bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Acoustic microscopy of functionally graded thermal sprayed coatings using stiffness matrix method and Stroh formalism
Authors: Deng X. D. , Monnier T. , Guy P. , Courbon J.
Published: June 2013

Acoustic microscopy of multilayered media as well as functionally graded coatings on substrate necessitates to model acoustic wave propagation in such materials. In particular, we chose to use Stroh formalism and the recursive stiffness matrix method to obtain the reflection coefficient of acoustic waves on these systems because this allows us to address the numerical instability of the conventional transfer matrix method. In addition, remarkable simplification and computational efficiency are obtained. We proposed a modified formulation of the angular spectrum of the transducer based on the theoretical analysis of a line-focus transducer for broadband acoustic microscopy. A thermally sprayed coating on substrate is treated as a functionally graded material along the depth of the coating and is approximately represented by a number of homogeneous elastic layers with exponentially graded elastic properties. The agreement between our experimental and numerical analyses on such thermal sprayed coatings with different thicknesses confirms the efficiency of the method. We proved the ability of the inversion procedure to independently determine both thickness and gradient of elastic properties. The perspective of this work is the opportunity to non-destructively measure these features in functionally graded materials.
The activities that nurses working in community mental health perform: a geographical comparison
Authors: Happell Brenda M. , Gaskin Cadeyrn J. , Hoey Wendy , Nizette Debra , Veach Kate
Published: June 2013

Objective.
The primary aim of the present study was to identify the activities that nurses in community mental health services undertake.

Method.
A dataset containing records of the community and ambulatory interventions involving the nursing staff of 252 mental health facilities was analysed.

Results.
Nurses spend most of their time performing clinical care (78%), followed by clinical organisation (12%), mental health administration (6%) and integration activities (4%). There were minimal differences between treating units located in metropolitan, rural and remote areas in terms of the numbers of consumers receiving care, the time nurses spent with consumers, the types of nursing activities undertaken and the amounts of time spent on each of the four types of nursing activities.

Conclusions.
These findings suggest that nurses in mental health community settings spend more time in clinical care than nurses in other healthcare settings.

What is known about the topic?
Community settings are increasingly becoming the primary focus for mental health care in Australia. Nurses are providing community-based care for consumers with increased levels of acuity. There is a paucity of documented evidence about the activities nurses perform in community mental health settings.

What does this paper add?
This study provides a comprehensive understanding of the activities undertaken by nurses in community mental health settings. The findings presented emphasise the high proportion of clinical care performed by nurses in community mental health settings. No significant differences were noted in the provision of clinical care between metropolitan, rural and regional mental health services.

What are the implications for practitioners?
A comprehensive understanding of the activities of nurses in community mental health settings provides the basis for understanding the important role nursing plays in this area of care delivery.
The performance of wombat gates in controlling wildlife movement through a predator fence
Authors: Coates T. D.
Published: June 2013

Because of the ubiquitous and intractable threat posed by fox predation in many parts of south-east Australia, exclusion fences are increasingly seen as playing an important role in the long-term management of some biodiversity reserves. However, while fences can help to reduce predation pressure on populations of small to medium-sized vertebrates, they may also restrict the movement of non-target species and require maintenance to ensure their continued effectiveness. One of the challenges facing conservation agencies is to construct fences that reduce maintenance costs while reliably and selectively controlling the movement of desirable and undesirable species into and out of areas of conservation significance. In this study 10 custom-designed ‘wombat gates’ were monitored with motion-detecting cameras to determine whether they remained an effective barrier to foxes and other taxa after more than a decade of operation. Wombats and echidnas frequently passed through gates while foxes and black wallabies were apparently unable or unwilling to use them. This type of gate may prove valuable in the management of fenced conservation reserves.
Why do organic aerosols exist? Understanding aerosol lifetimes using the two-dimensional volatility basis set
Authors: Donahue N. M. , Chuang W. , Epstein S. A. , Kroll J. H. , Worsnop D. R. , Robinson A. L. , Adams P. J. , Pandis S. N.
Published: June 2013

Environmental context
Fine particles (aerosols) containing organic compounds are central players in two important environmental issues: aerosol-climate effects and human health effects (including mortality). Although organics constitute half or more of the total fine-particle mass, their chemistry is extremely complex; of critical importance is ongoing oxidation chemistry in both the gas phase and the particle phase. Here we present a method for representing that oxidation chemistry when the actual composition of the organics is not known and show that relatively slow oxidant uptake to particles plays a key role in the very existence of organic aerosols.

Abstract
Organic aerosols play a critical role in atmospheric chemistry, human health and climate. Their behaviour is complex. They consist of thousands of organic molecules in a rich, possibly highly viscous mixture that may or may not be in phase equilibrium with organic vapours. Because the aerosol is a mixture, compounds from all sources interact and thus influence each other. Finally, most ambient organic aerosols are highly oxidised, so the molecules are secondary products formed from primary emissions by oxidation chemistry and possibly non-oxidative association reactions in multiple phases, including gas-phase oxidation, aqueous oxidation, condensed (organic) phase reactions and heterogeneous interactions of all these phases. In spite of this complexity, we can make a strong existential statement about organic aerosol: They exist throughout the troposphere because heterogeneous oxidation by OH radicals is more than an order of magnitude slower than comparable gas-phase oxidation.
“Civilizing the city center”: Symbolic spaces and narratives of the nation in Yerevan's post-Soviet landscape
Authors: Ter-Ghazaryan Diana K.
Published: June 2013

In the years since the collapse of the Soviet Union, the landscape of Armenia's capital has transformed tremendously. Promoting a new vision for the city, Armenia's political elites have imbued the urban landscape of Yerevan with narratives of modernization, progress and a renewed sense of nationalism. While this new vision is noticeable throughout Yerevan's landscape, it is most apparent in three places in the center of Yerevan - Opera Square, Northern Avenue and Republic Square. These three prominent places represent the vision that the Armenian elites have for the city of Yerevan, while at the same time serving as backdrops for the expression of a critical voice regarding the changing urban landscape from the local residents. These three places are compelling representations of the tensions and struggles that are present in contemporary Armenian society. In this article, I examine the symbols and narratives that Armenia's elites produce and promote in and via these places, and consider the complicated set of reactions from residents that have formed in response.
Homogeneity and differentiation in national and regional elections: the case of Italy
Authors: Passarelli Gianluca
Published: June 2013

Analysis of electoral results implies in many cases differences and similarities between various areas of a polity. Differentiated electoral outcomes are evident not only within each context, but also between two (or more) territorial levels, such as elections at national, regional and provincial level, etc. Nevertheless, studying the territorial electoral discontinuities almost inevitably induces the concept of nationalisation of politics. This article presents a comparison between national and sub-national levels expressed in different electoral results between legislative and regional elections in Italy. In order to carry out a consistent analysis, the comparison of vote percentages is made by always referring to a set of seven (families of) parties, obviously modifying the choice of single parties when the offering changed, but keeping the same format for each pair of elections analysed together. The diachronic comparison over a politically relevant time span – as well as analysis at the level of geopolitical areas – gives us a useful framework rich in information. In Italy electoral behaviour in regional and national elections continues to show, albeit gradually and with some vacillations, a marked differentiation.
Bringing voters back in leader selection: the open primaries of the Italian Democratic Party
Authors: Seddone Antonella , Venturino Fulvio
Published: June 2013

According to the penalty hypothesis, primaries are considered damaging for parties because of the social and political distinctiveness of the electorate, who usually choose unpalatable candidates for the median voter in general elections. This article deals with two leader selections organised by the Italian Partito Democratico (PD) in 2007 and 2009. Using survey data, voters' characteristics in the two primaries relating to the 2008 parliamentary elections are contrasted in order to find out the differences between the two selectorates and the general electorate. Then, the attitudes of the winners' and losers' supporters in primary elections are compared. Although not definitive, the results contradict the primary penalty thesis. Even if the data point out some relevant differences between selectors and electors, the losers' supporters do not seem to be demobilised by the primary results.
Students' views and qualification policy development: perspectives on failed vocationally related policies
Authors: Isaacs Tina
Published: June 2013

Despite the fact that students are often articulate about qualifications policy matters, their perspectives are rarely listened to. This is because governments shape qualifications policy according to pre-set beliefs and are unwilling to countenance dissonant or outsider views. Using
the Diploma qualification and inclusion of vocational qualifications as General Certificate of Secondary Education and A level equivalents for league tables as examples, this commentary complements this edition's main articles through exploring why these policies failed, as well as why myriad
voices went unheeded.
Volume growth of submanifolds and the Cheeger isoperimetric constant
Authors: Gimeno Vicent , Palmer Vicente
Published: June 2013

We obtain an estimate of the Cheeger isoperimetric constant in terms of the volume growth for a properly immersed submanifold in a Riemannian manifold which possesses at least one pole and sectional curvature bounded from above.
Embedding universal covers of graph manifolds in products of trees
Authors: Hume David , Sisto Alessandro
Published: June 2013

We prove that the universal cover of any graph manifold quasi-isometrically embeds into a product of three trees. In particular, we show that the Assouad-Nagata dimension of the universal cover of any closed graph manifold is

3
3

, proving a conjecture of Smirnov.
UniNovo: a universal tool for de novo peptide sequencing
Authors: Jeong Kyowon , Kim Sangtae , Pevzner Pavel A.
Published: June 2013

Motivation: Mass spectrometry (MS) instruments and experimental protocols are rapidly advancing, but de novo peptide sequencing algorithms to analyze tandem mass (MS/MS) spectra are lagging behind. Although existing de novo sequencing tools perform well on certain types of spectra [e.g. Collision Induced Dissociation (CID) spectra of tryptic peptides], their performance often deteriorates on other types of spectra, such as Electron Transfer Dissociation (ETD), Higher-energy Collisional Dissociation (HCD) spectra or spectra of non-tryptic digests. Thus, rather than developing a new algorithm for each type of spectra, we develop a universal de novo sequencing algorithm called UniNovo that works well for all types of spectra or even for spectral pairs (e.g. CID/ETD spectral pairs). UniNovo uses an improved scoring function that captures the dependences between different ion types, where such dependencies are learned automatically using a modified offset frequency function.

Results: The performance of UniNovo is compared with PepNovo+, PEAKS and pNovo using various types of spectra. The results show that the performance of UniNovo is superior to other tools for ETD spectra and superior or comparable with others for CID and HCD spectra. UniNovo also estimates the probability that each reported reconstruction is correct, using simple statistics that are readily obtained from a small training dataset. We demonstrate that the estimation is accurate for all tested types of spectra (including CID, HCD, ETD, CID/ETD and HCD/ETD spectra of trypsin, LysC or AspN digested peptides).

Availability: UniNovo is implemented in JAVA and tested on Windows, Ubuntu and OS X machines. UniNovo is available at http://proteomics.ucsd.edu/Software/UniNovo.html along with the manual.

Contact:  kwj@ucsd.edu or ppevzner@ucsd.edu

Supplementary information:  Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Bayesian evolutionary model testing in the phylogenomics era: matching model complexity with computational efficiency
Authors: Baele Guy , Lemey Philippe
Published: June 2013

Motivation: The advent of new sequencing technologies has led to increasing amounts of data being available to perform phylogenetic analyses, with genomic data giving rise to the field of phylogenomics. High-performance computing is becoming an indispensable research tool to fit complex evolutionary models, which take into account specific genomic properties, to large datasets. Here, we perform an extensive Bayesian phylogenetic model selection study, comparing codon and nucleotide substitution models, including codon position partitioning for nucleotide data as well gene-specific substitution models for both data types. For the best fitting partitioned models, we also compare independent partitioning with standard diffuse prior specification to conditional partitioning via hierarchical prior specification. To compare the different models, we use state-of-the-art marginal likelihood estimation techniques, including path sampling and stepping-stone sampling.

Results: We show that a full codon model best describes the features of a whole mitochondrial genome dataset, consisting of 12 protein-coding genes, but only when each gene is allowed to evolve under a separate codon model. However, when using hierarchical prior specification for the partition-specific parameters instead of independent diffuse priors, codon position partitioned nucleotide models can still outperform standard codon models. We demonstrate the feasibility of fitting such a combination of complex models using the BEAGLE library for BEAST in combination with recent graphics cards. We argue that development and use of such models needs to be accompanied by state-of-the-art marginal likelihood estimators because the more traditional and computationally less demanding estimators do not offer adequate accuracy.

Contact:  guy.baele@rega.kuleuven.be
Better models by discarding data?
Authors: Diederichs K. , Karplus P. A.
Published: June 2013

In macromolecular X-ray crystallography, typical data sets have substantial multiplicity. This can be used to calculate the consistency of repeated measurements and thereby assess data quality. Recently, the properties of a correlation coefficient, CC1/2, that can be used for this purpose were characterized and it was shown that CC1/2has superior properties compared with `merging'Rvalues. A derived quantity, CC*, links data and model quality. Using experimental data sets, the behaviour of CC1/2and the more conventional indicators were compared in two situations of practical importance: merging data sets from different crystals and selectively rejecting weak observations or (merged) unique reflections from a data set. In these situations controlled `paired-refinement' tests show that even though discarding the weaker data leads to improvements in the mergingRvalues, the refined models based on these data are of lower quality. These results show the folly of such data-filtering practices aimed at improving the mergingRvalues. Interestingly, in all of these tests CC1/2is the one data-quality indicator for which the behaviour accurately reflects which of the alternative data-handling strategies results in the best-quality refined model. Its properties in the presence of systematic error are documented and discussed.
The time distribution of reproductive value measures the pace of life
Authors: Mbeau‐Ache Cyril , Franco Miguel
Published: June 2013

It is agreed that, for senescence to occur, the intensity of natural selection must decline with age. Measures of the change in the intensity of natural selection with age include reproductive value and sensitivity of fitness to changes in survival and fecundity.

To investigate the performance of these indices in predicting the pace and duration of life, which must be inversely related for senescence to occur, we quantified the temporal distribution of these measures employing a generalised logistic distribution tailored for this purpose. This distribution has three parameters two of which measure pace (units: per time) and one which measures duration (units: time). We hypothesised that, given their influence on the shape of the distribution, the time distribution parameters would also be correlated with specific life‐history attributes. We tested these hypotheses employing demographic projections for a sample of 207 perennial plant species of varied life form and ecology.

The results confirmed the expected relationships for the time distribution parameters of reproductive value, but not in general for other indices. In particular, a tight inverse relationship between one of the parameters of pace and the duration parameter of the time distribution of reproductive value ordered species along a fast–slow continuum where these two attributes compensate each other. That is, reproductive value was spread over a temporal scale that was in inverse proportion to its accruement.

Synthesis. The tight negative power relationship between the pace and duration of life as measured on the time distribution of reproductive value provides the strongest support so far to the idea that the pace of life determines its duration and, as a corollary, the idea that reproductive value must be directly proportional to the intensity of natural selection. Senescence is the unavoidable consequence of the devaluation of the reproductive value currency.
Modelling outcome‐related risk in choice experiments
Authors: Glenk Klaus , Colombo Sergio
Published: June 2013

In this study, we introduce information on outcome‐related risk as an additional attribute in a choice model of preferences for a land‐based climate change mitigation project. We provide a comprehensive comparison of different model specifications arising from different behavioural assumptions about the way that respondents process information on outcome‐related risk within the choice task. We find significant differences between several specifications in terms of both model fit and WTP estimates. The behavioural assumptions made when choosing a particular model specification, and reasons that motivate them should be made explicit, and consequences of using different specifications should not be ignored.
Challenges for sustainable tourism at the Jiuzhaigou World Natural Heritage site in western China
Authors: Gu Yong , Du Jie , Tang Ya , Qiao Xue , Bossard Carla , Deng Guiping
Published: June 2013

Although modern mass tourism in China has a history of only about 30 years, the market has expanded quickly. Endowed with the spectacular scenery of turquoise water lakes and marvelous waterfalls, Jiuzhaigou is one of the most visited tourist destinations in China. Between 1984 and 2012, the region witnessed a tourism growth of 130 times, resulting in extreme economic and environmental impacts. The fast increasing and large tourist population in the limited area has caused many changes in the local environment, including: increasing algae in water, increasing nutrients in water, increasing sediment in lakes, degrading travertine, and increasing threat on biodiversity. These changes will threaten the sustainability of tourism in Jiuzhaigou. Carrying capacity represented by daily visitor numbers theoretically has been used to control the number of tourists but has proved not useful in practical management. Efforts have been made to reduce the environmental impacts of the increasing number of tourists, but environmental degradation continues to develop as the number of tourists is not controlled. The sustainability issue in Jiuzhaigou is mired in the conflict between the conservation of the natural beauty and local economic development. To promote sustainable tourism, the number of tourists must be controlled. A daily numeric limit, based on adequate environmental monitoring and well‐designed scientific research, will help determine the daily number of visitors in Jiuzhaigou.
Furosine as a Pasta Quality Marker: Evaluation by an Innovative and Fast Chromatographic Approach
Authors: Giannetti Vanessa , Mariani Maurizio Boccacci , Mannino Paola
Published: June 2013

A fast and simple high‐performance liquid chromatography method suitable for determining furosine level in heat‐treated food samples was developed. The analysis of furosine was performed by a novel mixed‐mode column that provides multiple and simultaneous retention mechanisms including cation‐exchange, anion‐exchange, reversed‐phase, or hydrophilic interaction. Each retention mechanism could be independently controlled by setting chromatographic conditions. Adequate retention and selectivity of polar charged furosine were achieved by adjusting mobile phase pH, buffer concentration, organic content, and ionic strength. The optimized method was successfully applied to determinate furosine in durum wheat semolina pasta samples. Furosine level in pasta may be used as a reliable marker of health and nutritional damage occurring during pasta manufacture. Indeed, a low content of furosine is generally related to high nutritional quality of food and application of mild heat treatments. A wide range of dry pasta samples, collected from both supermarkets (large‐scale retail trade) and shops selling local products, were analyzed. Variable amounts of furosine, ranging from 107 to 506 mg/100 g of protein, were found in pasta samples. The proposed method allows to discriminate products submitted to different time–temperature conditions during the drying process. At the same time, it may be used to highlight potential label fraud.
Effects of Cooking Methods and Starch Structures on Starch Hydrolysis Rates of Rice
Authors: Reed Michael O. , Ai Yongfeng , Leutcher Josh L. , Jane Jay‐lin
Published: June 2013

This study aimed to understand effects of different cooking methods, including steamed, pilaf, and traditional stir‐fried, on starch hydrolysis rates of rice. Rice grains of 3 varieties, japonica, indica, and waxy, were used for the study. Rice starch was isolated from the grain and characterized. Amylose contents of starches from japonica, indica, and waxy rice were 13.5%, 18.0%, and 0.9%, respectively. The onset gelatinization temperature of indica starch (71.6 °C) was higher than that of the japonica and waxy starch (56.0 and 56.8 °C, respectively). The difference was attributed to longer amylopectin branch chains of the indica starch. Starch hydrolysis rates and resistant starch (RS) contents of the rice varieties differed after they were cooked using different methods. Stir‐fried rice displayed the least starch hydrolysis rate followed by pilaf rice and steamed rice for each rice variety. RS contents of freshly steamed japonica, indica, and waxy rice were 0.7%, 6.6%, and 1.3%, respectively; those of rice pilaf were 12.1%, 13.2%, and 3.4%, respectively; and the stir‐fried rice displayed the largest RS contents of 15.8%, 16.6%, and 12.1%, respectively. Mechanisms of the large RS contents of the stir‐fried rice were studied. With the least starch hydrolysis rate and the largest RS content, stir‐fried rice would be a desirable way of preparing rice for food to reduce postprandial blood glucose and insulin responses and to improve colon health of humans.
Evaluation of Poultry Protein Isolate as a Food Ingredient: Physicochemical Properties and Sensory Characteristics of Marinated Chicken Breasts
Authors: Khiari Zied , Omana Dileep A. , Pietrasik Zeb , Betti Mirko
Published: June 2013

The possibilities of replacing soy protein isolate (SPI) and reducing the amount of phosphate in marinated chicken breasts using poultry protein isolate (PPI) were investigated. PPI, prepared from mechanically separated turkey meat through the pH‐shift technology, was used as a marinade ingredient for chicken breasts at 2 different concentrations (1.0% and 1.5%, w/w on a dry weight basis). Product characteristics were compared to samples marinated with salt, phosphate, or SPI. All the 5 treatments were subjected to instrumental and sensory analyses. Tumbling yield, drip, and cooking losses as well as expressible moisture showed that PPI can be used as a substitute for SPI in brine. The sensory analysis revealed that there were no differences among treatments in terms of appearance, color, flavor, saltiness, juiciness, tenderness, and overall acceptability of the marinated chicken breasts. However, chicken breasts marinated with phosphate had significantly higher aroma acceptability scores than those treated with 1% PPI.
To Eat, To Speak, To Skirt: Reading the Little Girl's Lips:SarahMann‐O'Donnell's World
Authors: Bar‐On Cohen Einat
Published: June 2013

Participants of theDeleuzeStudies conference were not prepared forSarahMann‐O'Donnell's presentation. She climbed onto the desk, crushed red plums, separated them into pits and peels, ate the pulp, and then vomited it onto the table through a pipe. Her actions were interspersed with stuttering and strange little stories. She was creating an enclave that generated sensual sense, affect, bringing to life a particular short‐lived cosmology. Naturally, her world entertains tight connections with Deleuzian thought, in particular withGillesDeleuze andFelixGuattari'sBody withoutOrgans, andDeleuze's remarks onLewisCarroll'sAlice inThe Logic of Sense. But the consequence of presenting philosophical ideas in such a way reaches beyond philosophical debate: when ideas are brought to life—given an actual, performative social life—they acquire their own mobility and generate fresh, new spillovers, breaching borders, leading elsewhere. They do not represent, but engender something new in the world, they do, thus coming close to a performance of ritual. Connecting her outer self with her interiority,Sarah can summon brute and creative forces embedded within the body through practice in its own right.
Intensity and Unpleasantness of Pain Following Vaginal and Cesarean Delivery: A Prospective Evaluation
Authors: Hardy‐Fairbanks Abbey J. , Lauria Michele R. , Mackenzie Todd , Mccarthy Martin
Published: June 2013

Background

To date, most studies evaluating pain associated with cesarean birth have focused on delivery procedures or postoperative pain control methods rather than on the nature or severity of the pain experience of women, despite the increasing incidence and maternal requests for cesarean delivery. The objective in this study was to evaluate sensory, affective, and laterality aspects of pain after cesarean delivery and vaginal delivery.

Methods

A prospective cohort study using a seven‐item visual analog scale assessed pain at rest and with activity, and the unpleasantness and location of pain on postpartum days 1 and 2. Chart review identified demographic and clinical factors influencing pain. Multivariable regression and propensity score analyses were used to evaluate patient‐level outcomes.

Results

Of 126 consenting women, 48 underwent cesarean delivery and 78 had vaginal delivery. No statistically significant differences in pain at rest and pain unpleasantness were found between groups on postpartum day 1, but women undergoing cesarean delivery reported more pain with activity than those who had a vaginal delivery (p < 0.0002). On postpartum day 2, cesarean delivery women reported significantly more pain when compared with those with a vaginal delivery (p < 0.04), and more cesarean delivery women reported lateralized pain (p < 0.0001). In multivariate regression analyses, cesarean delivery was the most significant predictor of activity‐related pain on postpartum day 1 (p < 0.00001), followed by current substance abuse (p < 0.01). Women undergoing cesarean delivery required twice the dosage of analgesics on postpartum day 1 and four times greater amounts on postpartum day 2 relative to those with a vaginal delivery (p < 0.01 and p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Cesarean delivery was associated with higher levels of pain, more unpleasant pain, more lateralized pain, and greater narcotic use than vaginal delivery. Evaluation of factors associated with postpartum pain can help practitioners to counsel women better about their delivery alternatives and can promote improved management of women undergoing both types of delivery experiences (BIRTH 40:2 June 2013).
Reflections on the Maternal Mortality Millennium Goal
Authors: Lawson Gerald W. , Keirse Marc J.N.C.
Published: June 2013

Background

Nearly every 2 minutes, somewhere in the world, a woman dies because of complications of pregnancy and childbirth. Every such death is an overwhelming catastrophe for everyone confronted with it. Most deaths occur in developing countries, especially in Africa and southern Asia, but a significant number also occur in the developed world.

Methods

We examined the available data on the progress and the challenges to the United Nations' fifth Millennium Development Goal of achieving a 75 percent worldwide reduction in the maternal mortality by 2015 from what it was in 1990.

Results

Some countries, such as Belarus, Egypt, Estonia, Honduras, Iran, Lithuania, Malaysia, Romania, Sri Lanka and Thailand, are likely to meet the target by 2015. Many poor countries with weak health infrastructures and high fertility rates are unlikely to meet the goal. Some, such as Botswana, Cameroon, Chad, Congo, Guyana, Lesotho, Namibia, Somalia, South Africa, Swaziland and Zimbabwe, had worse maternal mortality ratios in 2010 than in 1990, partially because of wars and civil strife. Worldwide, the leading causes of maternal death are still hemorrhage, hypertension, sepsis, obstructed labor, and unsafe abortions, while indirect causes are gaining in importance in developed countries.

Conclusions

Maternal death is especially distressing if it was potentially preventable. However, as there is no single cause, there is no silver bullet to correct the problem. Many countries also face new challenges as their childbearing population is growing in age and in weight. Much remains to be done to make safe motherhood a reality. (BIRTH 40:2 June 2013)
The University of British Columbia
Authors: Klein Michael C.
Published: June 2013

This study is one of a series of recent publications that attempt to sort out the impact of mode of birth on maternal and newborn outcome. The focus on elective cesarean section compared to planned vaginal birth beginning in spontaneous labor is an improved methodology over the earlier comparisons that failed to be able to separate planned from unplanned cesarean section or vaginal birth. The retrospective case control methodology based on birth record data that is employed in this research is similar to others, though with more respectable numbers. Most suffer from the problem of ascertainment difficulties, failure to stratify by parity, and of course, the unavailability of randomization, which some consider the ideal methodology. (BIRTH 40:2 June 2013)
Prospective evaluation of irrigation fluid absorption during pure transurethral bipolar plasma vaporisation of the prostate using expired‐breath ethanol measurements
Authors: Hermanns Thomas , Fankhauser Christian D. , Hefermehl Lukas J. , Kranzbühler Benedikt , Wong Lih‐Ming , Capol Janine C. , Zimmermann Matthias , Sulser Tullio , Müller Alexander
Published: June 2013

Objectives

To investigate if absorption of irrigation fluid occurs during bipolar plasma vaporisation (BPV) of the prostate.

To examine the clinical predictors of increased risk of fluid absorption and to assess if changes in serum electrolytes, venous pH, haemoglobin or haematocrit are able to detect intra‐operative fluid absorption.

Patients and Methods

Over a 15‐month period, 55 consecutive patients undergoing BPV of the prostate were investigated.

The volume of intra‐operative fluid absorption was measured using expired‐breath ethanol measurements.

Intra‐operative irrigation was performed with isotonic saline containing 1% ethanol. The breath ethanol concentration was measured every 10 min during the operation and the volume of irrigation fluid absorption was calculated from these concentrations.

Data on clinical (age, prostate volume, smoking status) and surgical variables (operation time, irrigation volume, appearance of capsular perforation) as well as intra‐operative changes in serum electrolytes, venous pH, haemoglobin and haematocrit were recorded.

Results

The median (range) age of the patients was 67 (48–87) years and the median (range) prostate volume was 41 (17–111) mL.

Nine patients (16%) showed a positive ethanol breath test during the procedure. The median (range) calculated fluid absorption in these patients was 346 (138–2166) mL.

Three patients had a fluid absorption >500 mL. One patient with absorption of >2 L showed clinical symptoms (dyspnoea and agitation) during the operation under spinal anaesthesia.

In the group of patients with fluid absorption, capsular perforation or injury to larger vessels was more often detectable.

In the group of patients with fluid absorption, only venous pH showed a significant change during the operation (from median 7.41 to median 7.34, P = 0.02). The pH decrease was significantly greater in the fluid absorption group than in the group of patients without fluid absorption (0.09 vs. 0.02, P = 0.005).

Conclusion

We have demonstrated that significant intra‐operative fluid absorption can occur during BPV of the prostate. Care must be taken if using this procedure in patients with significant cardiovascular comorbidities.

Respecting the anatomical borders of the prostate seems to play a relevant role in preventing fluid absorption during the procedure.

Venous pH could be used to detect potentially dangerous fluid absorption if intra‐operative monitoring with breath ethanol measurements is not available.
Manganese superoxide dismutase Ile58Thr, catalase C‐262T and myeloperoxidase G‐463A gene polymorphisms in patients with prostate cancer: relation to advanced and metastatic disease
Authors: Tefik Tzevat , Kucukgergin Canan , Sanli Oner , Oktar Tayfun , Seckin Sule , Ozsoy Cavit
Published: June 2013

Objective

To evaluate the relationship between manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) Ile58Thr, catalase (CAT) C‐262T and myeloperoxidase (MPO) G‐463A gene polymorphisms and the susceptibility and clinicopathological characteristics of prostate cancer.

Patients and Methods

In all, 155 patients diagnosed with prostate cancer and 195 controls with negative digital rectal examinations and PSA levels of <4 ng/dL were enrolled in this study.

MnSOD, CAT and MPO gene polymorphisms were identified by polymerase chain reaction restriction‐fragment length polymorphism methods.

Results

The TT genotype in MnSOD Ile58Thr polymorphism, CC genotype in the CAT C‐262T polymorphism and the GG genotype in the MPO G‐463A polymorphism were the predominant genotypes amongst this Turkish male population.

There was no association between MnSOD Ile58Thr polymorphism and prostate cancer.

For the CAT C‐262T polymorphism, the TT genotype had significantly increased prostate cancer risk compared with the CC genotype. Similarly, the TT genotype had a 1.94‐ and 3.83‐fold increased risk for high‐stage disease and metastasis, respectively, when compared with the CC genotype.

For the MPO G‐463A polymorphism, the GG genotype had 1.78‐fold increased risk of prostate cancer compared with the AA genotype. However, no association was found regarding Gleason score, advanced and metastatic prostate cancer risk.

Conclusions

It seems that there is no association of prostate cancer with MnSOD Ile58Thr polymorphism, whereas the TT genotype in the CAT C‐262T polymorphism and the GG genotype in the MPO G‐463A polymorphism may be associated with increased prostate cancer risk.

The TT genotype in the CAT C‐262T gene polymorphism may also be a risk factor in tumour progression and metastasis among Turkish men.
Cost‐effectiveness analysis of tension‐free vaginal tape vs burch colposuspension for female stress urinary incontinence in the USA
Authors: Laudano Melissa A. , Seklehner Stephan , Chughtai Bilal , Lee Una , Tyagi Renuka , Kavaler Elizabeth , Te Alexis E. , Kaplan Steven A. , Lee Richard K.
Published: June 2013

Objective

To compare the cost‐effectiveness (CE) of tension‐free vaginal tape (TVT) with that of burch colposuspension (BC) for the treatment of female stress urinary incontinence (SUI).

Materials and Methods

A Markov‐chain decision model was created to simulate treatment of SUI with TVT or BC using Treeage Pro 2011 software (Treeage Software Inc., Williamstown, MA, USA).

Costing data were obtained from the Medicare Resource‐Based Relative Value Scale.

Data regarding the success of TVT vs BC were obtained from the peer‐reviewed literature, as were corresponding utilities for different continence states.

The CE of each procedure was calculated and compared, and sensitivity analyses were performed.

Results

At 10‐year follow‐up, TVT was more cost‐effective (CE = $1495/quality‐adjusted life year [QALY]) than BC (CE = $1824/QALY).

Sensitivity analysis showed that TVT was more cost‐effective than BC if the cost of the TVT device was <$3220.

If the probability of success after TVT was <42%, then BC became the more cost‐effective strategy (CE = $1827/QALY).

Conclusion

Our study showed that TVT was more cost‐effective than BC as a treatment for female SUI.

Both cost of TVT device and efficacy of the procedure affect the CE analysis.
Lack of effect of ODQ does not exclude cGMP signalling via NO‐sensitive guanylyl cyclase
Authors: Lies Barbara , Groneberg Dieter , Gambaryan Stepan , Friebe Andreas
Published: June 2013

Background and Purpose

Nitric oxide (NO) is known to activate NO‐sensitive guanylyl cyclase (NO‐GC) and to elicit cGMP production. However, NO has also been proposed to induce cGMP‐independent effects. It is accepted practice to use specific NO‐GC inhibitors, such as ODQ or NS2028, to assess cGMP‐dependent NO effects. Consequently, NO‐induced reactions seen in the presence of these inhibitors commonly serve as an affirmation of cGMP independence.

Experimental Approach

We evaluated the use of ODQ to discriminate between cGMP‐dependent and cGMP‐independent NO effects. NO‐GC‐expressing HEK cells, platelets and tissues from wild type (WT) and NO‐GC‐deficient mice (GCKO) were used.

Key Results

NO donors led to accumulation of cGMP in platelets and GC‐expressing HEK cells and induced phosphorylation of the vasodilator‐stimulated phosphoprotein in platelets; both effects were reduced by ODQ. High concentrations of NO donors, however, overrode the inhibitory effect of ODQ. Correspondingly, ODQ inhibited but did not fully eliminate NO‐induced relaxation of aorta and fundus from WT mice. Relaxation induced by endogenously released NO was fully or partially inhibited by ODQ in fundus and aorta, respectively. In aorta and fundus of GCKO mice NO‐induced relaxation was absent and served as standard for complete NO‐GC inhibition.

Conclusions and Implications

High NO concentrations can overcome the inhibitory effect of ODQ on NO‐GC. Smooth muscle relaxation induced by NO donors/endogenously released NO in the presence of ODQ in WT was absent in GCKO animals indicating involvement of NO‐GC. Accordingly, NO‐induced effects in the presence of ODQ do not necessarily prove cGMP independence.
Fasudil, a rho kinase inhibitor, limits motor neuron loss in experimental models of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Takata M , Tanaka H , Kimura M , Nagahara Y , Tanaka K , Kawasaki K , Seto M , Tsuruma K , Shimazawa M , Hara H
Published: June 2013

Background and Purpose

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disorder with no effective treatment. Fasudil hydrochloride (fasudil), a potent rho kinase (ROCK) inhibitor, is useful for the treatment of ischaemic diseases. In previous reports, fasudil improved pathology in mouse models of Alzheimer's disease and spinal muscular atrophy, but there is no evidence in that it can affect ALS. We therefore investigated its effects on experimental models of ALS.

Experimental Approach

In mice motor neuron (NSC34) cells, the neuroprotective effect of hydroxyfasudil (M3), an active metabolite of fasudil, and its mechanism were evaluated. Moreover, the effects of fasudil, 30 and 100 mg·kg−1, administered via drinking water to mutant superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1G93A) mice were tested by measuring motor performance, survival time and histological changes, and its mechanism investigated.

Key Results

M3 prevented motor neuron cell death induced by SOD1G93A. Furthermore, M3 suppressed both the increase in ROCK activity and phosphorylated phosphatase and tensin homologue deleted on chromosome 10 (PTEN), and the reduction in phosphorylated Akt induced by SOD1G93A. These effects of M3 were attenuated by treatment with a PI3K inhibitor (LY294002). Moreover, fasudil slowed disease progression, increased survival time and reduced motor neuron loss, in SOD1G93A mice. Fasudil also attenuated the increase in ROCK activity and PTEN, and the reduction in Akt in SOD1G93A mice.

Conclusions and Implications

These findings indicate that fasudil may be effective at suppressing motor neuron degeneration and symptom progression in ALS. Hence, fasudil may have potential as a therapeutic agent for ALS treatment.
Istaroxime stimulates SERCA2a and accelerates calcium cycling in heart failure by relieving phospholamban inhibition
Authors: Ferrandi Mara , Barassi Paolo , Tadini‐Buoninsegni Francesco , Bartolommei Gianluca , Molinari Isabella , Tripodi Maria Grazia , Reina Cristina , Moncelli Maria Rosa , Bianchi Giuseppe , Ferrari Patrizia
Published: June 2013

Background and Purpose

Calcium handling is known to be deranged in heart failure. Interventions aimed at improving cell Ca2+ cycling may represent a promising approach to heart failure therapy. Istaroxime is a new luso‐inotropic compound that stimulates cardiac contractility and relaxation in healthy and failing animal models and in patients with acute heart failure (AHF) syndrome. Istaroxime is a Na‐K ATPase inhibitor with the unique property of increasing sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) SERCA2a activity as shown in heart microsomes from humans and guinea pigs. The present study addressed the molecular mechanism by which istaroxime increases SERCA2a activity.

Experimental Approach

To study the effect of istaroxime on SERCA2a‐phospholamban (PLB) complex, we applied different methodologies in native dog healthy and failing heart preparations and heterologous canine SERCA2a/PLB co‐expressed in Spodoptera frugiperda (Sf21) insect cells.

Key Results

We showed that istaroxime enhances SERCA2a activity, Ca2+ uptake and the Ca2+‐dependent charge movements into dog healthy and failing cardiac SR vesicles. Although not directly demonstrated, the most probable explanation of these activities is the displacement of PLB from SERCA2a.E2 conformation, independently from cAMP/PKA. We propose that this displacement may favour the SERCA2a conformational transition from E2 to E1, thus resulting in the acceleration of Ca2+ cycling.

Conclusions and Implications

Istaroxime represents the first example of a small molecule that exerts a luso‐inotropic effect in the failing human heart through the stimulation of SERCA2a ATPase activity and the enhancement of Ca2+ uptake into the SR by relieving the PLB inhibitory effect on SERCA2a in a cAMP/PKA independent way.

Linked Articles

This article is commented on by Huang, pp. 486–488 of volume 170 issue 3. To view this commentary visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/bph.12288.
Effects of biological sex on the pathophysiology of the heart
Authors: Fazal Loubina , Azibani Feriel , Vodovar Nicolas , Cohen Solal Alain , Delcayre Claude , Samuel Jane‐Lise
Published: June 2013

Cardiovascular diseases are the leading causes of death in men and women in industrialized countries. While the effects of biological sex on cardiovascular pathophysiology have long been known, the sex‐specific mechanisms mediating these processes have been further elucidated over recent years. This review aims at analysing the sex‐based differences in cardiac structure and function in adult mammals, and the sex‐based differences in the main molecular mechanisms involved in the response of the heart to pathological situations. It emerged from this review that the sex‐based difference is a variable that should be dealt with, not only in basic science or clinical research, but also with regards to therapeutic approaches.

Linked Articles

This article is part of a themed section on Biological Sex and Cardiovascular Pharmacology. To view the other articles in this section visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/bph.2014.171.issue‐3
Association between body mass index and caries among children and adolescents
Authors: Lempert Susanne M. , Froberg Karsten , Christensen Lisa B. , Kristensen Peter L. , Heitmann Berit L.
Published: June 2013

Objective

The aim of this article was to examine the relationship between childhood caries, body mass index (BMI) and subsequent changes in BMI over 6 years, and to investigate whether these associations were modified by social class.

Methods

Data were from the European Youth Heart Study (EYHS) merged with data on caries experience from the Danish National Board of Health, (SCOR register).

Results

At baseline, 26.2% of the children/adolescents were caries free and 39% at follow‐up. A larger percentage of normal weight children/adolescents were caries free, compared with the overweight/obese group of children/adolescents. The linear regression analysis showed that childhood caries was generally not associated with either BMI or subsequent changes in BMI. However, among children whose mothers were well educated, there was an inverse association between caries at baseline and subsequent changes in BMI over a period of 6 years, for example, a high caries experience was associated with a smaller increment in BMI, compared with the group of children with a low caries experience. No association was found for those with lower SES.

Conclusion

An inverse association between caries and subsequent changes in BMI was found, but only among children with well‐educated mothers, suggesting that high caries experience may be a marker for low future risk of overweight among the more advantaged. Associations did not appear to be significant among the less advantaged; however, numbers in this group were low, and an association may have been overlooked. Hence, more studies are needed to confirm these findings.