bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Plasma alkylresorcinol concentrations, biomarkers of whole-grain wheat and rye intake, in the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC) cohort
Authors: Kyrø Cecilie , Olsen Anja , Bueno-de-Mesquita H. B(as). , Skeie Guri , Loft Steffen , Åman Per , Leenders Max , Dik Vincent K. , Siersema Peter D. , Pischon Tobias , Christensen Jane , Overvad Kim , Boutron-Ruault Marie-Christine , Fagherazzi Guy , Cottet Vanessa , Kühn Tilman , Chang-Claude Jenny , Boeing Heiner , Trichopoulou Antonia , Naska Androniki , Oikonomidou Despoina , Masala Giovanna , Pala Valeria , Tumino Rosario , Vineis Paolo , Mattiello Amalia , Peeters Petra H. , Bakken Toril , Weiderpass Elisabete , Åsli Lene Angell , Sánchez Soledad , Jakszyn Paula , Sánchez María-José , Amiano Pilar , Huerta José María , Barricarte Aurelio , Ljuslinder Ingrid , Palmqvist Richard , Khaw Kay-Tee , Wareham Nick , Key Timothy J. , Travis Ruth C. , Slimani Nadia , Freisling Heinz , Ferrari Pietro , Gunter Marc J. , Murphy Neil , Riboli Elio , Tjønneland Anne , Landberg Rikard
Published: February 2014

Whole-grain intake has been reported to be associated with a lower risk of several lifestyle-related diseases such as type 2 diabetes, CVD and some types of cancers. As measurement errors in self-reported whole-grain intake assessments can be substantial, dietary biomarkers are relevant to be used as complementary tools for dietary intake assessment. Alkylresorcinols (AR) are phenolic lipids found almost exclusively in whole-grain wheat and rye products among the commonly consumed foods and are considered as valid biomarkers of the intake of these products. In the present study, we analysed the plasma concentrations of five AR homologues in 2845 participants from ten European countries from a nested case–control study in the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition. High concentrations of plasma total AR were found in participants from Scandinavia and Central Europe and lower concentrations in those from the Mediterranean countries. The geometric mean plasma total AR concentrations were between 35 and 41 nmol/l in samples drawn from fasting participants in the Central European and Scandinavian countries and below 23 nmol/l in those of participants from the Mediterranean countries. The whole-grain source (wheat or rye) could be determined using the ratio of two of the homologues. The main source was wheat in Greece, Italy, the Netherlands and the UK, whereas rye was also consumed in considerable amounts in Germany, Denmark and Sweden. The present study demonstrates a considerable variation in the plasma concentrations of total AR and concentrations of AR homologues across ten European countries, reflecting both quantitative and qualitative differences in the intake of whole-grain wheat and rye.
Legislative Activity and Gridlock in the European Union
Authors: Crombez Christophe , Hix Simon
Published: February 2014

This article develops a game-theoretical model of European Union (EU) policy making that suggests that the amount of legislative activity depends on the size of the gridlock interval. This is consistent with Krehbiel's study of US politics. This interval depends on two factors: (1) the preference configuration of the political actors and (2) the legislative procedures used in a particular period. Actors’ preferences and procedures are not expected to have any effect beyond their impact on the gridlock interval. The study predicts smaller gridlock intervals, and thus more legislative activity, under the co-decision (consultation) procedure when the pivotal member states and the European Parliament (Commission) are closer to each other. More activity is expected under qualified majority voting in the Council than under unanimity. The results find support for these propositions in an empirical analysis of EU legislative activity between 1979 and 2009.
Insect emergence in relation to floods in wet meadows and swamps in the River Dalälven floodplain
Authors: Vinnersten T.Z. Persson , Östman Ö. , Schäfer M.L. , Lundström J.O.
Published: February 2014

Annual variation in flood frequency and hydroperiod during the vegetation season has ecological impacts on the floodplain biota. Although many insect groups may have a lower emergence during a flood event, it is poorly known how annual emergence of insects in temporary wetlands is related to the variation in hydrology. Between May and September, we studied the weekly emergence of 18 insect taxa over six consecutive years, 2002–2007, in six temporary flooded wetlands (four wet meadows and two forest swamps) in the River Dalälven floodplains, Central Sweden. We used emergence traps to collect emerging insects from terrestrial and aquatic parts of wet meadows and swamp forests. In all wetlands, the insect fauna was numerically dominated by the orders Diptera, Hymenoptera, Coleoptera and Homoptera. On a weekly basis, 9 out of the 18 insect taxa had lower emergence in weeks with flood than in weeks with no flood, whereas no taxon had a higher emergence in weeks with flood. Over the seasons, we related insect emergence to seasonal flood frequency and length of hydroperiod. The emergence of most studied taxa decreased with increasing hydroperiod, which suggests that emergence after floods do not compensate for the reduced emergence during floods. Only Culicidae and the aquatic Chironomidae sub-families Tanypodinae and Chironominae showed an increase in emergence with increasing hydroperiod, whereas Staphylinidae peaked at intermediate hydroperiod. We conclude that a hydroperiod covering up to 40% of the vegetation season has a significant negative effect on the emergence of most taxa and that only a few taxa occurring in the temporary wetlands are actually favoured by a flood regime with recurrent and unpredictable floods.
Effects of reproductive interference on the competitive displacement between two invasive whiteflies
Authors: Sun Di-Bing , Li Jie , Liu Yin-Quan , Crowder David W. , Liu Shu-Sheng
Published: February 2014

Reproductive interference is one of the major factors mediating species exclusion among insects. The cryptic species Middle East-Asia Minor 1 (MEAM1) and Mediterranean (MED) of the whitefly Bemisia tabaci complex have invaded many parts of the world and often exhibit niche overlap and reproductive interference. However, contrasting patterns of competitive displacement between the two invaders have been observed between regions such as those in USA and China. Understanding the roles of reproductive interference in competitive interactions between populations of the two species in different regions will help unravel other factors related to their invasion. We integrated laboratory population experiments, behavioural observations and simulation modelling to investigate the role of reproductive interference on species exclusion between MEAM1 and MED in China. In mixed cohorts of the two species MEAM1 always excluded MED in a few generations when the initial proportion of MEAM1 was ⩾0.25. Even when the initial proportion of MEAM1 was only 0.10, however, MEAM1 still had a higher probability of excluding MED than that for MED to exclude MEAM1. Importantly, we show that as MEAM1 increased in relative abundance, MED populations became increasingly male-biased. Detailed behavioural observations confirmed that MEAM1 showed a stronger reproductive interference than MED, leading to reduced frequency of copulation and female progeny production in MED. Using simulation modelling, we linked our behavioural observations with exclusion experiments to show that interspecific asymmetric reproductive interference predicts the rate of species exclusion of MED by MEAM1. These findings not only reveal the importance of reproductive interference in the competitive interactions between the two invasive whiteflies as well as the detailed behavioural mechanisms, but also provide a valuable framework against which the effects of other factors mediating species exclusion can be explored.
Assessment of DNA damage using cytokinesis-block micronucleus cytome assay in lymphocytes of dilated cardiomyopathy patients
Authors: SITARAMAN SNEHA , BABU K. THIRUMAL , BADARINATH ARS , PAZHANIMUTHU A , SARASWATHY RADHA
Published: February 2014

Studies on the extent of DNA damage are undertaken to elucidate the nature and causes of genomic instability in any syndrome or disease progression in human. In this study, cytokinesis-block micronucleus cytome (CBMN Cyt) assay was employed to evaluate the extent of chromosomal instability or DNA damage in lymphocytes of patients suffering from dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), a serious cardiac muscle disorder. Effect of DNA damage on the disease was also assessed by analysis of mutations in cardiac Troponin C type I (TNNC1) gene. Blood samples were collected from 48 DCM patients and 48 age- and sex-matched controls from Vellore region of South India. Significantly high frequencies of micronuclei (MNi) and genomic damage such as nuclear buds (NBUDs) and nucleoplasmic bridges (NPBs) were observed in the patient group as compared with the control group (P < 0·001). Molecular analysis revealed that no mutations were found in the TNNC1 gene. It was observed that although there was a high frequency of DNA damage in the lymphocytes of the patients, no correlation between severity of the phenotype and the frequencies of MNi, NPBs and NBUDS could be established. Our study appears to be the first one in which chromosomal instability was estimated using CBMN Cyt assay for DCM patients. Studies with a larger population size may help in validating the use of genetic markers for establishing frequencies and type of DNA damage in DCM. It will also help in understanding the effect of DNA damage on this disease.
Prevalence and characteristics of diagnostic groups amongst 1034 patients seen in ENT practices for dizziness
Authors: Lüscher M , Theilgaard S , Edholm B
Published: February 2014

Objective:

To determine the prevalence and characteristics of various diagnostic groups amongst patients referred to ENT practices with the primary complaint of dizziness.

Study design:

A prospective, observational, multicentre study.

Methods:

Consecutive patients presenting with dizziness to the participating ENT practices were enrolled. Seven ENT specialists at three clinics participated.

Results:

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo was diagnosed in 53.3 per cent of the 1034 study patients. Fifty-nine per cent of these experienced night-time awakening with dizziness, which was a significant proportion in comparison to the other diagnostic groups. Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo was the most frequent diagnosis in all age groups, including those over 70 years.

Conclusion:

In this study of patients referred to ENT for dizziness, benign paroxysmal positional vertigo was the dominant diagnostic entity, in all age groups and overall. All clinicians in contact with dizzy patients must consider benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, especially in the elderly.
Throwing Snowballs in France: Muslimsipahisof the Indian Army and Sheikh Ahmad's dream, 1915–1918
Authors: SINGH GAJENDRA
Published: February 2014

The arrival of Indiansipahis(or ‘sepoys’) to fight alongside soldiers of the British Expeditionary Force in France in October 1914 was both a victory and a source of concern for the British Raj. It proved to be the zenith of martial race fantasies that had been carefully codified from the 1890s, and birthed fears about the effects that Europe and the rapidly intensifying conflict on the Western Front would have upon the ‘best black troops in the world’. The situation resulted in the appointment of a special military censor to examine the letters sent to and from Indiansipahisand compile a fortnightly summary of Indian letters from France for the duration of the First World War. This paper investigates a portion of the letters contained in these reports. More particularly, it investigates the life of a single chain letter and the effect its chiliastic message had upon Muslim troops of the Indian Army during the First World War. As the letter was read, rewritten, and passed on, it served as a rejoinder to missionary efforts by theAhmadiyyaMovement, reinterpreted as a call for soldiers to purify their own bodies and oppose interracial sexual relationships, before, finally, being used as a critique of the British war effort against the Ottoman empire.
The role of elephantLoxodonta africanapathways as a spatial variable in crop-raiding location
Authors: Von Gerhardt K. , Van Niekerk A. , Kidd M. , Samways M. , Hanks J.
Published: February 2014

Short-range elephantLoxodonta africanamovements were examined in a heterogeneous landscape mosaic of settlements, crop fields and remnant forest in the Caprivi Strip, Namibia. We explored the penetration of the landscape through the use of permanent pathways and determined the impact of pathway use on crop-raiding location. Pathways were linear, devoid of vegetation and maintained by repeated movement. Functional connectivity of pathways was not species-specific, and pathways were used by various species. Elephants travelled in single file at night and we recorded selective pathway use: females selected pathways away from settlements to access water, whereas males used pathways among settlements to launch crop raids. Proximity of raided fields to the nearest pathway was the only significant spatial variable explaining crop-raiding location. Bulls were responsible for all crop-raiding incidents. We conclude that (1) pathways were the most significant spatial variable influencing which fields were raided, (2) crop-raiding from pathways may maximize foraging efficiency by reducing time spent and distance travelled while foraging, (3) pathways may facilitate penetration of the matrix by connecting predictable resources (crops) with preferred shelter areas, crossing points at roads and preferred drinking spots, and (4) access to the Kwandu River is restricted by settlements, predictably resulting in human–elephant conflict. By highlighting the relevance of pathways for movement of elephants we show that an understanding of the use of pathways is important for land-use planning in conservation landscapes, specifically with regard to human–elephant conflict. We also argue for the need to more fully explore pathway occurrence and use at larger spatial scales.
Accounting for the low survival of the Critically Endangered northern bald ibisGeronticus eremitaon a major migratory flyway
Authors: Serra G. , Lindsell J. A. , Peske L. , Fritz J. , Bowden C. G. R. , Bruschini C. , Welch G. , Tavares J. , Wondafrash M.
Published: February 2014

The poor survival rate of immature northern bald ibisesGeronticus eremitaduring their first years spent outside the natal site is driving the last known wild colony of the migratory eastern population to extinction. To inform emergency conservation action for this Critically Endangered species we investigated the distribution range and behaviour of immature birds in passage and wintering areas, and the threats to which they are subject. We integrated recent satellite telemetry data with visual observations spanning 130 years. We assessed threats across the range, using satellite tracking and field surveys. Our results show that during the years before they return to the natal site in Syria, immature northern bald ibises reside away from the recently identified adult wintering site in the central Ethiopian highlands. They occur mainly across the northernmost 70–80% of the adult migratory range. Historical records suggest that immature birds spend more time along the western Arabian Peninsula now than in the past. This range shift exposes them for longer periods to threats, such as hunting and electrocution on power lines, which are absent from the wintering site used by adult birds. We suggest that other threatened and declining bird species sharing the same flyway probably face the same threats during migration.
searchUCSG: a fast coalition structure search algorithm for modular robot reconfiguration under uncertainty
Authors: Dutta Ayan , Dasgupta Prithviraj , Baca José , Nelson Carl
Published: February 2014

We consider the problem of dynamic reconfiguration by modular self-reconfigurable robots (MSRs) in the presence of uncertainty in their motion and the environment. Specifically, we consider the situation where the MSR is unable to continue its motion in its current configuration and needs to identify a new configuration among the existing modules, which would be the most configuration suitable for performing the robot's assigned task under the current circumstances. To address this problem, we propose a new data structure called an uncertain coalition structure graph (UCSG) that accommodates uncertainty in the MSR's motion and the environment, using a framework from cooperative game theory called the coalition structure graph. We then propose a new search algorithm calledsearchUCSGthat intelligently prunes nodes from the UCSG using a modified branch-and-bound technique. We have shown analytically that our algorithm is anytime, that is, if it terminates arbitrarily, it returns the best solution found thus far, which is guaranteed to be within a constant bound from the optimal solution. We have verified the performance of our algorithm experimentally in simulation and shown that it is able to find a solution that is within the worst bound of 80% of the optimal solution while exploring only half of the nodes in the UCSG. Our algorithm also takes lesser computation time than the existing algorithms (that do not model uncertainty) for solving similar problems. Finally, to verify the operation of our algorithm, we have implemented it to partition a set of mobile e-puck robots into clusters and shown how different number of robots and different robot motion uncertainty parameters affect the formed clusters.
Mechanical models and the mobility of robots and mechanisms
Authors: Talabă Doru
Published: February 2014

Mobility is a fundamental parameter of mechanisms expressing in a qualitative manner their kinematic and dynamic properties. The mobility formulae presented in literature take into consideration some of the structural entities, such as bodies, joints, constraints, closed loops, and space characteristics; however, the specific mechanical model that has traditionally been at the origin of the mobility criteria themselves is incompletely specified and, even then, only implicitly. In this paper, we propose a classification of the mobility criteria based on the known dynamic models. While all known mobility criteria have been associated with a specific dynamic model, some particular, less used dynamic models (like natural coordinates and multi-particle models) suggested new mobility criteria models. The associated mechanical model for each category of mobility criteria allows a qualitative assessment of the kinematic and dynamic sets of equations to be formulated in later stages of analysis. A simple multi-loop mechanism is taken as an example just to illustrate the mobility calculation and qualitative assessment of the kinematic and dynamic models in each case. Based on the proposed classification of the mobility formulae, an assessment is made with particular regard to their applicability to overconstrained mechanisms.
Geographical diversity in seasonality of major diarrhoeal pathogens in Bangladesh observed between 2010 and 2012
Authors: DAS S. K. , BEGUM D. , AHMED S. , FERDOUS F. , FARZANA F. D. , CHISTI M. J. , LATHAM J. R. , TALUKDER K. A. , RAHMAN M. M. , BEGUM Y. A. , FARUQUE A. S. G. , MALEK M. A. , QADRI F. , AHMED T. , ALAM N.
Published: February 2014

The study aimed to determine the geographical diversity in seasonality of major diarrhoeal pathogens among 21 138 patients enrolled between 2010 and 2012 in two urban and two rural sites in Bangladesh under the surveillance system of the International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b). Distinct patterns in seasonality were found for rotavirus diarrhoea which peaked in winter across the sites (December and January) and dipped during the rainy season (May) in urban Dhaka, August in Mirpur and July in Matlab, equated by time-series analysis using quasi-Poisson regression model. Significant seasonality for shigellosis was observed in Dhaka and rural Mirzapur. Cholera had robust seasonality in Dhaka and Matlab in the hot and rainy seasons. For enterotoxogenicEscherichia coli(ETEC) diarrhoea, clearly defined seasonality was observed in Dhaka (summer). Understanding the seasonality of such pathogens can improve case management with appropriate therapy, allowing policy-makers to identify periods of high disease burden.
Locating an ice-covered Antarctic landfill using ground magnetometry
Authors: Freidman Benjamin L. , Camenzuli Danielle , Lackie Mark
Published: February 2014

At former Antarctic research stations, legacy waste often remainsin situand concealed by ice. Consequently, the location, characteristics and potential environmental impact associated with legacy waste remains poorly documented. This study applies ground magnetometry to map the spatial extent of the landfill at the abandoned Wilkes Station. Magnetic anomalies indicate that the landfill extends north-west to south-east and is close to, and perhaps prograding into, the ocean. The landfill is characterized by large magnetic variations of > 1500 nT with asymmetrical magnetic anomalies which suggest variable orientations of material and random dumping. Magnetic susceptibilities > 0.02SI units beyond the landfill area reveal elevated magnetic properties of the basement geology. However, a contrast in anomaly shape reliably distinguishes large anomalies generated by landfill material. Surface and subsurface melt streams (observed at the shoreline) flowing from the survey area suggest elevated potential for metal contamination of the nearshore and marine environment. The survey demonstrates a cost-effective and non-invasive method for gathering information to guide the clean up of landfills beneath ice.
Partially Observed Boolean Sequences and Noise Sensitivity
Authors: AHLBERG DANIEL
Published: February 2014

Let ${\mathcal H}$ denote a collection of subsets of {1,2,. . .,n}, and assign independent random variables uniformly distributed over [0,1] to the n elements. Declare an element p-present if its corresponding value is at most p. In this paper, we quantify how much the observation of the r-present (r>p) set of elements affects the probability that the set of p-present elements is contained in ${\mathcal H}$. In the context of percolation, we find that this question is closely linked to the near-critical regime. As a consequence, we show that for every r>1/2, bond percolation on the subgraph of the square lattice given by the set of r-present edges is almost surely noise sensitive at criticality, thus generalizing a result due to Benjamini, Kalai and Schramm.
Effect ofin vitroexposure to lead chloride on semen quality and sperm DNA fragmentation
Authors: Gomes M. , Gonçalves A. , Rocha E. , Sá R. , Alves A. , Silva J. , Barros A. , Pereira M.L. , Sousa M.
Published: February 2014

Exposure to lead may cause changes in the male reproductive system. We evaluated the effect of lead chloride (PbCl2)in vitroon semen quality from 31 individuals. Samples were incubated at room temperature for two exposure times (4 h and 8 h) and with two concentrations of PbCl2(15 μg/ml or 30 μg/ml). Results showed that PbCl2significantly inhibited rapid progressive motility and caused an increase in the percentage of tail anomalies in both times and concentrations assessed, as well as a decrease in vitality in the group exposed to 30 μg/ml PbCl2. A significant increase in immotile sperm was also observed between the group control and the groups submitted to lead. Total motility and DNA fragmentation also showed a significant decrease and increase, respectively, after 4 h of incubation in the group exposed to 30 μg/ml and in both groups after 8 h of incubation. In conclusion, PbCl2affected sperm parameters and DNA integrity, which are essential for male fertility.
Near-infrared spectroscopy after high-risk congenital heart surgery in the paediatric intensive care unit
Authors: Tume Lyvonne N. , Arnold Philip
Published: February 2014

Objective: To establish whether the use of near-infrared spectroscopy is potentially beneficial in high-risk cardiac infants in United Kingdom paediatric intensive care units. Design: A prospective observational pilot study. Setting: An intensive care unit in North West England. Patients: A total of 10 infants after congenital heart surgery, five with biventricular repairs and five with single-ventricle physiology undergoing palliation. Interventions: Cerebral and somatic near-infrared spectroscopy monitoring for 24 hours post-operatively in the intensive care unit. Measurement and main results: Overall, there was no strong correlation between cerebral near-infrared spectroscopy and mixed venous oxygen saturation (r=0.48). At individual time points, the correlation was only strong (r=0.74) 1 hour after admission. The correlation was stronger for the biventricular patients (r=0.68) than single-ventricle infants (r=0.31). A strong inverse correlation was demonstrated between cerebral near-infrared spectroscopy and serum lactate at 3 of the 5 post-operative time points (1, 4, and 12 hours: r=−0.76, −0.72, and −0.69). The correlation was stronger when the cerebral near-infrared spectroscopy was <60%. For cerebral near-infrared spectroscopy <60%, the inverse correlation with lactate was r=−0.82 compared with those cerebral near-infrared spectroscopy >60%, which was r=−0.50. No correlations could be demonstrated between (average) somatic near-infrared spectroscopy and serum lactate (r=−0.13, n=110) or mixed venous oxygen saturation and serum lactate. There was one infant who suffered a cardiopulmonary arrest, and the cerebral near-infrared spectroscopy showed a consistent 43 minute decline before the event. Conclusions: We found that cerebral near-infrared spectroscopy is potentially beneficial as a non-invasive, continuously displayed value and is feasible to use on cost-constrained (National Health Service) cardiac intensive care units in children following heart surgery.
Post-infective pericarditis left ventricular pseudoaneurysm: a case report and review of literature
Authors: Desai Manan , Gandhi Hemang , Mishra Amit
Published: February 2014

Post-infective pseudoaneurysm of the left ventricle in children is very rare, with only five cases reported in English medical literature so far. Patients usually have a short history of infection by Staphylococcus aureus. Timely surgical intervention has generally a good outcome. We present a case of post-infectious pseudoaneurysm in a 2-year-old girl with a review of literature.
Takotsubo cardiomyopathy: how much do we know of this syndrome in children and young adults?
Authors: Hernandez Lazaro E.
Published: February 2014

Since Takotsubo cardiomyopathy was first described by Sato in 1990, multiple cases have been reported, but only few in children, among whom this type of cardiomyopathy is to some extent underappreciated. A series of children with this syndrome were therefore reviewed, drawing comparison with cases reported by others. The review addresses the current challenges in diagnosis, presentation, triggers, clinical course, management, and possible pathogenic mechanisms of the entity.
Quality of life following paediatric heart transplant: are age and activity level factors?
Authors: Parent John J. , Sterrett Lauren , Caldwell Randall , Darragh Robert , Schamberger Marcus , Murphy Debbie , Ebenroth Eric
Published: February 2014

Background: We evaluated whether quality of life correlates to age and activity in children following heart transplantation. In addition, quality of life in children following heart transplantation was compared with previously reported values in children with congenital heart disease. Quality of life remains an important aspect of therapy. Methods: The Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory Generic Core Scales and Cardiac Module were administered to 14 children who had previously undergone heart transplantation. Patients wore a pedometer for 7 days to assess daily activity. Results: The age at assessment was 13.1±1.9 years. The patients were 7.1±5.7 years post heart transplantation. There was a negative correlation between age at first heart transplantation and emotional (r=−0.64; p<0.05) and school function (r=−0.57; p<0.05). A negative correlation between patient’s age at assessment and perceived physical appearance existed (r=−0.53; p<0.05). Daily steps negatively correlated with cognitive (r=−0.58; p<0.05), physical (r=−0.63; p<0.05), emotional (r=−0.62; p<0.05), and school function (r=−0.66; p<0.01). Heart transplantation patients reported better scores for treatment and symptoms (p<0.05) but lower physical health scores (p<0.01) than those with moderate congenital heart disease. Conclusions: Paediatric heart transplantation patients reported overall similar quality of life as patients with moderate congenital heart disease. Children receiving heart transplants at an older age may require additional emotional and educational support. Heart transplantation patients with higher activity levels may be more aware of their physical, emotional, and cognitive limitations, and thus score lower on these quality of life indicators.
Water and Power Reserve Capacity of Health Facilities in the Greek Islands
Authors: Alexakis Lykourgos-Christos G. , Codreanu Tudor A. , Stratton Samuel J.
Published: February 2014

Introduction

Geographically isolated islands are vulnerable during natural or technological disasters. During disasters, island health facilities should be able to secure power and water in order to continue operations.

Objective

This study sought to determine the existence of Greek island health facility backup systems for water and power. When such systems existed, reserve capacity was quantified and compared to the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) Hospital Safety Index standards.

Methods

A standardized, self-administered questionnaire was sent to major health care facilities belonging to the national health system in all Greek islands. The biggest facility available in each island was included (hospital, health center, or health post). For Crete and Euboea, all hospitals were included.

Results

Fifty-four of 85 facilities queried (27 hospitals, 17 health centers and 41 health posts) responded, for a response rate of 64%. Responding to the survey were 16 hospitals, 12 health centers and 26 health posts. In 70% of responding facilities (all 16 hospitals, 10 health centers, and 12 health posts) a backup water tank was available, while 72% (all 16 hospitals, 11 health centers, and 12 health posts) had a backup power supply system. Twenty-seven facilities provided data on water reserve, with 15 (56%) reporting a reserve for three or more days. Twenty facilities provided data on fuel stock and power consumption; six (30%) had energy reserves for more than 72 hours, and eight (40%) had reserves for 24-72 hours.

Conclusions

Greek state-supported island health facilities responding to the questionnaire had water and power reserves for use in an emergency. Health centers and health posts were less prepared than hospitals. Of the responding health facilities, half had a water backup system and approximately one-third had power backup systems with reserves that would last for at least 72 hours.

AlexakisLC, CodreanuTA, StrattonSJ. Water and power reserve capacity of health facilities in the Greek islands. Prehosp Disaster Med. 2014;29(1):1-5.
Effects of the Lee Silverman Voice Treatment (LSVT®LOUD) on Hypomimia in Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Dumer Aleksey I. , Oster Harriet , McCabe David , Rabin Laura A. , Spielman Jennifer L. , Ramig Lorraine O. , Borod Joan C.
Published: February 2014

Given associations between facial movement and voice, the potential of the Lee Silverman Voice Treatment (LSVT) to alleviate decreased facial expressivity, termed hypomimia, in Parkinson's disease (PD) was examined. Fifty-six participants—16 PD participants who underwent LSVT, 12 PD participants who underwent articulation treatment (ARTIC), 17 untreated PD participants, and 11 controls without PD—produced monologues about happy emotional experiences at pre- and post-treatment timepoints (“T1” and “T2,” respectively), 1 month apart. The groups of LSVT, ARTIC, and untreated PD participants were matched on demographic and health status variables. The frequency and variability of facial expressions (Frequency and Variability) observable on 1-min monologue videorecordings were measured using the Facial Action Coding System (FACS). At T1, the Frequency and Variability of participants with PD were significantly lower than those of controls. Frequency and Variability increases of LSVT participants from T1 to T2 were significantly greater than those of ARTIC or untreated participants. Whereas the Frequency and Variability of ARTIC participants at T2 were significantly lower than those of controls, LSVT participants did not significantly differ from controls on these variables at T2. The implications of these findings, which suggest that LSVT reduces parkinsonian hypomimia, for PD-related psychosocial problems are considered. (JINS, 2014,20, 1–11)
Meal pattern among Norwegian primary-school children and longitudinal associations between meal skipping and weight status
Authors: Stea Tonje H , Vik Frøydis N , Bere Elling , Svendsen Martin V , Oellingrath Inger M
Published: February 2014

Objective

To investigate meal pattern longitudinally and explore whether meal skipping was associated with overweight among Norwegian children and adolescents.

Design

Longitudinal study. Children's meal frequencies were reported by their parents using a retrospective FFQ. Weight and height were measured by public health nurses. Descriptive data comparing 4th and 7th grade were analysed by paired-sample t tests for continuous variables and χ2 tests for categorical variables. Odds ratio estimates, including confidence intervals, with BMI category (normal/overweight) as the dependent variable, were determined through logistic regression analyses.

Setting

Primary schools, Telemark County, Norway.

Subjects

A cohort of 428 Norwegian boys and girls; 4th graders in 2007, 7th graders in 2010.

Results

The number of children eating four main meals per day (regular meal frequency) decreased from 4th grade (47 %) to 7th grade (38 %; P = 0·001). Those who ate regular meals in 4th grade but not in 7th grade had higher odds (OR = 3·1; 95 % CI 1·1, 9·0) of being overweight in 7th grade after adjusting for gender, maternal education and physical activity, but the odds ratio was not statistically significant after adjusting for overweight in 4th grade (OR = 2·8; 95 % CI 0·7, 11·6).

Conclusions

The present study showed significant increases in overall meal skipping among children between 4th and 7th grade. The results indicate an association between overweight and meal skipping, but additional prospective and longitudinal analyses and intervention trials are warranted to confirm this relationship.
Identifying Dynamic Membrane Structures with Atomic-Force Microscopy and Confocal Imaging
Authors: Timmel Tobias , Schuelke Markus , Spuler Simone
Published: February 2014

Combining the biological specificity of fluorescence microscopy with topographical features revealed by atomic force microscopy (AFM) provides new insights into cell biology. However, the lack of systematic alignment capabilities especially in scanning-tip AFM has limited the combined application approach as AFM drift leads to increasing image mismatch over time. We present an alignment correction method using the cantilever tip as a reference landmark. Since the precise tip position is known in both the fluorescence and AFM images, exact re-alignment becomes possible. We used beads to demonstrate the validity of the method in a complex artificial sample. We then extended this method to biological samples to depict membrane structures in fixed and living human fibroblasts. We were able to map nanoscale membrane structures, such as clathrin-coated pits, to their respective fluorescent spots. Reliable alignment between fluorescence signals and topographic structures opens possibilities to assess key biological processes at the cell surface such as endocytosis and exocytosis.
Where to die? That is the question: A study of cancer patients in Israel
Authors: Barak Frida , Livshits Sofia , Kaufer Haana , Netanel Ruth , Siegelmann-Danieli Nava , Alkalay Yasmin , Kreitler Shulamith
Published: February 2014

Objective:

Most patients prefer to die at home, but barely 30% do so. This study examines the variables contributing to dying at home.

Methods:

The participants were 326 cancer patients, of both genders, with a mean age of 63.25 years, who died from 2000 to 2008 and were treated by the palliative care unit of the Barzilai Hospital. Some 65.7% died at home and 33.4% in a hospital. The data were extracted from patient files. The examined variables were demographic (e.g., age, gender, marital status, ethnic background, number of years in Israel until death), medical (e.g., age at diagnosis, diagnosis, nature of last treatment, patient received nursing care, patient given the care of a social worker, patient had care of a psychologist, family received care of a social worker, patient had a special caregiver), and sociological (e.g., having insurance, having worked in Israel, living alone or with family, living with one's children, living in self-owned or rented house, family members working).

Results:

The findings indicate that the chances of dying at home are higher if the patient is non-Ashkenazi, the family got social worker care, the patient lived in a self-owned house, the patient lived with his family, the family members worked, and the patient's stay in Israel since immigration was longer. Logistic regression showed that all the predictors together yielded a significant model accounting for 10.9–12.3% of the variance.

Significance of results:

The findings suggest that dying at home requires maintaining continued care for the patient and family in a community context.
Anxiety among informal hospice caregivers: An exploratory study
Authors: Washington Karla T. , Demiris George , Pike Kenneth C. , Kruse Robin L. , Oliver Debra Parker
Published: February 2014

Objective:

This study examined the prevalence of clinically significant anxiety among informal hospice caregivers and identified the characteristics of caregivers who experienced anxiety of this severity.

Method:

An exploratory secondary data analysis pooled from three separate studies of informal hospice caregivers (N = 433) was conducted. Researchers employed descriptive statistics to calculate anxiety prevalence and utilized logistic regression to model the associations between the covariates (i.e., caregiver characteristics) and anxiety.

Results:

Overall, 31% of informal hospice caregivers reported moderate or higher levels of anxiety. Caregivers associated with the research site in the Northwest were less likely to be anxious than those in the Southeast [χ2(3, N = 433) = 7.07, p = 0.029], and employed caregivers were less likely to be anxious than unemployed caregivers (OR = 0.56, 95% CI = 0.33, 0.96). The likelihood of being anxious decreased with increasing physical quality of life (OR = 0.77, 95% CI = 0.69, 0.85), and younger female caregivers were more likely to be anxious than male caregivers and older females (OR = 0.95, CI = 0.91, 0.99).

Significance of Results:

A noteworthy number of informal hospice caregivers experience clinically significant levels of anxiety. Increased efforts to screen and address anxiety in this population are recommended.
“Not a nice experience, not at all”: Underprivileged women's experiences of being confronted with cervical cancer
Authors: Maree Johanna E. , Langley Gayle , Nqubezelo Lucy
Published: February 2014

Objective:

Research on women's experiences of cervical cancer as a health problem focuses primarily on cervical screening, while their experiences of cervical cancer as a disease seem to be underresearched. This study addresses this understudied area and aims to yield insight into the experiences of underprivileged women confronted with this disease.

Method:

Our study was qualitative, exploratory, and contextual with descriptive and interpretive elements. The context of the study was a radiation oncology department at an academic hospital in the Gauteng Province of South Africa. The target population was all patients diagnosed with cervical cancer referred for treatment at the specific hospital. Convenience sampling selected participants typical of the population. Nineteen open-ended unstructured interviews were conducted after demographic data were collected. One question was posed: “Please tell me what made you think there was something wrong with you?” Thematic analyses were used to analyze the data.

Results:

The average age of participants was 47.2 years, with a youngest participant of 29 and oldest of 70. Three themes arose from the data: experiencing the symptoms of cervical cancer, hearing the bad news, and what remained unsaid.

Significance of Results:

Being confronted with cervical cancer is a traumatic experience. Women suffer unexplained, severe, humiliating vaginal bleeding and unrelieved pain. They have to face a dual healthcare system: on the one hand, unaffordable effective private healthcare and, on the other, the free-of-cost public healthcare that failed them. The bad news of their cervical cancer is most commonly broken in a kind and sympathetic manner, yet misunderstandings and a need for additional information prevail after the bad news conversation. Having to inform their families of their cancer adds to their suffering.
Lack of congruence between patients' and health professionals' perspectives of adherence to imatinib therapy in treatment of chronic myeloid leukemia: A qualitative study
Authors: Wu Simon , Chee Desmond , Ugalde Anna , Butow Phyllis , Seymour John , Schofield Penelope
Published: February 2014

Objective:

Consistent use of imatinib is critical for treatment success in chronic myeloid leukemia, yet perfect adherence to the prescribed clinical regimen is reported to be as low as 14%. This study aimed to understand patients' experiences of chronic myeloid leukemia with a qualitative approach, including identified facilitators and barriers to adherence, drawing on patients' and health professionals' perspectives, recording comments made by patients and health professionals involved with the same treatment team.

Method:

We recruited patients with chronic myeloid leukemia prescribed imatinib therapy and health professionals involved in their treatment from a specialized cancer center. Semi-structured qualitative interviews were recorded, transcribed, and manually analyzed using interpretive phenomenological analysis. Recruitment ceased upon saturation, with 16 patients and 10 health professionals (hematologistsn = 4, nursesn = 3, pharmacistsn = 3).

Results:

Twelve patients reported at least one instance of nonadherence. Reasons for unintentional nonadherence included forgetfulness related to variations of routine and doctor–patient communication issues. Reasons for intentional nonadherence included desires to reduce dose-dependent side effects and insufficient support. Patients who reported higher nonadherence rates felt complacent following periods of sustained disease control or had received conflicting advice regarding nonadherence. Health professionals had difficulty in accurately evaluating medication adherence due to a lack of reliable measures, utilizing patient self-report and manifestations of suboptimal disease control to guide assessments.

Significance of Results:

Adherence issues persist throughout the course of treatment. While high patient-reported nonadherence rates were recorded, health professionals were often unaware of the complex causes, compounded by an inadequacy of adherence assessment tools. Some patients reported nonadherence events because of insufficient education or lack of access to prompt medical guidance. These issues should be addressed to improve clinical practice.
Understanding parental behavior in pediatric palliative care: Attachment theory as a paradigm
Authors: Kearney Joan A. , Byrne Mary W.
Published: February 2014

Objective:

The objective of this conceptual paper was to present important constructs in attachment theory as they apply to parent and caregiver behavior in pediatric palliative care. Clarification of these constructs is provided with specific reference to their clinical application as well as their reflection in current empirical literature. Social attachment theory is proposed as a developmentally contextual model for the study of parenting in pediatric palliative and end-of-life care.

Method:

A comprehensive search was conducted of pertinent literatures. These included classic as well as recent theory and research in attachment theory in addition to the empirical literatures on parent and family experience in pediatric palliative care, serious illness, and beyond to parental bereavement. Other relevant literature was examined with respect to the phenomena of concern.

Results:

The empirical literature in pediatric palliative care supports the use of central concepts in attachment theory as foundational for further inquiry. This is evidenced in the emphasis on the importance of parental protection of the child, as well as executive activities such as decision making and other prominent parental operations, parental psychological resolution of the child's diagnosis and illness as well as coping and meaning making, and the core significance of parental relationships with providers who provide secure-base and safe-haven functions.

Significance of Results:

The promise for developing integrated, conceptually based interventions from construction through implementation is of urgent importance to children and families receiving pediatric palliative care services. Focusing on key parental behaviors and processes within the context of a well-studied and contextually appropriate model will inform this task efficiently. The attachment paradigm meets these criteria and has promise in allowing us to move forward in developing well-defined, inclusive, and conceptually grounded protocols for child and family psychosocial research, practice, and education in this specialty