bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparative Evaluation of Olopatadine Ophthalmic Solution (0.1%) Versus Ketorolac Ophthalmic Solution (0.5%) Using the Provocative Antigen Challenge Model
Authors: Deschenes J. , Discepola M. , Abelson M. 
Published: November 2014

ABSTRACT.Objective: This study was conducted to compare the efficacy and safety of olopatadine ophthalmic solution (0.1%) with ketorolac ophthalmic solution (0.5%) in a clinical model of acute allergic conjunctivitis. Olopatadine is a dual acting H1 histamine receptor antagonist and a mast cell stabilizer, shown to be effective in treating allergic conjunctivitis. Ketorolac is a non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drug approved in the United States for the relief of ocular itching associated with seasonal allergic conjunctivitis.Methods: The provocative antigen challenge model was used in this randomized, double‐blind, single‐center, crossover study. The allergen and concentration that consistently elicited a positive allergic reaction was used for challenge. After at least 14 days, subjects were randomized to receive either olopatadine in one eye and placebo in the contralateral eye, or ketorolac in one eye and placebo in the contralateral eye. Twenty‐seven minutes after drug instillation subjects were challenged with allergen. At 3, 10, and 20 minutes following allergen challenge, subjects graded ocular itching and were assessed for hyperemia in conjunctival, ciliary, and episcleral vessel beds. Approximately 14 days later, subjects received the alternate treatment in one eye and placebo in the contralateral eye. They were again challenged with allergen and their responses were rated in the same manner.Results: Olopatadine significantly (p<0.0001) reduced both ocular itching and hyperemia in all three vessel beds compared to placebo at all time points tested following allergen challenge. Ketorolac did not significantly reduce itching and showed a trend of increased hyperemia compared to placebo. Olopatadine was significantly (p<0.001) more effective than ketorolac in reducing hyperemia and ocular itching at all time points and was also significantly (p<0.05) more comfortable than ketorolac as reported by subjects immediately following drug instillation.Conclusion: The study demonstrated that olopatadine is effective and safe in preventing and treating ocular itching and hyperemia associated with acute allergic conjunctivitis and is more effective and more comfortable than ketorolac.
Understanding context in knowledge translation: a concept analysis study protocol
Authors: Squires Janet E. , Graham Ian D. , Hutchinson Alison M. , Linklater Stefanie , Brehaut Jamie C. , Curran Janet , Ivers Noah , Lavis John N. , Michie Susan , Sales Anne E. , Fiander Michelle , Fenton Shannon , Noseworthy Thomas , Vine Jocelyn , Grimshaw Jeremy M. 
Published: November 2014

AbstractAimTo conduct a concept analysis of clinical practice contexts (work environments) that facilitate or militate against the uptake of research evidence by healthcare professionals in clinical practice. This will involve developing a clear definition of context by describing its features, domains and defining characteristics.BackgroundThe context where clinical care is delivered influences that care. While research shows that context is important to knowledge translation (implementation), we lack conceptual clarity on what is context, which contextual factors probably modify the effect of knowledge translation interventions (and hence should be considered when designing interventions) and which contextual factors themselves could be targeted as part of a knowledge translation intervention (context modification).DesignConcept analysis.MethodsThe Walker and Avant concept analysis method, comprised of eight systematic steps, will be used: (1) concept selection; (2) determination of aims; (3) identification of uses of context; (4) determination of defining attributes of context; (5) identification/construction of a model case of context; (6) identification/construction of additional cases of context; (7) identification/construction of antecedents and consequences of context; and (8) definition of empirical referents of context. This study is funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (January 2014).DiscussionThis study will result in a much needed framework of context for knowledge translation, which identifies specific elements that, if assessed and used to tailor knowledge translation activities, will result in increased research use by nurses and other healthcare professionals in clinical practice, ultimately leading to better patient care.
Admixture of ancient mitochondrial lineages in three‐spined stickleback populations from the North Pacific
Authors: Lescak Emily A. , Marcotte Robert W. , Kenney Leah A. , von Hippel Frank A. , Cresko William A. , Sherbick Mary L. , Colgren Jeffrey J. , Andrés López J. 
Published: November 2014

AbstractAimWe test the hypothesis that the North Pacific coastline from British Columbia to the Kuril Islands forms a broad region of admixture between two divergent mitochondrial‐genome (mtDNA) lineages in three‐spined stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus): the Euro‐North American (ENA) and Trans‐North‐Pacific (TNPor Japanese) clades. We test whether distance is the primary determinant of geographical patterns of haplotype distributions and whether deep‐water trenches in the Aleutian and Kuril archipelagos impede gene flow.LocationCoastal marine and freshwater sites from the Kuril Islands (north‐western Pacific Ocean) to Oregon (north‐eastern Pacific Ocean).MethodsWe determined the mtDNAclade for 1327 individuals from 67 locations across 8000 km of the North Pacific using restriction fragment length polymorphism assays of the cytochromebmitochondrial gene. We supplemented this with published clade designations from coastal Pacific populations and applied generalized linear modelling and Mantel tests. We used analysis of molecular variation (AMOVA) to test for significant partitioning of genetic variation by deep‐water trenches.ResultsThe western boundary of theENAclade was Simushir (Kuril Islands) and the eastern boundary of theTNPclade was British Columbia. Coastline distance from Japan was a significant predictor ofTNPabundance. Clade composition variance was high at small geographical scales, in apparent discordance with the broader‐scale pattern of admixture. Deep‐water trenches were not found to significantly partition genetic variation in the Aleutian and Kuril island chains.Main conclusionsThe North Pacific coastline forms a broad region of secondary contact between divergent mitochondrial lineages, but with clear western and eastern boundaries. Patterns of clade abundance in the Kuril and Aleutian islands are similar to those observed in other taxa, suggesting shared biogeographical histories and common barriers shaping species distributions along the North Pacific coast. Overall patterns of clade distributions are likely to be driven by a combination of factors, including geomorphological impediments to migration, ecology, asymmetrical dispersal patterns and differences in timing of population expansions.
Packrat middens and the Holocene palaeohistory of Colorado piñon (Pinus edulis) in western Colorado
Authors: Emslie Steven D. , Coats Larry , Oleksy Eva 
Published: November 2014

AbstractAimOur aim was to determine the age and dispersal history of Colorado piñon (Pinus edulis) in western Colorado during the early to late Holocene using radiocarbon‐dated needles and nutshells from packrat (Neotoma spp.) middens.LocationThe Uncompahgre Plateau (UP) comprises more than 600,000 ha of public and private lands in west‐central Colorado, USA. Elevations within UP range from 1400 to 3140 m and it is characterized by numerous deep canyons and flat‐topped mesas. The Upper Gunnison Basin (UGB) encompasses a 243,000‐ha area enclosed within the southern Rocky Mountains in south‐western Colorado, USA. It spans 2200–4300 m in elevation, with no outlet apart from the Black Canyon of the Gunnison lower than 2650 m.MethodsMiddens were sampled by breaking off small sections of solidified deposits located in caves and crevices that were then disaggregated in water with repeated rinsing to separate all the plant remains. Single conifer needles and nutshells from 28 middens were radiocarbon dated to determine the age and timing of dispersal into western Colorado.ResultsThirty‐two midden samples were collected, of which 28 produced identifiable plant remains that were radiocarbon dated. Piñon needles and/or nutshells were identified and radiocarbon dated from 20 of these middens from seven localities in UP. The results indicated that piñon did not become established in UP until c. 6000 yr bp, which contrasts with the nearby UGB, where piñon charcoal has been identified from seven archaeological sites with dates ranging from 8000 to 3000 yr bp.Main conclusionsOur data are consistent with a model of late Pleistocene/early Holocene piñon migration into the Colorado Plateau from Arizona and New Mexico before becoming established in western Colorado. The timing of the piñon migration into south‐central Colorado along the Rio Grande corridor from New Mexico remains uncertain. While piñon–juniper woodlands currently dominate the lower elevations of UP, piñon had disappeared from UGB by c. 3000 yr bp and remains absent there today except for a few isolated trees.
The effectiveness of a computer‐assisted math learning program
Authors: De Witte K. , Haelermans C. , Rogge N. 
Published: November 2014

AbstractComputer‐assisted instruction (CAI) programs are considered as a way to improve learning outcomes of students. However, little is known on the schools who implement such programs as well as on the effectiveness of similar information and communication technology programs. We provide a literature review that pays special attention to the existing causal evidence of computer‐assisted programs on learning outcomes. The paper relies on a rich data set consisting of (i) pupil‐level information on the use of a Dutch computer‐assisted program and (ii) detailed school‐level information on, among others, outcomes on national exams. The results suggest that schools with lower educational attainments use more frequently CAI programs. This suggests that they use CAI programs to catch up on learning outcomes. Moreover, using an instrumental variable design, we argue that given the participation in the CAI program, making more exercises leads to higher test results. Working with a CAI program seems therefore effective.
Evidence‐informed person‐centered healthcare part I: Do ‘cognitive biases plus’ at organizational levels influence quality of evidence?
Authors: Seshia Shashi S. , Makhinson Michael , Phillips Dawn F. , Young G. Bryan 
Published: November 2014

AbstractIntroductionThere is increasing concern about the unreliability of much of health care evidence, especially in its application to individuals.HypothesisCognitive biases, financial and non‐financial conflicts of interest, and ethical violations (which, together with fallacies, we collectively refer to as ‘cognitive biases plus’) at the levels of individuals and organizations involved in health care undermine the evidence that informs person‐centred care.MethodsThis study used qualitative review of the pertinent literature from basic, medical and social sciences, ethics, philosophy, law etc.ResultsFinancial conflicts of interest (primarily industry related) have become systemic in several organizations that influence health care evidence. There is also plausible evidence for non‐financial conflicts of interest, especially in academic organizations. Financial and non‐financial conflicts of interest frequently result in self‐serving bias. Self‐serving bias can lead to self‐deception and rationalization of actions that entrench self‐serving behaviour, both potentially resulting in unethical acts. Individuals and organizations are also susceptible to other cognitive biases. Qualitative evidence suggests that ‘cognitive biases plus’ can erode the quality of evidence.Conclusions‘Cognitive biases plus’ are hard wired, primarily at the unconscious level, and the resulting behaviours are not easily corrected. Social behavioural researchers advocate multi‐pronged measures in similar situations: (i) abolish incentives that spawn self‐serving bias; (ii) enforce severe deterrents for breaches of conduct; (iii) value integrity; (iv) strengthen self‐awareness; and (v) design curricula especially at the trainee level to promote awareness of consequences to society. Virtuous professionals and organizations are essential to fulfil the vision for high‐quality individualized health care globally.
The pollen tube clear zone: Clues to the mechanism of polarized growth
Authors: Hepler Peter K. , Winship Lawrence J. 
Published: November 2014

AbstractPollen tubes usually exhibit a prominent region at their apex called the “clear zone” because it lacks light refracting amyloplasts. A robust, long clear zone often associates with fast growing pollen tubes, and thus serves as an indicator of pollen tube health. Nevertheless we do not understand how it arises or how it is maintained. Here we review the structure of the clear zone, and attempt to explain the factors that contribute to its formation. While amyloplasts and vacuolar elements are excluded from the clear zone, virtually all other organelles are present including secretory vesicles, mitochondria, Golgi dictyosomes, and the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Secretory vesicles aggregate into an inverted cone appressed against the apical plasma membrane. ER elements move nearly to the extreme apex, whereas mitochondria and Golgi dictyosomes move less far forward. The cortical actin fringe assumes a central position in the control of clear zone formation and maintenance, given its role in generating cytoplasmic streaming. Other likely factors include the tip‐focused calcium gradient, the apical pH gradient, the influx of water, and a host of signaling factors (small G‐proteins). We think that the clear zone is an emergent property that depends on the interaction of several factors crucial for polarized growth.Peter K. Hepler
MultipleCa2+Channel‐Dependent Components in Growth Hormone Secretion from Rat Anterior Pituitary Somatotrophs
Authors: Sosial E. , Nussinovitch I. 
Published: November 2014

The involvement of L‐typeCa2+channels in both ‘basal’ and ‘stimulated’ growth hormone (GH) secretion is well established; however, knowledge regarding the involvement of non‐L‐typeCa2+channels is lacking. We investigated whether non‐L‐typeCa2+channels regulateGHsecretion from anterior pituitary (AP) cells. To this end,GHsecretion was monitored from dissociatedAPcells, which were incubated for 15 min with 2 mmK+(‘basal’ secretion) or 60 mmK+(‘stimulated’ secretion). The role of non‐L‐type Ca2+influx was investigated using specific channel blockers, including ω‐agatoxin‐IVA, ω‐conotoxinGVIAorSNX‐482, to block P/Q‐, N‐ or R‐type Ca2+channels, respectively. Our results demonstrate that P/Q‐, N‐ and R‐type Ca2+channels contributed 21.2 ± 1.9%, 20.2 ± 7.6% and 11.4 ± 1.8%, respectively, to ‘basal’GHsecretion and 18.3 ± 1.0%, 24.4 ± 5.4% and 14.2 ± 4.8%, respectively, to ‘stimulated’GHsecretion. After treatment with a ‘cocktail’ that comprised the previously described non‐L‐type blockers, non‐L‐type Ca2+channels contributed 50.9 ± 0.4% and 45.5 ± 2.0% to ‘basal’ and ‘stimulated’GHsecretion, respectively. Similarly, based on the effects of nifedipine (10 μM), L‐type Ca2+channels contributed 34.2 ± 3.7% and 54.7 ± 4.1% to ‘basal’ and ‘stimulated’GHsecretion, respectively. Interestingly, the relative contributions of L‐type/non‐L‐type Ca2+channels to ‘stimulated’GHsecretion were well correlated with the relative contributions of L‐type/non‐L‐type Ca2+channels to voltage‐gated Ca2+influx inAPcells. Finally, we demonstrated that compartmentalisation of Ca2+channels is important forGHsecretion. Lipid raft disruption (methyl‐β‐cyclodextrin, 10 mm) abrogated the compartmentalisation of Ca2+channels and substantially reduced ‘basal’ and ‘stimulated’GHsecretion by 43.2 ± 3.4% and 58.4 ± 4.0%, respectively. In summary, we have demonstrated that multiple Ca2+channel‐dependent pathways regulateGHsecretion. The proper function of these pathways depends on their compartmentalisation withinAPcell membranes.
Photoperiodic Effects on Seasonal Physiology, Reproductive Status and Hypothalamic Gene Expression in Young Male F344 Rats
Authors: Tavolaro F. M. , Thomson L. M. , Ross A. W. , Morgan P. J. , Helfer G. 
Published: November 2014

Seasonal or photoperiodically sensitive animals respond to altered day length with changes in physiology (growth, food intake and reproductive status) and behaviour to adapt to predictable yearly changes in the climate. Typically, different species of hamsters, voles and sheep are the most studied animal models of photoperiodism. Although laboratory rats are generally considered nonphotoperiodic, one rat strain, the inbred Fischer 344 (F344) rat, has been shown to be sensitive to the length of daylight exposure by changing its physiological phenotype and reproductive status according to the season. The present study aimed to better understand the nature of the photoperiodic response in the F344 rat. We examined the effects of five different photoperiods on the physiological and neuroendocrine responses. Young male F344 rats were held under light schedules ranging from 8 h of light/day to 16 h of light/day, and then body weight, including fat and lean mass, food intake, testes weights and hypothalamic gene expression were compared. We found that rats held under photoperiods of ≥ 12 h of light/day showed increased growth and food intake relative to rats held under photoperiods of ≤ 10 h of light/day. Magnetic resonance imaging analysis confirmed that these changes were mainly the result of a change in lean body mass. The same pattern was evident for reproductive status, with higher paired testes weight in photoperiods of ≥ 12 h of light/day. Accompanying the changes in physiological status were major changes in hypothalamic thyroid hormone (Dio2 and Dio3), retinoic acid (Crabp1 and Stra6) and Wnt/β‐Catenin signalling genes (sFrp2 and Mfrp). Our data demonstrate that a photoperiod schedule of 12 h of light/day is interpreted as a stimulatory photoperiod by the neuroendocrine system of young male F344 rats.
Construct validity and reliability of the Chinese version of the Disaster Preparedness Evaluation Tool in Taiwan
Authors: Chen Tzu‐Fei , Chou Kuei‐Ru , Liao Yuan‐Mei , Ho Cheng‐Hsun , Chung Min‐Huey 
Published: November 2014

Aims and objectivesTo develop a Chinese version of the Disaster Preparedness Evaluation Tool and validate its psychometric properties.BackgroundAn adequate disaster preparation programme for nurses has not been developed in Taiwan. To develop an exhaustive and effective educational programme on disaster preparation for nurses, a multidimensional instrument is required for assessing the disaster preparation level of nurses.DesignA cross‐sectional study was conducted.MethodsIn total, 1550 of 2226 public health nurses in 15 counties completed the self‐administrated questionnaire. We randomly selected 805 samples to examine the factor structure and factor model by using exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis. The convergent validity was measured using the average variance extracted and composite reliability.ResultsFive factors, namely postdisaster management, skills, knowledge of self‐preparation in a disaster, knowledge to respond in the community, and knowledge to respond in the workplace, were extracted, and explained 65·13% of the total variance. An acceptable model fit was identified using confirmatory factor analysis. The Cronbach's α coefficient of the Chinese version of the Disaster Preparedness Evaluation Tool was 0·97. Significant values of the average variance extracted greater than 0·5 indicated convergent validity.ConclusionThe Chinese version of the Disaster Preparedness Evaluation Tool is a reliable and valid instrument for measuring disaster preparation.Relevance to clinical practiceThe Chinese version of the Disaster Preparedness Evaluation Tool provides reliable and valid measures that can be used to evaluate the disaster preparedness of nurses. The items in the instrument can be used to identify the dimension of disaster management in all stages, and can form the essential foundation of an education and training programme for public health nurses to reduce the harm of disasters and promote community resilience.
Efficient Inoculation of Rice black‐streaked dwarf virus to Maize Using Laodelphax striatellus Fallen
Authors: Miao Hong‐Qin , Di Dian‐Ping , Zhang Ai‐Hong , Lu Yin‐Gui , Tian Lan‐Zhi , Stewart Lucy R. , Redinbaugh Margaret G. 
Published: November 2014

AbstractMaize rough dwarf disease caused by Rice black‐streaked dwarf virus (RBSDV) is the most important disease of maize in China. Although deploying disease resistant hybrids would be the most effective way to control the disease, development of resistant hybrids has been limited by virus transmission rates that are too low for effective screening. An efficient inoculation technique for RBSDV was developed using Laodelphax striatellus Fallen, in which a virus‐free planthopper colony was developed and viruliferous planthoppers were obtained by allowing a 3‐ to 4‐day acquisition access period on RBSDV‐infected wheat plants. Planthoppers were then allowed a 25‐ to 28‐day latent period on wheat seedlings followed by a 3‐day inoculation access period on two‐to‐three‐leaf stage maize seedlings. By 35 days postinoculation, susceptible hybrid ‘Zhengdan 958’, inbred lines of ‘Ye 107’ and ‘Ye 478’ plants showed 100% RBSDV infection with symptoms of stunting plants, darkening leaves and white waxy swellings on underside of leaves. At tasseling stage, average disease indices were from 96.4 to 100.0%. Enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays were correlated with the presence of symptoms. The high efficiency of RBSDV transmission obtained using this technique provides a reliable procedure to screen for RBSDV resistance in maize.
Sleep characteristics, chronotype and winter depression in 10–20‐year‐olds in northern European Russia
Authors: Borisenkov Mikhail F. , Petrova Natalia B. , Timonin Vladimir D. , Fradkova Lyudmila I. , Kolomeichuk Sergey N. , Kosova Anna L. , Kasyanova Olga N. 
Published: November 2014

SummaryThe purpose of this work was to examine the relationships between geographical coordinates and the prevalence of winter depression (SADW), and to compare the sleep characteristics and chronotype of youths with and without SADW. We conducted a cross‐sectional study of self‐reported sleep characteristics, chronotype and winter depression in northern European Russia. Two questionnaires, the Munich Chronotype Questionnaire (MCTQ) and the Seasonal Pattern Assessment Questionnaire (SPAQ), were administered to a total of 3435 adolescents aged 10–20 years (1517 males and 1918 females). The prevalence of SADW in the study population was 8.4% and sub‐SADW 11.8%. Four variables predicted the likelihood of SADW in youths: sex [higher in females: odds ratio (OR): 1.87, P < 0.0001], age (increases with age: OR: 1.09, P < 0.001), latitude (higher in the North: OR: 1.49, P < 0.029) and position in the time zone (higher in the West: OR: 1.61, P < 0.001). Later sleeping and waking, longer sleep latencies, more severe sleep inertia, shorter total sleep times and lower sleep efficiencies were observed in both males and females with SADW. The influence of SADW on sleep characteristics was more pronounced on school days. Significant phase delays of the sleep–wake rhythm and severe social jetlag (the difference between the mid‐point of sleep phase at weekends and on workdays) were observed in females with SADW, but not in males. There are significant differences in sleep characteristics and chronotype between people with SADW and no‐SAD. We demonstrate that both latitude of residence and location within the time zone are significant predictors of SADW in young inhabitants of the North.