bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A longitudinal study of patients' symptoms before and during the first year after lung transplantation
Authors: Lanuza Dorothy M. , Lefaiver Cheryl A. , Brown Roger , Muehrer Rebecca , Murray Margaret , Yelle Maria , Bhorade Sangeeta
Published: September 2012

Background

Lung transplantation provides a viable option for survival of end‐stage respiratory disease. In addition to prolonging survival, there is considerable interest in improving patient‐related outcomes such as transplant recipients' symptom experiences.

Methods

A prospective, repeated measures design was used to describe the symptom experience of 85 lung transplant recipients between 2000 and 2005. The transplant symptom inventory was administered before and at one, three, six, nine, and 12 months post‐transplant. Ridit analysis provided a unique method for describing symptom experiences and changes.

Results

After lung transplantation, significant (p < 0.05) improvements were reported for the most frequently occurring and most distressing pre‐transplant symptoms (e.g., shortness of breath with activity). Marked increases in the frequency and distress of new symptoms such as tremors were also reported. Patterns of symptom frequency and distress varied with time since transplant.

Conclusion

The findings provide data‐based information that can be used to inform pre‐ and post‐transplant patient education and also help caregivers anticipate a general time frame for symptom changes to prevent or minimize symptoms and their associated distress. In addition, symptoms are described, using an innovative method of illustration which shows “at‐a‐glance” change or lack of change in patients' symptoms from pre‐ to post‐lung transplant.
Economic evaluations of prophylaxis with clotting factor for people with severe haemophilia: why do the results vary so much?
Authors: Miners A. H.
Published: September 2012

A number of studies examining the cost effectiveness of haemophilia prophylaxis have been published, but they report a wide range of results. The aim of this study was to explain why the results from existing economic evaluations of prophylaxis with clotting factor vary so much and to suggest areas of further research that will help to generate stronger economic evidence. Results from a previous systematic review were updated using a textword search of a number of electronic databases. Eleven economic evaluations were identified. They reported incremental cost‐effectiveness ratios for prophylaxis ranging from ‘cost saving and clinically beneficial’ (i.e. ‘dominant’) to over €1 million per additional quality‐adjusted life year (QALY) if prophylaxis replaces treatment following a bleed. A number of reasons are likely to explain this breadth of results, most notably differences in choice of time horizon, estimates of treatment effect, clotting factor unit cost, discount rates and definitions of prophylaxis. Although the existing cost‐effectiveness literature for haemophilia prophylaxis appears to report a wide range of results, closer inspection suggests that differences are largely explained by a number of design features. Some are likely to reflect local economic conditions and should be expected. However, others, such as differences in the choice of appropriate time horizon, are more concerning as they reflect differences in opinion over appropriate methodology. A number of studies to help address these evidence gaps are suggested: however, it is also recommended that analysts continue to adhere to established conventions when conducting and reporting economic evaluations.
Perceptions of job satisfaction relating to affective organisation commitment
Authors: Papinczak Tracey
Published: September 2012

Medical Education 2012: 46: 953–962

Objectives  Affective organisation commitment, which refers to a psychological attachment to, and involvement with, an employing institution, is regarded as important because of its effects on employee identification with the employer and its causal effects on work effort and staff retention. This paper explores the experiences of casual tutors facilitating problem‐based learning (PBL) tutorials and aims to identify aspects of their role that strengthen and detract from employee job satisfaction and affective commitment.

Methods  Qualitative data were gathered from first‐ and second‐year tutors (N = 13) through 2 focus groups. Both clinicians and non‐clinicians were recruited, including highly experienced staff and those with < 12 months of tutoring experience.

Results  Four main themes arose from inductive analysis of data: job‐related factors; job‐involvement characteristics; professional challenges and responsibilities, and mentoring for learning and support. The first 2 themes are congruent with previous literature on organisation commitment; novel findings include the supportive and compensatory nature of the collegial relationships formed between casual tutors. Role attenuation, a job‐related factor, was a predominant perception as it related to dysfunctional groups and increasing student disengagement with PBL.

Conclusions  Within the unique learning environment of PBL, positive factors relating to job satisfaction may have an important role to play in improving tutors’ commitment to their employing organisation. Aspects of the role which are viewed most negatively and relate most significantly to affective commitment need to be addressed promptly. Attention should be directed to supporting tutors to maximise the perceived benefits and providing professional development and improved communication to better address issues associated with difficult or disengaged students as well as isolation from decision‐makers.
Conducting systematic reviews in medical education: a stepwise approach
Authors: Cook David A , West Colin P
Published: September 2012

Medical Education 2012: 46: 943–952

Objectives  As medical education research continues to proliferate, evidence syntheses will become increasingly important. The purpose of this article is to provide a concise and practical guide to the conduct and reporting of systematic reviews.

Results  (i) Define a focused question addressing the population, intervention, comparison (if any) and outcomes. (ii) Evaluate whether a systematic review is appropriate to answer the question. Systematic and non‐systematic approaches are complementary; the former summarise research on focused topics and highlight strengths and weaknesses in existing bodies of evidence, whereas the latter integrate research from diverse fields and identify new insights. (iii) Assemble a team and write a study protocol. (iv) Search for eligible studies using multiple databases (MEDLINE alone is insufficient) and other resources (article reference lists, author files, content experts). Expert assistance is helpful. (v) Decide on the inclusion or exclusion of each identified study, ideally in duplicate, using explicitly defined criteria. (vi) Abstract key information (including on study design, participants, intervention and comparison features, and outcomes) for each included article, ideally in duplicate. (vii) Analyse and synthesise the results by narrative or quantitative pooling, investigating heterogeneity, and exploring the validity and assumptions of the review itself. In addition to the seven key steps, the authors provide, information on electronic tools to facilitate the review process, practical tips to facilitate the reporting process and an annotated bibliography.
Phenomenological analysis of patient experiences of medical student teaching encounters
Authors: McLachlan Emma , King Nigel , Wenger Etienne , Dornan Tim
Published: September 2012

Medical Education 2012: 46: 963–973

Context  It is important to know how patients are affected by becoming opportunistically involved in medical student education. In previous studies, researchers rather than patients set the research agenda and expert patients or people well known to teachers were more often involved than ordinary people.

Objectives  This study aimed to explore how ordinary patients experience undergraduate medical teaching when they become involved in it opportunistically and to derive practical insights from the lived experiences of these patients.

Methods  The research was conducted in line with a conceptual orientation towards communities of practice theory and used phenomenology as a way of exploring patients’ lived experiences in depth. Minimally structured interviews were carried out with 10 patients following ordinary out‐patient or general practice appointments in which students were being taught. Template analysis was used to generate provisional themes and a process of phenomenological reduction was used to distil individual respondents’ lived experiences to their essence.

Results  The presence of students in ambulatory consultations was normal. Nine respondents described transactional relationships in which they remained outside the community of practice of which the doctor and student were members. Only an intimate problem would engage them deeply enough for a student’s presence to ‘bother’ them. One patient’s personal and professional background led her to regard doctors’ handling of consultation dynamics as factors contributing to whether teaching consultations were negative or positive experiences. When doctors’ sensitive and inclusive behaviour drew her into a triadic relationship with the student and doctor, she experienced mutual benefits with students. When it did not, she felt objectified and alienated.

Conclusions  Provided they receive the clinical care for which they are attending a consultation and are treated respectfully, patients may sometimes willingly become ‘objects’ from which students learn. They may, however, become more deeply engaged in teaching consultations in which they participate actively in a triadic relationship of mutual benefit with a doctor and student. Teaching consultations call for doctors to be sensitive and adaptable.
Patients as educators: the challenges and benefits of sharing experiences with students
Authors: Lauckner Heidi , Doucet Shelley , Wells Sandy
Published: September 2012

Medical Education 2012: 46: 992–1000

Context  Despite movement towards active patient involvement in the education of health professionals, explorations of the experiences of patient‐educators beyond descriptive research are limited.

Objectives  The purpose of this study was to identify the positive and negative factors that contributed to the experiences of patient‐educators in a health mentors programme for health professional students at a Canadian university.

Methods  Semi‐structured focus group discussions and individual interviews were used to elicit the experiences of 30 patient‐educators with chronic conditions or disabilities, of the 151 involved in the programme. Thematic analysis was used to identify key themes in the participants’ experiences.

Results  Study participants spoke of the potential challenges and benefits of sharing their experiences. The main challenge involved in sharing their experiences was potential vulnerability should students not appreciate what was shared. The main benefits were personal learning and making valued contributions. Two factors influenced the participants’ sense of whether the potential benefits outweighed the challenges of personal sharing in the programme: monitoring disclosure, and perceived student learning. Participants used the strategy of monitoring their disclosure to limit how much personal information they shared with students. The benefits of participating in the programme outweighed the potential challenges when students were seen to embrace the intended messages of the patient‐educators.

Conclusions  The results of this study provide a conceptual framework that can be used to better prepare patient‐educators and students for more reciprocal learning interaction.
Fatal outcome after heart transplantation caused by Aspergillus lentulus
Authors: Zbinden A. , Imhof A. , Wilhelm M.J. , Ruschitzka F. , Wild P. , Bloemberg G.V. , Mueller N.J.
Published: September 2012

Opportunistic invasive fungal infections are a major cause of mortality in immunocompromised patients. Early diagnosis of invasive aspergillosis and proper identification of the causative agent is crucial for guidance of therapy. Accurate differentiation of Aspergillus lentulus, a filamentous fungus often misidentified as atypical Aspergillus fumigatus, is of concern as multiple antifungal drugs show a reduced susceptibility. This is the first report, to our knowledge, of a proven pulmonary invasive fungal infection caused by A. lentulus after heart transplantation.
Geographical variation in reproductive ageing patterns and life‐history strategy of a short‐lived passerine bird
Authors: Balbontín J. , Møller A. P. , Hermosell I. G. , Marzal A. , Reviriego M. , de Lope F.
Published: September 2012

We investigated differences in ageing patterns in three measures of breeding performance in populations of barn swallows Hirundo rustica L. from Spain and Denmark differing in breeding latitude and hence migration distance and duration of the breeding season. We found differences in ageing patterns between populations. Generally, young (i.e. yearling) and old females (i.e. ≥ 5 years of age) laid their first eggs later and produced smaller clutches than middle‐aged females (i.e. 2–4 years of age) in both populations. The southernmost population (i.e. Spanish) showing the shorter migratory distance experienced a greater within‐individual increase in timing of breeding and clutch size in early life and a greater within‐individual decrease in laying date but not in clutch size during senescence compared with the northernmost population (i.e. Danish). We also found that the number of fledglings produced annually was related to the age of the two members of the breeding pairs with pairs composed of young and old females performing less well than breeding pairs composed of middle‐aged females. We did not find reproductive senescence for the age of the male while controlling for the age of the female on the number of fledglings produced annually by the breeding pair. Differential survival between individuals did not explain age effects on laying date or annual clutch size in neither population. However, the increase in the number of fledglings produced annually with age was partly explained by the disappearance of poor‐quality members of the pairs, mainly poor‐quality males. Age‐related breeding success (i.e. number of fledglings) was similar for barn swallows from Spain and Denmark. Therefore, the study of ageing patterns and life‐history strategies in free‐ranging animals from more than a single population can throw new light on life‐history theory, population dynamics and evolutionary studies of senescence.
Does competition drive character differences between species on a macroevolutionary scale?
Authors: Monroe M. J.
Published: September 2012

Sympatric sister species generally have a degree of phenotypic differentiation that allows them to coexist. It has been well documented that phenotypic similarity results, through resource competition, in one of two major outcomes: local extinction of either competitor or character displacement. Limiting similarity suggests that there is a maximum degree of phenotypic niche overlap with which similar species may coexist. Breaching that maximum would result in exclusion. Character displacement, on the other hand, implies that the species differentiate phenotypically so that resource competition is reduced to the point where coexistence is possible. While it has been suggested that these theories have the potential to accelerate (character displacement) or limit phenotypic evolution (competitive exclusion) on microevolutionary time scales, their effects on macroevolution remain under‐studied. If competition accelerates evolution on a macroevolutionary scale, one would expect that phenotypic diversity increases as novel species ‘push aside’ existing species. On the other hand, one might also expect that phenotypic evolution comes to a halt as novel species are trapped in the (ever decreasing) phenotypic space not yet occupied by existing species, except at the extremes of the phenotypic spectrum. Studying the current geographical ranges of more than 3000 extant species representing 29 mammalian families and their respective body masses, I found little evidence of competition accelerating body size differentiation between species.
Evolutionary relationships of flavobacterial and enterobacterial endosymbionts with their scale insect hosts (Hemiptera: Coccoidea)
Authors: Rosenblueth M. , Sayavedra L. , Sámano‐Sánchez H. , Roth A. , Martínez‐Romero E.
Published: September 2012

Flavobacteria and Enterobacteriaceae have been previously reported as scale insect endosymbionts. The purpose of this work was twofold: first, to screen different scale insect families for the presence of these endosymbionts by PCR analyses and second, to elucidate the history of cophylogeny between these bacteria and the insects by analysing a portion of 16S rRNA and 18S rRNA gene sequences by two reconciliation tools, CoRe‐PA and Jane. From a survey of 27 scale insects within seven families, we identified Flavobacteria and Enterobacteriaceae as coexisting in ten species that belong to the Ortheziidae, Monophlebidae, Diaspididae and Coccidae families, and we frequently found two closely related enterobacteria harboured in the same individual. Analyses performed with CoRe‐PA and Jane suggest that Flavobacteria from the scale insects analysed have a unique origin, except for Candidatus Brownia rhizoecola (Flavobacteria of Pseudococcidae, Phenacoccinae), which seems to come from a nonscale insect. Nevertheless, cospeciation between Flavobacteria and scale insects is suggested only within the families Monophlebidae, Ortheziidae and Diaspididae, and host switches seem to have occurred from the ancestors of Monophlebidae and Ortheziidae to insects from families Coccidae, Lecanodiaspididae, Eriococcidae and Pseudococcidae. Our analyses suggest that Enterobacteriaceae underwent more evolutionary events (losses, duplications and host switches), and their phylogenies showed a lower proportion of congruent nodes between host and bacteria, indicating a more relaxed relationship with scale insects compared with Flavobacteria.
Quality of life and its associated factors among patients with two common types of chronic mental illness living in Kaohsiung City
Authors: Huang Rong‐Rong , Chen Yong‐Shing , Chen Cheng‐Chung , Chou Frank Huang‐Chih , Su Su‐ Fang , Chen Ming‐Chao , Kuo Ming‐Hui , Chang Li‐Hsing
Published: September 2012

Aim:  This study explored the associations of personal, disease, family, and social factors with quality of life (QoL) in patients with two common types of chronic mental illness (CMI) living in Kaohsiung City, Taiwan.

Methods:  Using a convenience sample and a cross‐sectional design, 714 patients (50.1% male, 49.9% female) with CMI (72.1% schizophrenia and 27.9% affective disorder) and their caregivers were recruited. Demographic information was collected via the following questionnaires: 12‐Item Short‐Form Health Survey (SF‐12), five‐item Brief Symptom Rating Scale (BSRS‐5), Caregiver Burden Scale, and Clinical Global Impressions (CGI‐S) Scale. Pearson correlations and hierarchical regression analyses were used to predict QoL.

Results:  Disease factors accounted for 17–50% of the change in variance. Predictors of low mental subscale scores included the following: high psychological distress and high family burden as well as a history of suicide attempts, negative caregiver attitudes, and living away from home. Disease factors also explained the greatest variance in the physical subscales. Predictors of low physical subscale scores included the following: high psychological distress, age, unemployment, a history of suicide attempts, high family burden, and living alone.

Conclusions:  Disease factors were the most important predictors of QoL in patients with CMI. Family factors were more important than social factors on the mental subscales. Differential relationships were also found for the other two dimensions. Together, these results indicate that a wide range of factors improve the QoL in patients with CMI.
Early diagnosis and treatment of necrotizing fasciitis can improve survival: an observational intensive care unit cohort study
Authors: Bucca Kelly , Spencer Ryan , Orford Neil , Cattigan Claire , Athan Eugene , McDonald Anthony
Published: September 2012

Background

The aim of this study was to describe the clinical characteristics, causative pathogens, clinical management and outcomes of patients presenting to a tertiary adult Australian intensive care unit (ICU) with a diagnosis of necrotizing fasciitis (NF).

Methods

This retrospective observational study was conducted in a 19‐bed, level III, adult ICU in a 450‐bed tertiary, regional hospital. Clinical databases were accessed for patients diagnosed with NF and admitted to The Geelong Hospital ICU between 1 February 2000 and 1 June 2011. Information on severity of sepsis, surgical procedures and microbiological results were collected.

Results

Twenty patients with NF were identified. The median age was 52.5 years and 38% were female. The overall mortality rate was 8.3%. Common co‐morbidities were diabetes (21%) and heart failure (17%), although 50% of patients had no co‐morbidities. Group A Streptococcus was the identified pathogen in 11 (46%) patients, and Streptococcus milleri group in 5 (21%) patients. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy was not used in the majority of patients. The initial antibiotics administered were active against subsequently cultured bacteria in 83% of patients. Median time to surgical debridement was 20 h. Diagnosis and management was delayed in the nosocomial group.

Conclusions

This study reports physiological data, aetiology and therapeutic interventions in NF for an adult tertiary hospital. We demonstrate one of the lowest reported mortality rates, with early surgical debridement being achieved in the majority of patients. The main delay was found to be in the diagnosis of NF.
Surgical location and anatomical variations of pudendal nerve
Authors: Matejčík Viktor
Published: September 2012

Background

An objective of our work was to clarify variations in pudendal nerve formation, as well as their possible impact on the clinical picture.

Method

Bilateral pudendal nerve course and formation was studied on 20 adult cadavers. An anterior approach was used in 15 subjects, and both posterior and anterior approaches were used in five subjects.

Results

The prefixed type plexus formation was observed in eight cases (40%). In these cases, S1 and S2 roots contributed to the formation of the pudendal nerve. In the postfixed type, the S3 root was dominant in two cases (66.7%), and less the S4 root in one case (23.3%), albeit to a lesser degree. Most commonly, the S2 root participated in its formation in 17 cases (85%). The inferior rectal nerve penetrating the sacrospinous ligament was seen in one case, arising from the pudendal nerve before entering the pudendal canal in four cases. The dorsal nerve of the penis arose from the S1 root in two cases (10%). We observed it branching before entering the pudendal canal in 15 cases (75%), and it had divided in the pudendal canal in the other cases. For the posterior access, the pudendal nerve was localized 13.1 ± 0.72 cm medial to the greater trochanter, 8.1 ± 0.72 cm above the ischial tuberosity, at a depth of 6.4 ± 0.32 cm.

Conclusions

This description may be useful when carrying out a pudendal nerve block and during surgical procedures carried out in this anatomical region.
Biofilm formation by haloarchaea
Authors: Fröls Sabrina , Dyall‐Smith Mike , Pfeifer Felicitas
Published: September 2012

A fluorescence‐based live‐cell adhesion assay was used to examine biofilm formation by 20 different haloarchaea, including species of Halobacterium, Haloferax and Halorubrum, as well as novel natural isolates from an Antarctic salt lake. Thirteen of the 20 tested strains significantly adhered (P‐value < 0.05) to a plastic surface. Examination of adherent cell layers on glass surfaces by differential interference contrast, fluorescence and confocal microscopy showed two types of biofilm structures. Carpet‐like, multi‐layered biofilms containing micro‐ and macrocolonies (up to 50 μm in height) were formed by strains of Halobacterium salinarum and the Antarctic isolate t‐ADL strain DL24. The second type of biofilm, characterized by large aggregates of cells adhering to surfaces, was formed by Haloferax volcanii DSM 3757T and Halorubrum lacusprofundi DL28. Staining of the biofilms formed by the strongly adhesive haloarchaeal strains revealed the presence of extracellular polymers, such as eDNA and glycoconjugates, substances previously shown to stabilize bacterial biofilms. For Hbt. salinarum DSM 3754T and Hfx. volcanii DSM 3757T, cells adhered within 1 day of culture and remained viable for at least 2 months in mature biofilms. Adherent cells of Hbt. salinarum DSM 3754T showed several types of cellular appendages that could be involved in the initial attachment. Our results show that biofilm formation occurs in a surprisingly wide variety of haloarchaeal species.
Europe as a Cultural Project: Turkey and the European Union in the British Press
Authors: Phillips Ryan
Published: September 2012

An interpretive approach to foreign policy explains the beliefs of actors and the meanings of their actions by locating them in their respective historical traditions and in response to particular dilemmas. This article explains how the British Press constructs ‘secularism’ as a requirement for Turkey's potential future membership in the European Union (EU) as a response to the rise of the Islamically-identified Justice and Development Party (AKP). By emphasizing Turkey's secularism as a precondition for entry into the EU, the press effects a significant departure from the dominant British foreign policy traditions with respect to Turkey and the EU, which have highlighted considerations of material benefits. These arguments are pursued through a close analysis of how the British Press covered the attempted election of the country's next president in 2007 and the resulting conflict.
Embracing Humanitarian Intervention: Atlanticism and the UK Interventions in Bosnia and Kosovo
Authors: McCourt David
Published: September 2012

This article employs the interpretive approach to show that Britain's embrace of humanitarian intervention in Kosovo in 1999 was less a result of the election of New Labour or the psychology of Tony Blair, as conventional wisdom suggests, and more a consequence of a change in belief among policy-makers in the UK and beyond regarding the use of force for humanitarian ends, which originated prior to 1997 in American intervention in Bosnia in the summer of 1995. The effects of the moralism of the new government and its leader must therefore be viewed within a wider transatlantic context and against the background of the continued importance of the ‘Atlanticist’ tradition in UK foreign policy, with important implications for the study of UK foreign policy beyond the Balkans.
‘Building the Global Network?’ The Reform of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office under New Labour
Authors: Hall Ian
Published: September 2012

From 1997 onwards the FCO was reshaped by New Labour. The removal of responsibility for overseas aid to a new Department of International Development (DFID) was perhaps the most dramatic change. Successive cuts to the FCO budget and the progressive centralization of foreign-policy decision-making in Number 10 also had their effects, as did a series of government-directed reforms to recruitment practices. In an effort to make it more accountable to the public, the FCO was also bound by Public Service Agreements specifying targets for service delivery, publish Strategy Reports and mission statements, and Annual Departmental Reports setting benchmarks for performance. Together these reforms were designed to transform the FCO's culture, replacing inherited traditions of thought and practice with new ones believed better suited to contemporary world politics. This paper examines these inherited and new traditions, as well as the dilemmas they addressed.
Acute and chronic antiparkinsonian effects of the novel nociceptin/orphanin FQ receptor antagonist NiK‐21273 in comparison with SB‐612111
Authors: Marti M , Mela F , Budri M , Volta M , Malfacini D , Molinari S , Zaveri NT , Ronzoni S , Petrillo P , Calò G , Morari M
Published: September 2012

Background and Purpose

Nociceptin/orphanin FQ (N/OFQ) peptide (NOP) receptor antagonists have been proposed as a novel therapeutic approach to Parkinson's disease. Main limitations of previous studies were the use of structurally similar compounds and the evaluation of their acute effects only. We report here on the acute and long‐term antiparkinsonian effects of the novel compound 2‐[3‐[4‐(2‐chloro‐6‐fluoro‐phenyl)‐piperidin‐1‐ylmethyl]‐2‐(morpholine‐4‐carbonyl)‐indol‐1‐yl]‐acetamide (NiK‐21273) in comparison with the potent and selective NOP receptor antagonist SB‐612111.

Experimental Approach

Basic pharmacological properties of NiK‐21273 were studied in cell lines and isolated tissues (mouse and rat vas deferens). Antiparkinsonian effects were studied in reserpinized mice and 6‐hydroxydopamine hemilesioned rats under both acute and chronic administration protocols.

Key Results

In vitro, NiK‐21273 behaved as a potent (pA2 7.7) and selective NOP receptor antagonist. In vivo, it reduced hypokinesia in reserpinized mice at 0.1 and 1 but not 10 mg·kg−1, whereas SB‐612111 (0.01–1 mg·kg−1) provided a dose‐dependent antiparkinsonian effect. NiK‐21273 ameliorated motor performance in 6‐hydroxydopamine hemilesioned rats at 0.5 and 5 but not 15 mg·kg−1. SB‐612111 replicated these effects in the 0.01–1 mg·kg−1 range without loss of efficacy. Both antagonists synergized with L‐DOPA at subthreshold doses. Chronic administration of NiK‐21273 provided delayed improvement in baseline activity at 0.5 and 1.5 mg·kg−1, although tolerance to the higher dose was observed. Conversely, SB‐612111 (1 mg·kg−1) maintained its effects over time without modifying baseline activity.

Conclusions and Implications

NOP receptor antagonists provide motor benefit in parkinsonism models although the ‘therapeutic’ window and long‐term effects may vary between compounds.
Effect of overexpression of human aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 in LLC‐PK1 cells on glyceryl trinitrate biotransformation and cGMP accumulation
Authors: D'Souza Y , Ji Y , Bennett BM
Published: September 2012

Background And Purpose

Recent studies suggest a primary role for aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2) in mediating the biotransformation of organic nitrates, such as glyceryl trinitrate (GTN), to the proximal activator of soluble guanylyl cyclase (sGC), resulting in increased cGMP accumulation and vasodilation. Our objective was to assess the role of ALDH2 in organic nitrate action using a cell culture model.

Experimental Approach

Porcine renal epithelial (LLC‐PK1) cells possess an intact NO‐sGC‐cGMP signaling system, and can be used as a biochemical model of organic nitrate action. We used a pcDNA3.1‐human ALDH2 expression vector to establish a stably transfected cell line (PK1ALDH2) that overexpressed ALDH2, or small interfering RNA (siRNA) to deplete endogenous ALDH2, and assessed GTN biotransformation and GTN‐induced cGMP formation.

Key Results

ALDH2 activity in the stably transfected cells was approximately sevenfold higher than wild‐type cells or cells stably transfected with empty vector (PK1vector); and protein expression, as assessed by immunoblot analysis, was markedly increased. In PK1ALDH2, GTN biotransformation was significantly increased as a result of increased glyceryl‐1,2‐dinitrate formation compared to wild‐type or PK1vector. However, the incubation of PK1ALDH2 with 1 or 10 μM GTN did not alter GTN‐induced cGMP accumulation compared with wild‐type or PK1vector cells. Furthermore, siRNA‐mediated depletion of ALDH2 had no effect on GTN‐induced cGMP formation.

Conclusions And Implications

In an intact cell system, neither overexpression nor depletion of ALDH2 affects GTN‐induced cGMP formation, indicating that ALDH2 does not mediate the mechanism‐based biotransformation of GTN to an activator of sGC.
Cerebral Microbleeds: Do They Really Predict Macrobleeding?
Authors: Vernooij Meike W.
Published: September 2012

There is growing evidence linking microbleeds to macrobleeding in selected patient populations. Yet, prospective data in unselected populations are scarce. The high prevalence of microbleeds and relatively low incidence of symptomatic intracerebral haemorrhage suggest that it may be a specific sub-group of persons with microbleeds developing macrobleeding. This may be related to the severity and nature of the underling vascular pathology. Future studies should therefore use a longitudinal design and not only focus on microbleed presence, but also on location and number of microbleeds.
RESERVOIR CHARACTERISTICS OF THE ALBIAN UPPER QAMCHUQA FORMATION CARBONATES, TAQ TAQ OILFIELD, KURDISTAN, IRAQ
Authors: Al‐Qayim B. , Rashid F.
Published: September 2012

The Albian Upper Qamchuqa Formation in NE Iraq is part of an extensive dolomitized carbonate platform developed during the Barremian – Albian over the passive continental margin of NE Arabia. Recent drilling at the Taq Taq oilfield in Kurdistan has renewed interest in this formation as a reservoir unit. In this paper, the reservoir and petrophysical characteristics of the Upper Qamchuqa Formation at Taq Taq are described using data from wireline logs, cores and thin‐sections from four wells.

At Taq Taq oilfield, the Qamchuqa Formation can be divided on the basis of lithology into two units: an upper Dolomite Unit and a lower Limestone Unit. The Dolomite Unit is 140–190 m thick and is dominated by massive dolomites and dolomitic limestones. High porosity values (up to 26%, estimated from well logs) were recorded in intervals comprising fine to medium crystalline planar‐e to planar‐s type dolomite which were frequently oil stained. Pore types include microvugs, moulds, fractures, stylolites and intercrystalline porosity. The Limestone Unit is 72–55 m thick and is composed mainly of bioturbated bioclastic limestones with minor dolomites. A wide range of carbonate facies are present and are dominated by foraminiferal wacke‐packstones and rudist packstones.

Wireline log data was used to characterize the reservoir quality of the Qamchuqa Formation at Taq Taq. Four porosity units were recognized. The upper porosity units has the best reservoir quality with average porosities of 15 %, compared to the second unit (7.5%), the third unit (7%) and the fourth unit (4%).

Different cut‐off values were estimated, and related petrophysical parameters were evaluated and were used to subdivide the reservoir succession into three reservoir units. The uppermost of these units was found to have the best reservoir characteristics and represents the upper part of the Dolomite Unit. It has a thickness of 31–43.5 m with 25–41 m of net pay and 82% oil saturation. Flow in this unit is dual, dominated by fracture flow superimposed on matrix flow.
Multiple pathways to conservation success
Authors: Phillis Corey C. , O’Regan Sacha M. , Green Stephanie J. , Bruce Jeanette E.B. , Anderson Sean C. , Linton Jennifer N. ,   EarthOcean Research Derby, Favaro Brett
Published: September 2012

Conservation successes can and do happen, however, the process by which society achieves them remains unclear. Using a novel culturomics approach, we analyse word usage within digitized texts to assess the chronological order in which scientists, the public, and policymakers engage in the conservation process for three prominent conservation issues: acid rain in North America, global DDT contamination, and the overexploitation of African elephants for ivory. Variation in the order and magnitude of sector responses among the three issues emphasizes that there are multiple pathways to conservation success and that science is just one component. Our study highlights that while scientists can initiate the process, policy change does not occur in the absence of public interest. We suggest that the fate of conservation action is not solely determined by the scientific soundness of the conservation plan, but rather requires the engagement of scientists, public, and policy makers alike.
Identifying causes for poor visual outcome after DSEK/DSAEK following secondary DMEK in the same eye
Authors: Dirisamer Martin , Parker Jack , Naveiras Miguel , Liarakos Vasilios S. , Ham Lisanne , van Dijk Korine , Melles Gerrit R. J.
Published: September 2012

Purpose:  To identify causes of reduced visual acuity after Descemet stripping (automated) endothelial keratoplasty (DSEK/DSAEK) and to determine whether such eyes can be successfully ‘repaired’ with a secondary Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK).

Methods:  Twelve eyes of 12 patients, who underwent secondary DMEK to manage poor visual outcome after initial DSEK/DSAEK, were evaluated with biomicroscopy, Pentacam imaging, and specular and confocal microscopy, before and at 1, 3 and 6 months after DMEK.

Results:  Four causes of reduced optical quality of the transplanted host cornea could be identified in DSEK/DSAEK: five eyes (42%) showed large host‐Descemet remnants within the visual axis during surgery; six eyes (50%) irregular graft thickness; six eyes subtle ‘stromal waves’; and nine eyes (75%) high reflectivity at the donor‐to‐host interface. After DMEK graft replacement, all corneas cleared and achieved a best corrected visual acuity of ≥20/25 (≥0.8), except for one with a partial Descemet graft detachment. Pachymetry values decreased from 670 (±112) μm before to 517 (±57) μm after secondary DMEK. Higher‐order aberrations (Coma and Trefoil) at the posterior surface tended to be lower (p = 0.07) in DMEK grafts than in DSEK/DSAEK grafts.

Conclusion:  Host‐Descemet remnants at the donor‐to‐host interface, interface reflectivity, graft thickness irregularity and donor stromal contraction may contribute to poor visual outcome after DSEK/DSAEK, without causing permanent host corneal damage, as in most cases, complete visual recovery could be achieved by performing a secondary DMEK.
Lagged mediator effects of self‐control demands on psychological strain and absenteeism
Authors: Diestel Stefan , Schmidt Klaus‐Helmut
Published: September 2012

In awareness of the increasing relevance of self‐control for goal achievement and its adverse effects on psychological strain in different occupational contexts, we tested lagged mediational effects of self‐control demands (SCDs) on emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, anxiety, and sum of days absent. The present analyses draw on two German longitudinal samples (NTOTAL = 399) and a measure of absenteeism. We used structural equation modelling and cross‐lagged panel analyses to test our hypotheses. In line with theoretical arguments of action regulation theory, SCDs were found to mediate the longitudinal relationship between workload and exhaustion, anxiety, and sum of days absent at a later point in time, after controlling for other relevant job characteristics (workload, emotional dissonance, and job resources, such as job control and social support). Implications of the present results are discussed against the background of potential protective resources.

Practitioner Points

The present results indicate that job characteristics, which cause employees to engage in self‐control, exert adverse effects on psychological well‐being and absenteeism in the long run.

HR managers as well as HR consultants should consider the double‐sided nature of competency models and job specifications that include requirements on volitional self‐regulation of thoughts, emotions, and behaviour (examples for commonly used behavioural anchors are given in the text).

Our findings call for HR systems that provide assistance (such as self‐management or self‐control training programmes, emotional and social support) in facing self‐control demands and exerting goal‐directed regulation of behaviour.

The effects on absenteeism shed light on long‐term organizational costs that are associated with high demands on self‐control and high workload.
Leptin predicts a decline in moderate to vigorous physical activity in minority female children at risk for obesity
Authors: Belcher B. R. , Chou C.‐P. , Nguyen‐Rodriguez S. T. , Hsu Y.‐W. , Byrd‐Williams C. E. , McClain A. D. , Weigensberg M. J. , Spuijt‐Metz D.
Published: September 2012

What is already known about this subject

Physical activity declines as children enter puberty.

Leptin is cross‐sectionally associated with physical activity, but there are conflicting findings on the magnitude and direction of this association.

Leptin concentrations fluctuate during puberty, and may impact energy balance.

What this study adds

Leptin predicts the decline in physical activity during the start of puberty independent of central adiposity.

Based on a median split of leptin, girls with low leptin levels have higher levels of physical activity than girls with high leptin levels at the start of puberty.

Leptin levels at the start of puberty may provide a biological basis for the age‐related physical activity decline in girls.

Background

Leptin may influence moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) at the start of puberty. The direction and magnitude of this association are unclear.

Objectives

To determine the effect of baseline leptin on MVPA over 1 year in minority girls at high risk for obesity.

Methods

Data came from TRANSITIONS, a longitudinal observational study on the age‐related MVPA decline. Fifty peripubertal girls aged 8–11 years at baseline participated. Baseline leptin (ng mL−1) was collected via a duplicated assay using a double antibody radio immune assay. MVPA (min d−1) was measured using accelerometers for at least four 10‐h days on a quarterly basis for up to 1 year.

Results

Continuous leptin was negatively related to MVPA (P = 0.001) independent of central adiposity at baseline and predicted the MVPA decline over 1 year (P = 0.002). For descriptive purposes, baseline leptin was dichotomized at the sample median into ‘high leptin’ and ‘low leptin’ categories to determine whether MVPA trajectories differed between these groups. Girls with ‘low leptin’ at baseline had significantly higher levels of MPVA at baseline, visit 1 and visit 2 compared to girls with ‘high leptin’.

Conclusions

High leptin levels predicted nearly a 12.6% decline in MVPA over 1 year. These findings provide support for the biological basis of declining MVPA as girls enter puberty.
Early retinol‐binding protein levels are associated with growth changes in infants born to diabetic mothers
Authors: Francescato G. , Agosti M. , Bedogni G. , Pastò E. , Melzi d'Eril G. , Barassi A. , Risè P. , Agostoni C.
Published: September 2012

Background

Biochemical predictors of infants' growth changes are not available.

Objectives

We tested whether retinol‐binding protein (RBP), docosahexaenoic acid and insulin (I) measured within 72 h from birth are associated with growth changes in infants born to mothers with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).

Methods

Fifty‐six children, 32 born to diabetic mothers treated with insulin (GDM‐I) and 24 born to diabetic mothers treated with diet (GDM‐D), were evaluated at 0, 1, 3, 6 and 12 months of life.

Results

At multivariable regression performed using generalized estimating equations, early RBP levels and maternal body mass index were associated to average weight changes and early RBP and insulin levels to average length changes, respectively. There was no difference between GDM‐I and GDM‐D infants.

Conclusions

This exploratory study suggests that early RBP levels may be a predictor of growth changes.
Nursing competence: psychometric evaluation using Rasch modelling
Authors: Müller Marianne
Published: September 2012

Aim

To test the psychometric properties and evaluate the German version of the Nurse Competence Scale.

Background

Nursing competence is an important factor for high‐quality healthcare. However, there are only few instruments available, which try to assess nurse competence and there is limited knowledge about the psychometric quality of any of these instruments.

Design

A cross‐sectional survey of 679 nurses was used.

Method

Analysis of the psychometric properties of the 73‐item Nurse Competence Scale was undertaken using confirmatory factor analyses and Rasch modelling with data generated in a study in 2007.

Results

The 7‐factor model of the Nurse Competence Scale could not be confirmed. However, six scales consisting of 54 items demonstrated adequate fit to the Rasch model. The six subscales could also be combined into an overall competence scale.

Conclusions

There are concerns about the psychometric properties of the Nurse Competence Scale. The reduced set of items removes redundancy among items, is free from item bias and constitutes six unidimensional scales.
Genetic (co)variance components across age for Show Jumping performance as an estimation of phenotypic plasticity ability in Spanish horses
Authors: Bartolomé E. , Menéndez‐Buxadera A. , Valera M. , Cervantes I. , Molina A.
Published: September 2012

The purpose of this study was to study phenotypic plasticity ability for Show Jumping performance in horses according to age differences. For this study, 11 352 participations, belonging to 1085 horses grouped by age (4‐, 5‐ or 6‐year olds), were analysed. repeatability animal models (RAM) and multiple trait animal models (MTAM) were compared. RAM assumed the same covariance components for all age groups, whereas MTAM considered the results of every animal at every age group as different (but correlated) traits. The age, sex, starting order and training level were included as fixed effects. The random effects were the animal, the individual permanent environment, the competition and the rider. Six models were compared, and the rider–horse interaction was added as a random effect; furthermore, heterogeneous residual variance was taken into consideration only for MTAM. The study of the genetic correlations between age groups highlighted the presence of an age–genotype interaction and, therefore, an underlying environmental effect. This study may allow us to select horses with a plastic response, which show either a gradual response or a precocious response and thus gain or lose genetic potential with age, respectively.
Assembly of the BclB glycoprotein into the exosporium and evidence for its role in the formation of the exosporium ‘cap’ structure in Bacillus anthracis
Authors: Thompson Brian M. , Hoelscher Bryce C. , Driks Adam , Stewart George C.
Published: September 2012

The outermost layer of the Bacillus anthracis spore consists of an exosporium comprised of an outer hair‐like nap layer and an internal basal layer. A major component of the hair‐like nap is the glycosylated collagen‐like protein BclA. A second collagen‐like protein, BclB, is also present in the exosporium. BclB possesses an N‐terminal sequence that targets it to the exosporium and is similar in sequence to a cognate targeting region in BclA. BclB lacks, however, sequence similarity to the region of BclA thought to mediate attachment to the basal layer via covalent interactions with the basal layer protein BxpB. Here we demonstrate that BxpB is critical for correct localization of BclB during spore formation and that the N‐terminal domains of the BclA and BclB proteins compete for BxpB‐controlled assembly sites. We found that BclB is located principally in a region of the exosporium that excludes a short arc on one side of the exosporium (the so‐called bottle‐cap region). We also found that in bclB mutant spores, the distribution of exosporium proteins CotY and BxpB is altered, suggesting that BclB has roles in exosporium assembly. In bclB mutant spores, the distance between the exosporium and the coat, the interspace, is reduced.
Stirrings in the Graveyard
Authors: Calfee Carolyn S.
Published: September 2012

Angiopoietin-2 may be an attractive therapeutic target in severe sepsis.