bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Proliferation of elongate fishes in the deep sea
Authors: Neat F. C. , Campbell N.
Published: December 2013

It was hypothesized that energetically efficient anguilliform swimming and axial elongation in fishes is favoured in the deep sea and predicted that the degree of elongation of the body form of fishes would increase with depth. An index of fish shape was derived from the relationship between length and mass. This was combined with data on abundance of c. 266 fish species from 389 research trawl tows made at depths of between 300 and 2030 m in the north‐east Atlantic Ocean. The degree of elongation of the fish increased with depth to c. 1250 m before levelling off. The strength of this phenomenon varied between higher level taxa, being most apparent in the Gadiformes and Osmeriformes, and weak or absent in the Perciformes and Selachimorpha. The advantage of efficient elongate body forms may explain why certain taxa such as the grenadiers (Macrouridae) have dominated the deep sea, some have restricted depth ranges, e.g. the sharks, skates and rays, and others are almost entirely absent, e.g. the flatfishes (Pleuronectiformes).
Red muscle proportions and enzyme activities in deep‐sea demersal fishes
Authors: Drazen J. C. , Dugan B. , Friedman J. R.
Published: December 2013

Owing to the paucity of data on the red muscle of deep‐sea fishes, the goal of this study was to determine the proportions of red muscle in demersal fishes and its enzymatic activities to characterize how routine swimming abilities change with depths of occurrence. Cross sectional analysis of the trunk musculature was used to evaluate the proportion of red muscle in 38 species of Californian demersal fishes living at depths between 100 and 3000 m. The activity of metabolic enzymes was also assayed in a sub‐set of 18 species. Benthic fishes had lower proportions of red muscle and lower metabolic enzyme activities than benthopelagic species. Mean proportion of red muscle declined significantly with depth with the greatest range of values in shallow waters and species with low proportions found at all depths. This suggested that while sedentary species occur at all depths, the most active species occur in shallow waters. Citrate synthase activity declined significantly with depth across all species, indicating that the mass‐specific metabolic capacity of red muscle is lower in deep‐sea species. These patterns may be explained by coupling of red and white muscle physiologies, a decrease in physical energy of the environment with depth or by the prevalence of anguilliform body forms and swimming modes in deep‐living species.
Diet and feeding strategy of blackmouth catsharkGaleus melastomus
Authors: Anastasopoulou A. , Mytilineou Ch. , Lefkaditou E. , Dokos J. , Smith C. J. , Siapatis A. , Bekas P. , Papadopoulou K.‐N.
Published: December 2013

Diet and feeding strategy of the blackmouth catsharkGaleus melastomusin the deep waters of the eastern Ionian Sea were investigated. Sampling was carried out using experimental bottom longline fishing at depths ranging from 300 to 855 m in summer and autumn 2010. Diet variability with fish size, season, area, sex and depth zone was tested and only season was found to significantly affect the diet of the species. Of the 870 stomachs examined, only 1·4% were empty. Cumulative prey curves showed that the sample sizes were adequate to describe the main prey items of the diet for both seasons. Prey identified belonged primarily to three major groups: fishes, cephalopods and dendrobranchiatan and caridean shrimps. In autumn, the above three major groups were found as principal prey, whereas in summer cephalopods followed by fishes were the principal prey and shrimps were found as secondary prey.SIMPERanalysis indicated high dissimilarity between seasons and highlighted that Sepiolidae, Myctophidae, fishes, cephalopods, shrimps and other crustaceans contributed to seasonal differences in the diet ofG. melastomus. The prey diversity index was higher in autumn than in summer. A high dietary overlap was observed between the two seasons.Galeus melastomusbehaved as an opportunistic predator with a variety of unimportant prey in its diet. Feeding strategy indicated thatG. melastomusholds a generalist niche with a considerable specialization at the individual level. This strategy seems to be an adaptation to a food‐scarce environment, as typified in deep‐water habitats.
Cloning and characterization of a potato StAN11 gene involved in anthocyanin biosynthesis regulation
Authors: Li Wang , Wang Bing , Wang Man , Chen Min , Yin Jing‐Ming , Kaleri Ghullam Murtaza , Zhang Rui‐Jie , Zuo Tie‐Niu , You Xiong , Yang Qing
Published: December 2013

Anthocyanins are a class of products of plant secondary metabolism and are responsible for tubers color in potato. The biosynthesis of anthocyanins is a complex biological process, in which multiple genes are involved including structural genes and regulatory genes. In this study, StAN11, a WD40‐repeat gene, was cloned from potato cultivar Chieftain (Solanum tuberosum L.). StAN11 (HQ599506) contained no intron and its open reading frame (ORF) was 1,029 bp long, encoding a putative protein of 342 amino acids. In order to verify its role in anthocyanin biosynthesis, StAN11 was inserted behind the CaMV‐35S promoter of pCMBIA1304 and the recombination vector was introduced into the potato cultivar Désirée plants by Agrobacterium‐mediated transformation. The color of transgenic tuber skin was significantly deepened, compared to the wild‐type control, which was highly consistent with the accumulation of anthocyanin and expression of StAN11 in transgenic lines tuber skin. Further analysis on the expression of Flavonone‐3‐hydroxylase (F3H), Dihydroflavonol reductase (DFR), Anthocyanidin synthase (ANS), and Flavonoid 3‐O‐glucosyl transferase (3GT) in transgenic plants revealed that only DFR was upregulated. This result suggested that StAN11 regulated anthocyanin biosynthesis in potato by controlling DFR expression and accumulation of anthocyanin could be increased through overexpression of StAN11 in the tubers with the genetic background of anthocyanin biosynthesis.
Treatment of forehead/glabellar rhytide complex with combination botulinum toxin a and hyaluronic acid versus botulinum toxin a injection alone: a split‐face, rater‐blinded, randomized control trial
Authors: Dubina Meghan , Tung Rebecca , Bolotin Diana , Mahoney Anne M , Tayebi Bailey , Sato Mauricio , Mulinari‐Brenner Fabiane , Jones Trevor , West Dennis P , Poon Emily , Nodzenski Michael , Alam Murad
Published: December 2013

Background

Forehead and glabella rhytides are treated mostly with neurotoxins, although some practitioners prefer the concurrent use of fillers. It has been suggested that combination treatments can result in a better overall improvement.

Aims

To compare the safety and effectiveness of treatment of forehead and glabellar lines with botulinum toxin A alone versus botulinum toxin A and filler.

Methods

Split‐face, randomized control trial. Twenty subjects with forehead/glabellar rhytide complex (static and dynamic creases) enrolled. Subjects were randomized and injected with botulinum toxin alone on one side of the forehead/glabella and hyaluronic acid filler followed by botulinum toxin on the other side. Blinded ratings were obtained to assess the effectiveness of treatment for static and dynamic rhytides, respectively, at 2‐week, 6‐week, 3‐month, and 6‐month follow‐up visits. Subjects performed a self‐evaluation at the end of the study. Adverse events were recorded.

Results

Ratings of both treatments showed comparable efficacy, with 100% of subjects experiencing improvement from baseline regardless of treatment type at weeks 2, 6, and 12. Combination treatment produced longer‐lasting results in dynamic forehead wrinkles, and greater static and dynamic wrinkle reduction in the glabella at week 24. Subject self‐evaluations showed that both treatments were effective, with a nominal preference for combination treatment.

Conclusions

Glabella and forehead lines can be effectively and safely reduced with neurotoxin alone as well as neurotoxin in combination with fillers. Combination treatment may provide a slightly better cumulative benefit and also increase the persistence of effect.
Hydrophobically modified polymers can minimize skin irritation potential caused by surfactant‐based cleansers
Authors: Draelos Zoe , Hornby Sidney , Walters Russel M , Appa Yohini
Published: December 2013

Introduction

The addition of hydrophobically modified polymers (HMPs) to cleansers that contain surfactants can create polymer–surfactant complexes that are less irritating to the skin than commercially available mild cleansers. Our objective was to compare the tolerability and efficacy of a test foaming liquid facial cleanser containing HMPs with a commercial liquid nonfoaming facial cleanser in women with sensitive skin.

Methods

In this randomized, prospective, double‐blind, comparative study, women (n = 20 per group) with mild‐to‐moderate atopic dermatitis (AD), eczema, acne, or rosacea used a test gentle foaming liquid facial cleanser containing HMPs or a commercial gentle liquid nonfoaming facial cleanser daily for 3 weeks. Investigators assessed irritation and skin condition. Study subjects also assessed their skin properties and the performance of each cleanser.

Results

Clinicians as well as study subjects consistently rated the test cleanser as effective or slightly more effective at improving symptoms than the commercial cleanser, although no significant differences between groups were observed. At weeks 1 and 3, respectively, more users of the commercial cleanser reported irritation (20% and 10%) than users of the test cleanser (5% and 5%). In addition, subject self‐assessments of skin condition and cleansing properties were slightly more improved with the test cleanser than with the commercial cleanser.

Conclusions

Both the test foaming cleanser containing HMPs and the commercial nonfoaming cleanser were effective and well accepted by most women in the study. Improvements were observed by both clinicians and subjects in the group using the test cleanser containing HMPs in all evaluated skin categories.
Novel use of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) microspheres in the treatment of infraorbital rhytids
Authors: Mani Nasrin , McLeod Jasmine , Sauder Maxwell B , Sauder Daniel N , Bothwell Marcella R
Published: December 2013

Aim

To demonstrate safety with the use of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) microspheres in the infraorbital eyelid area using a deliberate conservative injection in the treatment of rhytids.

Methods

A retrospective case series of 289 patients in an outpatient cosmetic dermatology clinic evaluated and treated by one senior provider (NM) of infraorbital rhytids with PMMA from December 2010 to March 2011. Statistical analysis was performed for race, skin type, history of hypertrophic scar, autoimmunity, history of “sensitive skin” and history of prior procedures such as prior facelift, rhinoplasty, and blepharoplasty.

Results

Two hundred ninety‐one patients underwent at least 1–6 injections of PMMA microspheres into bilateral under eye area. Early complications were edema and ecchymosis. Late complications were identified in 4 of 289 patients who developed small granulomas. All patients who developed granulomas had had a previous lower blepharoplasty (P = 0.00). A history of “sensitive skin” was approaching statistical significance (P = 0.15).

Conclusion

This study has shown that PMMA microsphere injection is a safe subdermal technique in the correction of infraorbital rhytids. Safety was demonstrated in 289 patients with only 4 minor complications of small lateral granuloma which all resolved within 4 weeks after intralesion triamcinolone injection. However, this is an off‐label use of a permanent filler not approved for use in the infraorbits and significant caution must be taken with full disclosure to the patient leading to informed consent. Caution in PMMA microsphere injection should be given in the patient with prior blepharoplasty. The advantage of PMMA microsphere is that the result seems to be predictable and natural.
Dyspigmentation, skin physiology, and a novel approach to skin lightening
Authors: Draelos Zoe , Dahl Amanda , Yatskayer Margarita , Chen Nannan , Krol Yevgeniy , Oresajo Christian
Published: December 2013

Background

Even facial pigmentation is considered a universal sign of youth and beauty in all cultures and at all ages in both men and women. The recent FDA concern about the safety of topical hydroquinone has provided the impetus for research into new pigment lightening alternatives in the cosmetic OTC market.

Aim

This research examined a novel hydroxyphenoxy propionic acid, ellagic acid, yeast extract, and salicylic acid formulation applied twice daily compared to the standard prescription combination of 4% hydroquinone cream and 0.025% tretinoin cream applied nightly.

Method

This single‐center investigator‐blinded 12 week study enrolled 82 subjects (7 male, 75 female) ages 25–60 years divided into 2 balanced groups of 41 subjects each with one group using a novel hydroxyphenoxy propionic acid, ellagic acid, yeast extract, and salicylic acid formulation applied twice daily compared to the standard prescription combination of 4% hydroquinone cream and 0.025% tretinoin cream applied nightly.

Results

Significant tolerability issues arose with the prescription combinations that were not seen with the cosmetic formulation. In terms of ability to even skin tone, decrease spot intensity, decrease spot size, and improve overall pigmentation, both products demonstrated parity.

Conclusion

This research demonstrated the value of cosmetic formulations as part of a treatment regimen for pigmentation issues.
Ultrastructure study of hair damage after ultraviolet irradiation
Authors: Zuel‐Fakkar Nehal Mohamed , El Khateeb Ekramy Ahmed , Cousha Hala Sobhi , Hamed Dina Mohamed
Published: December 2013

Background

Natural ultraviolet exposure induces hair damage, which is difficult to avoid. Most of the research work is focused on the effect of ultraviolet on the epidermis, dermis as well as the immune system, whereas the long‐term effect of ultraviolet on hair has not been investigated.

Aim: we performed our experiment to find out the changes induced in hair follicle and shaft in those patients exposed to high doses of ultraviolet (A and B) during treatment of other skin conditions.

Patients and Methods

Light and transmission electron microscopy examination of scalp hair follicles and shafts of 10 patients with vitiligo under psoralen plus ultraviolet A (group 1) and 10 patients with vitiligo under narrow band ultraviolet B (group 2) was carried out and compared with those of 10 healthy volunteers (group 3).

Results

Physical changes in the appearance of hair were more in groups 1 and 2 than control. Reduced hair follicle thickness and perifollicular infiltrate and hyaline disorganized perifollicular collagen were observed more in group 1 than in group 2 with the absence of these changes in group 3. Transmission electron microscopy showed nonspecific cell injury in hair follicles in group 1 more than the other 2 groups, while the damaging effect on hair was more in the second group than the others.

Conclusion

Due to the damaging effect of ultraviolet on hair, patients under treatment with this modality should be cautious to protect their hair during treatment.
Introducing “Impact Validity”
Authors: Massey Sean G. , Barreras Ricardo E.
Published: December 2013

This article introduces and explores the concept impact validity, which is conceptualized as the extent to which research has the potential to play a role in social and political change or is useful as a tool for advocacy or activism. Including impact validity in the design of a research project means that, in addition to considering traditional criteria for determining the methodological rigor of research, it is also critical to consider the many related decisions that researchers make when working toward social change. In this article, the theory and methodology of impact validity and the assumptions that position impact validity as both a valid scientific approach, and a useful tool for promoting a more engaged social science, are considered. A “how to” guide is also provided that offers three guiding principles for enhancing impact validity: the strategic choice of research question, having explicit and realistic strategies for using research, and the strategic framing, communicating, and disseminating of findings.
Advocacy Research in Harm Reduction Drug Policies
Authors: Drucker Ernest
Published: December 2013

Harm reduction now has a strong foundation in scientific evidence and is widely accepted in many countries as national policy and much of the worlds scientific community, including leading U.S. and international public‐health, e.g. The US National Academy of Medicine, the American Medical Association, the European Union, and the WHO. Nonetheless its impact in official U.S. policies and practices remains minimal. In this chapter, two harm reduction case studies are presented: one about needle‐exchange programs for intravenous drug users and the about methadone treatment programs for heroin addiction. These studies suggest how, in order to improve impact, research questions must be strategically chosen. and presented. Such research should support our ability to implement HR policies in practice and make public‐health officials more accountable for their opposition to HR, using the mounting body of evidence supportive of HR to support changing those positions. Both of these cases demonstrate the possibilities (and limitations) of advocacy research where science speaks truth to political power.
Researching the War on Terror in Swat Valley, Pakistan: Grapplings with the Impact on Communities and the Transnational Knowledge Industry
Authors: Chaudhry Lubna N.
Published: December 2013

Drawing on a study of the War on Terror in Swat Valley, Pakistan, the article explores what it means to conduct research in a politically charged conflict situation when the researcher is aligned against the dictates of imperialism. How can the impact of research—in terms of its efficaciousness in serving communities as well as in supporting a larger understanding that can bring in peace—be evaluated? The article grapples with the effects of the study at two levels: the community or local level in Swat; and, as a project of interethnic and transnational knowledge production and dissemination. The article highlights the limits and contradictions of a critical feminist approach in the face of multilayered power relations. Ultimately, the article makes a case for sustained attention to the value of research as transformative, even when its impact remains ambiguous given the scale of the War on Terror.
Role performance of psychiatric nurses in advanced practice: a systematic review of the literature
Authors: Fung Y. L. , Chan Z. , Chien W. T.
Published: December 2013

Accessible summary

Psychiatric advanced practice nurses perform multifaceted roles and demonstrate significant results in managing clients with depression and psychological stress, and community‐dwelling individuals with mental health‐care needs.

Psychiatric advanced practice nurses can potentially develop collaborative partnerships with non‐mental health service providers, services that are more accessible to users of mental health‐care service, and services that enhance the quality of inpatient care.

Psychiatric advanced practice nurses need to demonstrate their competence in providing cost‐effective interventions through well‐designed studies or randomized controlled trials.

This paper discusses findings from a systematic review of literature pertaining to the role performance of psychiatric nurses in advanced practice. A search of 11 electronic databases was conducted to identify research involving interventions by psychiatric (or mental health) nurses in advanced practice. A total of 14 studies were identified. In this review, the role performance of psychiatric nurses in advanced practice was categorized into three themes: (1) the provision of psychosocial interventions; (2) the provision of nurse‐directed services in health‐care contexts; and (3) the provision of psychiatric nursing consultation services. Our results document that psychiatric nurses in advanced practice perform multifaceted roles and provide mental health‐care services in various contexts. This systematic review reveals that the nurses obtain significant results in managing clients with depression and psychological stress, and demonstrates their value when developing partnerships with non‐mental health service providers. One study, however, showed that the nurses had insignificant results in performing transitional care for pre‐discharged mental health service users.
Race, Belonging, and Participation in Religious Congregations
Authors: Martinez Brandon C. , Dougherty Kevin D.
Published: December 2013

Significant effort has gone into understanding and promoting racial diversity in congregations. Still, uniting worshippers of different races remains a challenging endeavor. Even congregations that successfully attract worshippers of different races often have difficulty sustaining their multiracial composition. This study contributes to the discussion of race and religion by examining racial group differences in belonging and participation in congregations. Drawing on organizational ecology theory, we develop four hypotheses to test whether and how racial group size corresponds to congregational commitment. Results of multilevel modeling using 2001 U.S. Congregational Life Survey data reveal that those who are a part of a congregation's largest racial group possess a stronger sense of belonging and participate at a deeper level than congregants of other races. Moreover, differences in belonging and participation by racial group persist regardless of group size.
Volunteering Among Latter‐Day Saints
Authors: Evans Van , Curtis Daniel W. , Cnaan Ram A.
Published: December 2013

In this article, we shed light on the volunteering behaviors of Latter‐Day Saints (Mormons). While some information was known about this group and its volunteering practices, detailed and reliable data were not available. This is the first study by a secular research institution to be given permission by the church to collect data within Latter‐Day Saint congregations. We found a high rate of volunteering by almost all members, which was mostly, but not only, for religious purposes. About half the volunteering comes from fulfilling “callings,” while members initiate the other half. We found variations in volunteering based on the studied regions, age, income, education, gender, and generational membership. These findings provide the first reliable and detailed information regarding Latter‐Day Saint volunteering and may serve as a springboard for future research on the pro‐social behaviors of various religious groups.
Phenotypic responses to incubation conditions in ecologically distinct populations of a lacertid lizard: a tale of two phylogeographic lineages
Authors: Verdú‐Ricoy J. , Iraeta P. , Salvador A. , Díaz J. A.
Published: December 2013

We experimentally studied the effects of genetic legacy (eastern vs. western phylogeographic lineage) and population of origin (lowland vs. highland) on the sensitivity of lizard embryos and juveniles to incubation temperature and moisture among four populations of the lacertid Psammodromus algirus. Incubation time was longer at lower temperature, increased slightly at higher moisture, and shorter for highland than for lowland females. Eggs incubated at 24°C produced larger, heavier and shorter tailed hatchlings than those incubated at 32°C. Western juveniles survived better during their first month of life than eastern ones, and juveniles incubated at 32°C survived better than those incubated at 24°C; survivorship was lowest for 24°C hatchlings from the eastern, lowland population. Because juveniles incubated at 32°C grew more rapidly, after 1 month they had compensated their initial size disadvantage. Juveniles incubated at 80% moisture were larger and/or heavier than those incubated at 10% moisture both at hatching and after 1 month. Our results show that although incubation temperature was the main source of phenotypic variation, not all its effects were evident at hatching. Because western juveniles were more tolerant to incubation at low temperature than eastern ones, we suggest that such differences may have limited the westward expansion of the eastern lineage.
Identifying suicide risk in a metropolitan probation trust: Risk factors and staff decision making
Authors: Cook Lisa C. , Borrill Jo
Published: December 2013

Purpose

This study aimed to identify risk factors that predicted staff judgements about previous or current suicide risk in offenders under probation supervision in a metropolitan probation trust.

Method

The study used data from Offender Assessment System risk assessment electronic records. Data were collected on staff judgements about previous or current risk of suicide in 38,910 offenders under community supervision in 2009/2010. Data on demographic, offence related, clinical, historical, and situational factors known to be linked with risk of suicide in relevant populations were also gathered.

Results

Twelve per cent of the sample were identified as previously or currently ‘at risk’ of suicide. A logistic regression revealed seven factors that reliably predicted staff decisions about suicide risk. The most significant factor which had a large effect on staff judgements was previous history of self‐harm, suicide attempts or suicidal thinking. Other factors which had a small effect on judgements included coping skills, psychiatric treatment/medication, attitude to self, childhood abuse, current psychological problems/depression, and history of close relationship problems. Several prominent risk factors for suicide in related populations did not strongly predict risk decisions including alcohol misuse, offence type, social support, age, and gender.

Conclusions

The study highlighted that working with offenders ‘at risk’ of suicide is a regular element of probation practice. The findings suggest that transferable risk assessment skills may support staff in suicide risk decisions. However, they also underline the need to raise awareness of prominent suicide risk factors to support staff in this challenging area of practice. The study findings strengthen support for the provision of suicide awareness training for all staff. Further research should explore staff decisions in more depth and seek to develop our understanding of risk factors associated with actual suicidal behaviour in community offenders.
Population structure, growth and production of a recent brachiopod from the Chilean fjord region
Authors: Baumgarten Sebastian , Laudien Jürgen , Jantzen Carin , Häussermann Verena , Försterra Günter
Published: December 2013

Magellania venosa, the largest recent brachiopod, occurs in clusters and banks in population densities of up to 416 ind m−2 in Comau Fjord, Northern Chilean fjord region. Below 15 m, it co‐occurs with the mytilid Aulacomya atra and it dominates the benthic community below 20 m. To determine the question of why M. venosa is a successful competitor, the in situ growth rate of the brachiopod was studied and its overall growth performance compared with that of other brachiopods and mussels. The growth in length was measured between February 2011 and March 2012 after mechanical tagging and calcein staining. Settlement and juvenile growth were determined from recruitment tiles installed in 2009 and from subsequent photocensus. Growth of M. venosa is best described by the general von Bertalanffy growth function, with a maximum shell length (L∞) of 71.53 mm and a Brody growth constant (K) of 0.336 year−1. The overall growth performance (OGP index = 5.1) is the highest recorded for a rynchonelliform brachiopod and in the range of that for Mytilus chilensis (4.8–5.27), but lower than that of A. atra (5.74). The maximal individual production (PInd) is 0.29 g AFDM ind−1 year−1 at 42 mm shell length and annual production ranges from 1.28 to 89.25 g AFDM year−1 m−2 (1–57% of that of A. atra in the respective fjords). The high shell growth rate of M. venosa, together with its high overall growth performance may explain the locally high population density of this brachiopod in Comau Fjord. However, the production per biomass of the population (‐ratio) is low (0.535) and M. venosa may play only a minor role in the food chain. Settling dynamics indicates that M. venosa is a pioneer species with low juvenile mortality. The coexistence of the brachiopod and bivalve suggests that brachiopod survival is affected by neither the presence of potential brachiopod predators nor that of space competitors (i.e. mytilids).
Interaction of a Blumeria graminis f. sp. hordei effector candidate with a barley ARF‐GAP suggests that host vesicle trafficking is a fungal pathogenicity target
Authors: Schmidt Sarah M. , Kuhn Hannah , Micali Cristina , Liller Corinna , Kwaaitaal Mark , Panstruga Ralph
Published: December 2013

Filamentous phytopathogens, such as fungi and oomycetes, secrete effector proteins to establish successful interactions with their plant hosts. In contrast with oomycetes, little is known about effector functions in true fungi. We used a bioinformatics pipeline to identify Blumeria effector candidates (BECs) from the obligate biotrophic barley powdery mildew pathogen, Blumeria graminis f. sp. hordei (Bgh). BEC1–BEC5 are expressed at different time points during barley infection. BEC1, BEC2 and BEC4 have orthologues in the Arabidopsis thaliana‐infecting powdery mildew fungus Golovinomyces orontii. Arabidopsis lines stably expressing the G. orontii BEC2 orthologue, GoEC2, are more susceptible to infection with the non‐adapted fungus Erysiphe pisi, suggesting that GoEC2 contributes to powdery mildew virulence. For BEC3 and BEC4, we identified thiopurine methyltransferase, a ubiquitin‐conjugating enzyme, and an ADP ribosylation factor‐GTPase‐activating protein (ARF‐GAP) as potential host targets. Arabidopsis knockout lines of the respective HvARF‐GAP orthologue (AtAGD5) allowed higher entry levels of E. pisi, but exhibited elevated resistance to the oomycete Hyaloperonospora arabidopsidis. We hypothesize that ARF‐GAP proteins are conserved targets of powdery and downy mildew effectors, and we speculate that BEC4 might interfere with defence‐associated host vesicle trafficking.
Medical relief for the 2011 Japan earthquake: A nursing account
Authors: Mitani Satoko , Kako Mayumi , Mayner Lidia
Published: December 2013

In 2011 the east coast of Japan experienced a massive earthquake which triggered a devastating tsunami destroying many towns and killing over 15 000 people. The work presented in this paper is a personal account that outlines the relief efforts of the Humanitarian Medical Assistance team and describes the efforts to provide medical assistance to evacuees. The towns most affected had a large proportion of older people who were more likely to have chronic conditions and required medication to sustain their health. Since personal property was destroyed in the tsunami many older people were left without medication and also did not remember which type of medication they were taking. Some evacuees had brought a list of their medication with them, this assisted relief teams in obtaining the required medication for these people. The more successful evacuation centers had small numbers of evacuees who were given tasks to administer the center that kept them occupied and active.
Technical report: an ePRO patient reported outcome program for the evaluation of patients with irritable bowel syndrome
Authors: Gerson C. D. , Gerson M.‐J.
Published: December 2013

Background

Patient reported outcome (PRO) is an important healthcare concept that describes patient's participation in their care by self‐evaluation, usually in the form of questionnaires. This report describes an unique computerized technique, electronic PRO (ePRO), for following the progress of patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

Methods

Patients first completed a series of questionnaires, including questions about their illness history, symptom severity, and, in this application, psychological and relationship issues. The symptom severity and psychological questionnaires were then completed at intervals by the patients on their own computers. The ePRO was constructed to allow scores to be automatically summed and placed on a time‐line graph for review at the time of the next office visit.

Key Results

Of the 32 patients who completed the initial set of questionnaires, 20 maintained participation in the program for a 6‐month period. Of those 20 patients, median number of submissions was 7.0; median interval between questionnaire submissions was 3.0 weeks, whereas median interval between office visits was 5.9 weeks. On average, questionnaire completion took less than 5 min and was positively experienced by the patients.

Conclusions & Inferences

The ePRO program proved to be technically feasible, clinically useful, and positively experienced by the patients. It provides a focus on a collaborative conversation between physician and patient. It has significant potential as a technique for evaluating outcome in response to various therapies.
A novel anterograde neuronal tracing technique to selectively label spinal afferent nerve endings that encode noxious and innocuous stimuli in visceral organs
Authors: Kyloh M. , Spencer N. J.
Published: December 2013

Background

One major weakness in our understanding of pain perception from visceral organs is the lack of knowledge of the location, morphology and neurochemistry of all the different types of spinal afferent nerve endings, which detect noxious and innocuous stimuli. This is because we lack techniques to selectively label only spinal afferents. Our aim was to develop an anterograde tracing technique that labels only spinal afferent nerve endings in visceral organs, without also labeling all other classes of extrinsic afferent and efferent nerves.

Methods

Mice were anesthetized with isoflurane and dextran‐biotin injected, via glass micropipettes (diameter 5 μm), into L6 and S1 dorsal root ganglia. Mice recovered for 7 days, were then euthanized and the colon removed.

Key Results

Anterograde labeling revealed multiple unique classes of afferent endings that terminated within distinct anatomical layers of the colon and rectum. We characterized a particular class of intramuscular ending in the circular muscle (CM) layer of the colon that consists of multiple varicose axons that project circumferentially.

Conclusions & Inferences

We demonstrate a technique for selective anterograde labeling of spinal afferent nerve endings in visceral organs. This approach facilitates selective visualization of the precise morphology and location of the different classes of spinal afferent endings, without visual interference caused by indiscriminant labeling of other classes of afferent and efferent nerve axons which also innervate internal organs. We have used this new technique to identify and describe the details of a particular class of intramuscular spinal afferent ending in the CM layer of mouse large intestine.
Reducing the risk in neonatal anesthesia
Authors: Thomas Jenny
Published: December 2013

Neonatal anesthesia is fraught with potential risk for the patient and stress for the anesthesiologist. Where possible, recognition of these risks, avoidance of, and being able to manage them appropriately, must impact positively on perioperative outcomes in this vulnerable group of patients. Good communication with the parents, as well as with other healthcare providers, is crucial to safe and successful anesthetic care.
Dentistry for Jordanians with special needs
Authors: Waldman H. Barry , Perlman Steven P.
Published: December 2013

There are thousands of residents with disabilities in Jordan. Despite national legislation to assure individuals with disabilities needed services, including education and employment, social inclusion of these individuals is difficult since societal views exclude them from functioning as members of a community. While there are no national studies of the dental needs of individuals with disabilities in Jordan, local reports indicates limited use of dental services and the need for increased oral hygiene and restorative services. Examples of dental education accreditation standards in other countries are used as models for the improvement in the preparation of dental students to provide services for individuals with special needs.
Translation and cultural adaptation of an objective pain assessment tool forFinnishICUpatients
Authors: Pudas‐Tähkä Sanna‐Mari , Axelin Anna , Aantaa Riku , Lund Vesa , Salanterä Sanna
Published: December 2013

Aim

The purpose of this study was to culturally validate three pain measurement instruments [BehavioralPainScale (BPS), theCritical‐CarePainObservationTool (CPOT) and theNonverbalAdultPainAssessmentScale (NVPS)] for sedated intensive care patients and in doing so to prepare the tools for psychometric testing in theFinnish intensive care environment.

Background

Most patients feel pain during their stay in an intensive care unit. Pain recognition and assessment is the first step towards effective pain management. TheBPS,CPOTandNVPSare the most valid and reliable pain assessment instruments developed to objectively assess pain in sedated intensive care patients.

Method

The translation and cultural adaptation of the instruments were done according to the guidelines of theInternationalSociety forPharmacoeconomics andOutcomes (ISPOR). The process included 10 phases aiming to produce semantically correctFinnish versions of the pain assessment instruments. This translation process was chosen due to its rigorousness and systematic approach.

Results

The 10‐step translation and cultural validation process were successfully conducted, although it was complex and time‐consuming. The resultingFinnish versions of the three pain assessment instruments showed good evidence of content and conceptual equivalence. Although further work is needed to test these instruments in theFinnish intensive care context, the currentFinnish versions are potential instruments for clinicians to use.

Conclusion

Deciding when this high‐quality process is needed requires thorough consideration. However, it is worthwhile to use it when implementing new instruments at a national level. We need a valid, reliable and feasible instrument for pain assessment in sedated intensive care patients inFinland. The next step in our process is conducting psychometric testing of these three instruments to choose the tool with the best properties to be implemented in clinical practice.
Swedish translation and validation of a web‐based questionnaire for registration of overuse problems
Authors: Ekman E. , Frohm A. , Ek P. , Hagberg J. , Wirén C. , Heijne A.
Published: December 2013

The main aim of this study was to translate the Oslo Sport Trauma Research Center (OSTRC) Overuse Injury Questionnaire into Swedish. The validity and applicability of the questionnaire for studying overuse injuries among Swedish handball, volleyball, tennis, and orienteering top athletes were also examined. The back‐translation method was used for translation. An expert committee further developed it for use in a study of injuries in handball, orienteering, tennis, and volleyball. A 10‐week pretest was then conducted on 43 athletes, average age 21 (18–31) from these sports, during which time the athletes completed the modified OSTRC questionnaire on a weekly basis. In the 10th week, four additional questions were added in order to examine the questionnaire's content validity. No major disagreement was found in the translation. The athletes perceived the web‐based questionnaire to be smooth and easy to complete, accurately capturing overuse injuries. However, suggestions were made to add questions relating to the hip for orienteerers and to the hand/fingers for handball players. The average prevalence of overuse injuries for all athletes, in any anatomical area was 22% (95% confidence interval 20–25). Construct validity appeared to be high, and we therefore suggest that the questionnaire may be used when studying overuse injuries in different sports.
Cryopreserved stem cell products containing dimethyl sulfoxide lead to activation of the coagulation system without any impact on engraftment
Authors: Holbro Andreas , Graf Lukas , Topalidou Maria , Bucher Christoph , Passweg Jakob R. , Tsakiris Dimitrios A.
Published: December 2013

Background

Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) is extensively used as a cryoprotectant in stem cell preservation. Little is known on direct hemostatic changes in recipients of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), immediately after DMSO administration. The objectives of the current study were to measure hemostatic changes during HSCT.

Study Design and Methods

In this prospective analysis, changes in plasma biomarkers, platelets (PLTs), or endothelial cells (D‐dimers, thrombin–antithrombin complex [TAT], microparticle activity as thrombin‐generation potential [MPA], whole blood aggregation, von Willebrand factor) were measured before and immediately after HSCT. Furthermore, associations with clinical complications were recorded.

Results

A total of 54 patients were included in the study. Mean MPA and TAT increased significantly immediately after HSCT, returning to baseline the day after the procedure (p < 0.01). No significant differences in engraftment for neutrophils and PLTs were found in patients presenting a high increase of TAT or MPA compared with those presenting with a smaller increase. Patients with a high increase in TAT and MPA had received a greater number of total mononucleated cells (p < 0.001) and higher transplant volumes (p = 0.002).

Conclusions

Infusion of stem cells containing DMSO reversibly activated coagulation, measured as thrombin generation. This finding was not associated with acute adverse events and did not influence engraftment. Further studies are needed to compare variable DMSO concentrations as well as DMSO‐free products, to better address the influence of DMSO on hemostasis.
Presumptive immune‐mediated thrombocytopenia secondary to massive Africanized bee envenomation in a dog
Authors: Nakamura Reid K. , Fenty Renee K. , Bianco Domenico
Published: December 2013

Objective

To describe a case of immune‐mediated thrombocytopenia (IMT) after massive Africanized bee envenomation in a dog.

Case Summary

While boarding at a kennel, a dog was stung by approximately 300 Africanized bees. During initial veterinary examination, the dog was deemed to be in shock, characterized by collapse, with hypotension, bradycardia, and hypoglycemia. In addition, severe diffuse erythema and edema were noted over the entire body. Supportive care, including IV crystalloid and colloid fluids, dextrose, fresh frozen plasma, oxygen therapy, broad spectrum antimicrobials, dexamethasone, and diphenhydramine was initiated. The dog's condition stabilized over the next 2 days. Forty‐eight hours after admission the dog developed hematemesis and hematochezia, and severe thrombocytopenia was identified. Extensive diagnostic investigation revealed no likely trigger other than the Africianized bee exposure, and a diagnosis of IMT was made. Following a red blood cell transfusion and immunosuppressive doses of dexamethasone and gastroprotectant therapy, the dog's condition stabilized, and the platelet count returned to normal after 7 days from initiation of therapy.

New or Unique Information Provided

IMT is a possible sequelae of massive Africanized bee envenomation in the dog.
Direct measurement of oxygen in river substrates
Authors: Neill Michael , Walsh Niamh , Lucey John
Published: December 2013

A study was conducted to establish if river substratum dissolved oxygen (DO) could be measured directly. Hitherto, such measurements have been carried out by proxy and indirect methods or by direct methods following installation of cores/tubes into the streambed. Redox potential (Eh) readings were also taken at most of the sites for comparison. The overall conclusion is that a reliable, off‐the‐shelf instrumental method of directly measuring DO in river substrates has been tested in laboratory and field conditions. The Eh meter, per contra, did give aberrant results for some measurements particularly in the field but had the advantage of a slimmer probe for easier penetration into substrata. The measurement technique, to determine river interstitial sediment O2, is a simple and quick direct in situ method that produces reliable results.
Vegetation recruitment on the ‘white’ sandbars on the Nakdong River at the historical village of Hahoe, Korea
Authors: Woo Hyoseop , Kim Ji‐Sung , Cho Kang‐Hyeon , Cho Hyeong‐Jin
Published: December 2013

Hahoe, a historical village, is famous for two large nonvegetated sandbars. These sandbars have become covered with vegetation after construction of the two upstream dams. To identify the contributing factors to vegetation recruitment, flow regime, soil moisture, flood intensity and climate conditions before and after two dams were investigated. The occurrence of drought caused flow change and significant encroachment of riparian vegetation in just 3 years after the second dam was in place. Numerical results show that the dimensionless shear stress was a useful factor for predicting vegetation recruitment. Decrease in peak flows and aggradation of the sandbars resulted in more of the sandbar area experiencing low shear stress, hence facilitating vegetation colonization. In conclusion, the development of optimal dam operation rule to increase the difference of peak release flows between germination and flood season may be required to manage the riparian vegetation sustainably and economically in the regulated river.
New Methods for Automated Fatigue Crack Growth and Reliability Analysis
Authors: Craig McClung R. , Lee Yi-Der , Enright Michael P. , Liang Wuwei
Published: December 2013

A new methodology has been developed for automated fatigue crack growth (FCG) life and reliability analysis of components based on finite element (FE) stress and temperature models, weight function stress intensity factor (SIF) solutions, and algorithms to define idealized fracture geometry models. The idealized fracture geometry models are rectangular cross sections with dimensions and orientation that satisfactorily approximate an irregularly-shaped component cross section. The fracture model geometry algorithms are robust enough to accommodate crack origins on the surface or in the interior of the component, along with finite component dimensions, curved surfaces, arbitrary stress gradients, and crack geometry transitions as the crack grows. Stress gradients are automatically extracted from multiple load steps in the FE models for input to the fracture models. The SIF solutions accept univariant stress gradients and have been optimized for both computational efficiency and accuracy. The resulting calculations are used to automatically construct FCG life contours for the component and to identify hot spots. Finally, the new algorithms are used to support automated probabilistic assessments that calculate component reliability considering the variability in the size, location, and occurrence rate of the initial anomaly; the applied stress magnitudes; material properties; probability of detection; and inspection time. The methods are particularly useful for determining the probability of component fracture due to fatigue cracks forming at material anomalies that can occur anywhere in the volume of the component. The automation significantly improves the efficiency of the analysis process while reducing the dependency of the results on the individual judgments of the analyst. The automation also facilitates linking of the life and reliability management process with a larger integrated computational materials engineering (ICME) context, which offers the potential for improved design optimization.