bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pain and psychological well‐being of older persons living in nursing homes: an exploratory study in planning patient‐centred intervention
Authors: Tse Mimi , Leung Rincy , Ho Suki
Published: June 2011

tse m., leung r. & ho s. (2012) Pain and psychological well‐being of older persons living in nursing homes: an exploratory study in planning patient‐centred intervention. Journal of Advanced Nursing 68(2), 312–321.

Aim.  This article is a report on a study to examine the pain situation, the use of oral analgesics and non‐pharmacological strategies and the psychological well‐being of older patients living in nursing homes; the relationships between pain and psychological well‐being were also explored.

Background.  Pain is common among older adults world‐wide, and tends to be under‐treated. Indeed, the high prevalence of pain may further hinder the fulfilment of psychological needs in a Maslow hierarchy of needs model.

Method.  It was a quantitative cross‐sectional study; older adults from six nursing homes were invited to join the study in 2007–2009, with a response rate of 100%. Pain was measured using the Geriatric Pain Assessment, happiness using the Subjective Happiness Scale, life satisfaction using the Life Satisfaction Index – A Form, loneliness using the Revised UCLA Loneliness Scale and depression was measured using the Geriatric Depression Scale.

Results.  A convenience sample of 302 older patients (213 females and 89 males aged from 60 to 101, mean age of 84·99) joined the study. The majority of them had experienced pain in the previous 3 months, with a pain intensity of 4·51 on a 10‐point scale. Pain sites were mainly the knee, back, shoulder and musculoskeletal areas. Only 50% of them took oral analgesics, and 70% used non‐pharmacological measures for pain relief. The pain group reported significantly more loneliness and depression when compared with their no‐pain counterparts.

Conclusions.  As the number of older patients increases, so does the need for alternative accommodation; thus, pain management education is urgently needed for staff and nursing home residents.
Evolutionary development: a model for the design, implementation, and evaluation of ICT for education programmes
Authors: Rodríguez P. , Nussbaum M. , Dombrovskaia L.
Published: June 2011

The impact of information and communication technology (ICT) in primary and secondary education is still an open question. Following review of the available literature, we classify the causes of the lack of impact on students' attainment in four dimensions: (1) the design and implementation of ICT in educational settings; (2) the evaluation of its impact; (3) the scaling up of these kinds of innovations; and (4) the cost‐effectiveness of technology‐enhanced learning environments. Based on this evidence, we proposed the evolutionary development model (EDM), which aims to produce a cost‐effective and sustainable ICT for education (ICT4E) programme in three steps: efficacy, effectiveness, and efficiency. In each step, one component of the programme is built and validated in real educational settings. Therefore, the resultant ICT4E programme is ready to be replicated across the school system. We also show how the EDM guided the development of a programme based on mobile computer supported collaborative learning, known as Eduinnova. Finally, we discuss how EDM can serve as an analysis tool for researchers and policy makers.
A P5 cancer medicine approach: why personalized medicine cannot ignore psychology
Authors: Pravettoni Gabriella , Gorini Alessandra
Published: June 2011

A system approach termed P4 medicine has recently been proposed in the field of oncology. This approach has been advanced as an extension of what is usually called ‘personalized’ or ‘genomic medicine’. P4 medicine creates effective predictive, personalized, preventive and participatory models to treat patients. In order to give more relevance to the behavioural component that impinges on the way individuals act to prevent, cope and react to illnesses, how they decide between different therapeutic options and interact with physicians and adhere to treatment, we propose that P4 medicine should be transformed into P5 medicine. The fifth P represents the psycho‐cognitive aspects to be considered in order to empower the patient, increase his/her quality of life and transform him/her from a passive recipient into an active decision‐maker in the treatment process.
Colorectal neoplasms in relation to non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease in Korean women: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Lee Young In , Lim Young‐Suk , Park Hye Soon
Published: June 2011

Background and Aim:  Metabolic syndrome has been associated with an increased risk for colorectal cancer. Non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is regarded as a hepatic manifestation of metabolic syndrome. We investigated whether NAFLD is associated with colorectal neoplasms in Korean women.

Methods:  This retrospective cohort study included data from 5517 women, aged 35–80 years, who underwent life insurance company health examinations between July 2002 and June 2006. Fatty liver disease was assessed by abdominal ultrasound, with NAFLD defined as fatty liver disease in the absence of alcohol use of > 40 g/week or other secondary causes. The incidence of colorectal neoplasms through December 2008 was obtained through medical certificate codes for insurance claims. The association between NAFLD and the risk of colorectal neoplasms was estimated using standard Cox proportional hazards models.

Results:  Of the study population, 15.1% were diagnosed with NAFLD. During follow‐up, 65 women were verified as having adenomatous polyps and 15 as having colorectal cancer. Adjusted relative risks (95% confidence interval [CI]) for adenomatous polyps by age, low high‐density lipoprotein‐cholesterol, and NAFLD were 1.12 (95% CI 1.09–1.15), 2.56 (95% CI 1.53–4.28) and 1.94 (95% CI 1.11–3.40). Adjusted relative risks (95% CI) for colorectal cancer by age and NAFLD were 1.23 (95% CI 1.17–1.29) and 3.08 (95% CI 1.02–9.34).

Conclusions:  Our findings demonstrate a significant relationship between NAFLD and colorectal neoplasms. Among the various manifestations of metabolic syndrome, NAFLD may predict the development of colorectal neoplasms in Korean women.
The need for capacity building for biomonitoring of lakes and streams in Asia
Authors: Goulden Clyde E.
Published: June 2011

Despite warnings that clean fresh water is becoming increasingly scarce throughout the World, freshwater ecosystems continue to be under threat from economic development. The threat is worse in countries trying to build their economies and/or lack resources to protect their environment. Many economists have warned that economic development that destroys environmental resources is unsustainable. Local expertise needed to evaluate the water quality of lakes and flowing water systems is often missing. Many countries need capacity building programmes to help train young scientists in techniques commonly used to biomonitor aquatic ecosystems in the USA, Europe, Japan and South Korea. Biomonitoring of major groups of organisms can be less costly, relative to sophisticated instrumentation. Further, the presence of even tolerant biological organisms is more dependable than chemical concentrations that can vary continuously. The most effective groups of organisms for biomonitoring include the diatoms, which are often the dominant forms of algae in both lakes and riverine systems, aquatic insects, particularly mayflies, stoneflies and caddisflies, often referred to as the EPT and fishes. Biological methods can be used with an active adaptive management approach that provides guidance for remediation of polluted water systems by studying the levels of degradation or of recovery of ecosystems to or from a more normal state. This approach only can be effective as long the skills exist to understand ecosystems and properly identify lake and river flora and fauna.
Specialist resources are key to improving small mammal distribution models
Authors: HABY NERISSA A. , DELEAN STEVEN , BROOK BARRY W.
Published: June 2011

Small ground‐dwelling mammals can have complex ecological relationships with environmental factors that limit the usefulness of coarse data in predictive species distribution models. We investigated the relative importance of available abiotic and biotic, landscape‐ and quadrat‐scale data for predicting the distributions of four small mammals using data at three resolutions: 150 m, 500 m and 1000 m. At 150 m, the inclusion of landscape‐scale data to a climate‐only model improved the predicted occurrence of the wet heath specialist and woodland generalist, but not the two dense understorey species. Limited improvement was obtained with the inclusion of available quadrat‐scale data (possibly because of missing or insufficiently detailed descriptive variables). As the models of best fit were re‐applied to lower‐resolution environmental data (500 m and 1000 m), the variance explained decreased for the wet heath specialist and two dense understorey species. These trends corresponded with reduced variance explained predominantly by biotic variables or abiotic landscape variables respectively. In contrast, the resolution of environmental data had no effect on the woodland generalist species distribution models, indicating the habitat for this more mobile species was sufficiently represented at the lowest resolution (1000 m). These results highlight the potential value of landscape‐ and finer‐scale variables in modelling the distributions of small mammals. Where such variables are unavailable, higher‐resolution climate data could better represent resource availability (indirectly) or suitable microclimates (directly), especially for more vulnerable, above‐ground nesting species. We encourage the collection of additional detailed and high‐resolution environmental information to facilitate the development of more accurate models of the extent and distribution of small mammals.
Effect of antithyroid drug on chick embryos during the last week of development: Delayed hatching and decreased cerebellar acetylcholinesterase activity
Authors: Haba Gen , Nishigori Hidekazu , Tezuka Yu , Kagami Keisuke , Sugiyama Toru , Nishigori Hideo
Published: June 2011

Aim:  Hypothyroid state during embryogenesis disturbs normal growth and brain development, influencing later life. To evaluate the harmful consequences of the state during embryogenesis using an animal model, we inhibited thyroid hormone biosynthesis in chick embryos by using methimazole (MMI).

Material and Methods:  Typically, embryos were treated with MMI (20 µmol/egg) on day 14, and examined on specific days.

Results:  Of the control embryos, 94% hatched on day 21, whereas 0% and 60% of MMI‐treated embryos hatched on days 21 and 24, respectively. MMI retarded the rates of bodyweight gain as well as liver and heart development, and delayed hatching. However, the external differences in appearance and differences in the weights of the newly hatched control chicks on day 21 and the MMI‐treated chicks on day 24 were less obvious. Embryos treated with MMI exhibited increased mass in their brain parts on day 24. Most notably, the treatment resulted in a 1.35‐fold increase in cerebellum weight compared to that of the untreated animals. Acetylcholinesterase activity in the cerebellum on the day of hatching decreased significantly to 0.85‐fold that of the untreated controls. Thyroid hormone receptor β mRNA was detected from day 12 and dramatically expressed from day 19 to the day of hatching.

Conclusion:  The ‘fertilized hen's egg‐chick embryo‐chick system’ is an appropriate animal model for investigating the hypothyroid state during embryogenesis. Decreased cerebellar acetylcholinesterase activity after MMI treatment was assumed to relate to a mechanism of motor and cognitive deficits in congenital hypothyroidism.
The use of molecular markers as a method to predict the response to neoadjuvant therapy for advanced stage rectal adenocarcinoma
Authors: Edden Y. , Wexner S. D. , Berho M.
Published: June 2011

Aim  The response to combined neoadjuvant therapy for advanced stage rectal adenocarcinoma is predictive of outcome. In addition to both clinical and pathological features, the expression of a variety of molecules may provide another method of identifying tumour responsiveness to pre‐operative therapy. The aim of this study was to evaluate several markers in the apoptotic pathway as well as expression of Cox‐2 and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) to determine their ability to predict response to neoadjuvant therapy.

Method  In total, 152 patients with advanced rectal adenocarcinoma were treated with neoadjuvant therapy followed by resection. Paraffin‐embedded sections obtained before and after therapy were assessed by immunohistochemical staining for Cox‐2, VEGF, p53, p21, p27, Bax, BCL‐2 and apoptosis protease‐activating factor 1 (APAF‐1). These stains were correlated with tumour regression grade, complete pathological response and T‐downstaging of the surgical specimen. Clinical and pathological data were also collected. Data were analysed using the χ2 and Spearman’s correlation tests.

Results  Pathological complete response was seen in 24.5% of patients. Amongst the apoptosis‐associated markers, only APAF‐1 expression was found to be significantly associated with tumour regression grade (P < 0.001), complete pathological response (P < 0.031) and T‐downstaging (P < 0.004). On multivariate analysis, APAF‐1 expression was found to be independently associated with good tumour regression grade. In contrast, overexpression of Cox‐2 and VEGF in pretreatment biopsies was related to less tumour regression (P < 0.003) and less likelihood of T‐downstaging (P < 0.03).

Conclusion  Immunohistochemical evaluation of initial biopsy specimens of rectal cancer with APAF‐1, Cox‐2 and VEGF may predict tumour response to neoadjuvant therapy in patients with advanced rectal adenocarcinoma. Those with an expected limited response may be considered for other investigational neoadjuvant protocols.
Student use of animated pedagogical agents in a middle school science inquiry program
Authors: Bowman Catherine D. D.
Published: June 2011

Animated pedagogical agents (APAs) have the potential to provide one‐on‐one, just‐in‐time instruction, guidance or mentoring in classrooms where such individualized human interactions may be infeasible. Much current APA research focuses on a wide range of design variables tested with small samples or in laboratory settings, while overlooking important practical issues relating to large‐scale, school‐based implementations. The present study provides an early step in addressing this gap by investigating the patterns, affordances and challenges of sustained classroom use of APAs. During a 15‐class‐period science curriculum, middle school students in the treatment groups (nDr C‐1 = 191; nDr C‐2 = 181) had uninterrupted classroom access to one of the two APAs, while control group students (n = 149) completed the same curriculum without APA access. Usage patterns indicate that students accessed the APAs on a fluctuating, “as needed,” basis corresponding to the introductory, information‐gathering, and synthesis and reporting segments of the curriculum. Survey results revealed no statistically significant difference in student feelings toward the APAs between the two treatments. While treatment students reported that the APAs were unique, reliable, timely resources, interviews indicate little difference between their experiences with the curriculum and those of the control group. Results presented here provide guidance for researchers and practitioners.
Unit root bootstrap tests under infinite variance
Authors: Moreno Marta , Romo Juan
Published: June 2011

This article presents a family of new tests for unit roots based on M‐estimators. Their robustness makes them very appealing when working with distributions that have infinite variance or heavy tails. These tests are completely automatic regardless of the complex distributions of this kind of estimators because the critical values are approximated using bootstrap, no additional parameter has to be estimated and the results obtained are very good in small samples. An exhaustive Monte Carlo study shows the high performance of these tests compared with others proposed in the literature when the variance is infinite.
Longitudinal evidence on financial expectations in Albania
Authors: Duval Laetitia , Wolff François‐Charles
Published: June 2011

This article focuses on the effect of remittances on financial expectations in Albania using longitudinal data covering the period 2002–2004. To study the dynamics of income satisfaction at the household level, we use subjective data on past, current and future financial situations and estimate random and fixed effect ordered Probit models. We find that households are more optimistic about the future when they have experienced an improvement in their financial situation in the past and when they have received private transfers from foreign countries.
Remittances, Transnational Dahiras and Governance in Senegal
Authors: Diedhiou Alpha
Published: June 2011

The potential role of transnational organisations in fostering effective governance goes unexplored despite the increasing positive role that these organisations are playing today. In Senegal, a whole range of non‐state actors have always played a substantial socio‐economic role, even before the rise of the post‐colonial state. The Murid brotherhood can be regarded as part of this category of customary non‐state actors. In the 1980s, young Murids started to organize themselves in what can be viewed as self‐help community‐based organisations whose functions included the provision of social safety nets to their adherents. By the late 1980s, the scope of these youth organisations, ordahiras, expanded beyond the national boundaries. Mention of thesedahirasin the vast development literature has so far been confined to the socio‐economic importance of the money they remit.

This paper offers to transcend this focus on financial remittances, to explore the potential political role of internationaldahirasin their home country. By playing the role of alternative providers of social services,dahirashave propelled themselves to a position of legitimate non‐state actors with political clout. Today, some of them are starting to hold government to account for their actions. Their political power is not only derived from their affiliation with customary centres of authority, but it is also the resultant of their increased financial autonomy.

Because transnationaldahirainterventions in Senegal are mostly associated with the role of remittances, their relations with the state are analysed through the lens of revenue generation and other processes of state formation such as internal bargaining between the state and societal forces. The paper is an examination of the potential role of transnationaldahirasin demands for responsive governance. Its analytical orientation is placed within the theoretical premises of the “drivers of change” approach, fiscal sociology of state making and governance.
Sleep duration varies as a function of glutamate and GABA in rat pontine reticular formation
Authors: Watson Christopher J. , Lydic Ralph , Baghdoyan Helen A.
Published: June 2011

J. Neurochem. (2011) 118, 571–580.

The oral part of the pontine reticular formation (PnO) is a component of the ascending reticular activating system and plays a role in the regulation of sleep and wakefulness. The PnO receives glutamatergic and GABAergic projections from many brain regions that regulate behavioral state. Indirect, pharmacological evidence has suggested that glutamatergic and GABAergic signaling within the PnO alters traits that characterize wakefulness and sleep. No previous studies have simultaneously measured endogenous glutamate and GABA from rat PnO in relation to sleep and wakefulness. The present study utilized in vivo microdialysis coupled on‐line to capillary electrophoresis with laser‐induced fluorescence to test the hypothesis that concentrations of glutamate and GABA in the PnO vary across the sleep/wake cycle. Concentrations of glutamate and GABA were significantly higher during wakefulness than during non‐rapid eye movement sleep and rapid eye movement sleep. Regression analysis revealed that decreases in glutamate and GABA accounted for a significant portion of the variance in the duration of non‐rapid eye movement sleep and rapid eye movement sleep episodes. These data provide novel support for the hypothesis that endogenous glutamate and GABA in the PnO contribute to the regulation of sleep duration.
Diapause induction and photoperiodic clock in Chilo suppressalis (Walker) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae)
Authors: CHEN Fang , HAN Yongqiang , HU Qiongbo , HOU Maolin
Published: June 2011

The mature larvae of the rice stem borer, Chilo suppressalis Walker (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) enters facultative diapause in response to short‐day conditions in the autumn (August–September). Diapause induction and photoperiodic clock mechanism were investigated in C. suppressalis larvae reared on an artificial diet in the present study. The critical night length for diapause induction was about 9 h 53 min to 10 h 39 min at 22 to 28°C. The third‐instar larvae were found to be relatively sensitive to diapause induction. Photoperiodic response under non‐24‐h light–dark cycles showed that scotophase length played an essential role in the induction of larval diapause in C. suppressalis, and consecutive exposure to long‐night cycles was necessary for a high diapause incidence. In the Nanda–Hamner experiment, diapause incidence peaked at scotophase of 12 h and dropped rapidly at scotophases > 24 h. In the Bünsow experiment, diapause incidence was clearly suppressed, especially at the light pulse located 8 h in the scotophase. Both the Nanda–Hamner and Bünsow experiments showed no rhythmic fluctuations with a period of about 24 h; thus the photoperiodic clock in C. suppressalis is a non‐oscillatory hourglass timer or a rapidly damping circadian oscillator.
Theology in the Life of the Lutheran Church
Authors: Simmons Ernest L.
Published: June 2011

Abstract:  This article is intended as a brief introduction to the essays that occur in this issue of Dialog. Written for seminar discussion during the concluding consultation in the Lutheran World Federation five‐year study “Theology in the Life of the Church,” these papers were presented in Augsburg, Germany, in March 2009. Each article explores the connection between academic theological reflection and the practical needs of faith communities throughout the world, especially the global South.
Withstanding Persecution as a Corroboration of Legitimacy in the New Testament: Reflections on the Resulting Ethical and Hermeneutical Quandary
Authors: Kelhoffer James A.
Published: June 2011

Abstract:  Assertions of standing, authority, and power claimed on the basis of withstanding persecution play a prominent and heretofore under‐appreciated role in much of the New Testament literature. Yet deriving legitimacy from persecution presents an interpretive quandary not unlike those inherited from biblical passages that condone slavery or unhealthy attitudes toward women and men. Reflection on how we construe ourselves in relation to suffering is an agendum inadequately realized in the New Testament that commends itself for twenty‐first century ethics and theology.
God's Mission and the Christian Assembly: The Search for an Alternative Practice of Worship
Authors: Schattauer Thomas H.
Published: June 2011

Abstract:  The search for something alternative characterizes the practice of worship in many contemporary Christian assemblies. Although “alternative” is often set in opposition to “traditional,” it is better understood in response to “conventional” worship. Five such alternative movements are described here: liturgical movement, contemporary worship movement, liberation perspectives, Pentecostalism, and postmodern approaches. The alternative impulse in all of these perspectives has to do with a fuller realization of the Christian assembly in relation to God's mission.
Public Theology and the Modern Social Imaginary
Authors: Kelly Robert A.
Published: June 2011

Abstract:  Charles Taylor's study of the development of the modern social imaginary raises several issues for public theology in a secular, multicultural society. Canada provides an example of such a culture and shows how the issues arise in a specific public and media context. Even if public theologians can learn to speak the language of secular multicultural societies and give what are recognized as public, rational arguments for their positions, the media culture may not provide the space which makes public theology possible.
“Lest we become beasts who devour each other”: A Lutheran Calling to Higher Education in Multi‐Religious Settings1
Authors: Lagerquist L. DeAne
Published: June 2011

Abstract:  Lagerquist argues that in view of growing American religious diversity and awareness of religious diversity worldwide, Lutheran theology provides warrants for revising educational practice at Lutheran colleges to better serve the students and in the hope of a transformation of church and theology. American Lutheran colleges and universities are suited to this task by their theological heritage, by their educational experience, and by their place within the ecology of their churches.
Introduction to “Long‐Term Fieldwork”
Authors: TAGGART JAMES M. , SANDSTROM ALAN R.
Published: June 2011

This special issue presents new, original essays by anthropologists who have spent a great deal of time carrying out fieldwork in a variety of ways and under many different conditions. Their ways of doing long‐term fieldwork vary from revisiting the same community to doing multisited fieldwork to gain a broader comparative perspective in the discipline of anthropology. The authors wrestle with the meaning of their work after observing the people they befriended and studied undergo sometimes‐devastating changes, suffering deep life‐changing experiences themselves, and witnessing controversies over the value of doing and writing ethnography.
The Long and the Short of Ethnographic Research among the Nahua of Northern Veracruz, Mexico
Authors: SANDSTROM ALAN R. , SANDSTROM PAMELA EFFREIN
Published: June 2011

Long‐term ethnographic fieldwork in Mexico provides the basis for a critical evaluation of commitment to a single research site over decades. We discuss positive and negative features of this strategy as well as its effect on understanding of basic anthropological concepts.
Narratives of Emotional Experience and Long‐Term Fieldwork among the Nahuat of Mexico
Authors: TAGGART JAMES M.
Published: June 2011

This article describes how the author learned through fieldwork, over a long period time and in different places, to recognize how the Nahuat organize their emotional experiences in narrative form according to a deeply inculcated social, psychological, and cultural pattern. It describes the path taken to understand what the Nahuat mean by love and envy, jealousy and desire and it affirms the value of the comparative method in anthropology.
At a Tangent to Belonging: “Career Progression” and Networks of Knowing Japanese Multinational Corporations
Authors: SEDGWICK MITCHELL W.
Published: June 2011

This article describes multisited ethnography at a Japanese multinational corporation, in progress for more than two decades. The focus of the fieldwork was the cross‐cultural experiences of Japanese salarymen with non‐Japanese coworkers. The author discusses what it meant for him to grow older along with Japanese salarymen informants working in factories in Thailand and France in an evolving political economy. He argues for shifting from a focus on place to one on relationships in multisited fieldwork.
Lenalidomide can be highly effective in chronic lymphocytic leukaemia despite T‐cell depletion and deletion of chromosome 17p
Authors: Arumainathan Arvind , Kalakonda Nagesh , Pettitt Andrew R.
Published: June 2011

Lenalidomide is an immunomodulatory agent with activity in a range of haematological cancers including chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL). However, major questions remain concerning its effectiveness in patients with T‐cell depletion or deletion of TP53 on chromosome 17p. This case report provides insight into these questions by showing that lenalidomide/dexamethasone in combination can be highly effective as induction therapy for refractory 17p‐ CLL, that remission quality can be improved by subsequent maintenance with lenalidomide alone and that the anti‐leukaemic effects of lenalidomide and its stimulatory effects on non‐malignant B cells are preserved despite prolonged T‐cell depletion resulting from prior alemtuzumab/methylprednisolone.
Ex Umbris: Newman's New Evangelization
Authors: Ramsay Matthew
Published: June 2011

Newman wrote many works arguing for the truth of the Christian faith. At the same time, he wrote positively regarding non-Christian beliefs and practices. This article investigates Newman's arguments for Christianity in light of his acceptance of non-Christian religions. Drawing primarily on the Grammar of Assent and the Oxford University Sermons, as well as Newman's poetry, prayers, and other works, I argue that Newman's acceptance of other religions forms the foundation of his Christian apologetic. I first look at Newman's view of non-Christian religions, where he sees an ascending movement of humanity searching for God and a descending movement of God revealing himself to humanity. Second, I look to Newman's understanding of human reasoning, which works holistically and not according to the rules of strict logic alone. Third, I argue that, for Newman, religious conversion models other types of assent, so religious knowledge and practice outside of Christianity are what allow a believer to recognize the truth of the Christian message. Finally, I present Newman's reflections on scriptural examples of evangelization, in which he sees a model of evangelization based on the principles discussed in this article.
Severity of Erectile Dysfunction Could Predict Left Ventricular Diastolic Dysfunction in Patients without Overt Cardiac Complaint
Authors: El-Sakka Ahmed I. , Morsy Ayman M. , Fagih Bassam I.
Published: June 2011

Introduction

It has been repeatedly demonstrated that presence of erectile dysfunction (ED) may predate the occurrence of overt event of coronary artery disease. However, the association between severity of ED and left ventricular diastolic dysfunction (LVDD) was rarely reported.

Aim

The aim of this study was to assess the association between severity of ED and LVDD in patients without overt cardiac complaint.

Main Outcome Measures

The International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) was used to assess erectile function. Diastolic Doppler parameters measurements and tissue Doppler imaging were used to assess left ventricular diastolic function.

Methods

A total of 230 male ED patients without overt cardiac complaint were enrolled in this study. Erectile function was assessed using the IIEF. Patients were also screened for socio demographic data and medical comorbidities that included age, smoking, diabetes, hypertension, and dyslipidemia. All patients were referred to cardiologist for cardiac assessment. Left ventricular diastolic function that included diastolic Doppler parameters measurements and tissue Doppler imaging were also assessed.

Results

Mean age ± standard deviation was 57.5 ± 5.6 (range of 42–81). There were significant associations between the following risk factors: age, obesity, smoking, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and increased severity of ED (P < 0.05 for each). Of the patients, 77.4%, 74.8%, 80%, and 66.1

Conclusions

.  The current study clearly demonstrated that LVDD is prevalent among patients with ED-associated medical comorbidities without overt cardiac complaint. There were significant associations between increased severity of ED and presence of LVDD in those patients.
Improvement in Sexual Quality of Life of the Female Partner Following Vardenafil Treatment of Men with Erectile Dysfunction: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study
Authors: Martín-Morales A. , Graziottin A. , Jaoudé G. B. , Debruyne F. , Buvat J. , Beneke M. , Neuser D.
Published: June 2011

Introduction

Erectile dysfunction (ED) impacts on both members of the couple. Female partners of men with ED are more likely to report reduced sexual quality of life than women whose partners do not have ED.

Aim

To assess vardenafil efficacy in men with ED and determine the effects of treatment on their female partner's sexual quality of life.

Methods

Study participants comprised men aged 18–64 years with ED and their female partners. Eligible men had ED of ≥6 months' duration and a female partner who was motivated to support their ED treatment. Eligible women had a total Female Sexual Function Index score >23.55, indicating absence of significant sexual dysfunction. Following a 4-week screening period, men were randomized to treatment with vardenafil 10 mg or placebo, which could be titrated to 20 or 5 mg after 4 weeks.

Main Outcomes Measures

Primary efficacy variables were question 3 of the Sexual Encounter Profile questionnaire (SEP3) and the quality-of-life domain of the modified Sexual Life Quality Questionnaire (mSLQQ-QOL).

Results

The intent-to-treat population included 343 couples, with 168 and 175 men receiving vardenafil or placebo, respectively. Vardenafil treatment significantly improved both erection maintenance and the female partners' sexual quality of life. Least squares (LS) mean SEP3 overall success rates after 12 weeks of treatment were 9.5 (baseline) vs. 67.2 (week 12) and 12.4 (baseline) vs. 24.2 (week 12) in the vardenafil and placebo groups, respectively (P < 0.0001). In female partners, LS mean mSLQQ-QOL scores were 28.8 (baseline) vs. 68.2 (last observation carried forward [LOCF]) in the vardenafil group and 24.6 (baseline) vs. 40.5 (LOCF) in the placebo group (P < 0.0001).

Conclusions

Vardenafil treatment of men with ED improved both their erectile function and the sexual quality of life of their female partners.
Structure‐Based Virtual Screening of Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3β Inhibitors: Analysis of Scoring Functions Applied to Large True Actives and Decoy Sets
Authors: Osolodkin Dmitry I. , Palyulin Vladimir A. , Zefirov Nikolay S.
Published: June 2011

Comparative assessment of nine different scoring functions (OpenEye and Tripos implementation) applied to structure‐based virtual screening based on rigid docking of the pregenerated conformations library of glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK‐3β) inhibitors has been carried out. The functions studied belong to the following types: Gaussian (Chemgauss3, Shapegauss), empirical (Chemscore, OEChemscore, Piecewise Linear Potential, Screenscore), force field‐based (D_score and G_score), and potential of mean force (PMF_score). Overall enrichment of the large true inhibitors set against the set of true non‐inhibitors, Directory of Useful Decoys (DUD), cyclin‐dependent kinase 2 subset, and NCI Diversity Set was evaluated by means of ROC (receiver operating characteristic) method. According to this analysis, scoring function Chemscore leads to the best enrichment of the inhibitors whereas the best early enrichment of the actives may be obtained with the help of Chemgauss3 function as estimated by BEDROC (Boltzmann‐enhanced discrimination of ROC) metrics.
Surgical endodontics: a review of current best practice
Authors: Fahey T. , O'Connor N. , Walker T. , Chin‐Shong D.
Published: June 2011

Aim: An apicectomy is an endodontic surgical procedure which involves root‐end resection, apical curettage and root‐end filling. This article aims to discuss current guidelines and review the recent literature published on this topic. Indications and contraindications are outlined. Various aspects of the surgical procedure are discussed, including flap design, root‐end surgical management and current recommended root‐end filling materials. The expected outcomes and associated complications are also presented.

Materials and methods: A targeted electronic search of PubMed and Medline databases was carried out. The keywords used in the search were ‘apicectomy, microsurgical endodontics, mineral trioxide aggregate, microsurgical instruments’. Articles from peer‐reviewed journals were included. The search was limited to articles published since 1990.

Recommendations and conclusions: It is currently recommended that microsurgical techniques are incorporated in the practice of surgical endodontics. Ultrasonic tips are advised for retrograde root preparation. Amalgam is no longer recommended as a retrograde filling material. Mineral trioxide aggregate is now the material of choice. Surgical endodontics is an area where postgraduate training is advisable for those practising it.
The Ethnic and Civic Foundations of Citizenship and Identity in the Horn of Africa
Authors: Bereketeab Redie
Published: June 2011

The article seeks to analyse the ethic and civic forms of citizenship and identity in the Horn of Africa. Ethiopia and to some extent Sudan are pursuing the ethnic model. While Eritrea and Djibouti pursue the civic model, Somalia represents a special case. Ethnic citizenship may guarantee equal rights, self‐rule, and self‐fulfilment; however, it could also be a cause of division and irredentism. Civic citizenship could create unity and cohesion in polyethnic societies; it could also lead to majority domination. The article contends that both models are relevant where the national level could be served by the civic model and the sub‐national is served by the ethnic model. The article concludes that the politics of domination are the main obstacle to the equal rights of citizens, and therefore politics of domination should be replaced by the politics of rights.
Banal Nationalism, Football, and Discourse Community in Africa
Authors: Vidacs Bea
Published: June 2011

The article argues that despite the continuing relevance of ethnicity, the idea of the nation has taken root among Africans. This is due to a combination of factors, including the universal ideology of the nation‐state, the impact of the existence of such national borders on the imagination, and the influence of national symbols and icons, which naturalise the idea of the nation. Applying Michael Billig's notion of banal nationalism to Cameroon, the article focuses on linguistic practices as well as on popular appropriations of national symbols as contributing factors to the creation and maintenance of national consciousness. The analysis of a call‐in radio program broadcast on Cameroonian national radio during the 1994 FIFA World Cup illustrates that football created a discourse community that reinforced the idea of the nation both explicitly and implicitly. By participating in the debate, journalists and listeners alike – regardless of the tenor of their remarks – reinforced and further contributed to imagining the Cameroonian nation.
sGD: software for estimating spatially explicit indices of genetic diversity
Authors: SHIRK A.J. , CUSHMAN S.A.
Published: June 2011

Anthropogenic landscape changes have greatly reduced the population size, range and migration rates of many terrestrial species. The small local effective population size of remnant populations favours loss of genetic diversity leading to reduced fitness and adaptive potential, and thus ultimately greater extinction risk. Accurately quantifying genetic diversity is therefore crucial to assessing the viability of small populations. Diversity indices are typically calculated from the multilocus genotypes of all individuals sampled within discretely defined habitat patches or larger regional extents. Importantly, discrete population approaches do not capture the clinal nature of populations genetically isolated by distance or landscape resistance. Here, we introduce spatial Genetic Diversity (sGD), a new spatially explicit tool to estimate genetic diversity based on grouping individuals into potentially overlapping genetic neighbourhoods that match the population structure, whether discrete or clinal. We compared the estimates and patterns of genetic diversity using patch or regional sampling and sGD on both simulated and empirical populations. When the population did not meet the assumptions of an island model, we found that patch and regional sampling generally overestimated local heterozygosity, inbreeding and allelic diversity. Moreover, sGD revealed fine‐scale spatial heterogeneity in genetic diversity that was not evident with patch or regional sampling. These advantages should provide a more robust means to evaluate the potential for genetic factors to influence the viability of clinal populations and guide appropriate conservation plans.
Confirmation of a natural hybrid species inPetrocosmea(Gesneriaceae) based on molecular and morphological evidence
Authors: QIU Zhi‐Jing , YUAN Zu‐Li , LI Zhen‐Yu , WANG Yin‐Zheng
Published: June 2011

Abstract A natural hybrid species inPetrocosmeanamedLongiantherain Yanshan County, Yunnan Province is confirmed for the first time based on molecular and morphological evidence. The character count procedure of the variable characters show thatLongiantherapopulations are characteristic of the intermediate morphological traits between its putative parentsYanshanandPetrocosmea martinii. The nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer region and three chloroplast regions ofmatK,trnL‐F, andtrnT‐Lare sequenced in the putative hybrid and the related species. Both alignment of DNA sequences and the phylogenetic trees could exclude all the other species inPetrocosmeaas the parental species except forYanshanandP. martinii. Eight haplotypes in the 31 internal transcribed spacer sequences and six haplotypes in 42 cpDNA sequences were found from 14 individuals ofLongiantherapopulations. The analyses of DNA sequences, haplotypes, and phylogenetic trees indicate thatLongiantherais likely a hybrid species between its putative parentsYanshanandP. martinii, in whichYanshanmight be the most possible maternal parent. Several factors may contribute to the natural hybridization between these two parental species inPetrocosmea, such as the overlapped geographic distribution, habitats, flowering periods, and shared pollinators. Finally, the new species ofYanshanand the natural hybrid species ofLongiantheraare described.
Media‐induced disinhibition of dietary restraint
Authors: Seddon Lesley , Berry Neil
Published: June 2011

In an experimental investigation of disinhibition, dietary restrained and unrestrained participants viewed either videotaped television advertisements containing stereotypical images of culturally idealized women (the ‘stereotype’ condition) or matched advertisements which did not contain such images (the ‘neutral’ condition). It was hypothesized that dietary restrained female participants who viewed the ‘stereotype’ video would experience a temporary downward shift in State Self‐esteem (SSES) which would lead to a reduction in their cognitive control of food intake (restraint) resulting in higher levels of food consumption in a subsequent taste task. A significant difference in consumption was observed in line with the prediction, but the results failed to demonstrate that these differences were mediated by self‐esteem changes. The study supports the view that ‘the thin ideal’ plays an important role in disordered eating.
Associations of locus of control beliefs with pain coping strategies and other pain‐related cognitions in back pain patients
Authors: Härkäpää Kristiina , Järvikoski Aila , Vakkari Tiina
Published: June 2011

The aim of this study was to evaluate back pain patients' (N = 76) locus of control beliefs (LOC), especially associations of general LOC, health LOC and back pain LOC with cognitive and behavioural coping strategies, and other pain‐related cognitions. Coping self‐statements were significantly associated with more internal general and health‐related beliefs. Respectively, catastrophizing was significantly associated with weaker belief in personal control over health and back pain, and overall stronger belief in external control. Behavioural coping was significantly associated with stronger belief in control by others over back pain. Of other pain‐related cognitions, resourcefulness was associated with stronger belief in health‐related personal control, and feelings of helplessness with psychological distress and overall stronger belief in external control.
Computational analyses of intravascular tracer washout reveal altered capillary‐level flow distributions in obese Zucker rats
Authors: Wu Fan , Beard Daniel A. , Frisbee Jefferson C.
Published: June 2011

Non‐technical summary  The time course of washout of a labelled substance confined to the intravascular space of an organ is determined by the statistical distribution of pathway lengths and flows in the vascular network. We used labelled albumin (a plasma marker) washout data from gastrocnemius muscle from healthy versus obese rats to probe the asymmetrical flow distributions in the muscle vasculature, revealing significantly more heterogeneous microvascular flow with more low‐flow capillaries in the obese animals compared to control. Exploration of drug treatments revealed specific combinations that optimally restore the healthy flow distribution in the obese model.
A New Material Mapping Procedure for Quantitative Computed Tomography-Based, Continuum Finite Element Analyses of the Vertebra
Authors: Unnikrishnan Ginu U. , Morgan Elise F.
Published: June 2011

Inaccuracies in the estimation of material properties and errors in the assignment of these properties into finite element models limit the reliability, accuracy, and precision of quantitative computed tomography (QCT)-based finite element analyses of the vertebra. In this work, a new mesh-independent, material mapping procedure was developed to improve the quality of predictions of vertebral mechanical behavior from QCT-based finite element models. In this procedure, an intermediate step, called the material block model, was introduced to determine the distribution of material properties based on bone mineral density, and these properties were then mapped onto the finite element mesh. A sensitivity study was first conducted on a calibration phantom to understand the influence of the size of the material blocks on the computed bone mineral density. It was observed that varying the material block size produced only marginal changes in the predictions of mineral density. Finite element (FE) analyses were then conducted on a square column-shaped region of the vertebra and also on the entire vertebra in order to study the effect of material block size on the FE-derived outcomes. The predicted values of stiffness for the column and the vertebra decreased with decreasing block size. When these results were compared to those of a mesh convergence analysis, it was found that the influence of element size on vertebral stiffness was less than that of the material block size. This mapping procedure allows the material properties in a finite element study to be determined based on the block size required for an accurate representation of the material field, while the size of the finite elements can be selected independently and based on the required numerical accuracy of the finite element solution. The mesh-independent, material mapping procedure developed in this study could be particularly helpful in improving the accuracy of finite element analyses of vertebroplasty and spine metastases, as these analyses typically require mesh refinement at the interfaces between distinct materials. Moreover, the mapping procedure is not specific to the vertebra and could thus be applied to many other anatomic sites.