life of seafood. The main aim of this study was to investigate the effect of mistletoe and strawflower extracts at doses of 0.5% (w/v) on the sensory, chemical and microbiological properties of rainbow trout fillets during 27 days of storage at 2 ± 1 °C. The phenolic compounds in these plants have been studied, but their effects on food quality and storage properties have not been reported. We found that extract of mistletoe did not extend the shelf life of the fillets; however, the strawflower extract show high antimicrobial activity in fish fillets. The shelf life of rainbow trout was 20 days for the control and fish treated with mistletoe extract and 23 days for fish treated with strawflower extract. The antioxidant effect of extracts on fish fillets was weak, whereas strawflower extract had high antimicrobial effect. Peroxide value (PV) and thiobarbituric acid (TBA) values fluctuated during storage periods around main values below 14 meq O2 kg−1 and 0.6 MA kg−1, respectively. Putrescine, cadaverine, spermine, spermidine, serotonin, tyramine and dopamine were main amine, whereas histamine accumulated at low levels (<2 mg per 100 g). Strawflower suppressed biogenic amine accumulation in fish fillets. At the limit of acceptability, total viable count (TVC), Enterobacteriaceae and lactic acid bacteria count remained below 7.6, 6.83 and 8.01 log CFU g−1, respectively. The results of this study show that ethanol extracts of strawflower improve the shelf life of rainbow trout.
Self‐reported quantity of normal maximal voided volume in healthy young
Authors: Altun İnsaf , Cınar Nursan Dede
Published: June 2013

Bladder capacity is an important factor in the diagnosis and treatment of individuals with voiding dysfunction. In contrast, self‐reported quantity of normal maximal voided volume in healthy young is few.

The purpose of this study was to define the quantity of normal maximal voided volume in healthy young. This prospective study was carried out in 72 students aged 17–24 years who did not have clinical voiding dysfunction undergoing nursing education in a University in Sakarya, Turkey. The study was conducted in December 2011. Healthy young were recruited to determine the quantity of the normal maximal voided volume. The maximal voided volume was determined in all subjects using a frequency volume chart with a voiding observation.

In our study, the normal maximal voided volume (mL) for females was 413·3 ± 167.9 and the normal maximal voided volume (mL) for male was 589·2 ± 108·5.

These formulas may be useful for the diagnosis of abnormal bladder capacity and the evaluation of voiding dysfunction in young. This research may be the source for studies that could include climate, cultures and different age groups.
Effects of HCV Seropositive Status on Buprenorphine Pharmacokinetics in Opioid‐Dependent Individuals
Authors: Masson Carmen L. , Rainey Petrie M. , Moody David E. , McCance‐Katz Elinore F.
Published: June 2013

Background and Objectives

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection on buprenorphine pharmacokinetics in opioid‐dependent, buprenorphine/naloxone‐maintained adults.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of buprenorphine pharmacokinetics in HCV seropositive and seronegative buprenorphine/naloxone‐maintained individuals (N = 49) was undertaken.

Results

Relative to HCV seronegative subjects, HCV seropositive subjects had higher buprenorphine exposure, as demonstrated by elevated buprenorphine AUC and Cmax values (p = .03 and .02, respectively) and corresponding elevations in the metabolites, buprenorphine‐3‐glucuronide AUC values (p = .03) and norbuprenorphine‐3‐glucuronide AUC and C24 values (p = .05 and .03, respectively).

Discussion and Conclusions

HCV infection was associated with higher plasma concentrations of buprenorphine and buprenorphine metabolites.

Scientific Significance and Future Directions

Findings suggest the potential for opioid toxicity among HCV‐infected patients treated with buprenorphine/naloxone, and possible hepatotoxic effects related to increased buprenorphine exposure. HCV‐infected patients receiving buprenorphine may need lower doses to maintain therapeutic plasma concentrations. (Am J Addict 2014;23:34–40)
The Waterpipe: A New Way of Hooking Youth on Tobacco
Authors: Maziak Wasim
Published: June 2013

Background

Tobacco smoking continues to be the number one preventable cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Several evidence‐based interventions and policies have been successful in reducing cigarette smoking in developed countries. Globally, however, many beginning smokers are introduced to tobacco by means other than cigarettes. In particular, waterpipe smoking (a.k.a. hookah, narghile, shisha) has been dramatically increasing among youth worldwide.

Methods

In this short review, I will introduce the reader to this emerging tobacco use method and focus on its addictive properties, and how this pertains to the development of effective interventions to curb its spread.

Results and Conclusions

Waterpipe smoking is likely to be associated with much of the harmful effects of cigarette smoking, is addictive, and can serve as a bridge to cigarettes. Due to its unique features, waterpipe‐specific interventions and policies are needed to curb the global waterpipe epidemic. (Am J Addict 2014;23:103–107)
Search strategies in systematic reviews in periodontology and implant dentistry
Authors: Faggion Clovis M. , Atieh Momen A. , Park Stephanie
Published: June 2013

Objective

To perform an overview of literature search strategies in systematic reviews (SRs) published in periodontology and implant dentistry.

Materials and Methods

Two electronic databases (PubMed and Cochrane Database of SRs) were searched, independently and in duplicate, for SRs with meta‐analyses on interventions, with the last search performed on 11 November 2012. Manual searches of the reference lists of included SRs and 10 specialty dental journals were conducted. Methodological issues of the search strategies of included SRs were assessed with Cochrane collaboration guidelines and AMSTAR recommendations. The search strategies employed in Cochrane and paper‐based SRs were compared.

Results

A total of 146 SRs with meta‐analyses were included, including 19 Cochrane and 127 paper‐based SRs. Some issues, such as “the use of keywords,” were reported in most of the SRs (86%). Other issues, such as “search of grey literature” and “language restriction,” were not fully reported (34% and 50% respectively). The quality of search strategy reporting in Cochrane SRs was better than that of paper‐based SRs for seven of the eight criteria assessed.

Conclusion

There is room for improving the quality of reporting of search strategies in SRs in periodontology and implant dentistry, particularly in SRs published in paper‐based journals.
Carotid ultrasonography: A potent tool for better clinical practice in diagnosis of atherosclerosis in diabetic patients
Authors: Katakami Naoto , Kaneto Hideaki , Shimomura Iichiro
Published: June 2013

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the main cause of death in diabetic patients, and once it has developed, diabetic patients have a worse outcome as compared with non‐diabetic patients. One reason for this is the difficulty of early diagnosis of atherosclerotic change in these patients. Although cardiovascular risk assessment based on conventional risk factors is recommended for predicting cardiovascular risk, validation studies showed only moderate performance. In contrast, it is unrealistic to screen for subclinical or silent atherosclerosis by sophisticated modalities, such as myocardial perfusion scintigraphy, coronary computed tomography angiography or conventional angiography in all diabetic patients, as these tests are limited by the potential of significant adverse effects, technical difficulty, availability and high cost. Therefore, a non‐invasive and inexpensive tool for risk prediction of subclinical atherosclerosis is required for identifying individuals at high risk of CVD. Recently, a number of studies have shown close associations between carotid atherosclerosis and cerebrovascular or coronary artery disease. Carotid ultrasonography has allowed clinicians to visualize the characteristics of the carotid wall and lumen surfaces to quantify the severity of atherosclerosis. Carotid intima‐media thickness (IMT) is an especially useful marker of the progression of atherosclerosis throughout the body, and is an excellent predictor of cardiovascular events. As a simple and non‐invasive procedure, measurement of carotid IMT is one of the most appropriate screening methods to specify high‐risk individuals in subjects with and without diabetes. Therefore, it is expected that carotid ultrasonography will become a potent tool for better clinical practice of atherosclerosis in diabetic patients.
Effect of organizational factors and work environments on newly graduated nurses' intention to leave
Authors: Ishihara Itsuko , Ishibashi Yukie , Takahashi Kiyomi , Nakashima Mitsuyo
Published: June 2013

Aim

The purpose of this study was to investigate intention to leave in relation to organizational factors and work environments among newly graduated nurses (NGN).

Methods

A questionnaire was delivered to NGN (n = 762) from baccalaureate programs as well as diploma schools from 19 R‐hospitals (R‐hospitals were designated as “public medical institutions” by the 1951 Medical Law) in 2010. Spearman's rank correlation coefficients and Mann–Whitney U‐test were used to test statistical significance.

Results

Only 148 questionnaires were returned for a return rate of 19.4%. The authors found that 8.1% of respondents had a highly to extremely likely desire to leave nursing. Intention to leave was significantly associated with Nursing Work Index total (P < 0.01), social support (P < 0.001), work barriers (P < 0.001), commitment to workplace (P < 0.001), job satisfaction (P < 0.001), and burnout (P < 0.001). Those who graduated from R‐schools run by the R‐organization had significantly positive impressions of their organizations and significantly lower intentions to leave compared to other graduates.

Conclusion

The study results suggest that NGN intention to leave the workplace and nursing predict actual early intention to leave. In order to reduce burnout and turnover, support from colleagues and supervisors appears to be essential in organizational and psychosocial work environments for NGN to experience job satisfaction and be committed to their workplace. The results of this study also suggest that a longitudinal study is needed to reveal the long‐term effects of organizational factors and work environments on NGN and how they impact role transition and adaptation of the NGN to professional practice roles.
A Rasch‐based dimension of delivery experience: spontaneous vs. medically assisted conception
Authors: Mannarini Stefania , Boffo Marilisa , Bertucci Veronica , Andrisani Alessandra , Ambrosini Guido
Published: June 2013

Aims and objectives

To devise a set of indices representative of a latent dimension of delivery perception, aimed at the assessment of birth experience after both spontaneous and medically assisted conception.

Background

Birth experience is of great importance for its prognostic value for the woman and newborn's psychophysical well‐being, especially after the experience of assisted reproduction technology. Up to date, a delivery perception assessment measure targeted to both spontaneously and medically assisted conceiving women does not exist yet.

Design

Measure development and psychometric analysis; quantitative and qualitative analysis of women's delivery experience measures.

Methods

Thirty‐one indices characterising seven relevant aspects of birth perception were devised from the literature and evaluated on a 4‐point Likert‐type scale by 98 childbearing women (54 spontaneously and 44 medically assisted conceiving) in the 24–48 hours postpartum time frame. Women's obstetric history information was also collected. The dimension psychometric definition was pursued within a latent trait perspective, by applying the many‐facet Rasch measurement model.

Results

A latent delivery perception dimension composed of 18 valid and reliable indices, qualifying six labour and delivery perception clinical aspects, was identified. Medically assisted conceiving women evidenced a more positive birth perception, but when analysing each index, they showed peculiar intense worries about themselves and their baby's health, even if they felt more satisfied, safer and stronger in almost every labour and birth aspect.

Conclusions

The delivery perception dimension integrates all relevant birth experience aspects in 18 easy‐to‐administer indices and provides a valid, reliable and feasible assessment tool for both the clinical practice and research purposes.

Relevance to clinical practice

The delivery perception dimension clearly discriminates between women's types of conception and identifies relevant differences in their birth experience, which are interesting for their clinical implications within a prognostic and intervention perspective of support provision in the early postpartum period.
Genome variation and personalized cancer medicine
Authors: Hudson T. J.
Published: June 2013

Genomic variation, through effects on gene structure and expression, plays an important role in understanding disease predisposition, biology and clinical response to therapy. Transforming this knowledge into clinically relevant information that tailors interventions to an individual's specific genetic, physical, social and environmental profile is challenging. To illustrate how research initiatives at preclinical phases of development are attempting to address clinically important issues in oncology, six clinical problems related to cancers of the colon, prostate, breast, pancreas and brain (medulloblastoma) as well as metastatic disease of different origins are described. A unifying theme across applications is that healthy individuals previously indistinguishable in regards to cancer risk and patients with cancer previously categorized as similar with regard to prognosis or drug response are being stratified into more refined subgroups with different clinical profiles. Effective matching of a broad range of tests with more tailored strategies for prevention and/or treatment will require well‐designed clinical studies to evaluate benefits and costs.
Different Stages of White Matter Changes in the Original HDLS Family Revealed by Advanced MRI Techniques
Authors: Sundal Christina , Jönsson Lars , Ljungberg Maria , Zhong Jianhui , Tian Wei , Zhu Tong , Linden Thomas , Börjesson‐Hanson Anne , Andersen Oluf , Ekholm Sven
Published: June 2013

BACKGROUND

The temporal evolution of white matter (WM) changes on MR examinations in hereditary diffuse leukoencephalopathy with spheroids (HDLS) is largely unknown. Our purpose was to investigate the evolution of these WM changes with diffusion weighted/tensor imaging (DWI/DTI) and MR Spectroscopy (MRS).

METHODS

A newly diagnosed patient with HDLS from the original Swedish family was followed prospectively with 5 MRI as well as DWI/DTI and MRS examinations during 16 months.

RESULTS

The DTI eigenvalues demonstrated changes that suggested early myelin and axonal disturbances in the normal appearing WM (NAWM). DWI/DTI showed a rim of decreased diffusion progressively expanding through the WM from the initial frontal periventricular zones, and indicated complete destruction of axons and myelin in the area behind the front. MRS findings were suggestive of axonal destruction in the NAWM.

CONCLUSION

We describe HDLS changes in three temporal stages of development corresponding to lesions outside, in the vicinity of, and behind a characteristic rim centrifugally progressing from the ventricular horns. The axonal disturbances indicated by MRS changes in the NAWM support a primary axonal degeneration, as proposed in the original HDLS report, rather than axonal degeneration secondary to demyelination. These findings could help in differential diagnosis of HDLS.
MR Neurography in Diagnosing Nondiabetic Lumbosacral Radiculoplexus Neuropathy
Authors: Filosto Massimiliano , Pari Elisa , Cotelli Mariasofia , Todeschini Alice , Vielmi Valentina , Rinaldi Fabrizio , Padovani Alessandro , Gasparotti Roberto
Published: June 2013

Here we describe the imaging findings in a 73‐year‐old woman who had pain in the right inguinal region, followed by progressive weakness of muscles innervated by the right femoral and obturator nerves, diagnosed as nondiabetic lumbosacral radiculoplexus neuropathy. Magnetic resonance neurography showed thickening and increase in signal intensity of the right femoral and obturator nerves.
Relationships between sleep disruptions, health and care responsibilities among mothers of school‐aged children with disabilities
Authors: Bourke‐Taylor Helen , Pallant Julie F , Law Mary , Howie Linsey
Published: June 2013

Aim

Sleep problems are more common among children with disabilities. Mothers are likely to provide night‐time care. Mothers of children with disabilities are known to experience high levels of stress and mental health issues compared with other mothers. Relationships between a child's sleep problems, and chronic maternal sleep interruption and subjective health have not been researched.

Method

Cross‐sectional mail‐out survey with follow‐up phone call was used. Instruments included the Short Form 36 version 2 and instruments that measured maternal, child and sleep characteristics. Descriptive statistics examined characteristics of participants and correlation, and Kruskal–Wallis test was used to determine important maternal and child characteristics around sleep issues.

Results

All mothers (n = 152) cared for a school‐aged child with a developmental disability including autism spectrum disorder (n = 94) and cerebral palsy (n = 29). Nearly half (49%) of the mothers were awoken more than 4 nights/week. Three distinct sleep groups were identified: no sleep interruption; sleep interruption once/night, 4 nights/week; and more frequent interruption. Mothers experiencing the most sleep interruptions reported significantly poorer health on six Short Form 36 version 2 dimensions. Night‐time caregiving was associated with higher child care needs rather than children's diagnoses. Mothers who experienced more sleep interruption also participated less in health‐promoting activities (active leisure, time with socially supportive others) during the day.

Conclusion

This study identifies a group of mothers with chronic sleep interruption and demonstrates related poor maternal subjective health and lower participation in health activities that may service to support maternal health. Mothers with children with the highest daytime care needs also experienced high night‐time care responsibilities. Changes to service provision are recommended to identify mothers in need of additional supports and services.
Neural representations of perceptual and semantic identities of individuals in the anterior ventral inferior temporal cortex of monkeys
Authors: Eifuku Satoshi
Published: June 2013

Since the discovery of “face cells” in the early 1980s, single‐cell recording experiments in nonhuman primates have made great contributions toward elucidation of the neural mechanisms underlying face perception and recognition. In this article, I review the recent progress in face cell studies, including recent research into the face patches scattered around the anterior temporal cortical areas of monkeys. In particular, I focused on the neural representations of individual identity in these areas. Several groups have shown that the population of face cells in the anterior ventral inferior temporal cortex of monkeys represents the perceptual identity of faces in a view‐invariant manner. In this context, I also summarized our own study showing that the face‐cell population in the anterior ventral inferior temporal cortex of monkeys, which represents the perceptual identity of the faces, can also represent the semantic identity of the individuals; the learned paired associations between an abstract picture and a particular facial identity were also represented in the anterior ventral IT cortex.
Endothelin‐1 Concentrations in Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid of Cats with Experimentally Induced Asthma
Authors: Sharp C.R. , Lee‐Fowler T.M. , Reinero C.R.
Published: June 2013

Background

There is a need for biomarkers for diagnosis, therapeutic monitoring, and prognosis for asthma in cats. Endothelin‐1 (ET‐1) is implicated in the pathogenesis of inflammatory airway diseases in other species but not the cat.

Objective

To conduct a prospective experimental study to show that experimentally asthmatic cats, but not control cats without airway inflammation, would have increased concentrations of ET in BALF.

Animals

Eleven healthy, adult research cats.

Methods

Prospective experimental study. Six healthy cats without airway inflammation were used as controls. Asthma was induced using Bermuda grass allergen (BGA) in 5 cats. Collection of BALF for total nucleated cell and differential counts was performed. The concentration of ET‐1 in cell‐free BALF samples was determined. Data were analyzed using a Mann–Whitney U‐test with P < .05 considered significant.

Results

The median [range] BALF total cell numbers, eosinophil numbers, and eosinophil percentages were significantly higher in the cats following experimental induction of asthma (1,870 cells/μL [1,450–3,440], 711 cells/μL [356–1,686] and 38% [20–49]) compared to baseline control parameters (462 cells/μL [239–780], 18 cells/μL [18–62] and 3.5% [0–8]) (P < .01). The median [range] BALF ET concentration was also significantly higher after induction of asthma (1.393 fmol/mL[0.977–2.247]) compared to healthy control cats (0.83250 fmol/mL [0.625–1.038]) (P = .012).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

This study suggests that BAL ET‐1 concentration can be used to differentiate normal cats from those with experimentally induced asthma. If the same holds true for cats with naturally developing asthma, BAL ET‐1 may prove a useful diagnostic biomarker for asthma.
Free Amino Acids in Pacu, Piaractus mesopotamicus, Eggs and Larvae
Authors: Portella M. C. , Takata R. , Leitão N. J. , Menossi O. C. , Kwasek K. , Dabrowski K.
Published: June 2013

Free amino acids (FAA) are used principally as substrate in protein synthesis and the source of energy in aerobic catabolism. In marine fish, embryo and larvae FAA are used to maintain body fluid osmolality during fish early development. However, there is essentially no information about FAA concentrations in early ontogeny of freshwater neotropical species in comparison to marine fishes. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the FAA concentrations in pacu, Piaractus mesopotamicus, eggs and larvae. Broodstock fish were induced to spawn and ovulated females were stripped of their eggs and immediately sampled for analysis. Larvae were sampled right after hatching (HL) and after the completion of the yolk‐sac absorption (YSA). The wet weight of the HL and YSA larvae amounted to 0.5 ± 0.1 mg and 1.1 ± 0.3 mg, respectively. HL larvae showed higher levels of most of the indispensable amino acids (IAA) in comparison to eggs and YSA larvae. Exceptions were observed with His and Trp that showed higher or similar levels, respectively, in YSA larvae. The FAA Orn, Tau, Glu, Gln, Gly, and Tyr increased concentrations in both larval stages while that of Tau was found in higher concentration in all analyzed stages. Also, the concentrations of Asn, Ala, Pro, Ser, and Asp were higher in HL larvae. Both larval stages displayed a rise in total free IAA/total free DAA (dispensable amino acids) ratio. The authors conclude that the highest level of FAA in HL pacu larvae is indicative of active proteolysis of yolk reserves and a probable catabolism regulation of some FAA through spare‐effect. In addition, Tau is one of the major FAA occurring during pacu ontogeny and may be performing regulation on body fluid osmolality regulation.
Alternative Solids Removal for Warm Water Recirculating Raft Aquaponic Systems
Authors: Danaher Jason J. , Shultz R. Charlie , Rakocy James E. , Bailey Donald S.
Published: June 2013

Aquaponics is an integrated fish and plant recirculating production system. The University of the Virgin Islands' raft aquaponic system uses a cylindro‐conical clarifier as a primary solids removal device; however, a swirl separator may offer advantages. The objectives of the 8‐wk experiment were to compare water quality parameters, Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus, production and water spinach, Ipomoea aquatica, production in a raft aquaponic system using a clarifier or swirl separator for primary treatment of solids in the waste stream.

No significant differences (P ≥ 0.05) existed between treatments for temperature, oxygen, pH, total suspended solids, alkalinity, electrical conductivity, total ammonia‐nitrogen, nitrite‐nitrogen, nitrate‐nitrogen, macronutrients, and micronutrients concentrations in the culture water. There were no significant differences (P ≥ 0.05) between treatments for Nile tilapia production, average weight, survival, or feed conversion ratio. There were no significant differences (P ≥ 0.05) between treatments for water spinach production or plant tissue analysis. In conclusion, the swirl separator used in this experiment performed similar to the clarifier and water spinach grew vigorously in the raft aquaponic system.
Variation in Rainbow Trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss, to Biosynthesize Eicosapentaenoic Acid and Docosahexaenoic Acid When Reared on Plant Oil Replacement Feeds
Authors: Overturf Ken , Welker Tom , Barrows Frederick , Towner Richard , Schneider Rich , LaPatra Scott
Published: June 2013

To determine the potential for improving the conversion and deposition of the omega‐3 fatty acids docosahexaenoic acid (DHA; 22:6n‐3) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA; 20:5n‐3) in fish, 44 families of rainbow trout were fed a diet low in these components and then evaluated for their ability to convert and store plant oils that did not contain DHA and EPA in their muscle tissue. The range for EPA and DHA detected in the tissues of different families varied between 1.2 and 2.9%, and 3.8 and 7.1% total fatty acid, respectively. After adjusting for covariates, an averaged heritability of 0.78 ± 0.11 for DHA and 0.61 ± 0.17 for EPA was calculated. Expression analysis of genes related to the elongation and conversion of lipids were also analyzed, and significant differences were found in the expression of some genes between groups of families that were delineated as having relative high, medium, and low capabilities of depositing EPA and DHA in their muscle tissue after being reared on the mainly soy/flax oil containing diet. However, none of these genes showed a positive correlation with the high conversion/deposition group.
Development and Validation of Single‐nucleotide Polymorphism Markers in the Pacific Oyster, Crassostrea gigas, Using High‐resolution Melting Analysis
Authors: Zhong Xiaoxiao , Li Qi , Yu Hong , Kong Lingfeng
Published: June 2013

High‐resolution melting (HRM) has been considered as a fast and simple single‐nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) scanning and genotyping method for identifying differences in the shapes of melting curves between different genotypes. Fifty‐six SNPs were developed in the Pacific oyster, Crassostrea gigas by mining expressed sequence tags database, using the HRM method. The frequency of the SNPs was estimated at 1 per 113 bp of contig sequences. Analysis of segregation in a full‐sib family showed that 28 SNPs were polymorphic, with 15 in accordance to expected Mendelian ratios. Linkage grouping of the 28 markers resulted in six linkage groups. The combined power of exclusion of the 42 SNPs, which conformed to Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium, was greater than 99.98%, while the average polymorphic information content was 0.2223. The simulation results showed that the success rate of parentage analysis could be 97% with the 42 SNPs. These SNPs will be useful for pedigree analysis, association studies, and marker‐associated selection of this species.
Response of Pacific White Shrimp, Litopenaeus vannamei, to Three Sources of Solvent Extracted Soybean Meal
Authors: Zhu Xuezhi , Davis D. Allen , Roy Luke A. , Samocha T. M. , Lazo J. P.
Published: June 2013

Three sources of soybean meal (SBM) were biochemically characterized and evaluated in diets for juvenile Litopenaeus vannamei. Three biological techniques were utilized to evaluate the nutritional quality of the meals including an outdoor growth trial as well as determination of in vivo apparent digestibility and in vitro digestibility including pepsin digestibility (0.0002%), pH Stat degree of hydrolysis, and immobilized digestive enzyme assay (IDEA). The growth trial was conducted over a 10‐wk period using soybean meal as the primary protein source with each meal being included at 54–58% of the diet based on an equal protein inclusion. At the conclusion of the growth trial there were no significant differences between the test diets indicating equivalent biological availability under practical conditions. The in vivo digestibility trial utilized chromic oxide as the inert marker and 70:30 replacement techniques resulted in typical results. Apparent protein digestibility (APD) and apparent energy digestibility (AED) of the diets ranged from 66.8 to 80.2% and 65.4 to 74.7%, respectively. Ingredient digestibility values for protein and energy ranged from 78.8 to 93.5% and 60.5 to 85.0%, respectively. One of the three SBM evaluated had numerically lower protein digestibility and significantly lower energy digestibility than the other two meals.
Effects of reviewing routine practices on learning outcomes in continuing education
Authors: Mamede Silvia , Loyens Sofie , Ezequiel Oscarina , Tibiriçá Sandra , Penaforte Júlio , Schmidt Henk
Published: June 2013

Context

Conventional continuing medical education (CME) has been shown to have modest effects on doctor performance. New educational approaches based on the review of routine practices have brought better results. Little is known about factors that affect the outcomes of these approaches, especially in middle‐income countries. This study aimed to investigate factors that influence the learning and quality of clinical performance in CME based on reflection upon experiences.

Methods

A questionnaire and a clinical performance test were administered to 165 general practitioners engaged in a CME programme in Brazil. The questionnaire assessed behaviours related to four input variables (individual reflection on practices, peer review of experiences, self‐regulated learning and learning skills) and two mediating variables (identification of learning needs and engagement in learning activities, the latter consisting of self‐study of scientific literature, consultations about patient problems, and attendance at courses). Structural equation modelling was used to test a hypothesised model of relationships between these variables and the outcome variable of clinical performance, measured by the clinical performance test.

Results

After minor adjustments, the hypothesised model fit the empirical data well. Individual reflection fostered identification of learning needs, but also directly positively influenced the quality of clinical performance. Peer review did not affect identification of learning needs, but directly positively affected clinical performance. Learning skills and self‐regulation did not help in identifying learning needs, but self‐regulation enhanced study of the scientific literature, the learning activity that most positively influenced clinical performance. Consultation with colleagues, the activity most frequently triggered by the identification of learning needs, did not affect performance, and attendance of courses had only limited effect.

Conclusions

This study shed light on the factors that influence learning and performance improvement in continuing education based on the review of routine practices in middle‐income settings. The findings support the importance of reflection on practices as an instrument for enhancing clinical performance.
Reliability Assessment with Fuzzy Random Variables Using Interval Monte Carlo Simulation
Authors: Jahani Ehsan , Muhanna Rafi L. , Shayanfar Mohsen A. , Barkhordari Mohammad A.
Published: June 2013

In this work structural reliability assessment is presented for structures with uncertain loads and material properties. Uncertain variables are modeled as fuzzy random variables and Interval Monte Carlo Simulation along with interval finite element method is used to evaluate failure probability. Interval Monte Carlo is compared with existing search algorithms used in the reliability assessment of fuzzy random structural systems for both efficiency and accuracy. The genetic algorithm as one of the well developed approaches is selected for comparison. Fuzzy randomness is used as a model for handling both aleatory and epistemic uncertainties. Fuzzy quantities are calculated using the α‐cut approach. In the case of Interval Monte Carlo, bounds on response quantities are obtained for each α‐cut using only one run of interval finite element method, however genetic approach requires performing Monte Carlo Simulation for each of the considered different possible combinations within the search domain (α‐cut) and running finite element for each of the Monte Carlo realizations. In the presented examples both load and material uncertainties are considered. Numerical results show the computational efficiency of the Interval Monte Carlo approach and its superiority to the alternative search approaches such as optimization and genetic algorithms. In addition, results show how that Interval Monte Carlo approach provides guaranteed and sharp enclosure to the system solution.
Evidence that transport of iron from the lysosome to the cytosol in African trypanosomes is mediated by a mucolipin orthologue
Authors: Taylor Martin C. , McLatchie Alex P. , Kelly John M.
Published: June 2013

Bloodstream‐form Trypanosoma brucei acquire iron by receptor‐mediated endocytosis of host transferrin. However, the mechanism(s) by which iron is then transferred from the lysosome to the cytosol are unresolved. Here, we provide evidence for the involvement of a protein (TbMLP) orthologous to the mammalian endolysosomal cation channel Mucolipin 1. In T. brucei, we show that this protein is localized to the single parasite lysosome. TbMLP null mutants could only be generated in the presence of an expressed ectopic copy, suggesting that the protein is essential. RNAi‐mediated ablation resulted in a growth defect in vitro and led to a sevenfold increase in susceptibility to the iron‐chelators deferoxamine and salicylhydroxamic acid. Conditional null mutants remained viable when the ectopic copy was repressed, but were hypersensitive to deferoxamine and displayed a growth defect similar to that observed following RNAi. The conditional nulls also retained virulence in vivo in the absence of the doxycycline inducer. These data provide strong evidence that TbMLP has a role in import of iron into the cytosol of African trypanosomes. They also indicate that even when expression is greatly reduced, there is sufficient protein, or an alternative mechanism, to provide the parasite with an adequate supply of cytosolic iron.
A deletion in the wapB promoter in many serotypes of Pseudomonas aeruginosa accounts for the lack of a terminal glucose residue in the core oligosaccharide and resistance to killing by R3‐pyocin
Authors: Kocíncová Dana , Lam Joseph S.
Published: June 2013

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic human pathogen producing a variety of virulence factors. One of them is lipopolysaccharide, consisting of endotoxic lipid A and long‐chain O‐antigen polysaccharide, which are connected together through a short linker region, called core oligosaccharide. Chemical structures of the core oligosaccharide are well conserved, with one exception, in that certain strains of P. aeruginosa add a terminal glucose residue (GlcIV) to core by a transferase reaction, due to the activity of a glucosyltransferase, WapB. Here, we investigated the regulation of wapB expression. Our results showed that while the majority of analysed genomes of P. aeruginosa contain wapB, many of these have a conserved identical 5‐nucleotide deletion in the upstream region that inactivated the promoter. This deletion is within the −10 hexamer that is recognized by a principle sigma factor (RpoD, or σ70) as proven by data from an electromobility shift assay. These results provide the molecular basis of why LPS core of many P. aeruginosa strains is lacking GlcIV. In addition, we show that absence of GlcIV due to an inactive wapB promoter confers resistance to killing by R3‐pyocin, a phage tail‐like bacteriocin of P. aeruginosa.
Relationship between clinical fieldwork educator performance and health professional students' perceptions of their practice education learning environments
Authors: Brown Ted , Williams Brett , Lynch Marty
Published: June 2013

The Dundee Ready Education Environment Measure, Clinical Teaching Effectiveness Instrument, and Clinical Learning Environment Inventory were completed by 548 undergraduate students (54.5% response rate) enrolled in eight health professional bachelor degree courses. Regression analysis was used to investigate the significant predictors of the Clinical Teaching Effectiveness Instrument with the Dundee Ready Education Environment Measure and Clinical Learning Environment Inventory subscales as independent variables. The results indicated that the Dundee Ready Education Environment Measure and Clinical Learning Environment Inventory Actual version subscale scores explained 44% of the total variance in the Clinical Teaching Effectiveness Instrument score. The Dundee Ready Education Environment Measure subscale Academic Self‐Perception explained 1.1% of the variance in the Clinical Teaching Effectiveness Instrument score. The Clinical Learning Environment Inventory Actual subscales accounted for the following variance percentages in the Clinical Teaching Effectiveness Instrument score: personalization, 1.1%; satisfaction, 1.7%; task orientation, 5.1%; and innovation, 6.2%. Aspects of the clinical learning environment appear to be predictive of the effectiveness of the clinical teaching that students experience. Fieldwork educator performance might be a significant contributing factor toward student skill development and practitioner success.
Expanding our understanding of sovereign power: on the creation of zones of exception in forensic psychiatry
Authors: Jacob Jean Daniel , Foth Thomas
Published: June 2013

The purpose of this paper is to engage with the readers in a theoretical reflection on nursing practices in forensic psychiatric settings. In this paper, we argue that practices of exclusion in forensic psychiatric settings share some common ground with Agamben's description of sovereign power and, consequently, the possible creation of zones of exception in this environment. The concept of exception is, therefore, purposely used to shift our thinking, highlight the political forces surrounding exclusionary practices in forensic psychiatric nursing, and explore the ethical tensions that arise for nurses who become entangled in the control of these zones of exception. We argue that ethical and political discussions regarding this phenomenon are necessary if we wish to further understand the complexities of this field of practice and promote constructive change.
Image, measure, figure: a critical discourse analysis of nursing practices that develop children
Authors: Einboden Rochelle , Rudge Trudy , Varcoe Colleen
Published: June 2013

Motivated by discourses that link early child development and health, nurses engage in seemingly benign surveillance of children. These practices are based on knowledge claims and technologies of developmental science, which remain anchored in assumptions of the child body as an incomplete form with a universal developmental trajectory and inherent potentiality. This paper engages in a critical discursive analysis, drawing on Donna Haraway's conceptualizations of technoscience and figuration. Using a contemporary developmental screening tool from nursing practice, this analysis traces the effects of this tool through production, transformation, distribution, and consumption. It reveals how the techniques of imaging, abstraction, and measurement collide to fix the open, transformative child body in a figuration of the developing child. This analysis also demonstrates how technobiopower infuses nurses' understandings of children and structures developmentally appropriate expectations for children, parents, and nurses. Furthermore, it describes how practices that claim to facilitate healthy child development may inversely deprive children of agency and foster the production of normal or ideal children. An alternative ontological perspective is offered as a challenge to the individualism of developmental models and other dominant ideologies of development, as well as practices associated with these ideologies. In summary, this analysis argues that nurses must pay closer attention to how technobiopower infuses practices that monitor and promote child development. Fostering a critical understanding of the harmful implications of these practices is warranted and offers the space to conceive of human development in alternate and exciting ways.
The Berlin Heart EXCOR Pediatric ventricular assist device: history, North American experience, and future directions
Authors: Fraser Charles D. , Jaquiss Robert D.B.
Published: June 2013

Options for long‐term mechanical circulatory support to sustain pediatric heart failure patients requiring cardiac transplantation while they wait for donor hearts have been unsatisfactory. The conventional approach has been to use extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), but its lack of feasibility for long‐term use and the major complications associated with the technology have limited its use, especially in light of lengthy waiting lists for donor hearts. With the advent of the Berlin Heart EXCOR® Pediatric ventricular assist device (VAD), pediatric heart failure specialists have gained an important tool for helping this patient population survive until a donor heart can be identified. The EXCOR Pediatric VAD is designed to support pediatric patients of all age groups, from newborns to teenagers, and can be used successfully for many months. This paper describes the early experience with the EXCOR Pediatric VAD and the challenging journey undertaken to gain U.S. FDA approval, including successful completion of the first worldwide prospective clinical study of VADs in a pediatric population.
β1‐Adrenoceptor Blocker Aggravated Ventricular Arrhythmia
Authors: WANG YAN , PATEL DIMPI , WANG DAO WU , YAN JIANG TAO , HSIA HENRY H. , LIU HAO , ZHAO CHUN XIA , ZUO HOU JUAN , WANG DAO WEN
Published: June 2013

Objectives

To assess the impact of β1‐adrenoceptor blockers (β1‐blocker) and isoprenaline on the incidence of idiopathic repetitive ventricular arrhythmia that apparently decreases with preprocedural anxiety.

Methods

From January 2010 to July 2012, six patients were identified who had idiopathic ventricular arrhythmias that apparently decreased (by greater than 90%) with preprocedural anxiety. The number of ectopic ventricular beats per hour (VPH) was calculated from Holter or telemetry monitoring to assess the ectopic burden. The mean VPH of 24 hours from Holter before admission (VPH‐m) was used as baseline (100%) for normalization. β1‐Blockers, isoprenaline, and/or aminophylline were administrated successively on the ward and catheter lab to evaluate their effects on the ventricular arrhythmias.

Results

Among 97 consecutive patients with idiopathic ventricular arrhythmias, six had reduction in normalized VPHs in the hour before the scheduled procedure time from (104.6 ± 4.6%) to (2.8 ± 1.6%) possibly due to preprocedural anxiety (P < 0.05), then increased to (97.9 ± 9.7%) during β1‐blocker administration (P < 0.05), then quickly reduced to (1.6 ± 1.0%) during subsequent isoprenaline infusion. Repeated β1‐blocker quickly counteracted the inhibitory effect of isoprenaline, and VPHs increased to (120.9 ± 2.4%) from (1.6 ± 1.0%; P < 0.05). Isoprenaline and β1‐blocker showed similar effects on the arrhythmias in catheter lab.

Conclusions

In some patients with structurally normal heart and ventricular arrhythmias there is a marked reduction of arrhythmias associated with preprocedural anxiety. These patients exhibit a reproducible sequence of β1‐blocker aggravation and catecholamine inhibition of ventricular arrhythmias, including both repetitive ventricular premature beats and monomorphic ventricular tachycardia.