bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Religious and Spiritual Dimensions of Cutting Down and Stopping Cocaine Use
Authors: Cheney Ann M. , Curran Geoffrey M. , Booth Brenda M. , Sullivan Steve D. , Stewart Katharine E. , Borders Tyrone F.
Published: June 2013

This study qualitatively examines the religious and spiritual dimensions of cutting down and stopping cocaine use among African Americans in rural and urban areas of Arkansas. The analyses compare and contrast the narrative data of 28 current cocaine users living in communities where the Black church plays a fundamental role in the social and cultural lives of many African Americans, highlighting the ways that participants used religious symbols, idiomatic expression, and Biblical scriptures to interpret and make sense of their substance-use experiences. Participants drew on diverse religious and spiritual beliefs and practices, including participation in organized religion, reliance on a personal relationship with God, and God’s will to cut down and stop cocaine use. Our findings suggest that culturally sensitive interventions addressing the influence of religion and spirituality in substance use are needed to reduce cocaine use and promote recovery in this at-risk, minority population.
Comparison of resonance frequency of a nanofibrous membrane and a homogeneous membrane structure
Authors: Ozturk Merve K , Kalinova Klara , Nergis Banu , Candan Cevza
Published: June 2013

Fibrous textile materials are widely used in acoustic applications. However, the absorption of lower-frequency sound is problematic with fibrous material made up of coarser fibers. For this reason sound absorption materials effective at low frequencies are required. For low-frequency sound absorption the energy of sonic waves is absorbed by a thin nanofibrous layer in accordance with the principle of membrane resonance. This study deals with the acoustic behavior of a nanofibrous resonant membrane produced by needleless electrospinning. Using an experimental set-up involving a high-speed camera, it was attempted to predict the sound absorption behavior of a PVA nanofibrous membrane by determining its resonance frequency. The findings were compared with those from a homogeneous membrane structure in the form of a foil.
Interaction Effects Between Exposure to Sexually Explicit Online Materials and Individual, Family, and Extrafamilial Factors on Hong Kong High School Students’ Beliefs About Gender Role Equality and Body-Centered Sexuality
Authors: To Siu-ming , Iu Kan Siu-mee , Ngai Steven Sek-yum
Published: June 2013

This study examined the interaction effects between Hong Kong adolescents’ exposure to sexually explicit online materials (SEOM) and individual, family, peer, and cultural factors on their beliefs about gender role equality and body-centered sexuality. Based on a survey design with a sample of 503 high school students in Hong Kong, the results indicated that adolescents’ frequency of accessing SEOM, their intrapersonal reactions to SEOM, their communication with parents about sexuality, their susceptibility to peer pressure, and their acceptance of cultural values regarding sex roles work jointly to affect their conceptions of gender and sexuality, although the main and interaction effects differ across variables. The results partially supported the hypotheses that individual responses to SEOM and relationships with parents and peers with regard to sexuality interact with SEOM exposure in affecting the outcomes. The study provided evidence for the adoption of an ecological perspective to guide the provision of sexuality education.
Limitations of the CIBSE design summer year approach for delivering representative near-extreme summer weather conditions
Authors: Jentsch Mark F , Levermore Geoff J , Parkinson John B , Eames Matt E
Published: June 2013

Representative, site-specific weather data is a key requirement for building performance simulation. In the UK, such data is available in two formats, Test Reference Years for analysing building services loads under ‘typical’ year conditions and Design Summer Years for estimating summer discomfort of naturally ventilated and free-running buildings. Currently, Design Summer Years are determined as a complete year based on the rank of the average dry bulb temperature from April to September. The simplicity of this approach does not take into account extreme temperature values in individual months or the incident solar radiation, both of which are however of great significance for the summer overheating performance of a building. This paper analyses the implications of this simplified approach for the resulting data. It is shown that there is no consistent relation between the Design Summer Years and the corresponding Test Reference Years and that, for some sites, building performance simulations using Design Summer Year files deliver unreliable results.

Practical application: This paper demonstrates that the current approach for deriving Design Summer Years (DSYs) can lead to data series that are not representative for near-extreme summer conditions at a given location. It highlights that a new approach for deriving near-extreme summer years for building performance simulation is needed in order to overcome the inherent shortfalls of the current DSY data.
A Position Paper on How Cost and Quality Reforms Are Changing Healthcare in America
Authors: Rosen Barry S. , Maddox P. J. , Ray Nancy
Published: June 2013

Healthcare spending in the United States is the highest in the world, yet quality indicators such as life expectancy and infant mortality lag other countries. U.S. reforms are under way to lower costs and raise quality of care, notably the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA). Value‐based purchasing (VBP) and programs for reducing the incidence of hospital‐acquired conditions (HACs) and hospital readmissions represent initial changes. With these programs, overarching themes are to coordinate care during and beyond hospitalization and to ensure that physicians and hospitals are aligned in their treatment strategies. Hospital malnutrition represents a large, hidden, and costly component of medical care; hospital administrators and caregivers alike must harness the benefits of nutrition as a vital component of healthcare. Medical, nursing, and allied health training programs must find places in their curricula to increase awareness of nutrition and promote knowledge of best‐practice nutrition interventions. Hospitals use dietitians and nutrition support teams as critical members of the patient care team, but more work needs to be done to disseminate and enforce best nutrition practices. Such training, nutrition interventions, and practice changes can help prevent and treat malnutrition and thus help avert HACs, reduce hospital readmissions, lower infection and complication rates, and shorten hospital stays. Nutrition care is an effective way to reduce costs and improve patient outcomes. This article calls hospital executives and bedside clinicians to action: recognize the value of nutrition care before, during, and after hospitalization, as well as develop training programs and policies that promote nutrition care.
Detection of the Petrosquamosal Sinus in Chronic Otitis Media Using High‐Resolution CT
Authors: Hiraumi Harukazu , Yamamoto Akira , Yamamoto Norio , Sakamoto Tatsunori , Ito Juichi
Published: June 2013

Objective

To evaluate the prevalence of the persistent petrosquamosal venous sinus in patients with chronic otitis media using a high‐resolution CT scan.

Study Design

Retrospective chart review.

Setting

Tertiary referral center.

Subjects and Methods

Eighty‐four patients older than 6 years of age underwent surgery (in a total of 92 ears) for chronic otitis media at Kyoto University Hospital, Department of Otolaryngology‐Head and Neck Surgery. We used high‐resolution CT scans to evaluate the prevalence and size of persistent petrosquamosal sinuses, as well as their relative position to the middle fossa.

Results

A petrosquamosal sinus was detected in 42 (45.7%), a higher frequency than in ears without chronic otitis media (10.3%). The diameter of the sinuses was <1.0 mm in 20 ears, 1.0 mm to 2.0 mm in 17 ears, and >2.0 mm in 5 ears. The petrosquamosal sinus was positioned inferior to the lowest part of the middle fossa in 10 ears.

Conclusion

The petrosquamosal sinus was detected frequently in high‐resolution CT scans in patients with chronic otitis media. In approximately half of the patients, the sinus was larger than 1 mm in diameter and may be encountered during mastoidectomy.
Ramosetron, midazolam, and combination of ramosetron and midazolam for prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting: A prospective, randomized, double-blind study
Authors: Kim Won Joong , Kang Hyun , Shin Hwa Yong , Baek Chong Wha , Jung Yong Hun , Woo Young Cheol , Kim Jin Yun , Koo Gil Hoi
Published: June 2013

Objective

To compare the efficacy of ramosetron, midazolam, and the combination of ramosetron and midazolam in the prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) in female patients undergoing thyroidectomy.

Methods

Patients were randomized to receive 0.3 mg ramosetron (Group R), 75 µg/kg midazolam (Group M) or 0.3 mg ramosetron combined with 75 µg/kg midazolam (Group RM) before the induction of anaesthesia. PONV, use of rescue antiemetics, pain severity and fentanyl consumption were assessed for 24 h after thyroidectomy.

Results

A total of 100 patients were enrolled; 94 patients completed the study. The severity of nausea was statistically significantly reduced at 0–2 h in Group RM compared with Groups R and M, and at 2–6 h in Group RM compared with Group M. The incidence of retching and vomiting was significantly lower at 0–2 h, 2–6 h, 6–12 h in Group RM than in Group M, and lower in Group R than Group M at 6–12 h. The requirement for rescue antiemetics was significantly lower at 0–2 h in group RM than in group M.

Conclusion

The combination therapy of ramosetron and midazolam provided superior antiemetic efficacy compared with midazolam single therapy, but did not show any significant additional benefits compared with ramosetron single therapy.
Gender-Related Differential Validity and Differential Prediction in Interest Inventories
Authors: Pässler Katja , Beinicke Andrea , Hell Benedikt
Published: June 2013

Following the suggestions of National Institute of Education and American Psychological Association Standards, this article addresses the issue of differential validity and differential prediction in the vocational interest domain as one major concern of test fairness. In order to investigate potential prediction bias in vocational interest measures, we first compare gender-specific validity coefficients for the prediction of person–environment fit and satisfaction to test for differential validity, and second, we examine gender differences in the slopes and intercepts of the regression model predicting person–environment fit to test for differential prediction. Results show evidence of differential validity and some indications of differential prediction in a standard Holland Interest Inventory. However, removing items showing large gender-specific differential item functioning, that is, controlling for measurement bias, slightly reduced prediction bias. Practical implications are discussed and further research objectives are suggested.
Dynamic fiber reorientation in a fiber-reinforced hyperelastic material
Authors: Melnik Andrey V , Goriely Alain
Published: June 2013

Fiber alignment in biological tissues is created and maintained by the cells, which respond to mechanical stimuli arising from properties of the surrounding material. This coupling between mechanical anisotropy and tissue remodeling can be modeled in nonlinear elasticity by a fiber-reinforced hyperelastic material where remodeling is represented as the change in fiber orientation. Here, we study analytically a simple model of fiber reorientation in a rectangular elastic tissue reinforced by two symmetrically arranged families of fibers subject to constant external loads. In this model, the fiber direction tends to align with the maximum principal stretch. We characterize the global behaviour of the system for all material parameters and applied loads, and show that provided the fibers are tensile initially, the system converges to a stable equilibrium, which corresponds to either complete or intermediate fiber alignment.
Metabolism and Toxicity Studies Supporting the Safety of Rebaudioside D
Authors: Nikiforov Andrey I. , Rihner Marisa O. , Eapen Alex K. , Thomas Jennifer A.
Published: June 2013

Rebaudioside D (Reb D) is one of the several glycosides found in the leaves of Stevia rebaudiana (Bertoni) Bertoni (Compositae) which has been identified as a potential sweetener. The metabolism of Reb A and Reb D was evaluated in various in vitro matrices (simulated gastrointestinal fluids, rat liver microsomes, and rat cecal contents) and through analysis of plasma collected from rats in a dietary toxicity study. Reb A and Reb D showed similar stability when exposed to simulated stomach and small intestine fluids, with susceptibility to hydrolytic degradation by enteric bacteria collected from the cecum. Incubations with rat liver microsomes indicated that neither compound is expected to be metabolized by the liver enzymes. Plasma concentrations of Reb D, Reb A, and/or the final hydrolysis product of each compound, free/conjugated steviol, were consistent between animals administered either Reb D or Reb A in the diet. A repeated exposure dietary toxicity study was conducted to compare the safety of Reb D, when administered at target exposure levels of 500, 1000, and 2000 mg/kg body weight (bw)/d to Sprague-Dawley rats for 28 days, to that of Reb A administered at a target exposure level of 2000 mg/kg bw/d. There were no treatment-related effects on the general condition and behavior of the animals and no toxicologically relevant, treatment-related effects on hematology, serum chemistry, or urinalysis. Macroscopic and microscopic findings revealed no treatment-related effects on any organ evaluated. Results were comparable between the group administered 2000 mg/kg/d Reb D and the group administered 2000 mg/kg/d Reb A.
Understanding the Image of Self-Contained and Serviced Apartments
Authors: Moreno-Gil Sergio , Martín-Santana Josefa D.
Published: June 2013

Self-contained and serviced apartments (SCSAs) are a primary offering at some destinations. To improve offerings for this type of accommodation, and consequently the competitiveness of the destination, understanding the direct or composite variables (i.e., dimensions that determine the image of SCSAs and the variables’ effect on the overall image of the accommodation product) is important. However, despite the apparent importance for commercial success, no previous research analyzed the nature of this image. This study, conducted in Gran Canaria, Canary Islands (Spain), encompasses a sample of 271 tourists, lodged at SCSAs, who completed a questionnaire at the airport departure terminal. An exploratory factor analysis examined both dimensions (cognitive and affective) followed by a logistic regression to analyze the influence of the different dimensions on the overall image of SCSAs. The empirical results suggest that, indeed, both main dimensions influence SCSAs’ overall image. For SCSAs on the Canary Islands, affective image is the formation of one factor—“SCSA’s affective image”—whereas cognitive image forms from seven factors. The logistic regression of the data further revealed that “SCSA affective image” is the most influential factor on SCSAs’ overall image, followed by four cognitive factors: “Personnel and cleanliness,” “Primary services,” “Outdoor areas,” and “Kitchen.” Such prioritizing provides destination marketing organizations with detailed information for better integrating marketing initiatives and, for owners, measures directed toward improving SCSA services and facilities.
From White to Green
Authors: Walters Gabrielle , Ruhanen Lisa
Published: June 2013

The negative impact of climate change on Australian snow cover is resulting in an increasingly shorter winter tourism season for Australian ski resorts. It is therefore becoming essential for ski resort managers to diversify their product offering through the development of alternative activities that can support the economic viability of such facilities outside the winter period. The purpose of this article is to identify tourist segments likely to use Australian ski resorts in nonwinter periods, commonly referred to as the “green season.” A two-step cluster analysis is employed to “cluster” current alpine resort tourists and identify viable market segments based on experience sought, the importance of destination attributes, and the types of activities these visitors want to experience should they return to an alpine resort in the green season. Using a case from Australia, marketing and managerial implications for the diversification of alpine resort activities in response to climate change are discussed.
Lateral vision: Juxtaposition as a method
Authors: Pál Nyiri
Published: June 2013

This article reflects on the methodological challenges and opportunities of 20 years of research on Chinese migrants abroad against a shifting background of global politics and academic institutions. It suggests that, while ethnography is always implicitly comparative, juxtaposition rather than comparison in time and space, within and outside the ‘field’, may be a better way of describing the cumulative working of ethnographic research. I reflect on three ethnographic moments whose significance only became clear in hindsight, with the benefit of juxtapositions with other experiences, both academic and non-academic.
Classification struggles, moral criticism and the interethnic trade of prestige goods between two Romanian Roma groups
Authors: Berta Péter
Published: June 2013

This article analyses the politics of consumption through contesting discourses rationalizing the interethnic trade of silver beakers and tankards carried out between two Romanian Roma groups. The members of these groups regard such objects as scarce prestige goods and political trophies imbued with emotional and identity value. The examined discourses focus on consumer practices and value preferences attributed to the negatively defined, ethnic other, and give a central role to strategies such as classification (or definition) struggles, moral criticism and stereotyping. The analysis demonstrates how members of these groups attach different meanings to the concept of a good/normal/ideal life, and to dichotomies such as average standard of living and luxuries, morally acceptable and morally stigmatized modes of consumption, and consumer modernism and conservatism when they explain their consumer choices. The analysis furthermore shows how – through the strategies mentioned above – these Roma construct their respective ethnic interpretations of consumer moral superiority.
Capitalization in the St. Petersburg game
Authors: Thalos Mariam , Richardson Oliver
Published: June 2013

In spite of its infinite expectation value, the St. Petersburg game is not only a gamble without supply in the real world, but also one without demand at apparently very reasonable asking prices. We offer a rationalizing explanation of why the St. Petersburg bargain is unattractive on both sides (to both house and player) in the mid-range of prices (finite but upwards of about $4). Our analysis – featuring (1) the already-established fact that the average of finite ensembles of the St. Petersburg game grows with ensemble size but is unbounded, and (2) our own simulation data showing that the debt-to-entry fee ratio rises exponentially – explains why both house and player are quite rational in abstaining from the St. Petersburg game. The house will be unavoidably (and intentionally) exposed to very large ensembles (with very high averages, and so very costly to them), while contrariwise even the well-heeled player is not sufficiently capitalized (as our simulation data reveals) to be able to capture the potential gains from large-ensemble play. (Smaller ensembles, meanwhile, enjoy low means, as others have shown, and so are not worth paying more than $4 to play, even if a merchant were to offer them at such low prices per trial.) Both sides are consequently rational in abstaining from entry into the St. Petersburg market in the mid-range of asking prices. We utilize the concept of capitalization vis-à-vis a gamble to make this case. Classical analyses of this question have paid insufficient attention to the question of the propriety of using expected values to assess the St. Petersburg gamble. And extant analyses have not noted the average-maximum-debt-before-breaking-even figures, and so are incomplete.
A LED-based smart illumination system for studying plant growth
Authors: Olvera-Gonzalez E , Alaniz-Lumbreras D , Torres-Argüelles V , González-Ramírez E , Villa-Hernández J , Araiza-Esquivel M , Ivanov-Tsonchev R , Olvera-Olvera C , Castaño VM
Published: June 2013

A smart illumination system for greenhouses and growing rooms capable of controlling the quantity and quality of light emitted by a number of LEDs is described. The system uses lamps containing blue and red LEDs programmed to emit various spectra at sixteen different frequencies and ten different pulse widths. The performance of the system is evaluated by determining the effect of pulsed light emission at different frequencies with a pulse width of 50% on tomato plants ( Lycopersicon esculentum). The results show that low frequencies (0.1, 1, 10 Hz) have higher quantum efficiency in photosystem II compared to higher frequencies (50 and 100 kHz) and continuous light. They also show that the electron transport rate decreases when the frequency of pulses increases.
Life cycle assessment of a fluorescent lamp luminaire used in industry – a case study
Authors: Tähkämö L , Bazzana M , Zissis G , Puolakka M , Halonen L
Published: June 2013

Environmental impacts of light sources and control gears have been analysed in several life cycle assessments (LCAs). In contrast, this paper analyses the environmental impacts of an entire fluorescent lamp/luminaire combination. The environmental impacts of a fluorescent lamp luminaire with two T5 lamps and an electronic ballast are analysed in a variety of potential environmental impacts. The results show that the energy consumption during use dominates the total environmental impacts by 93% on the average, while manufacturing accounts for 7% and end-of-life less than 1%. The importance of energy consumption is dependent of the used energy source. Compared to a previous LCA of fluorescent lamp luminaire, the division of the results into life cycle stages is similar but there are differences in the numerical results.
A composite optical system for a LED based headlamp low beam module
Authors: Ge A , Du Z , Wang W , Qiu P , Wang J , Cai J , Song X
Published: June 2013

In this paper, we propose a composite optical system for automotive headlamps. The system is composed of a paraboloid collimating reflector, an off-axis paraboloid reflector, a baffle and an imaging len. By using a LED as the light source, precise light distribution can be achieved. When making ray-tracing simulation for the composite optical system in TracePro, a clear cut-off line can be seen on the measuring screen, as well as a hotspot at the centre. The power consumption for the LED light sources in this system is less than 10 W, resulting in an energy efficiency of more than 58% and a maximum illumination of 26.76 lux at the centre hotspot.
A proposal for a simplified model to evaluate the circadian effects of light sources
Authors: Bellia L , Seraceni M
Published: June 2013

In order to evaluate the circadian effects of light, an approach based only on a circadian sensitivity function makes it possible to easily obtain efficiency functions and action factors. However, it does not take into account the circadian human response to light stimuli, which is not linear. Non-linear models are more sophisticated and accurate but they are not easy to apply. In this paper a proposal for an easy way to evaluate the potential ‘circadian effects’ of light sources is presented. Although the model is quite simple, results are in good agreement with those obtained by means of one of the most accurate non-linear models.
A high-fat diet increases interleukin-3 and granulocyte colony-stimulating factor production by bone marrow cells and triggers bone marrow hyperplasia and neutrophilia in wistar rats
Authors: do Carmo Luciana Simão , Rogero Marcelo Macedo , Paredes-Gamero Edgar Julian , Nogueira-Pedro Amanda , Xavier Jose Guilherme , Cortez Mayara , Borges Maria Carolina , Fujii Tatiane Mieko , Borelli Primavera , Fock Ricardo Ambrósio
Published: June 2013

It is well established that the excessive consumption of a high-fat diet (HFD) results in overweight, obesity and an increase in leptin concentrations, which triggers a chronic inflammatory condition that is associated with a high white blood cell count. Two-month-old male Wistar rats were fed a control (CON) diet or an HFD for 12 weeks. After this period, hemogram, myelogram and biochemical parameters were evaluated along with the cell cycle and the percentage of CD34+ cells in the bone marrow as well as cell proliferation and differentiation assays and the production of stem cell factor, interleukin 3 (IL-3), granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) and granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF). The HFD animals exhibited leukocytosis and neutrophilia with increased C-reactive protein, leptin, cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations. In the HFD group, the bone marrow revealed myeloid hyperplasia, especially of the granulocytic compartment with a higher percentage of CD34+ cells and a higher percentage of cells in the G2/S/M cell cycle phases. In addition, the HFD bone marrow cells had a higher capacity to proliferate and differentiate into granulocytic cells in an in vitro system and a higher capacity to produce IL-3 and G-CSF. These data led us to infer that the HFD induces leukocytosis and neutrophilia suggesting alterations in hematopoiesis system modulation.
Protective effects of luteolin on cognitive impairments induced by psychological stress in mice
Authors: Liu Yi , Gou Ling-Shan , Tian Xia , Fu Xiao-Bin , Ling Xin , Sun Ling-Yan , Lan Nuo , Li Sai , Yin Xiao-Xing
Published: June 2013

In the present study, the protective effects of luteolin were investigated against psychological stress-induced cognitive impairment. To emulate the psychological stress, mice received restraint stress for six hours daily, between 9:00 and 15:00 hours, for 21 consecutive days. The results of step-through test, open-field test and Morris Water Maze test demonstrated that psychological stress treatment could result in cognitive impairments in mice. This cognition dysfunction was improved by treatment with low- and medium-dose luteolin. In addition, psychological stress induced an increased serum corticosterone concentration with a decreased serum norepinephrine and dopamine concentration. These alterations were attenuated by treatment with luteolin. Also, psychological stress significantly decreased the glutathione (GSH) concentrations and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities in prefrontal cortex and hippocampus, while the malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations were enhanced. However, these oxidative alterations in prefrontal cortex and hippocampus induced by psychological stress were significantly reversed by treatment of luteolin. Further, the current study indicated a decline of catalase (CAT) activities in the hippocampus of the ST group, which was significantly prevented by low, medium and high dose of luteolin. On the other hand, there was no significance in CAT activities of the prefrontal cortex among the six groups. Collectively, the present results suggest that luteolin treatment serves as a key role in improving the psychological stress-induced cognitive impairments.
Hydrogen sulfide inhibits high-glucose-induced apoptosis in neonatal rat cardiomyocytes
Authors: Zhou Xiang , Lu Xiang
Published: June 2013

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S), an endogenous signaling molecule with potent cytoprotective effects, has been shown to provide cardioprotection in various models of cardiac injury. The present study was designed to investigate the protective effects of H2S against high-glucose-induced cardiomyocyte apoptosis and explore the potential mechanisms using cultured neonatal rat cardiomyocytes. The apoptotic rate of cardiomyocytes was determined by flow cytometry with Annexin V/propidium iodide staining. Oxidative stress was evaluated by detecting concentration of malondialdehyde and superoxide dismutase in the supernatant of culture media. The mRNA and protein expression of Bax and Bcl-2 was determined by realtime PCR and Western blotting. Our findings suggested that H2S could protect against cardiomyocyte apoptosis induced by high glucose. Moreover, H2S was also found to reduce high-glucose-induced oxidative stress and alter the mRNA and protein expression of Bax and Bcl-2. In conclusion, our study demonstrates that H2S protects against high-glucose-induced cardiomyocyte apoptosis by attenuating oxidative stress and altering apoptosis regulatory gene expression.
Patients’ experiences of sleep in hospital: a qualitative interview study
Authors: Gellerstedt Linda , Medin Jörgen , Karlsson Monica Rydell
Published: June 2013

Many patients experience sleep disturbances and a reduced quality of sleep while hospitalised. Studies have shown that a person with a disease and/or a bodily injury has an increased need for sleep. Patients' experiences of sleep should govern how sleep disturbances should be managed. It is thus necessary to focus upon and describe patients’ needs and experiences. The aim of this study was to explore and describe patients’ experiences of sleeping in hospital. This study is based on qualitative semi-structured interviews with 10 consecutively included patients. The interviews were conducted between October 2010 and March 2011 and were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. Collected data were analysed by qualitative content analysis. The participants reported physical and psychological experiences that had affected their sleep. Their experiences were categorised using four themes: bedside manner, physical factors, being involved and integrity. Patients considered that experiencing some degree of control, feeling involved and preserving one’s integrity affect sleep during hospitalisation. Several factors have an impact on patients’ sleep. It is not only physical factors but also psychological factors such as bedside manner and having the opportunity to influence and be involved. The patients’ accounts provide a new perspective and open the door to changes in nursing care regarding patients’ sleep.
You May Think You’re Right … Young Adults Are More Liberal Than They Realize
Authors: Zell Ethan , Bernstein Michael J.
Published: June 2013

Do people have biased perceptions of their political orientation? Based on the link between political conservatism and in-group loyalty, we predicted that people would underestimate their liberalism and that this effect would be more pronounced among political conservatives. Young adults indicated their self-perceived political orientation and completed an objective measure of political orientation, which placed them along a liberal-conservative continuum by comparing their attitudes on 12 core issues (e.g., gay marriage, welfare) to population norms. Participants showed a significant bias toward perceiving themselves as more conservative than they actually were, and this effect was more pronounced among independents and conservatives than liberals. Further, biased self-perceptions of political orientation predicted voting behavior in the 2012 Presidential Election after controlling for objective political orientation scores. Discussion highlights theoretical implications for self-knowledge research and practical implications for American politics more broadly.
The Effect of Hawthorn Extract on Coronary Flow
Authors: Dood Kenneth P. , Frey Aaron D. , Geisbuhler Timothy P.
Published: June 2013

Hawthorn extract has been used for heart failure and may decrease cardiac cell injury and improve cardiac function. One proposed mechanism for hawthorn action is vasodilation. We hypothesized that hawthorn extract would increase coronary blood flow in isolated perfused rat hearts. Coronary flow was measured in nonworking perfused rat hearts (Langendorff, constant pressure) using a flow probe; data were collected electronically in real time. Hawthorn extract showed an early (30-120 seconds) vasodilation, followed by a later (3-5 minutes) decrease in coronary flow. Maximum vasodilation occurred with 240 μg/mL hawthorn extract. Hawthorn’s pattern of activity was unlike that of several known vasoactive drugs. Both nitric oxide synthase inhibitors and indomethacin abolished early vasodilation, but they had no effect on the late phase decrease in flow. We suggest that a hawthorn-induced increase in nitric oxide generation leads to an increase in prostacyclin production, thus causing early phase vasodilation.
Outpatient management of primary spontaneous pneumothorax: a prospective study
Authors: Massongo Massongo , Leroy Sylvie , Scherpereel Arnaud , Vaniet Fabien , Dhalluin Xavier , Chahine Bachar , Sanfiorenzo Céline , Genin Michaël , Marquette Charles-Hugo
Published: June 2013

We prospectively assessed the safety and cost saving of a small-bore drain based procedure for outpatient management of first episodes of primary spontaneous pneumothorax.

Patients were managed by observation alone or insertion of an 8.5-F “pig-tail” drain connected to a one-way valve, according to size and clinical tolerance of the pneumothorax. All patients were reassessed after 4 h, on the first working day after discharge and on day 7. Patients still exhibiting air leak on day 4 underwent thoracoscopy. The primary end-point was complete lung re-expansion at day 7.

60 consecutive patients entered the study. 48 (80%) met the definition of large pneumothorax. The success rate was 83%. The 1-year recurrence rate was 17%. 36 (60%) patients were discharged after 4 h and 50% had full outpatient management. No severe complication was observed. The mean±sdlength of hospitalisation was 2.3±3.1 days. This policy resulted in about a 40% reduction in hospital stay-related costs.

The present study supports the use of a single system combined with a well-defined management algorithm including safe discharge criteria, as an alternative to manual aspiration or chest tube drainage. This approach participates in healthcare cost-savings.
Characteristics, stability and outcomes of the 2011 GOLD COPD groups in the ECLIPSE cohort
Authors: Agusti Alvar , Edwards Lisa D. , Celli Bartolomé , MacNee William , Calverley Peter M. A. , Müllerova Hana , Lomas David A. , Wouters Emiel , Bakke Per , Rennard Steve , Crim Courtney , Miller Bruce E. , Coxson Harvey O. , Yates Julie C. , Tal-Singer Ruth , Vestbo Jørgen
Published: June 2013

The 2011 Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) classifies patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) into four groups (A to D).

We explored the characteristics, stability and relationship to outcomes of these groups within the ECLIPSE study (Evaluation of COPD Longitudinally to Identify Predictive Surrogate End-points) (n = 2101).

Main results showed that: 1) these groups differed in several clinical, functional, imaging and biological characteristics in addition to those used for their own definition; 2) A and D groups were relatively stable over time, whereas groups B and C showed more temporal variability; 3) the risk of exacerbation over 3 years increased progressively from A to D, whereas that of hospitalisation and mortality were lowest in A, highest in D and intermediate and similar in B and C, despite the former having milder airflow limitation. The prevalence of comorbidities and persistent systemic inflammation were highest in group B.

The different longitudinal behaviour of group AversusB and CversusD (each pair with similar forced expiratory volume in1 s (FEV1) values supports the 2011 GOLD proposal of assessing COPD patients by more than FEV1only. However the assumption that symptoms do not equate to risk appears to be naïve, as groups B and C carry equally poor clinical outcomes, though for different reasons.
Adaptive mechanisms of Campylobacter jejunito erythromycin treatment
Authors: Xia Qingqing , Muraoka Wayne T , Shen Zhangqi , Sahin Orhan , Wang Hongning , Wu Zuowei , Liu Peng , Zhang Qijing
Published: June 2013

Background

Macrolide is the drug of choice to treat human campylobacteriosis, but Campylobacter resistance to this antibiotic is rising. The mechanisms employed by Campylobacter jejuni to adapt to erythromycin treatment remain unknown and are examined in this study. The transcriptomic response of C. jejuni NCTC 11168 to erythromycin (Ery) treatment was determined by competitive microarray hybridizations. Representative genes identified to be differentially expressed were further characterized by constructing mutants and assessing their involvement in antimicrobial susceptibility, oxidative stress tolerance, and chicken colonization.

Results

Following the treatment with an inhibitory dose of Ery, 139 genes were up-regulated and 119 were down-regulated. Many genes associated with flagellar biosynthesis and motility was up-regulated, while many genes involved in tricarboxylic acid cycle, electron transport, and ribonucleotide biosynthesis were down-regulated. Exposure to a sub-inhibitory dose of Ery resulted in differential expression of much fewer genes. Interestingly, two putative drug efflux operons (cj0309c-cj0310c and cj1173-cj1174) were up-regulated. Although mutation of the two operons did not alter the susceptibility of C. jejuni to antimicrobials, it reduced Campylobacter growth under high-level oxygen. Another notable finding is the consistent up-regulation of cj1169c-cj1170c, of which cj1170c encodes a known phosphokinase, an important regulatory protein in C. jejuni. Mutation of the cj1169c-cj1170c rendered C. jejuni less tolerant to atmospheric oxygen and reduced Campylobacter colonization and transmission in chickens.

Conclusions

These findings indicate that Ery treatment elicits a range of changes in C. jejuni transcriptome and affects the expression of genes important for in vitro and in vivo adaptation. Up-regulation of motility and down-regulation of energy metabolism likely facilitate Campylobacter to survive during Ery treatment. These findings provide new insight into Campylobacter adaptive response to antibiotic treatment and may help to understand the mechanisms underlying antibiotic resistance development.
BRCA1/2 mutation screening in high-risk breast/ovarian cancer families and sporadic cancer patient surveilling for hidden high-risk families
Authors: Berzina Dace , Nakazawa-Miklasevica Miki , Zestkova Jekaterina , Aksenoka Karina , Irmejs Arvids , Gardovskis Andris , Kalniete Dagnija , Gardovskis Janis , Miklasevics Edvins
Published: June 2013

Background

The estimated ratio of hereditary breast/ovarian cancer (HBOC) based on family history is 1.5% in Latvia. This is significantly lower than the European average of 5–10%. Molecular markers like mutations and SNPs can help distinguish HBOC patients in the sporadic breast and ovarian cancer group.

Methods

50 patients diagnosed with HBOC in the Latvian Cancer Registry from January 2005 to December 2008 were screened for BRCA1 founder mutation-negatives and subjected to targeted resequencing of BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. The newly found mutations were screened for in the breast and ovarian cancer group of 1075 patients by Real Time-PCR/HRM analysis and RFLP.

Results

Four BRCA2 mutations including three novel BRCA2 frameshift mutations and one previously known BRCA2 frameshift mutation and one BRCA1 splicing mutation were identified. Two of the BRCA2 mutations were found in a group of consecutive breast cancer patients with a frequency of 0.51% and 0.38%.

Conclusions

Molecular screening of sequential cancer patients is an important tool to identify HBOC families.
Cervical cancer risk factors among HIV-infected Nigerian women
Authors: Ononogbu Uzoma , Almujtaba Maryam , Modibbo Fatima , Lawal Ishak , Offiong Richard , Olaniyan Olayinka , Dakum Patrick , Spiegelman Donna , Blattner William , Adebamowo Clement
Published: June 2013

Background

Cervical cancer is the third most common cancer among women worldwide, and in Nigeria it is the second most common female cancer. Cervical cancer is an AIDS-defining cancer; however, HIV only marginally increases the risk of cervical pre-cancer and cancer. In this study, we examine the risk factors for cervical pre-cancer and cancer among HIV-positive women screened for cervical cancer at two medical institutions in Abuja, Nigeria.

Methods

A total of 2,501 HIV-positive women participating in the cervical cancer screen-and-treat program in Abuja, Nigeria consented to this study and provided socio-demographic and clinical information. Log-binomial models were used to calculate relative risk (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) for the risk factors of cervical pre-cancer and cancer.

Results

There was a 6% prevalence of cervical pre-cancer and cancer in the study population of HIV-positive women. The risk of screening positivity or invasive cancer diagnosis reduced with increasing age, with women aged 40 years and older having the lowest risk (RR=0.4; 95%CI=0.2–0.7). Women with a CD4 count of 650 per mm3 or more also had lower risk of screening positivity or invasive cancer diagnosis (RR=0.3, 95%CI=0.2–0.6). Other factors such as having had 5 or more abortions (RR=1.8, 95%CI=1.0–3.6) and the presence of other vaginal wall abnormalities (RR=1.9, 95%CI=1.3–2.8) were associated with screening positivity or invasive cancer diagnosis.

Conclusion

The prevalence of screening positive lesions or cervical cancer was lower than most previous reports from Africa. HIV-positive Nigerian women were at a marginally increased risk of cervical pre-cancer and cancer. These findings highlight the need for more epidemiological studies of cervical cancer and pre-cancerous lesions among HIV-positive women in Africa and an improved understanding of incidence and risk factors.
Aboriginal Families Study: a population-based study keeping community and policy goals in mind right from the start
Authors: Buckskin Mary , Ah Kit Jackie , Glover Karen , Mitchell Amanda , Miller Roxanne , Weetra Donna , Wiebe Jan , Yelland Jane S , Newbury Jonathan , Robinson Jeffrey , Brown Stephanie J
Published: June 2013

Background

Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women are between two to five times more likely to die in childbirth than non-Aboriginal women, and two to three times more likely to have a low birthweight infant. Babies with a low birthweight are more likely to have chronic health problems in adult life. Currently, there is limited research evidence regarding effective interventions to inform new initiatives to strengthen antenatal care for Aboriginal families.

Method/Design

The Aboriginal Families Study is a cross sectional population-based study investigating the views and experiences of Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal women having an Aboriginal baby in the state of South Australia over a 2-year period. The primary aims are to compare the experiences and views of women attending standard models of antenatal care with those accessing care via Aboriginal Family Birthing Program services which include Aboriginal Maternal Infant Care (AMIC) Workers as members of the clinical team; to assess factors associated with early and continuing engagement with antenatal care; and to use the information to inform strengthening of services for Aboriginal families. Women living in urban, regional and remote areas of South Australia have been invited to take part in the study by completing a structured interview or, if preferred, a self-administered questionnaire, when their baby is between 4–12 months old.

Discussion

Having a baby is an important life event in all families and in all cultures. How supported women feel during pregnancy, how women and families are welcomed by services, how safe they feel coming in to hospitals to give birth, and what happens to families during a hospital stay and in the early months after the birth of a new baby are important social determinants of maternal, newborn and child health outcomes. The Aboriginal Families Study builds on consultation with Aboriginal communities across South Australia. The project has been implemented with guidance from an Aboriginal Advisory Group keeping community and policy goals in mind right from the start. The results of the study will provide a unique resource to inform quality improvement and strengthening of services for Aboriginal families.
Long-term ω-3 fatty acid supplementation induces anti-stress effects and improves learning in rats
Authors: Pérez Miguel Á , Terreros Gonzalo , Dagnino-Subiabre Alexies
Published: June 2013

Chronic stress leads to secretion of the adrenal steroid hormone corticosterone, inducing hippocampal atrophy and dendritic hypertrophy in the rat amygdala. Both alterations have been correlated with memory impairment and increased anxiety. Supplementation with ω-3 fatty acids improves memory and learning in rats. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of ω-3 supplementation on learning and major biological and behavioral stress markers. Male Sprague–Dawley rats were randomly assigned to three experimental groups: 1) Control, 2) Vehicle, animals supplemented with water, and 3) ω-3, rats supplemented with ω-3 (100 mg of DHA+25 mg of EPA). Each experimental group was divided into two subgroups: one of which was not subjected to stress while the other was subjected to a restraint stress paradigm. Afterwards, learning was analyzed by avoidance conditioning. As well, plasma corticosterone levels and anxiety were evaluated as stress markers, respectively by ELISA and the plus-maze test. Restraint stress impaired learning and increased both corticosterone levels and the number of entries into the open-arm (elevated plus-maze). These alterations were prevented by ω-3 supplementation. Thus, our results demonstrate that ω-3 supplementation had two beneficial effects on the stressed rats, a strong anti-stress effect and improved learning.
Identification and characterization of Toxoplasma gondii aspartic protease 1 as a novel vaccine candidate against toxoplasmosis
Authors: Zhao Guanghui , Zhou Aihua , Lu Gang , Meng Min , Sun Min , Bai Yang , Han Yali , Wang Lin , Zhou Huaiyu , Cong Hua , Zhao Qunli , Zhu Xing-Quan , He Shenyi
Published: June 2013

Background

Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular parasite that can pose a serious threat to human health by causing toxoplasmosis. There are no drugs that target the chronic cyst stage of this infection; therefore, development of an effective vaccine would be an important advance. Aspartic proteases play essential roles in the T. gondii lifecycle. The parasite has four aspartic protease encoding genes, which are called toxomepsin 1, 2, 3 and 5 (TgASP1, 2, 3 and 5, respectively).

Methods

Bioinformatics approaches have enabled us to identify several promising linear-B cell epitopes and potential Th-cell epitopes on TgASP1, thus supporting its potential as a DNA vaccine against toxoplasmosis. We expressed TgASP1 in Escherichia coli and used the purified protein to immunize BALB/c mice. The antibodies obtained were used to determine where TgASP1 was localized in the parasite. We also made a TgASP1 DNA vaccine construct and evaluated it for the level of protection conferred to mice against infection with the virulent RH strain of T. gondii.

Results

TgASP1 appears to be a membrane protein located primarily at the tip of the T. gondii tachyzoite. Investigation of its potential as a DNA vaccine showed that it elicited strong humoral and cellular immune responses in mice, and that these responses were mediated by Th-1 cells. Mice immunized with the vaccine had greater levels of protection against mortality following challenge with T. gondii RH tachyzoites than did those immunized with PBS or the empty vector control.

Conclusions

TgASP1 is a novel candidate DNA vaccine that merits further investigation.