bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Time‐series Analysis of Ondansetron Use in Pediatric Gastroenteritis
Authors: Freedman Stephen B. , Tung Connie , Cho Dennis , Rumantir Maggie , Chan Kevin J.
Published: December 2011

Objective:

Emergency department use of ondansetron in children with gastroenteritis is increasing; however, its effect on clinical outcomes is unknown. We aimed to determine whether increasing ondansetron usage is associated with improved outcomes in children with gastroenteritis.

Methods:

A retrospective cohort study was conducted at The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada. Eligible children included those younger than 18 years old with gastroenteritis who presented to an emergency department between 2003 and 2008. There were 22,125 potentially eligible visits; 20% were selected at random for chart review. The primary outcome measure, the intravenous rehydration rate, was evaluated using an interrupted time‐series analysis with segmented logistic regression. Secondary outcomes included emergency department revisits, hospitalization, and length of stay.

Results:

A total of 3508 patient visits were included in the final analysis. During the study period, there was a significant reduction in intravenous rehydration usage (27%–13%; P < 0.001) and an increase in ondansetron administration (1%–18%; P < 0.001). Time‐series analysis demonstrated a level break (P = 0.03) following the introduction of ondansetron. The mean length of stay for children declined from 8.6 ± 3.4 to 5.9 ± 2.8 hours, P = 0.03. During the week following the index visit, there was a reduction in return visits (18%–13%; P = 0.008) and need for intravenous rehydration (7%–4%; P = 0.02).

Conclusions:

Ondansetron use has increased significantly and is associated with reductions in the use of intravenous rehydration, emergency department revisits, and length of stay. The selective use of ondansetron is associated with improved clinical outcomes.
Postoperative Complications Following Colectomy for Ulcerative Colitis in Children
Authors: Soon Ing Shian , Wrobel Iwona , de Bruyn Jennifer C.C. , Sauve Reg , Sigalet David L. , Kaplan Belle S. , Proulx Marie‐Claude , Kaplan Gilaad G.
Published: December 2011

Background and Aims:

Colectomy rates for ulcerative colitis (UC) and data on postcolectomy complications in children are limited. Thus, we assessed colectomy rates, early postcolectomy complications, and clinical predictors in children with UC undergoing a colectomy.

Methods:

Children (18 years old or older) with UC who underwent colectomy from 1983 to 2009 were identified (n = 30). All of the medical charts were reviewed. The diagnostic accuracy of International Classification of Diseases codes for UC and colectomy were validated. The primary outcome was postoperative complications defined as Clavien‐Dindo classification grade II or higher. The yearly incidence of colectomies for pediatric UC was calculated and temporal trends were evaluated.

Results:

The sensitivity and positive predictive value of UC and colectomy International Classification of Diseases codes were 96% and 100%, respectively. The median ages at UC diagnosis and colectomy were 10.9 and 12.1 years, respectively. All of the children had pancolitis and 63% underwent emergent colectomy. Postoperatively, 33% experienced at least 1 complication. Patients with emergent colectomy were more likely to have a postoperative complication compared with patients with elective colectomy (90% vs 50%; P = 0.03). For emergent colectomy, postoperative complications were associated with a disease flare of ≥2 weeks before admission (60% vs 0%; P = 0.03) and >2 weeks from admission to colectomy (78% vs 22%; P = 0.04). The average annual rate of pediatric colectomy was 0.059/100,000 person‐years and stable from 1983 to 2009 (P > 0.05).

Conclusions:

Colectomy UC was uncommon and rates have remained stable. Postcolectomy complications were common, especially in patients undergoing emergent colectomy. Optimizing timing of colectomy may reduce postoperative complications.
Drought-induced forest decline: causes, scope and implications
Authors: Martínez-Vilalta Jordi , Lloret Francisco , Breshears David D.
Published: December 2011

A large number of episodes of forest mortality associated with drought and heat stress have been detected worldwide in recent decades, suggesting that some of the world's forested ecosystems may be already responding to climate change. Here, we summarize a special session titled ‘Drought-induced forest decline: causes, scope and implications’ within the 12th European Ecological Federation Congress, held in Ávila (Spain) from 25 to 29 September 2011. The session focused on the interacting causes and impacts of die-off episodes at the community and ecosystem levels, and highlighted recent events of drought- and heat-related tree decline, advances in understanding mechanisms and in predicting mortality events, and diverse consequences of forest decline. Talks and subsequent discussion noted a potentially important role of carbon that may be interrelated with plant hydraulics in the multi-faceted process leading to drought-induced mortality; a substantial and yet understudied capacity of many forests to cope with extreme climatic events; and the difficulty of separating climate effects from other anthropogenic changes currently shaping forest dynamics in many regions of the Earth. The need for standard protocols and multi-level monitoring programmes to track the spatio-temporal scope of forest decline globally was emphasized as critical for addressing this emerging environmental issue.
Asynchronous origins of ectomycorrhizal clades of Agaricales
Authors: Ryberg Martin , Matheny P. Brandon
Published: December 2011

The ectomycorrhizal (ECM) symbiosis is the most widespread biotrophic nutritional mode in mushroom-forming fungi. ECM fungi include, though are not limited to, about 5000 described species of Agaricales from numerous, independently evolved lineages. Two central hypotheses suggest different explanations for the origin of ECM fungal diversity: (i) dual origins, initially with the Pinaceae in the Jurassic and later with angiosperms during the Late Cretaceous, and (ii) a simultaneous and convergent radiation of ECM lineages in response to cooling climate during the Palaeogene and advancing temperate ECM plant communities. Neither of these hypotheses is supported here. While we demonstrate support for asynchronous origins of ECM Agaricales, the timing of such events appears to have occurred more recently than suggested by the first hypothesis, first during the Cretaceous and later during the Palaeogene. We are also unable to reject models of rate constancy, which suggests that the diversity of ECM Agaricales is not a consequence of convergent rapid radiations following evolutionary transitions from saprotrophic to ECM habits. ECM lineages of Agaricales differ not only in age, but also in rates of diversification and rate of substitution at nuclear ribosomal RNA loci. These results question the biological uniformity of the ECM guild.
Identification of a Protein Network Interacting with TdRF1, a Wheat RING Ubiquitin Ligase with a Protective Role against Cellular Dehydration
Authors: Guerra Davide , Mastrangelo Anna Maria , Lopez-Torrejon Gema , Marzin Stephan , Schweizer Patrick , Stanca Antonio Michele , del Pozo Juan Carlos , Cattivelli Luigi , Mazzucotelli Elisabetta
Published: December 2011

Plants exploit ubiquitination to modulate the proteome with the final aim to ensure environmental adaptation and developmental plasticity. Ubiquitination targets are specifically driven to degradation through the action of E3 ubiquitin ligases. Genetic analyses have indicated wide functions of ubiquitination in plant life; nevertheless, despite the large number of predicted E3s, only a few of them have been characterized so far, and only a few ubiquitination targets are known. In this work, we characterized durum wheat (Triticum durum) RING Finger1 (TdRF1) as a durum wheat nuclear ubiquitin ligase. Moreover, its barley (Hordeum vulgare) homolog was shown to protect cells from dehydration stress. A protein network interacting with TdRF1 has been defined. The transcription factor WHEAT BEL1-TYPE HOMEODOMAIN1 (WBLH1) was degraded in a TdRF1-dependent manner through the 26S proteasome in vivo, the mitogen-activated protein kinase TdWNK5 [for Triticum durum WITH NO LYSINE (K)5] was able to phosphorylate TdRF1 in vitro, and the RING-finger protein WHEAT VIVIPAROUS-INTERACTING PROTEIN2 (WVIP2) was shown to have a strong E3 ligase activity. The genes coding for the TdRF1 interactors were all responsive to cold and/or dehydration stress, and a negative regulative function in dehydration tolerance was observed for the barley homolog of WVIP2. A role in the control of plant development was previously known, or predictable based on homology, for wheat BEL1-type homeodomain1(WBLH1). Thus, TdRF1 E3 ligase might act regulating the response to abiotic stress and remodeling plant development in response to environmental constraints.
Ovomucoid (Gal d 1) specific IgE detected by microarray system predict tolerability to boiled hen's egg and an increased risk to progress to multiple environmental allergen sensitisation
Authors: Alessandri C. , Zennaro D. , Scala E. , Ferrara R. , Bernardi M. Livia , Santoro M. , Palazzo P. , Mari A.
Published: December 2011

Background

Egg allergy is a very common finding in early childhood. Detecting hen's egg (HE) allergy outgrowing and reintroduction of food containing egg is a task for the allergist.

Objective

We sought to evaluate the suitability of boiled egg food challenge compared with IgE to allergenic molecules from HE white using a microarray system.

Method

Sixty‐eight children referring to our centre by the family paediatricians for a suspected egg allergy were enrolled. Patients underwent double‐blind, placebo‐controlled food challenge with boiled and raw eggs. Challenge outcomes were compared with skin tests performed using egg white and yolk commercial extracts, to prick‐prick test with boiled and raw egg white and yolk, total IgE, egg white specific IgE detected using ImmunoCAP and IgE to egg allergens available on the immunosolid phase allergen chip (ISAC) 103 microarray.

Result

Nineteen subjects (28%) were reactive to both raw and boiled egg, 14 (20.5%) to raw egg only and 35 (51.4%) tolerated both boiled and raw egg. Efficiency analysis was carried out using both raw and boiled egg challenges as gold standard. Forty four of 47 Gal d 1 negative patients tolerated boiled egg (94%). Conversely, 20 of 21 Gal d 1 positive patients reacted to raw egg (95%). None of the other tests was able to discriminate patients’ response to HE challenge. Furthermore, Gal d 1 positivity seems to lead to broader environmental allergen IgE sensitization.

Conclusion and Clinical Relevance

The Gal d 1 IgE reactivity appears to be a very good predictor of HE clinical allergy. Gal d 1 positive children have a high frequency of HE allergy, whereas Gal d 1 negative children have a high frequency of tolerance to boiled egg. Multiple specific IgE detection by means of ISAC improves the diagnostic approach in HE allergic children, disclosing other food and inhalant allergic sensitizations, anyhow requiring a comprehensive clinical evaluation.
Classical lobular breast carcinoma consistently lacks topoisomerase‐IIα gene amplification: implications for the tailored use of anthracycline‐based chemotherapies
Authors: Brunello Eleonora , Brunelli Matteo , Manfrin Erminia , Nottegar Alessia , Bersani Samantha , Vergine Marco , Molino Annamaria , Fiorio Elena , Chilosi Marco , Gobbo Stefano , Martignoni Guido , Bonetti Franco
Published: December 2011

Brunello E, Brunelli M, Manfrin E, Nottegar A, Bersani S, Vergine M, Molino A, Fiorio E, Chilosi M, Gobbo S, Martignoni G & Bonetti F  (2012) Histopathology 60, 482–488 Classical lobular breast carcinoma consistently lacks topoisomerase‐IIα gene amplification: implications for the tailored use of anthracycline‐based chemotherapies [Correction added after online publication, 17 January 2012: Title amended to match main article title.]

Aims:  There is consistent lack of data focusing the topoisomerase‐IIα gene status in lobular breast carcinoma, a subtype that usually shows poor responsiveness to chemotherapies including those using anthracycline drugs.

Methods and results:  Forty‐six infiltrative lobular carcinomas, 13 with matched metastases, were used. Topoisomerase‐IIα gene amplification was evaluated by chromogenic in situ hybridization (CISH) and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). We also assessed Her2/neu status by CISH, FISH and silver in situ hybridization (SISH). HER2 immunoexpression was assessed by the HercepTest. Forty‐four of 46 (95%) cases revealed no topoisomerase‐IIα amplification, whereas two of 46 (5%) cases were amplified by all three techniques. Eleven of the 13 metastatic sites showed no amplification either in the primary or in the metastases (85%); the remaining two were amplified (15%). Her2/neu was not amplified in 44 of 46 (95%) cases nor was it amplified in 11 of 13 (95%) metastatic tissues. The two cases showing Her2/neu and topoisomerase‐IIα amplification scored 3+; the remaining non‐amplified cases scored 0 or 1+ in 40 and 2+ in four cases.

Conclusions:  In the era of personalized and tailored therapies, we suggest that patients affected by the classical lobular subtype of breast carcinoma constantly lack the ad hoc predictive rationale for receiving common chemotherapy that includes anthracyclines.
Validation of a new assessment tool for qualitative research articles
Authors: Schou Lone , Høstrup Helle , Lyngsø Elin Egholm , Larsen Susan , Poulsen Ingrid
Published: December 2011

schou l., høstrup h., lyngsø e.e., larsen s. & poulsen i. (2012) Validation of a new assessment tool for qualitative research articles. Journal of Advanced Nursing68(9), 2086–2094.

Aim.  This paper presents the development and validation of a new assessment tool for qualitative research articles, which could assess trustworthiness of qualitative research articles as defined by Guba and at the same time aid clinicians in their assessment.

Background.  There are more than 100 sets of proposals for quality criteria for qualitative research. However, we are not aware of an assessment tool that is validated and applicable, not only for researchers but also for clinicians with different levels of training and experience in reading research articles.

Method.  In three phases from 2007 to 2009 we delevoped and tested such an assessment tool called VAKS, which is the Danish acronym for Appraisal of Qualitative Studies. Phase 1 was to develop the tool based on a literature review and on consultation with qualitative researchers. Phase 2 was an inter‐rater reliability test in which 40 health professionals participated. Phase 3 was an inter‐rater reliability test among the five authors by means of five qualitative articles.

Results.  The new assessment tool was based on Guba’s four criteria for assessing the trustworthiness of qualitative inquiries. The nurses found the assessment tool simple to use and helpful in assessing the quality of the articles. The inter‐rater agreement was acceptable, but disagreement was seen for some items.

Conclusion.  We have developed an assessment tool for appraisal of qualitative research studies. Nurses with a range of formal education and experience in reading research articles are able to appraise, relatively consistently, articles based on different qualitative research designs. We hope that VAKS will be used and further developed.
Plant species richness belowground: higher richness and new patterns revealed by next‐generation sequencing
Authors: HIIESALU INGA , ÖPIK MAARJA , METSIS MADIS , LILJE LIISA , DAVISON JOHN , VASAR MARTTI , MOORA MARI , ZOBEL MARTIN , WILSON SCOTT D. , PÄRTEL MEELIS
Published: December 2011

Variation in plant species richness has been described using only aboveground vegetation. The species richness of roots and rhizomes has never been compared with aboveground richness in natural plant communities. We made direct comparisons of grassland plant richness in identical volumes (0.1 × 0.1 × 0.1 m) above and below the soil surface, using conventional species identification to measure aboveground richness and 454 sequencing of the chloroplasttrnL(UAA) intron to measure belowground richness. We described above‐ and belowground richness at multiple spatial scales (from a neighbourhood scale of centimetres to a community scale of hundreds of metres), and related variation in richness to soil fertility. Tests using reference material indicated that 454 sequencing captured patterns of species composition and abundance with acceptable accuracy. At neighbourhood scales, belowground richness was up to two times greater than aboveground richness. The relationship between above‐ and belowground richness was significantly different from linear: beyond a certain level of belowground richness, aboveground richness did not increase further. Belowground richness also exceeded that of aboveground at the community scale, indicating that some species are temporarily dormant and absent aboveground. Similar to other grassland studies, aboveground richness declined with increasing soil fertility; in contrast, the number of species found only belowground increased significantly with fertility. These results indicate that conventional aboveground studies of plant richness may overlook many coexisting species, and that belowground richness becomes relatively more important in conditions where aboveground richness decreases. Measuring plant belowground richness can considerably alter perceptions of biodiversity and its responses to natural and anthropogenic factors.
Extensive gene flow over Europe and possible speciation over Eurasia in the ectomycorrhizal basidiomycete Laccaria amethystina complex
Authors: VINCENOT LUCIE , NARA KAZUHIDE , STHULTZ CHRISTOPHER , LABBÉ JESSY , DUBOIS MARIE‐PIERRE , TEDERSOO LEHO , MARTIN FRANCIS , SELOSSE MARC‐ANDRÉ
Published: December 2011

Biogeographical patterns and large‐scale genetic structure have been little studied in ectomycorrhizal (EM) fungi, despite the ecological and economic importance of EM symbioses. We coupled population genetics and phylogenetic approaches to understand spatial structure in fungal populations on a continental scale. Using nine microsatellite markers, we characterized gene flow among 16 populations of the widespread EM basidiomycete Laccaria amethystina over Europe (i.e. over 2900 km). We also widened our scope to two additional populations from Japan (104 km away) and compared them with European populations through microsatellite markers and multilocus phylogenies, using three nuclear genes (NAR, G6PD and ribosomal DNA) and two mitochondrial ribosomal genes. European L. amethystina populations displayed limited differentiation (average FST = 0.041) and very weak isolation by distance (IBD). This panmictic European pattern may result from effective aerial dispersal of spores, high genetic diversity in populations and mutualistic interactions with multiple hosts that all facilitate migration. The multilocus phylogeny based on nuclear genes confirmed that Japanese and European specimens were closely related but clustered on a geographical basis. By using microsatellite markers, we found that Japanese populations were strongly differentiated from the European populations (FST = 0.416), more than expected by extrapolating the European pattern of IBD. Population structure analyses clearly separated the populations into two clusters, i.e. European and Japanese clusters. We discuss the possibility of IBD in a continuous population (considering some evidence for a ring species over the Northern Hemisphere) vs. an allopatric speciation over Eurasia, making L. amethystina a promising model of intercontinental species for future studies.
The profile of inflammatory and metabolic response in children undergoing heart transplantation
Authors: Yu Xiaoyang , Larsen Bodil , Urschel Simon , Cheung Po‐Yin , Ross David B. , Rebeyka Ivan , West Lori , Li Jia
Published: December 2011

Yu X, Larsen B, Urschel S, Cheung P‐Y, Ross DB, Rebeyka I, West L, Li J. The profile of inflammatory and metabolic response in children undergoing heart transplantation.  Clin Transplant 2011 DOI: 10.1111/j.1399‐0012.2011.01566.x.  © 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Abstract:  Inflammatory and metabolic response is an important factor to determine clinical outcomes. However, it remains unknown in children undergoing heart transplantation (HTx). We examined the perioperative changes in the inflammatory and metabolic response markers C‐reactive protein (CRP) and prealbumin (PA) in 38 heart‐transplanted children. Data obtained prior to and within one month after HTx included CRP, PA, total and differential white blood cell counts, doses of inotropes and immunosuppressants, cultures of blood and body fluids, duration of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB), aortic cross clamp and donor heart ischemia, and days in the intensive care unit (ICU) and hospital. CRP was 32 ± 49 mg/L before HTx, increased to 130 ± 55 mg/L on postoperative day 1–2, and decreased to 21 ± 31 mg/L by one month after HTx. PA was 0.15 ± 0.06 g/L before HTx, decreased to 0.12 ± 0.03 g/L on postoperative day 1–2, and then gradually increased to 0.21 ± 0.10 g/L by one month after HTx. Postoperative CRP positively correlated with epinephrine dosage and CPB duration. PA positively correlated with age. In conclusion, inflammatory and metabolic response is present before HTx and acutely intensified after HTx. It may be mainly influenced by CPB duration and cardiovascular function status.
Incidence and predictors of post‐reperfusion syndrome in living donor liver transplantation
Authors: Chung In S. , Kim Ha Y. , Shin Young H. , Ko Justin S. , Gwak Mi S. , Sim Woo S. , Kim Gaab S. , Lee Suk‐Koo
Published: December 2011

Chung IS, Kim HY, Shin YH, Ko JS, Gwak MS, Sim WS, Kim GS, Lee S‐K. Incidence and predictors of post‐reperfusion syndrome in living donor liver transplantation.

Abstract:  A characteristic pattern of hemodynamic changes that may occur in reperfusion phase of liver transplantation (LT) is known as post‐reperfusion syndrome (PRS). In this study, we determined the frequency of PRS and evaluated possible predictors of PRS. The medical records of 152 patients who underwent living donor LT were reviewed. PRS was defined as a decrease in mean arterial pressure of more than 30% from the baseline value for more than one min during the first five min after reperfusion. The frequency of PRS was determined, and patients were divided into two groups: PRS group and non‐PRS group. Donor factors, preoperative and intraoperative recipient factors, and postoperative outcomes were compared between the two groups. PRS occurred in 58 recipients (34.2%). Preoperative model for end‐stage liver disease scores of recipients and percentage of graft steatotic changes were higher in PRS group. PRS group showed higher heart rates and lower hemoglobin values preoperatively. Before reperfusion, PRS group received more transfusion and their urine output was less than that of non‐PRS group. Postoperatively, peak bilirubin during the first five d after LT was higher in PRS group. In conclusion, both severity of liver disease and graft steatosis may increase risk for PRS in LT. Further prospective studies of PRS in its relationship to outcome are indicated.
Cell Cycle Synchronization of Bison (Bos Gaurus) Fibroblasts Derived from Ear Piece Collected Post‐mortem
Authors: Uma Mahesh Y , Rao BS , Katari VC , Komjeti S , Christo D , Lakshmikantan U , Pawar RM , Shivaji S
Published: December 2011

Contents

Efficiency of the technique of somatic cell nuclear transfer critically depends on the cell cycle phase compatibility between the donor somatic cell nucleus and recipient cytoplasm. In this study, attempts were made to optimize conditions for cell cycle synchronization of bison ear fibroblasts at G0/G1 using different approaches such as using cells in confluency, after contact inhibition, serum starvation or treatment with dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) (0.5%, 1.0% and 2.0%), sodium butyrate (NaBu) (0.5, 1.0 and 2.0 mm), cytochalasin‐B (CB) (7.5 μg/ml), cycloheximide (CHX) (7.5 μg/ml) and 6‐dimethyl aminopurine (6‐DMAP) (2.0 mm). A small piece of an ear of an adult female bison collected post‐mortem 10 h after death was used for the preparation of fibroblast cells. The synchronization efficiency was determined by fluorescence‐activated cell sorting. Higher proportion of G0/G1 phase was obtained when cells were subjected to serum starvation for 48 h (85.4%). Sodium butyrate had no effect on synchronization of cells at G0/G1 when the cells were treated for 24 and 48 h. Similarly, DMSO (0.5% and 1.0%) had also no effect on the proportion of cells at G0/G1 for 24 and 48 h. The synchronization ability of CB, CHX and 6‐DMAP at G0/G1 phase was equally effective when cells were treated for 4 h (68.5%, 68.7% and 67.4%) and 24 h (67.8%, 66.1% and 67.5%). In conclusion, this study shows that cells subjected to serum starvation for 24–48 h or confluent monolayer, or cycling cells treated with 1.0% DMSO or 2.0 mm NaBu for 24 h showed best synchronization in G0/G1 phase of cell cycle.
Exposure to dysfunctional parenting and trauma events and posttraumatic stress profiles among a treatment sample with coexisting depression and alcohol use problems
Authors: BAILEY KYLIE , WEBSTER ROSEMARY , BAKER AMANDA L. , KAVANAGH DAVID J.
Published: December 2011

Introduction and Aims. Trauma exposure (including experiencing dysfunctional parenting when a child) and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) frequently coexist with major depressive disorder (MDD) and alcohol use disorders (AUD), with the impact of this comorbidity usually studied as a dual disorder (i.e. PTSD‐MDD or PTSD‐AUD). This study explores trauma exposure (including to dysfunctional parenting), PTSD symptom severity and PTSD in people seeking treatment for coexisting depressive symptoms and alcohol use problems.

Design and Methods. Participants (n = 221) with current depression and alcohol use problems were recruited. Trauma exposure, PTSD symptoms and PTSD were assessed using the Posttraumatic Stress Diagnostic Scale. The Measure of Parenting Style assessed dysfunctional parenting (neglect/over‐control/abuse) experienced as a child.

Results. Most participants experienced trauma (71.6%, n = 159), with more than one‐third reaching DSM‐IV criteria for current PTSD (38.0%, n = 84). Unique to this study was that there were no gender differences in rates of trauma exposure, number of traumatic events and PTSD. More severe PTSD symptoms and PTSD were associated with: childhood neglect; earlier depression onset; more severe depression and alcohol problems; and lower general functioning. More severe problems with alcohol were related to Intrusion and Avoidance symptoms, while severe alcohol dependence symptoms were related to hyperarousal.

Discussion and Conclusions. PTSD symptoms and PTSD are highly prevalent in those with coexisting depression and alcohol use problems and are associated with a history of childhood neglect and higher levels of comorbidity. Trauma, PTSD symptoms and PTSD should be assessed and addressed among people seeking treatment for coexisting depression and alcohol problems.[Bailey K, Webster R, Baker AL, Kavanagh DJ. Exposure to dysfunctional parenting and trauma events and posttraumatic stress profiles among a treatment sample with coexisting depression and alcohol use problems. Drug Alcohol Rev 2012;31:529–537]
Problem‐based learning in Guyana: a nursing education experiment
Authors: O'Connor J. , Carr A.
Published: December 2011

O'CONNOR J. & CARR A. (2011) Problem‐based learning in Guyana: a nursing education experiment. International Nursing Review59, 376–379

Aim:  This paper invites the reader into sharing a journey of change through a new curriculum grounded in a problem‐based learning (PBL) approach to education in the first year of a diploma nursing programme in Guyana.

Background:  In Guyana, students are trained using traditional teaching methods: lectures and a single, often outdated, text. The authors had been dissatisfied previously with their students' knowledge retention, critical thinking skills and application abilities. The authors became advocates for change through the introduction of a PBL approach in nursing education within their school.

Methods:  PBL is quite different from ‘problem solving’, and the goal of learning is not to solve the problem, which has been presented. Rather, the problem is used to help students identify their own learning needs as they attempt to understand the problem, to pull together, synthesize and apply information to the problem, and to begin to work effectively to learn from group members as well as tutors. Students met in small groups to identify the problem; explore their pre‐existing knowledge; generate hypotheses and possible mechanisms; and identify learning issues.

Conclusion:  Students in their first exposure to self‐directed, small group learning can immediately thrive as active learners with minimal guidance and support. The programme was evaluated with the admission and scoring of homework/exams based on the school syllabus for the individual courses; and continual small group oral as well as a final written qualitative evaluation. Specific positive and negative learning factors are addressed.
Domestic violence screening: when will we get it right?
Authors: Roush Karen
Published: December 2011

ROUSH K. (2011) Domestic violence screening: when will we get it right? International Nursing Review59, 115–116

Domestic violence (DV) is a major health and human rights problem across the globe that causes serious mental and physical health consequences. Regulatory agencies and accrediting organizations include universal screening among required standards for hospitals and ambulatory clinics. Yet we are still failing to identify women suffering from DV and provide them with the resources and care they need. This commentary looks at a study of universal screening in a hospital in Israel and calls for a shift in focus from the question of whether we are screening and why to how we are educating healthcare providers about DV and interventional research for women experiencing DV.
The contribution of high‐fidelity simulation to nursing students' confidence and competence: a systematic review
Authors: Yuan H.B. , Williams B.A. , Fang J.B.
Published: December 2011

YUAN H.B., WILLIAMS B.A. & FANG J.B. (2011) The contribution of high‐fidelity simulation to nursing students' confidence and competence: a systematic review. International Nursing Review59, 26–33

Background:  High‐fidelity simulation (HFS) has been proposed as a novel, supplemental teaching‐learning strategy to enhance students' confidence and competence in nursing practice.

Aim:  To describe available evidence about the effects of HFS on students' confidence and competence within nursing educational programmes.

Methods:  A review of studies published between 2000 and 2011 was undertaken using the following databases: CINAHL, Proquest, MEDLINE, Science Direct, OVID and Chinese Academic Journal. The concepts of confidence and competence as they related to HFS in nursing education were used for screening the literature. Quantitative studies were assessed for methodological quality.

Findings:  Eighteen English and six Chinese studies addressed confidence and competence as outcomes of simulation and were retrieved in this review. The results of meta‐analysis indicated a mixed contribution of HFS to confidence and competency with a lack of high‐quality random control trials and large sample sizes.

Conclusions:  Although qualitative studies presented positive results, there was still insufficient evidence for supporting the notion that students' confidence and competency are enhanced through HFS. More quantitative studies are needed to demonstrate effectiveness. There was a deficit of formal measurement tools available to evaluate HFS. Most research pays no attention to validation of measurements. The increased confidence and competence after simulation may not be realized until the student experiences a real situation like the one in the simulation. More research is needed to examine the transferability of the simulation experience into real situations.
Towards a New Feeling Theory of Emotion
Authors: Kriegel Uriah
Published: December 2011

According to the old feeling theory of emotion, an emotion is just a feeling: a conscious experience with a characteristic phenomenal character. This theory is widely dismissed in contemporary discussions of emotion as hopelessly naïve. In particular, it is thought to suffer from two fatal drawbacks: its inability to account for the cognitive dimension of emotion (which is thought to go beyond the phenomenal dimension), and its inability to accommodate unconscious emotions (which, of course, lack any phenomenal character). In this paper, I argue that the old feeling theory is in reality only a pair of modifications removed from a highly plausible account of the nature of emotion that retains the essential connection between emotion and feeling. These modifications are, moreover, motivated by recent developments in work on phenomenal consciousness. The first development is the rising recognition of a phenomenal character proper to cognition—so‐called cognitive phenomenology. The second is the gathering momentum behind various ‘connection principles’ that specify some connection that a given state must bear to phenomenally conscious states in order to qualify as mental. These developments make it possible to formulate a new feeling theory of emotion, which would overcome the two fatal drawbacks of the old feeling theory. According to the new feeling theory, an emotion is a mental state that bears the right connection to conscious experiences with the right phenomenal character (involving, among other elements, a cognitive phenomenology).
Improving Financial Stability: Can European Union Member States Learn From China's Experience in Enhancing Commercial Banks' Social Responsibilities?
Authors: Liu Suyu
Published: December 2011

This paper concerns the financial stability during the crisis. It introduces the experience of Chinese commercial banks. The Chinese commercial banks emphasise social responsibilities, which contributed to improve the stability of the Chinese financial system, while the increased financial stability brought tremendous positive effects to the development of economy, society and also the commercial banks themselves. We argue that in China, both the government and the financial authority enhance the commercial banks' social responsibility. There are sufficient incentives for the staff of commercial banks to increase the achievements of enhancing the social responsibilities under effective formal institutions. We further argue that, although the legal foundations of China and the EU are different, it is possible for the EU Member States to learn from China to increase the financial stability by enhancing the commercial banks' social responsibilities. We find that because the EU has much more developed financial markets, it is possible for the EU to create effective institutions and legal framework to achieve that goal through the market mechanisms.
The Influence of the Euro in Reshaping Global Monetary Governance: Perceptions from financial elites in Brazil and China
Authors: Otero‐Iglesias Miguel
Published: December 2011

This article examines the ways in which key emerging market financial elites assess Europe's monetary power in the reconfiguration of the U.S. dollar‐dominated monetary system. Interviews with public and private financial actors in China and Brazil record that while Europe's debt markets are limited by their size, and hence the material impact of the euro is restricted, the ideational effects are considerable. The findings show that even if the euro does not appear to be replacing the dollar as the main international currency, the European Monetary Union (EMU) is an example for regional and even world monetary integration. Chinese and Brazilian elites applaud European efforts to create a more multilateral and regulated financial system. In this sense, EMU has significant influence, and hence potential for global reach. However, this study also notes that this projection requires greater political coordination of exchange rate policy in order to fully realise its material impact in global monetary governance.
THALASSIONEIS SIGNYENSIS (BACILLARIOPHYCEAE) FROM NORTHWEST WEDDELL SEA ICEBERGS, AN EMENDATION OF THE GENERIC DESCRIPTION1
Authors: Ferrario Martha E. , Cefarelli Adrián O. , Robison Bruce , Vernet María
Published: December 2011

We offer an emended description of the genus Thalassioneis based on new observations of the type species, T. signyensis Round, from material sampled in the northwest Weddell Sea. Specimens from algal communities attached to submerged flanks of several icebergs were collected with a remote‐operated vehicle (ROV‐Phantom DS 2). The analyses were carried out by LM and SEM. Fresh material and frustules without organic matter allowed us to observe details not included in the original description such as type and structure of colonies and chloroplasts. The frustule shows an asymmetry with respect to the location of the apical pore fields, one of them situated on the valvar face and the other one displaced toward the mantle; the former is involved in joining contiguous cells to form long chains. Furthermore, we present details on the ultrastructure of the cingulum that consists of three to four open copulae with one or more rows of poroids. A brief discussion on the habit and ecology of this taxon, which may be endemic to the northwest Weddell Sea, is also presented. A comparison with similar genera, such as Brandinia, Creania, Fossula, Fragilaria, Rimoneis, Synedropsis, and Ulnaria, is included with an evaluation of morphological characteristics useful to differentiate them.
Alcohol Use and Crime: Findings from a Longitudinal Sample of U.S. Adolescents and Young Adults
Authors: Popovici Ioana , Homer Jenny F. , Fang Hai , French Michael T.
Published: December 2011

Background:  A positive relationship between alcohol use and criminal activity has been well documented among adults, but fewer studies explore this relationship among adolescents.

Methods:  Using data from 4 waves of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (Add Health), we examine alcohol use patterns and criminal activity from adolescence to young adulthood. Fixed‐effects models partially address the potential endogeneity of alcohol use, and, because numerous studies indicate that males are more likely than females to engage in drinking and criminal activity, the analyses are segmented by gender.

Results:  We find a strong positive relationship between alcohol consumption, the commission of crimes, and criminal victimization for both genders. Various sensitivity analyses and robustness checks support this core finding.

Conclusions:  Our results have important policy implications, as public policy tools that aim to reduce drinking among adolescents could also reduce criminal activity. Moreover, effective alcohol abuse treatment may indirectly reduce delinquency and thus have greater long‐term economic benefits than previously estimated.
Investigation of Phase Structure and Electrical Properties of Doped PMN–PZT Ceramics Prepared by Different Methods
Authors: Wang Li , Liang Ruihong , Mao Chaoliang , Gao Min , Du Gang , Cao Fei , Wang Genshui , Dong Xianlin
Published: December 2011

The doped 0.25Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3–0.40PbTiO3–0.35PbZrO3 (PMN–PZT) ceramics with pure perovskite phase were prepared by one‐step oxide‐mixed method and conventional columbite method. The phase structure and electrical properties were systematically investigated. Crystallites of the ceramic fabricated by the oxide‐mixed method are partially oriented with the c‐axis, while samples prepared from columbite method are randomly oriented. This crystalline orientation enabled better electric properties, especially a higher piezoelectric coefficient d33 of 760 pC/N and electromechanical coupling factor kp of 69%. Materials fabricated from the oxide‐mixed method are attractive for high‐performance piezoelectric actuator and this simple method may have a great prospect in industrial production.
Potential Application of a Ti–C:H Coating in Implants
Authors: Feng F. , Zhou Y. , Yun H. , Rocha A. , Polcar T. , Cvrcek L. , Liang H.
Published: December 2011

A coating of Ti–C:H was investigated for potential applications as artificial joint materials. Herein, we conducted experimental study using fluid shear method and tribolgoical study to evaluate and analyze the adhesive strength of proteins on Ti–C:H coatings and Ti6Al4V. Sample surfaces were worn against a steel bearing (E52100) under the lubrication of egg white protein solution. The following wear track and debris analysis helped further understand their wear mechanism. Research results showed that Ti–C:H coatings on silicon substrate had a porous topography that enhanced its adhesion with the protein. The friction coefficient and wear rate for Ti–C:H was much lower than Ti6Al4V. This can be attributed to the chemical inertness and functional diamond‐like features of Ti–C:H coatings enhancement in wear resistance, making it superior to Ti6Al4V.
Synthesis and Characterization of Rutile Nanocrystals Prepared in Aqueous Media at Low Temperature
Authors: Kong Linggen , Karatchevtseva Inna , Blackford Mark , Chironi Ilkay , Triani Gerry
Published: December 2011

Rutile powder was synthesized via sol–gel processing of Tyzor TE precursor in an aqueous solution at 40°C–50°C. A suite of characterization techniques, including FTIR, Raman, X‐ray, and electron diffraction, were employed to investigate the microstructural evolution. The synthesized powder was phase‐pure rutile possessing high surface area (144.7 m2/g), an average pore size of 24.9 nm, and pore volume of 0.66 cm3/g. A reaction mechanism is proposed for the preferential evolution of rutile over other titania polymorphs (i.e. amorphous or anatase).
Microwave Dielectric Properties of Ca4La2Ti5−x(Mg1/3Nb2/3)xO17 Ceramics
Authors: Chen Guo‐hua , Di Jie‐chang , Xu Hua‐rui , Jiang Min‐hong , Yuan Chang‐lai
Published: December 2011

Using the solid‐state ceramic route, Ca4La2Ti5−x(Mg1/3Nb2/3)xO17 (0 ≤ x ≤ 4) ceramics were prepared, and the phase purity, microstructure, and microwave dielectric properties were investigated. The XRD results suggest the formation of solid solutions for all studied compositions (0 ≤ x ≤ 4) and the unit cell volume increases linearly with x. The SEM results also show no evidence of secondary phase and doping (Mg1/3Nb2/3) at Ti site promotes the grain growth. The εr of sintered ceramics decreases from 71.86 to 35.23, the Q × f value increases from 15 070 to 21 277 GHz and the τf value varies from 125.2 to −16.7 ppm/°C with x increasing from 0 to 4. A near‐zero τf (~1.62 ppm/°C) is achieved at x = 3 with εr ~ 40.45 and Q × f ~ 19 123 GHz.
Sexual assault and other types of violence in intimate partner relationships
Authors: ALSAKER KJERSTI , MORKEN TONE , BASTE VALBORG , CAMPOS‐SERNA JAVIER , MOEN BENTE E.
Published: December 2011

Objective. To investigate whether sexual assaults are more likely to co‐occur with some types of abuse rather than others in violent intimate relationships. Design. Cross‐sectional study. Setting. A self‐administered questionnaire was sent to all Norwegian women's shelters. Population. Women seeking refuge at Norwegian women's shelters in 2002 and 2003. Methods. Sexual assault and experiences of intimate partner violence were measured using the Severity of Violence against Women Scale (SVAWS) and psychological violence was measured using the Psychological Maltreatment of Women Inventory (PMWI). Main outcome measures. Student's t‐test analyses were performed between the mean values of the different acts of reported violence, and linear regression analyses were used to examine the association between sexual violence and the other forms of violence reported. Results. Sexual violence correlated significantly with the other eight categories in SVAWS, and with violence directed at the pregnant woman's abdomen and psychological violence in PMWI. When we adjusted all categories for each other by linear regression analysis, sexual intimate partner violence was significantly associated with hair pulling, arm twisting, spanking or biting, dominance and isolation abuse and violence directed at the pregnant woman's abdomen. Conclusion. Sexual assaults are more likely to co‐occur with some types of physical and psychological violence than with others. This knowledge may be important for improving our understanding of sexual violence in intimate partner relationships and in the efforts to detect intimate partner violence. Bruises, loss of hair and bite marks may suggest that sexual acts were committed against the victim's will.
Should hysteroscopy be provided for patients who have undergone instrumental intrauterine intervention after delivery?
Authors: HRAZDIROVA LUCIE , SVABIK KAMIL , ZIZKA ZDENEK , GERMANOVA ANNA , KUZEL DAVID
Published: December 2011

We investigated the frequency of pathology, especially intrauterine adhesions, after instrumental evacuation within 24 h of delivery in a prospective observational intervention study on 100 women where a ‘see and treat’ hysteroscopy was performed after three to four months. There were two possible etiology groups: intrauterine adhesions [classified according by European Society for Gynaecological Endoscopy (ESGE) grades I–IV] and residual tissue (classified as minimal and considerable). Adhesions were found in 18% of patients, as follows: ESGE I–II in 13% and ESGE III–IV in 5%. Residual tissue was present in 33%, as follows: minimal in 23% and considerable in 10%. There were 6% who had both mild adhesions and minimal residual tissue, while 43% of the women had normal intrauterine findings. Of the women, 32% were symptomatic (spotting, bleeding). Only residual tissue correlated with symptoms (r=0.376; p<0.001). There is a high prevalence of acquired intrauterine pathology (57%) in women who require early instrumental evacuation.
The effect of hysterectomy or levonorgestrel‐releasing intrauterine system on premenstrual symptoms in women treated for menorrhagia: secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial
Authors: LEMINEN HENRI , HELIÖVAARA‐PEIPPO SATU , HALMESMÄKI KAROLIINA , TEPERI JUHA , GRENMAN SEIJA , KIVELÄ AARRE , TUPPURAINEN MARJO , PAAVONEN JORMA , HURSKAINEN RITVA
Published: December 2011

Objective. To study the effect of hysterectomy or levonorgestrel‐releasing intrauterine system (LNG‐IUS) on premenstrual symptoms in women treated for menorrhagia. Design. Secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial. Setting. Five university hospitals in Finland. Sample. A cohort of 236 women, aged 35–49 years (mean 43 years) referred for menorrhagia between 1994 and 1997. Women were not diagnosed with premenstrual syndrome. Methods. Women were randomized to treatment by hysterectomy (n=117) or LNG‐IUS (n=119). Analyses were performed using the intention‐to‐treat and actual treatment principles. Women using estrogen therapy and women who underwent bilateral salpingo‐oophorectomy were excluded from the analyses. Main outcome measures. The occurrence of premenstrual symptoms evaluated by questionnaires at baseline and at follow‐up visits six and 12 months after the treatment and five years after the randomization. Results. Premenstrual symptoms decreased significantly in both groups by six months (p≤0.028) without significant differences between the groups, except that in the LNG‐IUS group the decrease of breast tenderness was seen first by 12 months (p=0.048). Even though 42% of the women assigned to treatment with LNG‐IUS were hysterectomized during the follow‐up period, the results of intention‐to‐treat and actual treatment analyses were comparable. Conclusions. Both hysterectomy and LNG‐IUS seem to alleviate premenstrual symptoms of women treated for menorrhagia, while the effect of these treatments on premenstrual syndrome remains unsettled.