bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Positioning occupational therapy as a discipline on the research continuum: Results of a cross‐sectional survey of research experience
Authors: Pighills Alison C. , Plummer David , Harvey Desley , Pain Tilley
Published: July 2013

Background/aim

Evidence‐based practice and research are beginning and endpoints on a research continuum. Progression along the continuum builds research capacity. Occupational Therapy has a low evidence base, thus, clinicians are not implementing evidence‐based practice or publishing research. Barriers to implementing evidence‐based practice and engaging in research include a lack of confidence. This research gauged Occupational Therapists' research experience, support needs and barriers, and compared levels of research anxiety between allied health disciplines.

Methods

A cross‐sectional survey was sent to Health Practitioners in northern Queensland in May–June 2011. Responses about experience, support needs and barriers, between Occupational Therapists, were analysed using Chi‐square ‘goodness of fit’ tests. Multivariate analysis compared responses between disciplines about research anxiety. This paper reports results for the subset of Occupational Therapists.

Results

The whole population, consisting of 152 Occupational Therapists, was sent a questionnaire, from which 86 responded. More Occupational Therapists than not had experience of evidence‐based practice and less support was required, but they had little experience of producing research and required more support. The amount of support required for activities along the research continuum was inversely related to the level of experience in these tasks. Barriers included lack of staff and time. Occupational Therapists were more anxious about research (53 of 79, 67%) than all other Health Practitioner disciplines combined (170 of 438, 39%, P < 0.0001).

Conclusion

A cohesive strategy should focus on consolidating Occupational Therapists' evidence‐based practice skills and building confidence. Clinicians wishing to engage in research need access to academic support. Academics and clinicians should work closely to produce clinically relevant research.
Historicizing Planning, Problematizing Participation
Authors: Huxley Margo
Published: July 2013

In this article, I offer speculations which share the intentions of this symposium to bring to light seldom acknowledged configurations of knowledges, and to indicate different ways of thinking historically about urban problems and planning policies. I suggest that a genealogical or critical historical sensibility has much to contribute to these projects by tracing how policies and programmes come into being in response to specific conditions and within specific sets of presuppositions, and are rarely the products of unified histories or singular rationalities. But these policies are also configured in discursive terrains that already shape the form of problems and their possible solutions. That is, before policies or concepts can ‘travel’, they have to come into being under certain ‘conditions of possibility’. The main focus of this article is to suggest that posing a policy, programme or set of practices as a ‘problematization’ as a consequence of certain conditions of possibility can productively indicate different avenues of enquiry that trace the disparate ‘pre‐travel’ emergences of what may (or may not) then become ‘travelling’ policies. I indicate some questions and possible research directions arising from taking participation in planning as a particular form of problematization and calling attention to the taken‐for‐granted nature of ‘participation’ as it is theorized and practised in the fields of urban planning and participatory development.
Forest management policies and oil wealth in Iran over the last century: A review
Authors: Amiraslani Farshad , Dragovich Deirdre
Published: July 2013

Deforestation is a problem in many developing countries. In Iran, the introduction of forestry management policies in the twentieth century coincided with a period of severe depletion in forest cover. This over‐utilization resulted from tree cutting for road construction, the establishment of sawmills and match factories, and in particular, the growing demand for charcoal and fuelwood for a rapidly increasing population. The formal forestry management policies initiated in the early 1900s were inadequately enforced, leading to continuing loss of forests through largely unregulated exploitation. Despite the discovery of oil in 1908 and natural gas in 1937, gas pipeline construction for domestic consumption was slow, kerosene was only gradually substituted for wood, charcoal consumption only fell steeply after 1960, and the established forest cover decreased sharply between 1970 and 1990. In 1991, the first of the post‐Revolution national Five Year Development Plans commenced and environmental protection was allocated significant budgetary support. The Five Year Plans implemented substantial reductions in livestock grazing in forests and encouraged reforestation, which partly offset the continuing forest removal. Using estimates based on fuelwood consumption in Brazil and USA, the forested area in Iran in 1850 would have disappeared by 2000 without the Government intervention which provided widespread access to fossil fuels. This energy‐source shift decreased local pressure on the dwindling forest resources and was reinforced by Government policies to conserve and extend forests.
Potential role of oxidative exoenzymes of the extremophilic fungus Pestalotiopsis palmarum BM‐04 in biotransformation of extra‐heavy crude oil
Authors: Naranjo‐Briceño Leopoldo , Pernía Beatriz , Guerra Mayamaru , Demey Jhonny R. , De Sisto Ángela , Inojosa Ysvic , González Meralys , Fusella Emidio , Freites Miguel , Yegres Francisco
Published: July 2013

Large amount of drilling waste associated with the expansion of the Orinoco Oil Belt (OOB), the biggest proven reserve of extra‐heavy crude oil (EHCO) worldwide, is usually impregnated with EHCO and highly salinized water‐based drilling fluids. Oxidative exoenzymes (OE) of the lignin‐degrading enzyme system (LDS) of fungi catalyse the oxidation of a wide range of toxic pollutants. However, very little evidences on fungal degradation or biotransformation of EHCO have been reported, which contain high amounts of asphaltenes and its biodegradation rate is very limited. The aims of this work were to study the ability of Pestalotiopsis palmarum BM‐04 to synthesize OE, its potential to biotransform EHCO and to survive in extreme environmental conditions. Enzymatic studies of the LDS showed the ability of this fungus to overproduce high amounts of laccase (LACp) in presence of wheat bran or lignin peroxidase (LIPp) with EHCO as sole carbon and energy source (1300 U mgP−1 in both cases). FT‐IR spectroscopy with Attenuated Total Reflectance (ATR) analysis showed the enzymatic oxidation of carbon and sulfur atoms in both maltenes and asphaltenes fractions of biotreated EHCO catalysed by cell‐free laccase‐enriched OE using wheat bran as inducer. UV‐visible spectrophotometry analysis revealed the oxidation of the petroporphyrins in the asphaltenes fraction of biotreated EHCO. Tolerance assays showed the ability of this fungus to grow up to 50 000 p.p.m. of EHCO and 2000 mM of NaCl. These results suggest that P. palmarum BM‐04 is a hopeful alternative to be used in remediation processes in extreme environmental conditions of salinity and EHCO contamination, such as the drilling waste from the OOB.
Lipoic acid restores age‐associated impairment of brain energy metabolism through the modulation of Akt/JNK signaling and PGC1α transcriptional pathway
Authors: Jiang Tianyi , Yin Fei , Yao Jia , Brinton Roberta D. , Cadenas Enrique
Published: July 2013

This study examines the progress of a hypometabolic state inherent in brain aging with an animal model consisting of Fischer 344 rats of young, middle, and old ages. Dynamic microPET scanning demonstrated a significant decline in brain glucose uptake at old ages, which was associated with a decrease in the expression of insulin‐sensitive neuronal glucose transporters GLUT3/4 and of microvascular endothelium GLUT1. Brain aging was associated with an imbalance between the PI3K/Akt pathway of insulin signaling and c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase (JNK) signaling and a downregulation of the PGC1α‐mediated transcriptional pathway of mitochondrial biogenesis that impinged on multiple aspects of energy homeostasis. R‐(+)‐lipoic acid treatment increased glucose uptake, restored the balance of Akt/JNK signaling, and enhanced mitochondrial bioenergetics and the PGC1α‐driven mitochondrial biogenesis. It may be surmised that impairment of a mitochondria–cytosol–nucleus communication is underlying the progression of the age‐related hypometabolic state in brain; the effects of lipoic acid are not organelle‐limited, but reside on the functional and effective coordination of this communication that results in improved energy metabolism.
Volatility, agricultural risk, and household poverty: micro‐evidence from randomized control trials
Authors: Macours Karen
Published: July 2013

Households in developing countries are often highly exposed to risk and despite households’ risk strategies negative shocks often result in substantial welfare losses. Given the possibility that weather risks in particular might be further increasing, there is renewed policy attention on improving households’ risk management strategies. This article provides an overview of insights learned from recent randomized control trials on predictions coming out of the theoretical literature on households’ ex ante risk management. It reveals new puzzles and questions regarding households’ inter‐temporal decision making under risk, and draws lessons for effective policy design.
Variation in cesarean section rates is not related to maternal and neonatal outcomes
Authors: Pallasmaa Nanneli , Alanen Anna , Ekblad Ulla , Vahlberg Tero , Koivisto Mari , Raudaskoski Tytti , Ulander Veli‐Matti , Uotila Jukka
Published: July 2013

Objective

The aim of this study was to compare the rate of cesarean sections in 12 delivery units in Finland, and to assess possible associations between cesarean section rates and maternal and neonatal complications.

Design

Prospective multicenter cohort study.

Setting

The 12 largest delivery units in Finland.

Population

Total obstetric population between 1 January 2005 and 30 June 2005 (n = 19 764).

Methods

Prospectively collected data on 2496 cesarean sections and data derived from the Finnish Birth Register on all deliveries in these units were compared. Cesarean section rates and maternal complication rates were adjusted for known risk factors.

Main outcome measures

Cesarean section rate, maternal complications related to cesarean section, and neonatal asphyxia.

Results

The cesarean section rates varied significantly between the hospitals (12.9–25.1%, p < 0.0001), as did the maternal complication rates related to cesarean section (13.0–36.5%, p < 0.0001). There was no relation between maternal complications and the cesarean section rate. The differences remained after adjusting for risk factors. Neonatal asphyxia rates varied between 0.14 and 2.8% (p < 0.0001) and were not related to the cesarean section rates.

Conclusions

The rates of cesarean section, maternal complications and neonatal asphyxia vary markedly between different delivery units. Good maternal and neonatal outcomes can be achieved with cesarean section rates <15%.
Experience with laparoscopic treatment for paraesophageal hiatal hernia
Authors: Tagaya Nobumi , Makino Nana , Saito Kazuyuki , Okuyama Takashi , Kouketsu Shinichiro , Sugamata Yoshitake , Oya Masatoshi
Published: July 2013

Introduction

Paraesophageal hiatal hernia is often associated with a number of complications such as intestinal obstruction, gastric volvulus and acute pancreatitis, each of which can result in critical conditions requiring surgery. Herein, we report our surgical procedure for paraesophageal hiatal hernia.

Methods

Since 2003, we have surgically treated hiatal hernia in 18 patients, including 2 men and 16 women, with a mean age of 73 years. Thirteen patients (72.2%) had a type‐I hiatal hernia, two (11.1%) had type III and three (16.7%) had type IV. The operative procedure consisted of a crural repair and anti‐reflux maneuver.

Results

Laparoscopic procedures were completed in all patients. The mean operation time was 160.2 min for type I and 230.8 min for types III and IV. The mean postoperative hospital stay was 7.8 days, and there was no mortality. Three patients relapsed during the mean follow‐up period of 74.9 months. Two of them were asymptomatic and one required laparoscopic reoperation.

Conclusion

Laparoscopic surgery for paraesophageal hiatal hernia is safe and effective with minimal morbidity and early recovery. However, it is important to determine the appropriate timing of surgery based on the severity of the hernia and the patient's general status and comorbidities.
Afrormosin, an Isoflavonoid from Amburana cearensis A. C. Smith, Modulates the Inflammatory Response of Stimulated Human Neutrophils
Authors: de Araújo Lopes Amanda , Magalhães Talita R. , de Andrade Uchôa Daniel E. , Silveira Edilberto R. , Azzolini Ana E. C. S. , Kabeya Luciana M. , Lucisano‐Valim Yara M. , Vasconcelos Silvânia M. M. , de Barros Viana Glauce S. , Leal Luzia K. A. M.
Published: July 2013

Isoflavones are phytoestrogens known by their anti‐inflammatory, antioxidant and immunomodulatory properties. Presently, there is no information on whether afrormosin, an isoflavone from Amburana cearensis A.C. Smith (Fabaceae), has some effect on the inflammatory response from stimulated human neutrophils. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the anti‐inflammatory and antioxidant potentials of afrormosin on human neutrophils. Neutrophils (2.5 × 106 cells/mL) were incubated with afrormosin (3.35–335.2 μM) prepared from a product isolated from Amburana cearensis A.C. Smith with a 78.5% degree of purity and stimulated by the addition of cytochalasin B and N‐formyl‐methionyl‐leucyl‐phenylalanine (fMLP) or phorbol 12‐myristate‐13‐acetate (PMA). Afrormosin inhibited the neutrophil degranulation induced by fMLP (10.47–335.2 μM) or PMA (0.33–167.6 μM), myeloperoxidase activity (3.3–335.2 μM), TNF‐α secretion (16.7–335.2 μM) and the reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation (16.7–335.2 μM). On the other hand, afrormosin did not show any effect either on elastase or as a free radical scavenger. These data suggest that afrormosin modulates intermediary steps of the neutrophil ROS generation process. In addition, the modulatory effect of afrormosin on human neutrophil degranulation seems to be directed towards PMA‐induced activation, indicating a potent inhibition of the protein kinase C activity. This study provided evidence, for the first time, to support the anti‐inflammatory and antioxidant activities of afrormosin, creating novel insights into the pharmacological actions of this natural isoflavone.
Penile cancer: organ‐sparing techniques
Authors: Hegarty Paul K. , Eardley Ian , Heidenreich Axel , McDougal W. Scott , Minhas Suks , Spiess Philippe E. , Watkin Nick , Horenblas Simon
Published: July 2013

To compare the oncological safety of treating patients with penile cancer with conservative techniques developed to preserve function, cosmesis and psychological well‐being with more radical ablative strategies.

We conducted an extensive review of the literature of penile‐preserving and ablative techniques and report on the oncological as well as functional outcomes.

There were no randomised studies comparing penile‐preserving and ablative techniques.

Most studies consisted of retrospective cohorts.

The quality of evidence was level 3 at best.

Cancer‐specific survival is similar in penile‐preserving and ablative approaches for low‐stage disease.

Penile preservation is better for functional and cosmetic outcomes and should be offered as a primary treatment method in men with low‐stage penile cancer.
Integrated provenance record of a forearc basin modified by slab‐window magmatism: detrital‐ zircon geochronology and sandstone compositions of the Paleogene Arkose Ridge Formation, south‐central Alaska
Authors: Kortyna C. , Donaghy E. , Trop J. M. , Idleman B.
Published: July 2013

This study presents an integrated provenance record for ancient forearc strata in southern Alaska. Paleocene–Eocene sedimentary and volcanic strata >2000 m thick in the southern Talkeetna Mountains record nonmarine sediment accumulation in a remnant forearc basin. In these strata, igneous detritus dominates conglomerate and sandstone detrital modes, including plutonic and volcanic clasts, plagioclase feldspar, and monocrystalline quartz. Volcanic detritus is more abundant and increases upsection in eastern sandstone and conglomerate. U‐Pb ages of >1600 detrital zircons from 19 sandstone samples document three main populations: 60–48 Ma (late Paleocene–Eocene; 14% of all grains), 85–60 Ma (late Cretaceous–early Paleocene; 64%) and 200–100 Ma (Jurassic–Early Cretaceous; 11%). Eastern sections exhibit the broadest distribution of detrital ages, including a principal population of late Paleocene–Eocene ages. In contrast, central and western sections yield mainly late Cretaceous–early Paleocene detrital ages. Collectively, our results permit reconstruction of individual fluvial drainages oriented transverse to a dissected arc. Specifically, new data suggest: (1) Detritus was eroded from volcanic‐plutonic sources exposed along the arcward margin of the sampled forearc basin fill, primarily Jurassic–Paleocene magmatic‐arc plutons and spatially limited late Paleocene–Eocene volcanic centers; (2) Eastern deposystems received higher proportions of juvenile volcanic detritus through time from late Paleocene–Eocene volcanic centers, consistent with emplacement of a slab window beneath the northeastern part of the basin during spreading‐ridge subduction; (3) Western deposystems transported volcanic‐plutonic detritus from Jurassic–Paleocene remnant arc plutons and local eruptive centers that flanked the northwestern part of the basin; (4) Diagnostic evidence of sediment derivation from accretionary‐prism strata exposed trenchward of the basin fill is lacking. Our results provide geologic evidence for latest Cretaceous–early Paleocene exhumation of arc plutons and marine forearc strata followed by nonmarine sediment accumulation and slab‐window magmatism. This inferred history supports models that invoke spreading‐ridge subduction beneath southern Alaska during Paleogene time, providing a framework for understanding a mature continental‐arc/forearc‐basin system modified by ridge subduction. Conventional provenance models predict reduced input of volcanic detritus to forearc basins during progressive exhumation of the volcanic edifice and increasing exposure of subvolcanic plutons. In contrast, our results show that forearc basins influenced by ridge subduction may record localized increases in juvenile volcanic detritus during late‐stage evolution in response to accumulation of volcanic sequences formed from slab‐window eruptive centers.
Enhanced and persistent levels of interleukin (IL)-17+CD4+ T cells and serum IL-17 in patients with early inflammatory arthritis
Authors: Gullick N J , Abozaid H S , Jayaraj D M , Evans H G , Scott D L , Choy E H , Taams L S
Published: July 2013

Prognosis of patients with early inflammatory arthritis (EIA) is highly variable. The aim of this study was to compare, longitudinally and cross-sectionally, the levels of cytokine-expressing cells in peripheral blood (PB) from patients with EIA to those in established rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and healthy controls (HC). PB mononuclear cells from HC (n = 30), patients with EIA (n = 20) or RA (n = 38) were stimulated with phorbol myristate acetate (PMA)/ionomycin for 3 h, and stained for cell markers and cytokines. Serum cytokines and chemokines were measured by Luminex. Patients with EIA were reassessed at 6 and 12 months. The percentage of interleukin (IL)-17+interferon (IFN)-γ−CD4+ T cells [T helper type 17 (Th17)] was increased in RA and EIA versus HC. Serum IL-1β, IL-2, IL-4 IL-17 and macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP)-1α were increased in RA and EIA versus HC. IL-1Ra, IL-15 and IFN-α were increased in EIA versus HC. IL-6 and tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α was increased in RA but not EIA versus HC. Disease activity scores in EIA patients improved over 12 months' treatment. Th17 percentage at baseline was correlated with both rheumatoid factor (RF) titre and functional deficit at 12 months. Baseline levels of serum granulocyte–macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), IL-6 and IL-8 were correlated with Larsen score at 12 months. There were no significant changes in cytokine-expressing CD4+T cells over time, although the percentage of IL-6+ monocytes increased. IL-17+CD4+ T cells and serum IL-17 levels are increased in EIA. IL-6-expressing monocytes increase during the first year of disease, irrespective of disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug (DMARD) therapy. We observed incomplete clinical responses, suggesting EIA patients need more intensive early therapy.
Constructing Isosurfaces with Sharp Edges and Corners using Cube Merging
Authors: Bhattacharya A. , Wenger R.
Published: July 2013

A number of papers present algorithms to construct isosurfaces with sharp edges and corners from hermite data, i.e. the exact surface normals at the exact intersection of the surface and grid edges. We discuss some fundamental problems with the previous algorithms and describe a new approach, based on merging grid cubes near sharp edges, that produces significantly better results. Our algorithm requires only gradients at the grid vertices, not at each surface‐edge intersection point. We also give a method for measuring the correctness of the resulting sharp edges and corners in the isosurface.
EvalBench: A Software Library for Visualization Evaluation
Authors: Aigner W. , Hoffmann S. , Rind A.
Published: July 2013

It is generally acknowledged in visualization research that it is necessary to evaluate visualization artifacts in order to provide empirical evidence on their effectiveness and efficiency as well as their usability and utility. However, the difficulties of conducting such evaluations still remain an issue. Apart from the required know‐how to appropriately design and conduct user studies, the necessary implementation effort for evaluation features in visualization software is a considerable obstacle. To mitigate this, we present EvalBench, an easy‐to‐use, flexible, and reusable software library for visualization evaluation written in Java. We describe its design choices and basic abstractions of our conceptual architecture and demonstrate its applicability by a number of case studies. EvalBench reduces implementation effort for evaluation features and makes conducting user studies easier. It can be used and integrated with third‐party visualization prototypes that need to be evaluated via loose coupling. EvalBench supports both, quantitative and qualitative evaluation methods such as controlled experiments, interaction logging, laboratory questionnaires, heuristic evaluations, and insight diaries.
Towards High‐dimensional Data Analysis in Air Quality Research
Authors: Engel D. , Hummel M. , Hoepel F. , Bein K. , Wexler A. , Garth C. , Hamann B. , Hagen H.
Published: July 2013

Analysis of chemical constituents from mass spectrometry of aerosols involves non‐negative matrix factorization, an approximation of high‐dimensional data in lower‐dimensional space. The associated optimization problem is non‐convex, resulting in crude approximation errors that are not accessible to scientists. To address this shortcoming, we introduce a new methodology for user‐guided error‐aware data factorization that entails an assessment of the amount of information contributed by each dimension of the approximation, an effective combination of visualization techniques to highlight, filter, and analyze error features, as well as a novel means to interactively refine factorizations. A case study and the domain‐expert feedback provided by the collaborating atmospheric scientists illustrate that our method effectively communicates errors of such numerical optimization results and facilitates the computation of high‐quality data factorizations in a simple and intuitive manner.
Vector Field k‐Means: Clustering Trajectories by Fitting Multiple Vector Fields
Authors: Ferreira Nivan , Klosowski James T. , Scheidegger Carlos E. , Silva Cláudio T.
Published: July 2013

Scientists study trajectory data to understand trends in movement patterns, such as human mobility for traffic analysis and urban planning. In this paper, we introduce a novel trajectory clustering technique whose central idea is to use vector fields to induce a notion of similarity between trajectories, letting the vector fields themselves define and represent each cluster. We present an efficient algorithm to find a locally optimal clustering of trajectories into vector fields, and demonstrate how vector‐field k‐means can find patterns missed by previous methods. We present experimental evidence of its effectiveness and efficiency using several datasets, including historical hurricane data, GPS tracks of people and vehicles, and anonymous cellular radio handoffs from a large service provider.
User‐driven Feature Space Transformation
Authors: Mamani G. M. H. , Fatore F. M. , Nonato L. G. , Paulovich F. V.
Published: July 2013

Interactive visualization systems for exploring and manipulating high‐dimensional feature spaces have experienced a substantial progress in the last few years. State‐of‐art methods rely on solid mathematical and computational foundations that enable sophisticated and flexible interactive tools. Current methods are even capable of modifying data attributes during interaction, highlighting regions of potential interest in the feature space, and building visualizations that bring out the relevance of attributes. However, those methodologies rely on complex and non‐intuitive interfaces that hamper the free handling of the feature spaces. Moreover, visualizing how neighborhood structures are affected during the space manipulation is also an issue for existing methods. This paper presents a novel visualization‐assisted methodology for interacting and transforming data attributes embedded in feature spaces. The proposed approach relies on a combination of multidimensional projections and local transformations to provide an interactive mechanism for modifying attributes. Besides enabling a simple and intuitive visual layout, our approach allows the user to easily observe the changes in neighborhood structures during interaction. The usefulness of our methodology is shown in an application geared to image retrieval.
Fingerprint Matrices: Uncovering the dynamics of social networks in prose literature
Authors: Oelke D. , Kokkinakis D. , Keim D. A.
Published: July 2013

In prose literature often complex dynamics of interpersonal relationships can be observed between the different characters. Traditionally, node‐link diagrams are used to depict the social network of a novel. However, static graphs can only visualize the overall social network structure but not the development of the networks over the course of the story, while dynamic graphs have the serious problem that there are many sudden changes between different portions of the overall social network. In this paper we explore means to show the relationships between the characters of a plot and at the same time their development over the course of a novel. Based on a careful exploration of the design space, we suggest a new visualization technique called Fingerprint Matrices. A case study exemplifies the usage of Fingerprint Matrices and shows that they are an effective means to analyze prose literature with respect to the development of relationships between the different characters.
Rule‐based Visual Mappings – with a Case Study on Poetry Visualization
Authors: Abdul‐Rahman A. , Lein J. , Coles K. , Maguire E. , Meyer M. , Wynne M. , Johnson C. R. , Trefethen A. , Chen M.
Published: July 2013

In this paper, we present a user‐centered design study on poetry visualization. We develop a rule‐based solution to address the conflicting needs for maintaining the flexibility of visualizing a large set of poetic variables and for reducing the tedium and cognitive load in interacting with the visual mapping control panel. We adopt Munzner's nested design model to maintain high‐level interactions with the end users in a closed loop. In addition, we examine three design options for alleviating the difficulty in visualizing poems latitudinally. We present several example uses of poetry visualization in scholarly research on poetry.
Peri‐operative hyperglycemia is associated with delayed graft function in deceased donor renal transplantation
Authors: Parekh Justin , Roll Garrett R. , Feng Sandy , Niemann Claus U. , Hirose Ryutaro
Published: July 2013

Increasing evidence indicates that recipient diabetes is a risk factor for delayed graft function (DGF) after renal transplant and that peri‐operative hyperglycemia increases ischemia–reperfusion injury. To evaluate whether peri‐operative hyperglycemia as measured in the post‐anesthesia care unit (PACU) after transplant is a risk factor for DGF, we retrospectively reviewed 976 adult recipients of deceased donor renal transplants between January 1, 1997 and December 1, 2004. Logistic regression was used to evaluate risk factors for DGF. In our final multivariate model, recipient blood glucose level in the PACU (odds ratio [OR] 1.10 per 25 unit increase, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.14–2.46, p = 0.03) was a statistically significant predictor of DGF along with donor age (OR 1.02, 95% CI 1.01–1.03, p < 0.01), cold ischemia time (OR 1.04, 95% CI 1.02–1.07, p < 0.01), recipient male gender (OR 1.68, 95% CI 1.14–2.68, p = 0.01), and a panel‐reactive antibody >30% (OR 1.92, 95% CI 1.20–3.05, p = 0.01). We conclude that recipient blood glucose measured in the PACU is associated with DGF and begs the question of whether improved peri‐operative glucose control will decrease the incidence of DGF.
The cost‐effectiveness of the Dose Adjustment for Normal Eating (DAFNE) structured education programme: an update using the Sheffield Type 1 Diabetes Policy Model
Authors: Kruger J. , Brennan A. , Thokala P. , Basarir H. , Jacques R. , Elliott J. , Heller S. , Speight J.
Published: July 2013

Aims

To estimate the cost‐effectiveness of training in flexible intensive insulin therapy [as provided in the Dose Adjustment for Normal Eating (DAFNE) structured education programme] compared with no training for adults with Type 1 diabetes mellitus in theUKusing the Sheffield Type 1 Diabetes Policy Model.

Methods

The Sheffield Type 1 Diabetes Policy Model was used to simulate the development of long‐term microvascular and macrovascular diabetes‐related complications and the occurrence of diabetes‐related adverse events in 5000 adults with Type 1 diabetes. Total costs and quality‐adjusted life years were estimated from a National Health Service perspective over a lifetime horizon, discounted at a rate of 3.5%. The treatment effectiveness ofDAFNEwas modelled as a reduction in HbA1cthat affected the risk of developing long‐term diabetes‐related complications. Probabilistic and structural sensitivity analyses were conducted.

Results

DAFNEresulted in greater life expectancy and reduced incidence of some diabetes‐related complications compared with noDAFNE.DAFNEwas found to generate an average of 0.0294 additional quality‐adjusted life years for an additional cost of £426 per patient, leading to an incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio of £14 400 compared with noDAFNE. There was a 54% probability thatDAFNEwould be cost‐effective at a willingness‐to‐pay threshold of £20 000 per quality‐adjusted life year.

Conclusions

The results of this study suggest thatDAFNEis a cost‐effective structured education programme for people with Type 1 diabetes and support its provision by the National Health Service in theUK.
Quantification of Changes in Septal Strain after Alcohol Septal Ablation in Hypertrophic Obstructive Cardiomyopathy—Cases from the Three‐Dimensional Speckle Tracking Echocardiographic MAGYAR‐Path Study
Authors: Nemes Attila , Domsik Péter , Kalapos Anita , Gavallér Henriette , Forster Tamás , Sepp Róbert
Published: July 2013

Patients with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy undergoing alcohol septal ablation are presented. Three‐dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography (3DSTE) is a new, noninvasive tool for quantification of myocardial deformation. In both cases, 3DSTE was performed 1 day before and 3 days after alcohol septal ablation to quantify changes in septal strain of ablated area. Results could suggest the possible role of 3DSTE in the quantitative evaluation of the success of alcohol septal ablation.
The expression of limb gap genes in the mite Archegozetes longisetosus reveals differential patterning mechanisms in chelicerates
Authors: Barnett Austen A. , Thomas Richard H.
Published: July 2013

The modular organization of arthropod limbs has lead to the evolution of a diversity of appendages within this phylum. A conserved trait within the arthropods is the utilization of a conserved set of regulatory genes that specify the appendage podomeres along the proximo‐distal axis, termed the limb gap genes. These include extradenticle, homothorax, dachshund, and Distal‐less. The deployment of these genes in the most basally branching arthropod group, the chelicerates, has only been studied in detail in two chelicerate groups, the harvestmen and spiders. Given the broad range of appendage diversity within the chelicerates, comparative studies of gap gene deployment in other chelicerates groups is needed. We therefore followed limb gap gene expression in a member of the largest chelicerate group, Acari, the oribatid mite Archegozetes longisetosus. We show that in contrast to many arthropod species, A. longisetosus expresses homothorax and extradenticle exclusively in the proximal portion of the appendages, which refutes the hypothesis of a sister‐group relationship between chelicerates and myriapods. We also provide evidence that mites posses the ancestral chelicerate condition of possessing three‐segmented chelicerae, which also express the gene dachshund. This adds support to the hypothesis that a cheliceral dachshund domain is ancestral to arachnids. Lastly, we provide evidence that the suppression of the fourth pair of walking legs, a putative synapomorphy for Acari, is accomplished by repressing the development of the medial and distal regions of the limb.
Flexural strengths of conventional and nanofilled fiber‐reinforced composites: a three‐point bending test
Authors: Sfondrini Maria Francesca , Massironi Sarah , Pieraccini Giulia , Scribante Andrea , Vallittu Pekka K. , Lassila Lippo V. , Gandini Paola
Published: July 2013

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of the introduction of nanofillers on the mechanical properties of fiber‐reinforced composites (FRCs) for stabilization and conservative treatment of multiple traumatized anterior teeth. In particular, the aim of the research was to point out the force levels of two sizes (diameters 0.6 and 0.9 mm) of both conventional and nanofilled FRCs.

Methods

Eighty FRCs samples were divided into eight groups, each consisting of 10 specimens. Conventional (groups 1, 2, 3, and 4) and nanofilled (groups 5, 6, 7, and 8) FRC samples were evaluated. Each FRC was tested in two diameters (0.6 and 0.9 mm) and under two deflections (1 and 2 mm). Each sample was polymerized with the same halogen curing unit and then evaluated with a 3‐point bending test on a universal testing machine after 48 h of dry storage.

Results

Nanofilled FRCs showed significantly higher load values than conventional FRCs. Moreover, 0.9‐mm‐diameter FRCs showed significantly higher load value than 0.6‐mm‐diameter FRCs. Specimens tested at 2‐mm deflection showed significantly higher load values than those tested at 1‐mm deflection.

Conclusions

Nanofilled FRCs showed significantly higher load values than conventional FRCs. Higher flexural strength values were recorded with 1‐mm deflection for both FRC tested.
Determination of the gas diffusion coefficient of a peat grassland soil
Authors: Boon A. , Robinson J. S. , Nightingale P. D. , Cardenas L. , Chadwick D. R. , Verhoef A.
Published: July 2013

Peatland habitats are important carbon stocks that also have the potential to be significant sources of greenhouse gases, particularly when subject to changes such as artificial drainage and application of fertilizer. Models aiming to estimate greenhouse gas release from peatlands require an accurate estimate of the diffusion coefficient of gas transport through soil (Ds). The availability of specific measurements for peatland soils is currently limited. This study measured Ds for a peat soil with an overlying clay horizon and compared values with those from widely available models. The Ds value of a sandy loam reference soil was measured for comparison. Using the Currie (1960) method, Ds was measured between an air‐filled porosity (ϵ) range of 0 and 0.5 cm3 cm−3. Values of Ds for the peat cores ranged between 3.2 × 10−4 and 4.4 × 10−3 m2 hour−1, for loamy clay cores between 0 and 4.7 × 10−3 m2 hour−1 and for the sandy reference soil they were between 5.4 × 10−4 and 3.4 × 10−3 m2 hour−1. The agreement of measured and modelled values of relative diffusivity (Ds/D0, with D0 the diffusion coefficient through free air) varied with soil type; however, the Campbell (1985) model provided the best replication of measured values for all soils. This research therefore suggests that the use of the Campbell model in the absence of accurately measured Ds and porosity values for a study soil would be appropriate. Future research into methods to reduce shrinkage of peat during measurement and therefore allow measurement of Ds for a greater range of ϵ would be beneficial.
Improved δ13C method to assess soil organic carbon dynamics on sites affected by soil erosion
Authors: Häring V. , Fischer H. , Cadisch G. , Stahr K.
Published: July 2013

The assessment of soil organic carbon (SOC) loss and input after land‐use change is based largely on comparisons between disturbed sites and an undisturbed reference site. At sites affected by soil erosion this comparison neglects the interactions between soil erosion, decomposition and SOC input. Our aim was to develop a stable carbon isotope‐based method (CIDE; carbon input, decomposition and erosion) to characterize SOC dynamics on sites affected by soil erosion. Using the CIDE approach, rates of (i) SOC loss by erosion, (ii) decomposition of forest‐derived SOC and (iii) maize‐derived net SOC input were determined. The approach was tested on a steep slope maize cultivation chronosequence of up to 20 years following deforestation of primary forest. An uncertainty analysis showed that even small erosion rates (0.3 kg soil m−2 year−1) underestimated SOC loss (sum of erosion and decomposition) and overestimated real SOC input using unadjusted measurement data. The misrepresentation was particularly large under conditions of severe erosion, small changes in SOC concentration with depth, large changes in δ13C with depth, and small changes in SOC stocks or δ13C with time. Twenty years after land‐use change CIDE‐derived SOC loss was 89% and 52% larger than the unadjusted SOC loss estimates based on the RUSLE (revised universal soil loss equation) erosion model and the RothC carbon turnover model, respectively. The unadjusted maize‐derived SOC input was 36% and 14% larger when derived with the RUSLE and RothC model, respectively, 20 years after land‐use change. This study demonstrates the care that must be taken when assessing SOC dynamics on erosion prone sites and provides a framework to address these challenges.
An Experimental Examination of US Individual Donors’ Information Needs and Use
Authors: McDowell Evelyn A. , Li Wei , Smith Pamela C.
Published: July 2013

This paper adopts an internet‐based experiment to investigate whether and how individual donors use nonprofit organizations’ financial and nonfinancial information when making their donation decisions. Using undergraduate students in the United States (US) to proxy for individual donors, our results indicate that individual donors are more likely to acquire nonfinancial information, such as nonprofit organizations’ goals, outcomes, programs and missions, than financial information. Donors integrate nonfinancial information into their decisions as their actual donations are significantly correlated with such information. Our results also indicate that while individual donors acquire financial efficiency measures, including the program expense ratio and fundraising expense ratio, they do not seem to integrate such information into their decisions as their actual donations are not significantly correlated with the efficiency information. This study contributes to the nonprofit literature and research domain focusing on charitable giving and donor preferences.
Combined effects of global climate change and regional ecosystem drivers on an exploited marine food web
Authors: Niiranen Susa , Yletyinen Johanna , Tomczak Maciej T. , Blenckner Thorsten , Hjerne Olle , MacKenzie Brian R. , Müller‐Karulis Bärbel , Neumann Thomas , Meier H. E. Markus
Published: July 2013

Changes in climate, in combination with intensive exploitation of marine resources, have caused large‐scale reorganizations in many of the world's marine ecosystems during the past decades. The Baltic Sea in Northern Europe is one of the systems most affected. In addition to being exposed to persistent eutrophication, intensive fishing, and one of the world's fastest rates of warming in the last two decades of the 20th century, accelerated climate change including atmospheric warming and changes in precipitation is projected for this region during the 21st century. Here, we used a new multimodel approach to project how the interaction of climate, nutrient loads, and cod fishing may affect the future of the open Central Baltic Sea food web. Regionally downscaled global climate scenarios were, in combination with three nutrient load scenarios, used to drive an ensemble of three regional biogeochemical models (BGMs). An Ecopath with Ecosim food web model was then forced with the BGM results from different nutrient‐climate scenarios in combination with two different cod fishing scenarios. The results showed that regional management is likely to play a major role in determining the future of the Baltic Sea ecosystem. By the end of the 21st century, for example, the combination of intensive cod fishing and high nutrient loads projected a strongly eutrophicated and sprat‐dominated ecosystem, whereas low cod fishing in combination with low nutrient loads resulted in a cod‐dominated ecosystem with eutrophication levels close to present. Also, nonlinearities were observed in the sensitivity of different trophic groups to nutrient loads or fishing depending on the combination of the two. Finally, many climate variables and species biomasses were projected to levels unseen in the past. Hence, the risk for ecological surprises needs to be addressed, particularly when the results are discussed in the ecosystem‐based management context.
PBK/TOPK expression in non‐small‐cell lung cancer: its correlation and prognostic significance with Ki67 and p53 expression
Authors: Lei Bin , Liu Shuguang , Qi Wenjuan , Zhao Yunfei , Li Yumei , Lin Ni , Xu Xiaoyan , Zhi Chen , Mei Juanjuan , Yan Zhimin , Wan Liyan , Shen Hong
Published: July 2013

Aims

The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of PBK/TOPK (PDZ‐binding kinase/T‐LAK cell‐originated protein kinase) expression, and explore the prognostic significance of PBK/TOPK expression alone and in combination with Ki67 and p53 expression in non‐small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Methods and results

We detected PBK/TOPK expression in 30 samples of normal lung tissue, 32 lymph node metastases and 279 primary non‐small‐cell lung cancers by immunohistochemistry, and analysed the correlation of PBK/TOPK expression with Ki67 and p53 expression in primary tumour tissues. The results showed that PBK/TOPK expression was higher in lymph node metastases (75%) than in primary tumours (44.8%) and normal lung tissues (0%). PBK/TOPK expression was associated with histological type, lymph node metastasis, and TNM stage, and was positively correlated with Ki67 and p53 expression in NSCLC. Univariate and multivariate survival analyses showed that PBK/TOPK expression was significantly associated with an unfavourable prognosis in NSCLC. The prognosis of patients with tumours positive for both PBK/TOPK expression and Ki67 or p53 expression was also significantly unfavourable.

Conclusions

PBK/TOPK expression is positively correlated with Ki67 and p53 expression, and can be used as an independent prognostic factor in NSCLC.
Influenza research in the Eastern Mediterranean Region: the current state and the way forward
Authors: Kayali Ghazi , Webby Richard J. , Samhouri Dalia , Mafi Ali Reza , Bassili Amal
Published: July 2013

We searched published literature, surveillance data sources, and sequence databases to analyze the state of influenza virus research and to identify research gaps in the World Health Organization (WHO) Eastern Mediterranean Region. PubMed, Scopus, and other databases were searched for influenza publications and nucleotide sequences. WHO's FluNet was searched to determine virologic reporting from each country. We found that influenza research has increased in recent years with the emergence of H5N1 and pandemic H1N1. In some countries, influenza research is growing and is diversified, covering epidemiologic, veterinary, and basic science aspects. However, the volume and diversity of influenza research is low, especially in light of the burden of influenza in the region. To have contemporary and advanced research in the region, systematic surveillance in humans and animals, as well as at the human–animal interface, needs to be boosted. Surveillance data should then be used to answer more important epidemiologic, virologic, immunologic, and basic science questions.
Use of wound dressings to enhance prevention of pressure ulcers caused by medical devices
Authors: Black Joyce , Alves Paulo , Brindle Christopher Tod , Dealey Carol , Santamaria Nick , Call Evan , Clark Michael
Published: July 2013

Medical device related pressure ulcers (MDR PUs) are defined as pressure injuries associated with the use of devices applied for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes wherein the PU that develops has the same configuration as the device. Many institutions have reduced the incidence of traditional PUs (sacral, buttock and heel) and therefore the significance of MDR PU has become more apparent. The highest risk of MDR PU has been reported to be patients with impaired sensory perception, such as neuropathy, and an impaired ability for the patient to communicate discomfort, for example, oral intubation, language barriers, unconsciousness or non‐verbal state. Patients in critical care units typify the high‐risk patient and they often require more devices for monitoring and therapeutic purposes. An expert panel met to review the evidence on the prevention of MDR PUs and arrived at these conclusions: (i) consider applying dressings that demonstrate pressure redistribution and absorb moisture from body areas in contact with medical devices, tubing and fixators, (ii) in addition to dressings applied beneath medical devices, continue to lift and/or move the medical device to examine the skin beneath it and reposition for pressure relief and (iii) when simple repositioning does not relieve pressure, it is important not to create more pressure by placing dressings beneath tight devices.
The Pedunculated Malignant Melanoma: A Misunderstood and Neglected Variant
Authors: ROSENBERG LIOR , GOLDSTEIN JED , BEN‐YAKAR YONA , MAHLER DAN
Published: July 2013

A case of a truly pedunculated malignant melanoma is described. It is a rare form of malignant melanoma. Accurate description of it and statistics of its frequency are difficult to come by in the literature because of the prevailing confusion between this form and the “polypoid” type of malignant melanoma.