bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Skin recruitment of monomyeloid precursors involves human herpesvirus‐6 reactivation in drug allergy
Authors: Hashizume H. , Fujiyama T. , Kanebayashi J. , Kito Y. , Hata M. , Yagi H.
Published: April 2013

Background

In drug‐induced hypersensitivity syndrome (DIHS), latent human herpesvirus (HHV)‐6 is frequently reactivated in association with flaring of symptoms such as fever and hepatitis. We recently demonstrated an emergence of monomyeloid precursors expressing HHV‐6 antigen in the circulation during this clinical course.

Methods

To clarify the mechanism of HHV‐6 reactivation, we immunologically investigated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), skin‐infiltrating cells, and lymphocytes expanded from skin lesions of patients with DIHS.

Results

The circulating monomyeloid precursors in the patients with DIHS were mostly CD11b+CD13+CD14−CD16high and showed substantial expression of skin‐associated molecules, such as CCR4. CD13+CD14− cells were also found in the DIHS skin lesions, suggesting skin recruitment of this cell population. We detected high levels of high‐mobility group box (HMGB)‐1 in blood and skin lesions in the active phase of patients with DIHS and showed that recombinant HMGB‐1 had functional chemoattractant activity for monocytes/monomyeloid precursors in vitro. HHV‐6 infection of the skin‐resident CD4+ T cells was confirmed by the presence of its genome and antigen. This infection was likely to be mediated by monomyeloid precursors recruited to the skin, because normal CD4+ T cells gained HHV‐6 antigen after in vitro coculture with highly virus‐loaded monomyeloid precursors from the patients.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that monomyeloid precursors harboring HHV‐6 are navigated by HMGB‐1 released from damaged skin and probably cause HHV‐6 transmission to skin‐infiltrating CD4+ T cells, which is an indispensable event for HHV‐6 replication. These findings implicate the skin as a cryptic and primary site for initiating HHV‐6 reactivation.
IgE‐mediated basophil tumour necrosis factor alpha induces matrix metalloproteinase‐9 from monocytes
Authors: Falkencrone S. , Poulsen L. K. , Bindslev‐Jensen C. , Woetmann A. , Odum N. , Poulsen B. C. , Blom L. , Jensen B. M. , Gibbs B. F. , Yasinska I. M. , Sumbayev V. V. , Skov P. S.
Published: April 2013

Background

IgE‐mediated activation of mast cells has been reported to induce the release of tumour necrosis alpha (TNF‐α), which may display autocrine effects on these cells by inducing the generation of the tissue remodelling protease matrix metalloproteinase‐9 (MMP‐9). While mast cells and basophils have been shown to express complementary and partially overlapping roles, it is not clear whether a similar IgE/TNF‐α/MMP‐9 axis exists in the human basophil. The purpose of this study was thus to investigate whether IgE‐mediated activation of human basophils induces TNF‐α and MMP‐9 release.

Methods

Human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC), isolated basophils and monocytes were stimulated up to 21 h with anti‐IgE. Mediator releases were assessed by ELISA, and surface expressions of mediators were detected by flow cytometry. Upregulation of cytokine production was detected by Western blot and polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

Results

IgE‐mediated activation of basophils induced the synthesis and release of both TNF‐α and MMP‐9 from PBMC. In contrast, IgE‐mediated activation of purified basophils induced the release and cellular expression of TNF‐α but not MMP‐9. Isolated monocytes did not release MMP‐9 upon anti‐IgE stimulation, but MMP‐9 release was induced by stimulating monocytes with supernatants from activated basophils, and this release was inhibited by anti‐TNF‐α neutralizing antibodies.

Conclusion

Our results strongly indicate that human basophils release TNF‐α following IgE‐dependent activation and that this cytokine subsequently stimulates MMP‐9 release from monocytes. These findings support a direct involvement of basophils in inflammation as well as suggesting a role for the basophil in tissue remodelling.
Intra‐abdominal hypertension in the current era of modern trauma resuscitation
Authors: Mahmood Ismail , Mahmood Saeed , Parchani Ashok , Kumar Suresh , El‐Menyar Ayman , Zarour Ahmad , Al‐Thani Hassan , Latifi Rifat
Published: April 2013

Background

 This study aimed to determine the incidence and outcome of post‐traumatic (PT) intra‐abdominal hypertension (IAH) and abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS) after the advances in haemostatic resuscitation.

Methods

This is a prospective cohort study from January 2009–December 2011 involving patients with PT haemorrhagic shock. Patients' demographics, fluid resuscitation (<24 h) and damage control laparotomy (DCL), morbidity and mortality were assessed. Patients were divided into group 1 (no DCL) and group 2 (DCL needed). Further, group 1 was subdivided into three subgroups (IA pressure (IAP) <12, 12–20 and >20 mmHg).

Results

 One hundred seventeen patients enrolled in the study (102 in group 1 and 15 in group 2) with a mean age of 35 ± 14, injury severity score (ISS) of 23 ± 10, base deficit of −8.7 ± 2.7 mmol/L, serum lactate of 4.6 ± 2.5 mg/dL and haemoglobin level of 8.8 ± 2. Patients received 7 ± 5 red blood cell units, 6 ± 4.7 fresh frozen plasma units and 8.3 ± 3 L of crystalloid per 24 h. There were significant difference between the two groups regarding crystalloid volume, blood transfusion, base deficit and intensive care unit length of stay. However, mortality was higher in group 2 (20% versus 6%). IAP ≥ 20 mmHg was reported in 16.7% patients, while 25.5% had IAP < 12 and 57.8% had IAP of 12–20 mmHg. Patients with IAP > 20 had worse metabolic acidosis and received more blood compared with other groups. One patient died because of ACS (0.9%). Overall multiorgan failure and mortality were 5 and 7.7%, respectively.

Conclusion

With current practice of minimal fluid resuscitation and liberal use of damage control strategies among trauma patients, the IAH was common transient phenomena but the incidence of ACS is remarkably low.
Relationship between macular pigment and visual acuity in eyes with early age‐related macular degeneration
Authors: Puell María C. , Palomo‐Alvarez Catalina , Barrio Ana R. , Gómez‐Sanz Fernando J. , Pérez‐Carrasco María Jesús
Published: April 2013

Purpose:  Today the extent to which MP impacts visual function in early AMD remains unclear. This study examines the relationship between macular pigment optical density (MPOD) and high‐contrast visual acuity (HC‐VA) and low‐contrast visual acuity (LC‐VA) in eyes with early age‐related macular degeneration (AMD).

Methods:  Measurements were made in 22 subjects with early AMD and 27 healthy control subjects. Distance best‐corrected VA was measured using HC (96%) and LC (10%) Bailey‐Lovie logMAR letter charts under photopic luminance conditions. MPOD was determined at the fovea through apparent motion photometry using the cathode ray tube‐based Metropsis psychophysical vision test (Cambridge Research Systems).

Results:  No significant differences in foveal MPOD were detected between the control eyes (0.30 ± 0.24 log units) and eyes with early AMD (0.27 ± 0.15 log units). Neither were differences detected between the two groups in mean HC‐ and LC‐VA. Foveal MPOD showed significant correlation with both photopic HC‐VA (r = −0.47, p = 0.0008) and LC‐VA (r = −0.46, p = 0.0008) such that as MPOD increased, photopic HC‐VA and LC‐VA improved (lower logMAR values).

Conclusions:  Low MP levels were related to worse visual function in both healthy eyes and eyes with early AMD. Our findings provide direction for future studies designed to improve retinal function through the use of oral supplements known to increase MP levels, especially in eyes with AMD and a low MPOD.
An Analysis of the Determinants of Education Expenditure in Thailand
Authors: Sagarik Danuvas
Published: April 2013

This integrative study builds on the established theories of public policy analysis, economics, and public finance by empirically investigating and analyzing the determinants of public expenditure on education in Thailand. For the purposes of this study, it is posited that education expenditures are determined by multidimensional factors. A number of economic‐demographic, political, institutional, and decision‐making theories are therefore examined, together with the concept of education. This study recognizes and quantifies education expenditure by both types and stages of education according to the allocation of government budget and the education system in Thailand. The results reveal that education financing policy in Thailand is mainly determined by last year's expenditures. Industrialization also increases the total education expenditure. This is what the incrementalism theory and Wagner's Law postulate, respectively. Moreover, unemployment has an inverse impact on several types of education expenditures. The results imply that the Thai government mainly takes into account only certain factors and neglects to incorporate the importance of demographic and educational indicators when allocating education expenditures.
Conceptualizing Vote Buying as a Process: An Empirical Study in Thai Provinces
Authors: Owen David A.
Published: April 2013

Vote buying is often conceptualized incorrectly—whether stated or inferred, and usually without being operationalized—as having a simple dichotomous outcome: It is either practiced and it corrupts the electoral process, or it does not. Conceptualizing vote buying in this manner is not only misleading, but it also fails to expose the complex nature of vote buying and its impact on voter turnout. Instead, I conceptualize vote buying as a process that involves specific steps by answering the following questions: How does the vote‐buying process unfold, and does vote buying result in votes for the vote buyer? I use interview data from Thai provinces to understand the experiences and perceptions of ordinary Thais at each step of the vote‐buying process. The results highlight the importance of viewing vote buying as a process, in addition to understanding the relationship between vote buying and voter turnout.
Differential use of learning strategies in first‐year higher education: The impact of personality, academic motivation, and teaching strategies
Authors: Donche Vincent , De Maeyer Sven , Coertjens Liesje , Van Daal Tine , Van Petegem Peter
Published: April 2013

Background

Although the evidence in support of the variability of students' learning strategies has expanded in recent years, less is known about the explanatory base of these individual differences in terms of the joint influences of personal and contextual characteristics.

Aims

Previous studies have often investigated how student learning is associated with either personal or contextual factors. This study takes an integrative research perspective into account and examines the joint effects of personality, academic motivation, and teaching strategies on students' learning strategies in a same educational context in first‐year higher education.

Sample

In this study, 1,126 undergraduate students and 90 lecturers from eight professional bachelor programmes in a university college participated.

Methods

Self‐report measures were used to measure students' personality, academic motivation, and learning strategies. Students' processing and regulation strategies are mapped using the Inventory of Learning Styles. Key characteristics of more content‐focused versus learning‐focused teaching strategies were measured. Multivariate multi‐level analysis was used to take the nested data structure and interrelatedness of learning strategies into account.

Results

Different personality traits (openness, conscientiousness, and neuroticism) and academic motivation (amotivation, autonomous, and controlled motivation) were found to be independently associated with student learning strategies. Besides these student characteristics, also teaching strategies were found to be directly associated with learning strategies.

Conclusions

The study makes clear that the impact of teaching strategies on learning strategies in first‐year higher education cannot be overlooked nor overinterpreted, due to the importance of students' personality and academic motivation which also partly explain why students learn the way they do.
Campbell, Robert et al ed (2012) Academic and professional publishingChandos Publishing (Cambridge) isbn 978‐1‐84334‐669‐2 510 pp £60 (paper and e‐versions) www.woodheadpublishing.com/97818433346692
Authors: Hartley James
Published: April 2013

This book contains twenty chapters on academic and professional publishing. Some of the content areas are concerned with academic writing—such as those on plagiarism and peer review. Others discuss the effects of new technology on publishing texts and journals, while yet others focus more specifically on publishing practices, business models, sales and finances. If any of those aspects of this book is likely to be relevant to you, I advise that you will probably find only parts of it of interest or use.

James Hartley
Honigsfeld, Andrea & Dove, Maria G ed (2012) Co‐teaching and other collaborative practices in the efl/esl classroomIAP (Charlotte, NC) isbn 978‐1‐61735‐686‐5 283 pp $39.09 http://www.infoagepub.com/products/Co‐Teaching‐Collaborative‐Practices‐EFL‐ESL‐Classroom
Authors: Laborda Jesús García
Published: April 2013

This welcome volume runs from theory to practice by presenting aspects of design, planning and field work in a topic which has had limited attention so far. Teachers who work in bilingual or inclusive courses will find it challenging but able to help them to understand and share experiences with people teaching in those and other bicultural settings. If the content of this book is likely to be relevant to you, I recommend you borrow a copy for a while.

Jesús García Laborda
A phase II study of Givinostat in combination with hydroxycarbamide in patients with polycythaemia vera unresponsive to hydroxycarbamide monotherapy
Authors: Finazzi Guido , Vannucchi Alessandro M. , Martinelli Vincenzo , Ruggeri Marco , Nobile Francesco , Specchia Giorgina , Pogliani Enrico Maria , Olimpieri Odoardo Maria , Fioritoni Giuseppe , Musolino Caterina , Cilloni Daniela , Sivera Piera , Barosi Giovanni , Finazzi Maria Chiara , Tollo Silvia Di , Demuth Tim , Barbui Tiziano , Rambaldi Alessandro
Published: April 2013

Givinostat, a histone‐deacetylase inhibitor (HDACi), inhibits proliferation of cells bearing the JAK2 V617F mutation and has shown significant activity with good tolerability in patients with chronic myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN). In this multicentre, open‐label, phase II study, 44 patients with polycythaemia vera (PV), unresponsive to the maximum tolerated doses (MTD) of hydroxycarbamide (HC), were treated with Givinostat (50 or 100 mg/d) in combination with MTD of HC. The European LeukaemiaNet response criteria were used to assess the primary endpoint after 12 weeks of treatment. Complete or partial response was observed in 55% and 50% of patients receiving 50 or 100 mg of Givinostat, respectively. Control of pruritus was observed in 64% and 67% of patients in the 50 and 100 mg groups, respectively. The combination of Givinostat and HC was well tolerated: eight patients (18%) discontinued, four in each treatment arm; grade 3 adverse events were reported in one patient (4·5%) in each treatment arm. The combined use of Givinostat and HC was safe and clinically effective in HC‐unresponsive PV patients.
Panama's Special Economic Zones: Balancing Growth and Development
Authors: SIGLER THOMAS J.
Published: April 2013

The growth of Special Economic Zones (SEZs) in the Global South has been widespread and well documented. This article provides a comparative analysis of two SEZs in Panama that defy conventional export‐processing strategies by focussing on re‐exports and regional headquartering operations, which are relatively capital‐intensive rather than labour‐intensive. I argue that while this may be a sound economic growth strategy at the national scale, it must be complemented with directed, local strategies to address the country's chronic social development issues, which are underscored by centuries of institutional exclusion.
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) from scleroderma patients (SSc) preserve their immunomodulatory properties although senescent and normally induce T regulatory cells (Tregs) with a functional phenotype: implications for cellular-based therapy
Authors: Cipriani P , Di Benedetto P , Liakouli V , Del Papa B , Di Padova M , Di Ianni M , Marrelli A , Alesse E , Giacomelli R
Published: April 2013

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a chronic disease, with early activation of the immune system. The aim of our work was to address how SSc–mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), although senescent, might preserve specific immunomodulatory abilities during SSc. MSCs were obtained from 10 SSc patients and 10 healthy controls (HC). Senescence was evaluated by assessing cell cycle, β-galactosidase (β-Gal) activity, p21 and p53 expression; doxorubicin was used as acute senescence stimulus to evaluate their ability to react in stressed conditions. Immunomodulatory abilities were studied co-culturing MSCs with peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and CD4+ cells, in order to establish both their ability to block proliferation in mixed lymphocyte reaction and in regulatory T cells (Tregs) induction. SSc–MSC showed an increase of senescence biomarkers. Eighty per cent of MSCs were in G0–G1 phase, without significant differences between SSc and HC. SSc–MSCs showed an increased positive β-Gal staining and higher p21 transcript level compared to HC cells. After doxorubicin, β-Gal staining increased significantly in SSc–MSCs. On the contrary, doxorubicin abolished p21 activation and elicited p53 induction both in SSc– and HC–MSCs. Interleukin (IL)-6 and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β-related transcripts and their protein levels were significantly higher in SSc–MSCs. The latter maintained their immunosuppressive effect on lymphocyte proliferation and induced a functionally regulatory phenotype on T cells, increasing surface expression of CD69 and restoring the regulatory function which is impaired in SSc. Increased activation of the IL-6 pathway observed in our cells might represent an adaptive mechanism to senescence, but preserving some specific cellular functions, including immunosuppression.
NPHP4 mutation is linked to cerebello‐oculo‐renal syndrome and male infertility
Authors: Alazami A.M. , Alshammari M.J. , Baig M. , Salih M.A. , Hassan H.H. , Alkuraya F.S.
Published: April 2013

Nephronophthisis is the most common genetic cause of renal failure in children and young adults. It is genetically heterogeneous and can be seen in isolation or in combination with other ciliopathy phenotypes. Here we report an index case where nephronophthisis is associated with oculomotor apraxia and cerebellar abnormalities, consistent with the clinical diagnosis of cerebello‐oculo‐renal syndrome. Prompted by a family history of an uncle with early onset end stage renal failure and infertility, we performed semen analysis on the index. This revealed marked reduction in the count of motile sperms as well as multiple abnormalities in the head and tail. Autozygome‐guided mutation analysis followed by exome sequencing and segregation analysis revealed a homozygous truncating mutation in NPHP4, indicating that mutations of this gene can on rare occasions cause cerebello‐oculo‐renal syndrome. Our finding of severe male infertility in a family with NPHP4 truncation is strongly supported by the mouse model and, to our knowledge, is the first reported male infertility phenotype in association with NPHP4 or any other nephrocystin in humans.
Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Gene Promoter Polymorphisms and Alzheimer's Disease Risk: A Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Liu Sheng‐Yuan , Zeng Fang‐Fang , Chen Zhong‐Wei , Wang Chang‐Yi , Zhao Bin , Li Ke‐Shen
Published: April 2013

Aim

Conclusions on the association between polymorphisms in the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) gene promoter and risk of Alzheimer's disease (AD) are ambiguous, and sufficient evaluation of the association is lacking. Therefore, we performed a meta‐analysis of observational studies to explore the association between polymorphisms in the VEGF gene promoter and AD risk.

Methods

Bibliographical searches were performed in the MEDLINE, EMBASE, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) databases without any language limitations. Three investigators independently assessed abstracts for relevant studies and independently reviewed all eligible studies. A meta‐analysis was conducted using a fixed‐ or random‐effects model. Odds ratios (ORs) and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to assess the strength of association. All statistical analyses were performed using Stata 11.0 software.

Results

The meta‐analysis of 2787 AD cases and 2841 controls from eight published case‐control studies on the ‐2578C/A polymorphism and 1422 AD cases and 1063 controls from four studies on the ‐1154G/A polymorphism did not show any significant associations. However, in a subgroup analysis stratified by the presence of APOE є4, associations were observed with APOE ε4 (‐) for ‐2578C/A (A vs. C: OR = 1.22, 95% CI = 1.04–1.43, P = 0.014; A/A vs. C/C: OR = 1.59, 95% CI = 1.11–2.27, P = 0.011 and A/A vs. A/C + C/C: OR = 1.46, 95% CI = 1.08–1.99, P = 0.015) and ‐1154G/A (A vs. G: OR = 0.74, 95% CI = 0.62–0.89, P = 0.001; A/A vs. G/G: OR = 0.57, 95% CI = 0.37–0.87, P = 0.009; A/G vs. G/G: OR = 0.69, 95% CI = 0.53–0.89, P = 0.004 and A/A + A/G vs. G/G: OR = 0.66, 95% CI = 0.52–0.85, P = 0.001).

Conclusion

This meta‐analysis showed the risk role of the ‐2578 polymorphism and the protective role of the ‐1154 polymorphism when the APOE є4 status was negative, suggesting that the two polymorphisms in the VEGF promoter may have opposing effects on AD risk in an APOE є4‐independent manner.
Mesenteric vein thrombosis after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy
Authors: Speranskaya A. , Nicolau J. , Olivares J. , Pascual S. , González De Cabo M. , Masmiquel L.
Published: April 2013

Mesenteric vein thrombosis is a rare complication of bariatric laparoscopic surgery. We report a case of a 47‐year‐old man with obesity who had mesenteric vein thrombosis 14 days after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy. He was treated with heparin anticoagulation with a good therapeutic response. This case and literature review illustrate that mesenteric vein thrombosis has to be included in the differential diagnosis of abdominal pain after a bariatric procedure and listed formally as a complication of bariatric surgery.
Achieving Conservation Science that Bridges the Knowledge–Action Boundary
Authors: COOK CARLY N. , MASCIA MICHAEL B. , SCHWARTZ MARK W. , POSSINGHAM HUGH P. , FULLER RICHARD A.
Published: April 2013

There are many barriers to using science to inform conservation policy and practice. Conservation scientists wishing to produce management‐relevant science must balance this goal with the imperative of demonstrating novelty and rigor in their science. Decision makers seeking to make evidence‐based decisions must balance a desire for knowledge with the need to act despite uncertainty. Generating science that will effectively inform management decisions requires that the production of information (the components of knowledge) be salient (relevant and timely), credible (authoritative, believable, and trusted), and legitimate (developed via a process that considers the values and perspectives of all relevant actors) in the eyes of both researchers and decision makers. We perceive 3 key challenges for those hoping to generate conservation science that achieves all 3 of these information characteristics. First, scientific and management audiences can have contrasting perceptions about the salience of research. Second, the pursuit of scientific credibility can come at the cost of salience and legitimacy in the eyes of decision makers, and, third, different actors can have conflicting views about what constitutes legitimate information. We highlight 4 institutional frameworks that can facilitate science that will inform management: boundary organizations (environmental organizations that span the boundary between science and management), research scientists embedded in resource management agencies, formal links between decision makers and scientists at research‐focused institutions, and training programs for conservation professionals. Although these are not the only approaches to generating boundary‐spanning science, nor are they mutually exclusive, they provide mechanisms for promoting communication, translation, and mediation across the knowledge–action boundary. We believe that despite the challenges, conservation science should strive to be a boundary science, which both advances scientific understanding and contributes to decision making.

Logrando que la Ciencia de la Conservación Trasponga la Frontera Conocimiento‐Acción
Skin cancer prevention
Authors: Kornek Thomas , Augustin Matthias
Published: April 2013

Prevention signifies the avoidance of diseases. It also includes the early detection of diseases and taking measures to avoid worsening of an existing disease. Prevention is divided into primary, secondary and tertiary prevention.

The prevention of skin cancer is particularly important due to the rising incidence of skin cancer in recent years. In Germany, 195.000 new cases of skin cancer, including non melanoma skin cancer and melanoma are occurring. Therefore, skin cancer is among the most common cancer diseases.

Primary prevention comprises the reduction of skin cancer risk behavior, including education about the danger of UV exposure and the right way of dealing with natural and artificial UV radiation. The implementation of a systematic skin cancer screening in Germany contributes to secondary prevention. First data from the initial project in Schleswig‐Holstein, Germanyís most northern state, indicate for the first time that the incidence and mortality of melanoma can be reduced by secondary prevention. For tertiary prevention, the national associations recommend a risk‐adapted, evidence‐based follow‐up for all types of skin cancer. From the perspectives of the payers and from the patients, prevention is assessed positively. Prevention can contribute to a reduction of disease burden.
Infants hierarchically organize memory representations
Authors: Rosenberg Rebecca D. , Feigenson Lisa
Published: April 2013

Throughout development, working memory is subject to capacity limits that severely constrain short‐term storage. However, adults can massively expand the total amount of remembered information by grouping items into chunks. Although infants also have been shown to chunk objects in memory, little is known regarding the limits of this ability. In particular, it remains unknown whether infants can create more complex memory hierarchies, binding representations of chunks into still larger chunks in recursive fashion. Here we tested the limits of early chunking, first measuring the number of items infants can bind into a single chunk and the number of chunks infants can maintain concurrently, and then, critically, whether infants can embed chunked representations into larger units. We tested 14‐month‐old infants' memory for hidden objects using a manual search task in which we manipulated memory load (the number of objects infants saw hidden) and the chunking cues provided. We found that infants are limited in the number of items they can chunk and in the number of chunks they can remember. However, we also found that infants can bind representations of chunks into ‘superchunks’. These results suggest that hierarchically organizing information strongly affects working memory, starting in infancy.
Audit to assess the quality of communication between operators and technicians in a fixed prosthodontic laboratory: educational and training implications
Authors: Dickie J. , Shearer A. C. , Ricketts D. N. J.
Published: April 2013

Objective

This audit aimed to assess the quality of communication between dental students/qualified dentists and dental technicians, increase the percentage of satisfactorily completed laboratory prescriptions and reduce the number of errors that can result from poor communication. A subsidiary aim was to educate students and staff in this respect.

Method

An audit of laboratory prescription completion was conducted within Dundee Dental Hospital. Four hundred and eighteen prescriptions for indirect fixed restorations completed by dental undergraduates and qualified staff were audited over a three month period (first audit cycle). Educational reminders on laboratory prescriptions were then provided to undergraduates and qualified staff, a further three hundred and twenty‐two prescriptions were audited (second audit cycle) and compared with the first cycle.

Results

Satisfactorily completed prescriptions increased from 28% to 43% following basic educational intervention. However, this percentage still signifies a poor level of completion and the need for improvement. Some aspects of the prescription were completed better than others, but overall the standard remained poor with a significant number failing to comply with guidelines set by the UK General Dental Council, the European Union's Medical Devices Directive and the British Society for Restorative Dentistry (BSRD).

Conclusion

Further undergraduate and staff training on laboratory prescription writing will be necessary through staff training events and developments in the undergraduate curriculum.
Physical activity and functional abilities in adult males with haemophilia: a cross‐sectional survey from a single US haemophilia treatment centre
Authors: Baumgardner J. , Elon L. , Antun A. , Stein S. , Ribeiro M. , Slovensky L. , Kempton C.L.
Published: April 2013

Physical activity and functional ability are important determinants of quality of life and these metrics are affected by both haemophilia and ageing. Outside haemophilic arthropathy, risk factors leading to reduced physical activity and function in people with haemophilia (PWH) are under‐explored. The purpose of this analysis was to determine risk factors for reduced physical activity and functional limitations in PWH. A secondary analysis was conducted on data indexing physical activity and functioning of 88 PWH using data originally collected as part of a cross‐sectional study at a single large haemophilia treatment centre. The Framingham Physical Activities Index (PAI), the Hemophilia Activities List (HAL) and the Timed Up‐and‐Go Test (TUG) were the outcome measures. The World Federation of Haemophilia (WFH) orthopaedic joint score was used as a measure of arthropathy. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to assess the relationship between the outcome measures and covariates. Worsening WFH joint score was independently associated with all three outcome measures (P < 0.05). Increasing age was associated with reduced PAI and increased TUG time (P < 0.05). The HAL summary score was decreased in patients with chronic liver disease (P = 0.006). The adjusted R2 for each model was ≤0.35. This study provides evidence for the relationship between arthropathy and reduced physical functioning/activity, but also highlights that much of the variation in physical functioning/activity is not explained by haemophilia‐related characteristics.
Hemicrania Continua. Unquestionably a Trigeminal Autonomic Cephalalgia
Authors: Vincent Maurice B.
Published: April 2013

Hemicrania continua (HC) is a well‐known primary headache. The present version of the International Classification of Headache Disorders lists HC in the “other primary headaches” group. However, evidence has emerged demonstrating that HC is a phenotype that belongs to the trigeminal autonomic cephalalgias together with cluster headache, paroxysmal hemicrania (PH), and short‐lasting, unilateral neuralgiform headache attacks with conjunctival injection and tearing. This is supported by a common general clinical picture – paroxysmal, fluctuating, unilateral, side‐locked headaches located to the ocular, frontal, and/or temporal regions, accompanied by ipsilateral autonomic dysfunctions including for example, tearing and conjunctival injection. Apart from the remarkable clinical similarities, the absolute and incomparable effect of indomethacin in HC parallels the effect of this drug in PH, suggesting a shared core pathogenesis. Finally, neuroimage findings demonstrate a posterior hypothalamic activation in HC similarly to cluster headache, PH, and short‐lasting, unilateral neuralgiform headache attacks with conjunctival injection and tearing. Taken together, data indicate that HC is certainly a type of trigeminal autonomic cephalalgia that should no longer be placed in a group of miscellaneous primary headache disorders.
Hemicrania Continua Should NOT Be Classified as a Trigeminal Autonomic Cephalalgia
Authors: Spierings Egilius L. H.
Published: April 2013

Background

The pain of the so‐called functional or primary headache disorders, such as tension headache, migraine, or cluster headache, can be associated with autonomic symptoms that are localized in nature. The localized autonomic symptoms probably involve higher centers of autonomic regulation, for example the hypothalamus, for which there is support from functional magnetic resonance imaging studies.

Method

Hemicrania continua, a continuous, unilateral, side‐locked headache, absolutely responsive to preventive treatment with indomethacin, is contrasted with so‐called medication‐overuse headache, in which the paradoxical situation exists of tremendous suffering despite excessive use of abortive medications.

Conclusion

In classification, clinical presentation trumps experimental testing: Not only is there no basis to classify hemicrania continua in the category of the so‐called trigeminal autonomic cephalalgias, also the very existence of this category lacks solid foundation.
Public Policy and Headache: Observations of Health Care Policy in the US Congress From a Legislative Fellow's Perspective
Authors: Charleston Larry , Evans Randolph W.
Published: April 2013

Many neurologists and headache specialists are befuddled by inside the Beltway wheelings and dealings as they follow health care politics. A few of us join lobbying efforts, and even fewer become strangers in a strange land.
Symptoms Predictive of Postural Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) in the Adolescent Headache Patient
Authors: Heyer Geoffrey L. , Fedak Erin M. , LeGros Aggie L.
Published: April 2013

Objective

To identify symptoms that may predict postural tachycardia syndrome (POTS) among adolescent patients with headache and lightheadedness referred for tilt table testing.

Background

Individuals with POTS can have a variety of symptoms that impair quality of life. The specific symptoms that help to distinguish the POTS patient in an adolescent headache population have not been determined.

Methods

A group of symptoms was compared among 70 adolescent patients with headache and lightheadedness referred to a pediatric headache clinic for tilt table testing. Every patient completed a symptom questionnaire prior to the tilt table test. The chi‐square test was used to compare questionnaire responses between patients found to have POTS and those who did not have POTS. Thirteen symptoms were analyzed. Symptoms that differed statistically between groups were further assessed for sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic predictive values.

Results

Thirty‐seven (53%) patients met diagnostic criteria for POTS. Several symptoms differed between the patients found to have POTS and those without POTS. Headache type was not predictive. Vertigo and evening exacerbation of headaches had P values <.05 but did not meet significance after a statistical correction for multiple variables, P ≤ .004 (0.05/13). New‐onset motion sickness, dizziness as a headache trigger, and orthostatic headaches had P values <.004 and were relatively sensitive and/or specific for the POTS diagnosis.

Conclusions

While no single clinical symptom or headache type reliably establishes the POTS diagnosis, several symptoms can help to distinguish the POTS patient in an adolescent headache population.
Dental hygienists’ knowledge of HIV, attitudes towards people with HIV and willingness to conduct rapid HIV testing
Authors: Santella AJ , Krishnamachari B , Davide SH , Cortell M , Furnari W , Watts B , Haden SC
Published: April 2013

Objectives

To normalize rapid human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) testing in the United States, expanded rapid HIV testing initiatives are needed outside the routine medical setting. The dental setting is a logical choice as almost two‐thirds of Americans regularly see a dental provider each year. This study was aimed to determine the dental hygienists’ knowledge of HIV, attitudes towards people living with HIV and willingness to conduct rapid HIV testing.

Methods

A national cross‐sectional survey of practicing dental hygienists and senior dental hygiene students were recruited using state dental hygiene associations, email LISTSERVS, dental hygiene programmes and continuing education conferences (n = 634).

Results

The mean knowledge score was 10.5/13. High versus low test‐scorers (75% of test questions or more answered correctly versus less than 75% answered correctly) did differ in their comfort level in counselling about sexual HIV prevention methods (P = 0.03) and comfort level in working with medically compromised patients (P = 0.04).

Conclusion

Dental hygienists, with additional training in HIV prevention counseling and diagnostic testing, may be an appropriate profession to conduct rapid HIV testing.
Opportunities and Challenges in Biology and Medicine: A Report from the 4th International Congress on Ceramics
Authors: Pawar Vivek
Published: April 2013

This article summarizes the opportunities and challenges for future research in ceramics used in biology and medicine. The summary was prepared from the seven presentations at the 4th International Congress on Ceramics held from July 15 to 19, 2012, in Chicago, USA. The major emerging opportunities identified were as follows: (i) developing fundamental understanding of bioactive ions used in bioceramics, (ii) possibility of using novel manufacturing methods such as 3D printing, (iii) attaching bioceramics to metallic implants, and (iv) enabling collaboration between ceramicist, biologist, industry, and medical professionals.
Examining the role of nationalism in folk theories of language: The case of language complaints in multilingual settings
Authors: Meadows Bryan
Published: April 2013

The purpose of this paper is to contribute to theFolkLinguistics agenda by making the case that nationalism comprises one ideological component to folk theories of language. The principle of nationalist diversity, the compulsion to maintain clear boundaries between nationalized things, appears prominently in at least two ways: (1) in response to dissonance between boundaries of nationalized space and nationalized language; and (2) in response to dissonance between the boundaries discerning one linguistic code from another. Both situations rely on individuals apprehending linguistic practices as nationalized icons. This argument will be developed through analytical consideration of four language complaints put forth by nonlinguists in multilingual encounters. This paper opens an underdeveloped area inFolkLinguistics, the study of folk ideologies in recognized border zones.
Circumcision related to urinary tract infections, sexually transmitted infections, human immunodeficiency virus infections, and penile and cervical cancer
Authors: Hayashi Yutaro , Kohri Kenjiro
Published: April 2013

Male circumcision has been carried out as a prophylactic measure against future diseases, as well as a rite of passage due to religious practice and definite medical indication. The present review discusses the benefits of male circumcision on the prevention of urinary tract infections, and the importance of circumcision in congenital urinary system anomalies, such as vesicoureteral reflux. Additionally the present review examines the associations between circumcision and sexually transmitted infections, including human immunodeficiency virus, and the preventive effect of circumcision on penile cancer and cervical cancer of female partners.
The skills and brain drain what nurses say
Authors: Likupe Gloria
Published: April 2013

Aims and objectives.  To explore sub‐Saharan African nurses’ reasons for moving to the UK, their views on the skills and brain drain, and what can be done to stem the situation.

Background.  The UK and other developed nations such as the USA, Canada and Australia have been recruiting internationally qualified nurses including those from sub‐Saharan African, which has raised concerns of skills and brain drain from these countries that are known to suffer from nurse shortages.

Methods.  A purposeful sample of 30 nurses from sub‐Saharan African was drawn from four National Health Service trusts in the north‐east of England. Using focus group discussions and personal interviews, the study explored and examined nurses’ views on their motivation to move to the developed countries and what can be done to reduce nurse migration from sub‐Saharan African and give those countries a chance to develop their health systems by retaining their health personnel.

Results.  Five main themes emerged from data analysis: poor remuneration, lack of professional development in the home countries, poor health care and systems, language and education similarities and easy availability of jobs and visas.

Conclusion.  Data indicate that migration motives for nurses are complex and inherent in historical links and in global values. Nurses stressed that they would like to stay in their own countries and help develop healthcare there, but reasons for moving were often strong and apparently not within their control.

Relevance to clinical practice.  Nurse migration from sub‐Saharan African has often been cited as a limitation in providing effective healthcare in those countries. Delineating motivational factors for nurses could help to stem this migration.
Comprehensive classification and perspective for modelling photorespiratory metabolism
Authors: Arnold A. , Nikoloski Z.
Published: April 2013

Biological processes involved in photorespiratory and photosynthetic metabolism operate concurrently and affect the interplay between carbon and nitrogen assimilation reflected in plant growth. Experimental evidence has indicated that photorespiratory metabolism has a wide‐ranging influence not only on other principal metabolic pathways but also on a multitude of signalling cascades. Therefore, accurate quantitative models of photorespiration can provide a means for predicting and in silico probing of plant behaviour at various levels of the system. We first present a comprehensive classification of current models of photorespiratory metabolism developed within the existing carbon‐centric modelling paradigm. We then offer a perspective for modelling photorespiratory metabolism by considering the coupling of carbon and nitrogen metabolism in the context of compartmentalised, genome‐scale metabolic models of C3 plants. In addition, we outline the challenges stemming from the need to consider plant metabolic and signalling pathways in assessing the still controversial role of photorespiration and to confront the devised models with the ever‐increasing amounts of high‐throughput data.
Temporality and Textual Engagement in a Middle School English Language Arts Classroom
Authors: Meacham Sarah S.
Published: April 2013

Using Gadamer's concept of tarrying, this paper explores the impact of classroom temporality on students' engagement with text in an 8th grade English Language Arts classroom. Through an analysis of interactional data collected during two years of an ethnographic study of classroom activities, I show how reading strategies helped constitute and were constituted by a linear, dimensional temporality, within which text and reader were individuated and textual meaning objectified, characterized by an “ontology of static substance” (Ross 2006). In such cases, the act of reading was defined as a processual movement through or consumption of text, which could break down requiring strategies to restore the smooth flow. At other moments, however, interaction around text took on a tarrying temporality. These less frequent moments resonate with Gadamer's claims for the state of understanding associated with the experience of art, a “being moved” (2001:76), an “uninterrupted pure gazing” (2006:72) associated with the “absolute presentness” of art (2006:60). In classroom moments I call tarrying, students were more often engaged in an open‐ended, exploratory co‐construction of meaning with other participants, rather than producing items at someone else's request. Text was not possessed but, on the contrary, became something that took hold of participants and was jointly occupied or shared. Within such moments, reading strategies, usually decontextualized tools to be applied by an individual subject to a text, receded instead into the tarrying or “playing”—a “movement backwards and forwards” (Gadamer 1975:93)—of the immediate interactional context.
Structural and Dielectric Properties in (1−x)BaTiO3–xBi(Mg1/2Ti1/2)O3 Ceramics (0.1 ≤ x ≤ 0.5) and Potential for High‐Voltage Multilayer Capacitors
Authors: Choi Doo Hyun , Baker Amanda , Lanagan Michael , Trolier‐McKinstry Susan , Randall Clive
Published: April 2013

Structural and dielectric properties of (1−x)BaTiO3–xBi(Mg1/2Ti1/2)O3 (x = 0.1–0.5) were investigated to understand the binary system and utilize it for high‐voltage, high energy density capacitors. The solubility limit for Bi(Mg1/2Ti1/2)O3 in a BaTiO3 perovskite was between x = 0.4 and x = 0.5. A phase with pseudocubic symmetry was formed for x = 0.1–0.4; a secondary phase developed at x = 0.5. Dielectric measurements showed highly diffusive and dispersive relaxor‐like characteristics from 10 to 40 mol% of Bi(Mg1/2Ti1/2)O3. These compositions also showed high relative permittivity with low‐temperature coefficients of permittivity over a wide range of temperatures −100°C–600°C. Relaxation behavior was quantitatively investigated using the Vogel–Fulcher model, which revealed the activation energy of 0.17–0.22 eV. Prototyped multilayer capacitors of 18 mm × 17 mm × 4 mm dimensions with a capacitance of 12.5 nF at 1 kHz were successfully constructed and demonstrated multiple charge–discharge characteristics up to 10 kV.
Scale Up and Anode Development for La‐Doped SrTiO3 Anode‐Supported SOFCs
Authors: Savaniu Cristian‐Daniel , Miller David N. , Irvine John T. S.
Published: April 2013

The possibility of developing large solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) stacks based upon 25 cm2 ceramic oxide anode‐supported cells is investigated. Planar fuel cells comprising strontium titanate‐based anode support impregnated with active catalysts were prepared using a combination of deposition techniques. The fuel cell tests performed in a semisealed rig have shown power densities of 185 mW cm−2 at 850°C using humidified hydrogen as fuel and air as oxidant. The structure and evolution of the catalytically active impregnated materials‐10 mol% Gd‐doped CeO2 and nickel‐ are analysed using electron microscopy at the end of the fuel cell test, revealing that a ceria and nickel layer surrounds the titanate backbone grains while ~50–150 nm spherical‐like nickel particles uniformly decorate this top layer.