bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A systematic review of studies assessing the association between adherence to smoking cessation medication and treatment success
Authors: Raupach Tobias , Brown Jamie , Herbec Aleksandra , Brose Leonie , West Robert
Published: August 2013

Aims

Lack of adherence to smoking cessation medication regimens is assumed to play a significant role in limiting their effectiveness. This study aimed to assess evidence for this assumption.

Methods

A systematic search was conducted, supplemented by expert consultation, of papers reporting on randomized trials and observational studies examining the association between adherence to cessation medication and the success of quit attempts. To rule out reverse causality, only studies where adherence was assessed prior to relapse were included. Five studies met the inclusion criteria and results were extracted independently by two researchers. Heterogeneity between studies precluded a pooled analysis of the data.

Results

Studies varied widely with regard to both the definition of adherence and outcome measures. The included studies only addressed adherence to nicotine replacement therapy. One study of lozenge use found that the amount of medication used between 1 and 2 weeks after the quit date predicted abstinence at 6 weeks [adjusted odds ratio (OR) for ‘high’ versus ‘low’ lozenge use 1.25; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.05–1.50; P < 0.02]. Similarly, one study found a significant impact of oral nicotine consumption during the first week on abstinence at 4 weeks (adjusted OR per additional mg/day = 1.05; CI = 1.01–1.10). Another study found that participants using nicotine replacement therapy for at least 5 weeks were significantly more likely to self‐report continuous abstinence at 6 months. The remaining two studies failed to find a significant effect of treatment duration on outcome at 1 and 2 years but had very low power to detect such an effect.

Conclusions

There is modest evidence to support the assumption that lack of adherence to nicotine replacement therapy regimens undermines effectiveness in clinical studies.
The impact of periodontitis on oral health‐related quality of life: a review of the evidence from observational studies
Authors: Al‐Harthi LS , Cullinan MP , Leichter JW , Thomson WM
Published: August 2013

Modern population based oral health management requires a complete understanding of the impact of disease in order to provide efficient and effective oral health care and guidance. Periodontitis is an important cause of tooth loss and has been shown to be associated with a number of systemic conditions. The impact of oral conditions and disorders on quality of life has been extensively studied. However, the impact of periodontitis on quality of life has received less attention. This review summarizes the literature on the impact of periodontitis on oral health‐related quality of life (OHRQoL). Relevant publications were identified after searching the MEDLINE and EMBASE electronic databases. Screening of titles and abstracts and data extraction was conducted. Only observational studies were included in this review. Most of the reviewed studies reported a negative impact of periodontitis on OHRQoL. However, the reporting standards varied across studies. Moreover, most of the studies were conducted in developed countries.
Current perspectives on the role of ridge (socket) preservation procedures in dental implant treatment in the aesthetic zone
Authors: Kassim B , Ivanovski S , Mattheos N
Published: August 2013

Augmentation of the extraction socket (ridge preservation) is increasingly being advocated in anticipation of implant placement. The aim of this article is to review the available evidence with regards to ridge preservation procedures, investigating whether these techniques improve dental implant treatment outcomes. Evidence is examined to compare these techniques to other treatment alternatives such as implant placement with simultaneous lateral augmentation. An electronic PubMed search was conducted using search terms relevant to assessing treatment outcomes in association with ridge preservation. Titles were screened and full text obtained where relevant. Further full text articles were obtained from analysis of those papers yielded from the original search. Twenty‐two papers were finally selected for analysis. Ridge preservation techniques are effective in minimizing post‐extraction alveolar ridge contraction. However, there is insufficient evidence to suggest that the use of these techniques in conjunction with dental implant treatment improves implant treatment outcomes. Furthermore, ridge preservation does not necessarily eliminate the need for further simultaneous augmentation at the time of implant placement. The delayed healing associated with ridge preservation using socket grafting necessitates a commitment to a delayed placement protocol. The extended treatment time, compromised healing and expense related to ridge preservation suggests a more cautious approach with regards to the indication of such techniques.
Biogeographical relations of a hyperarid desert flora in eastern Egypt
Authors: El‐Ghani Monier Abd , Salama Fawzy , Salem Boshra , El‐Hadidy Azza , Abdel‐Aleem Mohamed
Published: August 2013

The floristic composition and geographical elements of the study area were analysed resulted in 328 species representing 206 genera in 55 families. This study confirmed the record of fourteen species, mostly weeds, which can be considered as new additions to the flora of the study area. Therophytes were the dominant life form, while mono‐ and bi‐regional Saharo‐Sindian geoelements were the most represented. Ten species showed dominancy with their Q‐values ranged between 0.802 and 0.2, where Zilla spinosa and Zygophyllum coccineum were of common occurrence. Application of cluster analysis and DCA ordination techniques produced four major floristic groups (A–D) comprising seven subgroups. The correlation coefficients (r) between the different subgroups revealed high significant correlations (P = 0.01) between floristic group (B) and subgroup (C2) and between subgroups (D1) and (D2). Significant correlations (P = 0.05) occurred between subgroup (D1) and both of (A1) and (C2). Comparing the floristic similarities between this investigation and other relevant studies were presented and discussed. On the other hand, the low similarity index between the study area and Sinai may be attributed to the geographical position of both deserts where Sinai desert is part of the Irano‐Turanian region, while the Eastern Desert is a part of the Saharo‐Sindian region.
Elective versus emergency abdominal surgery following cardiac transplantation: a Victorian state transplant service experience
Authors: Kras Ashley L. , Yo Shaun W. , Marasco Silvana F. , Wale Roger , Warrier Satish K.
Published: August 2013

Background

Heart transplant patients constitute a unique patient cohort with multiple risk factors predictive of poor surgical outcome. The Alfred Hospital offers the only heart transplant service in Victoria, Australia. This article presents The Alfred Hospital's experience with outcomes of abdominal operations in the heart transplant patient population.

Methods

The statewide cardiothoracic registry was cross‐referenced with The Alfred Hospital's electronic hospital database to identify heart transplant patients who had undergone abdominal surgery from 2002 to November 2012. Patients who met the inclusion criteria were evaluated in two groups: elective and emergency surgical settings. In the emergency group, risk factors recorded for poor surgical outcome were high‐dose immunosuppression therapy, diabetes and other conventional vascular risk factors. Outcome measures assessed in both groups were length of stay, readmission within 30 days and 1‐year mortality.

Results

Twelve patients were identified who underwent 13 abdominal operations. Eight were elective cases and five were emergent abdominal operations. The mean length of stay was shorter in the elective group than the emergency group (2.5 days versus 21.3 days). There was one readmission within 30 days, and no mortality at 1 year following elective surgery. In the emergency surgery group, two patients were readmitted within 30 days post‐operatively, and there were two deaths observed in this group.

Conclusion

The Alfred Hospital experience demonstrates that elective abdominal surgery following heart transplantation can be performed safely. Emergent surgery in this group of patients, however, is associated with poorer outcomes.
Pharmacogenetic‐guided dosing of coumarin anticoagulants: algorithms for warfarin, acenocoumarol and phenprocoumon
Authors: Verhoef Talitha I. , Redekop William K. , Daly Ann K. , van Schie Rianne M. F. , de Boer Anthonius , Maitland‐van der Zee Anke‐Hilse
Published: August 2013

Coumarin derivatives, such as warfarin, acenocoumarol and phenprocoumon are frequently prescribed oral anticoagulants to treat and prevent thromboembolism. Because there is a large inter‐individual and intra‐individual variability in dose–response and a small therapeutic window, treatment with coumarin derivatives is challenging. Certain polymorphisms in CYP2C9 and VKORC1 are associated with lower dose requirements and a higher risk of bleeding. In this review we describe the use of different coumarin derivatives, pharmacokinetic characteristics of these drugs and differences amongst the coumarins. We also describe the current clinical challenges and the role of pharmacogenetic factors. These genetic factors are used to develop dosing algorithms and can be used to predict the right coumarin dose. The effectiveness of this new dosing strategy is currently being investigated in clinical trials.
Bone health medication and adults with intellectual disabilities: an audit of bone health medication dispensed by a pharmacist in long‐term care
Authors: Flood Bernadette
Published: August 2013

Accessible summary

People with intellectual disabilities.

Need to protect their bone health.

May take medication that weakens their bones.

Adults with intellectual disabilities should protect their bones by

Taking exercise.

Eating well.

Taking bone health medicines like calcium and vitamin D and other medicines if they need them.

Pharmacists know about medicines to protect bone health.
‘IT skills for modern day living’ – supporting adults with disabilities to access lifelong learning
Authors: Wende Joana
Published: August 2013

Accessible summary

This article is about a computer course for adults with disabilities, called ‘IT Skills for Modern Day Living’.

IT stands for Information Technology and means how computers can be used.

In the course, people learn about how to use computers in their ordinary daily routine.

The course takes place at Enable Ireland's day services centre in Limerick. Enable Ireland provides supports to children and adults with disabilities and their families.

There are five modules. After the students have been introduced to computers, they learn about how to stay safe when using the internet, for example on a social networking site. Students also learn how to write letters on the computer and how to upload pictures from a digital camera or mobile phone.
Identifying the types of technology that are used by children with intellectual disabilities and associated complex needs living at home in Ireland
Authors: Nicholl Honor , Doyle Carmel , Moran Sinead , Guilfoyle MaryJo
Published: August 2013

Accessible summary

This research indentifies the types of technology children with complex needs use at home.

Many types of equipment were identified.

Parents need support in using this equipment.

Within the literature, there is evidence that caring for children with complex needs, however defined, includes the management of equipment and resources (Child Care Health Dev, 2001, 27, 321; Technology Dependent Children and Family Life. Research Works, University of York, UK, Social Policy Research Unit, 2003; Journal of Specialists in Pediatric Nursing, 2007, 12, 72; Caring for Children with Complex Needs in the Community, Oxford, Blackwell Publishing, 2008). The objectives of this mixed method study were to identify the range of technology used by children with complex needs and identify issues of concern for parents. Data were collected using a specifically designed questionnaire that was developed with experts. The questionnaire was subsequently administered by telephone survey and personal contact with parents of children with complex needs. Findings indicated that children with intellectual disabilities* and associated complex needs require the use of high levels of technology** to maintain their health and well‐being. On average, families identified that 22 pieces of equipment were used by their child. This study is significant in identifying technology used in the home for the care of children with intellectual disabilities and associated complex needs. Associated issues concerning the use and management of this technology have been highlighted. Areas in need of development include provision of supporting mechanisms for parents to meet the daily requirements of their child in the home.
Ireland's ratification of the UN convention on the rights of persons with disabilities: challenges and opportunities
Authors: Doyle Suzanne , Flynn Eilionóir
Published: August 2013

Accessible summary

Being an adult gives people a right to make their own decisions.

This right is called legal capacity.

However, some adults need help with making decisions, and some adults need support to explain their decisions to others.

Some of the laws in Ireland are outdated, and as a result, some adults, who are able to make their own decisions, do not get to make their own decisions.

The United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) says that all people have legal capacity, that is, the right to make their own decisions and have these decisions respected by law.

The United Nations Convention wants Ireland to put new laws in place so that decisions that are made which respect the will and preferences of that person.

Ireland needs to put these new laws in place so that Ireland can ratify the treaty of the United Nations. Ratifying a treaty means that a country agrees to do what that treaty says.

Organisations who work with and advocate for people with disabilities have been trying to make sure that the new law does what Article 12 says.

Ireland was amongst the first signatories of the CRPD on the 30th of March 2007. The Irish government has stated that the barrier to ratification of the Convention is Ireland's out‐dated wards of court system which, upon a finding of incapacity, removes all decision‐making rights (legal capacity) from an individual. This paper examines the implications of Article 12 of the CRPD which prohibits the removal of a person's legal capacity and instead requires the provision by States Parties of the supports necessary to ensure that a person can exercise their legal capacity on an equal basis with others. The paper charts the progress towards ratification by analysing the proposals for reform pre‐CRPD, focusing on the reform of the law on legal capacity as well as the advocacy of civil society organisations on this issue. It concludes with setting out and commenting on government statements on the content of the forthcoming published legislation and makes tentative remarks based on this. The reason for focusing on legal capacity reform is that this is the only issue which has been highlighted by government as a barrier to Ireland's ratification of the CRPD.
‘Using Your Environment’: the development and implementation of a client‐centred assessment tool for use with people who have intellectual disabilities
Authors: Kilpatrick Tracey , O'Leary Eucemia
Published: August 2013

Accessible summary

A user‐friendly, client‐centred tool was developed to enable service users to set goals about activities at home and in the community.

Using this tool benefitted service users by greater involvement in goal setting; more independence, choice and control; higher motivation.

We will continue to improve this tool to meet the needs identified by service users of all ages.
Free play time of children with learning disabilities in a noninclusive preschool setting: an analysis of play and nonplay behaviours
Authors: Fallon Joanne , MacCobb Siobhan
Published: August 2013

Accessible summary

Some children with disabilities go to special preschools where adults help them play.

The adults who work in preschools sometimes ask occupational therapists for advice to help children play more.

Occupational therapists need to know how children play when not helped by adults.

This study videoed children playing both with lots of toys and without toys to see how they chose to play.

Within the Republic of Ireland, young children with learning disabilities may attend special preschools where they do not share any part of their day with typically developing children. Within these settings, preschool staff support children's play. Clinicians such as occupational therapists may be called upon to assist in progressing their play. To provide appropriate recommendations, occupational therapists must have a clear understanding of what play a child with learning disabilities engages in when not supported by adults. Occupational therapy literature described play as the most common occupation of children with a focus on process‐driven activity. This may be at odds with a model of early intervention, where play is often product‐driven, with the end goal in mind. The aim of this research was to establish what free play, if any, children with learning disabilities engage in when not supported by adults in an Irish preschool setting. Secondly, this study sought to describe what behaviours these children engage in when they were not playing. Finally, this study sought to establish inter‐rater reliability of the Revised Know Preschool Play Scale with this small sample. Systematic observation was used to explore the play and nonplay behaviours of the children involved. A convenience sample was used to identify five children to participate in the study. Results indicated that children engaged in free play within the sensory motor stage of development, as assessed using the Revised Knox Preschool Play Scale. They also spent significant time in nonplay behaviours. The behaviour patterns of the children and time spent in different activities were explored.
Reflection on a new mental health awareness programme for adults with intellectual disabilities
Authors: Finn Aislinn , Flanagan Lisa
Published: August 2013

Accessible summary

This paper is a reflection on the development of an accessible mental health programme for people with intellectual disabilities.

The authors note rationale for the development of the programme.

The authors outline the key components of the programme.
Complement alternative pathway genetic variation and Dengue infection in the Thai population
Authors: Kraivong R , Vasanawathana S , Limpitikul W , Malasit P , Tangthawornchaikul N , Botto M , Screaton G R , Mongkolsapaya J , Pickering M C
Published: August 2013

Dengue disease is a mosquito-borne infection caused by Dengue virus. Infection may be asymptomatic or variably manifest as mild Dengue fever (DF) to the most severe form, Dengue haemorrhagic fever (DHF). Mechanisms that influence disease severity are not understood. Complement, an integral component of the immune system, is activated during Dengue infection and the degree of activation increases with disease severity. Activation of the complement alternative pathway is influenced by polymorphisms within activation (factor B rs12614/rs641153, C3 rs2230199) and regulatory [complement factor H (CFH) rs800292] proteins, collectively termed a complotype. Here, we tested the hypothesis that the complotype influences disease severity during secondary Dengue infection. In addition to the complotype, we also assessed two other disease-associated CFH polymorphisms (rs1061170, rs3753394) and a structural polymorphism within the CFH protein family. We did not detect any significant association between the examined polymorphisms and Dengue infection severity in the Thai population. However, the minor allele frequencies of the factor B and C3 polymorphisms were less than 10%, so our study was not sufficiently powered to detect an association at these loci. We were also unable to detect a direct interaction between CFH and Dengue NS1 using both recombinant NS1 and DV2-infected culture supernatants. We conclude that the complotype does not influence secondary Dengue infection severity in the Thai population.
Inactivity on the kidney transplant wait‐list is associated with inferior pre‐ and post‐transplant outcomes
Authors: Norman Silas Prescod , Kommareddi Mallika , Luan Fu Lung
Published: August 2013

Background

The majority of kidney transplant (KT) candidates spend some time on the transplant wait‐list (WL) prior to kidney transplantation. We examined the impact of WL inactivity on clinical outcomes.

Methods

All adult KT candidates first actively wait‐listed between January 1, 1996, and December 31, 2005, in the United States were grouped by frequency of inactivity on the WL. Transplantation rate, pre‐ and post‐transplant patient survival and death‐censored kidney graft survival were compared.

Results

Of 159 774 candidates who were placed on the WL, 48 598 (30.4%) experienced one or more periods of inactivity. Candidates with inactivity once or more on the WL had 42% and 27% less likelihood of KT, respectively (HR 0.58, 95% CI 0.57, 0.59 and HR 0.73, 95% CI 0.71, 0.75). WL inactivity once or more was associated with a higher likelihood of death (HR 1.94, 95% CI 1.88, 2.00 and HR 2.13, 95% CI 2.02, 2.24). Among KT recipients, inactivity more than once on the WL was associated with a higher risk of death (HR 1.14, 95% CI 1.05, 1.23).

Conclusions

Periods of inactivity on the WL predict increased mortality pre‐ and post‐transplantation. A better understanding of the reasons for WL inactivity is essential to improve WL management and post‐transplant outcomes.
A critical analysis of early death after adult liver transplants
Authors: Rana Abbas , Kaplan Bruce , Jie Tun , Porubsky Marian , Habib Shahid , Rilo Horacio , Gruessner Angelika C. , Gruessner Rainer W.G.
Published: August 2013

Introduction

The 15% mortality rate of liver transplant recipients at one yr may be viewed as a feat in comparison with the waiting list mortality, yet it nonetheless leaves room for much improvement. Our aim was to critically examine the mortality rates to identify high‐risk periods and to incorporate cause of death into the analysis of post‐transplant survival.

Methods

We performed a retrospective analysis on United Network for Organ Sharing data for all adult recipients of liver transplants from January 1, 2002 to October 31, 2011. Our analysis included multivariate logistic regression where the primary outcome measure was patient death of 49 288 recipients.

Results

The highest mortality rate by day post‐transplant was on day 0 (0.9%). The most significant risk factors were as follows: for one‐d mortality from technical failure, intensive care unit admission odds ratio (OR 3.2); for one‐d mortality from graft failure, warm ischemia >75 min (OR 5.6); for one‐month mortality from infection, a previous transplant (OR 3.3); and for one‐month mortality from graft failure, a previous transplant (OR 3.7).

Conclusion

We found that the highest mortality rate after liver transplantation is within the first day and the first month post‐transplant. Those two high‐risk periods have common, as well as different, risk factors for mortality.
Liver transplantation after severe hepatic trauma: a sustainable practice. A single‐center experience and review of the literature
Authors: Patrono Damiano , Brunati Andrea , Romagnoli Renato , Salizzoni Mauro
Published: August 2013

Severe hepatic trauma is a rare indication for liver transplantation (LT). We report our single‐center experience of LT for hepatic trauma. Four new cases are discussed in light of a literature review in order to depict the pathways leading from hepatic trauma to LT and to assess the outcomes of this practice. LT is generally indicated in case of uncontrollable hemorrhage, acute liver failure, or post‐traumatic late sequelae. Hepatic vessels thrombosis, sepsis, major hepatic resections, and a late referral are factors associated with the progression toward irreversible liver failure. Considering all reported cases, early patient and graft survival reached 68% and 62%, respectively, but in the last decade both have improved to 84%. LT after severe hepatic trauma is a sustainable practice considering the current good outcomes and the ineluctable death of these patients without LT.
Socioeconomic status and functional brain development – associations in early infancy
Authors: Tomalski Przemyslaw , Moore Derek G. , Ribeiro Helena , Axelsson Emma L. , Murphy Elizabeth , Karmiloff‐Smith Annette , Johnson Mark H. , Kushnerenko Elena
Published: August 2013

Socioeconomic status (SES) impacts on both structural and functional brain development in childhood, but how early its effects can be demonstrated is unknown. In this study we measured resting baseline EEG activity in the gamma frequency range in awake 6–9‐month‐olds from areas of East London with high socioeconomic deprivation. Between‐subject comparisons of infants from low‐ and high‐income families revealed significantly lower frontal gamma power in infants from low‐income homes. Similar power differences were found when comparing infants according to maternal occupation, with lower occupational status groups yielding lower power. Infant sleep, maternal education, length of gestation, and birth weight, as well as smoke exposure and bilingualism, did not explain these differences. Our results show that the effects of socioeconomic disparities on brain activity can already be detected in early infancy, potentially pointing to very early risk for language and attention difficulties. This is the first study to reveal region‐selective differences in functional brain development associated with early infancy in low‐income families.
Presence of Preoperative Diastolic Dysfunction Predicts Postoperative Pulmonary Edema and Cardiovascular Complications in Patients Undergoing Noncardiac Surgery
Authors: Cho Dong‐Hyuk , Park Seong‐Mi , Kim Mi‐Na , Kim Su‐A , Lim HaeJa , Shim Wan‐Joo
Published: August 2013

Objective

The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of left ventricular diastolic dysfunction on predicting postoperative pulmonary edema and major cardiovascular events (MACE) in patients who underwent low‐ or intermediate‐risk noncardiac surgery.

Methods

A total of 692 patients aged >60 years who underwent transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) before undergoing elective low‐ or intermediate‐risk noncardiac surgery were prospectively enrolled. The medical history and TTE variables were assessed. Each patient was clinically evaluated for postoperative pulmonary edema and MACE. The presence of postoperative pulmonary edema and MACE were evaluated during a 30‐day follow‐up period after surgery.

Results

We identified 166 patients with pulmonary edema and 49 patients with MACE. After adjusting for clinical and TTE variables, multivariate analysis demonstrated that a ratio of early transmitral flow velocity to early diastolic velocity of the mitral annulus (E/e′) >15, pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP) ≥35 mmHg, and left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) were significantly associated with postoperative pulmonary edema (E/e′, P < 0.001: PASP, P = 0.005; LVH, P = 0.017). The multivariate analysis for MACE after adjusting for clinical risk factors indicated that MACE were significantly associated with an E/e′ > 15 (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

E/e′ > 15, PASP elevation, and LVH on preoperative TTE predicted postoperative pulmonary edema, and E/e′ > 15 predicted MACE in the patients who underwent low‐ or intermediate‐risk noncardiac surgery. Thus, we believe that clinicians need to be cautious when providing perioperative care to patients with high E/e′ ratios who are indicated for TTE.
Disaster gold rushes, sophisms and academic neocolonialism: comments on ‘Earthquake disasters and resilience in the global North’
Authors: Gomez Christopher , Hart Deirdre E
Published: August 2013

After the 2004 events in the Indian Ocean and, again, after the 2011 Tōhoku catastrophe, the number of scientific publications on tsunami topics doubled in the subsequent 2 years. Such mass information has the potential to drive major improvements in tsunami disaster mitigation. Unfortunately, however, ‘gold rush’ publications are increasingly penned to the detriment of quality research and, thus, invite the inverse potential benefits. The present contribution critiques one such publication, Crowley and Elliott, in terms of their simplistic assertions, literature misinterpretations and lack of cultural and linguistic knowledge of the societies involved, bordering on neocolonialism. We argue that these authors present a distorted, if not sophistic, representation of both the Tōhoku (Japan) and the Canterbury (New Zealand) disasters. Our aim is to correct several records in terms of the recent Japanese and New Zealand events, and to suggest that the scientific community has a critical duty to scrutinize post‐disaster ‘gold rush’ publications since proffered paradigms and imagined geographies can either inform or misinform disaster mitigation strategies.
Geographical connections: Royal Geographical Society (with IBG) Medals and Awards ceremony 2013
Authors: Rees Judith , Palin Michael , Richards Keith , Jones Kelvyn , Longley Paul , Page Susan
Published: August 2013

The Royal Geographical Society (with IBG)'s annual Medals and Awards recognise achievements in the research, communication and teaching of a wide range of geographical knowledge. The speeches and citations are a record of the ceremony of 2013. With comments by Michael Palin, and Professors Keith Richards, Kelvyn Jones, Paul Longley and Susan Page, the speeches encompass travel, fluvial geomorphology, quantitative research, geographic information science and tropical peatland conservation.
Geography and the nexus: Presidential Address and record of the Royal Geographical Society (with IBG) AGM 2013
Authors: Rees Judith
Published: August 2013

In her first address as President of the Royal Geographical Society (with the Institute of British Geographers), Judith Rees highlights the potential role of geography in nexus thinking. Her comments are followed by a summary of the Society's 2013 Annual General Meeting, including reflections on 2012 activities.
An objective method for assessing adherence to prophylaxis in adults with severe haemophilia
Authors: Ho S. , Gue D. , McIntosh K. , Bucevska M. , Yang M. , Jackson S.
Published: August 2013

Severe haemophilia is often managed by prophylactic factor infusions in developed countries. The benefits of secondary prophylaxis in adults are currently being studied and adherence to the prescribed prophylactic factor regimen is vital to decreasing bleeding episodes. The aim of this study was to measure discrepancy between the physicians' prescription for prophylactic factor usage, and the actual factor usage obtained through infusion logs. During this method subjects with severe haemophilia A or B (FVIII or FIX ≤2%), from a single haemophilia clinic with complete medical and infusion records from July 01, 2009 to June 30, 2011, were evaluated. Continuous prophylaxis ≥4 weeks were included in the analysis. A scoring system for adherence to prescribed dosing and frequency was developed. A global scale of adherence was performed by two independent nurses using visual analogue scale. Thirty‐one subjects, all with haemophilia A, with a median age of 26 years (range 18–56) were included. Results showed that the median (IQR) adherence rate to prescribed frequency and dosage, respectively, was 76% (67;85) and 93% (73;97). In multivariate analysis, only the length of time on prophylaxis during the study period showed a positive correlation with adherence whereas age, number of co‐infections, number of bleeds and number of joints with chronic arthropathy did not. Global nursing assessments were in general agreement with the score. In conclusion, we observed a moderately good level of adherence based on score and by the nurse global assessment. Better adherence was found in subjects with longer exposure to prophylaxis.
The Impact of the Bologna Reform on the Productivity of Swiss Universities
Authors: Agasisti Tommaso , Bolli Thomas
Published: August 2013

The Bologna reform aims to enhance several dimensions of the universities' activities, by favouring mobility and mutual recognition of higher education degrees across Europe, with the objective to create a European Higher Education Area. The radical changes induced by the Bologna Process affect universities' productivity both directly (for example, implementation costs, curriculum streamlining, evaluation intensity) and indirectly (for example, the ability to attract more students and higher levels of competition among institutions). The decentralised organisation of the Swiss university sector provides an ideal setting to test this hypothesis, as the panel data of departments permits the consideration of the unobserved heterogeneity across both universities and scientific fields. The empirical results support the claim that the Bologna reform enhances university productivity. Furthermore, there is no evidence of substantial costs of the system transformation.
The effect of pH, salts and sugars on the rheological properties of cress seed (Lepidium sativum) gum
Authors: Behrouzian Fataneh , Razavi Seyed M. A. , Karazhiyan Hojjat
Published: August 2013

Effect of shear rate (15–600 s−1), gum concentration (1–2%), pH (3–9), sucrose (10–40%), lactose (5–15%), NaCl (100–300 mm) and CaCl2 (5–50 mm) was evaluated on apparent viscosity (ηa), flow behaviour index (n), consistency coefficient (K) and yield stress (τ0) indices of cress seed gum (CSG) solutions. Different rheological models were used to fit the experimental data, although the Herschel–Bulkley model was found the best model. An increase in gum concentration led to an increase in τ0, ηa, and k and a decrease in n values. The addition of salts lowered the k value; however, the n value showed slight significant change. The presence of sugar resulted in the enhancement of n, k, τ0 and ηap values. The existence of yield stress and pseudoplastic behaviour of CSG, its stability against salts, wide range of pH and synergic effect of sugar make it a good thickener and stabiliser in food formulations.
Quality of life of caregivers: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Ovayolu Özlem , Ovayolu Nimet , Tuna Döndü , Serçe Sibel , Sevinç Alper , Pirbudak Çöçelli Lütfiye
Published: August 2013

This descriptive study was conducted to evaluate the quality of life of cancer caregivers. One hundred and seventy‐eight caregivers of patients who were diagnosed with cancer in Gaziantep oncology hospital participated in the study. Data were collected by using a questionnaire and quality of life scale. The scale was scored between 0 and 10, where ‘10’ indicated the best and ‘0’ indicated the worst level. It was determined that the majority of caregivers were young and female, the overall total score average of quality of life was 4.5 ± 1.1, and the subdomain with the lowest value was the psychological subdomain. All quality of life subdomain score averages and the overall total score averages were observed to be low in women, as well as in those who provided care for their own children, who lived in the same house with the patient and who gave care for 19–24 h daily.
Pressure ulcer knowledge of registered nurses, assistant nurses and student nurses: a descriptive, comparative multicentre study in Sweden
Authors: Gunningberg Lena , Mårtensson Gunilla , Mamhidir Anna‐Greta , Florin Jan , Muntlin Athlin Åsa , Bååth Carina
Published: August 2013

The aim of this study was to describe and compare the knowledge of registered nurses (RNs), assistant nurses (ANs) and student nurses (SNs) about preventing pressure ulcers (PUs). PU prevention behaviours in the clinical practice of RNs and ANs were also explored. A descriptive, comparative multicentre study was performed. Hospital wards and universities from four Swedish county councils participated. In total, 415 participants (RN, AN and SN) completed the Pressure Ulcer Knowledge Assessment Tool. The mean knowledge score for the sample was 58·9%. The highest scores were found in the themes ‘nutrition’ (83·1%) and ‘risk assessment’ (75·7%). The lowest scores were found in the themes ‘reduction in the amount of pressure and shear’ (47·5%) and ‘classification and observation’ (55·5%). RNs and SNs had higher scores than ANs on ‘aetiology and causes’. SNs had higher scores than RNs and ANs on 'nutrition'. It has been concluded that there is a knowledge deficit in PU prevention among nursing staff in Sweden. A major educational campaign needs to be undertaken both in hospital settings and in nursing education.
Crystal Structure and Electrical Properties of Lead‐Free (1 − x)BaTiO3–x(Bi1/2A1/2)TiO3 (A = Ag,Li,Na,K,Rb,Cs) Ceramics
Authors: Liu Xiaoming , Tan Xiaoli
Published: August 2013

Ceramics of solid solutions (1 − x)BaTiO3–x(Bi1/2A1/2)TiO3 (A = Ag, Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs, x ≤ 0.20) were prepared and their crystal structures, dielectric, ferroelectric, and piezoelectric properties were investigated. It was found that (Bi1/2A1/2)TiO3‐type doping compounds broadened the temperature range of the tetragonal phase in BaTiO3 and all the compositions examined displayed a tetragonal structure at room temperature. The Curie temperature (TC) was observed to increase with respect to pure BaTiO3 to the range 140°C–210°C through solid solution. Remanent polarization (Pr) tended to decrease with increased content of doping compound, whereas the coercive field (EC) rose and piezoelectric coefficient (d33) fell. The highest d33 value in the solid solutions was observed in 0.97BaTiO3–0.03(Bi1/2Ag1/2)TiO3 at 90 pC/N.
High‐Sensitivity Cardiac Troponin T Predicts Nondipper Hypertension in Newly Diagnosed Hypertensive Patients
Authors: Çaylı Murat , Gür Mustafa , Elbasan Zafer , Şeker Taner , Türkoğlu Caner , Kaypaklı Onur , Şahin Durmuş Y. , Uçar Hakan , Kıvrak Ali , Koyunsever Nermin Y. , Şen Ömer
Published: August 2013

The increased prognostic accuracy of the high‐sensitivity cardiac troponin T (hs‐cTnT) assay vs the conventional cTnT assay has recently been reported in hypertensive patients. The authors aimed to investigate the significance of serum hs‐cTnT marker for prediction of nondipper hypertension (HTN) in hypertensive patients. A total of 317 patients with newly diagnosed HTN were studied. The patients were divided into two groups: 198 dipper hypertensive patients (mean age, 51.7±5.1 years) and 119 nondipper hypertensive patients (mean age, 53.4±7.6 years). Hs‐cTnT and N‐terminal pro‐brain natriuretic peptide (NT‐proBNP) were measured in all patients. hs‐cTnT and NT‐proBNP were independent predictors for nondipper HTN (P<.05 for all). The cutoff value of hs‐cTnT obtained by the receiver operator curve analysis was 7.55 ng/L for the prediction of nondipper HTN (sensitivity: 79%, specificity: 70%; 95% confidence interval, 0.769–0.860; P<.001). In patients with HTN, higher serum concentration of hs‐cTnT even within normal range is an independent predictor of nondipper HTN.
Physician and Patient Characteristics Associated With Clinical Inertia in Blood Pressure Control
Authors: Harle Christopher A. , Harman Jeffrey S. , Yang Shuo
Published: August 2013

Clinical inertia, the failure to adjust antihypertensive medications during patient visits with uncontrolled hypertension, is thought to be a common problem. This retrospective study used 5 years of electronic medical records from a multispecialty group practice to examine the association between physician and patient characteristics and clinical inertia. Hierarchical linear models (HLMs) were used to examine (1) differences in physician and patient characteristics among patients with and without clinical inertia, and (2) the association between clinical inertia and future uncontrolled hypertension. Overall, 66% of patients experienced clinical inertia. Clinical inertia was associated with one physician characteristic, patient volume (odds ratio [OR]=0.998). However, clinical inertia was associated with multiple patient characteristics, including patient age (OR=1.021), commercial insurance (OR=0.804), and obesity (OR=1.805). Finally, patients with clinical inertia had 2.9 times the odds of uncontrolled hypertension at their final visit in the study period. These findings may aid the design of interventions to reduce clinical inertia.
S100 proteins and the skin: a review
Authors: Halawi A. , Abbas O. , Mahalingam M.
Published: August 2013

The structurally related, low‐molecular weight S100 proteins constitute a family of proteins that possess a common basic structure allowing them to carry out a range of intracellular and extracellular functions. Unifying intracellular functions relate to regulation of proliferation, energy metabolism, calcium homeostasis, enzyme activities, cell growth and differentiation. Extracellular tasks, however, appear somewhat specific to select S100 members and include participation in innate and adaptive immune responses, tissue development and repair, and/or cell migration and chemotaxis. This review is an attempt to comprehensively summarize the function and expression of S100 proteins selectively expressed in normal skin and/or involved in diseased skin.
Comorbid psychopathology and stress mediate the relationship between autistic traits and repetitive behaviours in adults with autism
Authors: García‐Villamisar D. , Rojahn J.
Published: August 2013

Background

Comorbid psychopathology and stress were considered possible mediators that may explain the relationship between some autistic traits and repetitive behaviours. The current study sought to examine the mediational effects of comorbid psychopathology, executive dysfunctions and stress in the relationship between some autistic traits and repetitive behaviours.

Method

A battery of questionnaires including measures of autistic traits, repetitive behaviours, stress, executive dysfunctions and comorbid psychopathology were administered to a sample of adults with autism and intellectual disabilities (n = 43).

Results

We found that when taken as set dimensions of comorbidity, dysexecutive functioning and stress mediated or explained the effects of autistic symptoms on repetitive behaviour. The total model explained 60% of the variation in repetitive behaviours (R = 0.60; F = 13.64, P < 0.001). The results are discussed in the light of pertinent previous research and their clinical implications, and suggestions for future research are provided.

Conclusions

According to the investigated model, increased levels of comorbid psychopathology and stress explained the relationships between repetitive/restrictive behaviours and autistic traits in adults with autism, while executive functioning did not contribute to that relationship.
Influence of mobbing (workplace bullying) on depressive symptoms: a longitudinal study among employees working with people with intellectual disabilities
Authors: Figueiredo‐Ferraz H. , Gil‐Monte P. R. , Olivares‐Faúndez V. E.
Published: August 2013

Background

The problem of mobbing has attracted a great deal of attention over the past few years. This concern has increased the study of the phenomena, which has resulted in many scientific publications. Mobbing has been characterised as an emerging risk at work. The aim of this longitudinal study was to analyse the influence of mobbing on depressive symptoms in a sample of employees working with people with intellectual disabilities (ID).

Method

The sample consisted of 372 Spanish employees working with people with ID at 61 job centres in the Valencian Community (Spain). Seventy‐nine (21.2%) participants were men, and 293 were (78.8%) women. Mobbing was evaluated by the Mobbing‐UNIPSICO scale, and depressive symptoms were measured using the Zung Self Rating Depression Scale. Using analyses of variance (anova), we tested the differences in depressive symptoms according to the mobbing criteria indicated by Leymann, that is, frequency and duration at Time 1 and Time 2.

Results

Employees who met the mobbing criteria: frequency (at least once a week) and duration (at least 6 months) at the two study times presented significantly higher levels of depressive symptoms than employees who met mobbing criteria at Time 1, but did not meet any criteria for mobbing at Time 2, and employees who did not meet any criteria for mobbing at Time 1 or Time 2.

Conclusions

We conclude that permanence of mobbing from Time 1 to Time 2 increases depressive symptoms.
Extracellular matrix determinants and the regulation of cancer cell invasion stratagems
Authors: WILLIS A.L. , SABEH F. , LI X.‐Y. , WEISS S.J.
Published: August 2013

During development, wound repair and disease‐related processes, such as cancer, normal, or neoplastic cell types traffic through the extracellular matrix (ECM), the complex composite of collagens, elastin, glycoproteins, proteoglycans, and glycosaminoglycans that dictate tissue architecture. Current evidence suggests that tissue‐invasive processes may proceed by protease‐dependent or protease‐independent strategies whose selection is not only governed by the characteristics of the motile cell population, but also by the structural properties of the intervening ECM. Herein, we review the mechanisms by which ECM dimensionality, elasticity, crosslinking, and pore size impact patterns of cell invasion. This summary should prove useful when designing new experimental approaches for interrogating invasion programs as well as identifying potential cellular targets for next‐generation therapeutics.