bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Natural progression of blood‐induced joint damage in patients with haemophilia: clinical relevance and reproducibility of three‐dimensional gait analysis
Authors: LOBET S. , DETREMBLEUR C. , FRANCQ B. , HERMANS C.
Published: April 2010

Summary.  A major complication in haemophilia is the destruction of joint cartilage because of recurrent intraarticular and intramuscular bleeds. Therefore, joint assessment is critical to quantify the extent of joint damage, which has traditionally been evaluated using both radiological and clinical joint scores. Our study aimed to evaluate the natural progression of haemophilic arthopathy using three‐dimensional gait analysis (3DGA) and to assess the reproducibility of this technique. We hypothesized that the musculoskeletal function was relatively stable in patients with haemophilia. Eighteen adults with established haemophilic arthropathies were evaluated twice by 3DGA (mean follow‐up: 18 ± 5 weeks). Unexpectedly, our findings revealed infraclinical deterioration of gait pattern, characterized by a 3.2% decrease in the recovery index, which is indicative of the subject’s ability to save energy while walking. A tendency towards modification of segmental joint function was also observed. Gait analysis was sufficiently reproducible with regards to spatiotemporal parameters as well as kinetic, mechanical and energetic gait variables. The kinematic variables were reproducible in both the sagittal and frontal planes. In conclusion, 3DGA is a reproducible tool to assess abnormal gait patterns and monitor natural disease progression in haemophilic patients.
Psychosocial care in mental health nursing: a think aloud study
Authors: MacNeela Pádraig , Clinton Gerard , Place Christopher , Scott Anne , Treacy Pearl , Hyde Abbey , Dowd Haulie
Published: April 2010

macneela p., clinton g., place c., scott a., treacy p., hyde a. & dowd h. (2010) Psychosocial care in mental health nursing: a think aloud study. Journal of Advanced Nursing 66(6), 1297–1307.

Title.  Psychosocial care in mental health nursing: a think aloud study.

Aim.  This paper is a report of a study identifying psychosocial interventions relevant to routine care and exploring their content critically and analysing patterns in the use of these interventions.

Background.  People experiencing enduring and serious mental disorders value psychosocial engagement as a means of achieving recovery and rehabilitation. However, mental health nurses’ use of person‐centred and directive psychosocial engagement in routine care is unclear, with the potential arising for benevolence and paternalism.

Method.  A think aloud study was carried out with 37 mental health nurses responding to a simulated case depicting a person with an enduring mental health problem. Participants were recruited from community and acute hospital facilities across Ireland and responded to two tasks: identifying the nature of the person’s problems and recommending what to do next. Transcripts were coded using judgement and intervention themes designed for the purpose. Patterns in the use of psychosocial intervention themes were described and further analysed by level of experience (highly experienced or not) and practice setting (acute/community setting).

Findings.  A task‐oriented psychosocial intervention labelled structured engagement was used extensively, followed by reassurance and encouragement based on pragmatic communication. A minority of nurses used dialogue, representing person‐centred care. Highly experienced community mental health nurses were the most likely to talk in terms of intensive psychosocial engagement.

Conclusion.  Relying on pragmatic problem‐solving is problematic in terms of decision‐making transparency and service user involvement. The use of informal knowledge in practice should be negotiated through more open discussion by nurses, including adoption of a consensus on the components of psychosocial care.
Discussing sexuality with patients: nurses’ attitudes and beliefs
Authors: Saunamäki Nina , Andersson Matilda , Engström Maria
Published: April 2010

saunamäki n., andersson m. & Engström m. (2010) Discussing sexuality with patients: nurses’ attitudes and beliefs. Journal of Advanced Nursing 66(6), 1308–1316.

Title.  Discussing sexuality with patients: nurses’ attitudes and beliefs.

Aim.  This paper is a report of a study of Registered Nurses’ attitudes and beliefs towards discussing sexuality with patients.

Background.  The World Health Organization regards sexuality as an essential and integrated part of being human. Studies show that diseases and treatments can affect sexuality and that a positive and respectful attitude towards sexuality is important to achieving sexual health.

Method.  The study had a correlative and comparative design. The Sexual Attitudes and Beliefs Survey was distributed to a convenience sample of 100 Swedish nurses in 2006, with a response rate of 88%.

Results.  Over 90% of nurses understood how patients’ diseases and treatment might affect their sexuality. About two‐thirds felt comfortable talking about sexual issues and agreed that it was their responsibility to encourage talk about sexual concerns. However, 80% did not take time to discuss sexual concerns, and 60% did not feel confident in their ability to address patients’ sexual concerns. Older nurses felt more confident in their ability to address patients’ sexual concerns, and the older the nurses, the more positive were their attitudes towards discussing sexuality. Nurses with further education also had a more positive attitude towards discussing sexuality.

Conclusion.  Education is essential to improve nurses’ ability to give patients the holistic care they deserve. Studies are needed to understand fully what mechanisms underlie the barriers that clearly prevent nurses from addressing patients’ sexuality.
Role adaptation of family caregivers for ventilator‐dependent patients: transition from respiratory care ward to home
Authors: Huang Tzu‐Ting , Peng Ji‐Ming
Published: April 2010

Aim and objectives.  To explore the underlying theoretical framework for the role adaptation of family caregivers for ventilator‐dependent patients after transferring from respiratory care ward to home.

Background.  The number of ventilator‐dependent patients has been increasing worldwide. Under Taiwan’s National Health Insurance policy, if ventilator‐dependent patients are stable, they should be transferred from an acute care hospital to a subacute unit or home.

Design.  A qualitative design based on grounded theory was adopted for this study.

Methods.  One‐on‐one, in‐depth interviews were conducted with a purposive sample of 15 family caregivers who were caretaking ventilator‐dependent patients at their home two months after hospital discharge. Theoretical sampling was used until concepts emerging in data analysis were saturated. Analysis of audio‐taped interview transcripts generated a process of role adaptation for family caregivers of a ventilator‐dependent patient.

Results.  The caregiver’s transition to the care‐giving role is a dynamic process with consequences that are impacted by level of support from the family, affective rewards from the patient, patient’s health condition and a balanced life schedule for the caregiver.

Conclusions.  The results of this study can provide respiratory care professionals with skills to assess the needs of caregivers for ventilator‐dependent patients and individualise interventions to caregivers’ specific needs.

Relevance to clinical practice.  The findings of this study contribute to nurses’ understanding and promotion of role adaptation for family caregivers among ventilator‐dependent patients.
Acetylation represses the binding of CheY to its target proteins
Authors: Liarzi Orna , Barak Rina , Bronner Vered , Dines Monica , Sagi Yael , Shainskaya Alla , Eisenbach Michael
Published: April 2010

The ability of CheY, the response regulator of bacterial chemotaxis, to generate clockwise rotation is regulated by two covalent modifications – phosphorylation and acetylation. While the function and signal propagation of the former are widely understood, the mechanism and role of the latter are still obscure. To obtain information on the function of this acetylation, we non‐enzymatically acetylated CheY to a level similar to that found in vivo, and examined its binding to its kinase CheA, its phosphatase CheZ and the switch protein FliM – its target at the flagellar switch complex. Acetylation repressed the binding to all three proteins. These results suggest that both phosphorylation and acetylation determine CheY's ability to bind to its target proteins, thus providing two levels of regulation, fast and slow respectively. The fast level is modulated by environmental signals (e.g. chemotactic and thermotactic stimuli). The slow one is regulated by the metabolic state of the cell and it determines, at each metabolic state, the fraction of CheY molecules that can participate in signalling.
Transmission and effect of sublethal infection of granulosis virus (PbGV) on Pieris brassicae Linn. (Pieridae: Lepidoptera)
Authors: Sood P. , Mehta P. K. , Bhandari K. , Prabhakar C. S.
Published: April 2010

A strain of granulosis virus from Pieris brassicae (Linn.) was isolated and characterized from the dry temperate region of Himachal Pradesh, India situated at an altitude of 2580 m above msl. The pest appears in the region during the summer months (May to September) and overwinters as pupae during the snow covered winter months. Carry over of virus inoculum as sublethal infections, could be an important mechanism for next season epidemics in the region. Effect of sublethal P. brassicae granulovirus infection on its host was therefore studied to understand the transmission mechanism. The third instar larvae were exposed to sublethal viral infection. The surviving larvae showed symptoms of virosis in the pupal and adult stages. The per cent pupation and adult emergence of sublethally infected larvae were significantly reduced and no adult emerged from the abnormal pupae. The mode of transmission of viruses from parents to offspring appeared to be through eggs (transovum). The emerging larvae from the eggs laid by treated females also showed symptoms of virosis. Complete mortality due to viral infection was observed at third instar stage in the offspring (F1). The amplification of granulin gene using specific primer also showed the presence of virus in F1 progenies of sublethally treated P. brassicae larvae, hence confirming vertical transmission.
Donors at risk: obesity
Authors: Isbel Nicole
Published: April 2010

Date written: July 2008

Final submission: February 2009
Donors at risk: impaired glucose tolerance
Authors: Boudville Neil , Isbel Nicole
Published: April 2010

Date written: September 2008

Final submission: April 2009
Donor renal function
Authors: Cohney Solomon , Kanellis John , Howell Martin
Published: April 2010

Date written: August 2009

Final submission: June 2009
Peritoneal dialysis versus haemodialysis (adult)
Authors: Stanley Melissa
Published: April 2010

Date written: November 2008

Final submission: March 2009
Nutritional management of diabetes mellitus in adult kidney transplant recipients
Authors: Chadban Steven , Chan Maria , Fry Karen , Patwardhan Aditi , Ryan Catherine , Trevillian Paul , Westgarth Fidye
Published: April 2010

Date written: June 2008

Final submission: June 2009
Protein requirement in adult kidney transplant recipients
Authors: Chadban Steven , Chan Maria , Fry Karen , Patwardhan Aditi , Ryan Catherine , Trevillian Paul , Westgarth Fidye
Published: April 2010

Date draft complete: June 2008

Final submission: June 2009
Cost‐effectiveness and socioeconomic implications of prevention and management of chronic kidney disease in type 2 diabetes
Authors: S Chadban , M Howell , S Twigg , M Thomas , G Jerums , A Cass , D Campbell , K Nicholls , A Tong , G Mangos , A Stack , RJ MacIsaac , S Girgis , R Colagiuri , S Colagiuri , J Craig
Published: April 2010

Date written: April 2009

Final submission: April 2009
Gene expression patterns in a rodent model for depression
Authors: Lagus Markus , Gass Natalia , Saharinen Juha , Saarela Janna , Porkka‐Heiskanen Tarja , Paunio Tiina
Published: April 2010

Disturbances in sleep are encountered in the majority of patients with depression. To elucidate the possible molecular mechanisms behind this relationship we examined gene expression changes in a rodent model for depression and disturbed sleep. Animals were treated with daily injections of clomipramine in their early infancy, after which gene expression in basal forebrain was examined using Affymetrix Rat 230.2 chips. We tested the levels of both single transcripts and involved pathways, and searched for common nominators (i.e. transcription factors) that could explain these changes. We identified 72 differentially expressed gene transcripts, many of which are involved in epigenetic regulation, such as DNMT2. Analysis of functional pathways revealed statistically significant changes of the biological process of synaptic transmission, the cellular compartment of the synapse and the molecular function of GABA signalling, showing that transcripts with altered expression are functionally related. Finally, promoter analysis of the differentially expressed genes showed a clear enrichment of binding sites for the transcription factor CREB1, a molecule also involved in epigenetic regulation (cAMP response element‐binding protein induces histone modifications). These results indicate that CREB1 may constitute one of the major links between disturbed sleep and mood. The results also highlight the molecular mechanisms in the murine clomipramine model, previously shown to be a valid model for depression.
Workplace Sexual Harassment Perceptions in the Turkish Context and the Role of Individual Differences
Authors: Toker Yonca , Sümer H. Canan
Published: April 2010

The major purpose of this study was to examine perceptions of workplace sexual harassment in the Turkish context. In Study 1, 53 working women were interviewed to identify culture‐relevant behaviors that are considered to be sexual harassment. In Study 2, the factor structure of perceptions was explored. In addition, the way in which these perceptions are related to personal variables (i.e. gender role attitudes, self‐esteem, and negative affectivity) was investigated. Participants were 353 women currently employed at various organisations. Five factors were identified: sexist hostility, insinuation of interest, sexual hostility, physical sexual offense, and sexual bribery and coercion. Each factor was regressed on the personal variables. After controlling for relevant demographic and organisational variables, gender role attitudes, self‐esteem, and negative affectivity predicted sexual harassment perceptions. Specifically, negative affectivity predicted milder forms of harassment, attitudes predicted factors that are considered more severe, and self‐esteem predicted all factors but sexist hostility. The extent to which sexual harassment manifestations are universal and how certain manifestations that appeared in the Turkish context broaden the scope of sexual harassment are discussed by referring to the US literature.

L’objectif central de cette recherche était l’étude de la perception du harcèlement sexuel au travail en Turquie. Dans une première phase, on a interviewé 53 salariées pour déterminer les comportements relevant du harcèlement sexuel dans ce contexte culturel. Dans une deuxième phase, on a recherché la structure factorielle des perceptions. On a aussi étudié les liens de ces perceptions avec des variables personnelles (Attitudes en rapport avec le rôle découlant du genre, estime de soi et affectivité négative). Les sujets étaient 353 femmes employées dans diverses organisations. Cinq facteurs sont apparus : hostilité sexiste, attirance sous‐entendue, hostilité sexuelle, agression sexuelle physique, coercition et corruption sexuelles. Chaque facteur a subi une analyse de régression sur les variables personnelles. En contrôlant de façon appropriée les variables démographiques et organisationnelles, les attitudes en rapport avec le rôle découlant du genre, l’estime de soi et l’affectivité négative prédisent la perception du harcèlement sexuel. En particulier, l’affectivité négative prédit les formes légères de harcèlement, les attitudes prédisent les facteurs considérés comme plus graves et l’estime de soi prédit tous les facteurs sauf l’hostilité sexiste. On discute à partir de la littérature américaine de l’universalité du harcèlement sexuel et du fait que certaines manifestations propres à la Turquie élargissent le champ de ce harcèlement.
Masking, mediators and agency: bilingual children and learning to read
Authors: Walters Sue
Published: April 2010

This paper begins with a discussion of some of the key insights of recent sociocultural research that consider bilingual children and learning to read and culminates in a discussion of Syncretic Literacy Studies (SLS). It then presents data from an ethnographic study that focused on the learning experiences of a small group of Year Three Bangladeshi‐heritage pupils during 1 year of their schooling in order to problematise some of the claims made in recent sociocultural work and in SLS, particularly the focus on children's agency. The findings from the study suggest that (a) there are limits to children's agency that are not recognised in recent work and in SLS; (b) that identity has an important role to play: children can successfully mask what they cannot do as readers in order to present a particular identity in the mainstream classroom; and (c) that the access some children have to mediators may be limited and can change over time.
Exploring the eye‐movement patterns as Chinese children read texts: a developmental perspective
Authors: Chen Minglei , Ko Hwawei
Published: April 2010

This study was to investigate Chinese children's eye patterns while reading different text genres from a developmental perspective. Eye movements were recorded while children in the second through sixth grades read two expository texts and two narrative texts. Across passages, overall word frequency was not significantly different between the two genres. Results showed that all children had longer fixation durations for low‐frequency words. They also had longer fixation durations on content words. These results indicate that children adopted a word‐based processing strategy like skilled readers do. However, only older children's rereading times were affected by genre. Overall, eye‐movement patterns of older children reported in this study are in accordance with those of skilled Chinese readers, but younger children are more likely to be responsive to word characteristics than text level when reading a Chinese text.
Brahms'sMotivicHarmonies andContemporaryTonalTheory: ThreeCaseStudies from theChamberMusic
Authors: Smith Peter H.
Published: April 2010

In his classic essay ‘Issues in Composition’, Carl Dahlhaus posits a dialectical relationship in Brahms between the function of harmony as a source for motivic ‘individualisation’ and as a basis for large‐scale formal organisation. This dialectic may be profitably engaged in light of the current debate between Schenkerian and neo‐Riemannian views of harmony, with Brahms's Sextet in G major, String Quartet in C minor and String Quintet in G major serving as analytical case studies.

These case studies demonstrate the insights that both Schenkerian and neo‐Riemannian perspectives might afford while drawing attention to the need to engage the two approaches critically to achieve a deeper analytical understanding. The analyses also underscore the importance of formal context and temporal perspective in evaluating harmonic relationships. The presence of tonally centred prolongational structures in no way denies the potential for neo‐Riemannian perspectives to shed light on aspects of the development of Brahms's motivic harmonies. Parsimonious transformations in the motivic dimension likewise do not invalidate Schenkerian insights into each movement's rock‐solid articulation of its tonality. Brahms's range of compositional strategies requires a flexible analytical response, sufficiently consistent to be by implication theoretically coherent, yet subtly differentiated in the specific Schenkerian and neo‐Riemannian explorations.
RhetoricalClosure in theFirstMovement ofSchubert'sQuartet inCmajor, D. 46: A Dialogue withDeformation
Authors: Hyland Anne M
Published: April 2010

This article addresses the issue of parametric non‐congruence as it affects the articulation of closure in the first movement of Schubert's String Quartet in C major, D. 46. This movement displays two formal irregularities which render it problematic in relation to sonata theory: first, the presentation of new thematic material in the exposition does not correspond with a modulation to the dominant key, and second, the recapitulation of the primary theme commences over an activebass progression. As such, D. 46/i provides an apt setting for an appraisal of how effective sonata theory is in the treatment and understanding of closure when the very elements which ought to express it are ostensibly incompatible. The distinction I draw between tonal (syntactic) and rhetorical (semantic) closure in this article (founded in the work of Kofi Agawu, among others) aims at demonstrating that the adherence to a hierarchical perspective of form in which tonality dominates is of little service when examining a work in which local cadential closure is persistently evaded. Ultimately, my analysis shall illustrate the through‐composed design of this movement and, in so doing, question the unrelenting reliance on cadence and contrapuntal closure as delineators of sonata space.
Putting the ‘Community’ into Community Planning: Assessing Community Inclusion in Northern Ireland
Authors: McALISTER RUTH
Published: April 2010

In many parts of the world ordinary citizens are demanding to be involved in the planning and management of the environment. One form of such local involvement is scheduled to be introduced into Northern Ireland in 2011. Whilst the introduction of ‘community planning’ is not straightforward in a divided region, even here it is possible to foster meaningful participation in the process in ways that deepen democracy. Conflict will be an inevitable ‘moment’ in the broader democratic process but, through deliberation, conflict can give way to consensus to produce successful community planning outcomes in a region where participative democracy has been long suppressed.

Dans de nombreuses parties du monde, des citoyens ordinaires sollicitent une implication dans l'aménagement et la gestion de l'environnement. L'une des formes de cette implication locale devrait être mise en place en Irlande du Nord en 2011. Bien que l'introduction d'un ‘aménagement communautaire’ ne soit pas évidente dans une région divisée, il reste possible d'encourager une participation constructive au processus d'aménagement selon des modalités qui renforcent la démocratie. Le conflit est un ‘moment’ inévitable dans le processus démocratique global mais, par la réflexion, il peut laisser place au consensus afin de déboucher sur des aménagements communautaires réussis dans une région où la démocratie participative n'existe plus depuis longtemps.
Age‐related changes in pro‐opiomelanocortin (POMC) and related receptors in human epidermis
Authors: Pain S. , Dezutter C. , Reymermier C. , Vogelgesang B. , Delay E. , André V.
Published: April 2010

Synopsis

Much effort has been placed in cosmetic research for better understanding of the effects of ageing on skin’s appearance, structure, mechanical properties and function. It is now of common knowledge that UV radiations induce pre‐mature skin ageing notably in the epidermis where UV radiations induce keratinocyte differentiation. As UV radiations have also been shown to regulate the pro‐opiomelanocortin (POMC) peptide family in the skin and because no study has been conducted so far to investigate the age‐related changes in POMC and related receptors, we analysed POMC, MC‐1R, MC‐2R and MOR‐1 at mRNA level and MC‐1R, MC‐2R and MOR‐1 at protein level too in primary cultures of normal human keratinocytes obtained from female donors aged from 17 to 75 years old. Regarding the gene expressions, we observed that MC‐1R, MC‐2R and MOR‐1 suffered a dramatic decrease after 50 years of age, whereas POMC increased five‐fold. Western blot analysis confirmed these results except for MOR‐1 whose expression appeared to decrease at older age, around 70 years old. Immunostainings specific to MC‐1R, MC‐2R and MOR‐1 performed on full‐thickness skin biopsies also revealed an intense staining in the basal and spinous layers of a 30‐year‐old donor, whereas no reactivity could be observed in a 60‐year‐old one. We conclude that POMC and POMC‐related receptors suffer a dramatically disturbed balance with ageing and that this may be implicated in the general process of skin ageing.
Simulation of adsorption of gold nanoparticles carried by gas ascending from the Earth’s interior in alluvial cover of the middle–lower reaches of the Yangtze River
Authors: CAO J. J. , HU X. Y. , JIANG Z. T. , LI H. W. , ZOU X. Z.
Published: April 2010

The adsorption onto other minerals of charged gold nanoparticles, carried by gas ascending from the Earth’s interior, is an important component of their transport and deposition in surficial cover such as alluvial, aeolian, and glacial sediments. To simulate the adsorption of these particles, an experiment was conducted in which a flow of air that contained gold nanoparticles was passed upward through a sample of alluvium from the middle–lower reaches of the Yangtze River. These experiments showed that gold nanoparticles are adsorbed on kaolinite, halloysite, goethite, and hematite in the alluvial cover. Both the gold nanoparticles and minerals (i.e., kaolinite, halloysite, goethite, and hematite) carry surface charges that provide them with excellent adsorption properties. This study showed that the specific mineral composition of surficial alluvial cover affects the concentration of gold nanoparticles in the ascending gas. This phenomenon may plausibly be used in exploration for concealed gold, copper–gold, and silver–gold deposits in areas of thick alluvial cover.

Geofluids (2010) 10, 438–446
Fetal anatomy of peripheral lymphatic vessels: a D2‐40 immunohistochemical study using an 18‐week human fetus (CRL 155 mm)
Authors: Jin Zhe Wu , Nakamura Takuo , Yu Hee Chul , Kimura Wataru , Murakami Gen , Cho Baik Hwan
Published: April 2010

We demonstrated fetal peripheral lymphatic vessels (LVs) using D2‐40 immunohistochemistry in a whole female fetus (18 weeks of gestation, CRL 155 mm) except for the head. There were abundant LVs in the thyroid gland, lung, stomach, small intestine, rectum and pancreas, whereas no LVs were seen in the parathyroid gland, spleen and adrenal cortex. In the liver, except for the gallbladder bed, LVs were still restricted to around hilar thick portal veins and around the hepatic vein terminals. Subcutaneous LVs were well developed throughout the body even in areas where no or few perforating LVs connected with the deep LVs. The diaphragm contained abundant, dilated LVs in the pleural half of its thickness. LVs were also seen not only along supplying arteries of muscles and cartilage but also along the epimysium and perichondrium. LVs ran in a space between the obliquus internus and transversus abdominis but not between the obliquus internus and obliquus externus. Some tight connective tissues such as the sacrotuberous ligament contained abundant LVs. The intervertebral foramen contained a lymphatic plexus. The present observations provide a better understanding of peripheral lymphatic development. The fetal lymphatic morphology seems not to represent a mini‐version of the adult morphology.
Does religious involvement protect against early drinking? A behavior genetic approach
Authors: Harden K. Paige
Published: April 2010

Background:  Adolescent involvement in religious organizations has been hypothesized to protect against early age at first drink. However, the correlation between adolescent religiosity and later age at first drink may be confounded by environmental or genetic differences between families. This study tests whether, after controlling for shared environmental and genetic confounds using a behavior genetic design, the association between individual levels of religiosity and earlier age at first drink is still evident.

Method:  Twin and sibling pairs were drawn from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health, a nationally‐representative sample of US adolescents. Age at first drink was measured as how old adolescents were when they first had a drink of beer, wine, or liquor. Religiosity was measured using four items concerning frequency of religious activities and importance of religious beliefs. Using twins and siblings who were discordant for religiosity, analyses tested whether religious adolescents had a later age at first drink than their non‐religious co‐twins/co‐siblings.

Results:  Religious adolescents did not differ from their non‐religious siblings in their mean age at first drink. Results from survival models indicate that environmental differences between families completely account for the correlation between religiosity and later age at first drink.

Conclusions:  Results suggest that individual religious involvement is a proxy variable for family or cultural environments that are salient for when adolescents initiate alcohol use. Future research is needed to identify specific protective environments in religious families. These results have implications for both public policy and etiological theory.
The contribution of reactive oxygen species and p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase to myofilament oxidation and progression of heart failure in rabbits
Authors: Heusch P , Canton M , Aker S , van de Sand A , Konietzka I , Rassaf T , Menazza S , Brodde OE , Di Lisa F , Heusch G , Schulz R
Published: April 2010

Background and purpose:  The formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) is increased in heart failure (HF). However, the causal and mechanistic relationship of ROS formation with contractile dysfunction is not clear in detail. Therefore, ROS formation, myofibrillar protein oxidation and p38 MAP kinase activation were related to contractile function in failing rabbit hearts.

Experimental approach and key results:  Three weeks of rapid left ventricular (LV) pacing reduced LV shortening fraction (SF, echocardiography) from 32 ± 1% to 13 ± 1%. ROS formation, as assessed by dihydroethidine staining, increased by 36 ± 8% and was associated with increased tropomyosin oxidation, as reflected by dimer formation (dimer to monomer ratio increased 2.28 ± 0.66‐fold in HF vs. sham, P < 0.05). Apoptosis (TdT‐mediated dUTP nick end labelling staining) increased more than 12‐fold after 3 weeks of pacing when a significant increase in the phosphorylation of p38 MAP kinase and HSP27 was detected (Western blotting). Vitamins C and E abolished the increases in ROS formation and tropomyosin oxidation along with an improvement of LVSF (19 ± 1%, P < 0.05 vs. untreated HF) and prevention of apoptosis, but without modifying p38 MAP kinase activation. Inhibition of p38 MAP kinase by SB281832 counteracted ROS formation, tropomyosin oxidation and contractile failure, without affecting apoptosis.

Conclusions and implications:  Thus, p38 MAP kinase activation appears to be upstream rather than downstream of ROS, which impacts on LV function through myofibrillar oxidation. p38 MAP kinase inhibition is a potential target to prevent or treat HF.
Recent Trends in the Historiography on Warfare in the Colonial Period (1607–1765)
Authors: Grenier John
Published: April 2010

This essay surveys recent trends (since the mid 1980s) in the historiography on warfare in the Colonial Period (1607–1765). In addition to traditional military history and biography, it focuses on works from the new social military history, ethnohistory, identity studies, and the new frontier and imperial histories. It identifies the current state of the field, as well as areas in need of further research and writing. Teachers can use this essay to contextualize the colonial period’s military history, undergraduate students will find it useful as bibliography/research aid, and graduate students can use it preparing for comprehensive examinations.
On Taking Action and Saving Lives
Authors: de Shalit Avner
Published: April 2010

Shrader-Frechette, K. (2007) Taking Action, Saving Lives: Our Duties to Protect Environmental and Public Health. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Generalized Make and Use Framework for Allocation in Life Cycle Assessment
Authors: Suh Sangwon , Weidema Bo , Schmidt Jannick Hoejrup , Heijungs Reinout
Published: April 2010

Allocation in life cycle inventory (LCI) analysis is one of the long‐standing methodological issues in life cycle assessment (LCA). Discussion on allocation among LCA researchers has taken place almost in complete isolation from the series of closely related discussions from the 1960s in the field of input−output economics, regarding the supply and use framework. This article aims at developing a coherent mathematical framework for allocation in LCA by connecting the parallel developments of the LCA and the input−output communities. In doing so, the article shows that the partitioning method in LCA is equivalent to the industry‐technology model in input−output economics, and system expansion in LCA is equivalent to the by‐product‐technology model in input−output output economics. Furthermore, we argue that the commodity‐technology model and the by‐product‐technology model, which have been considered as two different models in input−output economics for more than 40 years, are essentially equivalent when it comes to practical applications. It is shown that the matrix‐based approach used for system expansion successfully solves the endless regression problem that has been raised in LCA literature. A numerical example is introduced to demonstrate the use of allocation models. The relationship of these approaches with consequential and attributional LCA models is also discussed.
Brain Volume and Survival from Age 78 to 85: The Contribution of Alzheimer‐Type Magnetic Resonance Imaging Findings
Authors: Staff Roger T. , Murray Alison D. , Ahearn Trevor , Salarirad Sima , Mowat Donald , Starr John M. , Deary Ian J. , Lemmon Helen , Whalley Lawrence J.
Published: April 2010

OBJECTIVES: To test the prediction of survival using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)–derived global and regional brain volumes in subjects aged 78 to 79 without dementia.

DESIGN: Observational follow‐up study.

SETTING: University teaching hospital.

PARTICIPANTS: Participants born in 1921, recruited in 1997/98 to a longitudinal study, who underwent brain MRI in 1999/2000.

MEASUREMENTS: Vital status on May 12, 2006, global and regional brain volumes.

RESULTS: Thirty‐seven of 98 (34.9%) participants died during follow‐up. After adjustment for cognitive ability at time of MRI examination, childhood intelligence, sex, hypertension, smoking history, obesity, hyperlipidemia, and age at MRI, proportion of intracranial volume occupied by the brain (brain fraction) predicted death before age 85 (P=.04). Participants with brain fraction less than 0.726 had more than twice the relative risk (2.8, 95% confidence interval=1.1–7.3) of death than participants with brain fraction greater 0.726. Lower survival was significantly associated with lower gray matter volumes in bilateral parietal and left frontoparietal areas and with lower white matter volumes in left parietal and right posterior temporal regions. Cox regression analysis showed that parietal white matter volume (P=.003), a subsequent diagnosis of dementia (P<.001), and sex (P=.004) were independent predictors of survival.

CONCLUSION: In participants aged 78 to 79, a lower global brain fraction predicted survival to approximately age 85. Smaller regional volumetric brain reductions, seen in Alzheimer's disease (AD), also predicted survival independent of dementia. The presence of prodromal AD probably explain the main findings.
Missed Opportunities for Osteoporosis Treatment in Patients Hospitalized for Hip Fracture
Authors: Jennings Lee A. , Auerbach Andrew D. , Maselli Judith , Pekow Penelope S. , Lindenauer Peter K. , Lee Sei J.
Published: April 2010

OBJECTIVES: Although osteoporosis treatment can dramatically reduce fracture risk, rates of treatment after hip fracture remain low. In‐hospital initiation of recommended medications has improved outcomes in heart disease; hospitalization for hip fracture may represent a similar opportunity for improvement. The objective of this study was to examine rates of in‐hospital treatment with a combination of calcium and vitamin D (Cal+D) and antiresorptive or bone‐forming medications in patients hospitalized for hip fractures

DESIGN: Observational cohort.

SETTING: Three hundred eighteen hospitals in the United States.

PARTICIPANTS: Fifty‐one thousand three hundred forty‐six patients aged 65 and older hospitalized for osteoporotic hip fracture.

MEASUREMENTS: In‐hospital administration of Cal+D and antiresorptive or bone‐forming medications.

RESULTS: Three thousand four hundred five patients (6.6%) received Cal+D anytime after a procedure to correct femoral fracture; 3,763 patients (7.3%) received antiresorptive or bone‐forming medications. Only 1,023 patients (2.0%) were prescribed ideal therapy, receiving Cal+D and an antiresorptive or bone‐forming medication. Treatment rates remained low across virtually all patient‐, provider‐, and hospital‐level characteristics. The strongest predictor of treatment with Cal+D was the receipt of an antiresorptive or bone‐forming medication (adjusted odds ratio=5.50, 95% confidence interval=4.84–6.25), but only 27.2% of patients who received these medications also received Cal+D.

CONCLUSION: Rates of in‐hospital initiation of osteoporosis treatment for patients with hip fracture are low and may represent an opportunity to improve care.
Trail Making Test Predicts Physical Impairment and Mortality in Older Persons
Authors: Vazzana Rosamaria , Bandinelli Stefania , Lauretani Fabrizio , Volpato Stefano , Lauretani Fulvio , Di Iorio Angelo , Abate Michele , Corsi Anna Maria , Milaneschi Yuri , Guralnik Jack M. , Ferrucci Luigi
Published: April 2010

OBJECTIVES: To examine whether performance in the Trail Making Test (TMT) predicts mobility impairment and mortality in older persons.

DESIGN: Prospective cohort study.

SETTING: Community‐dwelling older persons enrolled in the Invecchiare in Chianti (InCHIANTI) Study.

PARTICIPANTS: Five hundred eighty‐three participants aged 65 and older and free of major cognitive impairment (Mini‐Mental State Examination score >21) with baseline data on TMT performance. Of these, 427 performed the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) for the assessment of lower extremity function at baseline and after 6 years. Of the initial 583 participants, 106 died during a 9‐year follow‐up.

MEASUREMENTS: The TMT Parts A and B (TMT‐A and TMT‐B) and SPPB were administered at baseline and 6‐year follow‐up. Impaired mobility was defined as an SPPB score less than 10. Vital status was ascertained over a 9‐year follow‐up.

RESULTS: InCHIANTI participants in the fourth quartile of the time to complete TMT‐B minus time to complete TMT‐A (TMT (B‐A)) were significantly more likely to develop an SPPB score less than 10 during the 6‐year follow‐up than those in the first quartile (relative risk (RR)=2.4, 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.4–3.9, P=.001). After adjusting for potential confounders, these findings were substantially unchanged (RR=2.2, 95% CI=1.4–3.6, P=.001). Worse performance on the TMT was associated with significantly greater decline in SPPB score over the 6‐year follow‐up, after adjusting for age, sex, and baseline SPPB scores (β=−0.01, standard error=0.003, P=.004). During the 9‐year follow‐up, 18.2% of the participants died. After adjustment for age and sex, the proportion of participants who died was higher in participants in the worst than the best performance quartile of TMT (B‐A) scores (hazard ratio (HR)=1.7, 95% CI=1.0–2.9, P=.048). Results were similar in a parsimonious adjusted model (HR=1.8, 95% CI=1.0–3.2, P=.04).

CONCLUSION: Performance on the TMT is a strong, independent predictor of mobility impairment, accelerated decline in lower extremity function, and death in older adults living in the community. The TMT could be a useful addition to geriatric assessment.
Trends in the Prevalence and Comorbidities of Diabetes Mellitus in Nursing Home Residents in the United States: 1995–2004
Authors: Zhang Xinzhi , Decker Frederic H. , Luo Huabin , Geiss Linda S. , Pearson William S. , Saaddine Jinan B. , Gregg Edward W. , Albright Ann
Published: April 2010

OBJECTIVES: To estimate trends in the prevalence and comorbidities of diabetes mellitus (DM) in U.S. nursing homes from 1995 to 2004.

DESIGN: SAS callable SUDAAN was used to adjust for the complex sample design and assess changes in prevalence of DM and comorbidities during the study period in the National Nursing Home Surveys. Trends were assessed using weighted least squares linear regression. Multiple logistic regressions were used to calculate predictive margins.

SETTING: A continuing series of two‐stage, cross‐sectional probability national sampling surveys.

PARTICIPANTS: Residents aged 55 and older: 1995 (n=7,722), 1997 (n=7,717), 1999 (n=7,809), and 2004 (n=12,786).

MEASUREMENTS: DM and its comorbidities identified using a standard set of diagnosis codes.

RESULTS: The estimated crude prevalence of DM increased from 16.9% in 1995 to 26.4% in 2004 in male nursing home residents and from 16.1% to 22.2% in female residents (all P<.05). Male and female residents aged 85 and older and those with high functional impairment showed a significant increasing trend in DM (all P<.05). In people with DM, multivariate‐adjusted prevalence of cardiovascular disease increased from 59.6% to 75.4% for men and from 68.1% to 78.7% for women (all P<.05). Prevalence of most other comorbidities did not increase significantly.

CONCLUSION: The burden of DM in residents of U.S. nursing homes has increased since 1995. This could be due to increasing DM prevalence in the general population or to changes in the population that nursing homes serve. Nursing home care practices may need to change to meet residents' changing needs.
Early Manifestations of Children’s Theory of Mind: The Roles of Maternal Mind‐Mindedness and Infant Security of Attachment
Authors: Laranjo Jessica , Bernier Annie , Meins Elizabeth , Carlson Stephanie M.
Published: April 2010

This study investigated two aspects of mother–child relationships—mothers’ mind‐mindedness and infant attachment security—in relation to two early aspects of children’s theory of mind development (ToM). Sixty‐one mother–child dyads (36 girls) participated in testing phases at 12 (T1), 15 (T2), and 26 months of age (T3), allowing for assessment of maternal mind‐mindedness (T1), infant attachment (T2), and child ToM understanding (T3). Results indicated that children’s understanding of discrepant desires and visual perspectives was positively related to their mothers’ earlier use of appropriate mind‐related comments in certain contexts. Furthermore, more securely attached boys, but not girls, performed better on a task requiring comprehension of their mothers’ visual perspective. Hence, the links previously found between competent parenting and older children’s ToM performance appear to extend, to a certain degree, to toddlers’ first manifestations of ToM understanding.
A Comparison of the Nursing Practice Environment in Mental Health and Medical‐Surgical Settings
Authors: Roche Michael A. , Duffield Christine M.
Published: April 2010

Purpose: To examine the differences between characteristics of the work environment of nurses working in mental health and general acute inpatient nursing settings.

Design: Secondary analysis of data collected on 96 randomly selected medical and surgical (general) wards and six mental health wards in 24 public acute general hospitals across two Australian states between 2004 and 2006.

Methods: All nurses on the participating wards were asked to complete a survey that included the Practice Environment Scale of the Nursing Work Index (NWI‐PES). Responses were received from 2,556 nurses (76.3% response rate). Using the five‐domain structure, comparisons were made between mental health and general nurses.

Findings: Across the entire sample of nurses, those working in mental health settings scored more highly in regard to nurse‐doctor relationships and staffing adequacy. Nurses in general wards reported more participation in hospital affairs, stronger leadership, and the presence of more of the foundations of nursing quality care such as access to continued education. Differences between the groups on each of the domains was statistically significant at p=.05 or greater, but not for the composite practice environment scale. A wide range of responses was seen when data were aggregated to the ward level.

Conclusions: The work environment of mental health nurses is different from that of their colleagues working in general settings. Specific areas of the mental health environment, such as participation in the hospital, leadership, and the foundations of quality, may be enhanced to improve nurses’ job satisfaction and, potentially, other nurse and patient outcomes.

Clinical Relevance: Factors in the medical and surgical nursing practice environment have been established as significant influences on nurse and patient outcomes. It is important to understand the existence and potential impact of these factors in mental health inpatient settings.