bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Simple lifestyle recommendations and the outcomes of gestational diabetes. A 2×2 factorial randomized trial
Authors: Bo S. , Rosato R. , Ciccone G. , Canil S. , Gambino R. , Poala C. B. , Leone F. , Valla A. , Grassi G. , Ghigo E. , Cassader M. , Menato G.
Published: March 2014

The benefits of exercise and behavioural recommendations in gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) are controversial. In a randomized trial with a 2×2 factorial design, we examined the effect of exercise and behavioural recommendations on metabolic variables, and maternal/neonatal outcomes in 200 GDM patients. All women were given the same diet: group D received dietary recommendations only; group E was advised to briskly walk 20‐min/day; group B received behavioural dietary recommendations; group BE was prescribed the same as B + E. Dietary habits improved in all groups. In a multivariable regression model, fasting glucose did not change. Exercise, but not behavioural recommendations, was associated with the reduction of postprandial glucose (p < 0001), glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c; p < 0.001), triglycerides (p = 0.02) and C‐reactive protein (CRP; p < 0.001) and reduced any maternal/neonatal complications (OR = 0.50; 95%CI=0.28–0.89;p = 0.02). In GDM patients a simple exercise programme reduced maternal postprandial glucose, HbA1c, CRP, triglycerides and any maternal/neonatal complications, but not fasting glucose values.
Clinical efficacy of a computerised device (STA™) and a pressure syringe (VarioJect INTRA™) for intraligamentary anaesthesia
Authors: Kämmerer P. W. , Schiegnitz E. , von Haussen T. , Shabazfar N. , Kämmerer P. , Willershausen B. , Al‐Nawas B. , Daubländer M.
Published: March 2014

Introduction

To evaluate the impact of experience whilst using different devices for intraligamentary anaesthesia, dental students tested clinical anaesthetic efficacy of a mechanical (PDL‐S) and a computer‐controlled (CCLAD) application system in restorative patients.

Material and methods

In a prospective study, 41 Patients in need of restorative treatment in lower posterior mandible were randomised into three groups (PDL‐S: teeth n = 22; CCLAD: teeth n = 20; inferior alveolar nerve block (IANB): teeth n = 20). Dental last year students conducted anaesthesia and dental treatment. Primary objectives were differences in pain during treatment [numeric rating scale (NRS)] as well as in anaesthetic efficacy (complete/sufficient vs. insufficient/no effect) between PDL‐S and CCLAD. Pain of injection, need for second injections, amount of anaesthetic solution and duration of local numbness were assessed. IANB as gold standard was compared to each system descriptively.

Results

PDL‐S had a significant lower pain during treatment (P = 0.017) but a similar anaesthetic efficacy (P = 0.175) compared to the CCLAD system. Concerning pain of injection (P = 0.42), quantity of second injections (P = 0.232), amount of used solution (P = 0.073) as well as duration of local numbness (P = 0.253), no differences were seen. When comparing both periodontal ligament injection (PDL)‐systems with IANB, pain rating was higher when using CCLAD. Injection pain, amount of used solution as well as soft tissue anaesthesia was less for PDL‐S and CCLAD.

Discussion

Both PDL techniques showed a good success for dental routine treatments. Although, compared to the mechanic device, the CCLAD system might need more clinical daily experience.

Conclusion

We recommend including specific trainings in intraligamentary anaesthesia in the dental curriculum.
Long‐term follow‐up of bone density, general and reproductive health in female survivors after treatment for haematological malignancies
Authors: Naessén Sabine , Bergström Ingrid , Ljungman Per , Landgren Britt‐Marie
Published: March 2014

The purpose of this study was to assess the ovarian function, fertility and bone mineral density in women who previously had treatment for different haematological malignancies (HMs). The overall survival and cure rates of patients with HMs have improved dramatically. The treatment affects fertility and bone density. Fifty‐two premenopausal women, from Stockholm region, were included in the study between 1998 and 2002, followed until 2011. The diagnoses were acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (n = 6), acute myeloid leukaemia (n = 10), chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (n = 1), chronic myeloid leukaemia (n = 12), Hodgkin lymphoma (n = 12) and non‐Hodgkin lymphoma (n = 11). Before treatment, women without children (43/52), when possible, were offered fertility preservation options. The mean age at diagnosis was 27, at final evaluation 39 yr. Thirty‐seven patients received HSCT; 26 allogeneic, 11 autologous. Before allogeneic HSCT, nineteen patients had myeloablative conditioning; seven had reduced‐intensity conditioning. Eleven patients got total body irradiation. Eight patients were transplanted with grafts from an HLA‐identical sibling donor, while 18 had unrelated donors. All women were in a menopausal state post‐therapy. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) was given, and bone mineral density (BMD) was measured every other year. The serum levels of parathyroid hormone (PTH), free and bound calcium was within normal range. BMD measurements showed a slight increase over time in the spine with a mean of 0.015 g/cm2/yr. Four spontaneous pregnancies resulted in two babies and two discontinued pregnancies; two pregnancies were achieved with oocyte donation and surrogacy and one woman adopted a child. HRT sustains BMD in long‐term survivors from HMs. This study highlights the importance of HRT and fertility issues in this patient group.
IMM‐H004 prevents toxicity induced by delayed treatment of tPA in a rat model of focal cerebral ischemia involving PKA‐and PI3K‐dependent Akt activation
Authors: Zuo Wei , Chen Jiao , Zhang Shuai , Tang Jia , Liu Hang , Zhang Dongming , Chen Naihong
Published: March 2014

Ischemic stroke is currently treated with thrombolytic therapy with a drawback to induce hemorrhagic transformation (HT) if applied beyond its relatively narrow treatment time window. The present study was designed to examine the role of IMM‐H004, a derivative of coumarin, in recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (tPA)‐induced HT. Rats subjected to 6 h of thromboembolic occlusion or middle cerebral artery occlusion received tPA with or without IMM‐H004. Delayed tPA intervention drastically increased the risk of HT and exaggerated the ischemic injury. To assess the effect of IMM‐H004 on delayed treatment of tPA‐induced toxicity after ischemia and reperfusion, various approaches were used, including a behavior test, TTC‐staining, determination of cerebral hemorrhage, laser speckle imaging, Western blot, gelatin zymogram, immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence staining. Experiments were also conducted in vitro in human brain microvascular endothelial cells (HBMECs) and PC12 cells to explore the mechanism for the role of IMM‐H004. Combination therapy of tPA and IMM‐H004 prevented the development of HT, and reduced the mortality rate, infarct volume and brain edema. IMM‐H004 also exerted a protective role by decreasing matrix metalloproteinases, the co‐localization of matrix metalloproteinase‐2 with astrocytes and increasing occludin. Experiments in HBMECs and PC12 revealed an elevation in ATP level and a protein kinase A‐ and PI3K‐dependent activation of Akt by IMM‐H004 after tPA administration. These results suggest IMM‐H004 as a promising adjuvant to alleviate the detrimental side effects of tPA in clinical therapy of ischemic stroke, and contribute to better understand the mechanism for the beneficial role of this novel remedy.
Dualisms in Higher Education: a Critique of Their Influence and Effect
Authors: Macfarlane Bruce
Published: March 2014

Dualisms pervade the language of higher education research providing an over‐simplified roadmap to the field. However, the lazy logic of their popular appeal supports the perpetuation of erroneous and often outdated assumptions about the nature of modern higher education. This paper explores nine commonly occurring dualisms: collegiality/managerialism, student‐centred/teacher‐centred, deep learning/surface learning, academics/non‐academics; research/teaching, old universities/new universities, liberal/vocational, public universities/private universities and higher education/further education. Illustrated by reference to a range of international contexts, it is argued that over‐reliance on dualisms among higher education scholars has adverse effects including narrowing the possibilities of research design and inhibiting intellectual advancement within the field.
Octopaminergic gene expression and flexible social behaviour in the subsocial burying beetle Nicrophorus vespilloides
Authors: Cunningham C. B. , Douthit M. K. , Moore A. J.
Published: March 2014

Flexible behaviour allows organisms to respond appropriately to changing environmental and social conditions. In the subsocial beetle Nicrophorus vespilloides, females tolerate conspecifics when mating, become aggressive when defending resources, and return to social tolerance when transitioning to parenting. Given the association between octopamine and aggression in insects, we hypothesized that genes in the octopaminergic system would be differentially expressed across different social and reproductive contexts. To test this in N. vespilloides, we first obtained the sequences of orthologues of the synthetic enzymes and receptors of the octopaminergic system. We next compared relative gene expression from virgin females, mated females, mated females alone on a resource required for reproduction and mated females on a resource with a male. Expression varied for five receptor genes. The expression of octopamine β receptor 1 and octopamine β receptor 2 was relatively higher in mated females than in other social conditions. Octopamine β receptor 3 was influenced by the presence or absence of a resource and less by social environment. Octopamine α receptor and octopamine/tyramine receptor 1 gene expression was relatively lower in the mated females with a resource and a male. We suggest that in N. vespilloides the octopaminergic system is associated with the expression of resource defence, alternative mating tactics, social tolerance and indirect parental care.
Absence of the adaptor protein Shb potentiates the T helper type 2 response in a mouse model of atopic dermatitis
Authors: Gustafsson Karin , Willebrand Elsa , Welsh Michael
Published: March 2014

Aberrant regulation of T helper (Th) cell maturation is associated with a number of autoimmune conditions, including allergic disorders and rheumatoid arthritis. The Src homology domain protein B (Shb) adaptor protein was recently implicated as a regulator of Th cell differentiation. Shb is an integral component of the T‐cell receptor (TCR) signalling complex and in the absence of Shb the TCR is less responsive to stimulation, resulting in the preferential development of Th2 responses under conditions of in vitro stimulation. In the present study, we extend those observations to an in vivo situation using a murine model of atopic dermatitis. Shb knockout mice develop more pronounced symptoms of atopic dermatitis with increased localized oedema, epidermal hyperplasia and IgE production. Dermal infiltration of mast cells, eosinophils, CD4+ Th cells and F4/80+ macrophages was also significantly increased in Shb‐deficient mice. This correlated with elevated transcription of the hallmark Th2 cytokines interleukin‐4 and interleukin‐5. The loss of Shb therefore alters TCR signalling ability, thereby favouring the development of Th2‐driven inflammation and exacerbating symptoms of allergy.
Portopulmonary venous anastomosis in balloon‐occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration for the treatment of gastric varices
Authors: Kariya Shuji , Komemushi Atsushi , Nakatani Miyuki , Yoshida Rie , Kono Yumiko , Shiraishi Tomokuni , Tanigawa Noboru
Published: March 2014

Background and Aim

Several reports have described portopulmonary venous anastomosis (PPVA). However, in balloon‐occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration (BRTO), attention has not been paid to paradoxical embolism. The objective of this study was to investigate the existence of a right–left shunt due to PPVA when the drainage vein is occluded by a balloon during BRTO.

Methods

The subjects were 19 patients who underwent BRTO. Whether PPVA was present was confirmed on balloon‐occluded retrograde transvenous venography (BRTV). After BRTV, a retrograde bolus injection of 20 mL of carbon dioxide (CO2) via the balloon catheter was performed under balloon occlusion, and the flow of bubbles into both ventricles was observed with four‐chamber view echocardiography. During the same balloon occlusion, bolus injection of CO2 into the inferior vena cava was performed, followed by echocardiography.

Results

PPVA was confirmed on BRTV in four patients (21.1%). On echocardiography with retrograde CO2 injection, bubbles were confirmed in the left ventricle in six patients (31.6%). On echocardiography with CO2 injection into the inferior vena cava, bubbles were not confirmed in the left ventricle in any cases.

Conclusions

When the draining vein was occluded with a balloon and blood flow in a gastrorenal or gastrocaval shunt was stopped during BRTO, PPVA was confirmed in 21.1% of cases on retrograde angiography, and a right–left shunt was confirmed in 31.6% of cases on echocardiography.
Risk factors associated with the mental health of fathers of children with an intellectual disability inAustralia
Authors: Giallo R. , Seymour M. , Matthews J. , Gavidia‐Payne S. , Hudson A. , Cameron C.
Published: March 2014

Background

Raising a child with a disability places considerable demands and stress on parents, which can contribute to mental health difficulties. Research has primarily focused on mothers' mental health, and our understanding of the effects on fathers remains limited. The factors that place fathers at increased risk of mental health difficulties are also poorly understood. This study aimed to redress these gaps by reporting on the mental health of a large sample of fathers of children with an intellectual disability (ID) (aged 3–15 years), comparing this to publishedAustralian norms and mothers of children withID. The second aim of the study was to explore risk factors associated with fathers' mental health.

Method

The data for this study come from 315 Australian fathers of children (aged 3–15 years) withID, who participated in the large‐scale evaluation of theSignposts for building better behaviour programme. Fathers completed a range of self‐report questionnaires at baseline including theDepressionAnxietyStressScale (DASS).

Results

Fathers in the present sample reported significantly more symptoms of depression and stress than the Australian normative data, with approximately 6–8% reporting symptoms in the severe to extremely severe range. The strongest predictors of fathers' mental health difficulties were children's behaviour problems, daily stress arising from fathers' own needs and children's care needs, and low parenting satisfaction. Socio‐economic factors did not predict mental health difficulties.

Conclusion

This study is among one of the first to report the mental health of fathers of children with a disability inAustralia. Findings highlight that some fathers of children withIDare at heightened risk of experiencing mental health difficulties, underscoring the importance of the provision of information and interventions to promote their mental health.
Mammary carcinoma in a male rhesus macaque (Macaca mulatta): histopathology and immunohistochemistry of ductal carcinoma in situ
Authors: Roberts Bradley M. , Chumpolkulwong Kesara , Tayamun Sujitra , Inamnuay Laksanee , Rungsipipat Anudep , Lombardini Eric D.
Published: March 2014

Background

A mammary nodule was noted in a male rhesus macaque during physical examination.

Methods and Results

Histopathological and immunohistochemical analysis was performed. Ductal carcinoma in situ was confirmed.

Conclusions

To date, there are two reports of mammary carcinoma in male non‐human primates, and none in the rhesus macaque.
The transition of a large‐scale quality improvement initiative: a bibliometric analysis of the Productive Ward: Releasing Time to Care Programme
Authors: White Mark , Wells John SG , Butterworth Tony
Published: March 2014

Aims and objectives

To examine the literature related to a large‐scale quality improvement initiative, the ‘Productive Ward: Releasing Time to Care’, providing a bibliometric profile that tracks the level of interest and scale of roll‐out and adoption, discussing the implications for sustainability.

Background

Productive Ward: Releasing Time to Care (aka Productive Ward) is probably one of the most ambitious quality improvement efforts engaged by the UK‐NHS. Politically and financially supported, its main driver was the NHS Institute for Innovation and Improvement. The NHS institute closed in early 2013 leaving a void of resources, knowledge and expertise. UK roll‐out of the initiative is well established and has arguably peaked. International interest in the initiative however continues to develop.

Methods

A comprehensive literature review was undertaken to identify the literature related to the Productive Ward and its implementation (January 2006–June 2013). A bibliometric analysis examined/reviewed the trends and identified/measured interest, spread and uptake.

Results

Overall distribution patterns identify a declining trend of interest, with reduced numbers of grey literature and evaluation publications. However, detailed examination of the data shows no reduction in peer‐reviewed outputs. There is some evidence that international uptake of the initiative continues to generate publications and create interest.

Conclusions

Sustaining this initiative in the UK will require re‐energising, a new focus and financing. The transition period created by the closure of its creator may well contribute to further reduced levels of interest and publication outputs in the UK. However, international implementation, evaluation and associated publications could serve to attract professional/academic interest in this well‐established, positively reported, quality improvement initiative.

Relevance to clinical practice

This paper provides nurses and ward teams involved in quality improvement programmes with a detailed, current‐state, examination and analysis of the Productive Ward literature, highlighting the bibliometric patterns of this large‐scale, international, quality improvement programme. It serves to disseminate updated publication information to those in clinical practice who are involved in Productive Ward or a similar quality improvement initiative.
On Coloniality, Racialized Forgetting and the “Group Effect”: Interrogating Ethnic Studies' Meta‐Narrative of Race
Authors: Patil Vrushali
Published: March 2014

Against the backdrop of collaborative antiracist struggle, this paper considers knowledge about race constructed by contemporary ethnic studies. Examining narratives of self, history and purpose produced by ethnic studies, it argues that these narratives highlight processes of racialization at the level of received ethnic groups while eliding cross‐group processes. It argues that the hyper‐visibility of racialization at the level of distinct groups, coupled with the invisibility of cross‐group processes, creates a “group effect” which has significant implications for alliance‐building and solidarity. It ends with a discussion of some possibilities for countering the group effect.
Chronic kidney disease–mineral bone disorder: an update on the pathology and cranial manifestations
Authors: Raubenheimer Erich J. , Noffke Claudia E. E. , Hendrik Hilde D.
Published: March 2014

Chronic kidney disease–mineral bone disorder (CKD‐MBD) is a syndrome encompassing skeletal and extra skeletal changes associated with chronic kidney disease. It progresses silently until an advanced clinical stage when complications impact on the quality of life and survival rates of patients. The maxillofacial manifestations are unique and may play an important role in the early identification of changes which could influence the management of these patients. The goal of this review is to highlight the maxillofacial features, pathology, and principles of management of CKD‐MBD.
SHARPS INJURIES AMONGST HEALTHCARE WORKERS: REVIEW OF INCIDENCE, TRANSMISSIONS AND COSTS
Authors: Elseviers Monique M. , Arias‐Guillén Marta , Gorke Alois , Arens Hans‐Jürgen
Published: March 2014

Background

Sharps injuries and the related risk of infections such as hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) represent one of the major occupational health risks for healthcare workers (HCWs).

Literature Review

An overview of available data on the incidence of sharps injuries and the related HBV, HCV and HIV infections and ensuing costs is provided.

Results

Literature reported incidence rates of sharps injuries ranging from 1.4 to 9.5 per 100 HCWs, resulting in a weighted mean of 3.7/100 HCWs per year. Sharps injuries were associated with infective disease transmissions from patients to HCWs resulting in 0.42 HBV infections, 0.05–1.30 HCV infections and 0.04–0.32 HIV infections per 100 sharps injuries per year. The related societal costs had a mean of €272, amounting to a mean of €1,966 if the source patient was HIV positive with HBV and HCV co‐infections.

Conclusion

Sharps injuries remain a frequent threat amongst HCWs. The follow‐up and treatment of sharps injuries and the deriving consequences represent a significant cost factor.
Barriers to the reporting of medication administration errors and near misses: an interview study of nurses at a psychiatric hospital
Authors: Haw C. , Stubbs J. , Dickens G. L.
Published: March 2014

Accessible summary

Medication administration errors and near misses are common including in mental health settings. Nurses should report all errors and near misses so that lessons can be learned and future mistakes avoided. We interviewed 50 nurses to find out if they would report an error that a colleague had made or if they would report a near‐miss that they had.

Less than half of nurses said they would report an error made by a colleague or a near‐miss involving themselves. Nurses commonly said they would not report the errors or near misses because there was a good excuse for the error/near miss, because they lacked knowledge about whether it was an error/near miss or how to report it, because they feared the consequences of reporting it, or because reporting it was too much work.

Mental health nurses mostly report similar reasons for not reporting errors and near misses as nurses working in general medical settings. We have not seen another study where nurses would not report an error or near miss because they thought there was a good excuse for it.

Training programmes and policies should address all the reasons that prevent reporting of errors and near misses.

Medication errors are a common and preventable cause of patient harm. Guidance for nurses indicates that all errors and near misses should be immediately reported in order to facilitate the development of a learning culture. However, medication errors and near misses have been under‐researched in mental health settings. This study explored the reasons given by psychiatric nurses for not reporting a medication error made by a colleague, and the perceived barriers to near‐miss reporting. We presented 50 nurses with clinical vignettes about error and near‐miss reporting and interviewed them about their likely actions and about their views and perceptions. Less than half of participants would report an error made by a colleague (48%) or a near‐miss involving themselves (40%). Thematic analysis revealed common themes for both not reporting an error or a near‐miss were knowledge, fear, burden of work, and excusing the error. The first three themes are similar to results obtained from research in general medical settings, but the fourth appears to be novel. Many mental health nurses are not yet fully convinced of the need to report all errors and near misses, and that improvements could be made by increasing knowledge while reducing fear, burden of work, and excusing of errors.
It Still Isn't Over: Event Boundaries in Language and Perception
Authors: Malaia Evie
Published: March 2014

The interaction between language and perception networks in the brain can hold the key to the biological bases of language evolution. In language, every sentence is built around a verb, which describes an event. During perception, humans constantly and automatically segment reality into individualized event (verb) units. The cognitive connection between the perceptual segmentation of events and their grammatical expression in language is a novel direction for research into the neurobiology of language, but it may be a key example of the emergence of linguistic structure – grammatical category – from individualized meaning.

This article summarizes the current state of this research, and is divided into three parts. The initial overview of cross‐linguistic typology of events shows that events and their boundaries are of vital importance to linguistic communication. We then summarize what is known about perceiving and identifying event boundaries in the most well‐studied domain, that of visual perception. Here, sign languages provide the link between visual perception and linguistic expression, showing a complex mapping from perceptual and cognitive event segmentation to linguistic structures at the phonology–syntax interface. The last section reviews current evidence for neural bases of event processing, showing that identification of an event boundary (linguistic or perceptual) is used for memory updates, and suggesting the possible role of an event‐type universal in the syntactic structure of human languages.
Model choice for phylogeographic inference using a large set of models
Authors: Pelletier Tara A. , Carstens Bryan C.
Published: March 2014

Model‐based analyses are common in phylogeographic inference because they parameterize processes such as population division, gene flow and expansion that are of interest to biologists. Approximate Bayesian computation is a model‐based approach that can be customized to any empirical system and used to calculate the relative posterior probability of several models, provided that suitable models can be identified for comparison. The question of how to identify suitable models is explored using data from Plethodon idahoensis, a salamander that inhabits the North American inland northwest temperate rainforest. First, we conduct an ABC analysis using five models suggested by previous research, calculate the relative posterior probabilities and find that a simple model of population isolation has the best fit to the data (PP = 0.70). In contrast to this subjective choice of models to include in the analysis, we also specify models in a more objective manner by simulating prior distributions for 143 models that included panmixia, population isolation, change in effective population size, migration and range expansion. We then identify a smaller subset of models for comparison by generating an expectation of the highest posterior probability that a false model is likely to achieve due to chance and calculate the relative posterior probabilities of only those models that exceed this expected level. A model that parameterized divergence with population expansion and gene flow in one direction offered the best fit to the P. idahoensis data (in contrast to an isolation‐only model from the first analysis). Our investigation demonstrates that the determination of which models to include in ABC model choice experiments is a vital component of model‐based phylogeographic analysis.
Differential control of Bradyrhizobium japonicum iron stimulon genes through variable affinity of the iron response regulator (Irr) for target gene promoters and selective loss of activator function
Authors: Jaggavarapu Siddharth , O'Brian Mark R.
Published: March 2014

Bradyrhizobium japonicum Irr is a conditionally stable transcriptional activator and repressor that accumulates in cells under iron‐limited, manganese‐replete conditions, but degrades in a haem‐dependent manner under high iron conditions, manganese limitation or upon exposure to H2O2. Here, we identified Irr‐regulated genes that were relatively unresponsive to factors that promote Irr degradation. The promoters of those genes bound Irr with at least 200‐fold greater affinity than promoters of the responsive genes, resulting in maintenance of promoter occupancy over a wide cellular Irr concentration range. For Irr‐repressible genes, promoter occupancy correlated with transcriptional repression, resulting in differential levels of expression based on Irr affinity for target promoters. However, inactivation of positively controlled genes required neither promoter vacancy nor loss of DNA‐binding activity by Irr. Thus, activation and repression functions of Irr may be uncoupled from each other under certain conditions. Abrogation of Irr activation function was haem‐dependent, thus haem has two functionally separable roles in modulating Irr activity. The findings imply a greater complexity of control by Irr than can be achieved by conditional stability alone. We suggest that these regulatory mechanisms accommodate the differing needs for Irr regulon genes in response to the prevailing metabolic state of the cell.
Emergency department nurses’ perceptions and experiences of providing care for older people
Authors: Gallagher Robyn , Fry Margaret , Chenoweth Lynne , Gallagher Patrick , Stein‐Parbury Jane
Published: March 2014

Emergency department nurses are challenged to provide safe, quality care to older people; however, nurses’ perceptions of their role and experiences are seldom investigated. This focus‐group study investigated emergency department nurses’ perceptions and experiences of caring for older people, using four focus groups of nurses with a minimum three months’ experience in the emergency department and a demographic survey. Data were thematically analyzed. Two themes emerged. The first was the clash of expectations between nurses and family/carers related to safety and quality of nursing care. Older people were perceived to be vulnerable in the emergency department, and nurses were frustrated that competing priorities decreased their ability to ensure them safe and quality care. Nurses felt family/carers were disappointed with care provided, and might not empathize with or understand their predicament. The second theme concerned nurses’ perception that family/carers could provide a safety net for the older person in the emergency department in times of high workload. Nurses need support to care for older people in the emergency department to ensure safe and optimal care, and a shared understanding of care provision between nurses and family needs development.
Dionysia assadii sp. nov. (Primulaceae: sect. Dionysiopsis) from southern Iran
Authors: Borjian A. , Deylami E. , Dousti A. F.
Published: March 2014

The new species Dionysia assadii (Primulaceae) from the Irano–Turanian region in Fars province, Iran, is described and illustrated. It is compared with its closest relative Dionysia esfandiarii Wendelbo and differs from it in leaf shape, leaf margin, hair density of leaves and other organs, shape of calyx and bracts, color of corolla and status of lobes, form and color of seeds, as well as the length of anthers and style in longistylous flowers.
New insights into insulin action and resistance in the vasculature
Authors: Manrique Camila , Lastra Guido , Sowers James R.
Published: March 2014

Two‐thirds of adults in the United States are overweight or obese, and another 26 million have type 2 diabetes. Decreased insulin sensitivity in cardiovascular tissue is an underlying abnormality in these individuals. Insulin metabolic signaling increases endothelial cell nitric oxide (NO) production. Impaired vascular insulin sensitivity is an early defect leading to impaired vascular relaxation. In overweight and obese persons, as well as in those with hypertension, systemic and vascular insulin resistance often occur in conjunction with activation of the cardiovascular tissue renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system (RAAS). Activated angiotensin II type 1 receptor and mineralocorticoid receptor signaling promote the development of vascular insulin resistance and impaired endothelial NO‐mediated relaxation. Research in this area has implicated excessive serine phosphorylation and proteasomal degradation of the docking protein insulin receptor substrate and enhanced signaling through hybrid insulin/insulin‐like growth factor receptor as important mechanisms underlying RAAS impediment of downstream vascular insulin metabolic signaling. This review will present recent evidence supporting the notion that RAAS signaling represents a potential pathway for the development of vascular insulin resistance and impaired endothelial‐mediated vasodilation.
Global maize production, utilization, and consumption
Authors: Ranum Peter , Peña‐Rosas Juan Pablo , Garcia‐Casal Maria Nieves
Published: March 2014

Maize (Zea mays), also called corn, is believed to have originated in central Mexico 7000 years ago from a wild grass, and Native Americans transformed maize into a better source of food. Maize contains approximately 72% starch, 10% protein, and 4% fat, supplying an energy density of 365 Kcal/100 g and is grown throughout the world, with the United States, China, and Brazil being the top three maize‐producing countries in the world, producing approximately 563 of the 717 million metric tons/year. Maize can be processed into a variety of food and industrial products, including starch, sweeteners, oil, beverages, glue, industrial alcohol, and fuel ethanol. In the last 10 years, the use of maize for fuel production significantly increased, accounting for approximately 40% of the maize production in the United States. As the ethanol industry absorbs a larger share of the maize crop, higher prices for maize will intensify demand competition and could affect maize prices for animal and human consumption. Low production costs, along with the high consumption of maize flour and cornmeal, especially where micronutrient deficiencies are common public health problems, make this food staple an ideal food vehicle for fortification.
Testing Efficacy in Determination of Recurrent Supraventricular Tachycardia among Subjectively Symptomatic Children Following “Successful” Ablation
Authors: BHAT DEEPTI P. , DU WEI , KARPAWICH PETER P.
Published: March 2014

Background

Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) in children can be successfully terminated using catheter ablation techniques; however, chronic, true success may be less. Sensed tachycardia (ST) is common following ablation and the differentiation from true arrhythmia recurrences can be challenging.

Methods

Records of all patients ≤18 years who underwent successful ablation for simple forms of SVT and followed‐up for at least a year between 2002 and 2012 were reviewed. Patients with congenital heart disease, atrial muscle tachycardia, and associated ventricular tachycardia were excluded. The diagnostic utility of commonly performed tests was assessed.

Results

Among the 205 eligible subjects, 202 underwent successful ablation (98.5%), of who five were lost to follow‐up before 1 year. The early success rate (6 weeks postablation) and mid‐term success rate (1 year postablation) were high (97.5% and 87.4%, respectively) whereas the chronic success (5 years postablation) was only 75%. Although true arrhythmia recurrence was significantly higher in the young (mean 11.5 years vs 13.5 years, P = 0.03) and males (P = 0.02), the presence of diffuse, right‐sided fibers was the only independent predictor of true recurrence (odds ratio = 2.7, P = 0.03, 95% confidence interval 1.1, 6.8). Significant ST was reported by 111 patients (56%). The 30‐day ambulatory event monitor had the highest sensitivity (71%) when compared to exercise test (19%) and electrocardiogram (24%) in identifying true arrhythmia recurrence.

Conclusions

Acute and early success may not guarantee chronic ablation success. Postablation, symptomatic patients can be most effectively evaluated using ambulatory event monitoring; however, true recurrence may still be missed and requires closer monitoring.
DOES PERFORMANCE INFORMATION ABOUT PUBLIC SERVICES AFFECT CITIZENS' PERCEPTIONS, SATISFACTION, AND VOICE BEHAVIOUR? FIELD EXPERIMENTS WITH ABSOLUTE AND RELATIVE PERFORMANCE INFORMATION
Authors: JAMES OLIVER , MOSELEY ALICE
Published: March 2014

We evaluate a theory of the effects of publishing performance information on citizens' collective voice to local providers about public service performance and the perceptions and attitudes that influence their voice. Field experiments show that information about low absolute and relative performance of local government household waste recycling services lowers citizens' perceptions of performance, and information about high absolute and relative performance raises perceived performance. Relative information makes citizens judge local providers as being more responsible for outcomes in the case of high performance, suggesting that systems for comparative performance reporting increase local accountability for outcomes. Negativity bias is evident, with information about low absolute performance reducing citizens' satisfaction but information about high performance not raising satisfaction. Information about low performance did not trigger collective voice protest behaviour as hypothesized, suggesting that providers who need citizens' collective voice the most do not get it.
Characterization of polyploid wheat genomic diversity using a high‐density 90 000 single nucleotide polymorphism array
Authors: Wang Shichen , Wong Debbie , Forrest Kerrie , Allen Alexandra , Chao Shiaoman , Huang Bevan E. , Maccaferri Marco , Salvi Silvio , Milner Sara G. , Cattivelli Luigi , Mastrangelo Anna M. , Whan Alex , Stephen Stuart , Barker Gary , Wieseke Ralf , Plieske Joerg ,   International Wheat Genome Sequencing Consortium, Lillemo Morten , Mather Diane , Appels Rudi , Dolferus Rudy , Brown‐Guedira Gina , Korol Abraham , Akhunova Alina R. , Feuillet Catherine , Salse Jerome , Morgante Michele , Pozniak Curtis , Luo Ming‐Cheng , Dvorak Jan , Morell Matthew , Dubcovsky Jorge , Ganal Martin , Tuberosa Roberto , Lawley Cindy , Mikoulitch Ivan , Cavanagh Colin , Edwards Keith J. , Hayden Matthew , Akhunov Eduard
Published: March 2014

High‐density single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genotyping arrays are a powerful tool for studying genomic patterns of diversity, inferring ancestral relationships between individuals in populations and studying marker–trait associations in mapping experiments. We developed a genotyping array including about 90 000 gene‐associated SNPs and used it to characterize genetic variation in allohexaploid and allotetraploid wheat populations. The array includes a significant fraction of common genome‐wide distributed SNPs that are represented in populations of diverse geographical origin. We used density‐based spatial clustering algorithms to enable high‐throughput genotype calling in complex data sets obtained for polyploid wheat. We show that these model‐free clustering algorithms provide accurate genotype calling in the presence of multiple clusters including clusters with low signal intensity resulting from significant sequence divergence at the target SNP site or gene deletions. Assays that detect low‐intensity clusters can provide insight into the distribution of presence–absence variation (PAV) in wheat populations. A total of 46 977 SNPs from the wheat 90K array were genetically mapped using a combination of eight mapping populations. The developed array and cluster identification algorithms provide an opportunity to infer detailed haplotype structure in polyploid wheat and will serve as an invaluable resource for diversity studies and investigating the genetic basis of trait variation in wheat.
Mechanical embolectomy for ischemic stroke in a pediatric ventricular assist device patient
Authors: Rhee Eileen , Hurst Robert , Pukenas Bryan , Ichord Rebecca , Cahill Anne Marie , Rossano Joseph , Fuller Stephanie , Lin Kimberly
Published: March 2014

The reported incidence of cerebral embolic or hemorrhagic complications related to mechanical circulatory support in children is high, even while subjects are managed with aggressive antithrombotic therapy. The safety and utility of endovascular treatment for stroke in the pediatric VAD population has not been established in the published literature. We describe a nine‐yr‐old patient on BiVAD support who experienced threatened AIS on two separate occasions. He was treated successfully via mechanical embolectomy on both occasions and survived to transplantation with minimal neurologic deficits.
Academic potential and cognitive functioning of long‐term survivors after childhood liver transplantation
Authors: Ee L. C. , Lloyd O. , Beale K. , Fawcett J. , Cleghorn G. J.
Published: March 2014

This cross‐sectional study assessed intellect, cognition, academic function, behaviour, and emotional health of long‐term survivors after childhood liver transplantation. Eligible children were >5 yr post‐transplant, still attending school, and resident in Queensland. Hearing and neurocognitive testing were performed on 13 transplanted children and six siblings including two twin pairs where one was transplanted and the other not. Median age at testing was 13.08 (range 6.52–16.99) yr; time elapsed after transplant 10.89 (range 5.16–16.37) yr; and age at transplant 1.15 (range 0.38–10.00) yr. Mean full‐scale IQ was 97 (81–117) for transplanted children and 105 (87–130) for siblings. No difficulties were identified in intellect, cognition, academic function, and memory and learning in transplanted children or their siblings, although both groups had reduced mathematical ability compared with normal. Transplanted patients had difficulties in executive functioning, particularly in self‐regulation, planning and organization, problem‐solving, and visual scanning. Thirty‐one percent (4/13) of transplanted patients, and no siblings, scored in the clinical range for ADHD. Emotional difficulties were noted in transplanted patients but were not different from their siblings. Long‐term liver transplant survivors exhibit difficulties in executive function and are more likely to have ADHD despite relatively intact intellect and cognition.
Fungi and oomycetes in open irrigation systems: knowledge gaps and biosecurity implications
Authors: Zappia R. E. , Hüberli D. , Hardy G. E. St. J. , Bayliss K. L.
Published: March 2014

Water used for the irrigation of plants has the potential to harbour and spread plant pathogens yet little research is conducted within this field. This review was undertaken to critically review current understanding of waterborne fungal and oomycete plant pathogens in open irrigation systems, particularly in the context of plant biosecurity. It was determined that very limited data exists on these plant pathogens, with the majority of previous studies only recording pathogen presence. There are significant gaps in current knowledge of pathogen survival and spread, and very limited information on their ability to cause disease when contaminated irrigation water is applied to crops. This review highlights the need for new research on the epidemiology and pathogenicity of putative plant pathogens isolated from water, in order to determine their risk to crops. The importance of regular monitoring of irrigation systems for the early detection of plant pathogens is also discussed.
Social Construction and Policy Design: A Review of Past Applications
Authors: Pierce Jonathan J. , Siddiki Saba , Jones Michael D. , Schumacher Kristin , Pattison Andrew , Peterson Holly
Published: March 2014

One of the leading theories for understanding the policy process is the theory of social construction and policy design developed byAnneSchneider andHelenIngram. The theory incorporates the social construction and power of target populations to understand the development and implications of policy design. In order to better understand its empirical breadth, depth, and general utility, our analysis reviews all past publications of the theory, focusing specifically on empirical applications (N = 111), from 1993 to 2013. Based on this review, we find: a recent increase in the number of applications of this theory; that these applications appear across a wide range of outlets, relate to numerous policy domains, and are conducted by a diverse group of domestic and international scholars; that the target population proposition has been applied with greater frequency than the theory's feed‐forward proposition; and that scholars have a notable interest in understanding causal mechanisms leading to changes in the positioning of target populations among advantaged, contender, dependent, and deviant target population categories. Following a descriptive review of past publications, we offer specific suggestions for theoretical development and future research.
Smoggy with a Chance of Altruism: The Effects of Ozone Alerts on Outdoor Recreation and Driving in Atlanta
Authors: Noonan Douglas S.
Published: March 2014

Metropolitan smog alerts are prominent public information campaigns designed to enhance public health and to curb driving and other emissions. Unlike many other voluntary information‐based environmental policies, air quality alerts target household behavior via forecast information about ambient concentrations rather than firm or product characteristics. This paper explores behaviors with high emissions (driving) and with high exposure (outdoor recreation) and underscores the difference between altruistic and risk aversion motivations. Behavioral impacts are identified using the threshold nature of daily air quality forecasts. A regression discontinuity (RD) design finds elderly users and exercisers tend to curtail their use of a major park following smog alerts. The RD design also reveals that households do not drive less on smog alert days. Juxtaposing high emissions behavior with high exposure behavior in the same study highlights how public forecast information may better trigger some responses and struggle to trigger others.
Policy Bubbles
Authors: Jones Bryan D. , Thomas Herschel F. , Wolfe Michelle
Published: March 2014

We develop the concept of a policy bubble to capture the notion of long‐term overinvestment in a policy. In sketching the relation of policy bubbles to economic bubbles, we describe how these two concepts have similar origins but different trajectories because they are filtered by different institutions. We examine in some detail three likely instances of ongoing policy bubbles: crime policy, school reform (charter schools and private education vouchers), and the contracting and privatization of public services. We show how these cases differ from the housing bubble of 1997–2007, how they differ from each other, and the extent to which they can be considered policy bubbles. Last, we suggest this concept can help unify the policy process literature with the practice of policy evaluation and outline testable hypotheses for future research.
With a Sword Pointing to the East, West, South, and North
Authors: Danaher William J.
Published: March 2014

In his In Defense of War, Nigel Biggar argues for an account of war based in Christian love. In the process, he opposes Christian pacifists, the British Left, liberal accounts of just‐war, and accounts of just‐war based on self‐defense. Although framed in terms of love, his account pivots around punishment, which is further explicated by a thorough review of the recent war in Iraq, the invasion of which he deems justified. This review compares Biggar's monograph to prior iterations of a love‐based approach to just war by Paul Ramsey and Oliver O'Donovan. Biggar's contributions regarding love, punishment, and policy analysis are recognized, as well as his attempt to carry on the tradition of the ‘mournful warrior’. As a model for the kind of scrutiny that Christian ethicists should bring to bear on serious social issues, Biggar's monograph is excellent. However, the political stance and – largely implicit and unstated – political theology operating behind this book are, in the end, disconcerting.