bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Insights into the historical biogeography of the date palm (Phoenix dactyliferaL.) using geometric morphometry of modern and ancient seeds
Authors: Terral Jean‐Frédéric , Newton Claire , Ivorra Sarah , Gros‐Balthazard Muriel , de Morais Claire Tito , Picq Sandrine , Tengberg Margareta , Pintaud Jean‐Christophe
Published: December 2011

Aim The main purpose of this work is to understand the origin, history, historical biogeography and mechanisms of date palm (Phoenix dactyliferaL.) domestication.

Location Seeds of uncultivatedPhoenixindividuals from isolated Oman populations, cultivated date palm varieties of various geographical origins and other relatedPhoenixspecies were analysed. Additionally, well‐preserved seeds from Egyptian archaeological sites (14th centurybcto 8th centuryad) were compared with the morphometric reference model based on the analysis of modern material.

Methods Elliptic Fourier transforms (EFT), a morphometric method applied to shape outline analysis, were used to characterize seed shape and to quantify morphological diversity inP. dactyliferaand related species.

Results Analysis of seed outlines by EFT (1) showed thatP. dactyliferacan be differentiated from otherPhoenixspecies and (2) enabled the quantification of patterns of shape differentiation in the genusPhoenixat different taxonomic, geographical and chronological levels. Date palm agrobiodiversity, partitioned in distinct morphotypes, appeared to be complex in terms of geographical structure. Allocation of archaeological seeds to different modernPhoenixforms and date palm morphotypes allowed us to reveal ancient forms consumed and/or exploited in Egypt and finally to determine spatial and temporal changes in agrobiodiversity.

Main conclusions Based on the morphological diversity quantified inP. dactyliferaand related species, we characterized ancestral seed shape features present in uncultivated populations. The geographical distribution pattern of seed shapes points to human dispersal routes that spread cultivation from one or more initial ‘domestication centres’. Finally, this work provides a powerful tool to identify ancient forms as demonstrated by the analysis of well‐preserved Egyptian archaeological seeds, dating from the 14th centurybcto the 8th centuryad. Results open new and fascinating perspectives on the investigation of the origins and chrono‐geographical fluctuation of date palm agrobiodiversity.
Assessment of factors associated with pre‐diabetes in HCV infection including direct and dynamic measurements of insulin action
Authors: Mukhtar N. A. , Ayala C. , Maher J. J. , Khalili M.
Published: December 2011

Summary.  Although hepatitis C (HCV) is associated with diabetes, few studies have examined pre‐diabetes in this population. We aimed to evaluate factors associated with pre‐diabetes in HCV‐infected patients, including direct measurement of insulin action. Ninety‐seven non‐cirrhotic, non‐diabetic and HCV‐infected patients underwent clinical evaluation and oral glucose tolerance testing (OGTT). Insulin sensitivity was measured directly by steady‐state plasma glucose (SSPG) concentration during insulin suppression test. Early phase and total insulin secretion were determined using OGTT. Rates of pre‐diabetes were as follows: 21% impaired fasting glucose (IFG), 7% impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) and 9% combined IFG/IGT. Twelve percent of Caucasians, 50% of African Americans and 70% of Latinos had pre‐diabetes (P = 0.002). Patient characteristics among the glucose metabolism categories were similar except those with combined IFG/IGT had a higher body mass index (BMI) vs normal glucose tolerance (NGT) (30 vs 26 kg/m2, P = 0.007) and lower LDL vs NGT and IGT (74, 104 and 112 mg/dL, respectively, P ≤ 0.01). On multivariable analysis, non‐Caucasian race (OR 23.1, P = 0.003), BMI (OR 3.4, P = 0.02) and greater liver inflammation (OR 7.9, P = 0.03) predicted IFG, whereas non‐Caucasian race (OR 14.8, P = 0.01) and SSPG (OR 1.1 per 10 units, P = 0.01) predicted IGT. Early and total insulin secretion adjusted for the degree of insulin resistance was decreased in pre‐diabetes compared with NGT (P = 0.01 and P = 0.02, respectively). Pre‐diabetes is highly prevalent among HCV‐infected patients, and in some instances, coincides with host responses to the virus. In most cases, however, factors that are associated with pre‐diabetes in HCV‐infected patients are similar to those observed in the non‐HCV population.
New sea urchin phylogeography reveals latitudinal shifts associated with speciation
Authors: HART MICHAEL W.
Published: December 2011

Where do new species arise? When do they form and how do they diverge from a common ancestor? A new comprehensive study of Arbacia sea urchins provides surprising answers to these questions. By combining mtDNA phylogeographic markers with a nuclear locus (encoding the sperm acrosomal protein bindin) known to be susceptible to high rates of adaptive codon evolution, Lessios et al. (2012) show that new species and lineages arose relatively recently, most often in association with latitudinal shifts between the temperate zones and the tropics, and in one case, in association with a significant geological barrier to gene flow (the rise of the Isthmus of Panama). In addition to the ‘where’ and ‘when’ of Arbacia speciation, these new data resolve an important question about ‘who’Arbacia species are by revealing extensive allele sharing at both loci between a pair of broadly sympatric nominal species (that should perhaps be considered a single taxon). ‘How’Arbacia diverge from each other is less easily resolved: there is no evidence for reinforcement (via selection on bindin) as an important source of divergence between nominal species, and there are few other data to decide among the alternative hypotheses to explain Arbacia speciation.
Decreased frost hardiness of Vaccinium vitis‐idaea in reponse to UV‐A radiation
Authors: Taulavuori Kari , Keränen Johanna , Suokanerva Hanne , Lakkala Kaisa , Huttunen Satu , Laine Kari , Taulavuori Erja
Published: December 2011

The aim of this study was to investigate plant frost hardiness responses to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, since the few results reported are largely contradictory. It was hypothesized that functional adaptation of life forms could explain these contradictions. Dwarf shrubs and tree seedlings, representing both evergreen and deciduous forms, were tested (Vaccinium vitis‐idaea, Vaccinium myrtillus, Pinus sylvestris, Betula pubescens and its red form f. rubra). The research was performed in Sodankylä, Northern Finland (67°N), with enhanced UV‐B‐ and UV‐A‐radiation treatments between 2002 and 2009. Plant frost hardiness was determined using the freeze‐induced electrolyte leakage method in early autumn, during the onset of the frost hardening process. Additional physiological variables (malondialdehyde, glutathione, total phenols, C and N contents) were analyzed in V. vitis‐idaea to explain the possible responses. These variables did not respond significantly to UV‐radiation treatments, but explained the frost hardiness well (r2 = 0.678). The main finding was that frost hardiness decreased in the evergreen shrub V. vitis‐idaea, particularly with enhanced UV‐A radiation. No significant responses were observed with the other plants. Therefore, this study does not support the idea that enhanced UV radiation could increase plant frost hardiness.
Potential susceptibility of Australian flora to a NA2 isolate of Phytophthora ramorum and pathogen sporulation potential
Authors: Ireland K. B. , Hüberli D. , Dell B. , Smith I. W. , Rizzo D. M. , Hardy G. E. St. J.
Published: December 2011

Phytophthora ramorum is an invasive plant pathogen and the cause of considerable and widespread damage in nurseries, gardens and natural woodland ecosystems of the USA and Europe. It is considered to be a significant plant disease as it could cause biodiversity loss and severe economic losses in plant industries in areas where it is not yet known to exist, such as Australasia. Foliar susceptibility and sporulation potential were tested using detached‐leaf assays for 70 Australian native plant species sourced from established gardens and arboreta in California using a NA2 isolate of P. ramorum. Correa‘Sister Dawn’, Eucalyptus regnans, Isopogon cuneatus, I. formosus, Leptospermum scoparium, L. lanigerum and Melaleuca squamea were identified as potentially highly susceptible host species. Hedycarya angustifolia, Olearia argophylla, Phyllocladus aspleniifolius, Pittosporum undulatum and Podocarpus lawrencei were identified as potentially resistant. All 70 species were able to be infected with P. ramorum, as confirmed by reisolation. Putative sporulating hosts include five members of the Myrtaceae, Agonis flexuosa, Corymbia ficifolia, Eucalyptus haemastoma, E. delegatensis and E. viminalis. As a part of a precautionary strategy, the potentially highly susceptible species found in this study are suitable candidates for targeted surveillance programmes in high‐risk incursion areas of Australia and within the global horticultural trade.
Nutritional vitamin D supplementation in haemodialysis: A potential vascular benefit?
Authors: ASSIMON MAGDALENE M , SALENGER PAGE V , EL‐FAWAL HASSAN AN , MASON DARIUS L
Published: December 2011

Aim:  Vitamin D deficiency is highly prevalent in end‐stage renal disease and has been associated with atherosclerosis, endothelial dysfunction and left ventricular hypertrophy. Although activated vitamin D has shown to be cardioprotective, the cardiovascular benefits of nutritional vitamin D (i.e. ergocalciferol or cholecalciferol) have not been explored in the dialysis population. The aim of this investigation was to evaluate the effect of ergocalciferol therapy on vascular adhesion molecules, markers of inflammation and atherosclerosis among haemodialysis patients.

Methods:  This was a pilot study of matched haemodialysis patients. For every patient enrolled taking ergocalciferol, an age and race matched control was recruited. Predialysis blood samples were collected and assayed for adhesion molecules (soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule‐1 (sVCAM‐1), soluble intercellular adhesion molecule‐1 (sICAM‐1), E‐selectin and P‐selectin), inflammatory cytokines (interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) and tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α)), oxLDL‐β2GPI and IgG anticardiolipin.

Results:  A total of 40 haemodialysis patients were studied (20 on ergocalciferol therapy, 20 not receiving ergocalciferol therapy). Patients taking ergocalciferol had higher 25‐hydroxyvitamin D levels compared with those not taking ergocalciferol. Even though doxercalciferol usage and dosing was similar between groups, plasma sVCAM‐1, sICAM‐1 and P‐selectin concentrations were lower among ergocalciferol treated patients. No significant differences in E‐selectin, IL‐6, TNF‐α, oxLDL‐β2GPI or anticardiolipin antibody levels were observed.

Conclusion:  Patients receiving ergocalciferol had lower plasma levels of vascular adhesion molecules despite equivalent use of activated vitamin D therapy. Future investigations should confirm the role of nutritional vitamin D therapy, in addition to activated D therapy, in haemodialysis patients and the potential vascular benefits of these agents.
Increased self‐transcendence in patients with intractable diseases
Authors: Iwamoto Rie , Yamawaki Niwako , Sato Takeshi
Published: December 2011

Aims:  Patients with intractable disease require long‐term treatment and experience repeated bouts of progressive symptoms and resolutions, which cause them severe suffering. The aim of this study was to elucidate the concepts of self‐transcendence and subjective well‐being in patients with intractable disease.

Methods:  Forty‐four patients with intractable disease (men/women: 22/22) participated. The diseases of the participants were classified into five systems: (i) neural/muscle system; (ii) digestive system; (iii) immunity/blood system; (iv) visual system; and (v) bone/joint system. The controls were 1854 healthy individuals (men/women: 935/869). Participants completed the Self‐Transcendence Scale (STS) and the Japanese version of the World Health Organization‐Subjective Inventory. The Japanese version of the Mini‐International Neuropsychiatric Interview was also used for the intractable disease group.

Results:  Analysis of covariance found a significant increase in STS score among the intractable disease group (P < 0.001). Multiple regression analysis showed that the positive affect measured by the World Health Organization‐Subjective Inventory showed the greatest effect on the STS score for the intractable disease group (β = 0.539, P < 0.001).

Conclusion:  As a life‐changing experience, an intractable disease may influence an increase in self‐transcendence. The results also showed that there was a strong correlation between self‐transcendence and respondents' subjective well‐being. Our results suggest that patients with life‐changing intractable disease can have a high level of self‐transcendence, which may lead them to regain mental well‐being, and increase their psychological health even in situations that cause physical and mental suffering.
Bupropion for adults with attention‐deficit hyperactivity disorder: Meta‐analysis of randomized, placebo‐controlled trials
Authors: Maneeton Narong , Maneeton Benchalak , Srisurapanont Manit , Martin Stephen D.
Published: December 2011

Aim:  The aim of this study was to systematically review the efficacy, acceptability and tolerability of bupropion in comparison to placebo. Only randomized‐controlled trials were included in the meta‐analysis.

Methods:  MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINHL, PsycINFO and Cochrane Controlled Trials Register were searched in October 2010. Study populations comprised adults with any subtype of attention‐deficit hyperactivity disorder, attention‐deficit disorder, hyperkinetic disorder, minimal brain dysfunction, minimal cerebral dysfunction or minor cerebral dysfunction. Efficacy outcomes were pooled mean changed scores of the ADHD rating scale (ADHD‐RS) and the overall response rates. The overall discontinuation rate was considered as the measure of acceptability.

Results:  A total of 349 participants (n for bupropion treatment = 175) in five published randomized, controlled trials were included. Bupropion sustained‐ or extended‐release was the experimental treatment in all studies. The pooled mean changed score of the ADHD‐RS of the bupropion‐treated group was greater than that of the placebo‐treated group with a weighted mean difference (95%CI) of 5.08 (3.13–7.03). The overall response rate of the bupropion‐treated group was significantly greater than that of placebo‐treated groups with a relative risk (95%CI) of 1.67 (1.23–2.26). However, the pooled overall discontinuation rate and the pooled discontinuation rate due to adverse events were not significantly different between groups with a relative risk (95%CI) of 1.11 (0.71–1.72) and 0.87 (0.08–9.79), respectively.

Conclusion:  The evidence suggests that bupropion is superior to placebo and effective for the treatment of ADHD in adults. However, its acceptability and tolerability were not significantly higher than those of placebo.
Time to discontinuation among the three second‐generation antidepressants in a naturalistic outpatient setting of depression
Authors: Lee Young Min , Lee Kyoung‐Uk
Published: December 2011

Aim:  This study compared the discontinuation time among the three second‐generation antidepressants (paroxetine, venlafaxine, and mirtazapine) in a naturalistic setting for outpatient treatment of depression.

Methods:  This study used data from retrospectively reviewed medical records of patients admitted to an outpatient psychiatric clinic between January 2003 and December 2005. Patient groups (paroxetine‐, venlafaxine‐, and mirtazapine‐treated) were compared with each other with regard to their discontinuation times for a 6‐month period after treatment initiation. The data were analyzed, using a Kaplan–Meier survival analysis, and a Cox proportional hazards regression model.

Results:  There were no significant differences in discontinuation times among the three second‐generation antidepressants during the 6‐month period after initiation of drug therapy.

Conclusions:  In a naturalistic setting for the care of depression, it seems that there are no differences in discontinuation times among these three second‐generation antidepressants.
Impact of feedback from pharmacists in reducing antipsychotic polypharmacy in schizophrenia
Authors: Hazra Monica , Uchida Hiroyuki , Sproule Beth , Remington Gary , Suzuki Takefumi , Mamo David C.
Published: December 2011

The objective was to examine effects of active interventions on physician's prescribing of antipsychotic polypharmacy. Prescriptions for patients with schizophrenia at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Canada were collected in 2006 (n = 648) and 2008 (n = 778). During the intervening period, a pharmacist monitored prescriptions with antipsychotic polypharmacy and contacted corresponding prescribers to provide education on risks of polypharmacy. Moreover, educational sessions on polypharmacy were presented to inpatient and outpatient teams. A three‐fold decrease in the prevalence of antipsychotic polypharmacy was observed between 2006 (18.3%) and 2008 (6.6%). Thus, active monitoring of prescriptions with educational interventions could reduce antipsychotic polypharmacy.
Phonological fluency is uniquely impaired in Japanese‐speaking schizophrenia patients: Confirmation study
Authors: Suga Motomu , Uetsuki Miki , Takizawa Ryu , Araki Tsuyoshi , Kasai Kiyoto
Published: December 2011

In alphabet‐based language‐speaking patients with schizophrenia, category fluency is disproportionately disturbed as compared with phonological fluency. Deficits in category and phonological fluency observed in Japanese patients, however, were similar. The aim of the present study was to replicate these findings by modifying the task to minimize the influence of lack of motivation and concentration in the patients. Similar deficits were found in both types of fluency in Japanese patients. Patients who speak Japanese have deficits in phonological fluency, compared with patients who speak alphabet‐based languages, suggesting that the pattern of impairment in verbal fluency in schizophrenia is dependent on the specific language system.
Screening for gestational diabetes mellitus: A prospective study in a tertiary care institution of North India
Authors: Tripathi Reva , Tolia Nalini , Gupta Vinod Kumar , Mala Yedla Manikya , Ramji Siddarth , Tyagi Shakun
Published: December 2011

Aim:  The aim of this study was to determine the relevance of universal screening for gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in the patients attending the antenatal clinic of a tertiary institute of North India.

Material and Methods:  This was a prospective study conducted on 700 pregnant women attending the antenatal clinic of Lok Nayak Hospital, New Delhi at or before 24 weeks of gestation. All patients underwent screening with a 50‐g 1‐h glucose challenge test at 24–28 weeks of gestation. The women with an abnormal glucose challenge test subsequently underwent a diagnostic 3‐h oral glucose tolerance test. All the patients were followed up till delivery.

Results:  Out of 700, thirteen patients were lost to follow up and hence the final outcomes were measured on 687 patients. Out of 687, 613 patients (89.2%) had a normal glucose challenge test value, that is, <140 mg%, and 74 (10.8%) had a glucose challenge test value ≥140 mg%. On the subsequent oral glucose tolerance test, 64 (9.3%) had normal values and only 10 (1.5%) had an abnormal oral glucose tolerance test, that is, GDM.

Conclusion:  With such a low prevalence rate it appears to be unjustified to recommend universal screening for GDM. These findings may be considered as a basis for conducting larger, multicentric studies to establish the prevalence rate of GDM before deciding on a policy for screening.
Survival of Campylobacter jejuni in co‐culture with Acanthamoeba castellanii: role of amoeba‐mediated depletion of dissolved oxygen
Authors: Bui Xuan Thanh , Winding Anne , Qvortrup Klaus , Wolff Anders , Bang Dang Duong , Creuzenet Carole
Published: December 2011

Campylobacter jejuni is a major cause of infectious diarrhoea worldwide but relatively little is known about its ecology. In this study, we examined its interactions with Acanthamoeba castellanii, a protozoan suspected to serve as a reservoir for bacterial pathogens. We observed rapid degradation of intracellular C. jejuni in A. castellanii 5 h post gentamicin treatment at 25°C. Conversely, we found that A. castellanii promoted the extracellular growth of C. jejuni in co‐cultures at 37°C in aerobic conditions. This growth‐promoting effect did not require amoebae – bacteria contact. The growth rates observed with or without contact with amoeba were similar to those observed when C. jejuni was grown in microaerophilic conditions. Preconditioned media prepared with live or dead amoebae cultivated with or without C. jejuni did not promote the growth of C. jejuni in aerobic conditions. Interestingly, the dissolved oxygen levels of co‐cultures with or without amoebae – bacteria contact were much lower than those observed with culture media or with C. jejuni alone incubated in aerobic conditions, and were comparable with levels obtained after 24 h of growth of C. jejuni under microaerophilic conditions. Our studies identified the depletion of dissolved oxygen by A. castellanii as the major contributor for the observed amoeba‐mediated growth enhancement.
The Pel and Psl polysaccharides provide Pseudomonas aeruginosa structural redundancy within the biofilm matrix
Authors: Colvin Kelly M. , Irie Yasuhiko , Tart Catherine S. , Urbano Rodolfo , Whitney John C. , Ryder Cynthia , Howell P. Lynne , Wozniak Daniel J. , Parsek Matthew R.
Published: December 2011

Extracellular polysaccharides comprise a major component of the biofilm matrix. Many species that are adept at biofilm formation have the capacity to produce multiple types of polysaccharides. Pseudomonas aeruginosa produces at least three extracellular polysaccharides, alginate, Pel and Psl, that have been implicated in biofilm development. Non‐mucoid strains can use either Pel or Psl as the primary matrix structural polysaccharide. In this study, we evaluated a range of clinical and environmental P. aeruginosa isolates for their dependence on Pel and Psl for biofilm development. Mutational analysis demonstrates that Psl plays an important role in surface attachment for most isolates. However, there was significant strain‐to‐strain variability in the contribution of Pel and Psl to mature biofilm structure. This analysis led us to propose four classes of strains based upon their Pel and Psl functional and expression profiles. Our data also suggest that Pel and Psl can serve redundant functions as structural scaffolds in mature biofilms. We propose that redundancy could help preserve the capacity to produce a biofilm when exopolysaccharide genes are subjected to mutation. To test this, we used PAO1, a common lab strain that primarily utilizes Psl in the matrix. As expected, a psl mutant strain initially produced a poor biofilm. After extended cultivation, we demonstrate that this strain acquired mutations that upregulated expression of the Pel polysaccharide, demonstrating the utility of having a redundant scaffold exopolysaccharide. Collectively, our studies revealed both unique and redundant roles for two distinct biofilm exopolysaccharides.
A natural freshwater origin for two chlamydial species, Candidatus Piscichlamydia salmonis and Candidatus Clavochlamydia salmonicola, causing mixed infections in wild brown trout (Salmo trutta)
Authors: Schmidt‐Posthaus Heike , Polkinghorne Adam , Nufer Lisbeth , Schifferli Andrea , Zimmermann Dieter R. , Segner Helmut , Steiner Pascale , Vaughan Lloyd
Published: December 2011

Gill disease in salmonids is characterized by a multifactorial aetiology. Epitheliocystis of the gill lamellae caused by obligate intracellular bacteria of the order Chlamydiales is one known factor; however, their diversity has greatly complicated analyses to establish a causal relationship. In addition, tracing infections to a potential environmental source is currently impossible. In this study, we address these questions by investigating a wild brown trout (Salmo trutta) population from seven different sites within a Swiss river system. One age class of fish was followed over 18 months. Epitheliocystis occurred in a site‐specific pattern, associated with peak water temperatures during summer months. No evidence of a persistent infection was found within the brown trout population, implying an as yet unknown environmental source. For the first time, we detected ‘Candidatus Piscichlamydia salmonis’ and ‘Candidatus Clavochlamydia salmonicola’ infections in the same salmonid population, including dual infections within the same fish. These organisms are strongly implicated in gill disease of caged Atlantic salmon in Norway and Ireland. The absence of aquaculture production within this river system and the distance from the sea, suggests a freshwater origin for both these bacteria and offers new possibilities to explore their ecology free from aquaculture influences.
Genital morphology of female goblin spiders (Arachnida: Araneae: Oonopidae) with functional implications
Authors: Burger Matthias
Published: December 2011

Spider genital morphology usually provides the best characters for taxonomy. Furthermore, functional genital morphology helps to understand the evolution of complex genitalia and their role in the context of sexual selection. The genital systems of most haplogyne spider families are poorly investigated with respect to their morphology. The present study investigates the female genitalia of the oonopids Oonops pulcher, Oonopinus kilikus, and Pseudotriaeris sp. by means of light microscopy and SEM. The male palps are briefly described. Females of O. pulcher store spermatozoa in an anterior and a posterior receptaculum (PRe). The genitalia resemble the primitive dysderoid genitalia supporting the hypothesis that the subfamily Oonopinae contains more basal oonopids. In O. kilikus, the anterior receptaculum is reduced to a sclerite. Spermatozoa are stored in a PRe. The receptacula of Pseudotriaeris sp. are reduced to sclerites. Spermatozoa in the uterus internus indicate that fertilization happens there or in the ovary. The anterior sclerite might serve females to lock the uterus during copulation as suggested for other gamasomorphines. The male palp of O. kilikus is simple, whereas the palps of O. pulcher and Pseudotriaeris sp. appear more complex. Complicated structures on the palp of Pseudotriaeris sp. indicate that males exert copulatory courtship.
Blood pressure control among patients with hypertension and newly diagnosed diabetes
Authors: Choma N. N. , Griffin M. R. , Kaltenbach L. A. , Greevy R. A. , Roumie C. L.
Published: December 2011

Diabet. Med. 29, 1126–1133 (2012)

Aims  To determine the proportion of patients who achieved blood pressure control during the 2 years following new diabetes diagnosis.

Methods  A retrospective cohort of veterans ≥ 18 years with hypertension who initiated a diabetes medication from 2000 to 2007 in the Veterans Administration Mid‐South Network was assembled. Blood pressure control at diabetes treatment initiation (baseline) was compared with blood pressure control 6, 12, 18 and 24 months later. The Veterans Affairs and American Diabetes Association definitions of control, ≤ 140/90 and ≤ 130/80 mmHg, respectively, were primary and secondary outcomes.

Results  At baseline, 59.5% of 16 182 patients had controlled blood pressure according to the Veterans Affairs guideline (31.5% using American Diabetes Association definition). Six months following initiation of diabetes treatment, 65.7% had their blood pressure controlled (P < 0.001). Blood pressure control was sustained but not further improved between 6 months and 2 years, with 66.5% controlled at 2 years following baseline. Higher initial systolic blood pressure, black race and hospitalization in the previous year were associated with higher likelihood of uncontrolled blood pressure at 6 months; whereas baseline cardiovascular disease, baseline dementia and later year of cohort entry were associated with lower likelihood of uncontrolled blood pressure.

Conclusion  We found an increase in blood pressure control in the 6 months following initiation of diabetes treatment. However, overall blood pressure control remained suboptimal and with no further improvement over the next 18 months.
A pilot study examining perceived rejection and secrecy in relation to illicit drug use and associated stigma
Authors: PALAMAR JOSEPH J.
Published: December 2011

Introduction and Aims. Illicit drug use is a stigmatised behaviour; therefore, users tend to experience rejection and remain secretive about use. However, stigma‐related rejection and secrecy can adversely affect those who reject abstinence. This study aimed to modify measures to assess these concepts with regard to illicit drug use and examine how they relate to use of various drugs and associated perception of public stigma.

Design and Methods. An Internet‐based convenience sample (n = 700) was surveyed to pilot items modified from previous scales in order to assess these concepts with regard to drug use. As perceived rejection and secrecy are related and potentially overlapping constructs, exploratory factor analysis was conducted to examine the underlying structure of items previously used to assess these concepts. These variables were examined in relation to sociodemographic characteristics, perceived public stigma and use of various drugs (marijuana, powder cocaine, ecstasy and nonmedical use of opioids and prescription stimulants).

Results. After factor reduction, perceived rejection and secrecy loaded as two distinct, but related concepts. These modified measures had moderate to high internal consistency and both concepts were positively related to perceived public stigma and use of various drugs.

Discussion and Conclusions. This pilot study demonstrated validity evidence for these measures and results suggest that illicit drug use and associated stigma are related to increased feelings of rejection and secrecy in users. Research is needed to examine whether stigma towards users serves as a deterrent to use because rejection and secrecy are associated with adverse psychosocial outcomes.[Palamar JJ. A pilot study examining perceived rejection and secrecy in relation to illicit drug use and associated stigma. Drug Alcohol Rev 2012;31:573–579]
Know your limits: Awareness of the 2009 Australian alcohol guidelines among young people
Authors: BOWRING ANNA L. , GOLD JUDY , DIETZE PAUL , GOUILLOU MAELENN , VAN GEMERT CAROLINE , HELLARD MARGARET E.
Published: December 2011

Introduction and Aims. Young people are at high risk of alcohol‐related harm and injury. This study assessed awareness of the 2009 Australian Guidelines to Reduce Health Risks from Drinking Alcohol, understanding of alcohol‐related risks and drinking behaviours among young people.

Design and Methods. We recruited participants (16–29 years) from a music festival in Melbourne, Australia, January 2010. Participants self‐completed a risk behaviour questionnaire which included questions regarding the 2009 guidelines. Characteristics associated with awareness of the guidelines and accurate understanding of a ‘safe’ number of drinks to avoid long‐term harm and injury (defined as a maximum of two drinks daily and four drinks on a single occasion, respectively) were examined using multivariable logistic regression.

Results. Of 1381 participants, only 32% were aware of the 2009 guidelines, but the majority had an accurate understanding of the safe number of drinks to avoid long‐term harm (74%) and injury (71%). Nonetheless, many reported drinking behaviour with risk of long‐term harm (22%) or injury (54%). Participants with lower‐risk drinking behaviours were more likely to have an accurate understanding of the safe number of drinks to avoid harm. Males and participants without post‐high school education were significantly less likely to be aware of the guidelines and/or have an accurate understanding of alcohol‐related risks (P < 0.05).

Discussion and Conclusions. Although raising awareness of alcohol‐related risks may promote reduced alcohol consumption, many young people reported consuming alcohol at harmful levels despite having an accurate understanding of alcohol‐related risks. Multiple approaches to reducing alcohol‐related harm in young people should be considered.[Bowring AL, Gold J, Dietze P, Gouillou M, van Gemert C, Hellard ME. Know your limits: Awareness of the 2009 Australian alcohol guidelines among young people. Drug Alcohol Rev 2012;31:213–223]
Philosophizing social justice in rural palliative care: Hayek's moral stone?
Authors: Pesut Barbara , Beswick Frances , Robinson Carole A. , Bottorff Joan L.
Published: December 2011

Increasingly, palliative care is being referred to as an essential programme and in some cases as a human right. Once it is recognized as such, it becomes part of the lexicon of social justice in that it can be argued that all members of society should have access to such care. However, this begs the question of how that care should be enacted, particularly in rural and remote areas. This question illustrates some of Friedrich Hayek's critiques of social justice. Hayek has likened social justice to a ‘moral stone’ arguing that social justice is meaningless to the extent that society is impersonal and as such cannot be just, only those individuals who make up that society can be just. When responsibility for justice is assigned to an impersonal society, ideas of social justice can become a clarion call for whom no one is directly accountable. This opens the door for questionable macro‐level political agendas that have no capacity to enact the ideal, and worse, may suppress individual moral acts towards the desired end. Further, acts of interference at the macro level with the ideal of equal opportunity run the risk of disadvantaging other members of society. Instead, he has argued that a better approach lies in finding ways to induce and support individual moral acts that promote the human good. Hayek's arguments are particularly compelling for rural palliative care. In this paper we draw upon data from an ethnographic study in rural palliative care to illustrate the potential misfit between the ethical ideal of palliative care as expressed by rural participants and the narratives of social justice.
A performative and poetical narrative of critical social theory in nursing education: an ending and threshold of social justice
Authors: Lapum Jennifer , Hamzavi Neda , Veljkovic Katarina , Mohamed Zubaida , Pettinato Adriana , Silver Sarabeth , Taylor Elizabeth
Published: December 2011

In this article, a poetical and performative narrative is shared to examine how the use of stories to critically self‐reflect on oppression facilitates an understanding of critical social theory in nursing education and impacts social justice. A fusion of prose with a poetical narrative is employed; the latter is reserved to capture the immediacy of personal, emotive, and embodied storied experiences. This deeply intimate and dialogical story begins with a pedagogical experiment created to facilitate nursing students' understanding of critical social theory. Drawing upon Paulo Freire's work, the nursing teacher in a professional development course attempted to deconstruct power relations and cultivate an open and safe learning environment by sharing a poem that depicts her oppression. Students then anonymously wrote a word/statement about their oppression. The teacher created a composite poem from students' words and shared it with the class; it was a powerful moment that highlighted their shared humanity. As a way to further explore stories and consider how to preserve these words, a small group of students and the teacher formed the ‘the oppression group’. Towards the end, we conclude an unfinished story by realizing that the chains of oppression are loosening and humanity is surfacing. There is still a camouflaging of an authentic self. There are still stories to be told. The group is not yet certain if a social representation of an authentic self is possible and if all stories can be told. It has become apparent that the personal can play out in social justice as enacted in the classroom between teacher and students and provides an entry point into the development of the capacity to be social agents in nursing. The group simultaneously concludes the story with both an ending and a threshold of social justice.
Exploring the relevance of social justice within a relational nursing ethic
Authors: Woods Martin
Published: December 2011

In the last few decades, a growing number of commentators have questioned the appropriateness of the ‘justice view’ of ethics as a suitable approach in health care ethics, and most certainly in nursing. Essentially, in their ethical deliberations, it is argued that nurses do not readily adopt the high degree of impartiality and objectivity that is associated with a justice view; instead their moral practices are more accurately reflected through the use of alternative approaches such asrelationalorcare‐basedethics. Yet, it has also been argued that this viewpoint does not necessarily ‘do justice’ to the broader moral responsibilities of nurses towards humanity in general, i.e. to the wider socio‐cultural and socio‐political issues in society, and to the concept ofsocial justicein particular. This criticism has triggered a much closer examination of relational and care‐based ethics in nursing at levels beyond individual responsiveness within relationships and brought into the spotlight the need for a more ethically refined nursing response to an increasingly complex set of socio‐cultural inequalities. This article explores a relational ethic within nursing practices with contemporary ideas regarding social justice. In particular, it is argued that the synergy between the two actually produces an ethic that is capable of not only challenging the continuing predominance of justice‐based ethics within health care, but of replacing it. Subsequently, in the discussion that follows, it is suggested that a combined social justiceandrelational care‐based approach, as asocial ethic, should guide the moral deliberations and actions of nurses. It is maintained that such an approach is not only possible, but crucial if nurses are to realize their full potential as ethical agents for individual and social good.
Long‐Lived Consumers, Intertemporal Bundling and Collusion
Authors: Dana James D. , Fong Yuk‐Fai
Published: December 2011

In a repeated price game with long but finitely‐lived consumers, long‐term contracts facilitate collusion. Intertemporal bundling reduces the gains from business stealing but has little effect on the cost of the resulting price war. When consumers anticipate future price wars, the maximum deviation profit is a single period of consumer surplus per consumer. Hence long‐term contracts do not increase the incentive to deviate per consumer, but do reduce the the number of consumers currently in the market by locking them into past contracts, so tacit collusion is sustainable for a wider range of discount factors and market structures.
Music for a Song: An Empirical Look at Uniform Pricing and Its Alternatives
Authors: Shiller Ben , Waldfogel Joel
Published: December 2011

With digital music as its context, this paper quantifies how much money would be made using alternatives to uniform pricing. Using survey‐based data on nearly 1,000 students' valuations of 100 popular songs in early 2008 and early 2009, we find that various alternatives can raise both producer and consumer surplus. Digital music revenue could be raised by between a sixth and a third relative to profit‐maximizing uniform pricing. While person‐specific uniform pricing can raise revenue by over 50 per cent, none of the non‐discriminatory schemes raise revenue's share of surplus above 40 per cent of total surplus.
Where in the world is it cheapest to cut carbon emissions?*
Authors: Stern David I. , Pezzey John C. V. , Lambie N. Ross
Published: December 2011

Countries with low marginal costs of abating carbon emissions may have high total costs, and vice versa, for a given climate mitigation policy. This may help to explain different countries’ policy stances on climate mitigation. We hypothesize that, under a common percentage cut in emissions intensity relative to business as usual (BAU), countries with higher BAU emission intensities have lower marginal abatement costs, but total costs relative to output will be similar across countries, and under a common carbon price, relative total costs are higher in emission‐intensive countries. Using the results of the 22nd Energy Modeling Forum (EMF‐22), we estimate marginal abatement cost curves for the US, EU, China and India, which we use to estimate marginal and total costs of abatement under a number of policy options currently under international debate. This analysis provides support for our hypotheses, although its reliability is limited by the shortcomings of the EMF‐22 models and the degree to which our econometric model can adequately account for the substantial differences among them.
To B(TA) or Not to B(TA)? On the Legality and Desirability of Border Tax Adjustments from a Trade Perspective
Authors: Horn Henrik , Mavroidis Petros C.
Published: December 2011

This paper asks two questions concerning border tax adjustments (BTAs) for climate purposes, when viewed from a trade perspective: First, under what conditions are BTAs possible in the WTO‐world? To address this issue, the paper provides a detailed discussion of the relevant law and case law. We also apply our main conclusions on what we consider to be paradigmatic cases of measures to address climate change where trade concerns are raised. We conclude that the WTO regime is no major obstacle to those aspiring to use BTAs, although the allocation of the burden of proof could be an issue. The second issue addressed is whether the economic literature on the desirability of BTAs adequately reflects concerns that have been raised in the trade policy community. Here, we conclude that it has hardly addressed these concerns at all. We also point to some aspects of BTAs that would be important to take into account in a more complete analysis.
THE MAX‐P‐REGIONS PROBLEM*
Authors: Duque Juan C. , Anselin Luc , Rey Sergio J.
Published: December 2011

ABSTRACT In this paper, we introduce a new spatially constrained clustering problem called the max‐p‐regions problem. It involves the clustering of a set of geographic areas into the maximum number of homogeneous regions such that the value of a spatially extensive regional attribute is above a predefined threshold value. We formulate the max‐p‐regions problem as a mixed integer programming (MIP) problem, and propose a heuristic solution.
Effect of statin treatment on three‐month outcomes in patients with stroke‐associated infection: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Yeh P.‐S. , Lin H.‐J. , Chen P.‐S. , Lin S.‐H. , Wang W.‐M. , Yang C.‐M. , Li Y.‐H.
Published: December 2011

Background and purpose:  Infection is a major medical problem in patients with acute stroke. Recent evidences suggest that statins reduce infection‐associated complications. The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of statin treatment on mortality and functional outcomes in patients with stroke‐associated infection.

Methods:  In this prospective observational cohort study, 514 patients with acute ischaemic stroke or transient ischaemic attack (mean age, 74 ± 11 years; men, 48%) with infection occurring in the first 7 days after admission were included. We examined the effect of in‐hospital statin treatment on mortality and favorable functional outcome (modified Rankin Scale score ≤2) at 3 months follow‐up.

Results:  Infection occurred at 0.93 ± 1.49 days after admission. All patients had not received statin treatment prior to admission, and 121 patients (24%) received statin at 1.71 ± 1.28 days after admission. Follow‐up at 3 months was completed for 511 patients (99%). National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score and Charlson index were the most important independent predictors of mortality and functional outcome. Univariate [hazard ratio (HR), 0.82; 95% confidence intervals (CI), 0.47–1.42] and multivariate (HR, 1.68; 95% CI, 0.79–3.56) Cox regression analysis showed that statin did not significantly decrease the morality. In propensity analysis, statin treatment still had no significant association with mortality (HR, 1.54; 95% CI, 0.68–3.47) in the multivariate analyses after adjusting for age, sex, and propensity score.

Conclusions:  Statin use was not associated with a better functional outcome or survival in patients with stroke‐associated infection.
Narcolepsy and sleep‐disordered breathing
Authors: Pataka A. D. , Frangulyan R. R. , Mackay T. W. , Douglas N. J. , Riha R. L.
Published: December 2011

Background and purpose:  There is a high incidence of sleep‐disordered breathing (SDB) in narcoleptic patients. Some narcoleptics with SDB may benefit from treatment with continuous positive airway pressure therapy (CPAP). The aim of this study was to examine the prevalence of SDB in narcoleptics referred to a tertiary sleep disorders clinic and assess the effectiveness of CPAP as adjunctive therapy.

Methods:  A retrospective review of patients meeting ICSD‐2 criteria for the diagnosis of narcolepsy from 2000 to 2009.

Results:  One hundred and two patients (61 women) with narcolepsy were included in the study. Twenty‐nine (29) patients (eight women, 21 men) were diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnoea–hypopnoea syndrome (OSAHS) of whom 26 commenced CPAP therapy with 11 patients concurrently treated with stimulants. Patients with narcolepsy and OSAHS were older (P = 0.009) and heavier (BMI, 29.6 ± 4.8 vs. 27.3 ± 6, P = 0.042), but their ESS did not differ from patients with narcolepsy alone. Patients treated with both CPAP and stimulants were younger (P = 0.008) and less obese (BMI, 29.1 ± 4.6 vs. 30.4 ± 5.4, P = 0.044) with higher apnoea–hypopnoea index (36.15 ± 21.9 vs. 31.5 ± 16.7, P = 0.03) than those treated with CPAP alone. The ESS of CPAP‐treated patients improved during follow‐up (19 ± 3.6 vs. 15.8 ± 4.5, P = 0.006), but BMI increased (30.6 ± 5 vs. 31.7 ± 5.6, P = 0.05). The use of stimulants did not seem to improve on the effectiveness of CPAP.

Conclusion:  Coexisting SDB is common in narcoleptics (28.5%). CPAP therapy in narcoleptics with OSAHS remains a useful second‐line adjunct to standard therapy.