bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
When Do Sell‐side Analyst Reports Really Matter? Shareholder Protection, Institutional Investors and the Informativeness of Equity Research
Authors: Arand Daniel , Kerl Alexander , Walter Andreas
Published: July 2013

We examine whether the informativeness of sell‐side analyst reports depends on the strength of the regulatory environment of a country and the regulatory background of the institutional investors of a company. Based on both measures that we use to proxy the informativeness of analyst research (i.e., short‐term market reaction and forecast errors with respect to corporate earnings), our results show that the information value of research increases as the level of investor protection increases. This result is robust to different specifications of investor protection. We further demonstrate that analyst forecasts are more (less) valuable when the majority of institutional investors are from strong (weak) investor protection countries.
Mortality Modeling With Non‐Gaussian Innovations and Applications to the Valuation of Longevity Swaps
Authors: Wang Chou‐Wen , Huang Hong‐Chih , Liu I‐Chien
Published: July 2013

ABSTRACT

This article provides an iterative fitting algorithm to generate maximum likelihood estimates under the Cox regression model and employs non‐Gaussian distributions—the jump diffusion (JD), variance gamma (VG), and normal inverse Gaussian (NIG) distributions—to model the error terms of the Renshaw and Haberman () (RH) model. In terms of mean absolute percentage error, the RH model with non‐Gaussian innovations provides better mortality projections, using 1900–2009 mortality data from England and Wales, France, and Italy. Finally, the lower hedge costs of longevity swaps according to the RH model with non‐Gaussian innovations are not only based on the lower swap curves implied by the best prediction model, but also in terms of the fatter tails of the unexpected losses it generates.
Why (Re)insurance is Not Systemic
Authors: Kessler Denis
Published: July 2013

The traditional model of (re)insurance lacks the elements that make a financial institution systemically important: risks are effectively pulverized; liabilities tend to be prefunded, which eliminates most of the leverage in the traditional sense; and active asset‐liability management reduces most of the liquidity mismatch that traditionally propagates systemic risk. (Re)insurers that have stuck to this traditional business model have successfully weathered the crisis, even playing a stabilizing role. Unfortunately, this is not sufficiently recognized in the current IAIS/FSB1 debate on assessing systemic risk in the (re)insurance sector.
Keraunea gen. nov. (Convolvulaceae) from Brazil
Authors: Cheek Martin , Simão‐Bianchini Rosangela
Published: July 2013

Keraunea Cheek & Simão‐Bianchini gen. nov. (Convolvulaceae) from Brazil is described and illustrated as the third known neuropeltoid genus. It appears allied to the Old World genera of Neuropeltis Wall and Neuropeltopsis Ooststr. in having wind‐dispersed fruits not by enlarged sepals, but subtended by an enlarged papery bract to which the pedicel is adnate, and flowers in which the bracteoles are absent or usually very inconspicuous. Keraunea brasiliensis, the single species thus far known, is here assessed as ‘Endangered’.
The diatom flora in temporary ponds of Doñana National Park (southwest Spain): five new taxa
Authors: Blanco Saúl , Álvarez‐Blanco Irene , Cejudo‐Figueiras Cristina , Espejo José Manuel Recio , Barrera César Borja , Bécares Eloy , del Olmo Fernando Díaz , Artigas Rafael Cámara
Published: July 2013

Doñana temporary ponds (southwest Spain) form a system of water bodies of remarkable ecological singularity with a high protection status. However, its species composition, diversity, and distribution of algal communities are largely unknown. During a biological survey carried out in shallow temporary ponds in 2010, several unknown diatom taxa were found in various population densities in the epiphyton of these systems. Detailed light and scanning electron microscopy observations allowed the description of five of them (Eunotia vozmedianoi, Planothidium lacustre, Halamphora tharsis, G. undulans and Pinnularia acidophila var. baetica) as taxa new to science. Differential diagnostic criteria with respect to similar taxa, together with ecological and biogeographical implications of these findings, are briefly discussed. Our results support recent studies indicating that endemism in diatoms might be a widespread pattern.
Explaining the species richness of birds along a subtropical elevational gradient in the Hengduan Mountains
Authors: Wu Yongjie , Colwell Robert K. , Rahbek Carsten , Zhang Chunlan , Quan Qing , Wang Changke , Lei Fumin
Published: July 2013

Aim

To document the species richness pattern of birds in the Hengduan Mountains and to understand its causes.

Location

Hengduan Mountains, China.

Methods

Species richness of 738 breeding bird species was calculated for each 100‐m elevational band along a gradient from 100 to 6000 m a.s.l. Climate data were compiled based on monthly records from 182 meteorological stations in the Hengduan Mountains from 1959 to 2004. We calculated the planimetric area, predicted richness under geometric constraints, three‐year average NDVI (normalized difference vegetation index) and EVI (enhanced vegetation index) in each elevational band. Simple and multiple regression models were used to test the explanatory power of variables associated with different factors proposed to account for elevational species richness gradients.

Results

The elevational pattern in species richness, for all breeding birds, was hump‐shaped, with the peak occurring at 800–1800 m elevation. Endemic and non‐endemic species, as well as four elevational range size categories of birds, also showed the general hump‐shaped patterns of species richness, but with peaks at different elevations. In most data sets, species richness correlated well with climatic and energy factors along the elevational gradients; seasonality and productivity had a strong statistical relationship with species richness of montane birds in this study, with geometric constraints contributing to richness patterns for larger‐ranged species endemic to the gradient.

Main conclusions

We found that climatic and energy factors correlate well with the richness pattern of birds, and that on the surveyed subtropical mountain, the elevational bands with highest seasonality harbour fewer species than areas with less seasonal variation in temperature. The results, however, vary somewhat among taxonomic groups. The most diverse species groups and species with the broadest ranges have a disproportionate influence on our perception of the overall diversity pattern and its underlying explanatory factors.
Catheter Versus Surgical Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation After a Failed Initial Pulmonary Vein Isolation Procedure: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: POKUSHALOV EVGENY , ROMANOV ALEXANDER , ELESIN DMITRY , BOGACHEV‐PROKOPHIEV ALEXANDER , LOSIK DENIS , BAIRAMOVA SEVDA , KARASKOV ALEXANDER , STEINBERG JONATHAN S.
Published: July 2013

Catheter Versus Surgical Ablation

Introduction

The aim of this prospective randomized study was to compare the efficacy and safety of catheter ablation (CA) versus surgical ablation (SA) in the treatment of paroxysmal and persistent AF after failed initial pulmonary vein isolation procedure.

Methods and Results

Patients with a history of symptomatic AF after a previous failed first ablation procedure were eligible for this study. Patients were randomized to CA (n = 32) or SA (n = 32) redo ablation. The primary endpoint was recurrence of atrial tachyarrhythmia at 1 year of follow‐up.

At the 12‐month follow‐up, 26 (81%) of the 32 SA group patients and 15 (47%) of the 32 CA group were AF/AT‐free on no antiarrhythmic drugs (P = 0.004, log‐rank test). In patients with PAF, 17 (85%) patients of the 20 in SA group and 10 (56%) patients of the 18 in CA group were AF‐free (P = 0.04, log‐rank test). In patients with PersAF, 9 (75%) patients of the 12 in SA group and 5 (36%) patients of the 14 in CA group were AF‐free (P = 0.04, log‐rank test). The number of the serious adverse event in the SA group was significantly higher (1 CA group vs 7 SA group; P = 0.02).

Conclusion

In patients with PAF and PersAF after failed initial CA, SA is superior to CA for maintenance of sinus rhythm, although serious adverse event rate is significantly higher for SA.
Cryoablation Versus RF Ablation for AVNRT: A Meta‐Analysis and Systematic Review
Authors: HANNINEN MIKAEL , YEUNG‐LAI‐WAH NICOLE , MASSEL DAVID , GULA LORNE J. , SKANES ALLAN C. , YEE RAYMOND , KLEIN GEORGE J. , MANLUCU JAIMIE , LEONG‐SIT PETER
Published: July 2013

Meta‐Analysis of Cryoablation for AVNRT

Introduction

Atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia (AVNRT) is the most common supraventricular tachycardia referred for ablation. High success rates have been accompanied with a small risk of atrioventricular (AV) block. Cryoablation has been used as an alternative to radiofrequency (RF) ablation, but studies have been underpowered in comparing the 2 techniques.

Methods and Results

An electronic search and hand‐search of reference lists for published and unpublished data was carried out. Comparative studies (cohort and randomized controlled trials) of RF versus cryoablation for AVNRT were identified independently by 2 reviewers. Searches were limited to English language human studies. The primary metameter was long‐term AVNRT recurrence (>2 months postprocedure and ECG/electrophysiology study [EPS]‐documented) and secondary metameters included acute procedural failure and AV block requiring pacing. A total of 5,617 patients in 14 trials were included in this systematic review. Acute procedural failure with cryoablation was slightly higher than with RF ablation, but the difference was not statistically significant (risk ratio [RR] 1.44 [95% confidence interval; CI 0.91–2.28], P = 0.12). Long‐term recurrence was higher with cryoablation (RR 3.66 [95% CI 1.84–7.28], P = 0.0002) even after adjusting for larger (6 mm) cryocatheter tips, “insurance lesions” and longer (>6 months) follow‐up duration. RF ablation for AVNRT was associated with permanent AV block in 0.75% of patients, but was not reported in any patients treated with cryoablation (n = 1066, P = 0.01).

Conclusions

Cryoablation is a safe and effective treatment for AVNRT. Although late‐recurrence is more common with cryoablation than with RF ablation, avoidance of permanent AVN block makes it an attractive option in patients where the avoidance of AV block assumes higher priority (such as children and young adults).
The New Hypertension Guidelines
Authors: H. Stern Ralph
Published: July 2013

The Canadian Hypertension Education Program (CHEP) has published guidelines annually since 2000. The CHEP guidelines are a model of concise, comprehensive, up‐to‐date, evidence‐rated guidelines for physicians who diagnose and treat hypertension. The guidelines address measurement of blood pressure and the definition of hypertension, secondary hypertension evaluation and treatment, and blood pressure targets and medication choices in patients with and without compelling indications. This review describes CHEP's process for developing guidelines and provides an overview of the 2013 recommendations.
Case report: concurrent herpesviral and presumptive iridoviral infection associated with disease in cultured shortnose sturgeon,Acipenser brevirostrum(L.), from theAtlantic coast ofCanada
Authors: LaPatra S E , Groff J M , Keith I , Hogans W E , Groman D
Published: July 2013

Approximately 8 weeks after a chlorine insult associated with the city water supply, shortnose sturgeon,Acipenser brevirostrum(L.), from one group presented with small (3–4 mm) irregular foci of cutaneous pallor that involved the dorsocranial integument with progressive ulceration of the nascent lesions. Various bacterial organisms were isolated from the cutaneous lesions, but not from the internal viscera. Histologically, the nuclei of the intralesional and perilesional epidermal cells often exhibited margination of the chromatin that resulted in a homogenous, pale, amphophilic, tinctorial quality of the nucleoplasm consistent with a herpesvirus infection. In addition, rare lamellar epithelial cells were prominently enlarged due to an abundant, dense, basophilic cytoplasm characteristic of an iridovirus infection. Inoculation of cutaneous lesion and kidney, spleen, liver sample pools from affected shortnose sturgeon onto white sturgeon spleen (WSS‐2) cell line induced cytopathic effect characterized by syncytia formation. Ultrastructural analysis of infectedWSS‐2 cells revealed viral particles with a characteristic herpesvirus morphology. Intranuclear hexagonal capsids had a diameter of 95–108 nm, and enveloped particles present in the cytoplasm of infected cells had a diameter of 176–196 nm. This is the first report of a herpesvirus and a possible iridovirus‐like infection in shortnose sturgeon.
Colorectal cancer‐susceptibility single‐nucleotide polymorphisms in Korean population
Authors: Hong Sung Noh , Park Changho , Kim Jong‐il , Kim Duk‐Hwan , Kim Hee Cheol , Chang Dong Kyung , Rhee Poong‐Lyul , Kim Jae J. , Rhee Jong Chul , Son Hee Jung , Kim Young‐Ho
Published: July 2013

Background and Aim

Considering the significant racial and ethnic diversity in genetic variation, it is unclear whether the genome‐wide association studies‐identified colorectal cancer (CRC)‐susceptibility single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) discovered in European populations are also relevant to the Korean population. However, studies on CRC‐susceptibility SNPs in Koreans are limited.

Methods

To investigate the racial and ethnic diversity of CRC‐susceptibility genetic variants, we genotyped for the established European CRC‐susceptibility SNPs in 198 CRC cases and 329 controls in Korea. To identify novel genetic variants using genome‐wide screening in Korea, Illumina HumanHap 370K/610K BeadChips were performed on 105 CRC patients, and candidate CRC‐susceptibility SNPs were selected. Subsequently, genotyping for replication was done in 189 CRC cases and 190 controls.

Results

Among the European CRC‐susceptibility SNPs, rs4939827 in SMAD7 was associated with a significant decreased risk of Korean CRC (age‐/gender‐adjusted odds ratio [95% confidence interval]: additive model, 0.67 [95% CI, 0.47–0.95]; dominant model, 0.59 [95% CI, 0.39–0.91]). rs4779584 and rs10795668 were associated with CRC risk in females and males, respectively. Among candidate CRC‐susceptibility SNPs selected from genome‐wide screening, novel SNP, rs17051076, was found to be associated with a significantly increased risk of microsatellite instability‐high CRC (age‐/gender‐adjusted odds ratio [95% confidence interval]: additive model, 4.25 [95% CI, 1.51–11.98]; dominant model, 3.52 [95% CI, 1.13–10.94]) in the replication study.

Conclusions

rs4939827, rs4779584, and rs10795668 may contribute to the risk of CRC in the Korean population as well as in European populations. Novel rs17051076 could be associated with microsatellite instability‐high CRC in Koreans. These associations support the ethnic diversity of CRC‐susceptibility SNPs and should be taken into account in large‐scale studies.
Prevalence and risk factors of fatty liver disease in young and middle‐aged population: One center study in southwestern China
Authors: Xiao Shao‐Jun , Fu Guang‐Jian , Lv Ya‐Lan , Zhong Xiao‐Ni , Wang Run‐Hua
Published: July 2013

Background and Aim

Fatty liver disease has become common hepatic disease not only in western countries but also in developing countries in Asia‐Pacific area. Our aim was to determine the prevalence and risk factors of fatty liver disease as well as its correlation with metabolic syndrome in young and middle‐aged population.

Methods

Data were collected from check‐up center at the 1st Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University in 2011. Relationships of fatty liver disease and age, body mass index, and metabolic syndrome were determined. Logistic regression was performed to identify the risk factors for fatty liver disease.

Results

Data of 18 676 subjects (mean age 40.55 ± 9.94 ranging from 18 to 59) were analyzed. The prevalence of fatty liver disease was 22.0% and increased along with age, body mass index, and the presence and severity of metabolic syndrome. In logistic regression, living area was significantly associated with fatty liver in total population. Male, overweight and obese, waist‐to‐height ratio ≥ 0.5, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, high triglyceride, low high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, and fasting plasma glucose ≥ 7.0 mmol/L were common independent risk factors for fatty liver disease in urban and rural areas. Older age and white blood cell over 5.5 ×109/L were related to fatty liver disease in urban area. Obesity was the most important factors in both areas.

Conclusion

Fatty liver disease was prevalent in young and middle‐aged population and mainly associated to multiple metabolic disorders.
Feasibility of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography‐related procedures in hemodialysis patients
Authors: Hori Yasuki , Naitoh Itaru , Nakazawa Takahiro , Hayashi Kazuki , Miyabe Katsuyuki , Shimizu Shuya , Kondo Hiromu , Yoshida Michihiro , Yamashita Hiroaki , Umemura Shuichiro , Ban Tessin , Okumura Fumihiro , Sano Hitoshi , Takada Hiroki , Joh Takashi
Published: July 2013

Background and Aim

The opportunities of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)‐related procedure for hemodialysis (HD) patients have been increasing recently. However, the complication rate of ERCPs in HD patients has not been evaluated sufficiently. We aimed to clarify the feasibility of ERCPs in HD patients.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed 76 consecutive ERCPs for HD patients between January 2005 and December 2012 in one university hospital and three tertiary‐care referral centers. Endoscopic sphincterotomy (EST) was performed in 21 HD patients. We evaluated the incidence and risk factors for complications of all ERCPs and EST in HD patients.

Results

The incidence of pancreatitis, cholangitis, and cardiopulmonary complications for ERCPs in HD patients was 7.9% (6/76), 1.3% (1/76), and 1.3% (1/76), respectively. The mortality rate was 2.6% (2/76), and it occurred after acute pancreatitis in one patient and pneumonia in the other patient. The incidence of hemorrhage and pancreatitis with EST was 19% (4/21) and 4.8% (1/21), respectively. The duration of HD was significantly longer in the patients with hemorrhage after EST than without (19.5 vs 6 years; P = 0.029).

Conclusions

ERCP is feasible in HD patients. However, EST is not advisable because of the high hemorrhage rate, particularly for patients with a long duration of HD.
Assessment of health‐related quality of life and how it predicts the outcome of pegylated interferon and ribavirin therapy for chronic hepatitis C
Authors: Matsushita Hiroshi , Ikeda Fusao , Iwasaki Yoshiaki , Seki Hiroyuki , Nanba Shintaro , Takeuchi Yasuto , Moritou Yuki , Yasunaka Tetsuya , Onishi Hideki , Miyake Yasuhiro , Takaki Akinobu , Nouso Kazuhiro , Yamamoto Kazuhide
Published: July 2013

Background and Aim

Chronic infection with hepatitis C virus (HCV) decreases health‐related quality of life (HRQOL). The present study was planned to investigate the impact of HRQOL of patients with chronic hepatitis C (CHC) on the outcomes of therapy with pegylated interferon and ribavirin (RBV), in addition to IL28B polymorphisms.

Methods

The present study enrolled 228 CHC patients and assessed their HRQOLs prospectively with the 36‐item short‐form health survey.

Results

The patients with CHC have lower physical HRQOL status than the general population (P = 0.037, the Z‐test). The patients with advanced liver diseases exhibited further decreases in HRQOL (P = 0.036, Spearman's rank correlation coefficient). The score of total HRQOL was significantly lower in the group with sustained virological response (SVR) to the therapy with pegylated interferon and RBV than the non‐SVR group (P = 0.031, the Mann–Whitney U‐test), with significantly lower scores of mental component and its comprising subscales in the SVR group. Stepwise multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that low HRQOL score ≤ 400 points was significantly associated with SVR (odds ratio = 2.4, P = 0.013), independently from high platelet counts, low HCV RNA, favorable single‐nucleotide polymorphism type of IL28B, and HCV serotype 2. The patients with low HRQOL score will have significantly less decrease in HRQOL score by 4 weeks of the treatment than those with high HRQOL score at baseline (P = 0.0045).

Conclusion

HRQOL is one of the significant predictor of the outcomes of therapy with pegylated interferon and RBV independently from IL28B polymorphism.
Comparative outcomes of elderly and non‐elderly patients receiving first‐line palliative chemotherapy for advanced biliary tract cancer
Authors: Kou Tadayuki , Kanai Masashi , Ikezawa Kenji , Ajiki Tetsuo , Tsukamoto Tadashi , Toyokawa Hideyoshi , Yazumi Shujiro , Terajima Hiroaki , Furuyama Hiroaki , Nagano Hiroaki , Ikai Iwao , Kuroda Nobukazu , Awane Masaaki , Ochiai Toshiya , Takemura Shigekazu , Miyamoto Atsushi , Kume Makoto , Ogawa Masao , Takeda Yutaka , Taira Kaoru , Ioka Tatsuya
Published: July 2013

Background and Aim

Few studies have reported the efficacy and safety of palliative chemotherapy in elderly patients with advanced biliary tract cancer. We aimed to investigate the clinical outcomes of palliative chemotherapy for advanced biliary tract cancer in elderly patients.

Methods

We retrospectively evaluated 403 consecutive patients who received palliative chemotherapy between April 2006 and March 2009 for pathologically confirmed unresectable or recurrent biliary tract cancer. Clinical outcomes of the elderly group (≥ 75 years old; n = 94) were compared with those of the non‐elderly group (< 75 years old; n = 309).

Results

Except for the extent of disease, patient baseline characteristics were well balanced between both groups. The median overall survival was 10.4 months in the elderly group and 11.5 months in the non‐elderly group (hazard ratio, 1.14; 95% confidence interval, 0.89–1.45; P = 0.31). Although the frequency of adverse events between both groups was similar, interstitial pneumonitis was significantly more frequent in the elderly group than in the non‐elderly group (4.3% vs 0%, P < 0.01).

Conclusions

In advanced biliary tract cancer, overall survival of elderly patients receiving palliative chemotherapy is comparable with that of non‐elderly patients. To our knowledge, this is one of the largest studies that have reported the clinical outcomes of elderly patients following palliative chemotherapy.
Anti‐programmed cell death‐1 antibody as a new serological marker for type 1 autoimmune hepatitis
Authors: Matsumoto Kazuyuki , Miyake Yasuhiro , Matsushita Hiroshi , Ohnishi Atsuyuki , Ikeda Fusao , Shiraha Hidenori , Takaki Akinobu , Nouso Kazuhiro , Yamamoto Kazuhide
Published: July 2013

Background and Aim

Recently, the association of the dysfunction of programmed cell death (PD)‐1 expressed on activated lymphocytes with the pathogenesis of autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) has been speculated. This study aimed to investigate the association of serum anti‐PD‐1 antibodies with clinical characteristics of type 1 AIH.

Methods

Serum samples before the initiation of prednisolone treatment were obtained from 52 type 1 AIH patients, 24 patients with drug‐induced liver injury (DILI), 30 patients with acute viral hepatitis (AVH), 11 patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), and 62 healthy volunteers. Titers of serum anti‐PD‐1 antibodies were measured by indirect enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. The cutoff level was represented by a mean absorbance + 2 standard deviations in healthy volunteers.

Results

Prevalence of serum anti‐PD‐1 antibodies was 63% in type 1 AIH patients, 8% in DILI patients, 13% in AVH patients, 18% in PSC patients, and 3% in healthy volunteers. In type 1 AIH patients, titers of serum anti‐PD‐1 antibodies were correlated with serum levels of bilirubin (r = 0.31, P = 0.030) and alanine aminotransferase (r = 0.31, P = 0.027) but not serum immunoglobulin G levels. Positivity for serum anti‐PD‐1 antibodies was associated with the later normalization of serum alanine aminotransferase levels after the initiation of prednisolone and the disease relapse.

Conclusions

Serum anti‐PD‐1 antibodies would be useful for the discrimination of type 1 AIH from DILI, AVH, and PSC as an auxiliary diagnostic marker. Furthermore, anti‐PD‐1 antibodies may be associated with clinical characteristics of type 1 AIH.
Promoter‐like sequences regulating transcriptional activity in neurexin and neuroligin genes
Authors: Runkel Fabian , Rohlmann Astrid , Reissner Carsten , Brand Stefan‐Martin , Missler Markus
Published: July 2013

Synapse function requires the cell‐adhesion molecules neurexins (Nrxn) and neuroligins (Nlgn). Although these molecules are essential for neurotransmission and prefer distinct isoform combinations for interaction, little is known about their transcriptional regulation. Here, we started to explore this important aspect because expression of Nrxn1‐3 and Nlgn1‐3 genes is altered in mice lacking the transcriptional regulator methyl‐CpG‐binding protein2 (MeCP2). Since MeCP2 can bind to methylated CpG‐dinucleotides and Nrxn/Nlgn contain CpG‐islands, we tested genomic sequences for transcriptional activity in reporter gene assays. We found that their influence on transcription are differentially activating or inhibiting. As we observed an activity difference between heterologous and neuronal cell lines for distinct Nrxn1 and Nlgn2 sequences, we dissected their putative promoter regions. In both genes, we identify regions in exon1 that can induce transcription, in addition to the alternative transcriptional start points in exon2. While the 5′‐regions of Nrxn1 and Nlgn2 contain two CpG‐rich elements that show distinct methylation frequency and binding to MeCP2, other regions may act independently of this transcriptional regulator. These data provide first insights into regulatory sequences of Nrxn and Nlgn genes that may represent an important aspect of their function at synapses in health and disease.

image

Neurexins and neuroligins constitute large families of synaptic cell‐surface molecules that play essential roles in neurotransmission and are linked to autism spectrum disorders and schizophrenia. To better understand their gene regulation, we analyze putative promoter regions for transcriptional activity. Expression involves the brain‐specific regulator MeCP2 and methylation frequency, suggesting an unexpected pathway for regulating their distribution, splicing or activity‐dependent plasticity.
Effects of VMAT2 inhibitors lobeline and GZ‐793A on methamphetamine‐induced changes in dopamine release, metabolism and synthesis in vivo
Authors: Meyer Andrew C. , Neugebauer Nichole M. , Zheng Guangrong , Crooks Peter A. , Dwoskin Linda P. , Bardo Michael T.
Published: July 2013

Vesicular monoamine transporter‐2 (VMAT2) inhibitors reduce methamphetamine (METH) reward in rats. The current study determined the effects of VMAT2 inhibitors lobeline (LOB; 1 or 3 mg/kg) and N‐(1,2R‐dihydroxylpropyl)‐2,6‐cis‐di(4‐methoxyphenethyl)piperidine hydrochloride (GZ‐793A; 15 or 30 mg/kg) on METH‐induced (0.5 mg/kg, SC) changes in extracellular dopamine (DA) and its metabolite dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC) in the reward‐relevant nucleus accumbens (NAc) shell using in vivo microdialysis. The effect of GZ‐793A (15 mg/kg) on DA synthesis in tissue also was investigated in NAc, striatum, medial prefrontal cortex and orbitofrontal cortex. In NAc shell, METH produced a time‐dependent increase in extracellular DA and decrease in DOPAC. Neither LOB nor GZ‐793A alone altered extracellular DA; however, both drugs increased extracellular DOPAC. In combination with METH, LOB did not alter the effects of METH on DA; however, GZ‐793A, which has greater selectivity than LOB for inhibiting VMAT2, reduced the duration of the METH‐induced increase in extracellular DA. Both LOB and GZ‐793A enhanced the duration of the METH‐induced decrease in extracellular DOPAC. METH also increased tissue DA synthesis in NAc and striatum, whereas GZ‐793A decreased synthesis; no effect of METH or GZ‐793A on DA synthesis was found in medial prefrontal cortex or orbitofrontal cortex. These results suggest that selective inhibition of VMAT2 produces a time‐dependent decrease in DA release in NAc shell as a result of alterations in tyrosine hydroxylase activity, which may play a role in the ability of GZ‐793A to decrease METH reward.

image

We determined if inhibition of the vesicular monoamine transporter (VMAT2) alters METH‐induced changes in dopamine (DA) release, metabolism, and synthesis in vivo. Our results suggest that selective inhibition of VMAT2 produces a time‐dependent decrease in DA release as a result of alterations in tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) activity, which may play a role in the ability of the VMAT2 inhibitor GZ‐793A to decrease METH reward.
TRPC6 channel‐mediated neurite outgrowth in PC12 cells and hippocampal neurons involves activation of RAS/MEK/ERK, PI3K, and CAMKIV signaling
Authors: Heiser Jeanine H. , Schuwald Anita M. , Sillani Giacomo , Ye Lian , Müller Walter E. , Leuner Kristina
Published: July 2013

The non‐selective cationic transient receptor canonical 6 (TRPC6) channels are involved in synaptic plasticity changes ranging from dendritic growth, spine morphology changes and increase in excitatory synapses. We previously showed that the TRPC6 activator hyperforin, the active antidepressant component of St. John's wort, induces neuritic outgrowth and spine morphology changes in PC12 cells and hippocampal CA1 neurons. However, the signaling cascade that transmits the hyperforin‐induced transient rise in intracellular calcium into neuritic outgrowth is not yet fully understood. Several signaling pathways are involved in calcium transient‐mediated changes in synaptic plasticity, ranging from calmodulin‐mediated Ras‐induced signaling cascades comprising the mitogen‐activated protein kinase, PI3K signal transduction pathways as well as Ca2+/calmodulin‐dependent protein kinase II (CAMKII) and CAMKIV. We show that several mechanisms are involved in TRPC6‐mediated synaptic plasticity changes in PC12 cells and primary hippocampal neurons. Influx of calcium via TRPC6 channels activates different pathways including Ras/mitogen‐activated protein kinase/extracellular signal‐regulated kinases, phosphatidylinositide 3‐kinase/protein kinase B, and CAMKIV in both cell types, leading to cAMP‐response element binding protein phosphorylation. These findings are interesting not only in terms of the downstream targets of TRPC6 channels but also because of their potential to facilitate further understanding of St. John's wort extract‐mediated antidepressant activity.

image

Alterations in synaptic plasticity are considered to play an important role in the pathogenesis of depression. Beside several other proteins, TRPC6 channels regulate synaptic plasticity. This study demonstrates that different pathways including Ras/MEK/ERK, PI3K/Akt, and CAMKIV are involved in the improvement of synaptic plasticity by the TRPC6 activator hyperforin, the antidepressant active constituent of St. John's wort extract.
Quantitative analysis of microscopicX‐ray computed tomography imaging: Japanese quail embryonic soft tissues with iodine staining
Authors: Tahara Rui , Larsson Hans C. E.
Published: July 2013

Rapid three‐dimensional imaging of embryos to better understand the complex process of morphogenesis has been challenging. Recently introduced iodine staining protocols (I2KIand alcoholic iodine stains) combined with microscopic X‐ray computed tomography allows visualization of soft tissues in diverse small organisms and tissue specimens.I2KIprotocols have been developed specifically for small animals, with a limited number of quantitative studies of soft tissue contrasts. To take full advantage of the low X‐ray attenuation of ethanol and retain bound iodine while dehydrating the specimen in ethanol, we developed an ethanolI2KIprotocol. We present comparative microscopic X‐ray computed tomography analyses of ethanolI2KIand I2KIstaining protocols to assess the performance of this new protocol to visualize soft tissue anatomy in late stage Japanese quail embryos using quantitative measurements of soft tissue contrasts and sample shrinkage. Both protocols had only 5% shrinkage compared with the original harvested specimen, supporting the use of whole mounts to minimize tissue shrinkage effects. Discrimination within and among the selected organs with each staining protocol and microscopic X‐ray computed tomography imaging were comparable to those of a gray scale histological section. Tissue discrimination was assessed using calibratedcomputed tomographyvalues and a newdiscriminationindex to quantify the degree ofcomputed tomographyvalue overlaps between selected soft tissue regions. Tissue contrasts were dependent on the depth of the tissue within the embryos before the embryos were saturated with each stain solution, and optimal stain saturations for the entire embryo were achieved at 14 and 28 days staining forI2KIand ethanolI2KI, respectively. EthanolI2KIprovided superior soft tissue contrasts by reducing overstaining of fluid‐filled spaces and differentially modulating staining of some tissues, such as bronchial and esophageal walls and spinal cord. Delineating the selected soft tissues using optimal threshold ranges derived from the quantitative analyses of the contrast enhancement in optimally stained embryos is possible. The protocols presented here are expected to be applicable to other organisms with modifications to staining time and contribute toward rapid and more efficient segmentation of soft tissues for three‐dimensional visualization.
‘Safe enough in here?’: patients' expectations and experiences of feeling safe in an acute psychiatric inpatient ward
Authors: Stenhouse Rosemary C
Published: July 2013

Aims and objectives

To understand the experience of being a patient on an acute psychiatric inpatient ward.

Background

Acute psychiatric inpatient care is an integral part of the mental health system. A key driver for admission to acute wards is risk. Previous research indicates that people do not always feel safe when in an acute ward. Understanding the patient experience of safety can influence nursing practice, as well as policy and service development.

Design

A qualitative approach was used. Patient experience was conceptualised as represented through narrative as data. Sociolinguistic theories linking narrative structure with meaning informed the development of the analytic framework.

Methods

Thirteen patients with a variety of diagnoses were recruited from an acute ward. Unstructured interviews were carried out in participants' homes two and six weeks postdischarge. Holistic analysis of each individual's data set was undertaken. Themes running across these holistic analyses were then identified and developed.

Results

Participant narratives were focused around themes of help, safety and power. This study presents findings relating to the experience of safety. Participants expected to be safe from themselves and from others. Initially, they experienced a sense of safety from the outside world. Lack of knowledge of their fellow patients made them feel vulnerable. Participants expected the nurses to keep them safe, and felt safer when there were male nurses present.

Conclusions

Participants talk about safety in terms of psychological and physical safety. A key issue was the perception of threat from other patients, highlighting the need to consider patient safety as more than physical safety.

Relevance to practice

Nurses need to be sensitive to the possibility that patients feel unsafe in the absence of obvious threat. Institutional structures that challenge patients' sense of safety must be examined.
The performance of an online osteoporosis detection system a sensitivity and specificity analysis
Authors: Chang Shu Fang , Hong Chin Ming , Yang Rong Sen
Published: July 2013

Aims and objectives

To develop an online system for the detection of osteoporosis risk and to test its accuracy.

Background

Osteoporosis is a silent killer; usually, there are no symptoms, such as pain, until bone erosion and fracture occur. The risks of osteoporosis have been underestimated and neglected; as a result, osteoporosis can be as dangerous as heart diseases and cancers that lead to a healthcare crisis.

Design

Cross‐sectional study.

Methods

The study participants were individuals presenting for routine health examinations at a medical centre in Taiwan from 2006–2007. Women over 30 years of age who underwent dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry scanning for measurement of bone mineral density were eligible for this study. The system for osteoporosis detection and health risk, which was developed in this study, was analysed.

Results

The findings indicated a high sensitivity of 75%, specificity of 75%, positive predictive value of 75% and negative predictive value of 75%. In addition, the online osteoporosis detective system had a higher predictive power (24·2% vs. 11%) and a similar cut‐off point (33% vs. 27%) compared with the tool designed by the International Osteoporosis Foundation.

Conclusion

The online system for detection of osteoporosis risk had excellent reliability and validity. It performed well in predicting osteoporosis and the cut‐off point used for identifying the risk among women at risk of developing osteoporosis. Therefore, it is suitable for the Asian women and can help women achieve the goals of early detection and health promotion.

Relevance to clinical practice

Early detection is the only way to prevent osteoporosis. Professional nurses should apply effective technology to promote health care in community‐dwelling people.
Psychometric properties of the self‐efficacy for clinical evaluation scale in Turkish nursing students
Authors: Zengin Neriman , Pınar Rukiye , Akinci Ayse Cil , Yildiz Hicran
Published: July 2013

Aims and objectives

To examine psychometric properties of the Self‐Efficacy for Clinical Evaluation Scale (SECS) in a nursing student sample.

Background

Self‐efficacy is a good choice to be used in order to make a prediction of nursing students' performance in clinical practice. TheSECS, consisting of perceived self‐efficacy and importance subscales, seems to be suitable to evaluate self‐efficacy regarding care skills for patients with chronic diseases. However, there is not a valid tool to evaluate the perception of self‐efficacy for Turkish nursing students.

Design

Cross‐sectional methodological design.

Methods

The sample included 400 Turkish nursing students who attended practicum at a hospital. Content of theSECSwas evaluated by content validity index (CVI). Reliability was evaluated with internal consistency, item–total correlation and test–retest reliability. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and convergent and divergent validity were used to test the validity.

Results

TheCVIresults were satisfactory. We found satisfactory evidence for internal consistency and item–total correlations. Intraclass correlation coefficients showed stability of subscales. TheCFAreplicated two‐factor structure for theSECS. This was reflected in all fit indices. All factor loadings were positive and were above the perfect level. The convergent validity was supported by the correlation betweenSECSand General Self‐Efficacy Scale. The divergent validity findings demonstrated thatSECSdifferentiated between students with various levels of general point average, which is an indicator of academic success.

Conclusion

In conclusion,SECSis a reliable and valid tool used in clinical nursing education settings.

Relevance to clinical practice

Measuring students' self‐efficacy in a clinical environment can provide an insight for students into what they have learned. Nurse educators can also use theSECSto spot nursing students with weaknesses in care activities and create educational strategies to help them to enhance their academic performance. Using theSECScan yield an insight both for students and for nursing educators.
Sexual lives of women with diabetes mellitus (type 2) and impact of culture on solution for problems related to sexual life
Authors: Kaya Erten Zeliha , Zincir Handan , Özkan Filiz , Selçuk Alime , Elmali Ferhan
Published: July 2013

Aims and objectives

To examine sexual lives of women with diabetes mellitus (type 2) (DM) and impact of culture on solution for problems related to sexual life.

Background

DM has long been considered a risk factor for sexual dysfunction in men and women, although the evidence in women is less clear. This study was conducted to emphasise the effect of DM and culture on sexual life.

Design

A descriptive and qualitative study.

Methods

Planned as descriptive and qualitative, this study was conducted with 38 women who matched with the following inclusion criterion: living in a neighbourhood with low socio‐economic status in the province of Kayseri, Turkey. The Participant Information Form, Diabetes Control Form, the Arizona Sexual Experiences Scale (ASEX), Sexual Life Definition Form and Semi‐Structured Interview Form for revealing problems lived in sexual life, besides the results of laboratory tests, were used for data collection.

Results

Mean age of the participating women was 51·34 ± 5·85 years. Total score of ASEX was found to be correlated with the type of DM treatment, duration of DM diagnosis, complications of DM, relation with her husband, level of HbA1c and systolic–diastolic blood pressure (p < 0·05). Of the participating women, 47·4% expressed that they had problems with sexual relation.

Conclusion

Most of the women with DM were determined to have problems in sexual functions besides the disease, and the impact of culture on the solution for problems lived within sexual life was effective.

Relevance to clinical practice

These findings can help guide to raise the health of Turkish women with diabetes and to plan appropriate nursing interventions.
Evaluation of the currency of the Davies and Oberle (1990) model of supportive care in specialist and specialised palliative care settings in England
Authors: Newton Jenni , McVicar Andrew
Published: July 2013

Aims and objectives

To evaluate the extent to which the Davies and Oberle (1990) model of supportive nursing has currency across specialist and specialised care settings in England.

Background

The model describes attributes of palliative nursing for practice and associated educational curricula. It is influential but predates introduction of specialist/specialised care. Its applicability in contemporary care settings has not been evaluated.

Design

Evaluation was undertaken using sequential mixed methods, predominantly qualitative. Data collected during 2008–2009.

Methods

Four stages: (1) focus groups involving hospital and community palliative clinical nurse specialists and nurses from three hospice settings (total = 25) to identify setting‐specific characteristics, (2) survey of nurses (n = 48 respondents/31%) with follow‐up interviews (n = 25) to identify congruence with the model, (3) interviews with patients (n = 6) and carers (n = 13) for practice evidence and (4) reconvened focus groups (n = 19 nurses) for confirmation.

Results

All major dimensions were evidenced. ‘Connecting’ had reduced emphasis in the hospital setting where specialist nurses spend limited time with patients, but diminishing time to ‘connect’ with patients and carers as service develops could potentially become problematic across all settings. Two new dimensions (‘Displaying expertise’ and ‘Influencing other professionals’) with subdimensions (e.g. ‘Advanced communication skills’) are proposed as additions to reflect advanced practice. Further new subdimensions (‘Making the assessment’, ‘Prioritising’, ‘Agreeing the plan’) are suggested to be best aligned with the existing dimension ‘Connecting’.

Conclusions

A revised model of supportive care incorporating dimensions of advanced nursing has currency in contemporary specialist/specialised care settings, although evaluation is required as to the actual impact of the model on care outcomes. ‘Connecting’ is currently being affected by pace of work and lateness of referrals.

Implications for practice

‘Spending time’ is increasingly difficult to sustain so challenging nurses as to how they may continue to ‘connect’ with patients as service delivery continues to change.
The Youth Adventure Programming Model
Authors: Deane Kelsey L. , Harré Niki
Published: July 2013

The literature on adventure programming indicates that it is a promising avenue for cultivating positive youth development, but little is known about the conditions that promote positive outcomes. Here, we propose a model for youth adventure programming based on a synthesis of the extant research. The youth adventure programming (YAP) model proposed in this article describes the critical features YAP offers; the experiential learning cycle that occurs within successful programs; and five factors that appear to moderate outcomes. The known risks and limitations of these programs are also described. The YAP model identifies knowledge gaps and areas for further research and is also offered as a tool for program development and evaluation.
Metoprolol oxidation polymorphism in Brazilian elderly cardiac patients
Authors: Neves Daniel Valente , Lanchote Vera Lucia , de Souza Luiz , Hayashida Miyeko , Nogueira Maria Sueli , de Moraes Natália Valadares , Cesarino Evandro José
Published: July 2013

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to phenotype the CYP2D6 in elderly with heart disease classified as extensive metabolizer or poor metabolizers (PM) of metoprolol, develop and validate the method of analysis of metoprolol tartrate and its metabolite in urine using HPLC, and identify potential correlations between anthropometric factors with metabolic ratios of metoprolol/α-OH metoprolol in urine.

Methods

The sample was composed of 130 elderly individuals with a previously identified type of heart condition, with normal renal and hepatic functions. The urine of all the patients were collected 0–8 h after the administration of a pill of 100 mg of metoprolol to determine concentrations of metoprolol and α-hydroxymetoprolol. Those patients presenting a metabolic ratio greater than 12.6 were phenotyped as PM.

Key findings

The median age of patients was 71.0 years, with a minimum of 60 and maximum of 93 years old. Three patients (2.3%) were phenotyped as PM of metoprolol different from the rate (7–10%) of PM existing in the Caucasian population.

Conclusions

Most of the studied individuals were women, and the proportion of elderly with heart disease classified as PM was smaller than what is usually found among Caucasian populations.