bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Promoting the health, safety and welfare of adults with learning disabilities in acute care settings: a structured literature review
Authors: Bradbury‐Jones Caroline , Rattray Janice , Jones Martyn , MacGillivray Stephen
Published: February 2013

Aims and objectives

To present the findings of a structured literature review that aimed to identify the influences on the health, safety and welfare of adults with learning disabilities in acute hospitals.

Background

There is increasing evidence regarding the inadequacy of care for people with learning disabilities in acute care settings. However, few studies have specifically addressed their health, safety and welfare in such contexts.

Design

Four key electronic databases (Medline; PsycINFO; British Nursing Index and archive; Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature) were searched for relevant literature published between 2000 and 2011.

Methods

Publications assessed as meeting the inclusion criteria were retrieved in full. Data were extracted regarding methods used; primary aims of the study being reported; and key findings.

Results

Of the 3505 papers identified in the initial search, eight met the inclusion criteria. Analysis revealed six areas of influence on the health, safety and welfare of adults with learning disabilities in acute hospitals: care provision (meeting health and personal needs); communication; staff attitudes; staff knowledge; supporters; and carers (valuing their role); physical environment.

Conclusions

We represent these six areas diagrammatically, as concentric rings. These influence on health, safety and welfare form an inner (direct) layer and an outer (indirect) layer consisting of liaison services and education/training. This new conceptualisation of influences as being multi‐layered assists in the identification of similarly multi‐layered improvement strategies.

Relevance to clinical practice

Adults with learning disabilities can exert their own influence on health, safety and welfare and should be supported to make decisions about their own care. More broadly they should be involved with policy development, nurse education and research. This can be achieved through inclusive approaches, for example, inviting people with learning disabilities to input into nursing curricula or to engage in research as coinvestigators.
The effect of functional movement ability on the quality of life after total hip replacement
Authors: Király Edit , Gondos Tibor
Published: February 2013

Aims and objectives

To analyse in detail the relationship between the movement and generic health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) indicators and the subjective feeling of health of the patients, as well as the objective movement parameters measured by the surgeon and the patient's opinion about the success of the total hip replacement (THR).

Background

We have only limited information about the effect of mobility function improvement on the HRQoL several years after THR. We have recently found that after THR postoperative health awareness is influenced mainly by cardiovascular diseases, but the effects of the movement parameters on the subsequent feelings of well‐being were not examined.

Design

Retrospective longitudinal study.

Methods

This study involved 109 patients who had had THR. The patients' health status and objective and subjective mobility function at the time of operation and five years later were evaluated using questionnaires (including EQ‐5D and WOMAC scores) and the hospital database.

Results

All components of EQ‐5D and WOMAC had significantly improved by Year 5 in patients who experienced a complete recovery after the operation, but not the mobility and pain components of EQ‐5D for those patients who felt an improvement only in their subjective mobility function. The surgeon‐assessed parameters and use of walking aids showed a similar distribution in patients who considered themselves to be healthy or only moderately sick five years after THR.

Conclusion

Successful THR significantly improves the feeling of well‐being and the mobility function of patients even five years after the operation. In individual cases, however, other subjective and objective factors, but not the mobility function, have a major influence on the HRQoL.

Relevance to clinical practice

Five years after successful THR, nursing care has to focus not only on the further improvement of the mobility but on strengthening the subjective feeling of the patient's well‐being and health.
Striated muscle involvement in experimental oral infection by herpes simplex virus type 1
Authors: Gonzalez María Inés , Sanjuan Norberto A.
Published: February 2013

Herpes simplex virus type 1 is one of the most frequent causes of oral infection in humans, especially during early childhood. Several experimental models have been developed to study the pathogenesis of this virus but all of them employed adult animals. In this work, we developed an experimental model that uses mice younger than 4 days old, to more closely resemble human infection. Mice were infected subcutaneously with the prototype strain McIntyre of Herpes simplex‐1, and the progression of infection was studied by immunoperoxidase. All animals died within 24–72 h post‐infection, while viral antigens were found in the oral epithelium, nerves and brain. The most striking result was the finding of viral antigens in the nucleus and cytoplasm of cells belonging to striated muscles. Organotypic cultures of striated muscles were performed, and viral replication was observed in them by immunocytochemistry, electron microscopy and viral isolation. We conclude that the infection of striated muscles is present from the onset of oral infection and, eventually, could explain some clinical observations in humans.
Premenstrual syndrome and premenstrual dysphoric disorder among Jordanian women
Authors: Hamaideh S. H. , Al‐Ashram S. A. , Al‐Modallal H.
Published: February 2013

Accessible summary

The prevalence of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) among Jordanian women were 80.2% and 10.2% respectively; which is higher than most published literature.

The most severe symptoms of PMS and PMDD were abdominal cramp, lower back pain and breast pain.

Taking analgesics was the most frequently used method to alleviate the symptoms of PMS and PMDD.

High stress levels affected the symptoms of PMS and PMDD negatively; therefore, controlling stress level will reduce the severity of symptoms.

The objectives of this study were to detect the prevalence, severity and factors associated with premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) among Jordanian women, and to identify the most common self‐treatment strategies used by women to alleviate the symptoms associated with PMS and/or PMDD. Data were collected from 254 women studying or working at one of the largest Jordanian governmental university using Shortened Premenstrual Assessment Form (SPAF), Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) and Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 4th Edition‐Text Revision (DSM‐IV‐TR) research criteria for diagnosis of PMDD. The findings indicated that the prevalence of PMS and PMDD were 80.2%, 10.2% respectively. Abdominal cramp, lower back pain and breast pain were reported to be the most severe symptoms associated with PMS and PMDD. Significant correlations were found between severity of premenstrual symptoms and perceived stress level, age, body mass index, marital status, perception of health in general and absent from work. The most frequently reported self‐treatment strategies used by women to alleviate PMS and PMDD symptoms were: taking analgesics, increasing hot fluids intake, wearing heavy and warm clothes, and lying down on the abdomen. Understanding the prevalence, severity and self‐treatment strategies for women experiencing PMS and PMDD symptoms help in improving women's quality of life and decrease their suffering from these symptoms.
Care, compassion and courage: the museum of mental health nursing – an ethnographic archaeology
Authors: Holyoake D.‐D.
Published: February 2013

Accessible summary

The traditional view of mental health nursing history as a true representation is dependent on the means and nature by which it is displayed as well as the archaeology used to unearth it. Thinking about history as neither singular nor neutral offers an alternative appreciation.

This article uses ethnographic research and a metaphoric framework of the museum to re‐think how mental health nursing history is itself a cultural product which is consumed and dependent on the narratives used to display, promote and validate practices.

This article explores the idea that it is the space between and prominence of exhibits on displayed in a museum that informs the viewer of their perceived value. Thus, objective historical truth is a thing of the past, perception and persuasion. All that is left is care, compassion and courage.

Like a museum with carefully positioned exhibits mental health nursing would look different if the display of fashionable dead things in its cultural lineage were viewed through a different lens. This paper has the aim of using transcribed interview data from mental health nurses to explore how their perception of nursing culture represents a particular historical identity (pseudo names given to ensure confidentiality). The paper discusses five themes about the formation of collective identity and concludes that mental health nurses are theoretically well positioned to develop and rethink social recovery models, ideas about fragmented selves and multiple histories that the postmodern age now curates.
The Candida glabrata sterol scavenging mechanism, mediated by the ATP‐binding cassette transporter Aus1p, is regulated by iron limitation
Authors: Nagi Minoru , Tanabe Koichi , Ueno Keigo , Nakayama Hironobu , Aoyama Toshihiro , Chibana Hiroji , Yamagoe Satoshi , Umeyama Takashi , Oura Takahiro , Ohno Hideaki , Kajiwara Susumu , Miyazaki Yoshitsugu
Published: February 2013

During disseminated infection by the opportunistic pathogen Candida glabrata, uptake of sterols such as serum cholesterol may play a significant role during pathogenesis. The ATP‐binding cassette transporter Aus1p is thought to function as a sterol importer and in this study, we show that uptake of exogenous sterols occurred under anaerobic conditions in wild‐type cells of C. glabrata but not in AUS1‐deleted mutant (aus1Δ) cells. In aerobic cultures, growth inhibition by fluconazole was prevented in the presence of serum, and AUS1 expression was upregulated. Uptake of sterol by azole treated cells required the presence of serum, and sterol alone did not reverse FLC inhibition of growth. However, if iron availability in the growth medium was limited by addition of the iron chelators ferrozine or apo‐transferrin, growth of wild‐type cells, but not aus1Δ cells, was rescued. In a mouse model of disseminated infection, the C. glabrata aus1Δ strain caused a significantly decreased kidney fungal burden than the wild‐type strain or a strain in which AUS1 was restored. We conclude that sterol uptake in C. glabrata can occur in iron poor environment of host tissues and thus may contribute to C. glabrata pathogenesis.
Retrospective attention enhances visual working memory in the young but not the old: An ERP study
Authors: Duarte Audrey , Hearons Patricia , Jiang Yashu , Delvin Mary Courtney , Newsome Rachel N. , Verhaeghen Paul
Published: February 2013

Behavioral evidence from the young suggests spatial cues that orient attention toward task‐relevant items in visual working memory (VWM) enhance memory capacity. Whether older adults can also use retrospective cues (“retro‐cues”) to enhance VWM capacity is unknown. In the current event‐related potential (ERP) study, young and old adults performed a VWM task in which spatially informative retro‐cues were presented during maintenance. Young but not older adults' VWM capacity benefited from retro‐cueing. The contralateral delay activity (CDA) ERP index of VWM maintenance was attenuated after the retro‐cue, which effectively reduced the impact of memory load. CDA amplitudes were reduced prior to retro‐cue onset in the old only. Despite a preserved ability to delete items from VWM, older adults may be less able to use retrospective attention to enhance memory capacity when expectancy of impending spatial cues disrupts effective VWM maintenance.
Comparison of human immunodeficiency virus assays in window phase and elite controller samples: viral load distribution and implications for transmission risk
Authors: Vermeulen Marion , Coleman Charl , Mitchel Josephine , Reddy Ravi , van Drimmelen Harry , Fickett Tracy , Busch Michael , Lelie Nico
Published: February 2013

Background

After 3 years of individual‐donation nucleic acid test (ID‐NAT) screening by the South African National Blood Service (SANBS), a repository of 73 human immunodeficiency virus antibody (anti‐HIV)‐negative window period (WP)‐yield samples and 28 anti‐HIV–positive, HIV‐RNA–negative elite controllers (ECs) became available for comparison of a p24 antigen (p24 Ag) assay (Innogenetics), two viral load assays (Siemens branch DNA [bDNA] 3.0 and Abbott real‐time polymerase chain reaction [RT‐PCR]), and three triplex NAT assays (Novartis Diagnostics Ultrio and Ultrio‐Plus and Roche TaqScreen) by replicate testing of dilutions.

Study Design and Methods

Viral loads were assessed by bDNA and RT‐PCR assays and if below 100 copies (cps)/mL, by Ultrio limiting dilution probit analysis. The probability of virus transmission by WP and EC donations was estimated for different levels of the 50% minimum infectious dose (ID50) using Poisson distribution statistics.

Results

The equal distribution of WP donations plotted by log HIV‐RNA levels indicated a random appearance of donors in the ramp‐up phase. The HIV p24 Ag assay detected 45% of WP samples and the cutoff crossing point was estimated at 8140 (bDNA)/22,710 (RT‐PCR) cps/mL. On replicate retesting of 40 HIV p24 Ag–negative ID‐NAT WP‐yield samples Ultrio minipool (MP)8, Ultrio‐Plus MP8, and TaqScreen MP6 detected 79, 81, and 78%, respectively. Modeling with an estimated ID50 of 31.6 virions/RBC indicated that 15% of p24 Ag–negative ID‐NAT WP‐yield donations would have transmitted HIV if MP6‐8 NAT had been used. Only 2% of RBC transfusions from ECs are estimated to be infectious with a worst‐case ID50 estimate of 316 virions.

Conclusion

Our analysis of viremia and infectivity of WP and EC donations enables comparison of the efficacy of NAT options in preventing HIV transmission risk.
The Hodge ring of Kähler manifolds
Authors: Kotschick D. , Schreieder S.
Published: February 2013

We determine the structure of the Hodge ring, a natural object encoding the Hodge numbers of all compact Kähler manifolds. As a consequence of this structure, there are no unexpected relations among the Hodge numbers, and no essential differences between the Hodge numbers of smooth complex projective varieties and those of arbitrary Kähler manifolds. The consideration of certain natural ideals in the Hodge ring allows us to determine exactly which linear combinations of Hodge numbers are birationally invariant, and which are topological invariants. Combining the Hodge and unitary bordism rings, we are also able to treat linear combinations of Hodge and Chern numbers. In particular, this leads to a complete solution of a classical problem of Hirzebruch’s.
Motivic Donaldson–Thomas invariants and the Kac conjecture
Authors: Mozgovoy Sergey
Published: February 2013

We derive some combinatorial consequences from the positivity of Donaldson–Thomas invariants for symmetric quivers conjectured by Kontsevich and Soibelman and proved recently by Efimov. These results are used to prove the Kac conjecture for quivers having at least one loop at every vertex.
A Black Hole Nova Obscured by an Inner Disk Torus
Authors: Corral-Santana J. M. , Casares J. , Muñoz-Darias T. , Rodríguez-Gil P. , Shahbaz T. , Torres M. A. P. , Zurita C. , Tyndall A. A.
Published: February 2013

A Hidden Black Hole?

Black holes with masses comparable to that of the Sun are often associated with variable x-ray sources.

Corral-Santana
et al.

(p.
1048
) report optical observations of a faint and variable x-ray source detected in our galaxy with the Swift Burst Alert Telescope. The optical data reveal a black hole with a mass greater than three times that of the Sun in a 2.8-hour period around a low-mass donor star. Unusual for this type of system, the black hole binary is seen at a very high inclination.
Response to Comment on "Lethally Hot Temperatures During the Early Triassic Greenhouse"
Authors: Sun Yadong , Joachimski Michael M. , Wignall Paul B. , Yan Chunbo , Chen Yanlong , Jiang Haishui , Wang Lina , Lai Xulong
Published: February 2013

Goudemand
et al
. replot a subset of our well-constrained data using a new Early Triassic biostratigraphic scheme based on a lower-resolution ammonoid zonation scheme and hypothetical ammonoid-conodont correlation to produce a less distinct seawater temperature history. We dispute their unsubstantiated correlation and, consequently, their allegations.
Interferon-ε Protects the Female Reproductive Tract from Viral and Bacterial Infection
Authors: Fung Ka Yee , Mangan Niamh E. , Cumming Helen , Horvat Jay C. , Mayall Jemma R. , Stifter Sebastian A. , De Weerd Nicole , Roisman Laila C. , Rossjohn Jamie , Robertson Sarah A. , Schjenken John E. , Parker Belinda , Gargett Caroline E. , Nguyen Hong P. T. , Carr Daniel J. , Hansbro Philip M. , Hertzog Paul J.
Published: February 2013

A Role for IFN-ɛ

Type I interferons (IFNs) are critical cytokines involved in host defense against pathogens, particularly viruses. IFN-ɛ is an IFN-like gene encoded within the type I IFN locus in mice and humans whose function has not been characterized.

Fung
et al.

(p.
1088
) created mice with a genetic deletion in
Ifn
-ɛ and found that, like other type I IFNs, IFN-ɛ signals through the IFN-α receptors 1 and 2. However, unlike these other cytokines, which are primarily expressed by immune cells and are induced upon immune cell triggering, IFN-ɛ was expressed exclusively by epithelial cells of the female reproductive tract in both mice and humans and its expression was hormonally regulated. IFN-ɛ–deficient mice were more susceptible to infection with herpes simplex virus 2 and
Chlamydia muridarum
, two common sexually transmitted pathogens.
Machinery to Reverse Irreversible Aggregates
Authors: Saibil Helen R.
Published: February 2013

Cells can untangle protein aggregates through an extraction process that unfolds polypeptide.

[Also see Report by

Rosenzweig
et al.

]
Welcome to the Microgenderome
Authors: Flak Magdalena B. , Neves Joana F. , Blumberg Richard S.
Published: February 2013

Commensal gut bacteria reinforce the gender bias observed in an autoimmune form of diabetes.

[Also see Report by

Markle
et al.

]
A Call to Cyber Arms
Authors: Stone Richard
Published: February 2013

China's extensive cyber research activities and allegations over cyber espionage have put the United States on high alert.
Linkage between Anaplasma marginale Outer Membrane Proteins Enhances Immunogenicity but Is Not Required for Protection from Challenge
Authors: Noh Susan M. , Turse Joshua E. , Brown Wendy C. , Norimine Junzo , Palmer Guy H.
Published: February 2013

The prevention of bacterial infections via immunization presents particular challenges. While outer membrane extracts are often protective, they are difficult and expensive to isolate and standardize and thus are often impractical for development and implementation in vaccination programs. In contrast, individual proteins, which are easily adapted for use in subunit vaccines, tend to be poorly protective. Consequently, identification of the specific characteristics of outer membrane-based immunogens, in terms of the antigen contents and contexts that are required for protective immunity, represents a major gap in the knowledge needed for bacterial vaccine development. Using as a modelAnaplasma marginale, a persistent tick-borne bacterial pathogen of cattle, we tested two sets of immunogens to determine whether membrane context affected immunogenicity and the capacity to induce protection. The first immunogen was composed of a complex of outer membrane proteins linked by covalent bonds and known to be protective. The second immunogen was derived directly from the first one, but the proteins were individualized rather than linked. The antibody response induced by the linked immunogen was much greater than that induced by the unlinked immunogen. However, both immunogens induced protective immunity and an anamnestic response. These findings suggest that individual proteins or combinations of proteins can be successfully tested for the ability to induce protective immunity with less regard for overall membrane context. Once protective antigens are identified, immunogenicity could be enhanced by cross-linking to allow a reduced immunogen dose or fewer booster vaccinations.
Comparative Evaluation of Conventional and Real-Time PCR Assays for Detecting Bacteroides fragilis in Clinical Samples
Authors: Papaparaskevas Joseph , Mela Victoria , Houhoula Dimitra P. , Pantazatou Angeliki , Petrikkos Georgios L. , Tsakris Athanassios
Published: February 2013

A conventional PCR and a real-time PCR for detecting
Bacteroides fragilis
were evaluated against clinical specimens. Analytical sensitivities were 100 and 40 fg of DNA, respectively. Detection limits were 100 and 10 CFU/ml, respectively. A total of six culture-negative specimens were positive by PCR. Altering the gold standard from “positive culture” to “positive culture or both PCR assays positive” resulted in sensitivities of 91.7% and 100%, respectively, and in specificities of 100% and 98.6%, respectively.
Baseline Epidemiology and Genetic Structure of Streptococcus pneumoniae Serotype 6D in Southern Israel Prior to Introduction of Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccines
Authors: Porat Nurith , Benisty Rachel , Trefler Ronit , Ozalvo Doreen , Givon-Lavi Noga , Dagan Ron
Published: February 2013

We characterized
Streptococcus pneumoniae
serotype 6D from among previously identified
S. pneumoniae
serotype 6B strains from Jewish and Bedouin children in southern Israel during a decade before vaccination.
S. pneumoniae
serotype 6D isolates constituted 6.7% of the presumed
S. pneumoniae
serotype 6B isolates.
S. pneumoniae
serotype 6D strains belonged to 20 sequence types that were differentially distributed between the two ethnic groups.
Endoscopic management of a major bile duct stricture from surgical clips following laparoscopic hemicolectomy
Authors: Singh Shailendra , Aoun Elie , Thakkar Shyam
Published: February 2013

Benign postoperative bile duct strictures are usually complications of cholecystectomies. However, development of obstructive jaundice and biliary stricture as a result of surgical clips after laparoscopic right hemicolectomy is rare and has not been reported in the literature. We present a case of a 64-year-old woman who presented with sudden onset jaundice and abdominal pain, 1 week following right hemicolectomy. Laboratory reports suggested obstructive jaundice. Subsequent imaging studies showed biliary dilation of both intrahepatic and extrahepatic ducts with no evidence of bile duct stones. The endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) showed an abrupt, complete obstruction of the common bile duct at the level of the surgical clips. The bile duct stricture formed at the site of surgical clips improved significantly after serial incremental biliary dilations with successive placement of increasing number of endoprostheses side-by-side at repeat ERCP sessions.
Hypertriglyceridaemia-induced pancreatitis
Authors: Weston Natasha , Fernando Upul , Baskar Varadarajan
Published: February 2013

Hypertriglyceridaemia is the third most common cause of acute pancreatitis but is relatively rare and therefore requires a high level of clinical suspicion to be diagnosed. We discuss the case of a 46-year-old man who initially presented to the accident and emergency department with suspected first presentation of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and a normal amylase but who did not respond to DKA treatment. Further history revealed significant cardiovascular risk factors, examination showed an evidence of hyperlipidaemia and investigations revealed acute pancreatitis secondary to hypertriglyceridaemia. We discuss the causes of hypertriglyceridaemia, the difficulty in differentiating primary versus secondary hypertriglyceridaemia, possible pathogenesis and current evidence-based treatments.
Hiding in plain sight; constrictive pericarditis
Authors: Schroeder Jonathan Ryan , Osorno Hernan , Chait Robert , Fischer Andrew
Published: February 2013

We present a case of constrictive pericarditis that was especially difficult to diagnose. The patient presented with generalised oedema, dyspnoea and pleural effusions. History was significant for prior polysubstance abuse but was otherwise unremarkable. Physical examination revealed only jugular venous distention. CT demonstrated a normal pericardium with pleural effusions. Echocardiography showed mildly elevated right ventricular pressures with dyssynergic motion of the ventricular septum. No intervention was being carried out, but 1 month later further evaluation with a right and left heart catheterisation showed the classical square-root sign with equalisation of diastolic pressures in both ventricles as well as ventricular interdependence. Idiopathic constrictive pericarditis was thus diagnosed with a subsequent pericardial stripping which confirmed a thickened pericardium encasing the heart.
Brain stimulation modulates the autonomic nervous system, rating of perceived exertion and performance during maximal exercise
Authors: Okano Alexandre Hideki , Fontes Eduardo Bodnariuc , Montenegro Rafael Ayres , Farinatti Paulo de Tarso Veras , Cyrino Edilson Serpeloni , Li Li Min , Bikson Marom , Noakes Timothy David
Published: February 2013

Background

The temporal and insular cortex (TC, IC) have been associated with autonomic nervous system (ANS) control and the awareness of emotional feelings from the body. Evidence shows that the ANS and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) regulate exercise performance. Non-invasive brain stimulation can modulate the cortical area directly beneath the electrode related to ANS and RPE, but it could also affect subcortical areas by connection within the cortico-cortical neural networks. This study evaluated the effects of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) over the TC on the ANS, RPE and performance during a maximal dynamic exercise.

Methods

Ten trained cyclists participated in this study (33±9 years; 171.5±5.8 cm; 72.8±9.5 kg; 10–11 training years). After 20-min of receiving either anodal tDCS applied over the left TC (T3) or sham stimulation, subjects completed a maximal incremental cycling exercise test. RPE, heart rate (HR) and R–R intervals (as a measure of ANS function) were recorded continuously throughout the tests. Peak power output (PPO) was recorded at the end of the tests.

Results

With anodal tDCS, PPO improved by ∼4% (anodal tDCS: 313.2±29.9 vs 301.0±19.8 watts: sham tDCS; p=0.043), parasympathetic vagal withdrawal was delayed (anodal tDCS: 147.5±53.3 vs 125.0±35.4 watts: sham tDCS; p=0.041) and HR was reduced at submaximal workloads. RPE also increased more slowly during exercise following anodal tDCS application, but maximal RPE and HR values were not affected by cortical stimulation.

Conclusions

The findings suggest that non-invasive brain stimulation over the TC modulates the ANS activity and the sensory perception of effort and exercise performance, indicating that the brain plays a crucial role in the exercise performance regulation.
Big hits on the small screen: an evaluation of concussion-related videos on YouTube
Authors: Williams David , Sullivan S John , Schneiders Anthony G , Ahmed Osman Hassan , Lee Hopin , Balasundaram Arun Prasad , McCrory Paul R
Published: February 2013

Background

YouTube is one of the largest social networking websites, allowing users to upload and view video content that provides entertainment and conveys many messages, including those related to health conditions, such as concussion. However, little is known about the content of videos relating to concussion.

Objective

To identify and classify the content of concussion-related videos available on YouTube.

Study design

An observational study using content analysis.

Methods

YouTube's video database was systematically searched using 10 search terms selected from MeSH and Google Adwords. The 100 videos with the largest view counts were chosen from the identified videos. These videos and their accompanying text were analysed for purpose, source and description of content by a panel of assessors who classified them into data-driven thematic categories.

Results

434 videos met the inclusion criteria and the 100 videos with the largest view counts were chosen. The most common categories of the videos were the depiction of a sporting injury (37%) and news reports (25%). News and media organisations were the predominant source (51%) of concussion-related videos on YouTube, with very few being uploaded by professional or academic organisations. The median number of views per video was 26 191.

Conclusions

Although a wide range of concussion-related videos were identified, there is a need for healthcare and educational organisations to explore YouTube as a medium for the dissemination of quality-controlled information on sports concussion.
The incidence of rugby-related catastrophic injuries (including cardiac events) in South Africa from 2008 to 2011: a cohort study
Authors: Brown James Craig , Lambert Mike I , Verhagen Evert , Readhead Clint , van Mechelen Willem , Viljoen Wayne
Published: February 2013

Objectives

To establish an accurate and comprehensive injury incidence registry of all rugby union-related catastrophic events in South Africa between 2008 and 2011. An additional aim was to investigate correlates associated with these injuries.

Design

Prospective.

Setting

The South African amateur and professional rugby-playing population.

Participants

An estimated 529 483 Junior and 121 663 Senior rugby union (‘rugby’) players (population at risk).

Outcome measures

Annual average incidences of rugby-related catastrophic injuries by type (cardiac events, traumatic brain and acute spinal cord injuries (ASCIs)) and outcome (full recoveries—fatalities). Playing level (junior and senior levels), position and event (phase of play) were also assessed.

Results

The average annual incidence of ASCIs and Traumatic Brain Injuries combined was 2.00 per 100 000 players (95% CI 0.91 to 3.08) from 2008 to 2011. The incidence of ASCIs with permanent outcomes was significantly higher at the Senior level (4.52 per 100 000 players, 95% CI 0.74 to 8.30) than the Junior level (0.24 per 100 000 players, 95% CI 0 to 0.65) during this period. The hooker position was associated with 46% (n=12 of 26) of allpermanentASCI outcomes, the majority of which (83%) occurred during the scrum phase of play.

Conclusions

The incidence of rugby-related catastrophic injuries in South Africa between 2008 and 2011 is comparable to that of other countries and to most other collision sports. The higher incidence rate of permanent ASCIs at the Senior level could be related to the different law variations or characteristics (eg, less regular training) compared with the Junior level. The hooker and scrum were associated with high proportions of permanent ASCIs. TheBokSmartinjury prevention programme should focus efforts on these areas (Senior level, hooker and scrum) and use this study as a reference point for the evaluation of the effectiveness of the programme.
Ambulance call-outs and response times in Birmingham and the impact of extreme weather and climate change
Authors: Thornes John Edward , Fisher Paul Anthony , Rayment-Bishop Tracy , Smith Christopher
Published: February 2013

Although there has been some research on the impact of extreme weather on the number of ambulance call-out incidents, especially heat waves, there has been very little research on the impact of cold weather on ambulance call-outs and response times. In the UK, there is a target response rate of 75% of life threatening incidents (Category A) that must be responded to within 8 min. This paper compares daily air temperature data with ambulance call-out data for Birmingham over a 5-year period (2007–2011). A significant relationship between extreme weather and increased ambulance call-out and response times can clearly be shown. Both hot and cold weather have a negative impact on response times. During the heat wave of August 2003, the number of ambulance call-outs increased by up to a third. In December 2010 (the coldest December for more than 100 years), the response rate fell below 50% for 3 days in a row (18 December–20 December 2010) with a mean response time of 15 min. For every reduction of air temperature by 1°C there was a reduction of 1.3% in performance. Improved weather forecasting and the take up of adaptation measures, such as the use of winter tyres, are suggested for consideration as management tools to improve ambulance response resilience during extreme weather. Also it is suggested that ambulance response times could be used as part of the syndromic surveillance system at the Health Protection Agency.
Design-based properties of some small-area estimators in forest inventory with two-phase sampling
Authors: Mandallaz Daniel
Published: February 2013

We consider the small-area estimation problem for forest inventories with two-phase sampling schemes. We propose an improvement to the synthetic estimator, when the true mean of the auxiliary variables over the small area is unknown and must be estimated, and likewise to the residual corrected small-area estimator. We derive the asymptotic design-based variances of these new estimators, the pseudo-synthetic and pseudo-small-area estimators, by also incorporating the design-based variance of the regression coefficients. We then propose a very simple mathematical device that transforms pseudo-small-area estimators into pseudo-synthetic estimators, which is very convenient for deriving asymptotic variances. The results are extended to cluster and two-stage sampling at the plot level. A case study and a simulation illustrate the theory.
MONOGAMY PROPERTIES OF QUANTUM DISCORD FOR A THREE-QUBIT ENTANGLED STATE
Authors: SONG XUE-KE , WU TAO , YE LIU
Published: February 2013

In this paper, we obtain the pairwise quantum discord for a three-qubit W-class state, and investigate the monogamy property of quantum discord by two different ways (relative entropy-based distance and geometric square-norm distance). Through numerical calculations, we find that a party cannot have maximal quantum correlations with the other two parties simultaneously. For the given state, the quantum correlation between particles 1 and 3 induces limitation on the quantum correlation between them and particle 2. Moreover, the result also shows that the geometric quantum discord of the given W-class state obeys the monogamy property while the entropy quantum discord violates.
DEVELOPMENT OF A FORCE FIELD FOR ARTEMISININ AND MOLECULAR DYNAMICS SIMULATION OF THE DISSOLUTION OF ARTEMISININ IN DIFFERENT SOLVENTS
Authors: YANG QUAN , ACHENIE LUKE E.
Published: February 2013

Artemisinin is widely employed to treat malaria. A variety of experiments have been done to research the dissolution property of artemisinin in different solvents. To have an in-depth understanding of the property, it is essential to explore the dissolution property from molecular level with molecular dynamics (MD) simulation, which needs a satisfactory force field of artemisinin. Therefore in the research a quantum chemistry based force field was developed. The quantum chemical calculation at different levels was done and Hartree–Fock (HF) level calculation gives satisfactory results. The charge distribution was then determined successfully. The van der Waals (VDW) parameters of the C unit with sp3-C were tuned according to the difference between the dissolution enthalpy of artemisinin in ethanol and ethyl acetate. With the developed force field, MD method was employed to successfully simulate the dissolution property of artemisinin in different solvents. The simulation results show that artemisinin molecules tends to aggregate in water, while in the aqueous solution of ethanol, the same number of artemisinin molecules tends to disperse. Furthermore, simulation results show that 8 M ethyl acetate aqueous solution has better dissolution ability than 8 M ethanol aqueous. The simulation gave agreements with the experimental results.
Permian deposits and the Permian–Triassic boundary in Croatia: palaeoclimatic implications based on palaeontological and geochemical data
Authors: Fio Karmen , Sremac Jasenka , Vlahović Igor , Velić Ivo , Spangenberg Jorge E.
Published: February 2013

The Late Palaeozoic deposits in Croatia were derived from the Palaeotethyan shelf areas along the northern Gondwana passive continental margin and consist of mixed carbonate–clastic facies. These sedimentary rocks accumulated in the equatorial area along northern Gondwana under a dominantly hot climate and laid the foundations for the future Adriatic Carbonate Platform (AdCP).

Detailed classification and geochemical studies of the Permian and Permian–Triassic deposits in most parts of Croatia are still in progress, especially concerning palaeoclimate and regional palaeogeography. The best preserved Permian outcrops can be found in the Velebit mountain area, including continuous Permian–Triassic sections. Stable isotopes of carbon and oxygen from carbonates, with characteristic positive δ
13
C
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excursion during the Late Permian and negative δ
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C
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excursion at the Permian–Triassic transition combined with palaeontological and sedimentological data, helped in palaeoclimate estimations and the positioning of the chemostratigraphical Permian–Triassic Boundary (PTB). Sedimentological, palaeontological and geochemical data indicate that deposition in the Permian took place mainly in shallow-water tropical areas under oligotrophic conditions. High carbon isotope ratios in Capitanian carbonate rocks (+4 to +6‰ VPDB) mark the ‘Kamura event’ characterized by temporary cooling, high productivity and burial rate. Evaporites in the central part of the Karst Dinarides and red beds of the ‘Gröden type’ indicate a warm and mostly arid climate. Calculations based on the oxygen isotopic compositions of whole-rock carbonate and fossil samples estimate latest Permian temperatures up to 26 °C.
The human Cx26-D50A and Cx26-A88V mutations causing keratitis-ichthyosis-deafness syndrome display increased hemichannel activity
Authors: Mhaske Pallavi V. , Levit Noah A. , Li Leping , Wang Hong-Zhan , Lee Jack R. , Shuja Zunaira , Brink Peter R. , White Thomas W.
Published: February 2013

Mutations in the human gene encoding connexin 26 (Cx26 or GJB2) cause either nonsyndromic deafness or syndromic deafness associated with skin diseases. That distinct clinical disorders can be caused by different mutations within the same gene suggests that different channel activities influence the ear and skin. Here we use three different expression systems to examine the functional characteristics of two Cx26 mutations causing either mild (Cx26-D50A) or lethal (Cx26-A88V) keratitis-ichthyosis-deafness (KID) syndrome. In either cRNA-injected Xenopus oocytes, transfected HeLa cells, or transfected primary human keratinocytes, we show that both Cx26-D50A and Cx26-A88V form active hemichannels that significantly increase membrane current flow compared with wild-type Cx26. This increased membrane current accelerated cell death in low extracellular calcium solutions and was not due to increased mutant protein expression. Elevated mutant hemichannel currents could be blocked by increased extracellular calcium concentration. These results show that these two mutations exhibit a shared gain of functional activity and support the hypothesis that increased hemichannel activity is a common feature of human Cx26 mutations responsible for KID syndrome.
Inhibition of diuretic stimulation of an insect secretory epithelium by a cGMP-dependent protein kinase
Authors: Ruka Kristen A. , Miller Anna P. , Blumenthal Edward M.
Published: February 2013

The rate of urine secretion by insect Malpighian tubules (MTs) is regulated by multiple diuretic and antidiuretic hormones, often working either synergistically or antagonistically. In the Drosophila melanogaster MT, only diuretic factors have been reported. Two such agents are the biogenic amine tyramine (TA) and the peptide drosokinin (DK), both of which act on the stellate cells of the tubule to increase transepithelial chloride conductance. In the current study, TA and DK signaling was quantified by microelectrode recording of the transepithelial potential in isolated Drosophila MTs. Treatment of tubules with cGMP caused a significant reduction in the depolarizing responses to both TA and DK, while cAMP had no effect on these responses. To determine whether a specific cGMP-dependent protein kinase (PKG) was mediating this inhibition, PKG expression was knocked down by RNAi in either the principal cells or the stellate cells. Knockdown of Pkg21D in the stellate cells eliminated the modulation of TA and DK signaling. Knockdown of Pkg21D with a second RNAi construct also reduced the modulation of TA signaling. In contrast, knockdown of the expression of foraging or CG4839, which encodes a known and a putative PKG, respectively, had no effect. These data indicate that cGMP, acting through the Pkg21D gene product in the stellate cells, can inhibit signaling by the diuretic agents TA and DK. This represents a novel function for cGMP and PKG in the Drosophila MT and suggests the existence of an antidiuretic hormone in Drosophila .
Iberiotoxin-sensitive and -insensitive BK currents in Purkinje neuron somata
Authors: Benton Mark D. , Lewis Amanda H. , Bant Jason S. , Raman Indira M.
Published: February 2013

Purkinje cells have specialized intrinsic ionic conductances that generate high-frequency action potentials. Disruptions of their Ca or Ca-activated K (KCa) currents correlate with altered firing patterns in vitro and impaired motor behavior in vivo. To examine the properties of somatic KCa currents, we recorded voltage-clamped KCa currents in Purkinje cell bodies isolated from postnatal day 17–21 mouse cerebellum. Currents were evoked by endogenous Ca influx with approximately physiological Ca buffering. Purkinje somata expressed voltage-activated, Cd-sensitive KCa currents with iberiotoxin (IBTX)-sensitive (>100 nS) and IBTX-insensitive (>75 nS) components. IBTX-sensitive currents activated and partially inactivated within milliseconds. Rapid, incomplete macroscopic inactivation was also evident during 50- or 100-Hz trains of 1-ms depolarizations. In contrast, IBTX-insensitive currents activated more slowly and did not inactivate. These currents were insensitive to the small- and intermediate-conductance KCa channel blockers apamin, scyllatoxin, UCL1684, bicuculline methiodide, and TRAM-34, but were largely blocked by 1 mM tetraethylammonium. The underlying channels had single-channel conductances of ∼150 pS, suggesting that the currents are carried by IBTX-resistant (β4-containing) large-conductance KCa (BK) channels. IBTX-insensitive currents were nevertheless increased by small-conductance KCa channel agonists EBIO, chlorzoxazone, and CyPPA. During trains of brief depolarizations, IBTX-insensitive currents flowed during interstep intervals, and the accumulation of interstep outward current was enhanced by EBIO. In current clamp, EBIO slowed spiking, especially during depolarizing current injections. The two components of BK current in Purkinje somata likely contribute differently to spike repolarization and firing rate. Moreover, augmentation of BK current may partially underlie the action of EBIO and chlorzoxazone to alleviate disrupted Purkinje cell firing associated with genetic ataxias.
The effect of contextual cues on the encoding of motor memories
Authors: Howard Ian S. , Wolpert Daniel M. , Franklin David W.
Published: February 2013

Several studies have shown that sensory contextual cues can reduce the interference observed during learning of opposing force fields. However, because each study examined a small set of cues, often in a unique paradigm, the relative efficacy of different sensory contextual cues is unclear. In the present study we quantify how seven contextual cues, some investigated previously and some novel, affect the formation and recall of motor memories. Subjects made movements in a velocity-dependent curl field, with direction varying randomly from trial to trial but always associated with a unique contextual cue. Linking field direction to the cursor or background color, or to peripheral visual motion cues, did not reduce interference. In contrast, the orientation of a visual object attached to the hand cursor significantly reduced interference, albeit by a small amount. When the fields were associated with movement in different locations in the workspace, a substantial reduction in interference was observed. We tested whether this reduction in interference was due to the different locations of the visual feedback (targets and cursor) or the movements (proprioceptive). When the fields were associated only with changes in visual display location (movements always made centrally) or only with changes in the movement location (visual feedback always displayed centrally), a substantial reduction in interference was observed. These results show that although some visual cues can lead to the formation and recall of distinct representations in motor memory, changes in spatial visual and proprioceptive states of the movement are far more effective than changes in simple visual contextual cues.
Functional connectivity patterns of medial and lateral macaque frontal eye fields reveal distinct visuomotor networks
Authors: Babapoor-Farrokhran Sahand , Hutchison R. Matthew , Gati Joseph S. , Menon Ravi S. , Everling Stefan
Published: February 2013

It has been previously shown that small- and large-amplitude saccades have different functions during vision in natural environments. Large saccades are associated with reaching movements toward objects, whereas small saccades facilitate the identification of more detailed object features necessary for successful grasping and manual manipulation. To determine whether these represent dichotomous processing streams, we used resting-state functional MRI to examine the functional connectivity patterns of the medial and lateral frontal eye field (FEF) regions that encode large- and small-amplitude saccades, respectively. We found that the spontaneous blood oxygen level-dependent signals of the medial FEF were functionally correlated with areas known to be involved in reaching movements and executive control processes, whereas lateral FEF was functionally correlated with cortical areas involved in object processing and in grasping, fixation, and manipulation of objects. The results provide strong evidence for two distinct visuomotor network systems in the primate brain that likely reflect the alternating phases of vision for action in natural environments.