bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hormonal contraceptive use before and after conception in relation to preterm birth and small for gestational age: an observational cohort study
Authors: Jensen ET , Daniels JL , Stürmer T , Robinson WR , Williams CJ , Vejrup K , Magnus P , Longnecker MP
Published: October 2014

Objective

To evaluate whether hormonal contraceptives, used before or in early pregnancy, confer increased risk of preterm birth or reduced fetal growth.

Design

Population‐based cohort study conducted by the Norwegian Institute of Public Health (Mother and Child Cohort Study, 1998–2008) with linkage to the Norwegian Prescription Registry and to the Medical Birth Registry of Norway.

Setting

Norway.

Population

Of the 48 615 pregnancies meeting study inclusion criteria, 44 734 pregnancies were included in the complete case analysis.

Methods

We characterised hormonal contraception by type (combination oral, progestin‐only oral, vaginal ring, transdermal, and injectable) and specific progestin component. We used generalised estimating equations to estimate the odds of adverse outcome according to formulation used. Several sensitivity analyses were conducted.

Main outcome measures

Preterm birth, small for gestational age.

Results

We observed a positive association between use of a combination oral contraceptive and preterm birth for all exposure periods (e.g. adjusted odds ratio 1.21, 95% confidence interval 1.04–1.41 for last use 12 to >4 months before conception); combination contraceptives containing the progestin norethisterone were consistently related to risk. Other types of hormonal contraception were generally not associated with preterm birth; none were related to small for gestational age. Observed associations were robust to sensitivity analyses.

Conclusion

Hormonally active agents may exert dose‐, agent‐, and timing‐specific effects on growth and development. We found that the particular progestin component is important when assessing the potential for adverse effects among former users of hormonal contraceptives.
Loss expression of micro ribonucleic acid (miRNA)‐200c induces adverse post‐surgical prognosis of advanced stage non‐small cell lung carcinoma and its potential relationship with ETAR messenger RNA
Authors: Zhao Jinpeng , Zhao Yandong , Wang Zizong , Xuan Yunpeng , Luo Yiren , Jiao Wenjie
Published: October 2014

Background

Non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the leading cause of cancer mortality worldwide. As micro ribonucleic acid (miRNA)‐200 and ETAR may play an essential role in the process of epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) simultaneously, the purpose of this study was to detect the expression of miRNA‐200c and ETAR messenger (m)RNA and assess their prognostic significance in early stage NSCLC.

Methods

Our study included 78 advanced stage (IIB, IIIA, IIIB) NSCLC patients. All patients were smokers. Using quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction analysis, we detected the expression of miRNA‐200c and ETAR mRNA and assessed their correlation by χ2 test. Time to progression was used as the recurrent index and was assessed by univariate and multivariate analysis in the Cox hazard model.

Results

Both miRNA‐200c and ETAR mRNA expression are associated with N stage and tumor node metastasis (TNM) stage in a series of advanced NSCLC patients. Among N stage and TNM stage patients, significant differences were found in IIB (P = 0.0126), IIIB (P = 0.0107) and N0 (P = 0.0023) and in N1 + N2 groups (P = 0.0133). Using both univariate and multivariate survival analyses, we found that miRNA‐200c (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.352, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.187–0.662) and ETAR mRNA (HR = 2.500 95% CI: 1.345–4.647) were independent prognostic factors, independent of TNM stage (HR = 2.414, 95% CI: 1.600–3.642) and differentiation (HR = 1.530, 95% CI: 1.050–2230).

Conclusions

 miRNA‐200c induces an expedient surgical survival, whereas ETAR mRNA has the reverse prognosis in advanced stage NSCLC patients. A potential relationship exists in that miRNA‐200c targets ETAR mRNA during EMT.
Anatomical and Morphometric Variations in the Arterial System of the Domestic Cat
Authors: Gonzalez V. H. , Ball S. , Cramer R. , Smith A.
Published: October 2014

We document the anatomical architecture and frequency of occurrence of variations in the branching pattern of the brachiocephalic artery and the origin of the internal iliac arteries in the domestic cat, a widely used model organism in both anatomical training and research. Based on the study of 56 preserved specimens, we observed three distinct arrangements in the branching pattern of the brachiocephalic artery. The most common pattern (52% of the examined specimens) was that in which the brachiocephalic artery was divided into two branches, the left common carotid artery and a common branch for the right subclavian artery and the right common carotid artery. The frequency of occurrence of each variation type was independent of the gender and body size. The internal iliac arteries originated caudal to the point at which the external iliac arteries branched off from the abdominal aorta. However, the portion of the abdominal aorta between the external and internal iliac arteries varied greatly in length and was not significantly correlated with its width, nor with body size or gender. This study is the first to report and quantify the occurrence of such variations in North American cats. Given the anatomical similarity between the cat and other felids, the results of this study can be applied to other species, including endangered species.
Operating Performance Following Acquisitions: Evidence from Taiwan's IT Industry
Authors: Huang Hsu‐Huei , Chan Min‐Lee , Huang I‐Hsiang , Wu Kuo‐Hsing
Published: October 2014

This paper examines the performance of Taiwanese firms following acquisitions and finds that, when contrasted with the acquisitions that take place in the U.S., Taiwanese acquirers exhibit negative industry‐adjusted accounting performance. The negative performance is mostly driven by firms with low growth opportunities, but is mitigated under more concentrated shareholdings and better board structures. These findings suggest that while weak corporate governance at the country‐level may adversely affect the overall effectiveness of the takeover market in Taiwan, there is substantial cross‐sectional variation in corporate governance at the firm‐level. The evidence also shows that the announcement of an acquisition is accompanied by a positive announcement effect, and the poor operating performance might be related to the decreased assets turnover and sales growth rate.
TRIM family proteins: emerging class of RING E3 ligases as regulator of NF‐κB pathway
Authors: Tomar Dhanendra , Singh Rajesh
Published: October 2014

The nuclear factor κB (NF‐κB) transcription factor family plays a key role in regulation of the inflammatory pathway in response to different physiological stimuli starting from development to ageing. The dysregulation of NF‐κB has been associated with many pathological conditions like inflammatory diseases, neurodegeneration, metabolic diseases and various kinds of malignancies. The NF‐κB pathway is regulated by number of post‐translational modifications, including phosphorylation and ubiquitination. Ubiquitin (Ub) E3 ligases are key regulators of the process of ubiquitination and provide specificity to the pathway as they recognise the substrate and determine the topology of ubiquitination. TRIMs, members of RING family of Ub E3 ligases, are characterised by the presence of three conserved domains, RING, B‐Box and coiled‐coil (RBCC). Emerging evidence suggests that TRIMs regulate innate immune signalling during infection and different pathological conditions. The studies have demonstrated the role of TRIMs in regulation of inflammatory pathways including NF‐κB. Recent reports suggest that TRIMs play a critical role in regulation of the NF‐κB pathway by ubiquitinating proteins at different steps. In the current review, we discuss the role of TRIMs as novel NF‐κB regulators and their role in different pathophysiological conditions.
A Holocene sea‐level curve and revised isobase map based on isolation basins from near the southern tip of Norway
Authors: Romundset Anders , Fredin Ola , Høgaas Fredrik
Published: October 2014

We report a new Holocene relative sea‐level curve based on the stratigraphy in five closely located isolation basins near Lista in southernmost Norway. The results detail the progress and timing of the mid‐Holocene Tapes transgression, the peak of which in this region represents the highest postglacial sea level, as well as the rate of land emergence since then. One additional cored basin is situated above the marine limit. All the basins have bedrock sills that were levelled using a differential GPS. Isolation and ingression boundaries were identified by macrofossil analysis and radiocarbon dated on terrestrial plant remains. In most cases several dates were obtained from each transition. Relative sea level rose with a mean rate of 7 mm a−1 during the last part of the Tapes transgression 8600−8200 cal. a BP and then gradually slowed to a mean rate of 1 mm a−1 from 8200−7000 cal. a BP. Mean sea level reached ∼5 m higher than the present level when the transgression culminated. Land emergence took place after this, first slowly at a mean rate of 0.4 mm a−1 until ∼3900 cal. a BP before it increased to 2.6 mm between 3900 and 3400 cal. a BP. Since then it has slowly decreased until today and has been ∼0.2 mm a−1 for the last 2000 years. Based on the new curve we present updated Tapes isobases for the region that are displaced by ∼20 km in relation to the existing model. From one basin we also report a 5–10 cm thick layer of sorted, sandy gravel, embedded in a more than 5‐m‐thick deposit of homogeneous shallow‐marine mud. The gravel was deposited ∼5500 cal. a BP, which is the same age as a tsunami deposit previously mapped in Shetland. As several typical characteristics of tsunami facies deposits are lacking, the origin of the gravel layer remains inconclusive.
Economic value of Greater Montreal's non‐market ecosystem services in a land use management and planning perspective
Authors: Dupras Jérôme , Alam Mahbubul , Revéret Jean‐Pierre
Published: October 2014

The Greater Montreal (Quebec, Canada) area is currently re‐evaluating the future of its land use planning and development sector. One of the approaches being considered is the monetization of non‐market goods and services provided by biodiversity and ecosystems in this region. This is in the interest of providing decision makers and stakeholders a tool for quantification and comparison. Herein we analyzed land use cover in 2010 and applied benefit transfer using 103 monetary observations from 62 studies. The value measured for the 11 non‐market ecosystem services monetized for the Greater Montreal area reached $2.2 billion/year. More than three‐quarters of this total value is provided by the services of air quality regulation, recreation, and habitat for biodiversity. Ecosystems providing the highest non‐market values are urban forests, woodlands, and wetlands. We believe that the results of this ecosystem services value mapping could lead to better resource allocation and enable policy‐makers to design more effective land use policies in southern Quebec.
Aminopenicillin‐associated exanthem: lymphocyte transformation testing revisited
Authors: Trautmann A. , Seitz C. S. , Stoevesandt J. , Kerstan A.
Published: October 2014

Background

The lymphocyte transformation test (LTT) has been promoted as in‐vitro test for diagnosis of drug hypersensitivity. For determination of statistical LTT sensitivity, series of patients with clinically uniform reactions followed by complete drug hypersensitivity work‐up are mandatory. Assessment of LTT specificity requires control patients who tolerated exposure to the drug studied.

Objective

To prospectively determine the diagnostic value of the LTT in a clinically and diagnostically well‐defined series of patients.

Methods

Patients with exanthematous skin eruptions after ampicillin (AMP) intake were included in this study. After exclusion or confirmation of delayed‐onset allergic AMP hypersensitivity by skin and provocation testing, two independent LTTs were performed: one standard LTT and a modified LTT with additional anti‐CD3/anti‐CD28 monoclonal antibody stimulation.

Results

By testing, delayed‐onset allergic AMP hypersensitivity was diagnosed in 11 patients and definitely ruled out in 26. The standard LTT reached a diagnostic sensitivity of 54.5% while the modified LTT yielded 72.7%. However, the methodical test modification resulted in a decline of specificity from 92.3% (standard LTT) to 76.9%.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance

In cases of AMP‐associated exanthems, the diagnostic value of the LTT compared with routine allergy testing is limited. When evaluating such exanthems, provocation testing remains the gold standard. Delayed reading of intradermal skin tests remains most useful to avoid positive provocation reactions.
Characterization of a novel founder MSH6 mutation causing Lynch syndrome in the French Canadian population
Authors: Castellsagué E. , Liu J. , Volenik A. , Giroux S. , Gagné R. , Maranda B. , Roussel‐Jobin A. , Latreille J. , Laframboise R. , Palma L. , Kasprzak L. , Marcus V.A. , Breguet M. , Nolet S. , El‐Haffaf Z. , Australie K. , Gologan A. , Aleynikova O. , Oros‐Klein K. , Greenwood C. , Mes‐Masson A.M. , Provencher D. , Tischkowitz M. , Chong G. , Rousseau F. , Foulkes W.D.
Published: October 2014

We identified an MSH6 mutation (c.10C>T, p.Gln4*) causing Lynch syndrome (LS) in 11 French Canadian (FC) families from the Canadian province of Quebec. We aimed to investigate the molecular and clinical implications of this mutation among FC carriers and to assess its putative founder origin. We studied 11 probands and 27 family members. Additionally 6433 newborns, 187 colorectal cancer (CRC) cases, 381 endometrial cancer (EC) cases and 179 additional controls, all of them from Quebec, were used. Found in approximately 1 of 400 newborns, the mutation is one of the most common LS mutations described. We have found that this mutation confers a greater risk for EC than for CRC, both in the 11 studied families and in the unselected cases: EC [odds ratio (OR) = 7.5, p < 0.0001] and CRC (OR = 2.2, p = 0.46). Haplotype analyses showed that the mutation arose in a common ancestor, probably around 430–656 years ago, coinciding with the arrival of the first French settlers. Application of the results of this study could significantly improve the molecular testing and clinical management of LS families in Quebec.
The defects of cholangiocyte primary cilia in patients with graft cholangiopathies
Authors: Lu Hong‐wei , Dong Jia‐hong , Li Chong‐hui , Yu Qiang , Tang Wei
Published: October 2014

Purpose

To observe the morphologic changes in intrahepatic bile ducts and the defects of cholangiocyte primary cilia in patients with graft cholangiopathies.

Methods

Four patients who were diagnosed as graft cholangiopathies and underwent retransplantation were chosen as the study group; another four patients who underwent liver transplantation during the same period and recovered normally six months after the operation were the control group. The serum levels of biochemical indicators were measured, the morphologic changes in intrahepatic bile ducts and cholangiocyte primary cilia were observed, and the ciliary marker (α‐tubulin) and membrane proteins (polycystin‐1, TPPV4) were detected by immunofluorescence analysis and Western blot.

Results

In the study group, biliary structures were vague and some bile ducts disappeared in portal areas; some epithelial cells were lost; lots of collagen was deposited and many phlogocytes infiltrated; microliths were found in some ductal lumens; partial biliary epithelial cells were necrosed; primary cilia and microvilli disappeared. In the control group, the structures of intrahepatic bile ducts and biliary epithelial cells were integrated and the primary cilia were present.

Conclusions

The morphologic changes in biliary epithelial cells and the defects of cholangiocyte primary cilia have a close correlation with graft cholangiopathies in liver transplantation.
Outcomes after selective dorsal rhizotomy
Authors: Steinbok Paul
Published: October 2014

This commentary is on the original article by Lundkvist Josenby et al. on pages 286–293 of this issue.
A map of the topsoil organic carbon content of Europe generated by a generalized additive model
Authors: de Brogniez D. , Ballabio C. , Stevens A. , Jones R. J. A. , Montanarella L. , van Wesemael B.
Published: October 2014

There is an increasing demand for up‐to‐date soil organic carbon (OC) data for global environmental and climatic modelling. The aim of this study was to create a map of topsoil OC content at the European scale by applying digital soil mapping techniques to the first European harmonized geo‐referenced topsoil (0–20 cm) database, which arises from the Land use/Cover Area frame statistical Survey (LUCAS). A map of the associated uncertainty was also produced to support careful use of the predicted OC contents. A generalized additive model (GAM) was fitted on 85% of the dataset (R2 = 0.29), using OC content as dependent variable; a backward stepwise approach selected slope, land cover, temperature, net primary productivity, latitude and longitude as suitable covariates. The validation of the model (performed on 15% of the data‐set) gave an overall R2 of 0.27 and an R2 of 0.21 for mineral soils and 0.06 for organic soils. Organic C content in most organic soils was under‐predicted, probably because of the imposed unimodal distribution of our model, whose mean is tilted towards the prevalent mineral soils. This was also confirmed by the poor prediction in Scandinavia (where organic soils are more frequent), which gave an R2 of 0.09, whilst the prediction performance (R2) in non‐Scandinavian countries was 0.28. The map of predicted OC content had the smallest values in Mediterranean countries and in croplands across Europe, whereas largest OC contents were predicted in wetlands, woodlands and mountainous areas. The map of the predictions' standard error had large uncertainty in northern latitudes, wetlands, moors and heathlands, whereas small uncertainty was mostly found in croplands. The map produced gives the most updated general picture of topsoil OC content at the European Union scale.
Trends in body condition of native piscivores following invasion of Lakes Erie and Ontario by the round goby
Authors: Crane Derek P. , Farrell John M. , Einhouse Donald W. , Lantry Jana R. , Markham James L.
Published: October 2014

Biological invaders can provide a highly abundant novel prey, yet the effect this has on the body condition of native predators is unknown.

Since invading the Laurentian Great Lakes over two decades ago, the round goby (Neogobius melanostomus) has become an important food source for many native species.

We used long‐term data from Lakes Erie and Ontario (1993−2012) to create quantile regression models of mass–length relationships for populations of four native predators: smallmouth bass (Micropterus dolomieu), yellow perch (Perca flavescens), walleye (Sander vitreus) and burbot (Lota lota). Model‐based estimates of changes in mass‐at‐length following the invasion were used to compare the effects of round goby on relative trends in body condition. Water temperature data were also included in the models, to investigate its effects on body condition.

The condition of smallmouth bass increased after the invasion, varying in magnitude between lakes and among size classes. Condition of yellow perch changed variably in direction and magnitude, depending on the quantile of the mass–length relationship examined and fish length, whereas that of walleye increased only for larger fish in Lake Ontario. Minor increases in mass‐at‐length were observed for the smallest length class of burbot, while the body condition of burbot in the largest length class decreased during the study period.

Mean summer water temperature did not differ between pre‐ and post‐invasion time periods in Lakes Erie and Ontario, although water temperature was a significant predictor of body condition.

Changes in body condition may have implications for additional population and life history characteristics. Future research should investigate the effects of the round goby on growth, age at maturity, fecundity and survival of native predators.
Are the landscape‐level drivers of water column and surface sediment diatoms different?
Authors: Winegardner A. K. , Beisner B. E. , Legendre P. , Gregory‐Eaves I.
Published: October 2014

Threats to biodiversity are fostering new collaboration between aquatic ecologists and palaeolimnologists, who have traditionally asked ecological questions on different time scales. While the differences between surface sediment and water column or snapshot sampling are well understood, less so are the consequences of comparing the predominant drivers of aquatic assemblages resulting from these two types of sampling.

Using diatom data from the 2007 USEPA National Lakes Assessment (NLA) program (468 lakes), we compared the main environmental and spatial drivers of diatom community composition between samples derived from the water column and surface sediments. We hypothesised that, in explaining community variation across the conterminous United States, the effect of environment would be stronger in diatom assemblages preserved in surface sediments because of the inclusion of benthic members and temporal integration. We used a combination of ordination overlays and variation partitioning to examine differences in community drivers between palaeolimnological (surface sediment) and water column sampling.

We found that these two types of sampling were significantly correlated with respect to the drivers of community composition in addition to having congruent patterns of ordination. Congruency between sampling methods further increased when the water column data were temporally integrated and may be explained by variation in seasonally dynamic taxa.

To our knowledge, this is the first study that has tested for differences in environmental structuring patterns between palaeolimnological and water column samples using such a highly replicated and landscape‐level approach. On the basis of our results, we encourage ecologists to consider the joint analysis of these two types of data sets where data are available.
The Role of Groundwater for Lake‐Water Quality and Quantification of N Seepage
Authors: Kidmose Jacob , Engesgaard Peter , Ommen Daniela A. Oliveira , Nilsson Bertel , Flindt Mogens R. , Andersen Frede Ø.
Published: October 2014

The heterogeneous nature of both groundwater discharge to a lake (inflow) and nitrate concentrations in groundwater can lead to significant errors in calculations of nutrient loading. Therefore, an integrated approach, combining groundwater flow and transport modelling with observed nitrate and ammonium groundwater concentrations, was used to estimate nitrate loading from a catchment via groundwater to an oligotrophic flow‐through lake (Lake Hampen, Denmark). The transport model was calibrated against three vertical nitrate profiles from multi‐level wells and 17 shallow wells bordering a crop field near the lake. Nitrate concentrations in groundwater discharging to the lake from the crop field were on average 70 times higher than in groundwater from forested areas. The crop field was responsible for 96% of the total nitrate loading (16.2 t NO3/year) to the lake even though the field only covered 4.5% of the catchment area. Consequently, a small change in land use in the catchment will have a large effect on the lake nutrient balance and possible lake restoration. The study is the first known attempt to estimate the decrease of nitrate loading via groundwater to a seepage lake when an identified catchment source (a crop field) is removed.
Statistical Testing of Association Between Menstruation and Migraine
Authors: Barra Mathias , Dahl Fredrik A. , Vetvik Kjersti G.
Published: October 2014

Objective

To repair and refine a previously proposed method for statistical analysis of association between migraine and menstruation.

Background

Menstrually related migraine (MRM) affects about 20% of female migraineurs in the general population. The exact pathophysiological link from menstruation to migraine is hypothesized to be through fluctuations in female reproductive hormones, but the exact mechanisms remain unknown. Therefore, the main diagnostic criterion today is concurrency of migraine attacks with menstruation. Methods aiming to exclude spurious associations are wanted, so that further research into these mechanisms can be performed on a population with a true association.

Methods

The statistical method is based on a simple two‐parameter null model of MRM (which allows for simulation modeling), and Fisher's exact test (with mid‐p correction) applied to standard 2 × 2 contingency tables derived from the patients' headache diaries. Our method is a corrected version of a previously published flawed framework. To our best knowledge, no other published methods for establishing a menstruation–migraine association by statistical means exist today.

Results

The probabilistic methodology shows good performance when subjected to receiver operator characteristic curve analysis. Quick reference cutoff values for the clinical setting were tabulated for assessing association given a patient's headache history.

Conclusions

In this paper, we correct a proposed method for establishing association between menstruation and migraine by statistical methods. We conclude that the proposed standard of 3‐cycle observations prior to setting an MRM diagnosis should be extended with at least one perimenstrual window to obtain sufficient information for statistical processing.
Measuring chronic liver disease mortality using an expanded cause of death definition and medical records in Connecticut, 2004
Authors: Ly Kathleen N. , Speers Suzanne , Klevens R. Monina , Barry Vaughn , Vogt Tara M.
Published: October 2014

Aim

Chronic liver disease (CLD) is a leading cause of death and is defined based on a specific set of underlying cause‐of‐death codes on death certificates. This conventional approach to measuring CLD mortality underestimates the true mortality burden because it does not consider certain CLD conditions like viral hepatitis and hepatocellular carcinoma. We measured how much the conventional CLD mortality case definition will underestimate CLD mortality and described the distribution of CLD etiologies in Connecticut.

Methods

We used 2004 Connecticut death certificates to estimate CLD mortality two ways. One way used the conventional definition and the other used an expanded definition that included more conditions suggestive of CLD. We compared the number of deaths identified using this expanded definition with the number identified using the conventional definition. Medical records were reviewed to confirm CLD deaths.

Results

Connecticut had 29 314 registered deaths in 2004. Of these, 282 (1.0%) were CLD deaths identified by the conventional CLD definition while 616 (2.1%) were CLD deaths defined by the expanded definition. Medical record review confirmed that most deaths identified by the expanded definition were CLD‐related (550/616); this suggested a 15.8 deaths/100 000 population mortality rate. Among deaths for which hepatitis B, hepatitis C and alcoholic liver disease were identified during medical record review, only 8.6%, 45.4% and 36.5%, respectively, had that specific cause‐of‐death code cited on the death certificate.

Conclusion

An expanded CLD mortality case definition that incorporates multiple causes of death and additional CLD‐related conditions will better estimate CLD mortality.
Preliminary 1 month stability screening of cosmetic multiple emulsions (W/O/W) prepared using cetyl dimethicone copolyol and Polysorbate 80
Authors: Khan H. , Akhtar N. , Mahmood T. , Jameel A. , Mohsin S.
Published: October 2014

Objectives

The objective of this work was to develop W/O/W emulsions with different concentration of paraffin oil, lipophilic (cetyl dimethicone copolyol) and hydrophilic emulsifiers (polysorbate 80) and to check their stability at different storage conditions.

Methods

Approximately, 20 formulations (W/O/W) multiple emulsions were prepared, and their stability was checked at different storage conditions for the period of 30 days. Stability of some multiple emulsions ME12, ME13, ME14, ME19 and ME20 was also checked with carbomer as viscosity‐enhancing agent. Microscopic analysis for droplet size determination and rheological characterization of most stable multiple emulsions, that is, ME20 were also performed.

Results

It was observed that stability of multiple emulsion increases with the addition of gelling agent. Formulation (ME20) with 13.6% paraffin oil, 2.4% cetyl dimethicone copolyol and 0.8% polysorbate 80 was found more stable at 25°C and 40°C for the period of 30 days. Rheological analysis indicated a decrease in viscosity with the passage of time, while droplet size analysis indicated an increase in droplet size with the passage of time.

Conclusion

As a conclusion of this work, a stable multiple emulsion with 13.6% paraffin oil, 2.4% cetyl dimethicone copolyol and 0.8% polysorbate 80 can be formulated and can be further studied for any active ingredient for cosmetic purposes.
Optimisation of production yield by ultrasound‐/microwave‐assisted acid method and functional property of pectin from sugar beet pulp
Authors: Peng Xiao‐Yan , Mu Tai‐Hua , Zhang Miao , Sun Hong‐Nan , Chen Jing‐Wang , Yu Ming
Published: October 2014

Response surface methodology was used to optimise pectin recovery from sugar beet pulp using ultrasound‐/microwave‐assisted acid method (UMAAM). The independent variables were microwave heating temperature, microwave heating time and solid‐to‐liquid ratio. From the results, the selected optimal conditions were 92 °C, 37 min, and solid‐to‐liquid ratio 1:30. Under these conditions, the yield and uronic acid content of the pectin (SBP1) was 26.16% and 75.38%, respectively. Compared with the sugar beet pectin (SBP2) extracted by traditional acid method, SBP1 showed a higher molecular weight, higher viscosity and emulsifying activity and stability. The possible reason was that the UMAAM could have had minimal change in the protein–polysaccharide complex structure of pectin, but significantly increased the length of polysaccharide chains compared with SBP2. These results suggested that UMAAM is an efficient method in extracting pectin and has the potential to be used in the sugar beet industry.
Study of the fermentation conditions and the antiproliferative activity of rapeseed peptides by bacterial and enzymatic cooperation
Authors: Xie Huihui , Wang Yumei , Zhang Jing , Chen Jingyi , Wu Ding , Wang Lifeng
Published: October 2014

Based on previously determined preparation conditions of rapeseed peptides by mixed solid‐state fermentation, the optimisation of the fermentation conditions of rapeseed meal to obtain rapeseed peptides using the cooperation of mixed bacteria and a neutral protease was studied. The appropriate parameters of synergistic fermentation using mixed bacteria and a neutral protease were as follows: initial fermentation pH of 6.5, fermentation temperature of 35 °C, fermentation time of 2 day and the added amount of neutral protease of 200 U g−1 weight of dry rapeseed meal. Furthermore, Tricine‐SDS‐PAGE analysis of the rapeseed peptide extracts was performed, and the amino acid composition of the rapeseed meal before and after fermentation was evaluated. Then, the analysis of cytotoxicity and antiproliferative activity of the extracts on human HepG2 liver cancer cells, human MCF‐7 breast cancer cells and human HeLa cervical cancer cells indicated that the extracts had an antiproliferative effect on the cancer cells.
CD11c+ CD103+ cells of Mycobacterium tuberculosis‐infected C57BL/6 but not of BALB/c mice induce a high frequency of interferon‐γ‐ or interleukin‐17‐producing CD4+ cells
Authors: Sérgio Cássia A. , Bertolini Thais B. , Gembre Ana Flávia , Prado Rafael Q. , Bonato Vânia L. D.
Published: October 2014

The magnitude of the cellular adaptive immune response is critical for the control of Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection in the chronic phase. In addition, the genetic background is equally important for resistance or susceptibility to tuberculosis. In this study, we addressed whether lung populations of dendritic cells, obtained from genetically different hosts, would play a role in the magnitude and function of CD4+ populations generated after M. tuberculosis infection. Thirty days post‐infection, C57BL/6 mice, which generate a stronger interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ)‐mediated immune response than BALB/c mice, exhibited a higher number and frequency of lung CD11c+ CD11b− CD103+ cells compared with BALB/c mice, which exhibited a high frequency of lung CD11c+ CD11b+ CD103− cells. CD11c+ CD11b− CD103+ cells, purified from lungs of infected C57BL/6 mice, but not from infected BALB/c mice, induced a higher frequency of IFN‐γ‐producing or interleukin‐17 (IL‐17)‐producing CD4+ cells. Moreover, CD4+ cells also arrive at the lung of C57BL/6 mice faster than in BALB/c mice. This pattern of immune response seems to be associated with higher gene expression for CCL4, CCL19, CCL20 and CCR5 in the lungs of infected C57BL/6 mice compared with infected BALB/c mice. The results described here show that the magnitude of IFN‐γ‐producing or IL‐17‐producing CD4+ cells is dependent on CD11c+ CD11b− CD103+ cells, and this pattern of immune response is directly associated with the host genetic background. Therefore, differences in the genetic background contribute to the identification of immunological biomarkers that can be used to design human assays to predict progression of M. tuberculosis infection.
Radiographic, Computed Tomographic, and Arthroscopic Findings in Labrador Retrievers With Medial Coronoid Disease
Authors: Lau Seng Fong , Theyse Lars F.H. , Voorhout George , Hazewinkel Herman A.W.
Published: October 2014

Objective

To describe the radiographic, computed tomographic (CT), and arthroscopic findings in different age groups of Labrador Retrievers diagnosed with medial coronoid disease (MCD), and to compare the ulnar subtrochlear sclerosis (STS) observed on radiographs with the ratio between the mean attenuation of the ulnar subtrochlear bone and the mean attenuation of the cortical bone measured on CT.

Study Design

Prospective clinical study.

Animals

Dogs (n = 31; 31 elbow joints) and 6 healthy Labrador Retrievers (6 elbow joints).

Methods

Radiographic, CT, and intraoperative arthroscopic images (2008–2012) were evaluated. Statistical analysis was performed for the descriptive study to evaluate the difference in findings between age groups and to investigate the correlation between radiographic and CT evaluated ulnar STS.

Results

Ulnar STS (87.6%) was the most common radiographic findings in dogs ≤12 months and blurring of the cranial edge of the medial coronoid process (MCP; 66.7%) was the most common radiographic findings in dogs >12 months. MCP fragmentation was the most common CT finding in both age groups (93.8% [≤12 months]; 66.7% [>12 months]). A displaced fragment (68.8%) was the most common arthroscopic finding in dogs ≤12 months whereas osteochondromalacia (53.3%) was the most common finding in dogs >12 months. Sensitivity of radiography in detecting MCD was 93.8% (≤12 months) and 73.3% (>12 months) and for CT was 93.8% (≤12 months) and 66.7% (>12 months). Radiographic evaluated ulnar STS was strongly correlated with CT evaluated ulnar STS.

Conclusion

Wide ranges of radiographic, CT, and arthroscopic findings in Labrador Retrievers diagnosed with medial coronoid disease were identified.
Effect of Drought on the Gas Exchange, Chlorophyll Fluorescence and Yield of Six Different‐Era Spring Wheat Cultivars
Authors: Guan X.‐K. , Song L. , Wang T.‐C. , Turner N. C. , Li F.‐M.
Published: October 2014

In semi‐arid areas of north‐west China, grain yields of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) are higher in recently bred cultivars than those released six decades earlier. The gas exchange, chloroplast activity and yield of six spring wheat cultivars grown in the 1950s, Hst and Gs96 (early), in the 1970s, Gy602 and Dx24 (intermediate), and in the 1990s, Gc20 and Lc8275 (modern) were compared with adequate water (WET) and drought stress (DRY) to determine the effects of drought stress among the cultivars. The results showed that in the WET treatment, the modern cultivars had significantly higher rates of leaf gas exchange, photosystem 2 (PS2) maximal photochemical efficiency, actual quantum yield of PS2 (ФPS2), photochemical quenching of chlorophyll (qp) and lower non‐photochemical quenching (NPQ) than early cultivars, but had significantly lower gas exchange rates, intercellular CO2 concentration, ФPS2, qp and NPQ in the DRY treatment. In the WET treatment, the grain yield of early cultivars was significantly lower (10 %) than intermediate cultivars, but was significantly higher (17 %) than intermediate cultivars in the DRY treatment. The modern and intermediate cultivars had more sensitive stomata to water shortage, but the decreased activity of the PS2 reaction centre helped avoid damage from photoinhibition in these cultivars.
A concept analysis of befriending
Authors: Balaam Marie‐Clare
Published: October 2014

Aim

To report an analysis of the concept of Befriending.

Background

Befriending is an intervention used in a range of nursing, health and social care settings to provide support for individuals who are socially isolated or lack social support. However, in many cases befriending and its impact remains poorly understood and under researched. Concept analysis provides clarification of the concept and basis for further research and development.

Design

Concept analysis.

Data sources

AMED, Psyc Articles, Psych Info, Medline, MedlinePlus, Social Science Index and CINHAL databases were searched for literature published between 1993–2013 using the search term Befriending.

Methods

Walker and Avant's method of concept analysis was chosen. This combined with insights from Risjord's work produced a theoretical concept analysis which focused on the concept in peer reviewed academic literature.

Results

There are currently several ways the mechanisms of befriending and its effects on individuals and communities are understood. It is possible however to identify key attributes which define the concept and differentiate it from related concepts, such as peer support and mentoring. Key attributes are that it is an organised intervention, involving the creation of an emotionally connected friend‐like relationship, where there is a negotiation of power.

Conclusion

This concept analysis has clarified current understandings and uses of befriending. It provides the basis for widening the focus of research into the effectiveness and impact of befriending on those who are befriended, those who befriend and the communities where befriending takes place.
Model‐Based Nitrogen and Phosphorus (Nutrient) Criteria for Large Temperate Rivers: 1. Model Development and Application
Authors: Flynn Kyle F. , Suplee Michael W. , Chapra Steven C. , Tao Hua
Published: October 2014

An initial inquiry into model‐based numeric nitrogen and phosphorus (nutrient) criteria for large rivers is presented. Field data collection and associated modeling were conducted on a segment of the lower Yellowstone River in the northwestern United States to assess the feasibility of deriving numeric nutrient criteria using mechanistic water‐quality models. The steady‐state one‐dimensional modelQUAL2K and a transect‐based companion modelAT2K were calibrated and confirmed against low‐flow conditions at a time when river loadings, water column chemistry, and diurnal indicators were approximately steady state. Predictive simulation was then implemented via nutrient perturbation to evaluate the steady‐state and diurnal response of the river to incremental nutrient additions. In this first part of a two‐part series, we detail our modeling approach, model selection, calibration and confirmation, sensitivity analysis, model outcomes, and associated uncertainty. In the second part (Supleeet al., 2015) we describe the criteria development process using the tools described herein. Both articles provide a fundamental understanding of the process required to develop site‐specific numeric nutrient criteria using models in applied regulatory settings.
Evaluating Alternative Temporal Survey Designs for Monitoring Wetland Area and Detecting Changes Over Time in California
Authors: Lackey Leila G. , Stein Eric D.
Published: October 2014

Evaluation of wetland extent and changes in extent is a foundation of many wetland monitoring and assessment programs. Probabilistic sampling and mapping provides a cost‐effective alternative to comprehensive mapping for large geographic areas. One unresolved challenge for probabilistic or design‐based approaches is how best to monitor both status (e.g., extent at a single point in time) and trends (e.g., changes in extent over time) within a single monitoring program. Existing wetland status and trends (S&T) monitoring programs employ fixed sampling locations; however, theoretical evaluation and limited implementation in other landscape monitoring areas suggest that alternative designs could increase statistical efficiency and overall accuracy. In particular, designs that employ both fixed and nonfixed sampling locations (alternately termed permanent and temporary samples), termed sampling with partial replacement (SPR), are considered to efficiently and effectively balance monitoring current status with detection of trends. This study utilized simulated sampling to assess the performance of fixed sampling locations, SPR, and strictly nonfixed designs for monitoring wetland S&T over time. Modeled changes in wetland density over time were used as inputs for sampling simulations. In contrast to previous evaluations of SPR, the results of this study support the use of a fixed sampling design and show that SPR may underestimate both S&T.
Can Rapid Assessment Protocols Be Used to Judge Sediment Impairment in Gravel‐Bed Streams? A Commentary
Authors: Lisle Thomas E. , Buffington John M. , Wilcock Peter R. , Bunte Kristin
Published: October 2014

Land management agencies commonly use rapid assessments to evaluate the impairment of gravel‐bed streams by sediment inputs from anthropogenic sources. We question whether rapid assessment can be used to reliably judge sediment impairment at a site or in a region. Beyond the challenges of repeatable and accurate sampling, we argue that a single metric or protocol is unlikely to reveal causative relations because channel condition can result from multiple pathways, processes, and background controls. To address these concerns, a contextual analysis is needed to link affected resources, causal factors, and site history to reliably identify human influences. Contextual analysis is equivalent in principle to cumulative effects and watershed analyses and has a rich history, but has gradually been replaced by rapid assessment methods. Although the approaches differ, rapid assessment and contextual analysis are complementary and can be implemented in a two‐tiered approach in which rapid assessment provides a coarse (first‐tier) analysis to identify sites that deserve deeper contextual assessment (second‐tier). Contextual analysis is particularly appropriate for site‐specific studies that should be tailored to local conditions. A balance between rapid assessment and contextual analysis is needed to provide the most effective information for management decisions.
Hydrologic Sensitivity to Climate and Land Use Changes in the Santiam River Basin, Oregon
Authors: Mateus Cristina , Tullos Desiree D. , Surfleet Christopher G.
Published: October 2014

Future changes in water supply are likely to vary across catchments due to a river basin's sensitivity to climate and land use changes. In the Santiam River Basin (SRB), Oregon, we examined the role elevation, intensity of water demands, and apparent intensity of groundwater interactions, as characteristics that influence sensitivity to climate and land use changes, on the future availability of water resources. In the context of water scarcity, we compared the relative impacts of changes in water supply resulting from climate and land use changes to the impacts of spatially distributed but steady water demand. Results highlight how seasonal runoff responses to climate and land use changes vary across subbasins with differences in hydrogeology, land use, and elevation. Across the entire SRB, water demand exerts the strongest influence on basin sensitivity to water scarcity, regardless of hydrogeology, with the highest demand located in the lower reaches dominated by agricultural and urban land uses. Results also indicate that our catchment with mixed rain‐snow hydrology and with mixed surface‐groundwater may be more sensitive to climate and land use changes, relative to the catchment with snowmelt‐dominated runoff and substantial groundwater interactions. Results highlight the importance of evaluating basin sensitivity to change in planning for planning water resources storage and allocation across basins in variable hydrogeologic settings.
Clinicians' perceptions of digital vs. paper‐based decision support interventions
Authors: Politi Mary C. , Adsul Prajakta , Kuzemchak Marie D. , Zeuner Rachel , Frosch Dominick L.
Published: October 2014

Rationale, aims and objectives

Despite extensive evidence on the value of patient decision support interventions (DESIs), there is no consensus on optimal DESI formats. Assessing clinicians' perceptions about DESI formats can help facilitate their adoption. The aim of this study was to assess clinicians' perceptions of DESIs formats and potential use in practice.

Methods

Semi‐structured qualitative interviews were conducted with doctors from diverse practice areas (internal medicine, OB/GYN, surgery, medical oncology, emergency medicine) and elicited perceptions toward patient DESIs formats (digital vs. paper) and timing of administration. Questions also elicited beliefs underlying attitudes, perceived social norms and self‐efficacy for using DESIs and the feasibility of doing so. Data analysis was conducted using a thematic analysis approach.

Results

Participants identified strengths of both more comprehensive digital and shorter paper‐based tools and thought they could complement each other. Participants consistently expressed the advantages of using DESIs outside the consultation to supplement clinical discussions about cancer decisions given the amount of information to discuss during these emotion‐laden conversations. Participants felt that patients with older age and lower socio‐economic status were more likely to use a paper‐based compared with a digital DESI. Participants also noted challenges related to reliable resources such as computers and Internet in the practice setting, which would be necessary for implementing the digital DESIs on site.

Conclusions

Clinicians' perceptions and opinions about value of DESIs can vary widely across doctor, patient and clinic characteristics. A one‐size‐fits‐all approach to implementation might not be feasible, suggesting that flexible approaches to providing decision support for patients are needed to drive broader adoption.