bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Model of care for the management of complex Type 2 diabetes managed in the community by primary care physicians with specialist support: an open controlled trial
Authors: Russell A. W. , Baxter K. A. , Askew D. A. , Tsai J. , Ware R. S. , Jackson C. L.
Published: June 2013

Aims

To evaluate patient outcomes for a novel integrated primary/specialist model of community care for complex Type 2 diabetes mellitus management compared with outcomes for usual care at a tertiary hospital for diabetes outpatients.

Methods

This was a prospective open controlled trial performed in a primary and tertiary care setting in Australia. A total of 330 patients with Type 2 diabetes aged >18 years were allocated to an intervention (n=185) or usual care group (n=145). The intervention arm was a community‐based model of care led by a general practitioner with advanced skills and an endocrinologist partnership. Usual care was provided via the hospital diabetes outpatient department. The primary end point was HbA1c concentration at 12 months. Secondary end points included serum lipids and blood pressure.

Results

The mean change in HbA1c concentration in the intervention group was −9 mmol/mol (−0.8%) at 12 months and in the usual care group it was −2 mmol/mol (−0.2%) (95% CI −5,1). The percentage of patients in the intervention group achieving the HbA1c target of ≤53 mmol/mol (7%) increased from 21 to 42% (P<0.001); for the usual care group there was a 1% increase to 39% of patients attaining this target (P=0.99). Patients in the intervention group experienced significant improvements in blood pressure and total cholesterol compared with those in the usual care group. The percentage of patients achieving clinical targets was greater in the intervention group for the combined target of HbA1c concentration, blood pressure and LDL cholesterol.

Conclusions

A community‐based, integrated model of complex diabetes care, delivered by general practitioners with advanced skills, produced clinical and process benefits compared with a tertiary diabetes outpatient clinic.
Diminishing differences in treatment between patients with colorectal cancer with and without diabetes: a population‐based study
Authors: Zanders M. M. J. , van Steenbergen L. N. , Haak H. R. , Rutten H. J. T. , Pruijt J. F. M. , Poortmans P. M. P. , Lemmens V. E. P. P. , van de Poll‐Franse L. V.
Published: June 2013

Aims

An increasing number of oncologists will be confronted with individuals having diabetes and cancer. We assessed changes in patient‐, tumour‐ and treatment‐related variables in patients with colorectal cancer with and without diabetes.

Methods

All 17 170 cases of primary colorectal cancer between 1995 and 2010 in the South‐Eastern Netherlands were included. The Cochrane–Armitage test and logistic regression analysis were used to analyse trends.

Results

In total, 11 893 patients were diagnosed with colon cancer and 5277 with rectal cancer, of whom 1711 (14%) and 609 (12%), respectively, had diabetes at the time of cancer diagnosis. Patients with colorectal cancer with diabetes compared with those without were approximately 5 years older and more often diagnosed with proximal colon tumours (60 vs. 54%; P < 0.0001). Chemotherapy administration significantly increased in patients with stage III colon cancer with and without diabetes (from 17% in 1995–1998 to 50% in 2007–2010, 38% to 63%, respectively; P < 0.0001). However, in the most recent period, and after adjusting for the co‐variables age, gender, year of diagnosis and specific co‐morbidities, patients with stage III colon cancer with diabetes received adjuvant chemotherapy less frequently than those without [odds ratio 0.7 (95% CI 0.5–0.9); P = 0.002]. The proportion of patients with stage II/III rectal cancer with and without diabetes who underwent radiotherapy has been similar in recent years (91 vs. 87%).

Conclusions

Although the administration of chemotherapy and radiotherapy increased between 1995 and 2010 in patients with colorectal cancer with and without diabetes, patients with colorectal cancer with diabetes continue to receive chemotherapy less frequently than those without diabetes.
Diurnal temporal patterns of hypoglycaemia in hospitalized people with diabetes may reveal potentially correctable factors
Authors: Kerry C. , Mitchell S. , Sharma S. , Scott A. , Rayman G.
Published: June 2013

Aim

To determine whether diurnal temporal variations in hypoglycaemic frequency occur in hospitalized patients.

Methods

Hypoglycaemic events were identified in a snapshot bedside audit of capillary blood glucose results from diabetes charts of all inpatients receiving insulin or a sulphonylurea (with or without insulin) on 2 days separated by 6 weeks. Additionally, capillary blood glucose measurements were remotely captured over 2 months, in the same category of patients, and analysed for temporal patterns. Hypoglycaemia was defined as ‘severe’ when the capillary blood glucose was < 3.0 mmol/l and ‘mild’ when the capillary blood glucose was between 3.0 and 3.9 mmol/l.

Results

The bedside audit found that 74% of those audited experienced a hypoglycaemia event. Eighty‐three per cent of all hypoglycaemic events and 70% of severe events were recorded between 21.00 and 09.00 h. This was confirmed in the longer duration remote monitoring study where 70% of all hypoglycaemic events and 66% of severe events occurred between 21.00 and 09.00 h.

Conclusion

Hypoglycaemia occurs more frequently between 21.00 and 09.00 h in hospitalized patients receiving treatments that can cause hypoglycaemia. This may be related to insufficient carbohydrate intake during this period, and is potentially preventable by changes in catering practice.
Association between serum ferritin and microalbuminuria in Type 2 diabetes in Taiwan
Authors: Hsu Y. H. , Huang M. C. , Chang H. Y. , Shin S. J. , Wahlqvist M. L. , Chang Y. L. , Hsu K. C. , Hsu C. C.
Published: June 2013

Aims

Serum ferritin has been found closely related with diabetes and glucose metabolism, but its impact on diabetic nephropathy remains unknown. This study aimed to explore the association between serum ferritin and microalbuminuria in Type 2 diabetes.

Methods

Eight hundred and fifty‐one subjects with Type 2 diabetes were selected from a cohort participating in a glycaemic control study in Taiwan in 2008. We used urine albumin:creatinine ratio to define microalbuminuria; serum ferritin was divided into quartiles for analysis. Logistic regression and trend tests were used to delineate the association between serum ferritin and microalbuminuria.

Results

Subjects with diabetes with higher ferritin tended to have more metabolic disorders, higher high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein and higher prevalence of microalbuminuria. Compared with those in the lowest quartile, subjects with diabetes in the highest ferritin quartile were 55% (P = 0.029) more likely to have microalbuminuria. After controlling for demographics, metabolic profiles and other inflammatory markers, the association between serum ferritin levels and microalbuminuria remained significant (P for trend < 0.001). This independent relationship was not changed either for those who had better glycaemic control or those who had not used an angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitor or angiotensin receptor blocker.

Conclusions

The current study shows hyperferritinemia may be an independent risk factor of nephropathy in patients with Type 2 diabetes.
A prospective observational post‐marketing study of natalizumab‐treated multiple sclerosis patients: clinical, radiological and biological features and adverse events. The BIONAT cohort
Authors: Outteryck O. , Ongagna J.C. , Brochet B. , Rumbach L. , Lebrun‐Frenay C. , Debouverie M. , Zéphir H. , Ouallet J.C. , Berger E. , Cohen M. , Pittion S. , Laplaud D. , Wiertlewski S. , Cabre P. , Pelletier J. , Rico A. , Defer G. , Derache N. , Camu W. , Thouvenot E. , Moreau T. , Fromont A. , Tourbah A. , Labauge P. , Castelnovo G. , Clavelou P. , Casez O. , Hautecoeur P. , Papeix C. , Lubetzki C. , Fontaine B. , Couturier N. , Bohossian N. , Clanet M. , Vermersch P. , de Sèze J. , Brassat D. ,   BIONAT network, and CFSEP
Published: June 2013

Background and purpose

BIONAT is a French multicentric phase IV study of natalizumab (NTZ)‐treated relapsing−remitting multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. The purpose of this study was to collect clinical, radiological and biological data on 1204 patients starting NTZ, and to evaluate the clinical/radiological response to NTZ after 2 years of treatment.

Methods

Patients starting NTZ at 18 French MS centres since June 2007 were included. Good response to NTZ was defined by the absence of clinical and radiological activity. Data analysed in this first report on the BIONAT study focus on patients who started NTZ at least 2 years ago (n = 793; BIONAT2Y).

Results

NTZ was discontinued in 17.78% of BIONAT2Y. The proportion of patients without combined disease activity was 45.59% during the first two successive years of treatment. Systematic dosage of anti‐NTZantibodies (Abs) detected only two supplementary patients with anti‐NTZ Abs compared with strict application of recommendations. A significant decrease of IgG,M concentrations at 2 years of treatment was found.

Conclusions

The efficacy of NTZ therapy on relapsing−remitting MS in a real life setting is confirmed in the BIONAT cohort. The next step will be the identification of biomarkers predicting response to NTZ therapy and adverse events.
Prevalence of atrial fibrillation in intracerebral hemorrhage
Authors: Horstmann S. , Rizos T. , Jenetzky E. , Gumbinger C. , Hacke W. , Veltkamp R.
Published: June 2013

Background and purpose

Oral anticoagulation (OAC) is an effective preventive therapy for ischemic stroke in atrial fibrillation (AF). The management of anticoagulation in AF patients with previous intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is challenging. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of AF after acute ICH in a consecutive monocenter cohort, and to document the subsequent management with respect to OAC.

Methods

Consecutive patients with spontaneous ICH were prospectively included within 19 months. Diagnosis of AF was based on medical history, 12‐lead electrocardiogram (ECG), 24‐h and continuous ECG monitoring. CHADS2 scores and patient medication were recorded at admission and after 3 months. Additionally, after 3 months mortality, the management of anticoagulation and a newly detected AF were assessed.

Results

In total, 206 ICH patients were eligible for data analysis. After 3 months, AF had been diagnosed in 64/206 ICH patients (31.1%). Mortality after 3 months was higher in patients with AF in univariate analysis (45.3% vs. 31.0%). After adjusting for comorbidities and OAC use, AF did not remain an independent predictor for mortality. In total, 35 patients with AF survived 3 months. Of these, CHADS2 score was 2 (2/3, median, interquartile range (IQR)) and 27/35 patients had an indication for OAC with respect to the CHADS2 score, but only 25.7% had been (re‐)started on OAC. No consistent factors for deciding whether to initiate OAC treatment could be identified.

Conclusions

Atrial fibrillation is a frequent comorbidity in patients suffering an ICH. Our findings underline the prevailing uncertainty regarding the anticoagulation management of AF after ICH.
An SCN2A mutation in a family with infantile seizures from Madagascar reveals an increased subthreshold Na+ current
Authors: Lauxmann Stephan , Boutry‐Kryza Nadia , Rivier Clotilde , Mueller Stephan , Hedrich Ulrike B. S. , Maljevic Snezana , Szepetowski Pierre , Lerche Holger , Lesca Gaetan
Published: June 2013

Missense mutations in SCN2A, encoding the brain sodium channel NaV1.2, have been described in benign familial neonatal‐infantile seizures (BFNIS), a self‐limiting disorder, whereas several SCN2A de novo nonsense mutations have been found in patients with more severe phenotypes including epileptic encephalopathy. We report a family with BFNIS originating from Madagascar. Onset extended from 3 to 9 months of age. Interictal EEGs were normal. In two patients, ictal electroencephalography (EEG) studies showed partial seizure patterns with secondary generalization in one. Seizures remitted before 18 months of age, with or without medication. Intellectual development was normal. A novel missense mutation of SCN2A, c.4766A>G/p.Tyr1589Cys, was found in a highly conserved region of NaV1.2 (D4/S2‐S3). Functional studies using heterologous expression in tsA201 cells and whole‐cell patch clamping revealed a depolarizing shift of steady‐state inactivation, increased persistent Na+ current, a slowing of fast inactivation and an acceleration of its recovery, thus a gain‐of‐function. Using an action potential waveform in a voltage‐clamp experiment we indicated an increased inward Na+ current at subthreshold voltages, which can explain a neuronal hyperexcitability. Our results suggest that this mutation induces neuronal hyperexcitability, resulting in infantile epilepsy with favorable outcome.
Pharmacokinetics and tolerability of eslicarbazepine acetate and oxcarbazepine at steady state in healthy volunteers
Authors: Elger Christian , Bialer Meir , Falcão Amílcar , Vaz‐da‐Silva Manuel , Nunes Teresa , Almeida Luís , Soares‐da‐Silva Patrício
Published: June 2013

Purpose

Investigate the pharmacokinetics of once‐daily (QD; 900 mg) and twice‐daily (BID; 450 mg) regimens of eslicarbazepine acetate (ESL) and BID (450 mg) regimen of oxcarbazepine (OXC) at steady state in healthy volunteers.

Methods

Single‐center, open‐label, randomized, three‐way (n = 12) crossover studies in healthy volunteers.

Key Findings

Mean eslicarbazepine Cmax,ss (in μm) following ESL QD (87.3) was 33.3% higher (p < 0.05) compared to ESL BID (65.5) and 82.1% higher (p < 0.05) compared to OXC BID (48.0). The mean area under the curve (AUC)ss,0–τ (in μmol h/L) following the last dose of an 8‐day repeated dosing was 1156.3, 1117.6, and 968.4 for ESL QD, ESL BID, and OXC BID, respectively. The ratio eslicarbazepine plasma exposure (μmol h/L) to ESL daily‐dose (μmol) was 0.381 (1156.3:3037.3), 0.368 (1117.6:3037.3), and 0.271 (968.4:3567.6) for ESL‐QD, ESL‐BID, and OXC‐BID, respectively, which translates into a 40.6% increase in the ability of ESL‐QD compared to OXC‐BID to deliver into the plasma their major active entity eslicarbazepine. The extent of plasma exposure to ESL minor metabolites: (R)‐licarbazepine and oxcarbazepine after ESL‐QD was 71.5% and 61.1% lower, respectively, than after OXC‐BID. Twenty, 24 and 38 treatment emergent adverse events were reported with ESL‐QD, ESL‐BID, and OXC‐BID, respectively.

Significance

ESL‐QD resulted in 33.3% higher peak plasma concentration (Cmax,ss) of eslicarbazepine and similar extent of plasma exposure (AUCss,0–τ) when compared to ESL‐BID, which may contribute to the efficacy profile reported with once‐daily ESL. In comparison to OXC‐BID, administration of ESL‐QD resulted in 40.6% increase in the delivery of eslicarbazepine into the plasma as well as a significantly lower systemic exposure to (R)‐licarbazepine and oxcarbazepine.
Intravenous ketamine for the treatment of refractory status epilepticus: A retrospective multicenter study
Authors: Gaspard Nicolas , Foreman Brandon , Judd Lilith M. , Brenton James N. , Nathan Barnett R. , McCoy Blathnaid M. , Al‐Otaibi Ali , Kilbride Ronan , Fernández Ivan Sánchez , Mendoza Lucy , Samuel Sophie , Zakaria Asma , Kalamangalam Giridhar P. , Legros Benjamin , Szaflarski Jerzy P. , Loddenkemper Tobias , Hahn Cecil D. , Goodkin Howard P. , Claassen Jan , Hirsch Lawrence J. , LaRoche Suzette M.
Published: June 2013

Purpose

To examine patterns of use, efficacy, and safety of intravenous ketamine for the treatment of refractory status epilepticus (RSE).

Methods

Multicenter retrospective review of medical records and electroencephalography (EEG) reports in 10 academic medical centers in North America and Europe, including 58 subjects, representing 60 episodes of RSE that were identified between 1999 and 2012. Seven episodes occurred after anoxic brain injury.

Key Findings

Permanent control of RSE was achieved in 57% (34 of 60) of episodes. Ketamine was felt to have contributed to permanent control (“possible” or “likely” responses) in 32% (19 of 60) including seven (12%) in which ketamine was the last drug added (likely responses). Four of the seven likely responses, but none of the 12 possible ones, occurred in patients with postanoxic brain injury. No likely responses were observed when infusion rates were lower than 0.9 mg/kg/h, when ketamine was introduced at least 8 days after SE onset, or after failure of seven or more drugs. Ketamine was discontinued due to possible adverse events in five patients. Complications were mostly attributed to concurrent drugs, especially other anesthetics. Mortality rate was 43% (26 of 60), but was lower when SE was controlled within 24 h of ketamine initiation (16% vs. 56%, p = 0.0047).

Significance

Ketamine appears to be a relatively effective and safe drug for the treatment of RSE. This retrospective series provides preliminary data on effective dose and appropriate time of intervention to aid in the design of a prospective trial to further define the role of ketamine in the treatment of RSE.
Is the Soft Song of the Brownish‐Flanked Bush Warbler an Aggressive Signal?
Authors: Xia Canwei , Liu Jiayu , Alström Per , Wu Qiao , Zhang Yanyun
Published: June 2013

Soft songs have been detected in many songbirds, but in most species, research on soft songs has lagged behind studies of broadcast songs. In this study, we describe the acoustic features of a soft song in the brownish‐flanked bush warbler Cettia fortipes. Compared with the broadcast song, the warbler's soft song was characterized by a lower minimum frequency and longer duration, and it had a higher proportion of rapid frequency modulation notes. Using playback experiments, some in combination with mounted specimens, we found different responses to soft and broadcast songs, and we found that soft song can predict aggressive escalation (attack). We conclude that the soft song is an aggressive signal in this species.
Population dynamics can be more important than physiological limits for determining range shifts under climate change
Authors: Fordham Damien A. , Mellin Camille , Russell Bayden D. , Akçakaya Reşit H. , Bradshaw Corey J. A. , Aiello‐Lammens Matthew E. , Caley Julian M. , Connell Sean D. , Mayfield Stephen , Shepherd Scoresby A. , Brook Barry W.
Published: June 2013

Evidence is accumulating that species' responses to climate changes are best predicted by modelling the interaction of physiological limits, biotic processes and the effects of dispersal‐limitation. Using commercially harvested blacklip (Haliotis rubra) and greenlip abalone (Haliotis laevigata) as case studies, we determine the relative importance of accounting for interactions among physiology, metapopulation dynamics and exploitation in predictions of range (geographical occupancy) and abundance (spatially explicit density) under various climate change scenarios. Traditional correlative ecological niche models (ENM) predict that climate change will benefit the commercial exploitation of abalone by promoting increased abundances without any reduction in range size. However, models that account simultaneously for demographic processes and physiological responses to climate‐related factors result in future (and present) estimates of area of occupancy (AOO) and abundance that differ from those generated byENMs alone. Range expansion and population growth are unlikely for blacklip abalone because of important interactions between climate‐dependent mortality and metapopulation processes; in contrast, greenlip abalone should increase in abundance despite a contraction inAOO. The strongly non‐linear relationship between abalone population size andAOOhas important ramifications for the use ofENMpredictions that rely on metrics describing change in habitat area as proxies for extinction risk. These results show that predicting species' responses to climate change often require physiological information to understand climatic range determinants, and a metapopulation model that can make full use of this data to more realistically account for processes such as local extirpation, demographic rescue, source‐sink dynamics and dispersal‐limitation.
Investigation of long‐term geochemical variations and magmatic processes at Mount St. Helens
Authors: Severs M. J. , Gryger K. J. , Makin S. A. , Bodnar R. J. , Bradford W. B.
Published: June 2013

Abundant geochemical and petrological data are available for the 1980–1986 and 2004–2006 eruptive periods and some of the units of the most recent Spirit Lake stage at Mount St. Helens. However, with the exception of bulk rock data, few geochemical data are available for the earlier eruptive units, including the Ape Canyon, Cougar, and Swift Creek stages. Here, the early magmatic history of Mount St. Helens has been constrained based on chemical zonation of phenocrysts from the different eruptive units and compositions of melt inclusions determined by laser ablation‐inductively coupled plasma‐mass spectrometry (LA‐ICPMS). Mount St. Helens has erupted adakitic composition magma over its entire 300 000 year history, beyond the most recent Spirit Lake stage as previously identified. The observed geochemical variations are consistent with fractional crystallization and do not require assimilation‐fractional crystallization to produce the observed trends. Similarly, large‐scale mixing of compositionally different magmas is not required. The source of the intermediate to felsic magmas at Mount St. Helens appears to be metamorphosed underplated arc gabbro and geochemical trends suggest that the contribution of underplated material to Mount St. Helens magma has decreased in the modern period.
Maximizing the Potential of Scientists in Japan: promoting equal participation for women scientists through leadership development
Authors: Homma Miwako Kato , Motohashi Reiko , Ohtsubo Hisako
Published: June 2013

In order to examine the current status of gender equality in academic societies in Japan, we inquired about the number of women involved in leadership activities at society conferences and annual meetings, as these activities are critical in shaping scientific careers. Our findings show a clear bias against female scientists, and a need to raise consciousness and awareness in order to move closer to equality for future generations.
Use of media technology to enhance the learning of student nurses in regards to auditory hallucinations
Authors: Mawson Kerry
Published: June 2013

The aim of this study was to determine if simulation aided by media technology contributes towards an increase in knowledge, empathy, and a change in attitudes in regards to auditory hallucinations for nursing students. A convenience sample of 60 second‐year undergraduate nursing students from an Australian university was invited to be part of the study. A pre–post‐test design was used, with data analysed using a paired samples t‐test to identify pre‐ and post‐changes on nursing students' scores on knowledge of auditory hallucinations. Nine of the 11 questions reported statistically‐significant results. The remaining two questions highlighted knowledge embedded within the curriculum, with therapeutic communication being the core work of mental health nursing. The implications for practice are that simulation aided by media technology increases the knowledge of students in regards to auditory hallucinations.
Motives for self‐harm: views of nurses in a secure unit
Authors: Sandy P.T.
Published: June 2013

Background

Self‐harm is a widespread behaviour among people with mental health problems. Although guidance on how to manage self‐harm is offered, it is still a behaviour that is misunderstood by many nurses. Such misunderstanding is generally attributed to the perceived motives for self‐harm and lack of specialized education to manage the behaviour. As a consequence, the care provided is usually inadequate and inappropriate. Yet, research concerning nurses' reasons of users' self‐harming behaviours is limited.

Aim

This paper reports on a study that explores nurses' explanations of the motives for self‐harm in a secure adolescent unit in England.

Methods

The study utilized a phenomenological methodology with semi‐structured individual interviews (n = 25). The data were analysed thematically using interpretative phenomenological analysis.

Results

The findings indicate that the behaviour of self‐harm has multiple motives. Examples of these include affect regulation, coping with distress, averting death, regaining control and attention seeking.

Discussion

Self‐harm is a complex behaviour commonly experienced in secure environments. Nurses assume that users who self‐harm are motivated by a desire to seek attention and manipulate others. Users may find these beliefs humiliating. Such feelings may increase users' risks for further self‐harm. Most adolescents who self‐harm experience unbearable emotions because of their past sexual abusive encounters. They self‐harm to regulate these emotions. These affect regulatory functions may act as reinforcers of self‐harming behaviours.

Conclusions

Improved understanding of self‐harm and its motives may result in improved nurse–user relationships and thus safer and more effective care provision.
Health promotion practice and its implementation in Swedish health care
Authors: Brobeck E. , Odencrants S. , Bergh H. , Hildingh C.
Published: June 2013

Introduction

Health promotion practice is an important work assignment within the entire health and medical care sector. Nurses are important for the development and implementation of health promotion in clinical practice.

Aim

The aim was to describe how district nurses view health promotion practice and how it was implemented in clinical practice following a training initiative.

Design

The study has a descriptive design and a qualitative method.

Methods

The sample consisted of three focus groups with 16 participants. The interviews were conducted as a conversation with focus on the district nurses view of health promotion and its implementation in clinical practice. The data have been processed using manifest qualitative content analysis.

Results

Three categories, titled Training as motivation, Lack of grounding and Lack of scope were identified. The result demonstrated that training provides motivation, but also the importance of grounding in the organization and the need for scope in performing health promotion practice.

Discussion

Our results show that the training initiative has contributed positively to the district nurses' view of health promotion practice, but that they also feel that there are obstacles. The district nurses in our study suggest that health promotion practice should be more visible, and not something that is done when time permits.

Conclusion

The district nurses feel motivated and have an enthusiasm for health promotion practice but more time and resources are required to design successful health‐promoting initiatives. Before implementing a major training initiative for healthcare personnel in health promotion, it is essential to examine whether the conditions for this exist in the organization.
Dental caries prevalence in children and adolescents with cystic fibrosis: a qualitative systematic review and recommendations for future research
Authors: Chi Donald L.
Published: June 2013

Background

Children and adolescents with cystic fibrosis (CF) are believed to be at low risk for dental caries, but this paradigm has not been critically evaluated.

Aims

To conduct a qualitative systematic review of the international literature on dental caries prevalence in children and adolescents with CF and make recommendations on future CF‐related oral health research priorities.

Design

The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta‐Analyses (PRISMA) statement was used to identify relevant studies published between 1960 and 2013.

Results

The search resulted in 696 studies. Fifteen publications were included in the qualitative systematic review. Ten studies concluded that children with CF had significantly lower caries prevalence than control children, three studies reported that children with CF had higher caries prevalence, and two studies found no difference by CF status. Of the seven studies including age‐based subgroup analyses, only one study supported the current paradigm. All studies had limitations that may bias study results.

Conclusions

While children with CF may be a lower risk for dental caries, adolescents with CF may not be at lower caries than those without CF. Additional research is needed to evaluate a potentially flawed paradigm regarding caries risk in children and adolescents with CF.
Penile strangulation and necrosis due to condom catheter
Authors: Özkan Heval S , İrkoren Saime , Sivrioğlu Nazan
Published: June 2013

Condom catheters are often used in the management of male urinary incontinence, and are considered to be safe. As condom catheters are placed on the male genitalia, sometimes adequate care is not taken after placement owing to poor medical care of debilitated patients and feelings of embarrassment and shame. Similarly, sometimes the correct size of penile sheath is not used. Strangulation of penis due to condom catheter is a rare condition; only few such cases have been reported in the literature. Proper application and routine care of condom catheters are important in preventing this devastating complication especially in a neurologically debilitated population. We present a case of penile necrosis due to condom catheter. We will also discuss proper catheter care and treatment of possible complications.
Productivity, Investment and Profits during the Great Recession: Evidence from UK Firms and Workers*
Authors: Crawford Claire , Jin Wenchao , Simpson Helen
Published: June 2013

The UK has recently experienced its deepest recession since the Second World War. One feature has been the resilience of employment, which fell far less than GDP. This led to a substantial fall in labour productivity and has given rise to a so‐called ‘productivity puzzle’. In this paper, we use firm‐ and individual‐level data to shed new light on these aggregate patterns and we examine changes in firm investment in physical capital and profitability. We provide evidence that labour productivity, investment and firm profitability all fell, on average, within firms over the course of the recession and that many of these adjustments were more pronounced in small firms. We also provide indicative evidence on the extent to which different firms might have engaged in labour ‘hoarding’. Our results provide new insight into the potential determinants of the productivity puzzle and also indicate the types of firms that might be expected to be able to respond more quickly to a subsequent increase in demand.
The relationship between the diagnosis method of neuronal dysfunction (DIMENSION) and brain pathology in the early stages of Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Kouzuki Minoru , Asaina Fumiko , Taniguchi Miyako , Musha Toshimitsu , Urakami Katsuya
Published: June 2013

Objectives

To examine whether the diagnosis method of neuronal dysfunction (DIMENSION), a new electroencephalogram (EEG) analysis method, reflected pathological changes in the early stages of Alzheimer's disease (AD), we conducted a comparative study of cerebrospinal fluid markers and single‐photon emission computed tomography.

Methods

Subjects cincluded 32 patients in the early stages of AD with a Mini‐Mental State Examination score ≥24 (14 men, 18 women; mean age, 77.3 ± 9.2 years). Cerebrospinal fluid samples were collected from AD patients, and cerebrospinal fluid levels of phosphorylated tau protein (p‐tau) 181 and amyloid β (Aβ) 42 were measured with sandwich ELISA. EEG recordings were performed for 5 min with the subjects awake in a resting state with their eyes closed. Then, the mean value of the EEG alpha dipolarity (Dα) and the standard deviation of the EEG alpha dipolarity (Dσ) were calculated with DIMENSION. Single‐photon emission computed tomography analyses were also performed for comparison with DIMENSION measures.

Results

Patients with parietal hypoperfusion had significantly increasing p‐tau181, decreasing Dα, and increasing Dσ. In addition, there was a negative correlation between Dα and p‐tau181, p‐tau181/Aβ42, and a positive correlation between Dσ and p‐tau181/Aβ42.

Conclusion

Dα and Dσ were related to cerebral hypoperfusion and p‐tau181/Aβ42. DIMENSION was able to detect changes in the early‐stage Alzheimer's brain, suggesting that it is possibility as a useful examination for early‐stage AD with a difficult discrimination in clinical conditions. Moreover, EEG measurement is a quick and easy diagnostic test and is useful for repeated examinations.
Mirtazapine improves visual hallucinations in Parkinson's disease: a case report
Authors: Tagai Kenji , Nagata Tomoyuki , Shinagawa Shunichiro , Tsuno Norifumi , Ozone Motohiro , Nakayama Kazuhiko
Published: June 2013

Psychotic symptoms often occur as a complication in Parkinson's disease patients, and a set of criteria for Parkinson's disease with psychosis (PDPsy) has been established. Among these criteria, hallucinations are one of the specific symptoms, with visual hallucinations being the most common. While atypical antipsychotic agents are often used for the treatment of PDPsy, adverse effects, including extrapyramidal symptoms, often hinder its continuation or tolerance. There have been some reports and reviews indicating that antidepressants may be effective for PDPsy and other forms of dementia with psychosis. In this report, we present a patient with PDPsy who was treated with one of the new‐generation antidepressants, mirtazapine. Mirtazapine improved the patient's refractory psychotic symptoms, especially her visual hallucinations, without worsening her motor symptoms.
Low‐Temperature Sintering and Microwave Dielectric Properties of (Mg0.95Zn0.05)2(Ti0.8Sn0.2)O4–(Ca0.8Sr0.2)TiO3 Composite Ceramics
Authors: Yao Guoguang , Liu Peng , Zhang Huaiwu
Published: June 2013

0.9(Mg0.95Zn0.05)2(Ti0.8Sn0.2)O4–0.1(Ca0.8Sr0.2)TiO3 (MZTS–CST) ceramics were prepared by a conventional solid‐state route. The MZTS–CST ceramics sintered at 1325°C exhibited εr = 18.2, Q × f = 49 120 GHz (at 8.1 GHz), and τf = 15 ppm/°C. The effects of LiF–Fe2O3–V2O5 (LFV) addition on the sinterability, phase composition, microstructure, and microwave dielectric properties of MZTS–CST were investigated. Eutectic liquid phases 0.12CaF2/0.28MgF2/0.6LiF and MgV2O6 were developed, which lowered the sintering temperature of MZTS–CST ceramics from 1325°C to 950°C. X‐ray powder diffraction (XRPD) and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) analysis revealed that MZTS and CST coexisted in the sintered ceramics. Secondary phase Ca5Mg4(VO4)6 as well as residual liquid phase affected the microwave dielectric properties of MZTS–CST composite ceramics. Typically, the MZTS–CST–5.3LFV composite ceramics sintered at 950°C showed excellent microwave dielectric properties: εr = 16.3, Q × f = 30 790 GHz (at 8.3 GHz), and τf = −10 ppm/°C.
Exploring 3‐D virtual reality technology for spatial ability and chemistry achievement
Authors: Merchant Z. , Goetz E.T. , Keeney‐Kennicutt W. , Cifuentes L. , Kwok O. , Davis T.J.
Published: June 2013

We investigated the potential of Second Life® (SL), a three‐dimensional (3‐D) virtual world, to enhance undergraduate students’ learning of a vital chemistry concept. A quasi‐experimental pre‐posttest control group design was used to conduct the study. A total of 387 participants completed three assignment activities either in SL or using two‐dimensional (2‐D) images. Students were administered an 11‐question chemistry achievement test and two measures of spatial ability (Purdue Visualization of Rotations Test, Card Rotations Test). Although analyses of covariance revealed no statistically significant differences between the two groups as a whole for any of the outcome measures, a subgroup analyses was conducted to decompose the relative impact of 3‐D virtual reality instruction within SL. We found that students classified as having poor spatial ability showed significantly greater improvement in understanding the 3‐D nature of molecules if they did relevant activities in a 3‐D virtual world than those students who only worked with 2‐D images.
An alternative to language learner dependence on L2 caption‐reading input for comprehension of sitcoms in a multimedia learning environment
Authors: Li C.‐H.
Published: June 2013

Most second/foreign language (L2) learners have difficulty understanding listening input because of its implicit and ephemeral nature, and they typically have better reading comprehension than listening comprehension skills. This study examines the effects of using an interactive advance‐organizer activity on the DVD video comprehension of L2 learners to provide an alternative to the scenario of L2 learners experiencing sensory overload in a multimedia learning environment that presents pictures, printed words and speech words. A total of 95 intermediate university‐level L2 learners with an average TOEIC (Test of English for International Communication) score of 565 were placed in four conditions for an English‐language DVD viewing task, including an advance‐organizer group, a captions group, a captions plus advance‐organizer group, and a control group. The study concludes that using advance organizers as an instructional strategy facilitated participant listening comprehension and reduced participant dependence on L2 caption‐reading input by 50% for initial comprehension. Participants also held a positive attitude towards an interactive advance‐organizer activity. The details concerning the role of L2 captions in multimedia listening are also discussed. The findings provide insight into teaching listening to L2 learners who learn most of their L2 in a more reading‐dependent classroom setting and typically have enhanced L2 literacy skills.
A dynamic analysis of the interplay between asynchronous and synchronous communication in online learning: The impact of motivation
Authors: Giesbers B. , Rienties B. , Tempelaar D. , Gijselaers W.
Published: June 2013

With the increased affordances of synchronous communication tools, more opportunities for online learning to resemble face‐to‐face settings have recently become available. However, synchronous communication does not afford as much time for reflection as asynchronous communication. Therefore, a combination of synchronous and asynchronous communication in e‐learning would seem desirable to optimally support learner engagement and the quality of student learning. It is still an open question though, how to best design online learning with a blend of synchronous and asynchronous communication opportunities over time. Few studies have investigated the relationship between learners' actual use of synchronous and asynchronous communication over time. Therefore, this study addressed that relationship in an online course (N = 110), taking into account student motivation, and employing a dynamic inter‐temporal perspective. In line with our assumptions, we found some support for the expected association between autonomous motivation and engagement in asynchronous and synchronous communication, be it restricted primarily to the first course period. Also, positive relations between engagement in synchronous and asynchronous communication were found, with the strongest influence from using asynchronous to synchronous communication. This study adds to the knowledge base needed to develop guidelines on how synchronous communication can be combined with asynchronous learning.
The Impact of Power Output During Percutaneous Catheter Radiofrequency Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation on Efficacy and Safety Outcomes: A Systematic Review
Authors: YUYUN MATTHEW F. , STAFFORD PETER J. , SANDILANDS ALASTAIR J. , SAMANI NILESH J. , ANDRÉ NG G.
Published: June 2013

The Impact of Power Output During Percutaneous Catheter Radiofrequency Ablation

Introduction

Percutaneous catheter radiofrequency ablation (RFA) has been widely used to treat patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). Success rates are, however, variable and optimal levels of power used and duration of power delivery have not been fully established. Different ablation centers continue to use various power protocols. We undertook a comprehensive systematic review to evaluate the impact of power output during RFA for AF on efficacy and safety.

Methods and results

We systematically searched MEDLINE and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases for studies on power output during percutaneous RFA for AF. The marked heterogeneous nature of the studies prohibited a meta‐analysis. The main findings were (1) power output of ≤30 watts (W) has good safety profiles but low efficacy rates; (2) power output of >30 W–<45 W is safe with good efficacy; (3) power output of ≥ 45 W has a better efficacy profile but associated with a high risk of complications; (4) delivery of higher power of ≥ 45 W at shorter duration (15–20 seconds) is safe and efficacious; and (5) energy titration with visualization of microbubbles by intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) has better efficacy and safety profiles compared to RFA without ICE.

Conclusions

Despite the overall reduced quality data relating power to outcomes of RFA for AF, the optimal power output showing good efficacy and safety profiles appears generically to be >30 W–<45 W, with significant variation in the literature.
Geometric morphometrics as a tool for identifying emperor fish (Lethrinidae) larvae and juveniles
Authors: Ponton D. , Carassou L. , Raillard S. , Borsa P.
Published: June 2013

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficiency of geometric morphometrics for describing the body shape of fish larvae and juveniles, and identifying them to species, in comparison with traditional linear measurements. Species of emperor fishes (Perciformes: Lethrinidae, genus Lethrinus) were chosen as the model group, as the late larval and early juvenile stages in this genus are particularly difficult to identify. Forty‐five individuals of different species of Lethrinus were collected from the south‐western lagoon of New Caledonia between May 2005 and March 2006. The individuals were first identified to species by their partial cytochrome‐b gene sequence. They were then morphologically characterized using eight linear measurements and 23 landmarks recorded on digital photographs. Except for a small proportion of individuals, geometric morphometrics gave better results to distinguish the different species than linear measurements. A ‘leave one out’ approach confirmed the nearly total discrimination of recently settled Lethrinus genivittatus and Lethrinus nebulosus, whereas traditional identification keys failed to distinguish them. Therefore, geometric morphometrics is a promising tool for identifying fish larvae and juveniles to species. An effective approach would require building image databases of voucher specimens associated with their DNA barcodes. These images could be downloaded by the operator and processed with the specimens to be identified.
Controversies of Diffusion Weighted Imaging in the Diagnosis of Brain Death
Authors: Luchtmann Michael , Bernarding Johannes , Beuing Oliver , Kohl Jana , Bondar Imre , Skalej Martin , Firsching Raimund
Published: June 2013

Imaging techniques as confirmatory tests may add safety to the diagnosis of brain death, but are partly not accepted either because they are too invasive, such as conventional arterial angiography, or because there is still lack of evidence of its reliability, such as magnetic resonance angiography. In this study the reliability of diffusion weighted imaging for the diagnosis of brain death was evaluated according in terms of its sensitivity and specificity. The apparent diffusion coefficients (ADC) of 18 brain dead patients were registered from 14 distinct brain areas. The mean ADC values of the brain dead patients were compared with normal controls of physiological ADC values of unaffected brain tissue. Despite a highly significant decrease of the mean ADC value in 16 patients, two patients showed mean ADC values that were within normal physiological range. An explanation may be the pseudonormalization of ADC values seen in stroke patients that depends on the time of the onset of the brain damage.

We conclude, diffusion‐weighted imaging may provide additional information on damage of the brain tissue but is not a practicable confirmatory test for the reliable diagnosis of brain death.
Workplace fairness versus unfairness: Examining the differential salience of facets of organizational justice
Authors: Cojuharenco Irina , Patient David
Published: June 2013

In three studies, we show that employees bring to mind different facets of justice when focusing on workplace fairness versus unfairness. In Study 1, descriptions of recalled fair versus recalled unfair events are shown to be less multifaceted, more likely to include distributive justice, and less likely to include interactional justice. In Study 2, when asked to assess event fairness versus unfairness, participants posed fewer questions relating to interactional justice in relation to fair events. In Study 3, the results of a scenario experiment show that the relationship between unfairness/fairness and the salience of justice facets is mediated by the construal of work in more abstract terms in relation to fairness. We discuss the implications of our findings for organizational justice research and for organizations managing employee perceptions of fairness.

Practitioner points

Employees pay attention to different aspects of workplace experience when they focus on fairness versus unfairness.

When employees consider fairness, they focus on workplace outcomes, whereas when they consider unfairness, they are more likely to also consider communication and interpersonal treatment.

Employees tend to examine work experiences in terms of specific, concrete details when focusing on unfairness, but not when focusing on fairness.