bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Predictors of fluoxetine remission for hospitalized patients with major depressive disorder
Authors: Lin Ching‐Hua , Lane Hsien‐Yuan , Chen Cheng‐Chung , Juo Suh‐Hang Hank , Yen Cheng‐Fang
Published: September 2011

Aim:  The goal of treating major depressive disorder is to achieve remission. This prospective study aimed to identify predictors of remission in a cohort of depressive inpatients who received fluoxetine.

Methods:  A total of 131 newly hospitalized patients with major depressive disorder received a fixed dose of 20 mg/day (the recommended dose from the literature) of fluoxetine for 6 weeks. Symptom severity was assessed using the 17‐item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale at weeks 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 and 6. Remission was defined as a score of ≤7 on the 17‐item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale after 6 weeks of treatment. We compared the remitters and non‐remitters in terms of baseline variables. The Short‐Form‐36 pain interference item was used to assess pain. It was classified as high (score ≥ 3) or low (score < 3).

Results:  A total of 31 (27.7%) of 112 completers remitted after 6 weeks of treatment. The remitters and non‐remitters did not differ in baseline variables, except pain interference, baseline depression severity, and depression improvement at week 1.

Conclusion:  These findings obtained from newly hospitalized major depression patients support the previous notion that pain interference, depression severity, and early improvement can be the predictors for remission. Patients with high pain interference, a greater depression severity or a less early improvement are likely to require aggressive treatment early. These data require confirmation and extension to outpatients and other antidepressants.
Perceived burden and quality of life of caregivers in obsessive–compulsive disorder
Authors: Grover Sandeep , Dutt Alakananda
Published: September 2011

Aim:  The study aimed to examine the family burden and quality of life (QOL) of caregivers of patients with obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD).

Methods:  A cross‐sectional assessment of 50 patients with OCD and their caregivers was carried out. The severity of OCD was assessed using the Yale–Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale. The caregivers were assessed using the Family Burden Interview Schedule and the World Health Organization Quality of Life BREF version (WHOQOL‐BREF).

Results:  Fifty‐six percent of caregivers reported a high objective burden. Severity of illness correlated with burden and impaired QOL of caregivers. Age of patient, longer duration of illness and longer duration of treatment were predictive of poorer QOL of caregivers in the physical health domain. Greater objective burden, disruption of family leisure and interaction due to OCD led to significantly poorer QOL in all domains in caregivers. Higher financial burden, perception of poorer mental health, and higher subjective burden were predictive of poorer physical, general health and general and psychological QOL, respectively.

Conclusions:  The study provides important insights into the QOL and perceived burden of caregivers of OCD patients. It highlights the need for improving the quality of care not only for patients but also for primary caregivers.
Plasma substance P level in patients with schizophrenia: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Ishida Takuto , Uchida Hiroyuki , Suzuki Takefumi , Nakajima Shinichiro , Watanabe Koichiro , Kashima Haruo
Published: September 2011

Aspiration pneumonia is a serious health concern in older patients with schizophrenia. In this study, we examined clinical and demographic variables that could impact the plasma substance P level, which is a useful predictive biomarker of aspiration. Thirty‐four patients were included (mean age ± SD: 70.9 ± 10.8 years). A greater number of cigarettes/day and a higher antipsychotic dosage were found to be associated with a lower plasma substance P level, while age showed a trend‐level effect. This finding suggests the need for intensive observation for prevention of aspiration pneumonia in heavy smokers who are receiving a higher antipsychotic dose in this senior population.
Remission in schizophrenia: A community‐based 6‐year follow‐up study in Bali
Authors: Kurihara Toshiyuki , Kato Motoichiro , Reverger Robert , Tirta I. Gusti Rai
Published: September 2011

Aim:  The purpose of this naturalistic study was to investigate the rate and predictors of remission at medium‐term follow up of individuals with schizophrenia in a community setting in Bali.

Methods:  Subjects comprised 37 individuals with schizophrenia, including 19 never‐treated cases, screened from 8546 general residents. Outcome was evaluated using the standardized symptomatic remission criteria based on Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale scores and operational functional remission criteria at 6‐year follow up.

Results:  Ten individuals (27%) achieved symptomatic remission, 12 (32%) achieved functional remission, and 10 (27%) achieved complete remission (i.e. symptomatic and functional remission). Lower Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale negative symptom score at baseline and receipt of psychiatric treatment for more than half of the follow‐up period were predictors of complete remission.

Conclusions:  The majority of community‐screened individuals with schizophrenia failed to achieve complete remission at the 6‐year follow up. These results suggest that strategies promoting mental health service utilization among individuals with schizophrenia are essential in Bali.
Factors related to readmission to a ward for dementia patients: Sex differences
Authors: Ono Toshiyuki , Tamai Akira , Takeuchi Daisuke , Tamai Yuzuru
Published: September 2011

Aim:  The aim of this study was to investigate the factors related to readmission to a ward for dementia patients with special attention to sex‐related issues.

Methods:  We reviewed the data of 326 patients who were hospitalized in a ward for dementia patients between 1 April 2000 and 31 March 2008, and followed up for 24 months after discharge. For univariate and multivariate analyses, patients were divided into: (i) patients who were not readmitted to our ward within 24 months (control); (ii) patients who were readmitted to our ward within 3 months (early readmission); and (iii) patients readmitted within 4 to 24 months (late readmission).

Results:  Factors related to readmission differed between sexes as well as between the early and late stage. A small number of cohabitants and outcome (hospital) were factors related to early readmission in men, while outcome (hospital) and long stay in the ward were related to early readmission in women. High physical function, care distress and short stay in the ward were the factors related to late readmission in women.

Conclusions:  Most patients who were transferred to another hospital were readmitted within 3 months. Some women were readmitted in the late stage. They had relatively high cognitive and physical functions and most of their caregivers had care distress. The causes of readmission were not due to a decline in cognitive function. It is important to prevent complications in dementia patients and to establish a caregiving system for dementia patients that decreases the burden on caregivers in order to reduce the rate of readmission.
Medication prescription among elderly patients admitted through an acute assessment unit
Authors: Yong Tuck Yean , Lau Su Yin , Li Jordan Yuanzhi , Hakendorf Paul , Thompson Campbell Henry
Published: September 2011

Aim:  This study assessed medication use patterns and polypharmacy in patients who were admitted through an acute assessment unit (AAU) and stratified results according to patient age. This study also examined risk factors associated with polypharmacy and consequences of polypharmacy, namely prescription writing errors, drug–drug interaction and geriatric syndrome.

Methods:  The medication charts and admission notes of 200 consecutive patients admitted through the AAU over a period of 1 month were retrospectively reviewed. Data were collected on patients' demographics, comorbidities, types and number of medications, hospital length of stay and reason(s) for presentation. Potentially harmful prescription errors or errors necessitating intervention were also recorded, as were any potential adverse drug–drug interactions.

Results:  Medications for the treatment of disorders of the cardiovascular (46% of total patients) and nervous systems (30%) predominated. Of the 200 patients reviewed, 158 were aged ≥65 years and their mean serum creatinine was higher than those aged <65 years (100.9 ± 54.0 vs. 79.9 ± 45.9 µmol/L, P = 0.01), 81% were taking five or more concurrent regular medications at the time of admission. Of all 200 patients, 28% suffered renal impairment, defined as creatinine >100 µmol/L for women and >120 µmol/L for men. The presence of more than two comorbidities (odds ratio (OR) 6.80; 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.89–16.00; P < 0.001) and age (OR 2.91; 95% CI 1.24–6.80; P = 0.01), were factors associated with polypharmacy. Excessive polypharmacy was associated with an increased risk of prescription errors that could cause temporary harm or required intervention (OR 5.23; 95% CI 1.39, 19.69; P = 0.009) but was not associated with a prolonged length of stay.

Conclusions:  This study showed that polypharmacy and renal impairment are prevalent amongst elderly patients admitted through an AAU. Polypharmacy in the elderly is attributable to greater comorbidities and is associated with an increased risk of adverse consequences. To avoid inappropriate medication use and improve the quality of prescription among those with polypharmacy, careful review of elderly patients' drugs is needed while they are in the AAU. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2012; 12: 93–101.
The role of peripheral nerves in urodele limb regeneration
Authors: Stocum David L.
Published: September 2011

Nerve axons and the apical epidermal cap (AEC) are both essential for the formation of an accumulation blastema by amputated limbs of urodele salamanders. The AEC forms in the absence of axons, but is not maintained, and blastema formation fails. Growth stages of the blastema become nerve‐independent for morphogenesis, but remain dependent on the nerve for blastema growth. Denervated growth stage blastemas form smaller than normal skeletal parts, owing to diminished mitosis, but form the full proximodistal array of skeletal elements. This difference in nerve dependency of morphogenesis and proliferation is hypothesized to be the result of a dependence of the AEC on nerves for blastema cell proliferation but not for blastema morphogenesis. Regenerating axons induce the synthesis and secretion of the anterior gradient protein (AGP) by distal Schwann cells during dedifferentiation and by the gland cells of the AEC during blastema growth stages. AGP promotes the regeneration of a denervated limb to digit stages when electroporated into the limb during dedifferentiation. Once a critical mass of blastema cells has been attained, the blastema can undergo morphogenesis in the absence of the nerve, but the regenerate will be a miniature, because the nerve is no longer inducing the AEC to carry out its AGP‐mediated proliferative function. AGP expression by both Schwann cells and the AEC is induced by axons, but the nature of the inductive agent is unclear.
Adult neurogenesis and neuronal regeneration in the central nervous system of teleost fish
Authors: Zupanc Günther K. H. , Sîrbulescu Ruxandra F.
Published: September 2011

Teleost fish are distinguished by their ability to constitutively generate new neurons in the adult central nervous system (‘adult neurogenesis’), and to regenerate whole neurons after injury (‘neuronal regeneration’). In the brain, new neurons are produced in large numbers in several dozens of proliferation zones. In the spinal cord, proliferating cells are present in the ependymal layer and throughout the parenchyma. In the retina, new cells arise from the ciliary marginal zone and from Müller glia. Experimental evidence has suggested that both radial glia and non‐glial cells can function as adult stem cells. The proliferative activity of these cells can be regulated by molecular factors, such as fibroblast growth factor and Notch, as well as by social and behavioral experience. The young cells may either reside near the respective proliferation zone, or migrate to specific target areas. Approximately half of the newly generated cells persist for the rest of the fish’s life, and many of them differentiate into neurons. After injury, a massive surge of apoptotic cell death occurs at the lesion site within a few hours. Apoptosis is followed by a marked increase in cell proliferation and neurogenesis, leading to repair of the tissue. The structural regeneration is paralleled by partial or complete recovery of function. Recent investigations have led to the identification of several dozens of molecular factors that are potentially involved in the process of regeneration.
Attitudes of European farmers towards GM crop adoption
Authors: Areal Francisco J. , Riesgo Laura , Rodríguez‐Cerezo Emilio
Published: September 2011

This article analyses European Union (EU) farmers’ attitudes towards adoption of genetically modified crops by identifying and classifying groups of farmers. Cluster analysis provided two groups of farmers allowing us to classify farmers into potential adopters or rejecters of genetically modified herbicide‐tolerant (GMHT) crops. Results showed that economic issues such as the guarantee of a higher income and the reduction of weed control costs are the most encouraging reasons for potential adopters and rejecters of GMHT crops. This article also examines how putting in place measures to ensure coexistence between GM and non‐GM crops may influence farmers’ attitudes towards GMHT crop adoption. Results show that the implementation of a coexistence policy would have a negative impact on farmers’ attitudes on adoption and consequently may hamper GMHT adoption in the EU.
THE FALLACY OF NEUTRALITY: THE INTERRUPTION OF PREGNANCY OF ANENCEPHALIC FETUS IN BRAZIL
Authors: FONSECA ANA CAROLINA DA COSTA E
Published: September 2011

Those who favor and those who oppose the interruption of pregnancy with anencephalic fetuses answer the question ‘what is the right to life?’ differently. Those in favor argue that life exists only when it is ‘viable’; that is to say, when cerebral activities occur or may occur. Those who oppose it argue that it is not possible to describe ‘life’ as residing in a particular quality, since life ‘exists from conception’. In fact, in both cases, the noun ‘life’ is being defined by a particular quality, either as ‘viable’ or as ‘existing from the time of conception’. Also, simply saying that ‘there is life’ cannot count as a neutral answer since those who utter such a sentence employ an unspecified criterion to establish if there is life or not. There are two possible ways to investigate this controversial matter: either we look for a definition of ‘life’ which is neutral and objective and does not reside in a particular quality or we try to establish whether or not the search for a neutral point of view can lead to a satisfactory answer. In this article we explore the argument against the interruption of pregnancy – as defined above – in order to show 1) the impossibility of establishing a neutral point of view regarding knowledge; 2) the existence of a psychological motivation which justifies the longing for an absolute criterion for the evaluation of human actions. This psychological motivation is analyzed from a Nietzschean perspective.
PRECONCEPTION CARE: A PARENTING PROTOCOL. A MORAL INQUIRY INTO THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF FUTURE PARENTS TOWARDS THEIR FUTURE CHILDREN
Authors: VAN DER ZEE BOUKJE , DE BEAUFORT INEZ
Published: September 2011

In the Netherlands fertility doctors increasingly formulate protocols, which oblige patients to quit their unhealthy lifestyle before they are admitted to IVF procedures. We argue that moral arguments could justify parenting protocols that concern all future parents. In the first part we argue that want‐to‐be parents have moral responsibilities towards their future children to prevent them from harm by diminishing or eliminating risk factors before as well as during the pregnancy. This is because of the future children's potential to become of a certain type, more specifically: a person that will be the want‐to‐be parents' child. Want‐to‐be parents intend to become pregnant and therefore have an additional moral reason to diminish the risks. Also, people who become pregnant unintentionally have the responsibility to prevent their children from harm, unless they become pregnant due to contraception failure. All people not wanting to become pregnant should use contraception methods carefully.

In the second part of this paper we translate the want‐to‐be parents' responsibilities into practice. We distinguish four determinants of risk factors: modifiability, chance, severity and effort. We examine some evidence‐based risk factors based on these variables and deduce levels of responsibility.

In conclusion, formulating informal requirements for want‐to‐be parents is morally required and therefore also for want‐to‐be parents in need of medical assistance. The protocols developed by fertility doctors in the Netherlands could be seen as the precursor for a general, informal Parenting Protocol that could be developed on the basis of an extended and thoroughly debated risk‐responsibility analysis.
Effects of pair collaboration and word‐frequency in recognition memory: A study with the remember‐know procedure
Authors: ROSSI‐ARNAUD CLELIA , PIERONI LAURA , SPATARO PIETRO , CESTARI VINCENZO
Published: September 2011

Rossi‐Arnaud, C., Pieroni, L., Spataro, P. & Cestari, V. (2011). Effects of pair collaboration and word‐frequency in recognition memory: A study with the remember‐know procedure. Scandinavian Journal of Psychology 52, 516–523.

The present study investigated the effects of pair collaboration and word‐frequency on recognition memory, using the “remember‐know” procedure. The aim was to test the predictions of the information‐exchange hypothesis (Clark, Hori, Putnam & Martin, 2000), which states that collaborative facilitation occurs when participants are able to share their recollective memories with other members of the group. Results showed that recognition performance was significantly better in the collaborative than in the individual condition, and better for low‐frequency than for high‐frequency words. The advantage of collaborating dyads was produced by an increase of correct hits, coupled with a significant reduction of false alarms. Furthermore, the analysis of the “remember” (R) and “know” (K) responses indicated that the effects of both pair collaboration and word‐frequency were larger on recollection than on familiarity processes. It is concluded that, in a collaborative condition, arguments based on the retrieval of the contextual details associated with the target words are more effective than those based on familiarity in increasing the proportions of correct hits. In addition, it is proposed that collaboration may lead to a reduction of the probability to accept new items on the basis of familiarity (K) responses.
The impact of management on medical professionalism: a review
Authors: Numerato Dino , Salvatore Domenico , Fattore Giovanni
Published: September 2011

In the last three decades, medical doctors have increasingly been exposed to management control measures. This phenomenon has been reflected in a number of studies in various disciplines, including sociology, organisation studies, management, and health service research. This article seeks to provide a comprehensive overview of the studies dealing with the impact of management on professional control. In particular, it seeks to bridge the diversity of assumptions, theoretical perspectives and conceptual underpinnings at play, by exploring synergies between them and opening up new horizons for research. The review shows how the relationship between clinicians and management has been analysed at an organisational level using two interconnected analytical frameworks focusing on the sociocultural and task‐related dimensions of professionalism. In the final discussion, we argue that comparative, longitudinal and cross‐sectional research is necessary, and there is a need to overcome the hegemony/resistance framework in current analyses of the impact of management on professionalism. Such an approach would contribute to the revision of macro theories of professionalism and stimulate emerging research by examining different perspectives towards management in medical specialisations. This approach might also stimulate a discussion of medical professionals’ relationships with members of other professional groups, including nurses and healthcare managers.
A theory‐based model of translation practices in public health participatory research
Authors: Clavier Carole , Sénéchal Yan , Vibert Stéphane , Potvin Louise
Published: September 2011

This article explores the innovative practices of actors specifically mandated to support interactions between academic researchers and their partners from the community during public health participatory research. Drawing on the concept of translation as developed in actor‐network theory and found in the literature on knowledge transfer and the sociology of intermediate actors, we build a theory‐based model of the translation practices developed by these actors at the interface between community and university. We refine this model by using it to analyse material from two focus groups comprising participants purposively selected because they work at the nexus between research and practice. Our model of translation practices includes cognitive (dealing with the contents of the research), strategic (geared to facilitating the research process and balancing power relationships among the partners) and logistic practices (the hands‐on tasks of coordination). Combined, these three types of translation practices demonstrate that actors working at the interface in participatory research contribute to multidirectional exchanges and the co‐construction of knowledge among research partners. Beyond the case of participatory research, theorising translation practices helps understand how knowledge is produced at the interface between academic and experiential (or lay) knowledge.
COMPENSATION OF ON‐CALL AND FIXED‐TERM EMPLOYMENT: THE ROLE OF UNCERTAINTY*
Authors: DE GRAAF‐ZIJL MARLOES
Published: September 2011

This paper analyses the compensation of fixed‐term and on‐call employment contracts, applying an analytical framework in which wage differentials result from two types of uncertainty. Quantity uncertainty originates from product demand volatility. Quality uncertainty, on the other hand, originates from the fact that employers are ex‐ante unable to observe fully a worker's ability. Using matching techniques, we analyse wage differentials using linked employer–employee data for the Netherlands. Findings indicate that on‐call workers receive compensation for providing quantity flexibility, or at least did so before the regulatory change in 1999. Compensation of fixed‐term contracts, however, is dominated by the negative wage effect of quality uncertainty.
HEALTH AT WORK AND LOW PAY: A EUROPEAN PERSPECTIVE*
Authors: COTTINI ELENA
Published: September 2011

This study investigates the relationship between health, working conditions and pay in Europe. In particular, I measure health at work using self‐assessed indicators for overall, as well as physical and mental health, exploiting the 2005 wave of the European Working Conditions Survey for 15 EU countries. I find that, controlling for personal and firm characteristics (adverse) working conditions are associated with poor health status—both physical and mental. Low pay plays a role, mainly for men and when interacted with working conditions, suggesting that stigma and deprivation effects may be correlated with health at work. I also account for the potential endogeneity arising from workers sorting by firms and job types with different working conditions, and provide evidence of a causal effect of (adverse) working conditions and (low) pay on health at the workplace.
Translating Holiness: Forms of Word, Writ and Righteousness
Authors: VANHOOZER KEVIN J.
Published: September 2011

This article reflects theologically on the 400th anniversary of the King James Version of the English Bible under the rubric ‘translating holiness’. A first section examines the notion of theology as translation as well as the general challenge of translation: saying the same thing in other words. The second section examines the KJV as an essentially literal, nation‐building translation. The final section asks whether translation can be considered a fourth form of the Word of God and suggests that its proper dogmatic location is the triune economy of translation in which the Spirit communicates righteousness, forming Christ through the ministry of the Word.
Kings, Professors, and Ploughboys: On the Accessibility of Scripture
Authors: HOLMES STEPHEN R.
Published: September 2011

Under the heading of ‘the accessibility of Scripture’ I investigate accounts of the conditions – skills, knowledge or status – necessary to extracting meaning from the text adequately. I suggest that modern theological scholarship has a visibly different account from classical Reformation and post‐Reformation dogmatics, insisting on the need for historical and linguistic expertise, which used to be denied, and refusing any account of the need for the aid of the Holy Spirit, which used to be insisted upon. I suggest that, because of the constructed nature of the ‘Bible’, theological accounts of Bible reading must be responsible to lived practices of engagement with the text to be academically coherent, and on this basis argue for the superiority of the older tradition.
Squamous cell carcinoma of the lip. A retrospective study of 146 patients
Authors: Gutiérrez‐Pascual M. , Vicente‐Martín F.J. , Fernández‐Álvarez J.G. , Martín‐López R. , Pinedo‐Moraleda F. , López‐Estebaranz J.L.
Published: September 2011

Background  Squamous cell carcinoma of the lip (SCCL) accounts for 90% of all tumours of the oral cavity. We present a series of 146 patients with SCCL studied in our hospital.

Objective  To evaluate and identify the primary tumour parameters related to local and lymph node recurrence.

Methods  We retrospectively analysed the clinical characteristics, surgical procedures and tumour recurrences of the 146 patients diagnosed with SCCL in Hospital Universitario Fundación Alcorcón (Spain).

Results  A total of 122 of the 146 patients (91.7%) showed tumour stage ≤T1N0M0 at diagnosis, and 11 (8.3%) showed stage >T1N0M0. Local recurrences were observed in 11 of the 146 patients (7.5%), and five patients (3.4%) developed lymph node metastases during follow‐up. Kaplan–Meier survival analysis showed an increased tumour size to imply a greater risk of local recurrence (P = 0.025). The probability of local recurrence over the 24 months of follow‐up was 1% for tumour stages ≤T1N0M0 and 20% for stages ≥T1N0M0. There appears to be a greater tendency towards local relapse in male patients, in smokers, patients living in rural areas, in lower lip tumours and in those patients showing infiltration at physical exploration. Eleven patients (8%) died during follow‐up, although in only two of them (18%), SCCL was the cause of death.

Conclusion  The low tumour stage of our patients may explain the few local and lymph node disease recurrences seen in our study. We have shown tumour size to be directly related to the probability of local recurrence.
A split axilla comparison study of axillary hair removal with low fluence high repetition rate 810 nm diode laser vs. high fluence low repetition rate 1064 nm Nd:YAG laser
Authors: Wanitphakdeedecha R. , Thanomkitti K. , Sethabutra P. , Eimpunth S. , Manuskiatti W.
Published: September 2011

Background  A low fluence, high repetition rate 810 nm diode laser using constant motion technique has been recently introduced with advantages of less treatment discomfort and fewer side effects compared with traditional laser hair removal.

Objective  To compare hair reduction and side effects of low fluence high repetition rate 810 nm diode with high fluence low repetition rate 1064 nm Nd:YAG lasers.

Methods  Forty‐nine subjects were randomly received five monthly treatments with diode laser on one side of their axilla and long‐pulsed Nd:YAG laser on the other side. Hair count was recorded at baseline, 1‐ and 6‐month follow‐up visits.

Results  Percentage of axillary hair reduction at 1‐month follow‐up visit after receiving diode and Nd:YAG laser treatment were 71.0% and 82.3%, respectively, and at 6‐month follow‐up were 35.7% and 54.2%, respectively. There were significant differences in hair reduction between both laser systems at 1‐ and 6‐month follow‐ups (P < 0.001 and P < 0.001, respectively). Patients reported lower pain on the diode laser side (P < 0.001). Side effects of both laser systems were mild and transient erythema and swelling.

Conclusions  High fluence low repetition rate Nd:YAG laser was superior in hair reduction and provided higher patient satisfaction. However, low fluence high repetition rate diode laser was less painful.
Epigenetics and psoriasis
Authors: Zhang P. , Su Y. , Lu Q.
Published: September 2011

Increasing evidence indicates that epigenetic mechanisms are involved in the pathogenesis of autoimmune rheumatic diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The pathogenesis of the organ‐specific autoimmune disease psoriasis, however, remains poorly understood. Recent studies have shown that aberrant epigenetic patterns are present in patients with psoriasis, suggesting that epigenetic mechanisms may also be involved in this disease. Herein, we review relevant epigenetic findings associated with psoriasis, and provide clues and directions for further studies in this field.
Costs of dispersal
Authors: Bonte Dries , Van Dyck Hans , Bullock James M. , Coulon Aurélie , Delgado Maria , Gibbs Melanie , Lehouck Valerie , Matthysen Erik , Mustin Karin , Saastamoinen Marjo , Schtickzelle Nicolas , Stevens Virginie M. , Vandewoestijne Sofie , Baguette Michel , Barton Kamil , Benton Tim G. , Chaput‐Bardy Audrey , Clobert Jean , Dytham Calvin , Hovestadt Thomas , Meier Christoph M. , Palmer Steve C. F. , Turlure Camille , Travis Justin M. J.
Published: September 2011

Dispersal costs can be classified into energetic, time, risk and opportunity costs and may be levied directly or deferred during departure, transfer and settlement. They may equally be incurred during life stages before the actual dispersal event through investments in special morphologies. Because costs will eventually determine the performance of dispersing individuals and the evolution of dispersal, we here provide an extensive review on the different cost types that occur during dispersal in a wide array of organisms, ranging from micro‐organisms to plants, invertebrates and vertebrates. In general, costs of transfer have been more widely documented in actively dispersing organisms, in contrast to a greater focus on costs during departure and settlement in plants and animals with a passive transfer phase. Costs related to the development of specific dispersal attributes appear to be much more prominent than previously accepted. Because costs induce trade‐offs, they give rise to covariation between dispersal and other life‐history traits at different scales of organismal organisation. The consequences of (i) the presence and magnitude of different costs during different phases of the dispersal process, and (ii) their internal organisation through covariation with other life‐history traits, are synthesised with respect to potential consequences for species conservation and the need for development of a new generation of spatial simulation models.
Task confusion after switching revealed by reductions of error‐related ERP components
Authors: Ikeda Koki , Hasegawa Toshikazu
Published: September 2011

While response delays after task switching have been widely used as an index to investigate the limits of cognitive flexibility, little is known about their counterpart in error rates. It has been hypothesized that at least some postswitching errors are not caused by simple response errors but by task confusion, which refers to the establishment and execution of an incorrect task set. The aim of the current study is to provide evidence for this hypothesis. Using a multitrial paradigm, we firstly dissociated task confusion from simple cue encoding failure, and then measured the error‐related negativity (ERN) and the following error positivity (Pe) as indices of the brain's error processing. We predicted that task confusion, if it exists, would cause ambiguity to the criteria of correct response, and therefore attenuate error processing. Results confirmed our prediction, suggesting that task confusion actually occurs after switching.
The association between work stress and inflammatory biomarkers in Jordanian male workers
Authors: Almadi Tawfiq , Cathers Ian , Hamdan Mansour Ayman M. , Chow Chin Moi
Published: September 2011

The study aimed to establish the association of work stress, expressed as effort‐reward imbalance (ERI), and C‐reactive protein (CRP) in 152 healthy Jordanian male employees. Self‐report work stress, anthropometric data, and blood for CRP analysis were collected. A significant correlation between ERI and CRP (r = 0.29, p < .01), and between waist circumference with CRP (r = 0.44, p < .01) was found. Central obesity explained most of the variance in CRP after controlling for various covariates, and ERI was not a significant predictor of CRP (ΔR2 = 0.02; β = 0.15, p = .052). However, when only the centrally obese group was considered, ERI accounted for 5.0% of the variability in the CRP (β = 0.24, p < .05). Results of this study confirm previous findings that obesity is significantly associated with CRP, and support the notion that higher ERI amongst obese workers is one small but significant predictor of increased levels of CRP.
Sulforaphane protects SK‐N‐SH cells against antipsychotic‐induced oxidative stress
Authors: Mas Sergi , Gassó Patricia , Trias Gemma , Bernardo Miquel , Lafuente Amalia
Published: September 2011

Adverse reactions to antipsychotic drugs (APs) have been attributed to oxidative stress. Sulforaphane (SF) is a potent antioxidant that protects against dopaminergic cell death. We examined the protective properties of SF against AP‐induced oxidative stress in dopaminergic neuroblastoma cells. Human neuroblastoma SK‐N‐SH cells were treated with SF (0.5–5 μm), and 24 h later, haloperidol, risperidone or paliperidone (100 μm) was administered, either alone or in combination with dopamine (100 μm). To determine the antioxidant properties of SF, quinone oxidoreductase (NQO1) activity, glutathione S‐transferase activity, and glutathione (GSH) levels were determined. Oxidative stress was measured by the increase in thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and in protein‐bound quinones. Cell viability was also assessed. SF treatment increased GSH levels and induced NQO1 activity in SK‐N‐SH cells. Haloperidol was the only AP that increased TBARS when administered alone. When cells were cocultured with a drug in combination with dopamine, all three APs increased TBARS and protein‐bound quinones and also induced neurotoxicity. In all the experimental conditions, 5 μm SF attenuated the accumulation of TBARS and protein‐bound quinones and increased cell survival rates. Our results indicate that SF increases GSH levels and induces NQO1 activity and the removal of electrophilic quinones and radical oxygen species. Furthermore, SF could provide protective effects against AP‐induced toxicity in dopaminergic cells.
Five years of treatment with adefovir dipivoxil in Chinese patients with HBeAg‐positive chronic hepatitis B
Authors: Minde Zeng , Yimin Mao , Guangbi Yao , JinLin Hou , Hao Wang , Hong Ren , Yuming Wang , Xiaqiu Zhou , Daozhen Xu , Yagang Chen , Junqi Niu , Youming Chen , Yaozong Wang , Dixon Jonathan , Barker Keith
Published: September 2011

Background

Adefovir dipivoxil (ADV) is a nucleotide analogue with proven efficacy in chronic hepatitis B (CHB).

Aims

This study investigated long‐term ADV treatment in HBeAg‐positive patients.

Methods

A total of 480 Chinese subjects with HBeAg‐positive CHB who participated in a 1‐year, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study of ADV 10 mg daily were offered open‐label continuation for a further 208 weeks.

Results

A total of 390 subjects completed 5 years of treatment. Baseline median hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA was 8.8 log10 copies/ml and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) 2.6 × upper limit of normal. Treatment with ADV resulted in sustained suppression of median HBV DNA by 4.8, 5.0, 5.1, 5.4 and 5.5 log10 copies/ml after 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 years respectively. Continuous treatment with ADV led to a progressive increase in the proportion of subjects achieving undetectable HBV DNA, from 28% after 1 year to 58% after 5 years. HBeAg seroconversion rates increased cumulatively from 11% after 1 year to 29% after 5 years. HBsAg seroconversion was achieved by 1.0% of patients. ADV resulted in ALT normalization that was maintained throughout this study in 75–79% of subjects. Virological breakthrough associated with ADV resistant mutations (rtN236T and rtA181V) occurred in 14.6% of subjects. ADV was well tolerated.

Conclusion

Five years of ADV treatment in Chinese subjects with HBeAg‐positive CHB resulted in increasing virological and serological responses and sustained biochemical responses over time. Virological resistance was identified in 14.6% of patients. Urgent switch or add‐on therapy with a nucleoside analogue is necessary if ADV resistant mutations are detected, particularly rtN236T. Treatment was well tolerated.
Validating Migraine‐Specific Quality of Life Questionnaire v2.1 in Episodic and Chronic Migraine
Authors: Bagley Christine L. , Rendas‐Baum Regina , Maglinte Gregory A. , Yang Min , Varon Sepideh F. , Lee Jeff , Kosinski Mark
Published: September 2011

Objective.— To provide evidence for the reliability and validity of the Migraine‐Specific Quality of Life Questionnaire Version 2.1 (MSQ) for use in chronic migraine (CM) in adults.

Background.— MSQ is one of the most frequently utilized disease‐specific tools assessing impact of migraine on health‐related quality of life (HRQL). However, evidence for its reliability and validity are based on studies in episodic migraine (EM) populations. Additional studies assessing the reliability and validity of the MSQ in patients with CM are needed.

Methods.— Cross‐sectional data were collected via web‐based survey in 9 countries/regions. Participants were classified as having CM (≥15 headache days/month) or EM (<15 headache days/month). Three MSQ domains – Role Function‐Preventive (RP), Role Function‐Restrictive (RR), and Emotional Function (EF) – were rescaled to 0‐100, where higher scores indicate better HRQL, and analyzed for internal consistency reliability (Cronbach's α), construct validity (correlations between MSQ scales and measures of depression/anxiety [Patient Health Questionnaire; PHQ‐4], disability [Migraine Disability Assessment Questionnaire; MIDAS], and functional impact [Headache Impact Test; HIT‐6], where lower scores indicate better HRQL for each measure), as well as discriminant validity across migraine groups.

Results.— A total of 8726 eligible respondents were classified: 5.7% CM (n = 499) and 94.3% EM (n = 8227). Subjects were mostly female (83.5%) with a mean (±SD) age of 40.3 ± 11.4, and were similar between the 2 groups. MSQ domain scores for CM and EM groups, respectively, were: RP = 61.4 ± 26.1 and 71.7 ± 24.0; RR = 44.4 ± 22.1 and 56.5 ± 24.1; EF = 48.3 ± 28.1 and 67.2 ± 26.7. Internal consistency of the overall sample for RP, RR, and EF was 0.90, 0.96, and 0.87, respectively. Similar values were observed for CM and EM. MSQ scores for the overall sample correlated moderately to highly with scores from the PHQ‐4 (r = −0.21 to −0.42), MIDAS (r = −0.38 to −0.39), and HIT‐6 (r = −0.60 to −0.71). Similar values were observed for CM and EM. Known‐groups validity indicated significant differences (P < .0001) in the hypothesized direction between CM and EM for RP (F = 86.19), RR (F = 119.24), and EF (F = 235.90).

Conclusion.— The MSQ is a reliable and valid questionnaire in the CM population that can differentiate the functional impact between CM and EM. The MSQ can assist researchers in evaluating treatment effectiveness by obtaining input directly from the patients on multidimensional aspects other than frequency of headache days.

(Headache 2012;52:409‐421)
Prevalence and Clinical Characteristics of Primary Headaches Among School Children in South Korea: A Nationwide Survey
Authors: Rho Young‐Il , Chung Hee‐Jung , Lee Kon‐Hee , Eun Baik‐Lin , Eun So‐Hee , Nam Sang‐Ook , Kim Won‐Seop , Kim Young‐Ok , Park Ho‐Jin , Kim Hyeon‐Sook
Published: September 2011

Objectives.— To determine the 1‐year prevalence of headache and clinical characteristics of primary headaches among school children in South Korea.

Background.— Many population‐based studies have estimated the 1‐year prevalence of headache, migraine, and tension‐type headache (TTH). The results of those studies vary in terms of race and region. There have been few epidemiological population‐based studies of headache in children and adolescents in Korea.

Methods.— We conducted a cross‐sectional school‐based study of a randomized and proportional sample of 5360 boys and girls. All 180 sampled schools participated in this study. The questionnaires collected demographic data in addition to specific questions about headache according to the International Classification of Headache Disorder criteria, 2nd Edition. Valid questionnaires were returned by 94.1% of the sample population. Modified criteria changed the “duration” of migraine (>1 hour instead of 4 hours).

Results.— The prevalence of headache among school children was 29.1% (1465/5039) in South Korea. The prevalence of headache in girls (33.4%) was significantly higher than in boys (24.4%) (P < .001). The mean age of students with headaches (14.02 ± 3.03) was significantly higher than students without headaches (12.73 ± 3.36) (P < .001). The prevalence of headache according to region was 30.7% among students in urban, 31.2% in suburban, and 21.6% in rural areas. The prevalence of headache according to age was 20.8% among students ∼6‐12 years, 32.0% ∼13‐15 years, and 38.2% ∼16‐18 years. The prevalence according to headache types was 8.7% (boys 7.0%, girls 10.3%) in migraine, 13.7% (boys 10.7%, girls 16.3%) in TTH, and 6.7% in others. The mean frequency, severity of headache, and duration of symptoms were significantly higher in girls than in boys (P < .001).

Conclusions.— Recurrent primary headaches are quite prevalent among school‐aged children and adolescents in South Korea, and the prevalence rates are similar to those reported elsewhere. TTH was more common than migraine. The prevalence of migraine headache increased with age. The prevalence rate of headache in students in urban and suburban areas was significantly higher than the rate of students in rural areas.
Vibration Assisted Self‐Assembly Processing of Ceramic‐Based Composites with Modular Meta‐Structure
Authors: Götz Michael , Fey Tobias , Greil Peter
Published: September 2011

Modular structures of space‐filling building blocks having dimension orders of magnitude larger (≈1000 μm) than the particle size (0.1–10 μm) may offer a high potential for near net shape manufacturing as well as toughening of brittle ceramic materials. We demonstrate vibration assisted periodic pattern formation of alumina cubes with an edge lengths of 1.3 mm. Two‐dimensional and three‐dimensional modular assembly structures of different unit cell symmetry were prepared. Unlike colloidal crystallization which suffers from a high degree of packing defects, vibration assisted gravitational assembly of space‐filling building blocks offers a high potential for achieving periodic assembly structures with quasi‐crystalline order, high packing densities and low defect content.
Review of fortified food and beverage products for pregnant and lactating women and their impact on nutritional status
Authors: Yang Zhenyu , Huffman Sandra L.
Published: September 2011

Fortified beverages and supplementary foods, when given during pregnancy, have been shown to have positive effects on preventing maternal anaemia and iron deficiency. Studies show that use of micronutrient fortified supplementary foods, especially those containing milk and/or essential fatty acids during pregnancy, increase mean birthweight by around 60–73 g. A few studies have also shown that fortified supplementary foods have impacts on increasing birth length and reducing preterm delivery. Fortification levels have ranged generally from 50% to 100% of the recommended nutrient intake (RNI). Iron, zinc, copper, iodine, selenium, vitamins A, D, E, C, B1, B2, B6, and B12, folic acid, niacin and pantothenic acid are important nutrients that have been included in fortified beverages and supplemental foods for pregnant and lactating women. While calcium has been shown to reduce the risk of pre‐eclampsia and maternal mortality, calcium, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium and manganese can have negative impacts on organoleptic properties, so many products tested have not included these nutrients or have done so in a limited way. Fortified food supplements containing milk and essential fatty acids offer benefits to improving maternal status and pregnancy outcome. Fortified beverages containing only multiple micronutrients have been shown to reduce micronutrient deficiencies such as anaemia and iron deficiency.
Outcomes and Challenges in Implementing Hourly Rounds to Reduce Falls in Orthopedic Units
Authors: Tucker Sharon J. , Bieber Patti L. , Attlesey‐Pries Jacqueline M. , Olson Marianne E. , Dierkhising Ross A.
Published: September 2011

Background: Patient falls remain a common adverse event in acute care facilities. Findings from research into structured nursing rounds interventions (SNRIs) indicate promise as a fall prevention practice. Translating, adapting, and sustaining SNRI in real world clinical practices is an important next step.

Aim: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of adapting and translating a SNRI to reduce the risk and incidence of patient falls on two orthopedic inpatient units. It was hypothesized that SNRI would reduce fall rates up to 1‐year postintervention and that patient risk factors and documented SNRI activities would predict falls.

Methods: Using a repeated measures design, fall rates and risk assessment data were collected at baseline, during the 12‐week SNRI implementation, and 1‐year following implementation. The adapted SNRI included hourly prescribed rounding activities documented on a study specific form. Medical records of patient falls were reviewed for each period. Focus groups were conducted with nurses' postintervention.

Results: Observed (probability) fall rates were 1.8%, 0.8%, and 1.1% for the three periods, respectively. Numbers of falls per 1,000 hospital days (incidence) were 4.5, 1.6, and 3.2 for the three periods. Mean fall risk assessment scores were 2.7 ± 1.1, 2.7 ± 1.1, and 2.5 ± 1.1 for the three periods. Fall rates declined during SNRI (borderline trend), yet 1‐year follow‐up rates drifted back toward baseline. SNRI dosage and fall risk scores did not predict fall rates. Patients who fell during the three periods were not at greatest risk. Nurses interpreted SNRI as an imposition and the documentation a burden.

Conclusions: Findings illuminate the multiple challenges in translational research. SNRI appeared to reduce fall rates initially, but fidelity to the SNRI implementation and documentation was variable and fall reduction gains appeared lost 1 year later. Nurses expressed the importance of balancing intervention fidelity and individualizing patient interventions.