bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Species–people correlations and the need to account for survey effort in biodiversity analyses
Authors: Barbosa A. Márcia , Pautasso Marco , Figueiredo Diogo
Published: June 2013

Aim

Positive regional correlations between biodiversity and human population have been detected for several taxonomic groups and geographical regions. Such correlations could have important conservation implications and have been mainly attributed to ecological factors, with little testing for an artefactual explanation: more populated regions may show higher biodiversity because they are more thoroughly surveyed. We tested the hypothesis that the correlation between people and herptile diversity in Europe is influenced by survey effort.

Location

Europe.

Methods

Although no explicit survey effort information is available in our dataset, we can divide Europe into three nested regions that were subjected to different levels of survey coverage. We compared species–people correlations among these regions, both with and without controlling for landscape diversity and latitude (a wrapper for energy‐related variables whose individual effects on species richness were weaker). We also tested for relationships between human population and the distributions of single species.

Results

Both mean species richness and human population density increased as we restricted the analyses towards better‐surveyed regions. Whether or not accounting for ecological factors, the positive relationship between species richness and human density was significant at the lower survey coverage levels, but faded as the analysis focused on better‐surveyed regions and disappeared in the best‐surveyed level. Single‐species analyses revealed identical patterns, for both human‐avoiding and human‐adapted species.

Main conclusions

Our findings suggest an artefactual origin for the herptile–people correlation in Europe. More importantly, they highlight the importance of addressing sampling bias in biodiversity analyses, which may be possible even when survey effort is not recorded. We also emphasize the utility of noting survey effort along with biodiversity records and the need for better surveys of biodiversity in less populated areas. An adequate identification of conservation conflicts requires more rigorous assessments of the effects of survey effort on biodiversity data.
Sitagliptin and pioglitazone provide complementary effects on postprandial glucose and pancreatic islet cell function
Authors: Alba M. , Ahrén B. , Inzucchi S. E. , Guan Y. , Mallick M. , Xu L. , O'Neill E. A. , Williams‐Herman D. E. , Kaufman K. D. , Goldstein B. J.
Published: June 2013

Aims

The effects of sitagliptin and pioglitazone, alone and in combination, on α‐ and β‐cell function were assessed in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Methods

Following a 6‐week diet/exercise period, 211 patients with HbA1c of 6.5–9.0% and fasting plasma glucose of 7.2–14.4 mmol/l were randomized (1 :1 :1 : 1) to sitagliptin, pioglitazone, sitagliptin + pioglitazone or placebo. At baseline and after 12 weeks, patients were given a mixed meal followed by frequent blood sampling for measurements of glucose, insulin, C‐peptide and glucagon.

Results

After 12 weeks, 5‐h glucose total area under the curve (AUC) decreased in all active treatments versus placebo; reduction with sitagliptin + pioglitazone was greater versus either monotherapy. The 5‐h insulin total AUC increased with sitagliptin versus all other treatments and increased with sitagliptin + pioglitazone versus pioglitazone. The 3‐h glucagon AUC decreased with sitagliptin versus placebo and decreased with sitagliptin + pioglitazone versus pioglitazone or placebo. Φs, a measure of dynamic β‐cell responsiveness to above‐basal glucose concentrations, increased with either monotherapy versus placebo and increased with sitagliptin + pioglitazone versus either monotherapy. The insulin sensitivity index (ISI), a composite index of insulin sensitivity, improved with pioglitazone and sitagliptin + pioglitazone versus placebo. The disposition index, a measure of the relationship between β‐cell function and insulin sensitivity, improved with all active treatments versus placebo.

Conclusions

Sitagliptin and pioglitazone enhanced β‐cell function (increasing postmeal Φs), and sitagliptin improved α‐cell function (decreasing postmeal glucagon) after 12 weeks in patients with type 2 diabetes. Through these complementary mechanisms of action, the combination of sitagliptin and pioglitazone reduced postmeal glucose more than either treatment alone.
Differential effects of vildagliptin and glimepiride on glucose fluctuations in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus assessed using continuous glucose monitoring
Authors: He Y. L. , Foteinos G. , Neelakantham S. , Mattapalli D. , Kulmatycki K. , Forst T. , Taylor A.
Published: June 2013

Aim

To assess whether there is a difference in the effects of vildagliptin and glimepiride on glucose fluctuation in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) using continuous glucose monitoring (CGM).

Methods

This was an open‐label, randomized cross‐over study conducted in T2DM patients. A total of 24 patients (age: 58.3 ± 5.56 years, baseline HbA1c: 7.6 ± 0.50%) who were on stable metformin monotherapy (500–3000 mg) were enrolled, and all completed the study. Each patient received two 5‐day treatments (vildagliptin 50 mg b.i.d. or glimepiride 2 mg q.d.) in a cross‐over manner. Various biomarkers and blood glucose concentrations were measured following breakfast. The 24‐h glucose profiles were also measured using the CGM device at baseline and after 5 days of treatment, and fluctuations in glucose levels were estimated from CGM data.

Results

Both vildagliptin and glimepiride reduced postprandial glucose levels, based on both CGM data (15% vs. 16%) and measured plasma glucose (13% vs.17%). Vildagliptin showed lower glucose fluctuations than glimepiride as measured by mean amplitude of glycaemic excursions (MAGE, p = 0.1076), standard deviation (s.d., p = 0.1346) of blood glucose rate of change, but did not reach statistical significance attributed to the small sample size. MAGE was reduced by ∼20% with vildagliptin versus glimepiride. Vildagliptin led to statistically significant lowering of the rate of change in the median curve (RCMC) and interquartile range (IQR) of glucose. Treatment with vildagliptin significantly increased the levels of active glucagon‐like peptide‐1 by 2.36‐fold (p ≤ 0.0001) and suppressed glucagon by 8% (p = 0.01), whereas glimepiride significantly increased the levels of insulin and C‐peptide by 21% (p = 0.012) and 12% (p = 0.003), respectively.

Conclusions

Vildagliptin treatment was associated with less fluctuation of glucose levels than glimepiride treatment as assessed by 24‐h CGM device, suggesting vildagliptin may have the potential to offer long‐term beneficial effects for patients with T2DM in preventing the development of complications of diabetes.
Evolution of mate choice and the so‐called magic traits in ecological speciation
Authors: Thibert‐Plante Xavier , Gavrilets Sergey
Published: June 2013

Non‐random mating provides multiple evolutionary benefits and can result in speciation. Biological organisms are characterised by a myriad of different traits, many of which can serve as mating cues. We consider multiple mechanisms of non‐random mating simultaneously within a unified modelling framework in an attempt to understand better which are more likely to evolve in natural populations going through the process of local adaptation and ecological speciation. We show that certain traits that are under direct natural selection are more likely to be co‐opted as mating cues, leading to the appearance of magic traits (i.e. phenotypic traits involved in both local adaptation and mating decisions). Multiple mechanisms of non‐random mating can interact so that trait co‐evolution enables the evolution of non‐random mating mechanisms that would not evolve alone. The presence of magic traits may suggest that ecological selection was acting during the origin of new species.
Projected climate‐driven faunal movement routes
Authors: Lawler J. J. , Ruesch A. S. , Olden J. D. , McRae B. H.
Published: June 2013

Historically, many species moved great distances as climates changed. However, modern movements will be limited by the patterns of human‐dominated landscapes. Here, we use a combination of projected climate‐driven shifts in the distributions of 2903 vertebrate species, estimated current human impacts on the landscape, and movement models, to determine through which areas in the western hemisphere species will likely need to move to track suitable climates. Our results reveal areas with projected high densities of climate‐driven movements – including, the Amazon Basin, the southeastern United States and southeastern Brazil. Some of these regions, such as southern Bolivia and northern Paraguay, contain relatively intact landscapes, whereas others such as the southeastern United States and Brazil are heavily impacted by human activities. Thus, these results highlight both critical areas for protecting lands that will foster movement, and barriers where human land‐use activities will likely impede climate‐driven shifts in species distributions.
Effect of harvesting interval on biomass yield and nutritive value of five tropical forage legumes (Aeschynomene histrix ‘BRA 9690’, Canavalia brasiliensis ‘CIAT 17009’, Stylosanthes guianensis ‘CIAT 184’ and ‘Composite’ and Vigna unguiculata ‘CIAT 1088‐4’) in Lao PDR
Authors: Phengsavanh Phonepaseuth , Frankow‐Lindberg Bodil E.
Published: June 2013

Forage legumes have the potential to provide high quality feed to small land‐holder farmers’ swine production, but forage management schemes that ensure both quantity and suitable quality as a swine feed are needed. Five forage legumes (aeschynomene [Aeschynomene histrix ‘BRA 9690’], canavalia [Canavalia brasiliensis ‘CIAT 17009’], stylo ‘CIAT 184’ and ‘Composite’ [Stylosanthes guianensis ‘CIAT 184’, ‘Composite’] and vigna [Vigna unguiculata ‘CIAT 1088‐4’]) were grown during 2009–2010 in Lao PDR, and subjected to three harvesting interval treatments (21, 30 and 45 days). The yield and chemical composition of these legumes were determined. Stylo ‘Composite’ produced the highest average dry matter (DM) yield, followed by stylo ‘CIAT 184’, aeschynomene, canavalia and vigna. Harvesting every 45 days produced higher DM yields than the other treatments. Differences in crude protein (CP) content between species and treatments were small with stylo ‘CIAT 184’ and stylo ‘Composite’ having the lowest values. CP content was highest with the shortest harvesting interval, while the opposite was true for the fiber content (crude fiber, acid detergent fiber and neutral detergent fiber). All legumes produced a higher DM yield with a higher CP content in the wet season than in the dry season. The array of essential amino acids in relation to requirements for growing swine was excellent for all forage legumes except for canavalia. In conclusion, stylo (‘Composite’ and ‘CIAT 184’) and aeschynomene can be recommended for use by swine land‐holder farmers in Lao PDR.
Hepatitis C in men who have sex with men in London – a community survey
Authors: Price H , Gilson R , Mercey D , Copas A , Parry J , Nardone A , Johnson A , Hart G
Published: June 2013

Objectives

For the last 10 years there has been an epidemic of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in men who have sex with men (MSM) in Europe, North America and Australia. The majority of those infected are also HIV‐positive and it is unclear to what extent HIV‐negative MSM are also at increased risk of infection with HCV. This study provides the first examination of the association between HIV and hepatitis C serostatus in a sample of MSM recruited in community settings.

Methods

A total of 1121 participants completed a short questionnaire in 2008/2009 giving demographic and behavioural data, and donated a sample of oral fluid that was subsequently tested for antibodies to selected pathogens (HIV, syphilis and HCV).

Results

The seroprevalence of hepatitis C antibody was 2.1% [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.4–3.2%]. It was more common in those with HIV infection [7.7% (95% CI 4.2–12.9%) vs. 1.2% (95% CI 0.6–2.1%) in those without HIV infection; P < 0.001], those with a history of syphilis [12.2% (95% CI 4.6–24.8%) vs. 1.7% (95% CI 1.0–2.6%) in those without such a history; P < 0.001] and those who reported casual unprotected anal intercourse in the previous year [4.1% (95% CI 2.0–7.4%) vs. 1.2% (95% CI 0.5–2.2%) in those who did not report such intercourse; P = 0.01]. There was no relationship between hepatitis C antibody (anti‐HCV) status and other demographic variables (age, ethnicity, employment status or education).

Conclusions

The seroprevalence of anti‐HCV in HIV‐negative MSM (1.2%) was higher, but not significantly higher, than that in the general population (0.67%). The prevalence was significantly higher in those infected with HIV or with previous syphilis infection and in those reporting unprotected anal intercourse. Our findings support current British Association for Sexual Health and HIV guidelines recommending the provision of selective HCV testing in MSM according to individual risk profile.
Malaysian nurses’ skin care practices of preterm infants: Experience vs. knowledge
Authors: Mohamed Zainah , Newton Jennifer Margaret , Lau Rosalind
Published: June 2013

This study sought to explore the impact of Malaysian nurses’ perceptions, knowledge and experiences in preterm infant skin care practices using a descriptive approach. Questionnaires were distributed to Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) nurses in one teaching hospital in Malaysia. A knowledge gap was revealed among nurses in both theoretical and practical knowledge of preterm infant skin. Nurses working for more than 5 years in NICU or having a Neonatal Nursing Certificate (NNC) were not predictors of having adequate knowledge of preterm infants’ skin care. The results highlight the complex issue of providing effective skin care to preterm infants. However, a specific finding related to nurses’ confidence provides some direction for future practice and research initiatives. Clear clinical evidence‐based guidelines and Continuing Nursing Education on relevant topics of preterm infants’ care may provide the required knowledge for the nurses.
Flexible Wage Contracts, Temporary Jobs, and Firm Performance: Evidence From Italian Firms
Authors: Battisti Michele , Vallanti Giovanna
Published: June 2013

This study focuses on the effects of decentralized wage schemes and temporary forms of employment on firm performance. The effect of monetary incentives on workers' effort and firm performance is a central topic in economics. According to the principal‐agent paradigm, firms (the principal) have to link employees' remuneration schemes to any verifiable indicator of performance to avoid opportunistic behavior. The empirical evidence shows that financial incentives have the potential to exert strong effects on indicators of firm performance, such as productivity and worker absenteeism, although the degree of effectiveness of such schemes varies significantly according to the institutional/economic context in which firms operate. From both a theoretical and empirical point of view, the prediction on the effects of temporary types of employment on effort and productivity is less neat. In light of these considerations, this study uses a sample of Italian firms to provide further empirical evidence on whether and to what extent performance‐related pay schemes and contract flexibility affect workers' effort (in terms of absenteeism) and, in turn, firm productivity. These effects are analyzed for different types of workers (white collar vs. blue collar), working in workplaces characterized by a different degree of uncertainty and risk and in firms operating in different economic and institutional settings. Our results show that wage flexibility has a significant effect on effort and then on firm's productivity and that white‐collar workers are more responsive to monetary incentives than blue‐collar workers. Moreover, the presence of a large share of temporary contracts, implying a lower dismissal probability for permanent workers and a deterioration of the working environment, appears to reduce workers' motivation and effort.
6p subtelomere deletion with congenital glaucoma, severe mental retardation, and growth impairment
Authors: Nakane Takaya , Kousuke Nakamura , Sonoko Hata , Yuko Kamiya , Sato Hidenori , Kubota Takeo , Sugita Kanji
Published: June 2013

Submicroscopic deletion of the 6p subtelomere has recently been recognized as a clinically identifiable syndrome. A distinct phenotype has emerged consisting of developmental delay/mental retardation, language impairment, hearing loss, and ophthalmologic, cardiac, and craniofacial abnormalities, including hypertelorism, midface hypoplasia, small nose, and high arched palate. We describe here a patient with 6p subtelomere deletion associated with congenital glaucoma, severe mental retardation, and growth impairment. Fluorescent in situ hybridization analysis revealed only one 6p25.3 signal. Array comparative genomic hybridization assay showed 2.1 Mb deletion and 4.14 Mb duplication in the 6p25 region. Generally, developmental delay and language impairment are common findings in patients with 6p subtelomere deletion syndrome, but growth impairment is not. Compared to that, the present patient showed atypically severe developmental delay and growth impairment.
Environment Pressures, Managerial Industrial Relations Ideologies and Unionization in Chinese Enterprises
Authors: Liu Mingwei , Li Chunyun
Published: June 2013

Based on extensive field research in China during 2005–2010, this article aims to explore the determinants of unionization in the Chinese context. We find that managerial strategies toward union organizing and functioning have been critical in determining unionization outcomes in Chinese enterprises. While various environment pressures may impose critical constraints on these strategies, managerial industrial relations ideologies are central in shaping these strategies when environment pressures barely exist or are bearable by management. Our study makes the first effort in exploring industrial relations ideologies in China and contributes to better understanding of unionization in the Chinese workplace.
Basal‐Cell Carcinomas on Covered or Unusual Sites of the Body
Authors: ROBINS PERRY , RABINOVITZ HAROLD S. , RIGEL DARRELL
Published: June 2013

Basal‐cell carcinomas on covered, anatomically shielded, or otherwise unusual sites of the body are rare compared to the number on constantly exposed parts of the body, but since basal‐cell carcinomas are so common, instances of the former sort are not infrequently encountered. Five such cases are described and illustrated.
Predicting Recurrence of Basal‐Cell Carcinomas Treated by Microscopically Controlled Excision.
Authors: RIGEL DARRELL S. , ROBINS PERRY , FRIEDMAN ROBERT J.
Published: June 2013

Despite the high cure rate achieved for basal‐cell carcinomas treated with microscopically controlled excision, recurrences do occur. To determine if lesions that are likely to recur may be predicted at the time of surgery, data from 5020 patients with 7010 basal‐cell carcinomas treated with Mohs' technique were reviewed. Two thousand nine hundred sixty (2960) lesions with five‐year follow‐up were studied (overall recurrence rate = 2.6%). Sex and age of the patients, size and location of lesions, types of previous therapy, and the number of surgical stages of microscopically controlled excision were all found to correlate significantly with recurrence rate (p < 0.01). Multiple regression analysis was performed to determine the relative contribution of each of these variables to predictability of recurrences by a weighted scoring system. The derived model delineated the lesions into no‐risk, low‐, medium‐, and high‐risk groupings (p < 0.000001). Lesions in the high‐risk group had a recurrence rate of 10.1%, almost four times greater than the average. More aggressive microscopically controlled excisions and closer follow‐up care are indicated for those lesions that can be predicted to result in a high‐risk score.
Reconstruction of Defects following Mohs' Surgery
Authors: CASSON PHILIP R. , BAKER DANIEL C.
Published: June 2013

Repairs of surgically produced wounds require forethought and planning individualized for particular patients and particular original conditions. Nowhere is this more important than in patients treated by Mohs' methods for cutaneous cancers. Indications for early and late repair and methodology by a variety of grafts and flaps are explored and illustrated.
Cigarette Smoking and Malignant Melanoma
Authors: RIGEL DARRELL S. , FRIEDMAN ROBERT J. , LEVINE JEFFREY , KOPF ALFRED W. , LEVENSTEIN MARCIA
Published: June 2013

In a prospective study of 178 patients with malignant melanoma, a subset of 33 patients (18.5%) was identified to be at significantly higher risk for developing metastatic disease based on history of cigarette smoking. Patients in this high‐risk group (current smokers with a >15 pack‐years of smoking history) had two‐year disease‐free survival rates of 74.2%, versus 92.3% for the remaining patients (p =0.008). A possible explanation of this phenomenon is that chronic smoking diminishes host defense mechanisms and results in an adverse effect on the biologic behavior of established malignant melanomas.
The Nevoid Basal‐Cell Carcinoma Syndrome
Authors: CAMISA CHARLES
Published: June 2013

The case of a young, mentally retarded woman with the nevoid basal‐cell carcinoma syndrome is presented in whom about 150 basal‐cell carcinomas on the face were treated simultaneously by curettage and electrodesiccation with the patient under general anesthesia. Such a method is excellent for eradicating numerous carcinomas rapidly, effectively, and at once, especially when cooperation of the patient is not optimal.
Pigmented Pilomatricoma
Authors: SPITZ DENNIS , FISHER DOROTHY , FRIEDMAN ROBERT J. , KOPF ALFRED W.
Published: June 2013

Two cases of histologically typical pilomatricomas that included malignant melanoma prominently in clinical differential diagnosis because they were initially pigmented are described and illustrated. The literature on such lesions is reviewed.
Atypical Fibroxanthoma
Authors: SOARES HAMILTON LEITE , SILVEIRA JOSÉ GASTÃO B. , FANTINI ALDO , SOARES MARIA ELIZABETH RIBEIRO
Published: June 2013

A case of atypical fibroxanthoma in skin is described in its innocuous clinical course despite its furious cytology. The paradox of benign biologic behavior of a lesion so foreboding in histology is commented upon.
Necroscopic Findings of Pleomorphic, Variably Acid‐Fast Bacteria in a Fatal Case of Kaposi's Sarcoma
Authors: CANTWELL ALAN R. , LAWSON JERRY W.
Published: June 2013

Bacteriologic findings in a fatal case of Kaposi's sarcoma are recounted and the issue of an infectious cause for Kaposi's sarcoma is explored.
Cutaneous Lesions Resulting from Sinuses of Dental Origin
Authors: McCarthy Philip L.
Published: June 2013

The subject of dental sinus exiting upon skin is briefly reviewed. Salient clinical data of eight cases are tabulated and typical clinical appearances of cutaneous lesions from sinuses of dental origin are illustrated.
The Nail‐Patella Syndrome
Authors: KOUSKOUKIS CONSTANTINE , TOUSIMIS ARISTIPPOS , MINAS DIMITRIOS
Published: June 2013

A case of the nail‐patella syndrome in extensive development is presented and the literature on this rare hereditary arthro‐osteo‐onychodysplasia is reviewed.
Grafts on Upper Eyelids
Authors: HARAHAP MARWALI
Published: June 2013

Coverage of defects in the upper eyelids may be accomplished with full‐thickness skin from the opposite upper eyelids, with full‐thickness skin from the retroauricular or supra‐clavicular regions, and with split‐thickness skin from inner surfaces of the arms. The techniques of applying the three types of grafts are described and illustrated.
Laminar Dermal Reticulotomy
Authors: PIERCE HAROLD E.
Published: June 2013

Laminar dermal reticulotomy is a procedure in which a dermatome is used to achieve a finer result in the obliteration of scars on the face caused by acne or trauma. A method of preoperative assessment of degree or depth of scarring and postoperative result of laminar dermal reticulotomy by use of a phototopographic technique is described. Laminar dermal reticulotomy may be done following other procedures like dermabrasion, chemical peel, and conventional plastic surgery.
Ablation of a Persistent Angiomatous Condition on the Face in Stages by a Variety of Flap Techniques and Selective Dermabrasion
Authors: FIELD LAWRENCE M.
Published: June 2013

A case is described in which a large, persistent hemangioma on a cheek of a middle‐aged man was removed in stages by means of subcutaneously bipedicled island flaps, a preauricular and postauricular transposition flap, and finished off by dermabrasion. Some such lesions hitherto deemed inoperable may be removed satisfactorily in stages if various techniques of ablation and reconstruction are employed.
Chemocautery for Ingrown Toenails
Authors: BROWN FORREST C.
Published: June 2013

A simple method of treating ingrown toenails by conservative ablation of nail plates and chemocautery of matrices is described and illustrated.
Carcinoma of Sebaceous Glands on the Head and Neck
Authors: MELLETTE J. RAMSEY , AMONETTE REX A. , GARDNER J. HARVEY , CHESNEY THOMAS McC.
Published: June 2013

Carcinoma of sebaceous glands most commonly occurs on the eyelids and caruncles of the elderly. Local recurrences after would‐be adequate treatment and distant metastases are common in this malignancy in this site. Carcinomas of sebaceous glands arising elsewhere in the skin also have a strong tendency to recur locally, but are said to be much less likely to metastasize. Our experience with four such carcinomas on the head and neck have led us to believe that the malignancy is biologically aggressive anywhere if not adequately treated at the onset.
An Effective Method of Treating Long‐Enduring Wounds and Ulcers by Topical Applications of Solutions of Nutrients
Authors: SILVETTI ANTHONY N.
Published: June 2013

A safe and effective method of improving repair and controlling infection of wounds is presented. It consists of debridement daily and application topically of a balanced solution of salts, amino acids, a high‐molecular‐weight, d‐glucose polysaccharide, and ascorbic acid. Wounds of several causes were treated, namely, second‐and third‐degree thermal burns, decubitus, varicose, and stasis ulcers, and diabetic lesions. Local infection was controlled early and the majority of the cases responded with quick formation of highly vascular, smooth, infection‐free granulation tissue and centripetal epithelial growth. Small‐and medium‐sized lesions healed spontaneously in 4 to 8 weeks. Larger lesions were readily managed with autografts of skin as soon as satisfactory beds were obtained.
Basal‐Cell Carcinomas on the Scalp of a Black Patient Many Years after Epilation by X Rays
Authors: WALTHER ROBERT R. , GROSSMAN MARC E. , TROY JAMES L.
Published: June 2013

The development of skin cancers in areas treated with X rays for benign dermatoses has not been common. Moreover, basal‐cell carcinomas in blacks are exceedingly rare. We report successive development of two basal‐cell carcinomas in the hair‐covered scalp of a black man three decades after he had undergone epilation of the scalp by X rays for tinea capitis while a youth.
Basal‐Cell Carcinoma on and Around the Female Genitalia
Authors: GOLDBERG LEONARD H. , ROBINS PERRY
Published: June 2013

Three cases of basal‐cell carcinoma on and around the female genitalia are described. Two of these cases had multiple skin tumors on sun‐exposed as well as on covered areas of the body. It is postulated that the biologic age of basal cells may be a factor in the genesis of skin cancer.
Some Useful Flaps for Covering Some Defects in the Nose
Authors: HARAHAP MARWALI
Published: June 2013

For covering defects in the nose, the immediately adjacent skin is preferable for local flaps because it is better in color match and in healing. In this paper some useful local flaps for repair of defects in the nose are described and illustrated.
Composite Grafts from Earlobes for Reconstruction of Defects in Noses
Authors: LIPMAN SUSAN H. , ROTH ROBERT J.
Published: June 2013

A technique of utilizing composite grafts from earlobes to repair defects in noses is described and illustrated.
Treatment of Ulcers on Legs by Pinch Grafts and a Supportive Dressing of Polyurethane
Authors: GILMORE WILLIAM A. , WHEELAND RONALD G.
Published: June 2013

A simplified method of treating ulcers on legs by pinch grafts and a semipermeable, self‐adhesive dressing of polyurethane is described and the results are illustrated.
Squamous‐Cell Carcinoma of the Nail Bed
Authors: HAZELRIGG DONALD E. , RENNE JAMES W.
Published: June 2013

Carcinoma of the nail bed is rare. Two patients with squamous‐cell carcinoma are presented. We recommend biopsies for recalcitrant lesions of the nail bed and treatment by amputation or Mohs” surgery if carcinoma is found.
Variably Acid‐Fast Pleomorphic Bacteria as a Possible Cause of Mycosis Fungoides: A Report of a Necropsied Case and Two Living Patients
Authors: JR. CANTWELL ALAN R.
Published: June 2013

Variably acid‐fast coccoid forms, suggestive of acid‐fast, cell‐wall‐deficient forms of mycobacteria, were observed in microscopy of sections of skin from three patients with mycosis fungoides. Similar coccoid forms were also seen in sections of the heart, lung, liver, lymph nodes, connective tissue, and other organs of one of them who died, and in biopsy material from lymph nodes obtained one year antemortem in that patient. The present findings of microbes in mycosis fungoides may be related to the previous findings of acid‐fast bacteria in mycosis fungoides and other malignancies as reported by other investigators. The present histopathologic findings also suggest that mycosis fungoides may be an infectious disease of mycobacterial origin.
Repair of a Cicatricial Epicanthal Fold by a Double Z‐Plasty (Spaeth)
Authors: FIELD LAWRENCE M.
Published: June 2013

A postoperative cicatricial epicanthal fold was repaired by the double Z‐plasty technique of Spaeth. The operative procedure is reviewed by text, photographs, and a diagram.
Plasma Concentrations of Lidocaine during Hair Transplantation
Authors: MALONEY J. MICHAEL , LERTORA JUAN J. L. , YARBOROUGH JOHN , MILLIKAN LARRY E.
Published: June 2013

Plasma lidocaine concentrations were measured during six hair transplantation procedures. The maximal plasma concentration and total dosage of lidocaine (mg/kg) are related in a linear manner. Use of lidocaine in doses above the recommended maximum of 7 mg/kg may result in levels considered therapeutic for cardiac arrhythmias. Several patients exhibited minor central nervous system toxicity although plasma concentrations remained well below levels commonly associated with convulsions.
Dermabrasion for the Management of Angiofibromas in Tuberous Sclerosis
Authors: MENON CDR. PADMAN A.
Published: June 2013

Angiofibromas occur in 90% of patients with tuberous sclerosis. Their growth is slowly progressive until adult life, causing considerable cosmetic disfigurement and severe emotional and psychological problems. Dermabrasion can be used successfully to improve cosmesis and hence the quality of life in such patients.
Use of a Biopsy Punch for Removal of Epithelial Cysts
Authors: LIEBLICH LAWRENCE M. , GERONEMUS ROY G. , GIBBS RICHARD C.
Published: June 2013

A simple modification of the incision and drainage technique for removing cysts, substituting a biopsy punch for a scalpel, is described. It is rapid and results in minimal scarring.
Laser Surgery in the Medically Compromised Patient
Authors: KORANDA FRANK C. , GRANDE DONALD J. , WHITAKER DUANE C. , LEE RACHEL D.
Published: June 2013

Dermatology has entered a new dimension with the introduction of the laser. There are expanding clinical indications for laser excision. The CO2 laser in the cutting mode can incise tissue as sharply as finely honed steel, yet its photocoagulative properties allow rapid sealing of blood vessels and lymphatics. The physician can thereby perform in a relatively bloodless surgical field. Minimal adjacent normal tissue is injured, there is less local postoperative edema, and fewer postoperative analgesics are required. Since there is no need to use epinephrine as a local vasoconstrictive agent and there is no need to use electrocoagulation for control of hemorrhage, CO2 laser excision presents less risk to the medically compromised patient. The CO2 laser may also diminish the risk of seeding or spreading neoplastic cells in the perioperative field.
Surgery of Extensive, Subclinical Lentigo Maligna
Authors: GRANDE DONALD J. , KORANDA FRANK C. , WHITAKER DUANE C.
Published: June 2013

Because atypical melanocytes in some cases of lentigo maligna extend beyond the standard 5‐mm margins of nonpigmented, normal‐appearing skin, surgical removal of these lesions with histologic control is advocated. Two case reports are described and illustrated.
The Effect of Two New Dressings on Epidermal Wound Healing
Authors: GERONEMUS ROY G. , ROBINS PERRY
Published: June 2013

The effects of a polyethylene oxide hydrogel dressing and a co‐polymer starch hydrogel dressing upon the rate of re‐epithelization were evaluated in a study using Yorkshire pigs. The polyethylene oxide hydrogel dressing significantly promoted re‐epithelization by 44% as compared to untreated control wounds, while the copolymer starch hydrogel dressing significantly promoted epidermal healing by 24%. A possible mechanism of action is presented for the quicker healing induced by these dressings.
ARE HAEMOGLOBIN LEVELS ADEQUATE IN PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE (CKD) STAGE 2–4?
Authors: Trowbridge Lynette , Kruger Ann , Arnold Anne , Butcher Belinda , Bradley Jennifer
Published: June 2013

Background

Anaemia often goes unrecognised in people with early chronic kidney disease (CKD) resulting in under treatment until reaching the need for dialysis.

Objectives

This study aimed to determine if anaemia is adequately treated in Australians with CKD, who do not require dialysis.

Design and Measurement

Haemoglobin, ferritin and transferrin saturation (TSAT) data for patients with Stage 2–4 CKD were extracted from the Renal Anaemia Management database for the period 1999–2010. The data were compared with the target levels specified in the Caring for Australasians with Renal Impairment guidelines.

Results

Less than 50% of the patients achieved the recommended haemoglobin levels, and even fewer patients achieved the levels recommended for ferritin and TSAT.

Conclusion and Application to Practice

More emphasis should be placed on detection and treatment of anaemia in earlier stages of kidney disease. Poor response to erythropoiesis stimulating agent therapy should be investigated in this group and any identified causes of poor response treated.
Students' and families' expenditures to attend a nursing programme in 2011–2012: a comparison of five southern European countries
Authors: Palese Alvisa , Bortoluzzi Guido , Achil Illarj , Jarosova Darja , Notara Venetia , Vagka Elissabet , Andrascikova Stefania , Rybarova Lubica , Skela‐Savič Brigita
Published: June 2013

Aim

To compare students' and families' nursing education expenditures across Europe.

Background

Nursing education costs are affected by investments in public education. The remaining costs fall on the shoulders of students and their families. While remaining somewhat understudied, public and student expenditure for nursing education is becoming critical in the current crisis context. Comparative studies on education costs are inevitably affected by a currency bias. Therefore, a standard measure named the Purchasing Power Standard, which has received no attention in nursing research, has been introduced.

Design

A mixed‐method study incorporating qualitative and quantitative study designs was undertaken in 2011–2012.

Methods

Five nursing faculties located in the Czech Republic, Greece, Italy, Slovakia and Slovenia were included in the study. A questionnaire evaluating students' expenditures was developed in five languages and validated. Six hundred and twenty‐five full‐time students were recruited.

Results

A Slovakian student wishing to pursue a nursing career is required to commit an amount of money per year that corresponds to 15% of the average annual income of a Slovakian citizen. Lower percentages were required by students in Greece (10%), Italy (11%) and Slovenia (12%), while Czech students bore the lowest costs (5%).

Conclusion

None of the countries involved was supporting nursing students through either direct or indirect financial incentives. Students in some countries were also required to buy and maintain uniforms. There is a need to develop supportive policies, especially in those countries where nursing programmes are expensive and may not be accessible to all talented and motivated students due to limited public support in education and the current economic context.
Examining attitudes, beliefs, and intentions regarding the use of exercise as punishment in physical education and sport: an application of the theory of reasoned action
Authors: Burak Lydia J. , Rosenthal Maura , Richardson Karen
Published: June 2013

Although the use of exercise as punishment appears to be pervasive among physical education teachers and coaches, it has not been systematically examined. The purpose of this study was to examine the experiences, attitudes, intentions, and beliefs of college physical education majors regarding the use of exercise as punishment, using the framework of the theory of reasoned action. Surveys were completed by 345 students enrolled in 35 physical education classes. More than 90% of the study participants reported that their coaches used exercise as punishment, and 43% indicated their physical education teachers used exercise to punish or manage behavior. The constructs of the theory of reasoned action explained nearly 70% of the variance in participants' intentions to use exercise as punishment.
Do you really expect me to apologize? The impact of status and gender on the effectiveness of an apology in the workplace
Authors: Walfisch Tamar , Van Dijk Dina , Kark Ronit
Published: June 2013

We examine the effectiveness of apology following a workplace offense, as influenced by the achieved or ascribed status (i.e., professional status or gender) of the parties involved. A total of 780 undergraduates participated in a scenario experiment. The results demonstrate that apologizing is more effective than not apologizing. Yet apology is most effective when the apologizer is a male, a manager or is a male apologizing to a female. Moreover, apology expectancy mediates the relationships between the apologizer's status and the apology's effectiveness: Apologies are less expected from managers and males than from subordinates and females, and the less expected they are, the greater their effectiveness. Apology expectancy has a unique effect unrelated to the apologizer's sincerity and perceived motive.
Syncope Secondary to Obesity?
Authors: MUSCHART XAVIER , BLOMMAERT DOMINIQUE
Published: June 2013

Syncope Secondary to Obesity

The frequency of obesity is increasing worldwide. The relationship between obesity and mortality is known. Bariatric surgery is well established in the treatment of morbid obesity to reduce weight permanently. Bariatric procedures are effective and influencing associated comorbidities. Adjustable gastric banding is a popular and effective bariatric operation in Europe for more than 10 years. Classic complications of gastric banding are known, but here we describe one more example. In this study, we report the case of a patient with gastric banding who presented with syncope after a meal.
Enhanced Efficiency of a Novel Porous Tip Irrigated RF Ablation Catheter for Pulmonary Vein Isolation
Authors: PARK CHAN‐IL , LEHRMANN HEIKO , KEYL CORNELIUS , WEBER REINHOLD , SCHURR PATRICK , SCHIEBELING‐RÖMER JOCHEN , ALLGEIER JUERGEN , HERRERA CLAUDIA SIKLODY , KIENZLE ROLF‐PETER , SHAH DIPEN , NEUMANN FRANZ‐JOSEF , ARENTZ THOMAS , JADIDI AMIR S.
Published: June 2013

Enhanced Efficiency of a Novel Porous Tip Irrigated RF Ablation Catheter

Introduction

Irrigated tip radiofrequency (RF) catheter ablation is the most frequently used technology for pulmonary vein isolation (PVI). The purpose of this study was to compare the efficiency and the safety of 2 different open irrigated tip RF ablation catheters.

Methods and Results

A total of 160 patients with symptomatic AF (29% persistent, 68% male, 61 ± 10 years) were randomized to circumferential PVI using 2 different irrigated tip catheters: (1) the novel Thermocool SF® with a porous tip (56 holes) or (2) the Thermocool® catheter with 6 irrigation holes at the distal tip in both power‐ and temperature‐controlled modes.

PVI procedural time and RF duration were significantly shorter with SF® versus Thermocool® catheter: 104.5 versus 114 minutes (P = 0.023) and 35.4 minutes versus 39.9 minutes (P < 0.001), respectively. Similarly, the total fluoroscopy time and dose were shorter with SF® versus. Thermocool® catheter: 21 minutes versus 24 minutes (P = 0.02) and 1014.5 μGy*m2 versus 1377 μGy*m2 (P < 0.0001), respectively. Irrigation volume was lower with SF®: 600 mL versus 1100 mL, (P < 0.0001) and the rates of complications were not significantly different (0.6% vs 0.49%, P = 0.66). At 20.5 ± 7.5 months follow‐up, there were no significant differences with regard to arrhythmia freedom between SF® (59.2%) and TC® groups (59.3%), (P = 0.61).

Conclusions

Using the novel irrigated tip SF catheter, PVI is achieved within a shorter ablation and procedural durations. The underlying mechanisms and potential differences in RF lesion size remain to be elucidated.
Automatic macroscopic density artefact removal in a Nissl‐stained microscopic atlas of whole mouse brain
Authors: DING W. , LI A. , WU J. , YANG Z. , MENG Y. , WANG S. , GONG H.
Published: June 2013

Acquiring a whole mouse brain at the micrometer scale is a complex, continuous and time‐consuming process. Because of defects caused by sample preparation and microscopy, the acquired image data sets suffer from various macroscopic density artefacts that worsen the image quality. We have to develop the available preprocessing methods to improve image quality by removing the artefacts that effect cell segmentation, vascular tracing and visualization. In this study, a set of automatic artefact removal methods is proposed for images obtained by tissue staining and optical microscopy. These methods significantly improve the complicated images that contain various structures, including cells and blood vessels. The whole mouse brain data set with Nissl staining was tested, and the intensity of the processed images was uniformly distributed throughout different brain areas. Furthermore, the processed image data set with its uniform brightness and high quality is now a fundamental atlas for image analysis, including cell segmentation, vascular tracing and visualization.
NCIDQ's Early History: Important Developments from 1970 to 1990
Authors: Harwood Buie
Published: June 2013

The National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) is the first and only organization developing and administering an interior design qualification examination in the United States and Canada. This organization also addresses certification, legal registration, and other issues relating to professional qualification. This paper chronicles the most important developments and changes in the formation and early years of NCIDQ from 1970 to 1990. During this period, the organizational membership shifted from representatives of member associations to primarily one of the representatives from state and provincial regulatory boards. Few systematic studies document these formative decades in NCIDQ's early history. Important investigative resources include the organization's meeting minutes, historical summaries of activities and initiatives, and related scholarly articles from journals in the discipline. The research methodology involves a critical, systematic review and historical qualitative analysis of primary and secondary resources through a content analysis by grouping the most relevant, important, and significant content into a historical timeline. The results led to the categories of NCIDQ's founding and governance, examination developments and research, and legal registration and certification. NCIDQ's early history documents efforts to emulate the NCARB model incorporating standards and criteria in education, experience, and examination to address career path standards in interior design. Through these efforts and contributions to the profession, NCIDQ has left an indelible footprint on the formation of the discipline of interior design and forged avenues for future growth, as described herein.
The Politics of Names among Chinese Indonesians in Java
Authors: Bailey Benjamin , Lie Sunny
Published: June 2013

Many Chinese Indonesians under the age of 45 in Java have names that are instantly recognized by Indonesians as distinctively Chinese Indonesian. Such names, e.g., Nick Wijaya, commonly consist of a first name that is English or European and a family name that “sounds Indonesian,” was coined after 1965, and contains a syllable from a traditional Chinese surname. Distinctively Chinese Indonesian names are explained in terms of state and ethnic politics in Indonesia during the second half of the 20th century. A specific attribute of proper names that we call their “duality of meaning”—they are fixed to a person like a label at the same time that they continue to signify as more general linguistic signs—makes them particularly potent for social‐identity negotiations. Giving Western first names and using newly coined surnames containing Chinese elements has served both as a form of resistance to discriminatory Indonesian state assimilation policies and as a form of boundary‐marking for ethnic Chinese, who make up less than four percent of the Indonesian population. Western names connote cosmopolitan educational and socioeconomic aspirations for many Chinese Indonesians, characteristics that they value highly and perceive as distinguishing themselves from many other (non‐Chinese) Indonesians.
Reality Television and the Metapragmatics of Racism
Authors: Pardo Rebecca
Published: June 2013

In the contemporary United States, racism is commonly thought to be located in the hearts and minds of a particular negatively valorized social figure: the “racist.” Racist discourse is often implicit and indexical, and interracial interactions may be overdetermined by mutual “racial paranoia” (Jackson 2008) about interlocutors' true thoughts. In this paper I argue that the reality television genre has a unique engagement with tropes of authenticity and intentionality that exploits this dynamic of suspicion. I take as an example a conflict that occurred on an episode of Survivor around comments made by a White southern man to an African American woman. In the scenes analyzed, racial paranoia is itself mobilized as a narrative hook. Participants prod each other to reveal the indexical meaning that they suspect is underlying each other's utterances, showing a perceived incongruence between language and intention. Casting, production, and editorial practices contribute to the dramatization of racism as interpersonal conflict. I show that interventions like sound mixing, the use of testimonial interviews, and the editorial placement of reaction shots reinscribe broader cultural oppositions between “authentic” mental states and “false” performed identities.