bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Brief Recap of Tips and Surgical Manoeuvres to Enhance Optimal Outcome of Surgically Placed Peritoneal Dialysis Catheters
Authors: Frost Jodie H. , Bagul Atul
Published: July 2012

Background. Peritoneal dialysis (PD) is an effective option of renal replacement therapy for ESRF, offering advantages over haemodialysis. Peritoneal dialysis catheter (PDC) placement is thought to be the key to successful PD and the economic advantages are lost if a patient switches to HD in the 1st year. This paper is a brief document elaborating a recap of published literature, looking at various surgical tips and manoeuvres to enhance optimal outcome of PDC placement.Methods. A search strategy assessing for access team, preoperative antibiotic prophylaxis, type of catheter, catheter exit site, intraoperative catheter trial, optimal time to commence PD, hernia repairs, number of cuffs, catheter-embedding procedures, rectus sheath tunnelling, laparoscopic fixing, omentopexy, omentectomy, the “Y”-Tec system, resection of epiploic appendages, adhesiolysis, a trained surgeon, and perioperative catheter care protocol was used looking at various databases.Findings. The complications of catheterrelated dysfunction can be reduced with advanced planning of access placement, immaculate surgery, and attention to catheter insertion techniques.Conclusion. The success of a peritoneal dialysis programme depends upon functional and durable long term access to the peritoneal cavity; this depends on placement techniques and competent surgeons and psychosocial support to the patient. The various technical tips and manoeuvres elaborated here should be considered options carried out to improve outcome and reduce catheter dysfunction.
Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells to Model and Treat Neurogenetic Disorders
Authors: Wang Hansen , Doering Laurie C.
Published: July 2012

Remarkable advances in cellular reprogramming have made it possible to generate pluripotent stem cells from somatic cells, such as fibroblasts obtained from human skin biopsies. As a result, human diseases can now be investigated in relevant cell populations derived from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) of patients. The rapid growth of iPSC technology has turned these cells into multipurpose basic and clinical research tools. In this paper, we highlight the roles of iPSC technology that are helping us to understand and potentially treat neurological diseases. Recent studies using iPSCs to model various neurogenetic disorders are summarized, and we discuss the therapeutic implications of iPSCs, including drug screening and cell therapy for neurogenetic disorders. Although iPSCs have been used in animal models with promising results to treat neurogenetic disorders, there are still many issues associated with reprogramming that must be addressed before iPSC technology can be fully exploited with translation to the clinic.
In Vitro Investigation of a Terbinafine Impregnated Subcutaneous Implant for Veterinary Use
Authors: Souza M. J. , Cairns T. , Yarbrogh J. , Cox S. K.
Published: July 2012

A terbinafine impregnated subcutaneous implant was evaluated to determine if drug was released into isotonic saline over the course of 6 months at two different temperatures, 37°C and 4°C. These temperatures were chosen to simulate the nonhibernating (37°C) and hibernating body (4°C) temperatures of little brown bats (Myotis lucifugus). Insectivorous bats of North America, including little brown bats, have been devastated by white nose syndrome, a fungal infection caused by Geomyces destructans. No treatments exist for bats infected with G. destructans. Implants were placed into isotonic saline; samples were collected once per week and analyzed with HPLC to determine terbinafine concentrations. The mean amount of terbinafine released weekly across the 28 weeks was approximately 1.7 μg at 4°C and 4.3 μg at 37°C. Although significant differences in the amount released did occur at some time points, these differences were not consistently greater or less at either of the temperatures. This study showed that terbinafine was released from an impregnated implant over the course of 6 months at concentrations ranging from 0.02 to 0.06 μg/mL depending on temperature, which may be appropriate for little brown bats (Myotis lucifugus) infected with Geomyces destructans, the etiologic agent of white nose syndrome.
The Merrifield‐Simmons Index and Hosoya Index of C(n, k, λ) Graphs
Authors: Dai Shaojun , Zhang Ruihai
Published: July 2012

The Merrifield‐Simmons index i(G) of a graph G is defined as the number of subsets of the vertex set, in which any two vertices are nonadjacent, that is, the number of independent vertex sets of G The Hosoya index z(G) of a graph G is defined as the total number of independent edge subsets, that is, the total number of its matchings. By C(n, k, λ) we denote the set of graphs with n vertices, k cycles, the length of every cycle is λ, and all the edges not on the cycles are pendant edges which are attached to the same vertex. In this paper, we investigate the Merrifield‐Simmons index i(G) and the Hosoya index z(G) for a graph G in C(n, k, λ).
Analysing Social Epidemics by Delayed Stochastic Models
Authors: Santonja Francisco-José , Shaikhet Leonid
Published: July 2012

We investigate the dynamics of a delayed stochastic mathematical model to understand the evolution of the alcohol consumption in Spain. Sufficient condition for stability in probability of the equilibrium point of the dynamic model with aftereffect and stochastic perturbations is obtained via Kolmanovskii and Shaikhet general method of Lyapunov functionals construction. We conclude that alcohol consumption in Spain will be constant (with stability) in time with around 36.47% of nonconsumers, 62.94% of nonrisk consumers, and 0.59% of risk consumers. This approach allows us to emphasize the possibilities of the dynamical models in order to study human behaviour.
Finite‐Time Boundedness and Stabilization of Networked Control Systems with Time Delay
Authors: Sun Yeguo , Xu Jin
Published: July 2012

The finite‐time control problem of a class of networked control systems (NCSs) with time delay is investigated. The main results provided in the paper are sufficient conditions for finite‐time stability via state feedback. An augmentation approach is proposed to model NCSs with time delay as linear systems. Based on finite time stability theory, the sufficient conditions for finite‐time boundedness and stabilization of the underlying systems are derived via linear matrix inequalities (LMIs) formulation. Finally, an illustrative example is given to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed results.
Secondary Primary Malignancies in Multiple Myeloma: An Old Nemesis Revisited
Authors: Yang Jay , Terebelo Howard R. , Zonder Jeffrey A.
Published: July 2012

The treatment of myeloma has undergone extraordinary improvements in the past half century. These advances have been accompanied by a concern for secondary primary malignancies (SPMs). It has been known for decades that extended therapy with alkylating chemotherapy agents, such as melphalan, carries an increased risk of therapy-related myelodysplastic syndrome and/or acute myeloid leukemia (t-MDS/AML), with a cumulative risk as high as 10–15%. High-dose chemotherapy with autologous stem cell support became widely accepted for myeloma in the 1990s. Despite the use of high doses of melphalan, the risk of t-MDS/AML with this procedure is estimated to be less than 5%, with much of this risk attributable to pretransplant therapy. Recently, lenalidomide has come under scrutiny for its possible association with SPMs. It is too soon to declare a causal relationship at this time, but there appears to be an increased number of SPMs in reports from several studies using lenalidomide maintenance. Current studies should be amended and future studies planned to better define the risk of SPMs and the risk factors and mechanisms for its development. Patients should be educated regarding this potential concern but the current use of lenalidomide should not generally be altered until further data are available.
A Novel Inducible Protein Production System and Neomycin Resistance as Selection Marker forMethanosarcina mazei
Authors: Mondorf Sebastian , Deppenmeier Uwe , Welte Cornelia
Published: July 2012

Methanosarcina mazeiis one of the model organisms for the methanogenic order Methanosarcinales whose metabolism has been studied in detail. However, the genetic toolbox is still limited. This study was aimed at widening the scope of utilizable methods in this group of organisms. (i) Proteins specific to methanogens are oftentimes difficult to produce inE. coli. However, a protein production system is not available for methanogens. Here we present an inducible system to produce Strep-tagged proteins inMs. mazei. The promoter p1687, which directs the transcription of methyl transferases that demethylate methylamines, was cloned into plasmid pWM321 and its activity was determined by monitoringβ-glucuronidase production. The promoter was inactive during growth on methanol but was rapidly activated when trimethylamine was added to the medium. The gene encoding theβ-glucuronidase fromE. coliwas fused to a Strep-tag and was cloned downstream of the p1687 promoter. The protein was overproduced inMs. mazeiand was purified in an active form by affinity chromatography. (ii) Puromycin is currently the only antibiotic used as a selectable marker inMs. mazeiand its relatives. We established neomycin resistance as a second selectable marker by designing a plasmid that confers neomycin resistance inMs. mazei.
Determination of Trace Amount of Cadmium by Atomic Absorption Spectrometry in Table Salt after Solid Phase Preconcentration Using Octadecyl Silica Membrane Disk Modified by a New Derivative of Pyridine
Authors: Payehghadr Mahmood , Esmaeilpour Sousan , Kazem Rofouei Mohammad , Adlnasab Laleh
Published: July 2012

Silica‐C18 bonded disk modified by a four‐dentate Schiff base has been used for preconcentration of cadmium in table salt samples followed by flame atomic absorption spectrometry. The method is based on the adsorption of Cd on 1,2‐bis(pyridin‐2‐ylmethylene) hydrazine as Schiff base ligand on silica‐C18 disk. The effects of several factors such as type and concentration of the eluent, pH of sample solution, amount of ligand, and breakthrough volume have been optimized based on one variable at a time. In optimum conditions (type of eluent, HNO3 1.0 mol/L; volume of eluent, 5.0 mL; solution pH, 9.0; breakthrough volume, 1000.0 mL), preconcentration factor of the present method is about 200. The resultant limit of detection is 5.0 μg/L. Finally, the performance of the method has been evaluated for extraction and determination of Cd (II) in salt samples at milligram per liter concentration, and satisfactory results have been obtained (RSD ≤ 2.0%).
High‐Performance Thin‐Layer Chromatographic Quantification of Rosmarinic Acid and Rutin in Abnormal Savda Munziq
Authors: Tian S. G. , Xin L. D. , Upur Halmuart
Published: July 2012

A high‐performance thin‐layer chromatographic (HPTLC) method has been established for simultaneous analysis of rosmarinic acid and rutin in Abnormal Savda Munziq (ASMq). A methanol extract of ASMq was used for quantification. The compounds were separated on silica gel H thin layer plate with ethyl acetate‐formic acid‐acetic acid‐water 15 : 1 : 1 : 1.5 (v/v) as a developer, trichloroethanol as the color reagent. The plates were scanned at 365 nm. The linear calibration data of rosmarinic acid and rutin were in the range of 0.0508 to 0.2540 μg (r = 0.9964), 0.2707 to 1.35354 μg (r = 0.9981), respectively. The recovery rate of rosmarinic acid was 99.17% (RSD = 2.92%) and rutin was 95.24% (RSD = 2.38%). The method enables rapid screening, precise, selective, and sensitive quantification for pharmaceutical analysis.
Quality of Life after Traumatic Injury: A Latent Trajectory Modeling Approach
Authors: Moergeli Hanspeter , Wittmann Lutz , Schnyder Ulrich
Published: July 2012

Background: It is largely unknown how quality of life (QoL) changes following accidental injuries. Equally, the mechanisms underlying such changes have not yet been identified in detail. This study of injured accident survivors aimed to: (1) detect a model of change which best explains the observed course of QoL, and (2) identify potential predictor variables. Methods: 323 injured accident survivors were interviewed within 2 weeks of the trauma, and followed up at 6 and 12 months. Latent trajectory modeling was used to analyze the fit of three potential trajectories regarding the observed course of general QoL as measured by the Questions on Life Satisfaction questionnaire. Results: The trajectory model adopting a negative square-root change fitted the observed data best, meaning that shortly after the accident, general QoL decreased strongly with diminishing negative changes occurring later on. Early and prolonged QoL impairment was largely attributable to the initial level of posttraumatic stress as measured by the Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale. To a lesser extent, depressive symptoms also predicted change in subjective QoL, while injury severity showed no direct effect; rather, its impact on QoL was mediated by initial posttraumatic stress. By contrast, reduced occupational functioning was attributable to injury severity rather than psychopathology. Conclusions: When treating injured accident survivors, clinicians should consider symptoms of posttraumatic stress and comorbid depression in order to prevent or mitigate negative changes in QoL.
Inflammatory and Cell-Mediated Immune Biomarkers in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Depression: Inflammatory Markers Are Higher in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome than in Depression
Authors: Maes Michael , Twisk Frank N.M. , Ringel Karl
Published: July 2012

Background: Depression is an inflammatory disorder while many authors declare myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) to be a functional disorder. The aim of the present study is to compare inflammatory and cell-mediated immune (CMI) responses between depression and ME/CFS. Methods: We measured two proinflammatory cytokines (PICs) in plasma, interleukin-1 (IL-1) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, and serum neopterin with a radioimmunoassay in controls, ME/CFS and depressive patients. Results: Plasma PICs were significantly higher in ME/CFS than in depression and higher in both patient groups than in controls. Increased PIC levels in depression were attributable to the presence of fatigue and physio-somatic symptoms. Serum neopterin did not differ significantly between depression and ME/CFS but was higher in both patient groups than in controls. The significant positive correlations between neopterin and either IL-1 or TNF-α were significantly greater in depression than in ME/CFS. Conclusions: Since PICs cause depression-like behaviors and fatigue/malaise, we suggest that inflammation may play a role in the pathophysiology of ME/CFS and depression. Increased neopterin also seems to contribute to the pathophysiology of both disorders. This study has detected a shared ‘pathway phenotype’, i.e. disorders in inflammatory and CMI pathways, which underpins both ME/CFS and depression and, therefore, may explain the co-occurrence of both disorders. ME/CFS and depression are discriminated from each other by increased PICs in ME/CFS and differences in the immune cell communication networks.
Effects of Xylitol on Blood Glucose, Glucose Tolerance, Serum Insulin and Lipid Profile in a Type 2 Diabetes Model of Rats
Authors: Islam Md. Shahidul , Indrajit Mitesh
Published: July 2012

Background/Aims: The present study was conducted to examine the antidiabetic effects of xylitol in a type 2 diabetes rat model. Methods: Six-week-old male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into 3 groups: normal control (NC), diabetic control (DBC) and xylitol (XYL). Diabetes was induced only in the DBC and XYL animal groups by feeding them a 10% fructose solution for 2 weeks followed by an injection (i.p.) of streptozotocin (40 mg/kg body weight). One week after the streptozotocin injection, the animals with a nonfasting blood glucose level of >300 mg/dl were considered to be diabetic. The XYL group was fed further with a 10% xylitol solution, whereas the NC and DBC groups were supplied with normal drinking water. Results: After 5 weeks of intervention, food and fluid intake, body weight, blood glucose, serum fructosamine and most of the serum lipids were significantly decreased, and serum insulin concentration and glucose tolerance ability was significantly increased in the XYL group compared to the DBC group. Liver weight, liver glycogen and serum triglycerides were not influenced by feeding with xylitol. Conclusion: The data of this study suggest that xylitol can be used not only as a sugar substitute but also as a supplement to antidiabetic food and other food products.
Regional Differences in Human Ependymal and Subventricular Zone Cytoarchitecture Are Unchanged in Neuropsychiatric Disease
Authors: Comte Isabelle , Kotagiri Prasanti , Szele Francis G.
Published: July 2012

Much work has focused on the possible contribution of adult hippocampal neurogenesis to neuropsychiatric diseases. The hippocampal subgranular zone and the other stem cell-containing neurogenic niche, the subventricular zone (SVZ), share several cytological features and are regulated by some of the same molecular mechanisms. However, very little is known about the SVZ in neuropsychiatric disorders. This is important since it surrounds the lateral ventricles and in schizophrenia ventricular enlargement frequently follows forebrain nuclei shrinkage. Also, adult neurogenesis has been implicated in pharmacotherapy for affective disorders and many of the molecules associated with neuropsychiatric disorders affect SVZ biology. To assess the neurogenic niche, we examined material from 60 humans (Stanley Collection) and characterized the cytoarchitecture of the SVZ and ependymal layer in age-, sex- and post mortem interval-matched controls, and patients diagnosed with schizophrenia, bipolar illness, and depression (n = 15 each). There is a paucity of post mortem brains available for study in these diseases, so to maximize the number of possible parameters examined here, we quantified individual sections rather than a large series. Previous work showed that multiple sclerosis is associated with increased width of the hypocellular gap, a cell-sparse region that typifies the human SVZ. Statistically there were no differences between disease groups and controls in the width of the hypocellular gap or in the density of cells in the hypocellular gap. Because ventricular enlargement in schizophrenia may disrupt ependymal cells, we quantified them, but observed no difference between diagnostic groups and controls. There are significant differences in the prevalence of neuropsychiatric illness between the sexes. Therefore, we looked for male versus female differences, but did not observe any in the parameters quantified. We next turned to a finer spatial resolution and asked if there were differences amongst the disease groups in dorsal ventral subdivisions of the SVZ. Similar to when we treated the SVZ as a whole, we did not find such differences. However, compared to the dorsal SVZ, the ventral SVZ had a wider hypocellular gap and more ependymal cells in all four groups. In contrast, cell density was similar in dorsal ventral subregions of the SVZ hypocellular gap. These results show that though there are regional differences in the SVZ in humans, neuropsychiatric disorders do not seem to alter several fundamental histological features of this adult neurogenic zone.
Accuracy of Anorectal Manometry in Patients with Fecal Incontinence
Authors: Pehl C. , Seidl H. , Scalercio N. , Gundling F. , Schmidt T. , Schepp W. , Labermeyer S.
Published: July 2012

Background/Aim: Patients with fecal incontinence (FI) have lower anal resting (MRP) and squeeze (MSP) pressure and an impaired sensitivity compared to healthy people. However, whether anorectal manometry (ARM) can separate precisely between health and disease is discussed controversially. The aim was to evaluate the accuracy of ARM in a huge cohort of patients and controls. Methods: ARM was obtained in 144 controls and in 559 FI patients. MRP, MSP, and balloon volume at first perception (BVP) and urge sensation (BVU) were determined. Receiver operating curve analysis was used to determine optimal cut-offs and sensitivity, specificity and accuracy calculated. Results: FI patients showed lower MRP, MSP, BVU (p < 0.001) and a higher BVP (p = 0.007). Deterioration of the ARM parameter increased with FI severity. ARM demonstrated an excellent sensitivity (91.4%) and accuracy (85.8%), but only a moderate specificity (62.5%). The sensitivity of ARM rose with FI severity. The pressure data showed higher sensitivity and accuracy than the sensory data despite comparable specificity. Conclusions: Sensitivity and accuracy of single ARM parameters is only moderate for the pressure data and poor for the sensory data. In contrast, ARM demonstrated an excellent sensitivity, a moderate specificity, and a convincing accuracy justifying its use in clinical routine.
Regulated Wet Nursing: Managed Care or Organized Crime?
Authors: Obladen Michael
Published: July 2012

Wet nursing was widely practiced from antiquity. For the wealthy, it was a way to overcome the burdens of breastfeeding and increase the number of offspring. For the poor, it was an organized industry ensuring regular payment, and in some parishes the major source of income. The abuse of wet nursing, especially the taking in of several nurslings, prompted legislation which became the basis of public health laws in the second half of the 19th century. The qualifications demanded from a mercenary nurse codified by Soran in the 2nd century CE remained unchanged for 1,700 years. When artificial feeding lost its threat thanks to sewage disposal, improved plumbing, the introduction of rubber teats, cooling facilities and commercial formula, wet nursing declined towards the end of the 19th century.
The Emerging Paradigm of Network Medicine in the Study of Human Disease
Authors: Chan Stephen Y. , Loscalzo Joseph
Published: July 2012

The molecular pathways that govern human disease consist of molecular circuits that coalesce into complex, overlapping networks. These network pathways are presumably regulated in a coordinated fashion, but such regulation has been difficult to decipher using only reductionistic principles. The emerging paradigm of “network medicine” proposes to utilize insights garnered from network topology (eg, the static position of molecules in relation to their neighbors) as well as network dynamics (eg, the unique flux of information through the network) to understand better the pathogenic behavior of complex molecular interconnections that traditional methods fail to recognize. As methodologies evolve, network medicine has the potential to capture the molecular complexity of human disease while offering computational methods to discern how such complexity controls disease manifestations, prognosis, and therapy. This review introduces the fundamental concepts of network medicine and explores the feasibility and potential impact of network-based methods for predicting individual manifestations of human disease and designing rational therapies. Wherever possible, we emphasize the application of these principles to cardiovascular disease.
Gut Microbiota Metabolism of Anthocyanin Promotes Reverse Cholesterol Transport in Mice Via Repressing miRNA-10b
Authors: Wang Dongliang , Xia Min , Yan Xiao , Li Dan , Wang Lei , Xu Yuxuan , Jin Tianru , Ling Wenhua
Published: July 2012

Rationale:

We and others have demonstrated that anthocyanins have antiatherogenic capability. Because intact anthocyanins are absorbed very poorly, the low level of circulating parent anthocyanins may not fully account for their beneficial effect. We found recently that protocatechuic acid (PCA), a metabolite of cyanidin-3 to 0-β-glucoside (Cy-3-G), has a remarkable antiatherogenic effect.

Objective:

To investigate whether mouse gut microbiota metabolizes Cy-3-G into PCA and to determine whether and how PCA contributes to the antiatherogenic potency of its precursor, Cy-3-G.

Methods and Results:

PCA was determined as a gut microbiota metabolite of Cy-3-G in ApoE
−/−
mice, verified by the utilization of antibiotics to eliminate gut microbiota and further microbiota acquisition. PCA but not Cy-3-G at physiologically reachable concentrations promoted cholesterol efflux from macrophages and macrophage ABCA1 and ABCG1 expression. By conducting a miRNA microarray screening, we revealed that expression of miRNA-10b in macrophages can be reduced by PCA. Functional analyses demonstrated that miRNA-10b directly represses ABCA1 and ABCG1 and negatively regulates cholesterol efflux from murine- and human-derived macrophages. Further in vitro and ex vivo analyses verified that PCA accelerates macrophage cholesterol efflux, correlating with the regulation of miRNA-10b-ABCA1/ABCG1 cascade, whereas Cy-3-G consumption promoted macrophage RCT and regressed atherosclerotic lesion in a gut microbiotaendependent manner.

Conclusions:

PCA, as the gut microbiota metabolite of Cy-3-G, exerts the antiatherogenic effect partially through this newly defined miRNA-10b-ABCA1/ABCG1-cholesterol efflux signaling cascade. Thus, gut microbiota is a potential novel target for atherosclerosis prevention and treatment.
Subclinical Thyroid Dysfunction and the Risk of Heart Failure Events
Authors: Gencer Baris , Collet Tinh-Hai , Virgini Vanessa , Bauer Douglas C. , Gussekloo Jacobijn , Cappola Anne R. , Nanchen David , den Elzen Wendy P.J. , Balmer Philippe , Luben Robert N. , Iacoviello Massimo , Triggiani Vincenzo , Cornuz Jacques , Newman Anne B. , Khaw Kay-Tee , Jukema J. Wouter , Westendorp Rudi G.J. , Vittinghoff Eric , Aujesky Drahomir , Rodondi Nicolas
Published: July 2012

Background—

American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association guidelines for the diagnosis and management of heart failure recommend investigating exacerbating conditions such as thyroid dysfunction, but without specifying the impact of different thyroid-stimulation hormone (TSH) levels. Limited prospective data exist on the association between subclinical thyroid dysfunction and heart failure events.

Methods and Results—

We performed a pooled analysis of individual participant data using all available prospective cohorts with thyroid function tests and subsequent follow-up of heart failure events. Individual data on 25 390 participants with 216 248 person-years of follow-up were supplied from 6 prospective cohorts in the United States and Europe. Euthyroidism was defined as TSH of 0.45 to 4.49 mIU/L, subclinical hypothyroidism as TSH of 4.5 to 19.9 mIU/L, and subclinical hyperthyroidism as TSH <0.45 mIU/L, the last two with normal free thyroxine levels. Among 25 390 participants, 2068 (8.1%) had subclinical hypothyroidism and 648 (2.6%) had subclinical hyperthyroidism. In age- and sex-adjusted analyses, risks of heart failure events were increased with both higher and lower TSH levels (
P
for quadratic pattern <0.01); the hazard ratio was 1.01 (95% confidence interval, 0.81–1.26) for TSH of 4.5 to 6.9 mIU/L, 1.65 (95% confidence interval, 0.84–3.23) for TSH of 7.0 to 9.9 mIU/L, 1.86 (95% confidence interval, 1.27–2.72) for TSH of 10.0 to 19.9 mIU/L (
P
for trend <0.01) and 1.31 (95% confidence interval, 0.88–1.95) for TSH of 0.10 to 0.44 mIU/L and 1.94 (95% confidence interval, 1.01–3.72) for TSH <0.10 mIU/L (
P
for trend=0.047). Risks remained similar after adjustment for cardiovascular risk factors.

Conclusion—

Risks of heart failure events were increased with both higher and lower TSH levels, particularly for TSH ≥10 and <0.10 mIU/L.
Training Australian general practitioners in rural public health: Impact, desirability and adaptability of hybrid problem-based learning
Authors: Gladman Justin , Perkins David
Published: July 2012

Context and Objective:

Australian rural general practitioners (GPs) require public health knowledge. This study explored the suitability of teaching complex public health issues related to Aboriginal health by way of a hybrid problem-based learning (PBL) model within an intensive training retreat for GP registrars, when numerous trainees have no PBL experience.

Methods:

A mixed method evaluation. Pre-training surveys on PBL experience and post-training semi-structured telephone interviews exploring the impact of the model and its desirability. Thematic and discourse analysis of interview statements, coded independently by two researchers.

Results:

Seventeen GP trainees and four tutors participated. Six main themes emerged: experience; PBL impact; learning modalities; educational needs; educational expectations; and educational planning.

Discussion:

No discernable differences were identified between Australian and international graduates, the knowledge impact of the hybrid model or desirability of the problem. While scabies offers a suitable scenario to explore rural public health complexities, a tension regarding the desire for intensive learning and PBL format needs to be addressed to increase trainees’ satisfaction. A reduction in the number of PBL sessions, PBL instruction and highly structured PBL groups will assist. Trainees value mixed modality education, including PBL, so a tailored hybrid PBL is worth consideration.
Transport Development, Regional Concentration and Economic Growth
Authors: Ding Chengri
Published: July 2012

‘New Geographical Economy’ suggests an inverted-U-shaped relationship between transport costs and regional economic concentration. By using data on Chinese prefectures, this paper examines the relationship between transport development and economic concentration, to investigate the ‘point effect’ and ‘network effect’ of transport stocks and to gauge their relative magnitudes. The paper concludes the following: the development of urban roads leads to rising GDP shares in the city-proper for both manufacturing and service industries; major regional roads have the same effect. A ‘point effect’ is found for both urban roads and major regional roads in GDPs. There are spillover effects for both urban roads and major regional roads. Finally, different types of transport infrastructure have different economic impacts. The policy implication is that the urban–rural economic growth gap is likely to continue to increase with urban and regional transport development during the rapid urbanisation concurrently undertaken.
Valuing the Reliability of the Electrical Power Infrastructure: A Two-stage Hedonic Approach
Authors: Maliszewski Paul , Larson Elisabeth , Perrings Charles
Published: July 2012

The reliability of electrical power supply is amongst the conditions that inform house purchase decisions in all urban areas. Reliability depends in part on the conditions of the power generation and distribution infrastructures involved, and in part on environmental conditions. Its value to homeowners may be capitalised into the value of the house. In this paper, a hedonic pricing approach is used to estimate the capitalised value of the reliability offered by distribution infrastructures and the environmental conditions with which they interact in Phoenix, Arizona. A first stage estimates the impact of infrastructure and environmental conditions on reliability. In a second stage, the capitalised value of reliability from the marginal willingness to pay for reliability revealed by house purchase decisions is estimated and used to infer the value of both infrastructural characteristics and environmental conditions.
The Relational Geography of the Knowledge Economy in Germany: On Functional Urban Hierarchies and Localised Value Chain Systems
Authors: Lüthi Stefan , Thierstein Alain , Bentlage Michael
Published: July 2012

The objective of this contribution is to set out a theoretical context and then to investigate empirically Germany’s functional urban hierarchy based on the relational geography of the knowledge economy. Starting from a conceptual background that brings together the locational behaviour of multibranch, multilocation firms with a value chain approach, it looks at the extent to which this hierarchy is associated with the networking activities of advanced producer services and high-tech firms. The results provide evidence that the functional urban hierarchy in the German space economy is steeper than is claimed by the federal government. A maximum of six polycentric mega-city regions—Munich, Rhine-Main, Hamburg, Rhine-Ruhr, Stuttgart and to a lesser extent Berlin—can be regarded as strategic nodes in the global knowledge economy. A non-nested hierarchy with overlapping and trans-scalar urban networks challenges the traditional view of a nested hierarchy as an organising principle of space.
Enhanced polyurethanes based on different polycarbonatediols
Authors: Costa Victor , Nohales Andres , Félix Paula , Guillem Carmen , Gómez Clara Maria
Published: July 2012

Segmented thermoplastic polyurethanes (PUs) were prepared from 4,4′-diphenylmethane diisocyanate (MDI), 1,4-butanediol (BD) and different macrodiols with a molar mass of 1000. Properties of those PUs based on polycarbonatediol (PCD) were compared with their homologous based on polyesterdiol and polyetherdiol as macrodiols. The proportion used in this study was macrodiol:BD:MDI = 1:2:3, in mole ratio. The hard segment weight percentage is 48 wt% for different PUs. Thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, differential mechanical analysis, Fourier transform infrared-attenuated total reflection spectroscopy, as well as mechanical properties and retention on flexural properties tests were employed to characterize the physicochemical, thermal and mechanical properties of different PUs. Comparison of PUs based on PCD, ester and ether macrodiols indicates a better miscibility, higher hard segment–soft segment interactions and durability for the ones based on PCD. It is especially noticeable that the transparency of the films obtained with PCD as macrodiols as well as their good tensile strength and performance to standard durability tests, in comparison with those based on polyester and polyether. This trend could be related with a better miscibility caused by the highest hard segment–soft segment interactions favored by the presence of the carbonate groups.
The Influence of Diabetes on a Clinician-Rated Assessment of Depression in Adults With Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Tanenbaum Molly L. , Gonzalez Jeffrey S.
Published: July 2012

Purpose

The purpose of the study was to examine the role of diabetes and diabetes-related distress within clinician-administered depression interviews of adults with type 1 diabetes.

Methods

This mixed-methods study coded responses to a structured clinical interview of depressive symptom severity administered to adults with type 1 diabetes (n = 34; 65% female; 56% white, 38% African American, 27% Hispanic). Pearson correlations and t tests assessed relationships between interview-based and self-reported ratings of diabetes-related distress and depression.

Results

Among participants endorsing depressive symptoms in the interview, 73% mentioned diabetes as a contributing factor. Themes emerged relating to (1) a link between diabetes symptoms and distress, including problems with appetite, sleep, concentration, and social relationships; (2) overlapping symptoms between diabetes and depression; and (3) the perceived interconnectedness of mood and blood glucose levels. Clinician-assessed depression ratings were strongly associated with self-reported ratings of depression and self-reported diabetes-related distress. Interview-based diabetes-related distress was significantly associated with self-reported diabetes-related distress. Those with a diagnosis of major depressive disorder (44%) reported more diabetes-related distress.

Conclusions

Results suggest that diabetes may influence the evaluation of depression, even in standardized clinical interviews administered by trained professionals, the gold standard of assessment. Findings highlight a need for improved conceptualization and measurement of distress in individuals with diabetes to distinguish between symptoms caused by illness burden and those indicating a psychiatric disorder.
Feminine Charm
Authors: Kray Laura J. , Locke Connson C. , Van Zant Alex B.
Published: July 2012

The authors examined feminine charm, an impression management technique available to women that combines friendliness with flirtation. They asked whether feminine charm resolves the impression management dilemma facing women who simultaneously pursue task (i.e., economic) and social goals in negotiations. They compared women’s social and economic consequences after using feminine charm versus a neutral interaction style. They hypothesized that feminine charm would create positive impressions of its users, thus partially mitigating the social penalties women negotiators often incur. They also expected that the degree to which females were perceived as flirtatious (signaling a concern for self), rather than merely friendly (signaling a concern for other), would predict better economic deals for females. Hypotheses were supported across a correlational study and three experiments. Feminine charm has costs and benefits spanning economic and social measures. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.
The talent managing work of the Balaton-felvidéki Szín-Vonal Primary Art School
Authors: Baranyai Valéria
Published: July 2012

In recent years, art education has been recognized as a suitable tool for enhancing emotional intelligence and nurturing a child’s creative development. However, it seems that the education of art has lost the race against other primary school subjects, with only a minimal number of lessons being taught. The establishment of the afternoon art school system was a major step forward in Hungarian education. The school-building process has escalated all over Hungary, giving an increasing number of students the opportunity to engage in art education. Talent management has been a priority in public education since 2008, greatly supported by civil initiations. This article describes our school, the Balaton-felvidéki Szín-Vonal Primary Art School, and provides a summary of the structure and functions of Hungarian elementary art education, the basic principles of our school, the school’s activity in art education, and the school as a talent centre and reference institute.
The role of power in intimate relationships
Authors: Lennon Carter A. , Stewart Andrew L. , Ledermann Thomas
Published: July 2012

The current study examined relationship power in the context of the investment model of relationship commitment ( Rusbult, 1980 ). It was hypothesized that satisfaction with, quality of alternatives to, and investment in the relationship would mediate the relationship between power and commitment in 120 dating couples. Data were analyzed using mediation within the actor-partner interdependence model. Participants who possessed a higher level of power reported lower satisfaction and commitment and higher quality of alternatives. Furthermore, the relationship between female’s power and male’s commitment was mediated by male’s satisfaction and the relationship between male’s power and female’s commitment was mediated by male’s quality of alternatives. Findings are discussed within the context of the field’s expanding conceptualization of power within intimate relationships.
The unspoken side of mutual adjustment: Understanding intersubjective negotiation in small professional service firms
Authors: Wapshott Robert , Mallett Oliver
Published: July 2012

This article critically analyses intersubjective negotiation in the context of the small firm employment relationship. Such employment relationships are acknowledged as largely ad hoc, contested and negotiated, producing mutual adjustment between owner-managers and employees. It presents detailed qualitative empirical material from three small professional service firms, arguing that explicit instances of formal or informal negotiations cannot be understood as discrete events disassociated from ongoing, everyday intersubjective negotiation. The employment relationship, especially in ambiguity-intensive small professional service firms, draws on the perception of the value or interests of other actors rather than on any direct engagement with them. This intersubjective guesswork underlying mutual adjustment is potentially dysfunctional as outcomes arise that satisfy neither owner-manager nor employee interests. The article suggests that understanding employment relationships in small professional service firms requires a greater focus on individual perceptions and the ways in which their relative positions are structured in intersubjective, mutual (mis)recognition.
Victim−offender mediation in Sweden
Authors: Jacobsson Maritha , Wahlin Lottie , Andersson Tommy
Published: July 2012

In this article we analyse recorded verbal interactions between victims and offenders in the presence of mediators. Our aim is to illuminate how victims interact, communicate and position themselves in relation to the offender. We inquire whether victims benefit from verbal interaction with offenders during a process of mediation. According to this study there are no easy answers. Victims act in diverse ways depending on their aims and the situation. They may act as moral entrepreneurs, adopt consensus-seeking strategies or take oppositional positions. This research may be informative for those who are interested in which benefits victims can achieve when they communicate with offenders in the framework of restorative justice.
The Cost of Therapy Services Provided by a Day Psychotherapy Unit
Authors: Karapostoli Natassa , Polyzos Nikolaos , Tsegos Ioannis K.
Published: July 2012

The sole clinical evaluation of a therapeutic approach is not enough anymore; cost-effectiveness studies are also necessary. The findings of several studies agree that community-based care services and psychotherapy reduce the cost of mental health consumers. However, much of the ‘psychiatric reform’ process throughout Europe is not based on knowledge of cost and effectiveness of various interventions. On the contrary, it seems that several myths concerning the cost of psychotherapy still have an impact on the choices of clinicians.

The aim of the present study is to measure psychotherapy’s financial cost both for the patient and for the providing organization; in our case the latter is the Open Psychotherapy Centre: an autonomous, self-sufficient and non-profit psychotherapy day centre, which is not financially supported by any other organization inside or outside of Greece. The results confirm the operational viability of such unit and the observance of the constitution’s principles (i.e. good working conditions, practising psychotherapy on a daily basis especially for the seriously disturbed patients and the fact that psychotherapy may be accessible to all patients regardless of their diagnosis or economic status), the low cost of psychotherapy for the patient and the providing organization, especially that of group psychotherapy (group analysis and therapeutic community) compared to dyadic psychotherapy.
Pregnant and Parenting Students on Campus
Authors: Brown Virginia , Nichols Tracy R.
Published: July 2012

The number of pregnant and parenting students in higher education is increasing. Research suggests this population experiences added pressure and stress while pursuing their education. Few resources exist for these students and the universities who provide services do not adequately promulgate them to the campus community. The research presented examines the policies and programmatic needs of pregnant and parenting students at a mid-Atlantic state university. Participants identified both tangible and intangible resources in which new or better policies and programs were needed to assist them in completing their degree. Study implications are discussed and recommendations for policy are presented.
Examining Elementary Social Studies Marginalization
Authors: Fitchett Paul G. , Heafner Tina L. , Lambert Richard G.
Published: July 2012

Utilizing data from the National Center for Education Statistics Schools and Staffing Survey (SASS), a multilevel model (Hierarchical Linear Model) was developed to examine the association of teacher/classroom and state level indicators on reported elementary social studies instructional time. Findings indicated that state testing policy was a significant predictor of elementary teachers’ reported time spent on social studies instruction. Teachers’ perceptions of workplace autonomy and grade level were also associated with increased time on social studies. Conversely, teacher credentials, classroom socioeconomic contexts, and test design were not substantially associated with social studies instructional time. This study suggests that state policy mandates, grade-specific curricular organization, and teacher disposition have a substantial impact on the prioritization of social studies in US elementary schools.
Maize pollen concentrations in Neotropical lake sediments as an indicator of the scale of prehistoric agriculture
Authors: Taylor ZP , Horn SP , Finkelstein DB
Published: July 2012

We evaluated the potential of maize pollen concentrations in lake sediment profiles to serve as indicators of the extent of prehistoric agriculture in neotropical lake basins using records from a network of five sediment cores recovered from Laguna Zoncho, Costa Rica. The watershed of this small (0.75 ha) lake in the Diquís archaeological region has a c. 3000 year history of prehistoric agriculture and subsequent forest recovery, as documented through previous studies of pollen, charcoal, diatoms, and phosphorus fractions in a single core recovered from the center of the lake. In our new network of cores, we compared maize pollen concentrations with two independent proxies for the scale of agriculture in the same cores: abundance of organic matter (OM), which is an indicator of soil erosion, and bulk sediment stable carbon isotope ratios of organic matter (δ13COM), which reflect the proportion of forested and cleared land within the watershed. In none of the five cores did maize pollen concentrations correspond with either OM or δ13COM, suggesting that sedimentary maize pollen concentrations are not sensitive to the scale of maize agriculture in small neotropical watersheds. We found maize pollen in relatively high concentrations in two of the four cores taken near the lakeshore, but the others contained little or no maize pollen. The core from the center of the lake consistently recorded maize pollen, a finding that we attribute to sediment-focusing processes.