bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genome‐wide androgenetic mosaicism
Authors: Johnson J.P. , Waterson J. , Schwanke C. , Schoof J.
Published: March 2013

Individuals with mosaic paternal uniparental disomy (UPD) of apparently all chromosomes have recently been described. They show a 46,XX karyotype, but with a mixture of normal biparental cells and cells entirely of paternal isodisomic origin. We describe an infant who primarily showed signs of Beckwith–Wiedemann syndrome (BWS), but also had other severe and eventually lethal medical problems, notably refractory hypoglycemia. We performed methylation studies for BWS, but incidentally for Angelman syndrome (AS) on leukocytes and in a skin FFPE sample. We also performed chromosome microarray [CNV and single‐nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) array] on leukocytes. We found that the patient had hypomethylation consistent with both BWS and AS. Remarkably, this was due to mosaic paternal UPD for chromosomes 11 and 15, respectively. The SNP microarray showed mosaic paternal UPD for all chromosomes. Patients with unusual phenotypes for a typical imprinting disorder should be studied further with assays for imprinted loci on other chromosomes. Chromosomal SNP microarrays are useful in identifying patients with multiple UPDs, sometimes of the whole genome.
Long‐Term Outcomes of Dental Implants with a Titanium Plasma‐Sprayed Surface: A 20‐Year Prospective Case Series Study in Partially Edentulous Patients
Authors: Chappuis Vivianne , Buser Ramona , Brägger Urs , Bornstein Michael M. , Salvi Giovanni E. , Buser Daniel
Published: March 2013

Background

Long‐term studies of ≥10 years are important milestones to get a better understanding of potential factors causing implant failures or complications.

Purpose

The present study investigated the long‐term outcomes of titanium dental implants with a rough, microporous surface (titanium plasma sprayed [TPS]) and the associated biologic and technical complications in partially edentulous patients with fixed dental prostheses over a 20‐year follow‐up period.

Materials and Methods

Sixty‐seven patients, who received 95 implants in the 1980s, were examined with well‐established clinical and radiographic parameters. Based on these findings, each implant was classified as either successful, surviving, or failed.

Results

Ten implants in nine patients were lost during the observation period, resulting in an implant survival rate of 89.5%. Radiographically, 92% of the implants exhibited crestal bone loss below 1 mm between the 1‐ and 20‐year follow‐up examinations. Only 8% yielded peri‐implant bone loss of >1 mm and none exhibited severe bone loss of more than 1.8 mm. During the observation period, 19 implants (20%) experienced a biologic complication with suppuration. Of these 19 implants, 13 implants (13.7%) had been treated and were successfully maintained over the 20‐year follow‐up period. Therefore, the 20‐year implant success rate was 75.8 or 89.5% depending on the different success criteria. Technical complications were observed in 32%.

Conclusion

The present study is the first to report satisfactory success rates after 20 years of function of dental implants with aTPSsurface in partially edentulous patients.
Resolving the relationships of apid bees (Hymenoptera: Apidae) through a direct optimization sensitivity analysis of molecular, morphological, and behavioural characters
Authors: Payne Ansel
Published: March 2013

Phylogenetic analyses that incorporate the most character information also provide the most explanatory power. Here I demonstrate the value of such an approach through a direct optimization sensitivity analysis of apid bee phylogeny. Whereas prior studies have relied solely on one class of data or the other, this analysis combines previously published molecular, morphological, and behavioural characters into a single supermatrix. The final dataset includes 191 ingroup and 30 outgroup taxa, and includes data from seven unaligned gene sequences (18S, 28S, wingless, EF1‐α, polII, Nak, LW rhodopsin), 209 adult and larval morphological characters, and two behavioural characters. Nine different sets of transformation cost parameters are evaluated, along with their relative degrees of character incongruence. The preferred parameter set returns a strict consensus tree somewhat similar to, but more resolved than, a previous parsimony tree based on molecules alone. I also describe the effects of including EF1‐α and LW rhodopsin intron sequences on the outcome of the direct optimization analysis. By accounting for more evidence, this study provides the most comprehensive treatment yet of apid phylogenetic relationships.
Conflicting and Complementary Ethics of Animal Welfare Considerations in Reintroductions
Authors: HARRINGTON LAUREN A. , MOEHRENSCHLAGER AXEL , GELLING MERRYL , ATKINSON ROB P. D. , HUGHES JOELENE , MACDONALD DAVID W.
Published: March 2013

Despite differences in focus, goals, and strategies between conservation biology and animal welfare, both are inextricably linked in many ways, and greater consideration of animal welfare, although important in its own right, also has considerable potential to contribute to conservation success. Nevertheless, animal welfare and animal ethics are not always considered explicitly within conservation practice. We systematically reviewed the recent scientific peer‐reviewed and online gray literature on reintroductions of captive‐bred and wild‐caught animals (mammals, birds, amphibians, and reptiles) to quantify the occurrence of animal welfare issues. We considered monitoring that could be indicative of the animal's welfare status and supportive management actions that could improve animal welfare (regardless of whether the aim was explicitly animal‐welfare orientated). Potential welfare issues (of variable nature and extent) were recorded in 67% of 199 projects reviewed; the most common were mortality >50%, dispersal or loss of animals, disease, and human conflict. Most (>70%) projects monitored survival, 18% assessed body condition, and 2% monitored stress levels. Animal welfare, explicitly, was referred to in 6% of projects. Supportive actions, most commonly use of on‐site prerelease pens and provision of supplemental food or water, were implemented in 79% of projects, although the extent and duration of support varied. Practitioners can address animal‐welfare issues in reintroductions by considering the potential implications for individual animals at all stages of the release process using the decision tree presented. We urge practitioners to report potential animal‐welfare issues, describe mitigation actions, and evaluate their efficacy to facilitate transparent evaluation of common moral dilemmas and to advance communal strategies for dealing with them. Currently, comparative mortality rates, health risks, postrelease stress, effectiveness of supportive measures, and behavior of individuals warrant further research to improve animal welfare in reintroductions and to increase success of such projects.

Ética Conflictiva y Complementaria al Considerar el Bienestar Animal en Reintroducciones
Partial anterior sacrectomy with nerve preservation to treat locally advanced rectal cancer
Authors: Evans M. D. , Harji D. P. , Sagar P. M. , Wilson J. , Koshy A. , Timothy J. , Giannoudis P. V.
Published: March 2013

Aim

Most studies that have reported outcomes after composite abdomino‐sacral resection for locally advanced/recurrent rectal cancer have involved resections below the S2/3 disc space. Involvement of the sacrum above this level is uncommon and, until recently, was considered a contraindication to resection.

Method

We report here a surgical technique to deal with high sacral involvement with an anterior approach and maintenance of sacropelvic stability.

Results

The operative findings confirmed a locally perforated rectal cancer with an associated abscess cavity and direct invasion into S2. Given the likelihood that a complete dislocation of the sacrum would cause significant neurological damage and pelvic instability without oncological benefit, we opted for a partial high anterior sacrectomy with nerve preservation. The patient made an uncomplicated recovery without neurological deficit and was able to walk with the aid of crutches from postoperative day 3.

Conclusion

While a high sacral transection is appropriate for some patients with locally advanced/recurrent rectal cancer, operative decisions and options should be tailored to each individual.
Mesenchymal stem cell transfusion for desensitization of positive lymphocyte cross‐match before kidney transplantation: outcome of 3 cases
Authors: Saadi G. , Fadel F. , El Ansary M. , El‐Hamid S. Abd
Published: March 2013

Objectives

Donor specific antibodies (DSA) and a positive cross‐match are contraindications for kidney transplantation. Trials of allograft transplantation across theHLAbarrier have employed desensitization strategies, including the use of plasmapheresis, intravenous immunoglobulins, anti‐B‐cell monoclonal antibodies and splenectomy, associated with high‐intensity immunosuppressive regimens. Our case 1 report suffered from repeatedly positive lymphocyte cross match after 1st renal transplantation. Graft nephrectomy could not correct the state of sensitization. Splenectomy was done in a trial to get rid of the antibody producing clone. Furthermore plasmapheresis with low doseIVIGcould not as well revert the state of sensitization for the patient.

Material and methods

About 50 millions donor specificMSCs were injected to the patient.

Results

MSCs transfusion proved to be the only procedure which could achieve successful desensitization before performing the second transplantation owing to their immunosuppressive properties.

Conclusion

This case indicates thatDS‐MSCs is a potential option for anti‐HLAdesensitization. In cases 2 and 3IV DS‐MSCs transfusion was selected from the start as a successful line of treatment for pre renal transplantation desensitization to save other unnecessary lines of treatment that were tried in case 1.
Tocotrienols promote apoptosis in human breast cancer cells by inducing poly(ADP‐ribose) polymerase cleavage and inhibiting nuclear factor kappa‐B activity
Authors: Loganathan R. , Selvaduray K. R. , Nesaretnam K. , Radhakrishnan A. K.
Published: March 2013

Objectives

Tocotrienols and tocopherols are members of the vitamin E family, with similar structures; however, only tocotrienols have been reported to achieve potent anti‐cancer effects. The study described here has evaluated anti‐cancer activity of vitamin E to elucidate mechanisms of cell death, using human breast cancer cells.

Materials and methods

Anti‐cancer activity of a tocotrienol‐rich fraction (TRF) and a tocotrienol‐enriched fraction (TEF) isolated from palm oil, as well as pure vitamin E analogues (α‐tocopherol, α−, δ− and γ−tocotrienols) were studied using highly aggressive triple negative MDA‐MB‐231 cells and oestrogen‐dependent MCF‐7 cells, both of human breast cancer cell lines. Cell population growth was evaluated using a Coulter particle counter. Cell death mechanism, poly(ADP‐ribose) polymerase cleavage and levels of NF‐κB were determined using commercial ELISA kits.

Results

Tocotrienols exerted potent anti‐proliferative effects on both types of cell by inducing apoptosis, the underlying mechanism of cell death being ascertained using respective IC50 concentrations of all test compounds. There was marked induction of apoptosis in both cell lines by tocotrienols compared to treatment with Paclitaxel, which was used as positive control. This activity was found to be associated with cleavage of poly(ADP‐ribose) polymerase (a DNA repair protein), demonstrating involvement of the apoptotic cell death signalling pathway. Tocotrienols also inhibited expression of nuclear factor kappa‐B (NF‐κB), which in turn can increase sensitivity of cancer cells to apoptosis.

Conclusion

Tocotrienols induced anti‐proliferative and apoptotic effects in association with DNA fragmentation, poly(ADP‐ribose) polymerase cleavage and NF‐κB inhibition in the two human breast cancer cell lines.
Effects of simvastatin and rosuvastatin on RAS protein, matrix metalloproteinases and NF‐κB in lung cancer and in normal pulmonary tissues
Authors: Falcone D. , Gallelli L. , Di Virgilio A. , Tucci L. , Scaramuzzino M. , Terracciano R. , Pelaia G. , Savino R.
Published: March 2013

Objectives

In this study, we have evaluated effects of 24‐hour treatments with simvastatin or rosuvastatin on RAS protein, NF‐κB and MMP expression in LC tissues obtained from 12 patients undergoing thoracic surgery.

Materials and methods

Normal and lung tumour tissues obtained from each sample were exposed to simvastatin (2.5–30 μm) or rosuvastatin (1.25–30 μm) and western blot analysis was then performed.

Results

We documented increased expression of proteins, MMP‐2, MMP‐9 and NF‐κB‐p65 in LC tissues, with respect to normal tissues (P < 0.01). In the malignant tissues, simvastatin and rosuvastatin significantly (P < 0.01) and dose‐dependently reduced RAS protein, MMP‐2/9 and NF‐κB‐p65 expression.

Conclusions

In conclusion, our results suggest that simvastatin and rosuvastatin could play a role in LC treatment by modulation of RAS protein, MMP‐2/9 and NF‐κB‐p65.
The invasive cervical cancer review: psychological issues surrounding disclosure
Authors: Sherman S. M. , Moss E. , Redman C. W. E.
Published: March 2013

An audit of the screening history of all new cervical cancer cases has been a requirement since April 2007. While NHS cervical screening programmes (NHSCSP) guidance requires that women diagnosed with cervical cancer are offered the findings of the audit, as yet there has been no research to investigate the psychological impact that meeting to discuss the findings might have on patients. This is in spite of the fact that cytological under‐call may play a role in as many as 20% of cervical cancer cases. This review draws on the literature concerning breaking bad news, discussing cancer and disclosing medical errors, in order to gain insight into both the negative and positive consequences that may accompany a cervical screening review meeting. We conclude that while patients are likely to experience some distress at disclosure, there are also likely to be positive aspects, such as greater trust and improved perception of care.
The role of parenting and dopamine D4 receptor gene polymorphisms in children's inhibitory control
Authors: Smith Heather J. , Kryski Katie R. , Sheikh Haroon I. , Singh Shiva M. , Hayden Elizabeth P.
Published: March 2013

Temperamental effortful control has important implications for children's development. Although genetic factors and parenting may influence effortful control, few studies have examined interplay between the two in predicting its development. The current study investigated associations between parenting and a facet of children's effortful control, inhibitory control (IC), and whether these associations were moderated by whether children had a 7‐repeat variant of the DRD4 exon III VNTR. A community sample of 409 3‐year‐olds completed behavioural tasks to assess IC, and observational measures of parenting were also collected. Negative parenting was associated with lower child IC. The association between children's IC and positive parenting was moderated by children's DRD4 7‐repeat status, such that children with at least one 7‐repeat allele displayed lower IC than children without this allele when positive parenting was lower. These effects appeared to be primarily influenced by parent support and engagement. Results extend recent findings suggesting that some genetic polymorphisms may increase vulnerability to contextual influences.
Effortful control and parenting: Associations with HPA axis reactivity in early childhood
Authors: Kryski Katie R. , Dougherty Lea R. , Dyson Margaret W. , Olino Thomas M. , Laptook Rebecca S. , Klein Daniel N. , Hayden Elizabeth P.
Published: March 2013

While activation of the hypothalamic‐pituitary‐adrenal (HPA) axis is an adaptive response to stress, excessive HPA axis reactivity may be an important marker of childhood vulnerability to psychopathology. Parenting, including parent affect during parent–child interactions, may play an important role in shaping the developing HPA system; however, the association of parent affect may be moderated by child factors, especially children's emerging self‐regulatory skills. We therefore tested the relationship between parent affectivity and 160 preschoolers’ cortisol reactivity during a laboratory visit, examining children's effortful control (EC) as a moderator. Greater parent negative affectivity was related to greater initial and increasing cortisol over time, but only when children were low in EC. Higher parent positive affectivity was related to a higher baseline cortisol for children with low EC and lower baseline cortisol for children with high EC. Results indicate that children's EC moderates the extent to which parent affect shapes stress reactive systems in early childhood.
Florivores on the dioecious shrub Eurya japonica and the preferences and performances of two polyphagous geometrid moths on male and female plants
Authors: Tsuji Kaoru , Sota Teiji
Published: March 2013

Flowers of dioecious plants have sexually dimorphic traits that may affect florivore performances, and florivores may have preferences to plant sex that are correlated with their performance on different plant sexes. We investigated the florivory on a polygamodioecious evergreen shrub Eurya japonica in Japan to reveal florivores and their feeding patterns involved in sexually biased florivory on E. japonica flowers. Flowers of E. japonica were infested by lepidopteran and dipteran larvae and hemipteran insects. Lepidopteran larvae were chewers, dipteran larvae were gall makers and hemipteran insects were suckers. Chewed flowers were most frequent among infested flowers. Of florivores, lepidopteran larvae, mostly of Geometridae, were the important florivore that damaged flowers by chewing. Florivores infested male flower buds more often than female flower buds, but only a geometrid larvae Chloroclystis excise, which exclusively uses flower buds, showed the biased infection on male flowers. Rearing experiments for two other geometrid moths which use both leaves and flowers showed that the preference and performance of Ourapteryx nivea that fed mainly leaves did not differ between the plant sexes, whereas the development of Alcis angulifera larvae which fed both leaves and flowers was slower when they fed female than male leaves and flower buds. In addition, A. angulifera larvae fed fewer flower buds on female than on male plants. These results show that the male‐biased florivory on E. japonica trees is attributed mainly to the specialist florivore and also feeding preference for male flowers in an opportunistic florivore that feed both leaves and flowers.
Dynamics of intracellular calcium in cultured human keratinocytes after localized cell damage
Authors: Tsutsumi Moe , Goto Makiko , Denda Mitsuhiro
Published: March 2013

Recovery of cultured keratinocytes after scratch damage is considered to be a wound‐healing model. In this study, we observed changes in intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) in cultured human keratinocytes after scratch damage. Immediately after scratch damage, a wave of increased [Ca2+]i radiated outward from the damaged area and then disappeared gradually. But, [Ca2+]i remained elevated in a peripheral layer of cells around the damaged area for several minutes. This layer did not appear in calcium‐free medium. When the culture was switched to calcium‐free medium for 30 min immediately after scratch damage, then switched back to standard (Ca2+‐containing) medium, the recovery ratio after 24 h was approximately 25% lower than that of the culture in standard medium throughout. We speculate that delineation of damage sites by a layer of cells with increased [Ca2+]i might be part of a signalling pathway that appropriately directs the wound‐healing process in epidermis.
Father Enrollment and Participation in a Parenting Intervention: Personal and Contextual Predictors
Authors: Wong Jessie J. , Roubinov Danielle S. , Gonzales Nancy A. , Dumka Larry E. , Millsap Roger E.
Published: March 2013

Fathers are an important, though often underrepresented, population in family interventions. Notably, the inclusion of ethnic minority fathers is particularly scarce. An understanding of factors that promote and hinder father participation may suggest strategies by which to increase fathers’ presence in studies designed to engage the family unit. The current research examinedMexican origin (MO) fathers’ involvement in a family‐focused intervention study. Participants included 495 fathers from eligible two‐parentMOfamilies with an adolescent child. Individual, familial, and culturally relevant predictors based on father, mother, and/or child report data were collected through pretest interviews and included in two separate logistic regression analyses that predicted the following: (1) father enrollment in the study and (2) father participation in the intervention. Results indicated that higher levels of maternal education and lower levels of economic stress and interparental conflict were associated with increased father enrollment in the study. Rates of father participation in the intervention were higher among families characterized by lower levels of interparental conflict, economic stress, and Spanish language use. Results highlight the relevancy of the familial and environmental context toMOfathers’ research participation decisions. These findings as well as their implications for future research and practice are discussed.
Interference fit effect on improving fatigue life of a holed single plate
Authors: Croccolo D. , De Agostinis M. , Ceschini L. , Morri A. , Marconi A.
Published: March 2013

This paper deals with the influence of interference fit coupling on the fatigue strength of holed plates made of a medium‐carbon forging steel (35 KB2), heat treated by quenching followed by tempering, up to a hardness of about 350 BH, obtaining a sorbitic microstructure. Tensile and impact tests showed an ultimate tensile strength of about 1100 MPa, a yield strength of about 1000 MPa, an elongation to failure of 15% and an impact toughness KV of 43 J at room temperature. Axial fatigue tests were performed on holed specimens with or without a pin, made of the same material, press fitted and still left into their central hole. The tension–tension fatigue tests have been performed with a stress ratio R = 0.1. The effect on fatigue strength was investigated both experimentally and numerically. Three different conditions were investigated by using open hole specimens, specimens with 0.6% of nominal specific interference and specimens with 2% of nominal specific interference. The experimental stress‐life (S–N) curves pointed out an increased fatigue life of the interference fit specimens, compared with the open hole ones. The numerical investigation was performed in order to analyse the stress field by applying an elastic plastic 2D simulation, with commercial finite element software. The stress history and distribution around the interference‐fitted hole indicate a significant reduction of the stress amplitude produced by the external loading (remote stress) because a residual and compressive stress field is generated by the pin insertion.
Decision to transfer to an emergency department from residential aged care: A systematic review of qualitative research
Authors: Arendts Glenn , Quine Susan , Howard Kirsten
Published: March 2013

Aim

If developing policies to optimize quality acute care within residential aged care facilities (RACF) is a goal, understanding the factors that influence the decision to transfer a resident from RACF to hospital emergency departments is important. The aim of the present study was to review the published literature pertaining to transfer decisions.

Methods

We carried out a systematic review of the qualitative literature to ascertain key influences on transfer decisions amongst three key stakeholder groups – residents, their family and carers.

Results

From 11 papers we found two themes encompassing seven domains of influence. Transfers are influenced by an expectation or goal of improved resident clinical or quality of life outcomes – these are domains within the “resident dominant” theme. However, transfers also occur where there is no expectation of resident benefit. These domains, such as inadequate facility resourcing and care planning, are categorized within the “resident subordinate” theme.

Conclusion

Transfer decisions are often influenced by considerations beyond expected benefit to the individual resident. Conceptualizing influences on transfer decisions within this framework might assist clinicians and policy makers in the design and delivery of services for RACF residents. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2013; 13: 825–833.
ZWISCHEN MYTHOS UND UTOPIE: HERMANN HESSES SUCHE NACH DEM ENDPUNKT DES SEINS
Authors: Cornils Ingo
Published: March 2013

This article examines the relationship between, and the importance of, myth and utopia in Hermann Hesse's work, their development over several decades, and their significance for our understanding of the utopian. The question whether Hesse's work tends more towards the mythological or the utopian has hitherto not been convincingly answered. I demonstrate that Hesse's work initially oscillates between (Promethean) myth and utopia. This becomes very clear in Narziß und Goldmund, where the author engages with the problem of death. In Das Glasperlenspiel, however, Hesse uses myth to create a utopian moment. I argue that Hesse's persistent search for the culmination point of human existence does not necessarily lead to transcendence, but rather makes possible a concrete utopia. According to Hesse, man is capable of reaching a new level of consciousness. His ‘theory of stages’ found itself on the sidelines in a time of collective ideologies but may become relevant in the context of a developing ‘global consciousness’ of autonomous individuals.

Dieser Artikel untersucht, wie sich in Hermann Hesses Werk der Mythos zur Utopie verhält, welche Entwicklung dieses Verhältnis in seinem langen Leben durchgemacht hat, und welche Bedeutung diese Entwicklungslinie für unser Utopieverständnis hat. Die Frage, ob Hesses Denken eher mythologisch oder utopisch orientiert ist, ist bisher nicht überzeugend beantwortet worden. Ich zeige in diesem Artikel, dass Hesses Werk zunächst zwischen Mythologie (besonders dem Prometheus‐Mythos) und Utopie oszilliert. Dies wird besonders deutlich in Narziß und Goldmund, wo der Autor sich mit dem Problem des Todes auseinandersetzt. Mit dem Glasperlenspiel jedoch benutzt Hesse den Mythos, um einen utopischen Moment zu erzeugen. Ich argumentiere, dass Hesses beharrliche Suche nach dem Endpunkt des Seins ihn nicht notwendigerweise im Transzendenten landen lässt, sondern eine konkrete Utopie möglich macht. Nach Hesse kann der Mensch eine neue Bewusstseinsstufe erreichen. Diese auf das Individuum zugeschnittene ‘Stufenlehre’ hatte im Kontext der großen kollektiven Ideologien einen schweren Stand, könnte aber angesichts des sich abzeichnenden ‘globalen Bewusstseins autonomer Individuen relevant werden.
The Political and Institutional History of Colonial Spanish America
Authors: Cañeque Alejandro
Published: March 2013

This essay argues for a need to develop a new political history of colonial Spanish America in order to bring up to date the old institutional history of the Spanish empire. In recent decades, historians of colonial Spanish America have not shown much interest in the study of political and institutional history. Originally, this constituted a welcome reaction against the previous emphasis on the institutional and legal aspects of the Spanish empire. But one effect of this historiographical development has been that, while our knowledge of the social history of colonial Spanish America has progressed in an impressive way, our knowledge of the mechanisms of imperial rule has made very little progress in the last 50 years. As a result, colonial historians have to rely on antiquated or inadequate notions regarding the political and institutional nature of Spanish colonialism. However, the new political history of colonial Spanish America should not focus on the study of the colonial state, but rather on the political culture of the Spanish empire.
Reversing Dislocations: African Contributions to Brazil in the Works of Manuel Querino, 1890–1920
Authors: Afolabi Niyi
Published: March 2013

While Africa is inextricably linked to the formation of Brazilian identity in all its manifestations and ramifications, the discourses of hybridity in Latin America have minimized the significant impact of Africa in that cultural contact zone by encouraging the propaganda of racial harmony, mythological state of racelessness, and non‐racism while fundamentally masking the contentious terrains of struggle for institutional, economical, and cultural equality among different races. Through the analysis of select works of Manuel, this article argues that the reversal of perpetual dislocations in African diaspora discourses that emanate from myopic rendering and simplification of complex cultural realities and contexts, must begin with a close examination of the contributions of each racialized group in order to better understand the extent of the strategic contribution of every race, and deliberate marginalization of African diaspora voices in Brazilian continuously problematic racial democracy.
Frequency of electrocardiogram testing among HIV‐infected patients at risk for medication‐induced QTc prolongation
Authors: Patel N , Veve M , Kwon S , McNutt L‐A , Fish D , Miller CD
Published: March 2013

Objectives

HIV‐infected patients are commonly prescribed several medications and are thus at risk for drug interactions that may result in QTc prolongation. We sought (1) to identify the frequency of electrocardiogram (ECG) monitoring (2), to determine the prevalence of drug interactions involving QTc‐prolonging medications, and (3) to quantify the prevalence of QTc prolongation.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study was conducted among HIV‐infected adults. Demographics, medications, drug interactions and comorbidities were abstracted from patients' medical records. Abnormal QTc interval was defined per the UK Committee for Proprietary Medicinal Products. Clinical characteristics were compared among ECG recipients and nonrecipients. Among ECG recipients, the prevalence and predictors of QTc prolongation were assessed.

Results

Among the 454 patients included in the study, 80.8% were prescribed a medication associated with QTc prolongation and 39% had drug interactions expected to increase QTc prolongation risk. There were 138 patients (30.3%) who received ECG testing. Receipt of ECG monitoring was associated with increasing age, diabetes, increasing total number of medications and gastroesophageal reflux disease. Among ECG recipients, the prevalence of abnormal QTc interval was 27.5%. Chronic kidney disease [prevalence ratio (PR) 3.47; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.37–8.83; P = 0.009], hepatitis C virus coinfection (PR 2.26; 95% CI 0.97–5.27; P = 0.06) and hypertension (PR 2.11; 95% CI 0.93–4.81; P = 0.07) were independently associated with an abnormal QTc interval.

Conclusions

A low frequency of ECG testing was observed, despite a high use of medications associated with QTc prolongation. The risk of abnormal QTc interval was highest among patients with chronic kidney disease, hypertension and hepatitis C virus coinfection.
Stroke Education in the Philippines
Authors: Navarro Jose C. , Baroque Alejandro C. , Lokin Johnny K.
Published: March 2013

Education is paramount in effectively reducing the significant burden of stroke in the Philippines. Dedicated academic institutions and dynamic professional organizations in the Philippines have collaborated to involve themselves in the plight against stroke through systematic curriculum development for undergraduates, continuous regulation of quality residency and fellowship training program, hosting up-to-date Continuing Medical Education (CME) activities for local and international audience, and active participation in clinical stroke trials. Most recently, the University of Santo Tomas Faculty of Medicine & Surgery and the Department of Neurology & Psychiatry offered a 72-hour Certification Course in Stroke Medicine that commenced in 2011 in anticipation of the Master on Health Sciences in Stroke Medicine course being prepared for 2013.
Is the Rate of Cerebral Hemorrhages Declining among Stroke Patients in South America?
Authors: Del Brutto Oscar H. , Del Brutto Victor J.
Published: March 2013

Recent stroke registries suggest that the rate of cerebral hemorrhages is declining among stroke patients in South America. High rates of cerebral hemorrhages (approaching 40% of stroke cases) reported in pioneer registries during the 1990s have not been duplicated in more recent studies. In contrast, almost all studies recruiting patients from 2003 on, reported less than 20% of cerebral hemorrhages among their stroke patients. Intermediate rates of hemorrhagic strokes (from 25% to 27%) were noted among registries recruiting patients by the end of the 20th century and the start of the new Millennium. We also noted a significant declining rate of hemorrhagic stroke over the past 20 years at our Institution. In a series of 651 consecutive first-ever stroke patients included in the Hospital-Clínica Kennedy stroke registry (Guayaquil), cerebral hemorrhages accounted for 26·3% of patients recruited between 1990 and 1994 but for only 16·5% of those seen between 2005 and 2009 ( P = 0·03). More longitudinal studies are needed to confirm these findings and to determine whether the reported declining rate of hemorrhagic strokes in South America is related to increase life expectancy of the population, or to changes in lifestyle, dietary habits, or some other specific stroke risk factors not well evaluated so far.
Does Economic Crisis Always Harm International Migrants? Longitudinal Evidence from Ecuadorians in Barcelona
Authors: Moser C. O. N. , Horn Philipp
Published: March 2013

Current research on the impacts of the 2007 global economic crisis on international migration takes two different positions. Some studies emphasize the negative impacts while others are more positive. This article argues that these two positions offer simplistic interpretations which fail to take account of the complex micro‐level realities that determine migrant experiences. The article discusses how a small group of migrants from Guayaquil, Ecuador, accumulate and consolidate a complex portfolio of assets both before and during the economic crisis in Spain. Conceptualized in terms of an asset accumulation framework, and based on micro‐level longitudinal trend data, rather than the more generally used macro‐level snapshots or anecdotal evidence, the study highlights the fact that the formalization of legal status or citizenship is a crucial pre‐condition, which sets in motion a ‘virtuous’ cycle of consolidation of an interrelated portfolio of assets, regardless of the wider macro‐economic environment. Even if this turns into a ‘vicious’ cycle, for those losing jobs, to date Spanish welfare benefits have acted as a social protection mechanism.
Ethnic Return Migration and Public Debate: The Case of Kazakhstan
Authors: Kuşçu Işık
Published: March 2013

Ethnic return migrations tend to become a controversial issue and create public debates within the receiving homeland states because of two major factors. The first concerns the economic and social problems brought on by the migrants′ integration process as well as the socio‐economic burden that such migrations place on homeland institutions. The second involves the inherently discriminatory and exclusionary character of such migrations because they privilege the state‐bearing ethnic group over others. As we will see, this dynamic has important implications for domestic nation‐building. To better understand these influences within Kazakhstan, this article will attempt to analyse the public debate surrounding the government's ethnic return migration policy. It traces the discourse concerning the return of Kazakh oralmans (return migrants) by examining both Kazakh and Russian language publications. Interviews with experts, informal discussions with return migrants and the testimonies of long‐term residents in the country are also used to this end.
Group Conflict Theory in a Longitudinal Perspective: Analyzing the Dynamic Side of Ethnic Competition
Authors: Lancee Bram , Pardos-Prado Sergi
Published: March 2013

One of the most established approaches to explain attitudes toward immigration is group conflict theory. However, even though the theory was articulated in dynamic terms, previous research has almost exclusively tested it through cross-sectional analyses. The aim of this study is to disentangle the dynamic character of ethnic competition from more permanent determinants of ethnic threat. The findings show that a remarkable variation of concern over immigration, usually attributed to permanent positions of economic vulnerability, disappears when within-person variation is modeled. In line with a dynamic approach of ethnic competition, becoming unemployed or being laid off increases concern over immigration. This effect is independent of social class.
Unions and Innovation: New Insights From the Cross‐Country Evidence
Authors: Doucouliagos Hristos , Laroche Patrice
Published: March 2013

We apply meta‐regression analysis to the extant econometric studies and find that unions depress investment in innovation at the firm and industry level in all countries considered. However, this adverse effect has been declining over time and is moderated by country differences in industrial relations and regulations: The adverse effect appears to increase with labor market flexibility.
Gender Differences in Involuntary Job Loss: Why Are Men More Likely to Lose Their Jobs?
Authors: Wilkins Roger , Wooden Mark
Published: March 2013

Empirical studies have consistently reported that rates of involuntary job loss are significantly lower among female employees than among males. Only rarely, however, have the reasons for this differential been the subject of detailed investigation. In this article, household panel survey data from Australia are used that also find higher rates of job loss among men than among women. This differential, however, largely disappears once controls for industry and occupation are included. These findings suggest that the observed gender differential primarily reflects systematic differences in the types of jobs into which men and women select.
Self‐efficacy, learning method appropriation and software skills acquisition in learner‐controlled CSSTS environments
Authors: Hardin Andrew M. , Looney Clayton A. , Fuller Mark A.
Published: March 2013

A computer‐simulated software training system (CSSTS) delivers a specific form of computer‐based training in which participants are allowed to select various training features within a simulated software environment. Given the growing use of these systems as end‐user training (EUT) aids, there is a need for greater understanding of how participants use these systems, as well as whether participant‐controlled learning environments are truly effective. The present research examines how a particular learner characteristic, software self‐efficacy, drives appropriation in a high learner control, CSSTS environment. Contrary to notions in the literature, results from spreadsheet and database software training courses reveal that pre‐training specific software self‐efficacy constitutes a significant, negative predictor of faithful appropriations of the CSSTS. This research also establishes a positive relationship between faithful appropriation and increases in software self‐efficacy (SSE). In essence, faithful appropriations lead to greater increases in SSE, which influences software skills performance. In addition, the research validates prior EUT research by extending prior findings to a database training environment. A psychometrically sound measure is put forth to capture database self‐efficacy.
Alternative Pflegeoptionen und neue Wege zur Unterstützung von Waisenkindern: Der Fall Mosambik im Kontext der SADC
Authors: Shibuya Tomoko , Taylor Viviene
Published: March 2013

Auszug

Der Artikel beschreibt die Situation von Waisenkindern im südlichen Afrika unter Einbeziehung quantitativer und qualitativer Feldstudien und analysiert die Pflegeoptionen und die Sozialschutzpolitik für Waisenkinder in Mosambik mit einem besonderen Blick auf Kinder in Waisenheimen. Die Forschung versucht, neue Erkenntnisse und ein besseres Verständnis der Erfahrungen von betreuten Kindern und des ihnen angebotenen Sozialschutzes zu gewinnen, und ihre Ergebnisse zeigen, dass Waisenkinder in informellen Pflegeumgebungen mit grö
ßerer Wahrscheinlichkeit Opfer von Vernachlässigung, Misshandlung und Missbrauch werden als Waisenkinder, die in nicht staatlichen Pflegeeinrichtungen leben. Die Untersuchung macht vor allem deutlich, dass diejenigen Familien, die Kinder zur Pflege aufnehmen möchten, sorgfältiger ausgewählt werden müssen. Die Empfehlungen richten sich unter anderem auf den Aufbau der Kapazitäten sowie institutionelle Reformen der Sozialschutzpolitik für Waisenkinder im Rahmen einer allgemeinen sozialen Grundsicherung. Besonderes Gewicht wird auf die Auswahl und Begleitung der Organisationen gelegt, die Waisenkinder zur Pflege aufnehmen.
Modification of self‐concept in patients with a left‐ventricular assist device: an initial exploration
Authors: Marcuccilli Linda , Casida Jesus , Peters Rosalind M
Published: March 2013

Aims and objectives

To explore how patients with left‐ventricular assist devices (LVAD) meet the health‐deviation requisite of modifying self‐concept to accept this form of treatment and restore normalcy.

Background

LVAD are becoming a standard option to improve the quality of life for patients with advanced heart failure. Past research focused on technology issues and survival rates, but limited research has addressed the effect of LVADs on patients' perceptions of self. Orem's theory of self‐care provides a framework to investigate how patients manage threats to self‐concept to safely live with such a device.

Design

Hermeneutic phenomenology based on van Manen's method.

Method

Data were collected using semi‐structured interviews. Data saturation was achieved with nine participants (seven men; two women), 31–70 years of age who lived with a LVAD at home for at least three months. Thematic analysis was ongoing, and final themes were consensually validated.

Results

Two themes constructed from the data were consistent with the requisite of modifying self‐concept. First, Having a LVAD means living. Participants described they ‘feel alive again’, and they ‘had the rest of [their] lives that they didn't have before’. The second theme: A desire to be ‘normal’ in public, arose from participants descriptions of how the LVAD brought unwanted attention to them and that their appearance was ‘shocking’ to others.

Conclusion

Participants accepted the LVAD as necessary to live making it easier for them to modify their self‐concept and accept the changes to their bodies and daily lives. Attaining a sense of normalcy was more difficult in public and required additional lifestyle modifications.

Relevance to clinical practice

Findings advance self‐care knowledge in LVAD management and can heighten nurses' awareness about self‐concept as a vital component for maintenance of health and well‐being.
Prevention, Treatment and Healing of Pressure Sores in Long‐term Care Patients
Authors: Ek Anna‐Christina
Published: March 2013

ABSTRACT Of 515 consecutive patients newly admitted to the long‐term medical ward, 16% already had skin lesions which were classified as pressure sores upon arrival in the ward, and 7.6% developed pressure sores during the observation period which was more than three days but not more than 26 weeks. The relation between the condition of the patient and the development of pressure sores and their prevention and treatment was followed with a modified Norton scale. Proportionally more sores progressed which were initially recorded as skin discoloration as compared with the other stages, i.e. epithelial damage, damage to the full thickness of the skin and lesion with a cavity. Preventive measures were not used to a greater extent in those patients who developed pressure sores as compared with those who did not. Preventive measures were used rather as treatment or secondary prevention after a patient had already developed a lesion. The treatment measures were used in many different combinations. In this study no healing effect could be proved for the various treatment measures which were undertaken.
Evaluation of Episiotomy and Spontaneous Tears of Perineum during Childbirth
Authors: Röckner Gunny , Henningsson Annelie , Wahlberg Vivian , Ölund Anders
Published: March 2013

ABSTRACT. While episiotomy is a common operation during delivery little is known of its benefits compared with spontaneous tears. This study was designed to evaluate and compare episiotomies and spontaneous tears. The sample comprised 205 primiparas, 157 with episiotomies and 48 with spontaneous tears. Women with episiotomies expressed more discomfort, perineal complications were more pronounced and prolonged, and fewer were able to participate in the post‐partum exercises. Furthermore, delayed healing was recorded for the episiotomy group and more analgesia was used post‐partum by women with episiotomies.
The Common Language of Katz's Index of ADL in Six Studies of Aged and Disabled Patients
Authors: Åsberg Kerstin Hulter
Published: March 2013

ABSTRACT. Aged and disabled patients' need for coordinated services has increased the importance of a common language for their ability to perform the activities of daily living (ADL). This article aims at presenting Katz's Index of ADL and the use of it in six selected studies in order to show the availability for different purposes in divergent contexts. Katz's index is based on developmental principles and includes six common personal activities ordered into a cumulative scale. The use of the instrument provided both qualitative and quantitative information about disability among rather severely disabled patients in short‐term and long‐term hospital care, in nursing homes, in day‐care and in home‐care. The level of disability among the less disabled persons, who were independent in all of the six activities, were not differentiated by the index. A supplement of instrumental activities based on the same developmental principles is required, before a common language also for less disabled people can be established.
Do Physically Active People Cope Better with Biopsychosocial Stress After a Myocardial Infarction?
Authors: Karlsson Ingela , Fridlund Bengt , Hellström Lena , Eliasson Anita , Ekerving Carina , Andersson Lena , Larsson Pär A.
Published: March 2013

ABSTRACT. A preliminary study of the relationship between a physically active versus a physically non‐active life before a myocardial infarction and coping ability (e.g. psychosocial effects) after a myocardial infarction has been performed. In a mainly rural area in south‐western Sweden all myocardial infarction sufferers (N=49) during January 1984–August 1986, fulfilling certain criteria, were sent a questionnaire with special emphasis on their present and former exercise habits and psychosocial situation. The results indicate that there is a positive relation between a physically active as compared with a physically non‐active life and coping ability in terms of fewer expressed depressions, better experienced relations in the family and higher degree of return to work, after a myocardial infarction among the physically active. However, further investigations are needed in order to explain the mechanisms involved. The results further imply that primary and secondary prevention must support the “risk‐individual's” coping ability from a multifactorial view, built on holistic caring.