bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparing clinical attachment level and pocket depth for predicting periodontal disease progression in healthy sites of patients with chronic periodontitis using multi‐state Markov models
Authors: Mdala Ibrahimu , Olsen Ingar , Haffajee Anne D. , Socransky Sigmund S. , Thoresen Magne , de Blasio Birgitte Freiesleben
Published: June 2014

Aim

To understand degeneration of healthy sites and identify factors associated with disease progression in patients with chronic periodontitis.

Material and Methods

Data on healthy sites from 163 American and Swedish subjects were analysed using two‐three‐state (health, gingivitis, chronic periodontitis) Markov models based on bleeding on probing (BOP), and either clinical attachment level (CAL) + BOP or pocket depth (PD) + BOP.

Results

In 2 years, 10% (CAL + BOP) and 3% (PD + BOP) of healthy sites developed chronic periodontitis. On average, healthy sites remained healthy for 32 months before transiting in both models. Most transitions (87–97%) from health were to the gingivitis state. The expected duration of the gingivitis lesion was 4–5 months and sites recovered with a high probability (96–98%). Disease severity as measured by number of sites with CAL/PD > 4 mm at baseline and smoking, were associated with fast progression from health to chronic periodontitis within 6 months as were gingival redness in the PD + BOP model only. With age, the rate of disease progression to gingivitis decreased.

Conclusion

Transition probabilities for gingivitis and chronic periodontitis were higher with CAL + BOP than with PD + BOP. Smoking and disease severity were significant predictors for fast progression.
Optical coherence tomography as a tool for characterization of complex biological surfaces
Authors: LIM C.‐S. , PARRA‐VELANDIA F. J. , CHEN N. , ZHANG P. , L.‐M. TEO S.
Published: June 2014

The advent of scanning electron microscopy has facilitated our understanding of the biology in relation to surface microstructure of many invertebrates. In recent years, interest in biomimetics and bio‐inspired materials has further propelled the search for novel microstructures from natural surfaces. As this search widens in diversity to nurture deeper understanding of form and function, the need often arises to examine rare specimens. Unfortunately, most methods for characterization of the microtopography of natural surfaces are sacrificial, and as such, place limiting constraints on research progress in situations where only a few rare specimens are known, such as the rich resources lodged in natural history museum collections. In this paper, we introduce the use of optical coherence tomography (OCT) as a noninvasive tool for bioimaging surface microtopography of crab shells. The technique enables the capture of microstructures down to micron level using low coherence near‐infrared light source. OCT has allowed surface microtopography imaging on crab shells to be carried out rapidly and in a nondestructive manner, compared to the scanning electron microscope technique. The microtopography of four preserved crab specimens from Acanthodromia margarita, Ranina ranina, Conchoecetes intermedius and Dromia dormia imaged using OCT were similar to images obtained from scanning electron microscope, showing that OCT imaging retains the overall morphological form during the scanning process. By comparing the physical lengths of the spinal structures from images obtained from OCT and scanning electron microscope, the results showed that dimensional integrity of the images captured from OCT was also maintained.
A prospective three‐step intervention study to prevent medication errors in drug handling in paediatric care
Authors: Niemann Dorothee , Bertsche Astrid , Meyrath David , Koepf Ellen D , Traiser Carolin , Seebald Katja , Schmitt Claus P , Hoffmann Georg F , Haefeli Walter E , Bertsche Thilo
Published: June 2014

Aims and objectives

To prevent medication errors in drug handling in a paediatric ward.

Background

One in five preventable adverse drug events in hospitalised children is caused by medication errors. Errors in drug prescription have been studied frequently, but data regarding drug handling, including drug preparation and administration, are scarce.

Design

A three‐step intervention study including monitoring procedure was used to detect and prevent medication errors in drug handling.

Methods

After approval by the ethics committee, pharmacists monitored drug handling by nurses on an 18‐bed paediatric ward in a university hospital prior to and following each intervention step. They also conducted a questionnaire survey aimed at identifying knowledge deficits. Each intervention step targeted different causes of errors. The handout mainly addressed knowledge deficits, the training course addressed errors caused by rule violations and slips, and the reference book addressed knowledge‐, memory‐ and rule‐based errors.

Results

The number of patients who were subjected to at least one medication error in drug handling decreased from 38/43 (88%) to 25/51 (49%) following the third intervention, and the overall frequency of errors decreased from 527 errors in 581 processes (91%) to 116/441 (26%). The issue of the handout reduced medication errors caused by knowledge deficits regarding, for instance, the correct ‘volume of solvent for IV drugs’ from 49–25%.

Conclusion

Paediatric drug handling is prone to errors. A three‐step intervention effectively decreased the high frequency of medication errors by addressing the diversity of their causes.

Relevance to clinical practice

Worldwide, nurses are in charge of drug handling, which constitutes an error‐prone but often‐neglected step in drug therapy. Detection and prevention of errors in daily routine is necessary for a safe and effective drug therapy. Our three‐step intervention reduced errors and is suitable to be tested in other wards and settings.
Preoperative education interventions to reduce anxiety and improve recovery among cardiac surgery patients: a review of randomised controlled trials
Authors: Guo Ping
Published: June 2014

Aims and objectives

To update evidence of the effectiveness of preoperative education among cardiac surgery patients.

Background

Patients awaiting cardiac surgery may experience high levels of anxiety and depression, which can adversely affect their existing disease and surgery and result in prolonged recovery. There is evidence that preoperative education interventions can lead to improved patient experiences and positive postoperative outcomes among a mix of general surgical patients. However, a previous review suggested limited evidence to support the positive impact of preoperative education on patients' recovery from cardiac surgery.

Design

Comprehensive review of the literature.

Methods

The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials from the Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, EMBASE and Web of Science were searched for English‐language articles published between 2000–2011. Original articles were included reporting randomised controlled trials of cardiac preoperative education interventions.

Results

Six trials were identified and have produced conflicting findings. Some trials have demonstrated the effects of preoperative education on improving physical and psychosocial recovery of cardiac patients, while others found no evidence that patients' anxiety is reduced or of any effect on pain or hospital stay.

Conclusion

Evidence of the effectiveness of preoperative education interventions among cardiac surgery patients remains inconclusive. Further research is needed to evaluate cardiac preoperative education interventions for sustained effect and in non‐Western countries.

Relevance to clinical practice

A nurse‐coordinated multidisciplinary preoperative education approach may offer a way forward to provide a more effective and efficient service. Staff training in developing and delivering such interventions is a priority.
Mid‐trimester maternal serum and amniotic fluid biomarkers for the prediction of preterm delivery and intrauterine growth retardation
Authors: Ozgu‐Erdinc A. Seval , Cavkaytar Sabri , Aktulay Ayla , Buyukkagnici Umran , Erkaya Salim , Danisman Nuri
Published: June 2014

Aim

Our purpose was to evaluate the predictive value of maternal serum and amniotic fluid biomarkers that were obtained at the time of genetic amniocentesis for preterm delivery and intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR).

Methods

A prospective cohort analysis was conducted in 107 singleton pregnancies that underwent amniocentesis at 16–22 weeks according to standard genetic indications. Maternal blood and amniotic fluid obtained from genetic amniocentesis were tested for glucose, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), ceruloplasmin, ferritin, high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein and interleukin‐6 (IL‐6). Ninety‐four pregnancies were followed until delivery.

Results

Of the 94 patients, 16 (18.1%) delivered before 37 weeks and seven (7.5%) delivered a baby below the 10th percentile for gestational age. Amniotic fluid glucose levels were significantly lower in patients with preterm delivery than term deliveries (P = 0.01). Median amniotic fluid ferritin and IL‐6 levels and mean amniotic fluid ALP levels were higher in the preterm group but this difference did not reach statistical significance. Mean maternal ALP and LDH levels tended to be insignificantly higher. Only median maternal blood ferritin levels in the IUGR group were found to be higher than patients who were appropriate for gestational age (P = 0.03).

Conclusion

Low amniotic fluid glucose levels are associated with risk of preterm delivery, whereas high maternal blood ferritin levels increase the risk for IUGR. Although this result is significant and notable, there is not enough clinical evidence to recommend their use as a screening test for preterm delivery and IUGR in routine practice.
Benefits of the antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory activity of etoricoxib in the prevention of ovarian ischemia/reperfusion injury induced experimentally in rats
Authors: Yapca Omer Erkan , Turan Mehmet Ibrahim , Yilmaz Ismayil , Salman Suleyman , Gulapoglu Mine , Suleyman Halis
Published: June 2014

Aim

This study is a biochemical investigation of the effect of etoricoxib, a selective cyclooxygenase (COX)‐2 inhibitor, on ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury experimentally induced in rat ovaries.

Methods

Experimental animals were divided into four groups: (i) ovarian ischemia/reperfusion (IRG); (ii) 30 mg/kg etoricoxib + ovarian ischemia/reperfusion (EIRG‐30); (iii) 60 mg/kg etoricoxib + ovarian ischemia/reperfusion (EIRG‐60); and (iv) a sham operation (SG) control group.

Results

The results showed levels of malondialdehyde in the IRG, EIRG‐30, EIRG‐60 and SG group ovarian tissue of 20.2 ± 3.4, 11.2 ± 3.2, 5.5 ± 1.9 and 3.8 ± 1.5 μmol/g protein, respectively. Myeloperoxidase activity for these groups was 24.2 ± 6.7, 13 ± 2.4, 4 ± 1.8 and 3.5 ± 1.9 U/g protein, and total glutathione levels were 1.6 ± 0.8, 4.5 ± 1.9, 6.5 ± 1.9 and 7.5 ± 2.4 nmol/g protein, respectively. COX‐1 activity in IRG, EIRG‐30, EIRG‐60 and SG group rat ovarian tissue was 5.0 ± 2.8, 12.2 ± 2.4, 16.7 ± 2.8 and 17.5 ± 4.7 U/mg protein, and COX‐2 activity was 18.3 ± 2.7, 3.5 ± 1, 1.8 ± 0.7 and 0.7 ± 0.3 U/mg protein, respectively.

Conclusion

Etoricoxib prevented oxidative damage induced with I/R in rat ovarian tissue. This property of etoricoxib suggests that it can be clinically beneficial in the prevention of damage that may arise with reperfusion by detorsion for the protection of the ovaries against torsion.
Long and fluctuating bone fragments in uterine isthmus: A curious feature of true osseous metaplasia
Authors: Perino Antonino , Calagna Gloria , Fiorella Gargano , Vitrano Giuseppe , Carlo Rimi , Marci Roberto , Cucinella Gaspare
Published: June 2014

Osseous metaplasia in the uterine cavity is a rare phenomenon arising from an unusual transformation of non‐osseous connective tissue into mature bone. It is unclear how this alteration occurs and it has no single clinical manifestation. We report a case of asymptomatic endometrial osseous metaplasia of the isthmus with a singular picture: numerous long, floating bone‐like structures in the cavity. The lesion was treated by operative hysteroscopy. Histological findings described a rare picture of true osseous metaplasia with the extraordinary presence of cells referable to areas of hematopoietic tissue in the cavities of trabecular bone. Physicians should be more informed and alert regarding this rare disorder in all its strange shapes and localizations, so as to be able to follow suitable therapy.
New myomectomy technique for diffuse uterine leiomyomatosis
Authors: Nishida Masato , Ichikawa Ryota , Arai Yuko , Sakanaka Miyako , Otsubo Yasuo
Published: June 2014

Aim

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of a new myomectomy technique for diffuse uterine leiomyomatosis.

Material and Methods

To enucleate multiple myomas, we developed a novel myomectomy technique involving longitudinal dissection of the uterus in the midline. On each side of the anterior and posterior walls, the uterine wall was further divided into two pieces from the incision site. Myomas were separated into serosal and mucosal sides, and then enucleated for removal from the thinned myometrium.

Results

This procedure was applied for seven patients with diffuse leiomyomatosis. The mean number of myomas enucleated from each patient was 117 (range, 74–226). Mean total weight of enucleated myomas was 147.6 g (range, 59–360 g). Mean operative time was 284 min (range, 212–407 min). Mean blood loss was 1614 g (range, 428–4421 g), with three patients requiring blood transfusion. Anemia due to menorrhagia improved in all women. Three patients became pregnant, with two undergoing cesarean section after a normal course of pregnancy and giving birth to healthy babies. The third pregnancy ended in miscarriage. We noticed intraoperatively that myoma nodules were connected to each other in every case.

Conclusions

This procedure should be considered as a therapeutic option in women suffering from symptoms of diffuse uterine leiomyomatosis who wish to avoid hysterectomy.
Behçet's disease and pregnancy: A retrospective analysis of course of disease and pregnancy outcome
Authors: Iskender Cantekin , Yasar Ozlem , Kaymak Oktay , Yaman Selen Taflan , Uygur Dilek , Danisman Nuri
Published: June 2014

Aim

Behçet's disease (BD) is a rare, chronic, multisystemic disease of unknown cause. BD is characterized by mucocutaneous, ocular, vascular and central nervous system manifestations and is also associated with thrombogenicity. In this retrospective analysis we investigated the relation between gestation and BD.

Material and Methods

This retrospective study consisted of 49 pregnancies in 24 patients with BD between January 2008 and June 2013. The following clinical and demographic data were obtained: maternal age, obstetric history, pregnancy outcome, and maternal and neonatal complications during pregnancy following diagnosis of BD. To avoid recall bias, the following data were collected only in the recent pregnancy of each patient: disease activity and use of medications during pregnancy.

Results

Sixty‐three pregnancies occurred in this group and 52 of them were after the diagnosis. Mean age of the patients at diagnosis was 21.4 years. The duration of BD during pregnancy was 7.2 years. Fourteen patients (58.3%) had no symptoms during recent pregnancy. No change was observed in the disease activity during pregnancy in eight patients. Disease activity was aggravated in two patients. The rate of vascular complications was higher in pregnancies of patients with BD. The rates of stillbirth, pre‐eclampsia, preterm delivery and intrauterine growth restriction did not differ between the groups. Perinatal mortality and neonatal intensive care unit admissions as well as low birthweight infants were also similar between groups.

Conclusion

Patients with BD had a higher rate of vascular complications during pregnancy; however, other obstetric complications were not increased and neonatal outcomes were not negatively influenced by BD.
Sonohysterography is a useful diagnostic approach for uterine arteriovenous malformation
Authors: Mishina Miyuki , Hasegawa Junichi , Nakamura Masamitsu , Ichizuka Kiyotake , Sekizawa Akihiko , Okai Takashi
Published: June 2014

Uterine arteriovenous malformation (AVM) is a rare cause of abnormal uterine bleeding; nevertheless, it is a potentially life‐threatening condition when the diagnosis is not made. We report a case of uterine AVM with a secondary uterine hematoma diagnosed 2 weeks after curettage due to spontaneous abortion. Ultrasound examination revealed a mixed echogenic mass of approximately 4 cm × 1.5 cm with no blood flow and an additional contiguous heterogeneous mass with turbulent blood flow depicted by color Doppler. Transvaginal sonohysterography enabled us to exclude residual chorionic tissues and to make precise diagnosis of uterine AVM with a secondary hematoma.
Hypoxia‐induced cytosolic calcium influx is mediated primarily by the reverse mode of Na+/Ca2+ exchanger in smooth muscle cells of fetal small pulmonary arteries
Authors: Sun Yanjuan , Ye Lincai , Liu Jinfen , Hong Haifa
Published: June 2014

Aim

Constriction of small pulmonary arteries and high resistance of pulmonary circulation are important for maintaining fetal circulation before birth. In this study, we investigated how cytosolic free calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) in fetal lamb small pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (SPASMC) was affected by hypoxia and regulated by calcium pumps during this process.

Methods

(Ca2+)i in response to acute hypoxia was determined spectrofluorometrically with fluo‐3AM in cultured fetal SPASMC. Chemicals or solutions, including ryanodine, 2‐aminoethoxydiphenyl borate, Ca2+‐free solution with 20 mmol ethyleneglycoltetraacetic (EGTA), nimodipine, Na+‐free medium and KB‐R7943, were administrated at the same time point when samples were exposed to acute hypoxia.

Results

(Ca2+)i in fetal lamb SPASMC increased under acute hypoxia. 2‐Aminoethoxydiphenyl borate, an inhibitor of inositol triphosphate calcium store, partially attenuated the (Ca2+)i increase after 6‐min treatment. Ryanodine, an inhibitor of ryanodine‐sensitive calcium stores, had no effect on the (Ca2+)i increase. Ca2+‐free solution with EGTA completely abolished this increase. Both nimodipine, that blocks the voltage‐gated calcium channel, and KB‐R7943, that inhibits the reverse mode of Na+/Ca2+ exchanger, greatly diminished the hypoxia‐induced (Ca2+)i increase. The inhibitory effect of KB‐R7943 was stronger than nimodipine, evidenced by the fact that (Ca2+)i dropped near to the baseline level in the presence of KB‐R7943 at a later time point. Low extracellular Na+ concentration enhanced the hypoxia‐induced increase of (Ca2+)i.

Conclusion

These results suggest that hypoxia‐induced Ca2+ increase in fetal SPASMC results from cytosolic Ca2+ influx mediated primarily by the reverse mode of Na+/Ca2+ exchanger.
Adverse perinatal and neonatal outcomes in patients with chronic abruption–oligohydramnios sequence
Authors: Kobayashi Aya , Minami Sawako , Tanizaki Yuko , Shiro Michihisa , Yamamoto Madoka , Yagi Shigetaka , Okutani Takahiro , Kumagai Takeshi , Higuchi Ryuzo , Ino Kazuhiko
Published: June 2014

Aim

Chronic abruption–oligohydramnios sequence (CAOS) is a clinical condition with lasting vaginal bleeding and oligohydramnios because of chronic placental abruption, which seems to cause preterm labor and neonatal chronic lung disease (CLD). This prompted us to explore the correlation between perinatal/neonatal outcomes and CAOS.

Methods

Patients with suspected risk of abortion with recurrent vaginal bleeding were divided into CAOS and non‐CAOS groups, and we compared the perinatal/neonatal outcomes between these two groups. To examine the impact of chorioamnionitis (CAM) on the prognosis of CAOS, we also compared outcomes between the CAOS group and gestational‐age‐matched preterm labor due to CAM (CAM group).

Results

In the CAOS and non‐CAOS groups, initial vaginal bleeding was seen at the first trimester. However, its duration was significantly longer in the CAOS group. Additionally, neonatal birthweight was lower, and small‐for‐gestational‐age (SGA) incidence was higher in the CAOS group. CLD was observed in most infants from CAOS patients. In the comparison between CAOS and CAM groups, birthweight was lower and SGA incidence was higher in the CAOS group. Moreover, CLD incidence and neonatal mortality were significantly higher, despite the lower incidence of severe CAM in the CAOS group. Finally, multivariate analysis demonstrated that duration of bleeding was a significant predictive factor for CAOS.

Conclusions

Our observations demonstrated that patients with CAOS were a high‐risk group for poor perinatal/neonatal outcomes. Moreover, episodes of recurrent and prolonged uterine bleeding were predictive factors for CAOS. During the first trimester, prolonged bleeding is an important sign as one symptom of CAOS.
KNDy neuron as a gatekeeper of puberty onset
Authors: Uenoyama Yoshihisa , Tsukamura Hiroko , Maeda Kei‐ichiro
Published: June 2014

Hypothalamo–pituitary–gonadal axis has been recognized as a functional unit orchestrating reproductive performance in mammals. The mechanism governing puberty onset, however, is still one of the great mysteries of biology. The present article reviews previous studies over the last century, which gradually elucidated the brain mechanism controlling puberty onset in mammals along with the discovery of gonadotrophins and the gonadotrophin‐releasing hormone and the establishment of the concept for the hypothalamo–pituitary–gonadal axis. The discovery of kisspeptin and subsequent progress of neuroendocrinology in the last decade has resulted in much greater understanding of the way the brain governs puberty onset in mammals.
Use of an intrauterine inflated catheter balloon in massive post‐partum hemorrhage: A series of 52 cases
Authors: Ferrazzani Sergio , Iadarola Roberta , Perrelli Alessandra , Botta Angela , Moresi Sascia , Salvi Silvia , Santucci Stefania , Degennaro Valentina Anna , De Carolis Sara
Published: June 2014

Aim

Massive post‐partum hemorrhage (PPH) is an important cause of maternal death that occurs as a complication of delivery. We report a large case series to evaluate the efficacy of uterine balloon tamponade to treat PPH avoiding hysterectomy.

Material and Methods

This prospective study was conducted in two Italian hospitals (from December 2002 to July 2012). Fifty‐two patients with PPH not responsive to uterotonics were treated by Rusch balloon. A follow‐up was conducted among the study population to assess the subsequent fertility.

Results

The most frequent cause of PPH was atony (59.6%), followed by placenta previa (21.2%), placenta accreta (9.6%), and placenta previa and accreta (9.6%). The balloon success rate to control hemorrhage was 75%. From the sample of 52 patients, 13 patients needed additional procedures. In three failure cases, other conservative techniques were used and the overall effectiveness of them was 80.7%. The follow‐up group consisted of 31 women. Of these women, 24 women (77.4%) had no further pregnancies, but only one due to sterility. Four of seven patients with subsequent pregnancies made it to term without complications.

Conclusions

The Rusch balloon is effective in controlling non‐traumatic PPH in 75% of cases. It is simple to use, readily available and cheap. If necessary, this technique does not exclude other procedures. We suggest that this balloon should be included routinely in the PPH protocol.
Impact of first trimester fasting glycemic levels on expression of proteoglycans in pregnancy
Authors: Capobianco Giampiero , De Muro Pierina , Lepedda Antonio Junior , Dessole Margherita , Ambrosini Guido , Cherchi Pier Luigi , Formato Marilena
Published: June 2014

Aim

The aim of this study was to assess the influence of glucose metabolism on the expression of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) and proteoglycans (PGs) in pregnant women.

Material and Methods

Seventy‐six women in the first trimester of pregnancy (10–13 weeks) attending the Gynecologic and Obstetric Clinic, University of Sassari, were enrolled and gave early morning urine samples. Groups I, II and III included women with serum glucose values of 65–89 mg/dL, 90–99 mg/dL and 100–125 mg/dL, respectively. Urine GAGs/PGs distribution was determined by electrophoresis on cellulose acetate strips. Urinary N‐Acetyl‐β‐glucosaminidase was estimated kinetically.

Results

Analysis of urinary GAGs/PGs electrophoretic profiles showed a significant increase in heparan sulfate (HS) excretion (P = 0.017) as well as a reduced chondroitin sulfate (CS) excretion (P = 0.048) in the group II pregnant women compared with the group I, and higher values of the HS/CS ratio in groups II and III compared to group I. Furthermore, we observed a positive correlation among fasting blood glucose levels and the relative content of HS, the HS/CS and urinary trypsin inhibitor/CS ratios, and the N‐Acetyl‐β‐glucosaminidase levels.

Conclusions

The assessment of risk factors for gestational diabetes mellitus should also take into account fasting blood glucose values of 90–99 mg/dL, as the findings of our study indicated an alteration in the metabolism of GAGs during the early stages of pregnancy.
Domestic violence is a leading risk factor in default from colposcopy services
Authors: Collier Rachael , Quinlivan Julie A.
Published: June 2014

Aim

Domestic violence is common in women and is associated with poorer health‐care outcomes. However, no causal pathway has been identified to explain this observation. We have followed a cohort of women to determine whether poorer outcomes can be explained by high rates of default and loss to follow‐up.

Material and Methods

A prospective cohort study was performed. Institutional ethics approval was obtained. Participants were consecutive patients attending colposcopy clinics at a major metropolitan hospital in Australia. Following ascertainment of domestic violence status, appointment outcomes for colposcopy services were tracked for a 3‐year period. Multivariate analysis was undertaken to determine demographic factors associated with default from care and loss to follow‐up.

Results

Of 581 women approached, consent was obtained from 574 women (99%). Domestic violence status was obtained from 566 women, of whom 187 (33%) had a recent history of exposure. Women exposed to violence were more likely to default from colposcopy once (26.2% vs 7.4%; P < 0.0001), twice (11.2% vs 3.2%, P = 0.0001), or thrice (10.7% vs 2.4%, P < 0.0001). They were more likely to be lost to follow‐up (8.0% vs 1.1%, P < 0.0001). In multivariate analysis, exposure to domestic violence remained significantly associated with default and loss to follow‐up.

Conclusion

Domestic violence is a risk factor for default from attendance and loss to follow‐up at colposcopy services. This may explain the mechanism behind adverse health‐care outcomes seen. Screening and targeted appointment intervention programs may improve clinical compliance.
Importance of optimal local uterine blood flow for implantation
Authors: Nakamura Hitomi , Hosono Takayoshi , Minato Kenji , Hamasaki Toshimitsu , Kumasawa Keiichi , Kimura Tadashi
Published: June 2014

Aims

The aim of this study was to determine whether uterine blood flow is an effective parameter to anticipate uterine receptivity.

Material and Methods

The local uterine blood flow was measured in the endometrium and on the outside of the uterus in mice during the early stage of pregnancy and an implantation failure mouse model using transient and local suppression of signal transducer and activator of transcription‐3 activity during implantation.

Results

The local uterine blood flow was dramatically increased after mating and was decreased towards the time of implantation. The local uterine blood flow at 2.5 days post‐coitus in signal transducer and activator of transcription‐3 decoy transferred mice was significantly higher than in control mice. However, the range of individual values was too wide to find a cut‐off point.

Conclusions

It is necessary to decrease local uterine blood flow after ovulation to prepare the opening implantation window. The optimal local uterine blood flow is regulated by time events during pregnancy. The range of individual values of uterine blood flow is wide using a laser Doppler blood flow meter. This parameter itself may not be an appropriate parameter to evaluate the prospect of uterine receptivity.
Guidelines for obstetrical practice in Japan: Japan Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology (JSOG) and Japan Association of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (JAOG) 2014 edition
Authors: Minakami Hisanori , Maeda Tsugio , Fujii Tomoyuki , Hamada Hiromi , Iitsuka Yoshinori , Itakura Atsuo , Itoh Hiroaki , Iwashita Mitsutoshi , Kanagawa Takeshi , Kanai Makoto , Kasuga Yoshio , Kawabata Masakiyo , Kobayashi Kosuke , Kotani Tomomi , Kudo Yoshiki , Makino Yasuo , Matsubara Shigeki , Matsuda Hideo , Miura Kiyonori , Murakoshi Takeshi , Murotsuki Jun , Ohkuchi Akihide , Ohno Yasumasa , Ohshiba Yoko , Satoh Shoji , Sekizawa Akihiko , Sugiura Mayumi , Suzuki Shunji , Takahashi Tsuneo , Tsukahara Yuki , Unno Nobuya , Yoshikawa Hiroyuki
Published: June 2014

The ‘Clinical Guidelines for Obstetrical Practice, 2011 edition’ were revised and published as a 2014 edition (in Japanese) in April 2014 by the Japan Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology and the Japan Association of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. The aims of this publication include the determination of current standard care practices for pregnant women in Japan, the widespread use of standard care practices, the enhancement of safety in obstetrical practice, the reduction of burdens associated with medico‐legal and medico‐economical problems, and a better understanding between pregnant women and maternity‐service providers. The number of Clinical Questions and Answers items increased from 87 in the 2011 edition to 104 in the 2014 edition. The Japanese 2014 version included a Discussion, a List of References, and some Tables and Figures following the Answers to the 104 Clinical Questions; these additional sections covered common problems and questions encountered in obstetrical practice, helping Japanese readers to achieve a comprehensive understanding. Each answer with a recommendation level of A, B or C was prepared based principally on ‘evidence’ or a consensus among Japanese obstetricians in situations where ‘evidence’ was weak or lacking. Answers with a recommendation level of A or B represent current standard care practices in Japan. All 104 Clinical Questions and Answers items, with the omission of the Discussion, List of References, and Tables and Figures, are presented herein to promote a better understanding among English readers of the current standard care practices for pregnant women in Japan.
Abdominal scar characteristics: Do they predict intra‐abdominal adhesions with repeat cesarean deliveries?
Authors: Kahyaoglu Inci , Kayikcioglu Fulya , Kinay Tugba , Mollamahmutoglu Leyla
Published: June 2014

Aim

The aim of this study was to evaluate the relation between abdominal scar characteristics and the severity of intra‐abdominal adhesions with repeat cesarean deliveries.

Methods

A total of 208 women with at least one previous cesarean delivery at or beyond 37 weeks of gestation who were admitted for repeat cesarean delivery were enrolled in this study. Scars were categorized as depressed, flat or elevated according to their appearance, and hyperpigmented or the same color as the surrounding skin according to their pigmentation status. Intraoperative adhesions were graded according to the modified Nair's classification and categorized as no adhesion, filmy or dense adhesions.

Results

No significant difference was found between women with or without adhesions regarding age, body mass index, gestational week at delivery, number of previous cesarean deliveries or the duration since the last cesarean delivery. Women with depressed scars had more intra‐abdominal adhesions than women with flat or elevated abdominal scars (P = 0.013). There was no significant difference in the incidence of hyperpigmented and non‐pigmented scars between women with or without adhesions (39.4% vs 41.3% and 60.6% vs 58.7%, respectively) (P > 0.05). Scar width was significantly larger in patients with intra‐abdominal adhesions than in patients without adhesions (3.6 ± 1.1 vs 3.2 ± 0.9) (P = 0.003), whereas scar length did not differ significantly (15.2 ± 1.3 vs 15.1 ± 2.1) (P > 0.005).

Conclusion

There is a relation between depressed abdominal scars and intra‐abdominal adhesions, whereas pigmentation status does not differ between women with or without adhesions.
The effect of loading on peri‐implant bone: a critical review of the literature
Authors: Duyck J. , Vandamme K.
Published: June 2014

In the 90s, there was a general belief that mechanical overloading was one of the main reasons for late implant failure. This triggered research to assess the role of mechanical loading on the establishment and the maintenance of oral implant osseointegration. Animal experimental studies indeed suggested the potential detrimental effect of excessive mechanical load on peri‐implant bone, although randomised or controlled clinical trials of treatment interventions of oral implants designed to study overload are lacking. The lack of quantification of so‐called overload at the implant level in the intra‐oral setting is one of the main shortcomings in the literature. The level of evidence of the studies on bone response to implant loading is weak and does not indicate that overload can lead to peri‐implant bone loss, except in case of inflammation. Clinical and animal experimental studies on early and immediate implant loading, however, provide information on the impact of mechanical loading on the process of osseointegration. It is obvious that micromotion between the implant and host tissues compromises osseointegration. However, in case of an efficient force transfer between implant and surrounding tissues, mechanical loading might even stimulate peri‐implant bone formation and therefore osseointegration.
The Contributions of Firm Innovativeness to Customer Value in Purchasing Behavior
Authors: Kim Jaesu , Kim Kyung Hoon , Garrett Tony C. , Jung Heonsoo
Published: June 2014

The purpose of this research is to examine the influence of firm innovativeness and product innovativeness on the components of customer value mediated by instrumental and symbolic brand benefits.

Over the last 10 years, the mobile phone industry in Korea has grown rapidly, with the introduction of several innovative phone features. The research context therefore is mobile phones with Internet access and their users in Korea.

A major research finding is that the firm innovativeness affects product innovativeness, and hence, the instrumental brand benefits. A firm's innovativeness also has a significant effect on the symbolic brand benefits and the partnership value.

Our key academic contribution is to expand the previous fragmentary studies of customer value, by classifying customer value into four components: expectation, partnership, transaction, and relationship customer values, rather than just focusing on benefits and sacrifices.

Implications for managers include the verification that firm innovativeness is a source of ability for mobile phone firms to create value for customers. Instrumental and symbolic brand benefits through innovation should be the focus area for marketers and new product development (NPD) managers in mobile phone firms to communicate with consumers to increase expectation values in the prepurchase step.
The Role of Fashion Brand Authenticity in Product Management: A Holistic Marketing Approach
Authors: Choi Hyeonyoung , Ko Eunju , Kim Eun Young , Mattila Pekka
Published: June 2014

This study explores the multidimensional construct of brand authenticity and the effect of each component on brand attachment, brand commitment, and brand loyalty by focusing on fashion brands in sporting goods. For this study, two global sports brands, Nike and Adidas, were selected, and brand stimuli (cartoons with scenarios) were designed based on a qualitative analysis of brand cases. A total of 207 usable responses were obtained from Korean consumers who had purchased the selected brands. The findings show that fashion brand authenticity consisted of seven factors: authority, fashionability, consistency, innovativeness, sustainability, origin, and heritage. Of these factors, authority, fashionability, innovativeness, and sustainability were significant predictors of brand attachment, and authority, consistency, and innovativeness were significant predictors of brand loyalty. There were differences in the effects of brand authenticity on brand attachment and brand commitment between Nike and Adidas. From a managerial and holistic marketing perspective, implications are suggested regarding the importance of managing brand authenticity in product innovation and management approaches.
“The Great Djuna:” Two Decades of Barnes Studies, 1993–2013
Authors: Setz Cathryn
Published: June 2014

From virtual oblivion, to queer feminist rebel, to significant author of the early twentieth century, Djuna Barnes has begun to be regarded an integral figure in studies of modernist literary history. Her work requires a particular attention to “high” and “low” material culture, style and form, and offers productive challenges to (among other things) genre, narratives of trauma, sexual and racial constructions of identity, exilic and transnational subjects. As students and scholars come to the author through recent critical work attuned to her modernist literary and artistic practices, it is important to take stock of this growing field. Intended as an introductory guide focused on three waves of scholarship since 1993, this article maps the key pioneering and influential critical voices, issues and directions that have illuminated Barnes studies over the past twenty years. “The great Djuna,” as one critic called her, is a moniker finally shedding its outdated irony.
Negative Correlation of CD34+ Cells with Blood–Brain Barrier Permeability following Traumatic Brain Injury in a Rat Model
Authors: Jin Xuelong , Wang Feifei , Liu Xingju , Liang Bin , Chen Zequn , He Junfeng , Zhang Hong , Zhang Jianning
Published: June 2014

Objective

TBI causes localized cerebral ischemia that, in turn, is accompanied by both changes in BBB permeability and recruitment of CD34+ cells to the injured tissue. However, it remains unknown whether CD34+ cell recruitment is linked to BBB permeability. This study is a preliminary investigation into possible correlations between CD34+ cell recruitment and BBB permeability following TBI in a rat model.

Methods

Male SD rats were subjected to mild fluid percussion injury. BBB permeability was assessed by measuring extrinsic EB dye extravasation and endogenous EBA expression at days 1, 3, 5, 7, and 12 post injury. The number of CD34+ cells in the damaged tissue was analyzed by immunohistochemistry at each time point.

Results

EB dye extravasation reached a peak at day 3 following TBI, while EBA expression displayed the reverse profile. Accumulation of CD34+ cells in injured brain tissue was evident at five days post injury. It revealed a negative linear correlation between CD34+ cell and BBB permeability.

Conclusions

The negative linear correlation between CD34+ cell recruitment and BBB permeability following TBI provides a support for further study of CD34+ cell transplantation for BBB repair after TBI.
A chemical potentiator of copper‐accumulation used to investigate the iron‐regulons of Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Foster Andrew W. , Dainty Samantha J. , Patterson Carl J. , Pohl Ehmke , Blackburn Hannah , Wilson Clare , Hess Corinna R. , Rutherford Julian C. , Quaranta Laura , Corran Andy , Robinson Nigel J.
Published: June 2014

The extreme resistance of Saccharomyces cerevisiae to copper is overcome by 2‐(6‐benzyl‐2‐pyridyl)quinazoline (BPQ), providing a chemical‐biology tool which has been exploited in two lines of discovery. First, BPQ is shown to form a red (BPQ)2Cu(I) complex and promote Ctr1‐independent copper‐accumulation in whole cells and in mitochondria isolated from treated cells. Multiple phenotypes, including loss of aconitase activity, are consistent with copper‐BPQ mediated damage to mitochondrial iron–sulphur clusters. Thus, a biochemical basis of copper‐toxicity in S. cerevisiae is analogous to other organisms. Second, iron regulons controlled by Aft1/2, Cth2 and Yap5 that respond to mitochondrial iron–sulphur cluster status are modulated by copper‐BPQ causing iron hyper‐accumulation via upregulated iron‐import. Comparison of copper‐BPQ treated, untreated and copper‐only treated wild‐type and fra2Δ by RNA‐seq has uncovered a new candidate Aft1 target‐gene (LSO1) and paralogous non‐target (LSO2), plus nine putative Cth2 target‐transcripts. Two lines of evidence confirm that Fra2 dominates basal repression of the Aft1/2 regulons in iron‐replete cultures. Fra2‐independent control of these regulons is also observed but CTH2 itself appears to be atypically Fra2‐dependent. However, control of Cth2‐target transcripts which is independent of CTH2 transcript abundance or of Fra2, is also quantified. Use of copper‐BPQ supports a substantial contribution of metabolite repression to iron‐regulation.
Effects of case‐based learning on communication skills, problem‐solving ability, and learning motivation in nursing students
Authors: Yoo Moon‐Sook , Park Hyung‐Ran
Published: June 2014

The purpose of this study was to explore the effects of case‐based learning on communication skills, problem‐solving ability, and learning motivation in sophomore nursing students. In this prospective, quasi‐experimental study, we compared the pretest and post‐test scores of an experimental group and a nonequivalent, nonsynchronized control group. Both groups were selected using convenience sampling, and consisted of students enrolled in a health communication course in the fall semesters of 2011 (control group) and 2012 (experimental group) at a nursing college in Suwon, South Korea. The two courses covered the same material, but in 2011 the course was lecture‐based, while in 2012, lectures were replaced by case‐based learning comprising five authentic cases of patient–nurse communication. At post‐test, the case‐based learning group showed significantly greater communication skills, problem‐solving ability, and learning motivation than the lecture‐based learning group. This finding suggests that case‐based learning is an effective learning and teaching method.
Revisiting the macroeconomic effects of oil and food price shocks toPakistan economy: a structural vector autoregressive (SVAR) analysis
Authors: Khan Muhammad Arshad , Ahmed Ayaz
Published: June 2014

This study examines the impact of global food and oil price shocks and their transmission channels to the selected macroeconomic variables including the inflation rate, output, money balances, interest rate and real effective exchange rate forPakistan using monthly data over the period 1990M1–2011M7. An empirical analysis is carried out by employing a structural vector autoregressive framework to identify different structural shocks and explore the relative contribution of oil and food price shocks. Generalised impulse response functions and generalised forecast variance decompositions are employed to track the impact of oil and food price shocks onPakistan's economy. The results suggest that oil price shocks negatively affect industrial production, appreciates real effective exchange rate and positively affect inflation, either the shocks are positive or negative. Only the oil and food price shocks have asymmetric impact on the short‐term interest rate. In contrast, following the positive (or negative) food price shock, industrial output, interest rate and inflation rate respond positively. However, the variation in interest rate due to food price shock is relatively larger than that of oil price shocks. Generalised impulse response functions reveal that real effective exchange rate is the most important source of disturbances following either oil price or food price shocks. Generalised forecast variance decompositions analysis also supports the findings based on generalised impulse response functions. The results clearly reveal that oil and food price shocks significantly affect output, short‐term interest rate, inflation rate and the real effective exchange rate. However, among all, real effective exchange rate has been a dominant source of variation inPakistan. This implies that supply‐side and demand‐side disturbances originated by external shocks are the major sources of variation in output and inflation inPakistan.
Long‐term relationships between electricity and oil, gas and coal future prices—evidence fromNordic countries,ContinentalEurope and theUnitedKingdom
Authors: Frydenberg Stein , Onochie Joseph I. , Westgaard Sjur , Midtsund Nora , Ueland Hanna
Published: June 2014

This paper investigates the relationship between futures prices of electricity, on the one hand and crude oil, natural gas and coal on the other hand, in theUnitedKingdom,German andNordic energy markets. Energy traders and market participants use statistical models in their trading activities. We seek to establish robust cointegration based models as decision tools for energy commodity spread trading. We look at three different markets with different input mixtures, for electricity generation. Using daily futures data from period 2006 to 2012, we find cointegration betweenUKelectricity prices andCoal andGas, and betweenNordic electricity prices andCoal. The spread betweenGerman electricity prices andGas,Oil andCoal prices are also stationary. The consequence of this finding could be a possible trading strategy which involves buying electricity futures and selling gas or coal when the spread is above the mean and reversing the strategy when the spread is below the mean. The suggested strategy assumes a reversion to the mean, which we show takes some time, as displayed by the slow speed of adjustment.
Art and Aesthetic Behaviors as Possible Expressions of our Biologically Evolved Human Nature
Authors: Davies Stephen
Published: June 2014

In this paper, I review arguments that have been offered in favor of the view that humans' art and/or aesthetic behaviors are (in part) a product of our biologically evolved human nature, either as adaptations in their own right or as incidental byproducts of adaptations with non‐art and non‐aesthetic functions. I present an overview of the main positions and options, critically evaluate their strengths and weaknesses, and outline their presuppositions.
How do 9‐month‐old infants categorize human and ape faces? A rapid repetition ERP study
Authors: Peykarjou Stefanie , Pauen Sabina , Hoehl Stefanie
Published: June 2014

The current study investigates how infants categorize human compared to ape faces. Nine‐month‐old infants were presented with priming stimuli related to human (N = 24) or ape (N = 25) face targets on different levels of categorization. Event‐related potentials were recorded during a passive‐looking rapid repetition paradigm. In a within‐subjects design, priming effects of the same faces, different faces from the same basic‐level category, different faces from the other basic‐level category (human/ape faces), and house fronts were examined. Human and ape faces were first categorized on a superordinate level (“faces”), as indicated by enhanced P1 amplitude and reduced P1 latency for faces primed by any faces. Then, human and ape faces were categorized on a basic level. N290 amplitude and latency were larger for human and monkey targets primed by human faces. Neither human nor ape faces were categorized on the individual level.