bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Capability of new bone formation with a mixture of hydroxyapatite and beta‐tricalcium phosphate granules
Authors: Sanda Minoru , Shiota Makoto , Fujii Masaki , Kon Kazuhiro , Fujimori Tatsuya , Kasugai Shohei
Published: August 2014

Objectives

The aim of this experimental study was to test a mixture of hydroxyapatite (HA) and beta‐tricalcium phosphate (beta‐TCP) granules inserted in cranial defects in rabbits, by the evaluation of the hard tissues volume, new bone formation, and residual graft after 4 and 8 weeks.

Material and methods

Two defects of 8 mm diameter were created at the calvarial bone of 24 Japanese white rabbits for a total of 48 defects. Four groups were created: defects filled with a mixture of HA and beta‐TCP granules (test A), defects filled with HA alone (test B), defects filled with beta‐TCP (test C), and empty defects (control). Hard tissues volume (remaining graft + new bone) was evaluated by μ‐CT and new bone (NB) and remaining graft (RG) percentages were evaluated by histomorphometry. The animals were sacrificed at 4 or 8 weeks postoperatively.

Results

The test groups A, B, and C showed a significant higher total volume compared with controls at 4 and 8 weeks (P < 0.05). Regarding the percentages of NB and RG at 4 and 8 weeks, no significant differences were detected (P > 0.05). When comparing 4 and 8 weeks, test group A showed a significant increase in new bone formation. At both 4 and 8 weeks, no group showed significant differences in NB (P > 0.05). At 8 weeks, test group B had more RG than test group A.

Conclusions

The novel mixture could maintain the volume of the grafted area compared with that with intervention, and in a similar way compared with HA.
Identifying impediments to long‐distance mammal migrations
Authors: Seidler Renee G. , Long Ryan A. , Berger Joel , Bergen Scott , Beckmann Jon P.
Published: August 2014

In much of the world, the persistence of long‐distance migrations by mammals is threatened by development. Even where human population density is relatively low, there are roads, fencing, and energy development that present barriers to animal movement. If we are to conserve species that rely on long‐distance migration, then it is critical that we identify existing migration impediments. To delineate stopover sites associated with anthropogenic development, we applied Brownian bridge movement models to high‐frequency locations of pronghorn (Antilocapra americana) in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. We then used resource utilization functions to assess the threats to long‐distance migration of pronghorn that were due to fences and highways. Migrating pronghorn avoided dense developments of natural gas fields. Highways with relatively high volumes of traffic and woven‐wire sheep fence acted as complete barriers. At crossings with known migration bottlenecks, use of high‑quality forage and shrub habitat by pronghorn as they approached the highway was lower than expected based on availability of those resources. In contrast, pronghorn consistently utilized high‑quality forage close to the highway at crossings with no known migration bottlenecks. Our findings demonstrate the importance of minimizing development in migration corridors in the future and of mitigating existing pressure on migratory animals by removing barriers, reducing the development footprint, or installing crossing structures.

Identificación de los Impedimentos para las Migraciones de Larga Distancia de Mamíferos
Estimating the normal background rate of species extinction
Authors: De Vos Jurriaan M. , Joppa Lucas N. , Gittleman John L. , Stephens Patrick R. , Pimm Stuart L.
Published: August 2014

A key measure of humanity's global impact is by how much it has increased species extinction rates. Familiar statements are that these are 100–1000 times pre‐human or background extinction levels. Estimating recent rates is straightforward, but establishing a background rate for comparison is not. Previous researchers chose an approximate benchmark of 1 extinction per million species per year (E/MSY). We explored disparate lines of evidence that suggest a substantially lower estimate. Fossil data yield direct estimates of extinction rates, but they are temporally coarse, mostly limited to marine hard‐bodied taxa, and generally involve genera not species. Based on these data, typical background loss is 0.01 genera per million genera per year. Molecular phylogenies are available for more taxa and ecosystems, but it is debated whether they can be used to estimate separately speciation and extinction rates. We selected data to address known concerns and used them to determine median extinction estimates from statistical distributions of probable values for terrestrial plants and animals. We then created simulations to explore effects of violating model assumptions. Finally, we compiled estimates of diversification—the difference between speciation and extinction rates for different taxa. Median estimates of extinction rates ranged from 0.023 to 0.135 E/MSY. Simulation results suggested over‐ and under‐estimation of extinction from individual phylogenies partially canceled each other out when large sets of phylogenies were analyzed. There was no evidence for recent and widespread pre‐human overall declines in diversity. This implies that average extinction rates are less than average diversification rates. Median diversification rates were 0.05–0.2 new species per million species per year. On the basis of these results, we concluded that typical rates of background extinction may be closer to 0.1 E/MSY. Thus, current extinction rates are 1,000 times higher than natural background rates of extinction and future rates are likely to be 10,000 times higher.

Estimación de la Tasa Normal de Extinción de Especies
PRODUCTS LIABILITY WHEN CONSUMERS VARY IN THEIR SUSCEPTIBILITY TO HARM AND MAY MISPERCEIVE RISK
Authors: Miceli Thomas J. , Segerson Kathleen , Wang Suo
Published: August 2014

This article examines products liability when consumers have private information about their susceptibilities to product‐related harm. In this case, it is efficient for consumers to self‐select their purchases, with those especially prone to harm refraining from purchase. Achieving this outcome requires consumers to bear their own harm, given that producers cannot observe consumer types. When consumers also misperceive risk, the problem becomes more complicated because accurate signaling of risk requires that firms bear liability. A trade‐off therefore emerges between imposing liability on firms versus consumers. This article characterizes the choice among liability rules in the presence of this trade‐off. (JEL K13, L15)
Pre‐transplant predictors of one yr weight gain after kidney transplantation
Authors: Cashion A. K. , Hathaway D. K. , Stanfill A. , Thomas F. , Ziebarth J. D. , Cui Y. , Cowan P. A. , Eason J.
Published: August 2014

Clinically useful predictors of weight gain could be used to reduce the epidemic of post‐kidney transplant obesity and resulting co‐morbidities. The purpose of this study was to identify predictors of weight gain at 12 months following kidney transplant in a cohort of 96 recipients. Demographic, clinical, and environmental data were obtained at transplant and 12 months. Descriptive, correlational, and Bayesian network analysis were used to identify predictors. For the 52 (55.9%) recipients who gained weight, the average amount gained was 9.18 ± 6.59 kg. From the 15 baseline factors that met inclusion criteria, Bayesian network modeling identified four baseline predictors for weight gain: younger age, higher carbohydrate consumption, higher trunk fat percentage, and higher perception of mental health quality of life. Three are modifiable through either pre‐ or immediate post‐transplant clinical intervention programs.
Predominant endothelial vasomotor activity during human sleep: a near‐infrared spectroscopy study
Authors: Zhang Zhongxing , Khatami Ramin
Published: August 2014

Vasomotion is important in the study of vascular disorders, including stroke. Spontaneous low and very low hemodynamic oscillations (3–150 mHz) measured with near‐infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) reflect the endothelial (3–20 mHz), neurogenic (20–40 mHz) and myogenic (40–150 mHz) components of vasomotion. We investigated sleep‐specific patterns of vasomotion by characterizing hemodynamic oscillations with NIRS in healthy subjects, and tested the feasibility of NIRS as a bedside tool for monitoring vasomotion during whole‐night sleep. To characterize local cerebral vasomotion, we compared cerebral NIRS measurements with muscular NIRS measurements and peripheral arterial oxygen saturation (SpO2) during different sleep stages in 14 healthy volunteers. Spectral powers of hemodynamic oscillations in the frequency range of endothelial vasomotion were systemically predominant in every sleep stage, and the powers of endothelial and neurogenic vasomotion decreased in deep sleep as compared with light sleep and rapid eye movement (REM) sleep in brain, muscle, and SpO2. The decrease in the powers of myogenic vasomotion in deep sleep only occurred in brain, and not in muscle. These results point to a predominant role of endothelial function in regulating vasomotion during sleep. The decline in cerebral endothelial and neurogenic vasomotion during progression to deeper non‐REM sleep suggests that deep sleep may play a protective role for vascular function. NIRS can be used to monitor endothelial control of vasomotion during nocturnal sleep, thus providing a promising non‐invasive bedside tool with which to study the sleep‐relevant pathological mechanisms in vascular diseases and stroke.
The Predictability of Managerial Heterogeneities in Mutual Funds
Authors: Huang Jun , Wang Albert Y.
Published: August 2014

Using a sample of Chinese mutual funds, we empirically assess how managerial heterogeneity affects mutual fund performance. We find that funds with higher manager fixed effects outperform those with lower manager fixed effects by 2% per year. We also note that fund performance improves after managers with higher fixed effects are hired. The results are consistent with the notion that manager fixed effects are associated with managerial innate ability. Finally, we find that investors pay attention to managerial attributes beyond the traditional performance measures, providing supporting evidence for the rational explanation of convex flow‐performance sensitivity in the literature.
An economic analysis of sweet sorghum cultivation for ethanol production in North China
Authors: Liu Huihui , Ren Lantian , Spiertz Huub , Zhu Yongbin , Xie Guang Hui
Published: August 2014

Sweet sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] is a promising non‐food energy crop. The objective of this study was to determine the economic costs and input sensitivity of sweet sorghum compared to cotton, maize, and sunflower, at two saline‐alkali sites in Shandong (Wudi County) and Inner Mongolia (Wuyuan County) provinces of China. The data were collected quantitatively based on a face‐to‐face interview with 100 and 67 sweet sorghum growers at the two sites, respectively. The sweet sorghum grown at Wudi had lower external input (5469 CNY ha−1), higher net return (7305 CNY ha−1) and benefit‐cost ratio (2.36) than its reference crop, cotton (18 454 CNY ha−1; 3615 CNY ha−1; 1.24). At Wuyuan, the sweet sorghum showed contrasting economic performance (19 541 CNY ha−1; −3438 CNY ha−1; 0.91), which was largely because of the higher labor costs compared to sunflower (10 896 CNY ha−1; 15 133 CNY ha−1; 2.49); and maize (9108 CNY ha−1; 14 760 CNY ha−1; 2.76). The productivity of sweet sorghum per unit of external input costs (kg CNY−1) was 13.12 for Wudi and only 3.26 for Wuyuan. Based on the Cobb‐Douglas production function, the external inputs of diesel and seed had a significantly positive impact on the profitability of sweet sorghum at Wudi but not at Wuyuan. However, the costs of irrigation and film cover were significantly negative. The energy crop, sweet sorghum, showed a better return to scale on investment than cotton and sunflower.
Predicting Regional Self‐Identification from Spatial Network Models
Authors: Almquist Zack W. , Butts Carter T.
Published: August 2014

Social scientists characterize social life as a hierarchy of environments, from the microlevel of an individual's knowledge and perceptions to the macrolevel of large‐scale social networks. In accordance with this typology, individuals are typically thought to reside in micro‐ and macrolevel structures, composed of multifaceted relations (e.g., acquaintanceship, friendship, and kinship). This article analyzes the effects of social structure on micro outcomes through the case of regional identification. Self‐identification occurs in many different domains, one of which is regional; that is, the identification of oneself with a locationally associated group (e.g., a “New Yorker” or “Parisian”). Here, regional self‐identification is posited to result from an influence process based on the location of an individual's alters (e.g., friends, kin, or coworkers), such that one tends to identify with regions in which many of his or her alters reside. The structure of this article is laid out as follows: initially, we begin with a discussion of the relevant social science literature for both social networks and identification. This discussion is followed with one about competing mechanisms for regional identification that are motivated first from the social network literature, and second by the social psychological and cognitive literature of decision making and heuristics. Next, the article covers the data and methods employed to test the proposed mechanisms. Finally, the article concludes with a discussion of its findings and further implications for the larger social science literature.
Association of urinary incontinence with impaired functional status among older people living in a long‐term care setting
Authors: Chiu Aih‐Fung , Huang Mei‐Huang , Hsu Mei‐Hsiu , Liu Ju‐Ling , Chiu Jui‐Fang
Published: August 2014

Aim

To examine the association between functional status and urinary incontinence.

Methods

A total of 27 participants with urinary incontinence and 50 participants without urinary incontinence were analyzed at a long‐term care setting in Pingtung County, Taiwan, in 2011. The recruitment criteria were age older than 65 years, ability to communicate with the researcher, agreement to participate in the present study and potential ability to complete at least one measurement of functional status. Urinary incontinence was defined as urine leakage at least once a week during the past 4 weeks, whereas functional status was assessed by the body composition (body mass index and waist circumference), upper body strength (grasp test), lower body strength (30‐s and 5‐times chair stand test), upper body flexibility (back scratch test), lower body flexibility (chair sit‐and‐reach test) and agility/dynamic balance (8‐ft up‐and‐go test).

Results

In univariate analyses, performances on the tests of 5‐time chair stand, 30‐s chair stand, 8‐ft up‐and‐go, chair sit‐and‐reach, and grasp were significantly different between the participants with and without urinary incontinence (all P < 0.05). However, after multiple logistical regression adjusting sex, age and chronic illnesses, just two tests, 8‐ft up‐and‐go and chair sit‐and‐reach, were independent predictors of urinary incontinence.

Conclusion

Poor performance on the tests of 8‐ft up‐and‐go and chair sit‐and‐reach were the predominated risk factors of urinary incontinence. Further studies regarding how to improve the functional status, especially focusing on the function of the lower body, might be required in order to enhance continence care. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2015; 15: 296–301.
Differential impact of some risk factors on trochanteric and cervical hip fractures
Authors: Tal Sari , Gurevich Alexander , Sagiv Shaul , Guller Vladimir
Published: August 2014

Aim

To investigate the potential distinct risk factors associated with trochanteric and cervical hip fractures.

Methods

Elderly patients aged 65 years and older (n = 1161) were admitted to the orthopedic department with hip fractures during the years 2006–2011. Demographic and clinical data, as well as routine blood tests, were retrieved from the patient electronic medical records.

Results

Approximately 58% of patients had trochanteric fractures and 42% had cervical fractures. Women were more likely to have trochanteric fractures than men (P = 0.002). Female sex, frailty, falls, diabetes and subnormal calcium, as well as subnormal hemoglobin levels, were significant risk factors for trochanteric fractures (OR 1.39, P = 0.0202, OR 1.36, P = 0.0166, OR 1.49, P = 0.0015, OR 1.33, P = 0.0343, OR 0.68, P = 0.0054, OR 0.70, P = 0.0036, respectively). Patients with Parkinson's disease were at a lower risk for trochanteric fractures (OR 0.6, P = 0.007).

Conclusion

As there are some differences between risk factors for trochanteric and cervical hip fractures, there is a need for further studies in order to understand the etiology of fractures and to be able to carry out effective preventive efforts. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2015; 15: 443–448.
To See Ourselves As Others See Us? Incorporating the Constraining Role of Socio‐Cultural Practices in the Theorization of Micropolitical Resistance
Authors: Dick Penny
Published: August 2014

In this paper, I explore micro‐political resistance (defined as resistance at the level of meanings, identity or subjectivity) within the context of professional part‐time working.UsingSkeggs' (1997) notion of dialogical recognition, which refers to an individual's identification with negative portrayals of the social categories to which they belong, I argue that in transgressing dominant (and taken‐for‐granted) workplace norms, part‐time professionals experience guilt and a sense that they may not be fulfilling their professional obligations. Based on a qualitative study of part‐time working in theUKpolice service, I show how part‐time professionals navigate these feelings by both drawing attention to the instrumental value of conforming to certain work‐based norms, specifically long hours, and by refusing deployment to tasks and roles that they see as peripheral to their professional identities. It is through such refusals, I argue, that the micropolitical resistance I illustrate in this paper can be understood as effective because of its impact on how everyday routines are performed.
Groundwater Governance in a Water‐Starved Country: Public Policy, Farmers' Perceptions, and Drivers of Tubewell Adoption in Balochistan, Pakistan
Authors: Khair Syed Mohammad , Mushtaq Shahbaz , Reardon‐Smith Kathryn
Published: August 2014

Pakistan faces the challenge of developing sustainable groundwater policies with the main focus on groundwater management rather than groundwater development and with appropriate governance arrangement to ensure benefits continue into the future. This article investigates groundwater policy, farmers' perceptions, and drivers of tubewell (groundwater bore) adoption and proposes possible pathways for improved groundwater management for Balochistan, Pakistan. Historical groundwater policies were mainly aimed at increasing agricultural production and reducing poverty, without consideration of adverse impact on groundwater availability. These groundwater policies and governance arrangements have resulted in a massive decline in groundwater tables. Tubewell owners' rankings of the drivers of groundwater decline suggest that rapid and widespread installation of tubewells, together with uncontrolled extraction due to lack of property rights, electricity subsidy policies, and ineffective governance, are key causes of groundwater decline in Balochistan. An empirical “tubewell adoption” model confirmed that the electricity subsidy significantly influenced tubewell adoption decisions. The article proposes a more rational electricity subsidy policy for sustaining groundwater levels in the short‐run. However, in the long run a more comprehensive sustainable groundwater management policy, with strong institutional support and involvement of all stakeholders, is needed.
Survey of home hemodialysis patients and nursing staff regarding vascular access use and care
Authors: Spry Leslie A. , Burkart John M. , Holcroft Christina , Mortier Leigh , Glickman Joel D.
Published: August 2014

Vascular access infections are of concern to hemodialysis patients and nurses. Best demonstrated practices (BDPs) have not been developed for home hemodialysis (HHD) access use, but there have been generally accepted practices (GAPs) endorsed by dialysis professionals. We developed a survey to gather information about training provided and actual practices of HHD patients using the NxStage System One HHD machine. We used GAP to assess training used by nurses to teach HHD access care and then assess actual practice (adherence) by HHD patients. We also assessed training and adherence where GAPs do not exist. We received a 43% response rate from patients and 76% response from nurses representing 19 randomly selected HHD training centers. We found that nurses were not uniformly instructing HHD patients according to GAP, patients were not performing access cannulation according to GAP, nor were they adherent to their training procedures. Identification of signs and symptoms of infection was commonly trained appropriately, but we observed a reluctance to report some signs and symptoms of infection by patients. Of particular concern, when aggregating all steps surveyed, not a single nurse or patient reported training or performing all steps in accordance with GAP. We also identified practices for which there are no GAPs that require further study and may or may not impact outcomes such as infection. Further research is needed to develop strategies to implement and expand GAP, measure outcomes, and ultimately develop BDP for HHD to improve infectious complications.
A descriptive review on methods to prioritize outcomes in a health care context
Authors: Janssen Inger M. , Gerhardus Ansgar , Schröer‐Günther Milly A. , Scheibler Fülöp
Published: August 2014

Background

Evidence synthesis has seen major methodological advances in reducing uncertainty and estimating the sizes of the effects. Much less is known about how to assess the relative value of different outcomes.

Objective

To identify studies that assessed preferences for outcomes in health conditions.

Methods

Search strategy: we searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO and the Cochrane Library in February 2014. Inclusion criteria: eligible studies investigated preferences of patients, family members, the general population or healthcare professionals for health outcomes. The intention of this review was to include studies which focus on theoretical alternatives; studies which assessed preferences for distinct treatments were excluded. Data extraction: study characteristics as study objective, health condition, participants, elicitation method, and outcomes assessed in the study were extracted.

Main results

One hundred and twenty‐four studies were identified and categorized into four groups: (1) multi criteria decision analysis (MCDA) (n = 71), (2) rating or ranking (n = 25), (3) utility eliciting (n = 5) and (4) studies comparing different methods (n = 23). The number of outcomes assessed by method group varied. The comparison of different methods or subgroups within one study often resulted in different hierarchies of outcomes.

Conclusions

A dominant method most suitable for application in evidence syntheses was not identified. As preferences of patients differ from those of other stakeholders (especially medical professionals), the choice of the group to be questioned is consequential. Further research needs to focus on validity and applicability of the identified methods.
Oral mucosal screening and referral attitudes of Australian oral health therapists and dental hygienists in Queensland
Authors: Allen K , Ford PJ , Farah CS
Published: August 2014

Objectives

The aim of this study was to describe oral mucosal screening and referral attitudes of Australian oral health therapists (OHTs) and dental hygienists (DHs).

Methods

Questionnaires were distributed to participants who attended dental hygiene courses run in both regional and metropolitan Queensland.

Results

One hundred and two participants comprised 58 OHTs and 44 DHs, with a mean of 8.9 years since graduation. Thirty‐four participants worked in regional locations, while 68 were from metropolitan areas. 97% of participants agreed that mucosal screening should be performed for all new and recall patients, while a minority (5%) agreed that patients will detect an oral mucosal change themselves. The majority (77%) agreed that oral cancer would be encountered in their practising career. Most participants (81%) felt comfortable discussing the presence of a suspicious lesion with patients and 88% agreed that it was their role to screen. In terms of barriers to oral cancer screening, lack of training was seen as the most prevalent barrier (56%) followed by lack of confidence (51%). Lack of time was seen as the third most prevalent barrier (40%), and lack of financial incentives was the least prevalent barrier (16%).

Conclusions

Oral health therapists and DHs understand the importance of oral mucosal screening and are likely to be alert to oral mucosal changes. While lack of time and financial incentives was perceived to be impediments to mucosal screening, lack of confidence and training was the most prevalent barriers. This issue should be addressed through implementation of effective continuing education courses targeting oral cancer screening and referral practices.
Mulching Improves Water Productivity, Yield and Quality of Fine Rice under Water‐saving Rice Production Systems
Authors: Jabran K. , Ullah E. , Hussain M. , Farooq M. , Zaman U. , Yaseen M. , Chauhan B. S.
Published: August 2014

Water‐saving rice production systems are inevitable in the wake of severe water shortage in rice‐growing regions of the world. Mulches can improve water productivity, yield and quality of rice through increase in water retention. Studies were conducted for two consecutive years to assess the potential role of mulches (plastic and straw) in improving the performance of water‐saving rice production systems in comparison with no mulch used and conventionally irrigated transplanted rice. Water‐saving rice production systems in this study comprise aerobic rice and transplanted rice with intermittent irrigation. These systems saved water (18–27 %) with improved water productivity more than the conventional system. However, these systems caused a yield penalty of 22–37 %; nevertheless, these yield losses were compensated with the application of mulches under water‐saving rice production systems. Both plastic and straw mulches were helpful in improving moisture retention and water productivity (0.18–0.25 kg grain m−3 water) relative to non‐mulch treatments (0.19–0.29 kg grain m−3 water). Mulch application was also helpful in reducing the number of non‐productive tillers and sterile spikelets, and improving the productive tillers, kernel number and size, and kernel quality. Plastic mulch was more effective than straw mulch in improving water retention, water productivity and reducing spikelet sterility. In conclusion, the mulching improved the soil moisture retention, and thus enhanced the rice water productivity, spikelet fertility, paddy yield and quality of rice. This signifies the importance of mulching in water‐saving rice production systems.
Monitoring Early Hydration of Cement by Ex Situ and In Situ ATR‐FTIR – a Comparative Study
Authors: Ylmén Rikard , Jäglid Ulf , Panas Itai
Published: August 2014

Diffuse Reflection Fourier Transform Infrared (DR‐FTIR) spectroscopy has previously proven to provide time‐resolved insights into early cement hydration spanning ~30 s to ~36 h after completing the mixing. Here, a previously validated ex situ freeze‐dry procedure to stop hydration at preset times is complemented by an in situ Attenuated Total Reflectance (ATR) infrared spectroscopy method. The qualitative overall agreement between ex situ freeze‐drying and in situ monitoring is demonstrated. Moreover, water conversion during hydration comes out clearly in the time‐resolved ATR‐FTIR spectra. This information is absent in DR‐FTIR where buildups of crystal water and hydroxides are observed, while quenching of the hydration process requires removal of free water prior to acquiring the spectra. The ability of the IR technique to monitor the initial rate of hydration as a function of time is validated by comparing to calorimetry. The two approaches are understood to be complementary in that the former monitors alite grain surface hydration, while the latter reflects bulk hydration. IR is complementary to the calorimetry in cases of surface processes in conjunction with low enthalpy changes, that is, initial C–S–H formation and additive related surface chemistry.
Accurate Determination of Optical Functions of Ge–As–Te Glasses via Spectroscopic Ellipsometry
Authors: Hawlová Petra , Verger Frédéric , Nazabal Virginie , Boidin Rémi , Němec Petr
Published: August 2014

Variable angle spectroscopic ellipsometry technique was used to characterize optical functions of chalcogenide glasses from Ge–As–Te system in broad spectral range (300 nm–20 μm). Measured real and imaginary parts of pseudodielectric function were modeled with Cody–Lorentz approach and Sellmeier equation. Very good agreement between experimentally measured and modeled imaginary and real parts of pseudodielectric functions leads to precise determination of optical functions (refractive index, extinction coefficient) of studied Ge–As–Te glasses in extremely broad spectral range covering UV–Vis‐NIR‐MIR. The method is generally applicable for other glasses and amorphous materials.
AV‐Block and Conduction Slowing Prevail Over TdP Arrhythmias in the Methoxamine‐Sensitized Pro‐Arrhythmic Rabbit Model
Authors: VARKEVISSER ROSANNE , VOS MARC A. , BEEKMAN JET D. , TIELAND RALPH G. , VAN DER HEYDEN MARCEL A.
Published: August 2014

Anesthesia in the Methoxamine‐Sensitized Rabbit

Introduction

The methoxamine‐sensitized rabbit model is widely used to screen drugs for proarrhythmic properties, especially repolarization‐dependent TdP arrhythmias. With the change of anesthesia and/or sensitizing agent, conduction disturbances have been reported as well. Therefore, we compared currently available in‐house anesthetics in order to preserve arrhythmia sensitivity and preclude conduction disturbances.

Methods and Results

Rabbits were randomly assigned to 3 groups: (1) 35 mg/kg ketamine + 5 mg/kg xylazine; (2) 0.5 mL/kg hypnorm + 3 mg/kg midazolam; (3) 35 mg/kg ketamine + 20 mg/kg propofol. Anesthesia was maintained by 1.5% isoflurane. Concomitant infusion of methoxamine (17 μg/kg/min for 40 minutes) and dofetilide (10 μg/kg/min for 30 minutes) was used to induce arrhythmias. Sole methoxamine infusion exclusively decreased HR in groups 1 and 3. Dofetilide lengthened repolarization, followed in time by PQ/QRS prolongation, second‐degree AV block, and subsequently TdP arrhythmias. TdP was seen in 80%, 0%, and 33% of the rabbits in groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively. Decreasing the dose of dofetilide to 5 μg/kg/min in ketamine/xylazine anesthetized rabbits resulted in a drop in TdP incidence (25%) while conduction disturbances persisted.

Flunarizine (n = 6) suppressed all TdP arrhythmias while conduction disturbances remained present.

Conclusion

TdP incidence in the methoxamine‐sensitized rabbit could be dramatically influenced by anesthesia, drug dose, and flunarizine, while conduction slowing remained present. Thus, conduction slowing seems to be the integral outcome in this model.
Impact of eating and drinking on body composition measurements by bioelectrical impedance
Authors: Androutsos O. , Gerasimidis K. , Karanikolou A. , Reilly J. J. , Edwards C. A.
Published: August 2014

Background

Bioelectrical impedance analysis would be a more practical tool to measure body composition in clinical settings, dietetic practice and epidemiological studies if patients/subjects did not have to fast before measurements. The present study assessed whether the ingestion of food or drink had any biologically significant effect on bioimpedance measurements and body composition by the foot‐to‐foot method.

Methods

Fifty‐five healthy adults [30 males and 25 females; mean (SD) age 27.7 (7.1) years; mean (SD)body mass index 24 (3.8) kg m−2] were randomly assigned to a 2‐day food trial (high‐fat meal or high‐carbohydrate meal) or a 2‐day drink trial (water or high electrolyte drink). Body composition measurements were carried out in the fasting state, immediately after meal consumption and every 30 min for 2 h by the foot‐to‐foot single frequency bioimpedance technique.

Results

Bioimpedance increased significantly after the ingestion of food and fluid, although the changes were small. The electrolyte drink, high‐fat and high‐carbohydrate meals significantly increased the percentage body fat and fat mass. In all cases, the median percentage changes from baseline were approximately 1% in body fat percentage units.

Conclusions

Although there were statistically significant changes in body composition estimates after food or drink consumption, these were small and within the imprecision of the impedance technique, and so are unlikely to be of clinical significance. The present study suggests that impedance measures of body fatness in clinical settings do not require strict adherence to fasting, and this should increase the opportunities for clinical application.
Transforming community services through the use of a multidimensional model of clinical leadership
Authors: Leigh Jacqueline Anne , Wild Jill , Hynes Celia , Wells Stuart , Kurien Anish , Rutherford June , Rosen Lyn , Ashcroft Tim , Hartley Victoria
Published: August 2014

Aims and objectives

To evaluate the application of a Multidimensional Model of Clinical Leadership on the community healthcare leader and on transforming community services.

Background

Healthcare policy advocates clinical leadership as the vehicle to transform community and healthcare services. Few studies have identified the key components of an effective clinical leadership development model.

Design

The first two stages of Kirkpatrick's (Personnel Administrator 28, 1983, 62) Four/Five Levels of Evaluation were used to evaluate the application of the multidimensional model of clinical leadership.

Methods

Eighty community healthcare leaders were exposed to this multidimensional clinical leadership development model through attendance of a community clinical leadership development programme. Twenty five leaders participated in focus group interviews. Data from the interviews were analysed utilising thematic content analysis.

Results

Three key themes emerged that influenced the development of best practice principles for clinical leadership development:

Personal leadership development

Organisational leadership

The importance of multiprofessional action learning/reflective groups

Conclusions

Emergent best practice principles for clinical leadership development include adopting a multidimensional development approach. This approach encompasses: preparing the individual leader in the role and seeking organisational leadership development that promotes the vision and corporate values of the organisation and delivers on service improvement and innovation. Moreover, application of the Multidimensional Model of Clinical Leadership could offer the best platform for embedding the Six C's of Nursing (Compassion in Practice – Our Culture of Compassionate Care, Department of Health, Crown Copyright, 2012) within the culture of the healthcare organisation: care, compassion, courage, commitment, communication, and competency. This is achieved in part through the application of emotional intelligence to understand self and to develop the personal integrity of the healthcare leader and through supporting a culture of lifelong leadership learning.

Relevance to clinical practice

Embedding the best practice principles of clinical leadership development within a multidimensional model of clinical leadership provides a promising approach to: equipping the healthcare leader with those transferable leadership skills required to help them embark on a journey of lifelong leadership learning; and producing the healthcare leader who is caring, compassionate and can confidently and effectively transform community services.
Long‐Term Outcomes of Successful Chronic Total Occlusion Percutaneous Coronary Interventions Using the Antegrade and Retrograde Approach
Authors: MICHAEL TESFALDET T. , MOGABGAB OWEN , ALOMAR MOHAMMED , KOTSIA ANNA , CHRISTOPOULOS GEORGE , RANGAN BAVANA V. , ABDULLAH SHUAIB , GRODIN JERROLD , BANERJEE SUBHASH , BRILAKIS EMMANOUIL S.
Published: August 2014

Objective

To compare long‐term clinical outcomes of chronic total occlusion (CTO) percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) using the retrograde and antegrade approach.

Background

There is limited long‐term clinical outcomes data on the retrograde approach to CTO PCI.

Methods

We performed a retrospective analysis of the long‐term clinical outcomes of 193 consecutive patients who underwent successful CTO PCI at our institution between March 2008 and December 2011.

Results

Mean age was 63.6 ± 8.3 years. The target vessel was right coronary artery in 52.6%, left anterior descending artery in 24.5% and circumflex in 21.4% of cases. The retrograde approach was used in 41 patients (21.2%). The mean stent length was longer in the retrograde group (83 ± 32 vs. 64 ± 32 mm, P = 0.001). Two major procedural complications occurred, both in the retrograde group (P = 0.012). During a median follow‐up of 2.0 years compared to the antegrade CTO PCI group, patients who underwent retrograde CTO PCI were more likely to undergo target lesion revascularization (TLR) (45.6% vs. 25.7%, P = 0.006). No significant difference was observed in the incidence of all‐cause mortality, myocardial infarction, non‐target vessel revascularization, or coronary artery bypass graft surgery between the 2 groups. On multivariate analysis, stent length was the only independent predictor of TLR during follow‐up.

Conclusions

Retrograde CTO PCI was associated with higher incidence of TLR, but similar incidence of death and myocardial infarction compared to antegrade CTO PCI. These findings likely reflect the higher complexity of CTO lesions treated with the retrograde approach. (J Interven Cardiol 2014;27:465–471)
Recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS): a preliminary within‐subject study of quality of life, oral health impacts and personality profiles
Authors: AL‐Omiri Mahmoud K. , Karasneh Jumana , Alhijawi Mohannad M. , Zwiri Abdalwhab M. A. , Scully Crispian , Lynch Edward
Published: August 2014

Background

RAS may affect quality of life and impacts oral health and daily activities; consequently, psychological factors, dental needs and patients’ perceptions. Professionals should understand this relation to adequately manage oral ulcers. This study aimed at investigating the relationship between oral health impacts, oral health‐related quality of life and psychological profiles in patients with recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS).

Methods

Fifty‐three patients (30 men and 23 women, mean age: 31.1 ± 10.1 years) with RAS participated in this study. During ulcer episodes, participants completed Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HAD), Neuroticism‐Extraversion‐Openness Five Factor Inventory (NEO‐FFI), Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP‐14) and United Kingdom Oral Health‐Related Quality of Life measure (OHQoL‐UK) proformas. Patients completed OHIP‐14 and OHQoL‐UK again when they were ulcer‐free. The statistically significance levels were set at P ≤ 0.05.

Results

During ulcer episodes, patients reported worse oral health impacts and an inferior quality of life in comparison with ulcer‐free times (P < 0.0001). Higher OHIP scores were significantly associated with higher HAD depression (P = 0.036) and anxiety (P = 0.012) scores. NEO‐FFI scores had no significant relations with OHIP and OHQoL‐UK scores (P > 0.05). During ulcer‐free periods, no relationships were detected between OHIP, OHQoL‐UK, HAD and NEO‐FFI scores (P > 0.05), except between OHQoL‐UK and conscientiousness scores (P = 0.05).

Conclusions

RAS increased the negative oral health impacts on patients and consequently lowered their quality of life. Stressful situations and conditions (including anxiety and depression), rather than inherent personality profiles and stable psychological traits, were related to oral health impacts and quality of life in patients with RAS.
Bullying Victimization Prevalence and Its Effects on Psychosomatic Complaints: Can Sense of Coherence Make a Difference?
Authors: García‐Moya Irene , Suominen Sakari , Moreno Carmen
Published: August 2014

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to examine the prevalence of bullying victimization and its impact on physical and psychological complaints in a representative sample of adolescents and to explore the role of sense of coherence (SOC) in victimization prevalence and consequences.

METHODS

A representative sample of Spanish adolescents (N = 7580, mean age = 15.41) was selected as part of the Health Behaviour in School‐aged Children study. Bullying victimization, physical and psychological symptoms, and SOC were measured, and comparisons were made between strong‐ and weak‐SOC adolescents regarding their likelihood of being a victim of bullying and the negative effects of bullying victimization on their health.

RESULTS

Weak‐SOC adolescents were significantly more likely to suffer from bullying victimization regardless of type (nonphysical vs physical and nonphysical) or means (traditional vs cyberbullying). In addition, bullying victimization showed significant increasing effects on weak‐SOC adolescents' physical and psychological symptoms whereas in strong‐SOC adolescents it was not significantly associated with increases in physical complaints and its effects on psychological complaints seemed to be weaker.

CONCLUSIONS

Weak‐SOC adolescents seem to be at higher risk of becoming bullying victims and victimization experiences appear to have increased negative effects on them when compared to strong‐SOC students.
Developing a Statewide Childhood Body Mass Index Surveillance Program
Authors: Paul David R. , Scruggs Philip W. , Goc Karp Grace , Ransdell Lynda B. , Robinson Clay , Lester Michael J. , Gao Yong , Petranek Laura J. , Brown Helen , Shimon Jane M.
Published: August 2014

BACKGROUND

Several states have implemented childhood obesity surveillance programs supported by legislation. Representatives from Idaho wished to develop a model for childhood obesity surveillance without the support of state legislation, and subsequently report predictors of overweight and obesity in the state.

METHODS

A coalition comprised of the Idaho State Department of Education and 4 universities identified a randomized cluster sample of schools. After obtaining school administrator consent, measurement teams traveled to each school to measure height and weight of students. Sex and race/ethnicity data were also collected.

RESULTS

The collaboration between the universities resulted in a sample of 6735 students from 48 schools and 36 communities. Overall, 29.2% of the youth in the sample were classified as overweight or obese, ranging from 24.0% for grade 1 to 33.8% for grade 5. The prevalence of overweight and obesity across schools was highly variable (31.2 ± 7.58%). Hierarchical logistic regression indicated that sex, age, race/ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and region were all significant predictors of overweight and obesity, whereas school was not.

CONCLUSIONS

This coalition enabled the state of Idaho to successfully estimate the prevalence of overweight and obesity on a representative sample of children from all regions of the state, and subsequently identify populations at greatest risk.
Associations Between Bullying and Engaging in Aggressive and Suicidal Behaviors Among Sexual Minority Youth: The Moderating Role of Connectedness
Authors: Duong Jeffrey , Bradshaw Catherine
Published: August 2014

BACKGROUND

Research on the extent to which cyberbullying affects sexual minority youth is limited. This study examined associations between experiencing cyber and school bullying and engaging in aggressive and suicidal behaviors among sexual minority youth. We also explored whether feeling connected to an adult at school moderated these associations.

METHODS

Data came from 951 self‐identified lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) youth, who completed the New York City Youth Risk Behavior Survey during fall 2009. We used multiple logistic regression to examine the hypothesized associations and test for effect modification.

RESULTS

Cyber and school bullying were associated with engaging in aggressive and suicidal behaviors among LGB youth. Youth experiencing both cyber and school bullying had the greatest odds of engaging in aggressive and suicidal behaviors. However, feeling connected to an adult at school moderated these associations such that bullied youth who felt connected were not more likely to report aggressive and suicidal behaviors.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings highlight the challenges faced by bullied LGB youth. Practitioners should work with school administrators to establish supportive environments for sexual minority youth. Helping victimized LGB youth develop meaningful connections with adults at school can minimize the negative impacts of cyber and school bullying.
Estimating the Peer Effect on Youth Overweight and Inactivity Using an Intervention Study
Authors: Quinto Romani Annette
Published: August 2014

BACKGROUND

Understanding peer effect is potentially important for finding ways to combat the obesity epidemic. Nevertheless, it is not clear whether a peer effect exists because of the composition of the peer group, because the group members have similar, unobserved individual characteristics, or because of an endogenous effect.

METHODS

This issue is addressed here by using a unique longitudinal data set of 573 schoolchildren attending state schools in the Municipality of Aalborg, Denmark, during 2008‐2010. To identify the spillover effect of a targeted intervention on peers, we use a difference‐in‐differences approach.

RESULTS

A targeted health intervention reduced body mass index (BMI) among overweight, inactive individuals and, more interestingly, that BMI among the nontreated peers was reduced by 1.04%.

CONCLUSIONS

The analysis suggests that individually targeted health intervention has a health benefit beyond the treated individual, which needs to be included when evaluating targeted policies aiming to combat childhood overweight and inactivity.