bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Editorial of the inaugural issue of theInternational Journal of Mentoring and Coaching in Education
Authors: Fletcher Sarah
Published: June 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this editorial is to introduce the inaugural issue of theInternational Journal of Mentoring and Coaching in Education(IJMCE), as well as to set the scene for the current and future issues of the journal.

Design/methodology/approach

This editorial simply introduces the journal and its first issue. The paper sets the scene by which the journal was conceived and the context in which it aims to operate. It then move on to briefly describe the visions ofIJMCE, the theories and practices of mentoring and coaching and the definitions and implications that the journal will have for policy makers.

Findings

It is found thatIJMCEwill offer diverse definitions of mentoring and coaching in the course of publishing three issues per year, each comprising five articles.

Originality/value

The editorial introduces five original manuscripts from several authors who have undertaken some brilliant research, which contributes greatly to the mentoring and coaching community.
A dialogic conception of learning: collaborative peer coaching
Authors: Jewett Pamela , MacPhee Deborah
Published: June 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide an account of the coaching element that was included in an existing graduate literacy course and to describe the responses of experienced and less‐experienced teachers as they began to add collaborative peer coaching to their teaching identities.

Design/methodology/approach

Data collected included teachers’ coaching logs and written reflections on the coaching experience, and field notes taken by a professor. Data were analysed qualitatively through open coding. Initially, the authors read data individually and coded them by what they perceived to be the teachers’ coaching moves. Separately, they developed lists of codes and then reviewed coding lists to work through idiosyncratic data, collapse codes, align their language.

Findings

The authors identified three overarching and multi‐faceted moves that the coaching teachers made as they worked with partner teachers. They found that the teachers: used restraint; focused on partner teacher's needs; and provided opportunities for classroom observations and demonstrations.

Practical implications

Due to budget cuts, district coaching initiatives are being down‐sized. With fewer literacy coaches available, the authors believe that classroom teachers would benefit from learning about how to support each another as peer coaches.

Social implications

Teachers’ coaching moves, along with the curricular conversations engendered by them, created a culture of learning based on reflection and dialogue between coaching and partner teachers.

Originality/value

Very few studies have been conducted on peer coaching or have addressed the process by which teachers enrolled in graduate programs learned how to engage in collaborative peer coaching.
Mentoring and coaching educators in the Singapore education system
Authors: Tee Ng Pak
Published: June 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the practice of mentoring and coaching in the Singapore education system, to show the difference in philosophy in which these two concepts have been applied and to discuss the issues and challenges involved in their implementation.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper reviews the mentoring and coaching systems in Singapore through literature review and a critical analysis of the mentoring and coaching philosophies and schemes for the different levels of educators.

Findings

This paper shows that mentoring and coaching are implemented in many areas of the professional development of educators in Singapore. These include mentoring for trainee teachers, beginning teachers, training school leaders and beginning school leaders; and coaching in the performance management system of all teachers and school leaders. However, there are inherent tensions in having an appraisal connotation in some mentoring and coaching platforms in Singapore and in encouraging critical reflective learning and innovation in mentoring and coaching.

Research limitations/implications

As this paper is based on literature review and analysis, it recommends empirical research around mentoring and coaching in Singapore. In particular, it recommends research in examining the impact of particular mentoring and coaching schemes within different contexts and the experiences of the participants in such schemes. It also recommends research to address the questions of whether there will be enough coaches and mentors to meet the emerging demand for mentoring and coaching in schools, as they struggle with their multiple roles in school; and whether the mentoring and coaching system in Singapore is too formalized to encourage innovation.

Practical implications

This paper encourages practitioners to reflect on the inherent tensions in having an appraisal connotation in some mentoring and coaching platforms in Singapore and to embrace critical reflective learning and innovation in mentoring and coaching.

Originality/value

This paper is one of the few papers (and the most current) that review the mentoring and coaching systems in Singapore. It forms a basis for future empirical research in this area.
Male faculty mentors in black and white
Authors: Reddick Richard J.
Published: June 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the phenomenon of mentoring in higher education between Black and White male faculty and Black students at a highly selective, predominantly White institution (PWI) of higher education in the USA. The study aims to elucidate the cross‐racial aspects of mentorship and the impact of gender on mentoring relationships.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper consists of a phenomenological study utilising theories of cross‐racial and cross‐gender mentoring, and included eight participants, twice interviewed in depth about their formative experiences and mentoring practices regarding Black students. The data were analysed using a cross‐sectional code‐and‐retrieve method.

Findings

The paper provides insights about how Black men leveraged experiences parallel to those confronted by their Black protégés, while White men accessed proximal experiences of difference to relate to Black mentees – and additionally utilized interpersonal networks to enhance their mentorship by relying on colleagues of color who had greater familiarity with challenges faced by students.

Research limitations/implications

Because of the chosen research approach, the research results may lack generalizability to populations; however, the theoretical contributions of the study are significant, suggesting that researchers explore cross‐race and cross‐gender mentoring arrangements in future research.

Practical implications

The paper includes implications for regarding the role and position of White males in academic settings as mentors across race and gender, and for the role of age for men serving in the role of mentors.

Originality/value

The paper contributes to the literature on cross‐racial mentoring in higher education, and further explores the impact of gender on mentoring, within the context of a highly competitive academic setting.
Mentoring novice teachers in Japanese schools
Authors: Asada Tadashi
Published: June 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to communicate how Japanese culture impacts upon mentoring in schools in Japan and to report on a study of mentor and novice teacher dialogue. The study is located within the context of explanations of dialogue, practical knowledge and mentoring as collaborative enquiry. It concludes that the time spent by novice teachers in Japanese schools is too short for mentoring to move beyond an apprenticeship model.

Design/methodology/approach

In this small study conducted between June 2006 and February 2007, the dialogues between a female novice teacher and a male mentor, who had 27 years’ teaching experience, were analyzed on three occasions. According to the mentoring analysis system developed by the author and his colleagues, all discussion was recorded between the mentor and the mentee about the mentee's teaching using a digital recorder and a video camera. A transcript was made from both recordings, then morphological analysis used (a kind of text analysis) for the transcript, and nouns, adjectives, verbs and adverbs were identified in transcripts.

Findings

In total, 46 teaching scenarios were analyzed, where the mentor was offering his comments about a total of three recorded lessons by the mentee. Patterns of linguistic interaction between the mentor and mentee during dialogues were noted down and attempts made to identify a dialectical process (of thesis, antithesis and synthesis).

Research limitations/implications

The study undertaken took place over one year in one elementary school in Japan. The practice of mentoring is not widespread in schools and can usefully be extended.

Practical implications

For teachers to become collaborative enquirers, undertaking collaborative research focused on developing teachers’ practical knowledge, the period of initial teacher development for novice teachers could usefully be extended in schools in Japan.

Social implications

The impact of culture and, in particular, in‐group (uchi) and out‐group (soto) culture in schools in Japan needs to be understood so that novice teachers can be accepted as part of the school's in‐group.

Originality/value

The paper describes a unique study into the impact of culture in Japanese schools and, in particular, into the impact ofuchi(in‐group) andsoto(out‐group) traditions that reinforce the apprenticeship model of teachers’ induction into the profession.
Research mentoring teachers in intercultural education contexts; self‐study
Authors: Fletcher Sarah
Published: June 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the theory and practice of Generative Research mentoring. The author has been involved in research mentoring teachers in schools since 2002 and in the course of her work her concepts about integrating mentoring and action research have changed. She explains how and why she has moved to adopt an Appreciative Inquiry approach integrated with a model of mentoring that she developed in the course of her own practice in schools.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a self study of teacher education practice where the author analyses her own theories and practices of research mentoring for teachers in schools in England and in Japan, over a ten year period. She investigates how the nature of self‐study is impacted upon by culture in diverse intercultural contexts.

Findings

This article reflects work in process. The findings to date suggest that teacher research and thus (potentially) research mentoring for teachers: is not informed by consensus on what teachers should learn as research skills; might usefully be focused upon action research enabled by teachers’ self study; works differently as self study according to Eastern/Western concepts of self; is likely to become more universally acceptable as self study through use of web‐based templates where self studies are shared e.g. atwww.merlot.org; and should challenge mentoring/coaching techniques from other contexts such as business, nor assuming techniques successful in one context are so in another. Practitioner researchers in educational settings are likely to benefit from outsiders’ support, be that from colleagues based in universities or from teacher researchers working in other schools. That situation, in my experience, could come about where generative research mentoring has been successful and research mentees emerge to become research mentors for others within the profession of teaching. Importantly, individuals’ self study research should not rely upon unsupported opinions or upon validation by a peer group with self‐interest in seeing one of the community's study, accepted for university accreditation such as a Masters Level Award or a doctorate.

Originality/value

While the practice of research mentoring for teacher researchers has been in process in schools in England for ten years, the concept of Generative Research Mentoring, whereby the mentee prepares to become a mentor for other teacher researchers, is unique to the author's work. The value of generative research mentoring, not just for schoolteachers but also for academic contexts such as universities internationally, is that it can build capacity for research to be undertaken among those whose research skills are previously under‐developed.
Novel hydrophilic docetaxel (CQMU‐0519) analogue inhibits proliferation and induces apoptosis in human A549 lung, SKVO3 ovarian and MCF7 breast carcinoma cell lines
Authors: Fauzee N. J. S. , Wang Y.‐L. , Dong Z. , Li Q.‐G. , Wang T. , Mandarry M. T. , Xu L. , Pan J.
Published: June 2012

Objective

Objectives of this investigation were not merely to perform a comparative study with original docetaxel, but to define anti‐proliferative and apoptotic effects of novel hydrophilic docetaxel (CQMU‐0519) analogue on A549 lung, SKVO3 ovary and MCF7 breast carcinoma cell lines.

Materials and methods

The materials for the study consist of a completely new docetaxel analogue (CQMU‐0519), synthesized by the Department of Pharmacology, Chongqing Medical University, China, which is completely soluble in water. 50 nm of drug concentration was utilized on all three cell lines where cell population growth was assessed using cell culture kit‐8 and flow cytometry analysis, whereas apoptotic pathways were unveiled by use of annexin‐V FITC, apoptosis DNA ladder, caspases‐3, 6, 8 and 9; in the meanwhile, regulation of Bcl‐2 family members was analysed by western blotting.

Result

The novel docetaxel analogue (CQMU‐0519) suppressed cell proliferation in all three cell lines, inhibition of cell proliferation and cell cycle arrest being more evident in G2/M phase. Also, in both lung and ovarian cell lines, apoptotic levels were higher as measured by the various tests performed, and downregulation of Bcl‐2 and Bcl‐xL with increased expressions of Bad and Bax indicated the intrinsic pathway for apoptosis. Nevertheless, it was found that MCF7 cells, although also manifesting high levels of apoptosis, used the extrinsic pathway instead. Hence, it was shown that novel docetaxel analogue (CQMU‐0519) may have some prospective use in future clinical trials.

Conclusions

Novel hydrophilic docetaxel analogue (CQMU‐0519) inhibited cell proliferation and enhanced the intrinsic apoptotic pathway in lung and ovarian carcinoma cells, whereas it used the extrinsic one in breast adenocarcinoma cells.
Cortisol secretory parameters in young exercisers in relation to LH secretion and bone parameters
Authors: Ackerman Kathryn E. , Patel Kamal T. , Guereca Gabriela , Pierce Lisa , Herzog David B. , Misra Madhusmita
Published: June 2012

Objective

Amenorrhoea and low bone density are common in excessive exercisers, yet endocrine factors that differentiate adolescent amenorrhoeic exercisers (AE) from eumenorrhoeic exercisers (EE) are unclear. We have previously reported that high ghrelin and low leptin predict lower LH secretion in AE. Leptin and ghrelin impact cortisol secretion, and hypercortisolaemia can inhibit LH pulsatility. We hypothesized that higher cortisol secretion in young endurance weight‐bearing AE compared with EE and nonexercisers predicts lower LH secretion, lower levels of a bone formation marker and higher levels of a bone resorption marker.

Design

Cross‐sectional.

Subjects

We studied 21 AE, 18 EE and 20 nonexercisers aged 14–21 years (BMI 10th–90th%iles).

Measurements

Subjects underwent frequent sampling (11 p.m. to 7 a.m.) to assess cortisol, ghrelin, leptin and LH secretory dynamics. Fasting levels of a bone formation (P1NP) and bone resorption (CTX) marker were measured.

Results

BMI did not differ among groups. Cortisol pulse amplitude, mass, half‐life and area under the curve (AUC) were highest in AE (P = 0·04, 0·007, 0·04 and 0·003) and were associated inversely with fat mass (r = −0·29, −0·28 and −0·35, P = 0·03, 0·04 and 0·007). We observed inverse associations between cortisol and LH AUC (r = −0·36, P = 0·008), which persisted after controlling for fat mass, leptin and ghrelin AUC. Cortisol correlated positively with CTX in EE and inversely with P1NP in nonexercisers.

Conclusions

Higher cortisol secretion in AE compared with EE and nonexercisers is associated with lower LH secretion. Effects of leptin and ghrelin on LH secretion may be mediated by increased cortisol.
Assessing the effects of nitrogen deposition and climate on carbon isotope discrimination and intrinsic water‐use efficiency of angiosperm and conifer trees under rising CO2 conditions
Authors: Leonardi Stefano , Gentilesca Tiziana , Guerrieri Rossella , Ripullone Francesco , Magnani Federico , Mencuccini Maurizio , Noije Twan V. , Borghetti Marco
Published: June 2012

The objective of this study is to globally assess the effects of atmospheric nitrogen deposition and climate, associated with rising levels of atmospheric CO2, on the variability of carbon isotope discrimination (Δ13C), and intrinsic water‐use efficiency (iWUE) of angiosperm and conifer tree species. Eighty‐nine long‐term isotope tree‐ring chronologies, representing 23 conifer and 13 angiosperm species for 53 sites worldwide, were extracted from the literature, and used to obtain long‐term time series of Δ13C and iWUE. Δ13C and iWUE were related to the increasing concentration of atmospheric CO2 over the industrial period (1850–2000) and to the variation of simulated atmospheric nitrogen deposition and climatic variables over the period 1950–2000. We applied generalized additive models and linear mixed‐effects models to predict the effects of climatic variables and nitrogen deposition on Δ13C and iWUE. Results showed a declining Δ13C trend in the angiosperm and conifer species over the industrial period and a 16.1% increase of iWUE between 1850 and 2000, with no evidence that the increased rate was reduced at higher ambient CO2 values. The temporal variation in Δ13C supported the hypothesis of an active plant mechanism that maintains a constant ratio between intercellular and ambient CO2 concentrations. We defined linear mixed‐effects models that were effective to describe the variation of Δ13C and iWUE as a function of a set of environmental predictors, alternatively including annual rate (Nrate) and long‐term cumulative (Ncum) nitrogen deposition. No single climatic or atmospheric variable had a clearly predominant effect, however, Δ13C and iWUE showed complex dependent interactions between different covariates. A significant association of Nrate with iWUE and Δ13C was observed in conifers and in the angiosperms, and Ncum was the only independent term with a significant positive association with iWUE, although a multi‐factorial control was evident in conifers.
Phosphorus efficiency of naturalized Chilean white clover in a grazed field trial
Authors: Acuña H. , Inostroza L.
Published: June 2012

Nine naturalized white clover populations and two cultivars (Huia and Will) were evaluated at two soil phosphorus (
P
) levels (6 and 20
P
mg kg−1) to characterize them for DM production and P efficiency, and to facilitate the selection of suitable genotypes to produce cultivars for P‐deficient marginal soils. The study was carried out in Chile during 2007–2010 under field grazing conditions using a randomized complete factorial block design with three replicates. The clover was grown with perennial ryegrass. Botanical composition and herbage DM production were recorded, phosphorus concentrations in soil and in clover and ryegrass herbage were determined, and
P
absorption (PAE) and
P
utilization (PUE) efficiency were calculated. Population 8‐1‐X yielded more DM under the low than under the high soil‐
P
level and was the highest yielding clover in the low soil‐
P
treatment. It also had the highest PAE (0·6 kg P ha−1 per mg kg−1 Olsen P) under low
P
availability. Dry‐matter yield of 9‐2‐X was statistically similar to 8‐1‐X and Huia at low
P
level; however, because of its lower
P
absorption, it had the highest PUE (455 kg DM ha−1 per kg ha−1 absorbed P). Furthermore, the highest yield of ryegrass occurred when grown with 8‐1‐X, and this combination gave the maximum total yield. These two populations have potential for inclusion in breeding programmes.
Registry of Hemophilia and other bleeding disorders in Syria
Authors: Ali T. , Schved J. F.
Published: June 2012

Creating a national registry for bleeding disorders is a major step in establishing a National Hemophilia Care Program in all countries. Creating such a registry which would contain accurate and regularly updated data, including laboratory analysis confirmed by a reference laboratory established at the Syrian Hemophilia Society. Blood samples were drawn and analysed in the Society reference laboratory for the following screening tests: prothrombin time (PT), APTT and coagulation factor assays. Inhibitor detection and VWF RiCof were performed depending on the result of the screening tests. HBs Ag, anti‐HCV, anti‐HIV 1 + 2 and syphilis tests were also performed to detect transfusion transmitted agents (TTA). Diagnosis of the bleeding disorder type was confirmed for 760 of these cases. Among the 760 confirmed patients, 82.5% had haemophilia. Among these, 89.6%were haemophilia A; 10.4% were haemophilia B; 8.3% had VWD; 9.2% had other rare bleeding disorders as follows: 1.2% FVII deficiency, 0.7% FV deficiency, 1.8% F1 deficiency, 0.4% FX deficiency, 1.4% platelets dysfunctions (mainly Glanzmann Thrombasthenia) and 3.7% had combined FVIII and FV deficiency. Eighty (21.3%) cases of 375 screened for transfusion transmitted agents were positive for at least one infection: 0.5% were HBsAg positive, 19.7% were anti‐HCV positive, 0.8% had combined HBsAg and anti‐HCV positivity and 0.3% was anti‐Syphilis positive. All patients were negative for HIV1 and HIV2. The preliminary data presented here follow known data on haemophilia A, haemophilia B and VWD disease. This registry will certainly help in improving haemophilia care in Syria.
Services doing the best they can: service experiences of young adults with type 1 diabetes mellitus in rural Australia
Authors: Perry Lin , Lowe Julia M , Steinbeck Katherine S , Dunbabin Janet S
Published: June 2012

Aims and objectives.  To describe the healthcare experiences of young adults with type 1 diabetes who access diabetes services in rural areas of New South Wales, Australia.

Background.  The incidence of type 1 diabetes in childhood and adolescence is increasing worldwide; internationally, difficulties are encountered in supporting young people during their transition from children to adulthood. Consumers’ experiences and views will be essential to inform service redesign.

Design.  This was a qualitative exploratory study.

Methods.  Semistructured telephone interviews were conducted with 26 people aged 18–28 years living rurally, recruited through staff in four regional healthcare centres in 2008.

Results.  Two key themes were evident: lack of access (comprised of transfer to adult services, access to health professionals and access to up‐to‐date information) and age‐appropriate provision. The impact of place of residence and personal motivation crossed all themes. Participants contrasted unfavourably the seamless care and support received from paediatric outreach services with the shortages in specialist and general practice‐based care and information and practical problems of service fragmentation and lack of coordination experienced as adults. They identified a range of issues including need for ongoing education, age‐appropriate services and support networks related to developing their ability to self‐manage. They valued personal service; online and electronic support was seldom volunteered as an alternative.

Conclusion.  This was a first view of rural young people’s experiences with adult diabetes services. Reported experiences were in line with previous reports from other settings in that they did not perceive services in this rural area of Australia as meeting their needs; suggestions for service redesign differed.

Relevance to clinical practice.  New models of age‐appropriate service provision are required, to meet their needs for personal as well as other forms of support, whilst acknowledging the very real resource limitations of these locations.
Sexual self‐concept as influencing intended sexual health behaviour of young adolescent Taiwanese girls
Authors: Pai Hsiang‐Chu , Lee Sheuan
Published: June 2012

Aims and objectives.  The purpose of this study was to test a process model that assesses the relationship of sexual health knowledge and normative beliefs to sexual health behavioural intention, with sexual self‐concept as a mediating variable. The model is intended to assist in the prediction of which adolescents would exhibit a lower intention to engage in protective sexual health behaviour.

Background.  Previous research has shown that sexual‐related behaviours are associated with sexual self‐concept, sexual health knowledge and perceived parental/peer approval of sexual behaviour.

Design.  This study is a cross‐sectional research.

Methods.  This study was conducted with 545 adolescent girls, aged 12–15 years, from eight junior high schools in Taiwan. Participants were assessed using the Sexual Self‐Concept Inventory, the Sexual Health Behavior Intention Scale, the Parental Approval of Sexual Behavior Scale (PASB), the Friends’ Approval of Sexual Behavior Scale and the Sexual Health Knowledge Scale. Data were analysed using structural equation modelling, with the maximum likelihood estimate determined by the LISREL 8.52 program.

Results.  The model exhibited adequate fit (goodness‐of‐fit index = 0·96, adjusted goodness‐of‐fit index = 0·94, normed fit index = 0·96, comparative fit index = 0·98, standardised root mean square residual = 0·049 and root mean square error of approximation = 0·048) and the findings indicate that sexual self‐concept was a significant influence on the relationship of sexual health knowledge and normative beliefs to sexual health behavioural intention.

Conclusions.  The results of this study revealed the importance of sexual self‐concept for adolescent girls’ sexual health behaviour.

Relevance to clinical practice.  Evidence‐based strategies that reinforce and clarify sexual self‐concept as a mediating factor may aid in adolescent females’ intention to engage in protective sexual health behaviour.
All change: the lived experience of younger women with cancer of the vulva
Authors: Jefferies Hilary , Clifford Collette
Published: June 2012

Aims and objectives.  To generate an understanding of the women’s own perspectives of their care and address a gap in knowledge in relation to the broader impact of vulval cancer.

Background.  Few people go though life without experiencing events that can change their perspective on how they see themselves, their role in society and their relationship with those around them. People are multi‐dimensional, so a person with has a physical illness is also affected psychologically and sociologically.

Design.  Qualitative.

Methods.  Based on the work of Heidegger and van Manen, an interpretative phenomenological research study was undertaken to explore the experiences of thirteen women under 50 years of age with vulval cancer living in the UK.

Results.  Data were analysed using framework analysis and showed that a diagnosis of cancer of the vulva and the subsequent treatment has an effect on physical, psychological and sexual functioning.

Conclusions.  The concept of ‘All Change’ expressed the sentiment that following the diagnosis and surgery, everything has changed; life is not the same as it was before diagnosis. This included both physical and psychological changes and impacts on perceptions of body image.

Relevance to clinical practice.  The challenge is to raise awareness of vulval cancer among health care professions and society in general and determine the most effective interventions in facilitating pre and post operative support for these women.
Parents need to protect: influences, risks and tensions for parents of prepubertal children born with ambiguous genitalia
Authors: Sanders Caroline , Carter Bernie , Goodacre Lynne
Published: June 2012

Aim and objectives.  The aim of the study was to explore parents’ experiences of and the influences, risks and tensions associated with their child’s genital ambiguity and the place reconstructive surgeries had in their lives.

Background.  Research into the clinical management of disorders of sex development is a complex and growing field of study. A small number of studies have indicated that the decisions parents make with regard to their child’s care during infancy are confounded by moral, social and emotional factors which can influence their choices.

Design.  Narrative methods.

Methods.  In‐depth interviews elicited stories from 10 mothers and five fathers of 11 prepubertal children.

Results.  A key theme from the data focused on the parents’ motivations to protect their child from the real or perceived threats arising from other people’s attitudes and responses to their ambiguous genitalia. Several rationales for their protective behaviours were described, which encouraged the parents to actively manage their child’s care.

Conclusion.  The dilemmas that parents face in the complex and challenging situation following the birth of a child with ambiguous genitalia require early support from insightful professionals such as nurses. This support could better prepare the parents to recognise and discuss their protective behaviours and the impact these may have on their child’s future.

Relevance to clinical practice.  These findings draw attention to the parents’ need for nurses to be knowledgeable about the impact that disorders of sex development can have on family’s emotional, psychosocial well‐being and decision‐making. Nurses’ awareness of the debate surrounding genital surgeries is important if they are to understand the motivations that underpin parents’ decision‐making and how to support them sensitively. Nurses are the health professionals who have the most consistent direct contact with these families throughout the child’s life and, therefore, can provide support in the ongoing decision‐making process.
Acupuncture prior to surgery to minimise postoperative nausea and vomiting: a systematic review
Authors: Holmér Pettersson Pia , Wengström Yvonne
Published: June 2012

Aims and objectives.  The aim of this systematic review was to assess the outcome of acupuncture treatment prior to surgery in order to avoid or minimise postoperative nausea and vomiting.

Background.  The symptoms of nausea and/or vomiting remain a huge problem for many patients after surgery. There is much debate around the best treatment for nausea and/or vomiting, and the most beneficial solution has yet to be found. Postoperative nausea and vomiting is not a life‐threatening symptom, but many patients express great distress and dissatisfaction with the existing treatment. Many patients rate their nausea similar to or worse than pain. Historically, treatments often include drug therapy, but not other non‐pharmacologic therapies, such as acupuncture or acupressure, which can have beneficial effects on nausea.

Design.  A systematic literature review.

Methods.  The review was undertaken using key words and electronic databases and included 21 papers from the years November 1996 until August 2009.

Results.  The results indicate that the application of acupuncture reduced the incidence of nausea but not vomiting when compared with the use of antiemetic prophylaxis alone.

Conclusions.  The results show that there is a lack of knowledge of the best treatment to minimise postoperative nausea and vomiting prior to surgery.

Relevance to clinical practice.  The overall results of this review conclude that all kinds of AP stimulation, both non‐invasive and invasive, seem to prevent PONV with minimal side effects. The findings from this study can be used to inform future research to evaluate the effects of preoperative treatment with acupuncture vs. sham procedure before surgery to avoid PONV.
The effects of respiratory training for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients: a randomised clinical trial
Authors: Lin Wei‐Chun , Yuan Su‐Chuan , Chien Jung‐Yien , Weng Shuo‐Chun , Chou Ming‐Chih , Kuo Hsien‐Wen
Published: June 2012

Aims and objectives.  To assess the effects of respiratory training on lung function, activity tolerance and quality of life in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Background.  For patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, pulmonary rehabilitation can increase activity tolerance and improve their psychological state by relieving dyspnoea and promoting their quality of life.

Design.  A randomised clinical trial was conducted in a local hospital.

Methods.  Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease were randomly assigned to intervention (n = 20) and control groups (n = 20). Spirometry, six‐minute walking distance and quality of life were used to assess the efficacy of respiratory training programme.

Results.  Significant improvement in lung function, including forced vital capacity (p = 0·037), forced expiratory volume in one‐second (p = 0·006) and per cent predicted forced expiratory volume in one‐second (p = 0·008) in the intervention group. Regarding efficacy of the training programme for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, in forced expiratory volume in one‐second (p = 0·024) and per cent predicted forced expiratory volume in one‐second (p = 0·035), six‐minute walking distance significantly increased. In addition, there were significant improvements for symptoms (p = 0·018), impact (p < 0·001) and total quality of life scores (p < 0·001), as well as significantly decreased body mass, airflow obstruction, dyspnoea and exercise capacity index (p = 0·004) in the intervention group.

Conclusions.  A respiratory training programme for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease was found to relieve dyspnoea, maintain lung function, increase activity tolerance and improve quality of life.

Relevance to clinical practice.  Respiratory training programme can be used as a routine rehabilitation protocol for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and can be used by nurses as a reference to monitor chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients’ health status.
The effectiveness of oral appliances in elderly patients with obstructive sleep apnoea treated with lorazepam – a pilot study
Authors: TIHACEK‐SOJIC L. , ANDJELKOVIC M. , MILIC‐LEMIC A. , MILOSEVIC B.
Published: June 2012

Summary  Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is one of the most common sleep disorders in elderly and represents a special problem for elderly patients. Elderly patients use a large number of drugs that might have an influence on the upper airway structure, anxiolytics or benzodiazepines being the most common. The aim of this study was to examine the effectiveness of mild or moderate OSA treatment with mandibular advance oral appliance in older lorazepam users compared with the age‐matched lorazepam‐free patients. A total of 40 functionally independent patients with the age of 65–74 were enrolled in the study. All included patients were found to suffer from at least two of the existing OSA symptoms (snoring, sleep fragmentation, daytime sleepiness) and were diagnosed with mild or moderate OSA after nocturnal polysomnography. Patients were divided into two groups. The experimental group consisted of 20 patients who used lorazepam in their daily therapy, and a control group consisted of 20 patients who did not take lorazepam. A mandibular advance appliance was made individually for each patient. Patients involved in the study were not overweight and were suggested to practise sleeping on the side and reduce alcohol consumption during the study. The study has shown that mandibular advance oral appliances were responsible for complete control of the OSA in over 37% of cases (15 patients). Patients have also reported substantial improvement in the symptoms; 80% of them reported that they had snored less, slept better (94%) and have not experienced daytime sleepiness (100%).
CD4+ and CD8+ Regulatory T Cells (Tregs) are Elevated and Display an Active Phenotype in Patients with Chronic HCV Mono‐Infection and HIV/HCV Co‐Infection
Authors: Hartling H. J. , Gaardbo J. C. , Ronit A. , Knudsen L. S. , Ullum H. , Vainer B. , Clausen M. R. , Skogstrand K. , Gerstoft J. , Nielsen S. D.
Published: June 2012

The aim of this study was to examine regulatory T cells (Tregs) in peripheral blood and liver tissue in patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) mono‐infection and in patients with HIV/HCV co‐infection. In a cross‐sectional study were included 51 patients with chronic HCV infection, 24 patients with HIV/HCV co‐infection and 24 healthy individuals. CD4+ and CD8+ Tregs were determined using flow cytometry. Fibrosis was examined by transient elastography. Inflammation, fibrosis and Tregs were determined in liver biopsies from 12 patients. Increased frequency of CD4+ and CD8+ Tregs was found in HIV/HCV co‐infected patients [median: 6.4% (IQR: 5.7–6.9) and 1.0% (0.7–1.2), respectively] compared to HCV mono‐infected patients [5.6% (4.2–6.3), P = 0.01 and 0.5% (0.3–0.7), P < 0.001, respectively]. Furthermore, HCV mono‐infected patients had increased frequencies of Tregs compared with healthy controls (P < 0.05). However, no associations between the frequency of Tregs and fibrosis were found. Furthermore, characterization of CD4+ Tregs using CD45RA demonstrated a higher frequency of activated Tregs in both HCV mono‐infected and HIV/HCV co‐infected patients compared with healthy controls. Finally, number of intrahepatic Tregs was associated with both peripheral CD8+ Tregs and intrahepatic inflammation. In conclusion, HCV mono‐infected patients and particularly HIV/HCV co‐infected patients have increased the frequency of CD4+ and CD8+ Tregs compared with healthy controls. Furthermore, CD4+ Tregs in infected patients displayed an active phenotype. Tregs were not associated with fibrosis, but a positive correlation between intrahepatic Tregs and inflammation was found. Taken together, these results suggest a role for Tregs in the pathogenesis of chronic HCV infection.
Antinuclear Antibodies in Rheumatic Disease: A Proposal for a Function‐Based Classification
Authors: Pisetsky D. S.
Published: June 2012

Antinuclear antibodies (ANAs) are a diverse group of autoantibodies that bind macromolecular components of the cell nucleus. While some ANAs occur in normal individuals, others are expressed almost exclusively in patients with rheumatic disease and serve as markers for diagnosis and prognosis. Despite the clinical associations of ANAs, the relationship of these antibodies to specific disease manifestations is often unknown because the target antigens are intracellular molecules that are ubiquitously expressed. In systemic lupus erythematosus, the role of ANAs in disease manifestations is better understood, especially for antibodies to DNA and related nucleosomal antigens. These antibodies can promote nephritis by the formation of immune complexes that are deposited in the kidney. In addition, anti‐DNA, along with antibodies to RNA‐binding proteins such as anti‐Sm, can induce non‐specific immune abnormalities based on the induction of type interferon 1 by plasmacytoid dendritic cells. Despite ANA expression in rheumatic disease, studies in animal models of inflammation and tissue injury indicate that antibodies to certain nuclear molecules such as HMGB1 have protective effects. Together, these considerations suggest a function‐based classification of ANAs based on their expression in normal and autoimmune individuals as well as their capacity to induce or attenuate immunological disturbances. This classification provides a framework to elucidate the serological features of rheumatic disease and the often uncertain relationship between ANA expression and disease manifestations.
LDL Apheresis and Inflammation – Implications for Atherosclerosis
Authors: Hovland A. , Lappegård K. T. , Mollnes T. E.
Published: June 2012

Low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) apheresis is an extracorporeal treatment modality used in high‐risk patients when LDL cholesterol levels cannot be reduced adequately with medication. The treatment is highly effective, but could be affected by potential unwanted effects on pro‐ and anti‐inflammatory biomarkers. In this paper, we review the literature regarding the effect of LDL apheresis on pro‐ and anti‐inflammatory biomarkers important in atherosclerosis, also as patients in LDL apheresis have high risk for atherosclerotic complications. We discuss the effect of LDL apheresis on complement, cytokines and finally a group of other selected pro‐ and anti‐inflammatory biomarkers. The complement system is affected by LDL apheresis, and there are differences between different LDL apheresis systems. The plasma separation columns seem to trigger the formation of proinflammatory complement factors including C3a and C5a, while the same anaphylatoxins are adsorbed by the LDL apheresis columns, however, to varying degree. Proinflammatory cytokines are to some extent adsorbed by the LDL apheresis columns, while some of the anti‐inflammatory cytokines increase during treatment. Finally, we discuss the effect of apheresis on different biomarkers including C‐reactive protein, fibrinogen, adhesion molecules, myeloperoxidase and HDL cholesterol. In conclusion, even if there are differences between pro‐ and anti‐inflammatory biomarkers during LDL apheresis, the consequences for the patients are largely unknown and larger studies need to be performed. Preferably, they should be comparing the effect of different LDL apheresis columns on the total inflammatory profile, and this should be related to clinical endpoints.
The distribution of TPX2 in dividing leaf cells of the fern Asplenium nidus
Authors: Panteris E. , Adamakis I.‐D. S. , Chanoumidou K.
Published: June 2012

Plant cell division requires the dynamic organisation of several microtubule arrays. The mechanisms of regulation of the above arrays are under rigorous research. Among several factors that are involved in plant microtubule dynamics, the Targeting Protein for Xklp2 (TPX2) has been found to play a role in spindle organisation, in combination with Aurora kinases, in dividing cells of angiosperms. Microtubule organisation in dividing cells of ferns exhibits certain peculiarities. Accordingly, the presence and distribution of a TPX2 homologue might be helpful in understanding the patterns and regulatory mechanisms of microtubule arrays in this plant group. In this study, a putative TPX2 homologue was identified using Western blotting in the fern Asplenium nidus. It was found, using immunostaining and CLSM, that it is co‐localised with perinuclear preprophase microtubules and the prophase spindle, and follows the microtubule pattern during metaphase/anaphase and telophase. During cytokinesis, while in angiosperms TPX2 is degraded, in A. nidus the TPX2 signal persists, co‐localising with the phragmoplast. In early post‐cytokinetic cells, a TPX2 signal is present on the nuclear surface facing the daughter cell wall and, thereafter it is co‐localised with the fern‐specific microtubule aggregation that lines the new wall, which is possibly involved in cortical microtubule assembly.
Rhizosphere fungus Penicillium chrysogenum promotes growth and induces defence‐related genes and downy mildew disease resistance in pearl millet
Authors: Murali M. , Sudisha J. , Amruthesh K. N. , Ito S.‐I. , Shetty H. S.
Published: June 2012

Susceptible pearl millet seeds (cv 7042S) were treated with the plant growth promoting fungus Penicillium chrysogenum (PenC‐JSB9) at 1 × 108 spores·ml−1 to examine mRNA expression profiles of five defence responsive genes and test its ability to induce resistance to downy mildew caused by Sclerospora graminicola. PenC‐JSB9 treatment at 1 × 108 CFU·ml−1 for 6 h significantly enhanced seed germination (9.8– 89%), root length (4.08% to 5.1 cm), shoot length (18.9% to 7.77 cm) and reduced disease incidence (28%) in comparison with untreated controls. In planta colonisation of PenC‐JSB9 showed that all three root segments (0–6 cm) and soil dilutions incubated on PDA produced extensive mycelial growth, however colonisation frequency of PenC‐JSB9 was significantly higher in soil than in root segments. Spatiotemporal studies revealed that induction of resistance was triggered as early as 24 h and a minimum 2–3 days was optimal for total resistance to build up between inducer treatment and challenge inoculation in both experiments. In Northern blot analysis, transcript accumulation of resistant and PenC‐JSB9 induced susceptible cultivars showed higher basal levels of defence gene expression than non‐pretreated susceptible controls. Transcript accumulation in resistant seedlings challenge‐inoculated with the pathogen showed maximum expression of CHS (3.5‐fold increase) and Pr‐1a (threefold increase) at 24 and 12 h, respectively. While PenC‐JSB9 pretreated susceptible seedlings challenge‐inoculated showed rapid and enhanced expression of LOX and POX at 48 h and for CHT at 24 h, whereas non‐pretreated susceptible seedlings after pathogen inoculation showed weak expression of hybridised defence genes. Enhanced activation of defence genes by PenC‐JSB9 suggests its role in elevated resistance against S. graminicola.
Malformation of gynoecia impedes fertilisation in bud‐flowering Calluna vulgaris
Authors: Behrend A. , Borchert T. , Müller A. , Tänzer J. , Hohe A.
Published: June 2012

In Calluna vulgaris, a common bedding plant during autumn in the northern hemisphere, the bud‐blooming mutation of flower morphology is of high economic importance. Breeding of new bud‐blooming cultivars suffers from poor seed set in some of the desirable bud‐flowering crossing partners. In the current study, fertilisation and seed development in genotypes with good or poor seed set were monitored in detail in order to examine pre‐ and post‐zygotic cross breeding incompatibilities. Whereas no distinct differences were detected in seed development, pollen tube growth was impeded in the pistils of genotypes characterised by poor seed set. Detailed microscopic analysis revealed malformations of the gynoecia due to imperfect fusion of carpels. Hence, a pre‐zygotic mechanism hindering pollen tube growth due to malformation of gynoecia was deduced. An interaction of putative candidate genes involved in malformation of gynoecia with floral organ identity genes controlling the flower architecture is discussed.