bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How to Manage Data to Enhance Their Potential for Synthesis, Preservation, Sharing, and Reuse—A Great Lakes Case Study
Authors: Kolb Tracy L , Blukacz-Richards E Agnes , Muir Andrew M , Claramunt Randall M , Koops Marten A , Taylor William W , Sutton Trent M , Arts Michael T , Bissel Ed
Published: February 2013

Proper data management (applying coordinated standards and structures to data collection, maintenance, retrieval, and documentation) is essential for complex projects to ensure data accuracy and accessibility. In this article, we used a recent project evaluating changes in Lake Whitefish (Coregonus clupeaformis) growth, condition, and recruitment in the Great Lakes as a case study to illustrate how thoughtful data management approaches can enhance and improve research. Data management best practices described include dedicating personnel to data curation, setting data standards, building a relational database, managing data updates, checking for and trapping errors, extracting data, documenting data sets, and coordinating with project collaborators. The data management actions taken ultimately resulted in a rich body of scientific publication and a robust database available for future studies. Investing in data management allowed this project to serve as a model for taking the first steps toward a common goal of sharing, documenting, and preserving data that are collected and reported during the scientific research process.

RESUMEN

en proyectos complejos, un manejo apropiado de datos (aplicación coordinada de estándares y estructuras a recolección, mantenimiento, recuperación y documentación) resulta esencial para asegurar la precisión y accesibilidad de los mismos. En la presente contribución se utiliza un proyecto de evaluación de los cambios en el crecimiento, condición y reclutamiento del coregono en los Grandes Lagos, como caso de estudio para ilustrar cómo un manejo adecuado de datos puede incrementar y mejorar la investigación. Las mejores prácticas en cuanto a manejo de datos incluyen: dedicar personal a la curación de datos, fijar estándares en los datos, construcción de una base de datos relacional, manejo de actualización de datos, revisión y filtro de errores en los datos, extracción de datos, documentación de bases de datos y coordinación con colaboradores del proyecto. Las acciones de manejo de datos que se tomaron resultaron en la producción de un cuerpo importante de publicaciones y en una base de datos robusta, disponible para investigaciones futuras. Los recursos invertidos en el manejo de datos permitieron que este proyecto sirviera de modelo para tomar los primeros pasos hacia el objetivo común de compartir, documentar y preservar datos que son recolectados y reportados durante el proceso de una investigación científica.
The impact of breathing on HRV measurements: Implications for the longitudinal follow‐up of athletes
Authors: Saboul Damien , Pialoux Vincent , Hautier Christophe
Published: February 2013

The purpose of the present work was to compare daily variations of heart rate variability (HRV) parameters between controlled breathing (CB) and spontaneous breathing (SB) sessions during a longitudinal follow‐up of athletes. HRV measurements were performed daily on 10 healthy male runners for 21 consecutive days. The signals were recorded during two successive randomised 5‐minutes sessions. One session was performed in CB and the other in SB. The results showed significant differences between the two respiration methods in the temporal, nonlinear and frequency domains. However, significant correlations were observed between CB and SB (higher than 0.70 for RMSSD and SD1), demonstrating that during a longitudinal follow‐up, these markers provide the same HRV variations regardless of breathing pattern. By contrast, independent day‐to‐day variations were observed with HF and LF/HF frequency markers, indicating no significant relationship between SB and CB data over time. Therefore, we consider that SB and CB may be used for HRV longitudinal follow‐ups only for temporal and nonlinear markers. Indeed, the same daily increases and decreases were observed whatever the breathing method employed. Conversely, frequency markers did not provide the same variations between SB and CB and we propose that these indicators are not reliable enough to be used for day‐to‐day HRV monitoring.
Phonological Similarity Effect in Complex Span Task
Authors: Camos Valérie , Mora Gérôme , Barrouillet Pierre
Published: February 2013

The aim of our study was to test the hypothesis that two systems are involved in verbal working memory; one is specifically dedicated to the maintenance of phonological representations through verbal rehearsal while the other would maintain multimodal representations through attentional refreshing. This theoretical framework predicts that phonologically related phenomena such as the phonological similarity effect (PSE) should occur when the domain-specific system is involved in maintenance, but should disappear when concurrent articulation hinders its use. Impeding maintenance in the domain-general system by a concurrent attentional demand should impair recall performance without affecting PSE. In three experiments, we manipulated the concurrent articulation and the attentional demand induced by the processing component of complex span tasks in which participants had to maintain lists of either similar or dissimilar words. Confirming our predictions, PSE affected recall performance in complex span tasks. Although both the attentional demand and the articulatory requirement of the concurrent task impaired recall, only the induction of an articulatory suppression during maintenance made the PSE disappear. These results suggest a duality in the systems devoted to verbal maintenance in the short term, constraining models of working memory.
The Effect of Food Store Access and Income on Household Purchases of Fruits and Vegetables: A Mixed Effects Analysis
Authors: Kyureghian Gayaneh , Nayga Rodolfo M. , Bhattacharya Suparna
Published: February 2013

This paper combines national‐level retail food availability information with data on actual purchases to determine the effect that availability of different types of food stores and income have on fruit and vegetable purchases. The results of our mixed effects analysis suggest that the densities of supermarkets and other retail outlets in metropolitan statistical areas do not have significant effects on household fruit and vegetable purchases. Income, however, has a positive significant effect on fruit and vegetable purchases. Results also indicate that while neither food access nor income account for the variability in fruit and vegetable purchases, the interaction of these terms has a small but significant impact indicating that policy actions designed to address access and affordability issues in isolation are not likely to succeed.
Vav1 regulates MHCII expression in murine resting and activated B cells
Authors: Jux Bettina , Staratschek-Jox Andrea , Penninger Josef M. , Schultze Joachim L. , Kolanus Waldemar
Published: February 2013

Vav1 is a guanine nucleotide exchange factor (GEF) for Rho GTPases, which is exclusively expressed in cells of the hematopoietic system. In addition to its well-documented GEF activity, it was suggested to have other functions due to the presence of multiple domains and nuclear localization signals in its protein structure. Although GEF-dependent and GEF-independent functions of vav have been implicated in T-cell development and T-cell receptor signaling, the role of vav1 in antigen-presenting cells is poorly understood. We found that vav1 is an important regulator of MHCII expression and transport. Microarray analysis of unstimulated bone marrow-derived macrophages revealed a novel role of vav1 in transcriptional regulation of the MHCII locus, possibly by indirect means. Primary immune cells from vav1-deficient mice had a significantly lower constitutive surface expression of MHCII with the strongest impact observed on splenic and peritoneal B cells. Impaired MHCII expression resulted in a diminished capacity for T-cell activation. Using 6-thio-GTP, a specific inhibitor of the GEF function of vav1, we were able to show that the GEF activity is required for MHCII upregulation in B cells after stimulation with LPS. Furthermore, our data show that vav1 not only affects transcription of the MHCII locus but also is an important regulator of MHCII protein transport to the cell surface.
Moral theories and moral truths
Authors: Callender John S.
Published: February 2013

It seems difficult to support claims for the objectivity of moral values. Moral irrealism has some important advantages. It allows flexibility in our normative decision-making by avoiding commitment to one theoretical position and the rigidities that arise from this. Subjectivism captures the ambivalence that many people feel in situations in which moral theories throw up opposing answers. The risk that subjectivism will lead to an ‘anything goes’ attitude may be overstated. As discussed in previous chapters, we have innate tendencies to sympathy, blame, fellow feeling, respect, and resentment. Furthermore, we can all derive benefits from living in a moral community and therefore have a selfish interest in its maintenance.

There are many interpretations as to what we do when we make moral judgments and a range of opinions on the nature of these judgments. When all of the debate about realism, cognitivism, subjectivism, and the rest is said and done, we still have to find ways of living together. Standards have to be set, rules made, and mechanisms put in place to ensure adherence to these rules. Standards and rules have to be justified by reference to a system of values. Once they are in place they have an objective reality. No one is imprisoned or fined subjectively. Nevertheless, the value systems that form the basis for laws and standards are not objective facts about the world. Instead, they are human creations that have arisen from a combination of feeling, intellect, and our innate dispositions.
Environmental Health
Authors: Newcomb Richard D. , Vetter Richard J. , Cowl Clayton T.
Published: February 2013

Environmental medicine is the broad discipline that focuses on environmental factors that cause or influence disease. These factors typically are components of 4 major categories: air, water, soil, and food. Often, an environmental toxin or agent may have numerous means by which it causes disease, such as a toxin primarily soil bound that is aerosolized as dust or is made soluble and then infiltrates water and plants. The primary role of the clinician in environmental medicine is as a resource and risk communicator for patients. In circumstances where a patient has adverse health effects, the clinician's role is to determine how likely it is that an environmental toxin has contributed to the patient's symptoms or an underlying disease. When a hazard is recognized, the clinician helps control and reduce exposure, as well as treats any illness when effective treatment options are available.
Public Health Practice, Leadership, and Health Care Law
Authors: Molella Robin G.
Published: February 2013

Public health is focused on health at the population level. This broad focus allows public health officials to use strategies and tools that differ from those used by health care providers, who focus on individual patients. Determinants of health include access to education, safe working environments, and safe and reliable sources of nutrition. Community empowerment aims to create sustainable change through vocational training, health education, policy changes, and other actions. Quarantine, incarceration, or forced treatment can be used by public health agencies if they provide proof of danger to the community. Licensure authorizes an agency to create rules that regulate the activities of the professional or entity; medical examinations can be mandated. The ethical principles of nonmaleficence and beneficence are the same for public health and medicine. Ethics in public health also consider the needs of the population and how that may interfere with individual freedoms. Various types of cost analyses can be performed to determine where best to apply available public health funds.
Preharvest Fungicide, Potassium Sorbate, or Chitosan Use on Quality and Storage Decay of Table Grapes
Authors: Feliziani E. , Smilanick J. L. , Margosan D. A. , Mansour M. F. , Romanazzi G. , Gu S. , Gohil H. L. , Ames Z. Rubio
Published: February 2013

Potassium sorbate, a program of four fungicides, or one of three chitosan formulations were applied to clusters of ‘Thompson Seedless’ grape berries at berry set, pre-bunch closure, veraison, and 2 or 3 weeks before harvest. After storage at 2°C for 6 weeks, the natural incidence of postharvest gray mold was reduced by potassium sorbate, the fungicide program, or both together in a tank mixture, in 2009 and 2010. In 2011, the experiment was repeated with three chitosan products (OII-YS, Chito Plant, and Armour-Zen) added. Chitosan or fungicide treatments significantly reduced the natural incidence of postharvest gray mold among grape berries. Berries harvested from vines treated by two of the chitosan treatments or the fungicide program had fewer infections after inoculation with Botrytis cinerea conidia. None harmed berry quality and all increased endochitinase activity. Chitosan decreased berry hydrogen peroxide content. One of the chitosan formulations increased quercetin, myricetin, and resveratrol content of the berry skin. In another experiment, ‘Princess Seedless’ grape treated with one of several fungicides before 4 or 6 weeks of cold storage had less decay than the control. Fenhexamid was markedly superior to the other fungicides for control of both the incidence and spread of gray mold during storage.
Multidrug-resistant organisms in a routine ward environment: differential propensity for environmental dissemination and implications for infection control
Authors: Tan Thean Yen , Tan Jasmine Shi Min , Tay Huiyi , Chua Gek Hong , Ng Lily Siew Yong , Syahidah Nur
Published: February 2013

Multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs) pose significant infection-control challenges in settings with high prevalence and limited isolation facilities. This observational study in an 800-bed hospital determined the prevalence, bacterial density and genetic relatedness of MDROs isolated from ward surfaces, medical devices and the hands of healthcare professionals. The targeted MDROs were meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE), Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae resistant to extended-spectrum cephalosporins, and carbapenem-resistant (CR) Acinetobacter baumannii. During a 2-month period, microbiological sampling and molecular typing were performed on environment isolates, clinical isolates and isolates recovered from the hands of healthcare professionals. The target MDROs were recovered from 79 % of sampled surfaces, predominantly MRSA (74 % of all tested surfaces) and CR A. baumannii (29 %) but also VRE (2 %) and K. pneumoniae (1 %). MRSA was recovered from most tested surfaces throughout the ward, whilst CR A. baumannii was significantly more likely to be recovered from near-patient surfaces. Hand sampling demonstrated infrequent recovery of MRSA (5 %), CR A. baumannii (1 %) and VRE (1 %). Molecular typing of the study isolates identified seven MRSA and five Acinetobacter clonal clusters, respectively, and typing identified similar strains from the environment, patients and hands. Thus, in a healthcare setting with endemic circulation of MDROs, MRSA and CR A. baumannii were the predominant organisms recovered from ward surfaces, with MRSA in particular demonstrating widespread environmental dissemination. Molecular typing demonstrated the presence of related strains in patients, in the environment and on the hands of healthcare workers.
Multilocus sequence typing of DNA from faecal specimens for the analysis of intra-familial transmission of Helicobacter pylori
Authors: Osaki Takako , Okuda Masumi , Ueda Junko , Konno Mutsuko , Yonezawa Hideo , Hojo Fuhito , Yagyu Kiyoko , Lin Yingsong , Fukuda Yoshihiro , Kikuchi Shogo , Kamiya Shigeru
Published: February 2013

This study used multilocus sequence typing (MLST) of total DNA extracted from faecal specimens to genotype Helicobacter pylori to analyse intra-familial transmission. Faecal DNA was extracted and amplified by nested PCR. The products were analysed by direct sequencing and the allele type was determined using an MLST website. Mother-to-child transmission was suspected in at least two of three families, and father-to-child transmission was suspected in one family.
Two new and distinct roles for Drosophila Argonaute-2 in the nucleus: alternative pre-mRNA splicing and transcriptional repression
Authors: Taliaferro J. Matthew , Aspden Julie L. , Bradley Todd , Marwha Dhruv , Blanchette Marco , Rio Donald C.
Published: February 2013

Transcription and pre-mRNA alternative splicing are highly regulated processes that play major roles in modulating eukaryotic gene expression. It is increasingly apparent that other pathways of RNA metabolism, including small RNA biogenesis, can regulate these processes. However, a direct link between alternative pre-mRNA splicing and small RNA pathways has remained elusive. Here we show that the small RNA pathway protein Argonaute-2 (Ago-2) regulates alternative pre-mRNA splicing patterns of specific transcripts in the Drosophila nucleus using genome-wide methods in conjunction with RNAi in cell culture and Ago-2 deletion or catalytic site mutations in Drosophila adults. Moreover, we show that nuclear Argonaute-2 binds to specific chromatin sites near gene promoters and negatively regulates the transcription of the Ago-2-associated target genes. These transcriptional target genes are also bound by Polycomb group (PcG) transcriptional repressor proteins and change during development, implying that Ago-2 may regulate Drosophila development. Importantly, both of these activities were independent of the catalytic activity of Ago-2, suggesting new roles for Ago-2 in the nucleus. Finally, we determined the nuclear RNA-binding profile of Ago-2, found it bound to several splicing target transcripts, and identified a G-rich RNA-binding site for Ago-2 that was enriched in these transcripts. These results suggest two new nuclear roles for Ago-2: one in pre-mRNA splicing and one in transcriptional repression.
Oleosin of Subcellular Lipid Droplets Evolved in Green Algae
Authors: Huang Nan-Lan , Huang Ming-Der , Chen Tung-Ling L. , Huang Anthony H.C.
Published: February 2013

In primitive and higher plants, intracellular storage lipid droplets (LDs) of triacylglycerols are stabilized with a surface layer of phospholipids and oleosin. In chlorophytes (green algae), a protein termed major lipid-droplet protein (MLDP) rather than oleosin on LDs was recently reported. We explored whether MLDP was present directly on algal LDs and whether algae had oleosin genes and oleosins. Immunofluorescence microscopy revealed that MLDP in the chlorophyte Chlamydomonas reinhardtii was associated with endoplasmic reticulum subdomains adjacent to but not directly on LDs. In C. reinhardtii, low levels of a transcript encoding an oleosin-like protein (oleolike) in zygotes-tetrads and a transcript encoding oleosin in vegetative cells transferred to an acetate-enriched medium were found in transcriptomes and by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. The C. reinhardtii  LD fraction contained minimal proteins with no detectable oleolike or oleosin. Several charophytes (advanced green algae) possessed low levels of transcripts encoding oleosin but not oleolike. In the charophyte Spirogyra grevilleana, levels of oleosin transcripts increased greatly in cells undergoing conjugation for zygote formation, and the LD fraction from these cells contained minimal proteins, two of which were oleosins identified via proteomics. Because the minimal oleolike and oleosins in algae were difficult to detect, we tested their subcellular locations in Physcomitrella patens transformed with the respective algal genes tagged with a Green Fluorescent Protein gene and localized the algal proteins on P. patens  LDs. Overall, oleosin genes having weak and cell/development-specific expression were present in green algae. We present a hypothesis for the evolution of oleosins from algae to plants.
Socio‐economic status and language acquisition: children's performance on the new Reynell Developmental Language Scales
Authors: Letts Carolyn , Edwards Susan , Sinka Indra , Schaefer Blanca , Gibbons Wendy
Published: February 2013

Background

Several studies in recent years have indicated a link between socio‐economic status (SES) of families and children's language development, including studies that have measured children's language through formal standardized test procedures. High numbers of children with low performance have been found in lower socio‐economic groups in some studies. This has proved a cause for concern for both clinicians and educationalists.

Aims

To investigate the relationship between maternal education and postcode‐related indicators of SES, and children's performance on the New Reynell Developmental Scales (NRDLS).

Methods & Procedures

Participants were 1266 children aged between 2;00 and 7;06 years who were recruited for the standardization of a new assessment procedure (NRDLS). Children were divided into four groups reflecting years of maternal education, and five groups reflecting SES Index of Multiple Deprivation (IMD) quintiles for the location of participating schools and nurseries. Groups were compared using analysis of covariance (ANCOVA), with age as a covariate, in order to identify which might be affected by the two SES variables. Where relationships were found between SES and performance on the scales, individual children's standard scores were looked at to determine numbers potentially at risk for language delay.

Outcomes & Results

An effect of years of maternal education on performance was found such that children whose mothers had minimum years performed less well than other children in the study, this effect being stronger for younger children. Children attending schools or nurseries in IMD quintile 1 areas performed less well in language production. Higher than expected numbers with language delay were found for younger children whose mothers had minimum years of education, and for children in quintile 1 schools and nurseries; however, numbers were not as high as noted in some other studies.

Conclusions & Implications

Characteristics of the participant sample and measures used for language and SES may explain these results and are important considerations when interpreting results of studies or developing policies for intervention. The usefulness of commonly used categories of language delay is questioned.
Bird community comparisons of four plantations and conservation concerns in South China
Authors: ZOU Fasheng , YANG Qiongfang , LIN Yongbiao , XU Guoliang , GREENBERG Russell
Published: February 2013

Plantations of non‐native, fast‐growing trees are increasing in the tropics and subtropics, perhaps with negative consequences for the native avifauna. We studied bird diversity in 4 types of plantations in South China to determine which plantation types are especially detrimental, and compared our findings with studies in nearby natural forests to assess the magnitude of the negative impact. A total of 57 species was recorded. The mean capture rate of understory birds was 1.7 individuals 100‐net‐h–1. Bird richness and capture rate were lower in plantations than in nearby natural forests. Babblers (Timaliidae), primarily forest‐dependent species in South China, were particularly under‐represented in plantations. Species richness, composition and bird density, particularly of understory birds, differed between plantation types. Plantations of Schima, which is native to South China, had the highest species richness according to point count data. Plantations of Acacia (non‐native) supported the highest understory species richness and produced the highest capture rate of understory birds, probably because of their complex structure and high arthropod abundance. If bird diversity is to be considered, we strongly recommend that future re‐afforestation projects in South China should, as far as possible, use mixed native tree species, and especially Schima, ahead of the other species.
A New Antiarrhythmic Drug in the Treatment of Recent‐Onset Atrial Fibrillation: Vernakalant
Authors: Vizzardi Enrico , Salghetti Francesca , Bonadei Ivano , Gelsomino Sandro , Lorusso Roberto , D'Aloia Antonio , Curnis Antonio
Published: February 2013

Vernakalant is a new antiarrhythmic agent recently approved in Europe for the rapid cardioversion of recent‐onset atrial fibrillation. It works by blocking early‐activating K+ atrial channels and frequency‐dependent atrial Na+ channels, prolonging atrial refractory periods and rate‐dependent slowing atrial conduction, without promoting ventricular arrhythmia. Preclinical and clinical trials showed good toleration of this drug. The main purpose of our review is to describe all the trials that led to the incorporation of vernakalant into the current European atrial fibrillation guidelines.
Differences in Acute Response to Alcohol Between African Americans and European Americans
Authors: Pedersen Sarah L. , McCarthy Denis M.
Published: February 2013

Background

Response to alcohol is a widely studied risk factor and potential endophenotype for alcohol use disorders. Research on African American response to alcohol has been limited despite large differences in alcohol use between African Americans and European Americans. Extending our previous work on the African American portion of this sample, the current study examined differences in acute subjective response to alcohol between African Americans and European Americans. Additionally, we tested whether the association between response to alcohol and past month drinking behavior and alcohol‐related problems differed across race.

Methods

One hundred and seventy‐eight participants (mean age = 21.87, SD = 1.23; 57% African American) who were moderate to heavy social drinkers completed an alcohol administration study in a laboratory setting, receiving a moderate dose of alcohol (0.72 g/kg alcohol for men, 0.65 g/kg for women). Acute alcohol response was measured at 8 time points (i.e., baseline, 15, 30, 45, 60, 90, 120, and 150 minutes).

Results

Latent growth curve models showed that African Americans experienced sharper increases in stimulation on the ascending limb compared to European Americans. African American women experienced sharper increases in sedation on the ascending limb compared to European American women. Change in sedation on the ascending limb was associated with past month drinking behavior. Stimulation on the ascending limb was related to alcohol problems for African Americans but not European Americans.

Conclusions

We found differences in response to alcohol across racial groups: African Americans showed a stronger response to alcohol. Future studies are needed to incorporate response to alcohol into a larger model of African American alcohol use.
Toll‐like receptor 3 activation in retinal pigment epithelium cells – Mitogen‐activated protein kinase pathways of cell death and vascular endothelial growth factor secretion
Authors: Klettner Alexa , Koinzer Stefan , Meyer Tim , Roider Johann
Published: February 2013

Purpose:  Toll‐like receptor 3 (TLR3) is a receptor of the innate immune system, recognizing double‐stranded RNA. TLR3 can lead to cytokine release or apoptosis and has recently been associated with the development of geographical atrophy via cytotoxic effects on the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). The current study was conducted to elucidate the underlying pathways of TLR3 effects in the RPE.

Methods:  TLR3 activation via polyinosinic acid/polycytidylic acid (Poly I:C) was investigated in primary porcine RPE cells, focussing on cell death and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) secretion. Primary cells were stimulated with different concentrations of Poly I:C. Cell death was investigated in trypan blue exclusion assay and cell death detection ELISA. VEGF and IFN‐ß secretion were also detected in ELISA. As Mitogen‐activated protein kinases (MAPK) play an important part in TLR3‐mediated signal transduction, we investigated the influence of JNK, ERK1/2 and p38 on cell death and VEGF secretion, using commercially available inhibitors.

Results:  Activation of TLR3 by Poly I:C induced concentration‐dependent cell death, partly mediated by JNK. ERK1/2 was activated and exerted some protection. Furthermore, higher concentrations of Poly I:C increased VEGF secretion after 4 and 24 hr, which was independent of MAPK.

Conclusion:  The induction of cell death in RPE cells by TLR3 activation confirms possible involvement of TLR3 activation in GA. As cell death is partly mediated by JNK, more studies should be conducted investigating the role of JNK in RPE cell death to evaluate whether its inhibition might be a new therapeutic opportunity for the treatment of geographical atrophy. Additionally, effects on VEGF secretion can be found.
Improving assessment of paediatric acute breathing difficulties in medical education: a cluster randomized controlled trial
Authors: Manikam Logan , Blackwell Nicholas , Banerjee Jaydip , Nightingale Peter , Lakhanpaul Monica
Published: February 2013

Aim

Impact assessment of an adjunct to standard teaching on knowledge gain and self‐assessed confidence for students undertaking their paediatric attachment and evaluation of an acute breathing difficulties (ABDs) learning package.

Methods

Pragmatic cluster randomized controlled trial involving 248 UK medical undergraduates within six paediatric clinical rotations. Intervention groups received an online ABD learning package consisting of symptom‐based decision‐making pathways underpinned by a ratified ABD evidence‐based guideline. Control groups received an online dummy package. Outcome measures were a pre‐ and post‐intervention multiple choice question assessment and confidence questionnaire utilising 5‐point Likert scales.

Results

Significant knowledge gain in the intervention group (mean 6.84, 95% CI 5.56‐8.12) versus no such difference in the control group, significant improvement in self‐assessed confidence in intervention group versus no such difference in control group and significant confidence differences in ABD‐specific statements were noted. In the satisfaction questionnaire, the learning content was noted to be new to only 16% participants.

Conclusion

Supplementation of standard teaching with an interactive delivery method resulted in cognitive gain and self‐assessed confidence improvement in interaction with children with ABDs. This indicates that a well‐designed tool can help prepare students for direct interaction with sick children as a junior clinician. Trial Registration: ISRCTN27499282.
Anthracyclines during induction therapy in acute myeloid leukaemia: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Teuffel Oliver , Leibundgut Kurt , Lehrnbecher Thomas , Alonzo Todd A. , Beyene Joseph , Sung Lillian
Published: February 2013

This systematic review and meta‐analysis compared the efficacy of different anthracyclines and anthracycline dosing schedules for induction therapy in acute myeloid leukaemia in children and adults younger than 60 years of age. Twenty‐nine randomized controlled trials were eligible for inclusion in the review. Idarubicin (IDA), in comparison to daunorubicin (DNR), reduced remission failure rates (risk ratio (RR) 0·81; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0·66–0·99; P = 0·04), but did not alter rates of early death or overall mortality. Superiority of IDA for remission induction was limited to studies with a DNR/IDA dose ratio <5 (ratio <5: RR 0·65; 95% CI, 0·51–0·81; P < 0·001; ratio ≥5: RR 1·03; 95% CI, 0·91–1·16; P = 0·63). Higher‐dose DNR, compared to lower‐dose DNR, was associated with reduced rates for remission failure (RR 0·75; 95% CI, 0·60–0·94; P = 0·003) and overall mortality (RR 0·83; 95% CI, 0·75–0·93; P < 0·001), but not for early death. Comparisons of several other anthracycline derivates did not reveal significant differences in outcomes. Survival estimates in adults suggest that both high‐dose DNR (90 mg/m2 daily × 3 or 50 mg/m2 daily × 5) and IDA (12 mg/m2 daily × 3) can achieve 5‐year survival rates of between 40 and 50 percent.
A randomized controlled trial comparing a standard postoperative diet with low‐volume high‐calorie oral supplements following colorectal surgery
Authors: Sharma M. , Wahed S. , O'Dair G. , Gemmell L. , Hainsworth P. , Horgan A. F.
Published: February 2013

Aim

Postoperative oral nutritional supplementation is becoming a part of most patient care pathways. This study examined the effects of low‐volume high‐calorie prescribed supplemental nutrition on patient outcome following elective colorectal surgery.

Method

Patients undergoing elective colorectal resections were randomized to a prescribed nutritional supplementation group (SG) [standard diet + 6 × 60 ml/day of Pro‐Cal (60 ml = 200 kcal + 4 g protein)] or conventional postoperative diet group (CG) (standard diet alone). Preoperative and daily postoperative hand‐grip strengths were measured using a grip dynamometer after randomization. Daily food intake, return of bowel activity, nausea score for the first 3 days and postoperative length of hospital stay (LOS) were prospectively recorded. Micro‐diet standardized software was used to analyse food diaries. Nonparametric tests were used to analyse the data.

Results

Fifty‐five patients were analysed (SG 28, CG 27). There was no difference in median preoperative and postoperative handgrip strengths at discharge within each group (SG 31.7 vs 31.7 kPa, P = 0.932; CG 28 vs 28.1 kPa, P = 0.374). The total median daily calorie intake was higher in SG than CG (SG 818.5 kcal vs CG 528 kcal; P = 0.002). There was no difference in median number of days to first bowel movement (SG 3 days vs CG 4 days, P = 0.096). The median LOS was significantly shorter in SG than CG (6.5 vs 9 days; P = 0.037).

Conclusion

Prescribed postoperative high‐calorie, low‐volume oral supplements in addition to the normal dietary intake are associated with significantly better total daily oral calorie intake and may contribute to a reduced postoperative hospital stay.
Supporting the care of children with diabetes in school: a qualitative study of nurses in the UK
Authors: Marshall M. , Gidman W. , Callery P.
Published: February 2013

Aims

Intensification of diabetes management in children and young people has implications for schools. The aim of this study was to examine the role of nurses in supporting care of children with diabetes in schools and early years settings.

Methods

The qualitative design incorporated focus groups and individual telephone interviews with nurses who were unavailable to participate in focus groups. A purposive sample of 47 nurses from acute and community settings, participated in eight focus groups and eight telephone interviews. Data were analysed through a process of constant comparison.

Results

Nurses identified an ambiguous and inadequate legal and policy framework. The responses of schools were variable and unpredictable because the views of head teachers determined the level of cooperation. School staff could lack basic knowledge about Type 1 diabetes. Relationships between school staff and parents could also affect their willingness to provide support for diabetes care. The skills of negotiating appropriate support for children with diabetes were learnt by experience rather than through formal training or evidence‐based guidance. Nurses' accounts demonstrated uncertainties about: what could be required of schools; how schools would respond; individual responsibilities; and about what constituted best practice.

Conclusions

There is a need for more evidence about how healthcare providers can influence schools and about the most cost‐effective use of nurses to support the management of children with diabetes in schools.
Provincial business cycles and fiscal policy in China
Authors: Carmignani Fabrizio , Laurenceson James S.
Published: February 2013

We characterize the cyclical properties of fiscal policy in China along two related dimensions. First, we estimate the sign and size of the fiscal policy multiplier. Second, we assess whether fiscal policy is conducted pro‐ or counter‐cyclically. To account for the challenges posed by China's vast geography, we use data at the provincial level. We find that (i) fiscal policy generally has ‘Keynesian’ effects, and (ii) fiscal policy is mostly conducted pro‐cyclically. This means that fiscal policy is more an element of destabilization than a tool for stabilization.
Web‐based Multisource Reference Checking: An investigation of psychometric integrity and applied benefits
Authors: Hedricks Cynthia A. , Robie Chet , Oswald Frederick L.
Published: February 2013

Reference checking is a near‐universal practice within personnel selection systems, and legal pressures to gather job‐relevant and structured feedback from references is mounting. Despite this state of affairs, reference checking is a woefully under‐researched method for obtaining psychometrically sound and behaviorally informative data that predict task, team, and leadership behavior at work. From studies of job candidates in applied settings, this article reports on the reliability, validity, and compliance of multisource reference feedback gathered using a web‐based methodology. Acceptable levels of internal consistency, inter‐rater reliability, and test–retest reliability of the reference‐checking instrument were realized. Results of survival analyses found support for prediction of involuntary, but not voluntary turnover. No practically significant differences were found in overall mean scores across demographic subgroups. Finally, the web‐based reference‐checking system evinced high degrees of efficiencies across a range of metrics (e.g., reference response time, reference response rate, candidate response time).
Chronic and Acute Pain and Pain Management for Patients in Methadone Maintenance Treatment
Authors: Eyler Elizabeth C.H.
Published: February 2013

Background and Objectives

Many individuals receiving methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) for opioid addiction also require treatment for acute or chronic pain, and the presence of pain is known to have a negative impact on patient health and function. However, effective pain management in this population is complicated by many factors, including heightened pain sensitivity, high opioid tolerance, illicit substance use, and variable cross‐tolerance to opioid pain medications. This article reviews the recent literature on acute and chronic pain among, and pain treatment of, patients receiving MMT for opioid addiction and discusses the implications for effective pain management. Acute pain management among women maintained on methadone during and after labor and delivery is also discussed, as well as common concerns held by patients and providers about appropriate pain management strategies in the context of methadone maintenance and addiction treatment.

Methods

One hundred nine articles were identified in a PubMed/MEDLINE electronic database search using the following search terms: methadone, methadone maintenance, methadone addiction, pain, pain management, chronic pain, and acute pain. Abstracts were reviewed for relevance, and additional studies were extracted from the reference lists of articles identified in the original search.

Results

The pain sensitivity and pain responses of MMT patients differ significantly from those of patients not maintained on opioids, and few data are available to guide patient care.

Conclusions and Scientific Significance

Rigorous studies are needed to identify and evaluate effective pain management approaches for this unique patient population and to improve patient treatment outcomes. (Am J Addict 2012;XX:000–000) (Am J Addict 2013;22:75‐83)
Adjunctive photodynamic therapy to non‐surgical treatment of chronic periodontitis: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Sgolastra Fabrizio , Petrucci Ambra , Severino Marco , Graziani Filippo , Gatto Roberto , Monaco Annalisa
Published: February 2013

Aim

To investigate the efficacy of antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) adjunctive to scaling root planing (SRP) in patients with chronic periodontitis.

Methods

A meta‐analysis was conducted according to the PRISMA statement and Cochrane Collaboration recommendations. Two independent reviewers performed an extensive literature search and manual search on seven databases. Mean differences (MD) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated for clinical attachment level (CAL) gain and probing depth (PD) reduction. The I2 test was used for inter‐study heterogeneity. Publication bias was examined by Egger's regression test and the trim‐and‐fill method.

Results

Sensitivity analysis of 14 randomized clinical trials (RCTs) revealed differences in PD reduction (MD 0.19, 95% CI 0.07–0.31, p = 0.002) and CAL gain (MD 0.37, 95% CI 0.26–0.47, p < 0.0001) in favour of SRP + aPDT, with no evidence of heterogeneity. Subgroup analysis revealed the absence of heterogeneity in RCTs, with high risk of bias for PD reduction and CAL gain. No evidence of publication bias was detected.

Conclusions

The use of adjunctive aPDT to conventional SRP provides short‐term benefits. The evidence to support its clinical medium/long‐term efficacy is insufficient. Further high‐quality RCTs are needed to investigate the influence of potential confounders on the efficacy of adjunctive aPDT.
Phylogenetic and phylogeographic analysis of the genus Orestias (Teleostei: Cyprinodontidae) in the southern Chilean Altiplano: the relevance of ancient and recent divergence processes in speciation
Authors: Vila I. , Morales P. , Scott S. , Poulin E. , Véliz D. , Harrod C. , Méndez M. A.
Published: February 2013

This study presents phylogenetic molecular data of the Chilean species of Orestias to propose an allopatric divergence hypothesis and phylogeographic evidence that suggests the relevance of abiotic factors in promoting population divergence in this complex. The results reveal that diversification is still ongoing, e.g. in the Ascotán salt pan, where populations of Orestias ascotanensis restricted to individual freshwater springs exhibit strong genetic differentiation, reflecting putative independent evolutionary units. Diversification of Orestias in the southern Altiplano may be linked to historical vicariant events and contemporary variation in water level; these processes may have affected the populations from the Plio‐Pleistocene until the present.
TDP‐43 associates with stalled ribosomes and contributes to cell survival during cellular stress
Authors: Higashi Shinji , Kabuta Tomohiro , Nagai Yoshitaka , Tsuchiya Yukihiro , Akiyama Haruhiko , Wada Keiji
Published: February 2013

TAR DNA‐binding protein 43 (TDP‐43) has emerged as an important contributor to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and frontotemporal lobar degeneration. To understand the physiological roles of TDP‐43 in the complex translational regulation mechanisms, we exposed cultured cells to oxidative stress induced by sodium arsenite (ARS) for different periods of time, leading to non‐lethal or sublethal injury. Polysome profile analysis revealed that ARS‐induced stress caused the association of TDP‐43 with stalled ribosomes via binding to mRNA, which was not found under the steady‐state condition. When the cells were exposed to short‐term/non‐lethal stress, TDP‐43 associating with ribosomes localized to stress granules (SGs); this association was transient because it was immediately dissolved by the removal of the stress. In contrast, when the cells were exposed to long‐term/sublethal stress, TDP‐43 was excluded from SGs and shifted to the heavy fractions independent of any binding to mRNA. In these severely stressed cells, biochemical alterations of TDP‐43, such as increased insolubility and disulfide bond formation, were irreversible. TDP‐43 was finally phosphorylated via the ARS‐induced c‐jun N‐terminal kinase pathway. In TDP‐43‐silenced cells, stalled mRNA and poly (A)+ RNA stability was disturbed and cytotoxicity increased under sublethal stress. Thus, TDP‐43 associates with stalled ribosomes and contributes to cell survival during cellular stress.
Are adaptive loci transferable across genomes of related species? Outlier and environmental association analyses in Alpine Brassicaceae species
Authors: Zulliger Deborah , Schnyder Elvira , Gugerli Felix
Published: February 2013

Local adaptation is one possible response of organisms to survive in a changing environment. However, the genetic basis of adaptation is not well understood, especially in nonmodel species. To infer recurrent patterns of local adaptation, we investigated whether the same putative adaptive loci reoccur in related species. We performed genome scans using amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) markers on populations of five Alpine Brassicaceae species sampled across a wide range of environmental conditions. To identify markers potentially under directional selection, we performed outlier and environmental association analyses using a set of topo‐climatic variables available as GIS layers. Several AFLP loci showed signatures of adaptation, of which one, found in Cardamine resedifolia (Cre_P1_212.5), was associated with precipitation. We sequence‐characterized this candidate locus and genotyped single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) found within this locus for all species. Testing for environmental associations of SNPs revealed the same association of this locus in Arabis alpina but not in other study species. Cumulative statistical evidence indicates that locus Cre_P1_212.5 is environmentally relevant or is linked to a gene under selection in our study range. Furthermore, the locus shows an association to the same potentially selective factor in at least one other related species. These findings help to identify trends in plant adaptation in Alpine ecosystems in response to particular environmental parameters.
Understanding and encouraging feedback‐seeking behaviour: a literature review
Authors: Crommelinck Michiel , Anseel Frederik
Published: February 2013

Objectives  The goals of this paper are to review the literature on feedback‐seeking behaviour using a self‐motives framework and to provide practical recommendations for medical educators on how to encourage feedback‐seeking behaviour.

Methods  To gain a better understanding of feedback‐seeking behaviour, we apply a self‐motives framework. Through this conceptual lens, we define feedback‐seeking behaviour and review its antecedents and consequences. We provide an overview of the key findings and answer to a number of unresolved issues in the literature.

Results  On the basis of the literature review, we present six evidence‐based insights to encourage feedback‐seeking behaviour in practice.

Conclusions  The literature review shows that feedback‐seeking behaviour is a valuable resource for individuals in work and educational settings as it aids their adaptation, learning and performance. Several individual and contextual factors that promote the seeking of feedback are presented. Although feedback‐seeking behaviour has been a subject of research for over 25 years, some unresolved issues remain. We present a self‐motives framework to resolve those issues and to stimulate future research. We conclude this paper with six actionable insights for medical educators based on the evidence reviewed.