bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A new species of gall midge (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) feeding on vegetative buds of Melaleuca quinquenervia trees in Australia
Authors: Kolesik Peter , Brown Bradley T , Purcell Matthew F
Published: July 2017

A new species of gall midge, Contarinia melaleucae Kolesik sp. nov., is described that feeds on Melaleuca quinquenervia (Myrtaceae) in Northern Australia. Pale yellow larvae live gregariously within vegetative buds, causing growth retardation or death of the buds. The new species has potential for biological control of M. quinquenervia in southern Florida, USA.
Combined effect of using near‐infrared spectroscopy for nutritional evaluation of feed ingredients and non‐starch polysaccharide carbohydrase complex on performance of broiler chickens
Authors: Montanhini Neto Roberto , N'Guetta Eric , Gady Cecile , Francesch Maria , Preynat Aurélie
Published: July 2017

This study was carried out to evaluate the combined effect of using near‐infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) for nutritional evaluation of feed ingredients and the addition of non‐starch polysaccharide carbohydrase complex (NSP enzymes) on the growth performance of broilers fed diets produced with low‐quality wheat and soybean meal. A 2 × 2 trial design was performed, with seven replicates of 40 male Ross 308 broilers per treatment, evaluating the effect of the addition of NSP enzymes and the ingredients’ nutritional matrix based on table values or NIRS values. Diets without added enzymes were formulated to reach nutritional requirements, whereas diets with enzymes were reformulated, reducing the apparent metabolizable energy (AME) by 85 kcal/kg. In the overall period (days 0–35), broilers fed diets formulated using NIRS values had higher (P < 0.001) average daily gain (+11.3%) and daily feed intake (+7.2%), and a lower (P < 0.001) feed conversion ratio (−5.3%) compared to those fed diets formulated using table values. When formulating diets for broilers with low‐quality feed ingredients, performance can be improved by considering NIRS values and by the addition of NSP enzymes, even with a reduction of AME. These nutritional approaches are efficient in improving broilers’ performances by themselves and even more so when they are combined.
Pharmacokinetics and safety of the anti‐human cytomegalovirus drug letermovir in subjects with hepatic impairment
Authors: Kropeit Dirk , McCormick David , Erb‐Zohar Katharina , Moiseev Valentin S. , Kobalava Zhanna D. , Stobernack Hans‐Peter , Zimmermann Holger , Rübsamen‐Schaeff Helga
Published: July 2017

Aims

Human cytomegalovirus constitutes a prevalent and serious threat to immunocompromised individuals and requires new treatments. Letermovir is a novel viral‐terminase inhibitor that has demonstrated prophylactic/pre‐emptive activity against human cytomegalovirus in Phase 2 and 3 transplant trials. As unchanged letermovir is primarily excreted via the liver by bile, this trial aimed to assess the effect of hepatic impairment on letermovir pharmacokinetics.

Methods

Phase 1, open‐label, parallel‐group pharmacokinetic and safety comparison of multiple once‐daily oral letermovir in female subjects with hepatic impairment and healthy matched controls. For 8 days, subjects with moderate hepatic impairment (n = 8) and their matched healthy controls (n = 9) received 60 mg letermovir/day and those with severe hepatic impairment (n = 8) and their matched healthy controls (n = 8) received 30 mg letermovir/day. Pharmacokinetic parameters were determined from blood samples.

Results

For subjects with moderate hepatic impairment, maximal observed concentration at steady state (Css,max) and the area under the concentration vs. time curve over a dosing interval at steady state (AUCτ,ss) for total letermovir were 1.37‐fold (90% confidence interval: 0.87, 2.17) and 1.59‐fold (0.98, 2.57) higher, respectively, than in healthy subjects. For subjects with severe hepatic impairment, Css,max and AUCτ,ss values of total letermovir were 2.34‐fold (1.91, 2.88) and 3.82‐fold (2.94, 4.97) higher, respectively, compared with healthy subjects.

Conclusions

Moderate hepatic impairment increased exposure to letermovir <2‐fold, while severe hepatic impairment increased letermovir exposure approximately 4‐fold as compared with healthy subjects. Letermovir 60/30 mg/day was generally well‐tolerated in subjects with hepatic impairment.
Multivariate Association Analysis with Somatic Mutation Data
Authors: He Qianchuan , Liu Yang , Peters Ulrike , Hsu Li
Published: July 2017

Somatic mutations are the driving forces for tumor development, and recent advances in cancer genome sequencing have made it feasible to evaluate the association between somatic mutations and cancer-related traits in large sample sizes. However, despite increasingly large sample sizes, it remains challenging to conduct statistical analysis for somatic mutations, because the vast majority of somatic mutations occur at very low frequencies. Furthermore, cancer is a complex disease and it is often accompanied by multiple traits that reflect various aspects of cancer; how to combine the information of these traits to identify important somatic mutations poses additional challenges. In this article, we introduce a statistical approach, named as SOMAT, for detecting somatic mutations associated with multiple cancer-related traits. Our approach provides a flexible framework for analyzing continuous, binary, or a mixture of both types of traits, and is statistically powerful and computationally efficient. In addition, we propose a data-adaptive procedure, which is grid-search free, for effectively combining test statistics to enhance statistical power. We conduct an extensive study and show that the proposed approach maintains correct type I error and is more powerful than existing approaches under the scenarios considered. We also apply our approach to an exome-sequencing study of liver tumor for illustration.
Wild Salmon Sustain the Effectiveness of Parasite Control on Salmon Farms: Conservation Implications from an Evolutionary Ecosystem Service
Authors: Kreitzman Maayan , Ashander Jaime , Driscoll John , Bateman Andrew W , Chan Kai M. A. , Lewis Mark A. , Krkosek Martin
Published: July 2017

Rapid evolution can increase or maintain the provision of ecosystem services, motivating the conservation of wild species and communities. We detail one such contemporary evosystem service by synthesizing theoretical evidence that rapid evolution can sustain parasiticide efficacy in salmon aquaculture, thus creating an added incentive for salmon conservation. Globally, wild and farmed salmon share native parasites: sea lice. In most major salmon farming areas sea lice have evolved resistance to parasiticides, but in the North Pacific, where farmed salmon coexist with large wild salmon populations, resistance has not emerged. We present a model to show that flow of susceptible genes from lice hosted on wild salmon to those hosted on farmed salmon can delay or preclude resistance. This theoretical and observational data suggests that wild salmon (both oceanic populations that function as a refuge and local migratory populations that connect this refuge to domesticated environments) provide an evosystem service by prolonging parasiticide efficacy. To preserve this service, aquaculture managers could avoid production quantities that exceed wild salmon abundances, and sustain wild salmon populations through regional and oceanic scale conservation. The evosystem service of resistance mitigation is one example of how a contemporary evolutionary process that benefits people can strengthen the case for conservation of intrinsically important wild species.
High prevalence of erectile dysfunction in diabetes: a systematic review and meta‐analysis of 145 studies
Authors: Kouidrat Y. , Pizzol D. , Cosco T. , Thompson T. , Carnaghi M. , Bertoldo A. , Solmi M. , Stubbs B. , Veronese N.
Published: July 2017

Erectile dysfunction may be common among men with diabetes, but its prevalence is still debated. We aimed to assess the relative prevalence of erectile dysfunction in diabetes searching major databases from inception to November 2016 for studies reporting erectile dysfunction in men with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes mellitus. We conducted a meta‐analysis of the prevalence [and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs)] of erectile dysfunction in diabetes compared with healthy controls, calculating the relative odds ratios (ORs) and 95% CIs. A random effect model was applied. From 3747 initial hits, 145 studies were included representing 88 577 men (age: 55.8 ± 7.9 years). The prevalence of erectile dysfunction in diabetes overall was 52.5% (95% CI, 48.8 to 56.2) after adjusting for publication bias, and 37.5%, 66.3% and 57.7% in Type 1, Type 2 and both types of diabetes, respectively (P for interaction < 0.0001). The prevalence of erectile dysfunction was highest in studies using the Sexual Health Inventory for Men (82.2%, 17 studies, P for interaction < 0.0001). Studies with a higher percentage of people with hypertension moderated our results (beta = 0.03; 95% CI, 0.008 to 0.040; P = 0.003; R2 = 0.00). Compared to healthy controls (n = 5385) men with diabetes (n = 863) were at increased odds of having erectile dysfunction (OR 3.62; 95% CI, 2.53 to 5.16; P < 0.0001; I2 = 67%, k = 8). Erectile dysfunction is common in diabetes, affecting more than half of men with the condition and with a prevalence odds of approximately 3.5 times more than controls. Our findings suggest that screening and appropriate intervention for men with erectile dysfunction is warranted.
Is intra‐procedure three‐dimensional transesophageal echocardiogram an alternative to preprocedure multidetector computed tomography for the measurement of the aortic annulus in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement?
Authors: Hafiz Abdul Moiz , Medranda Giorgio A. , Kakouros Nikolaos , Patel Jay , Kahan Jonathan , Gubernikoff George , Ray Beevash , Paruchuri Vijayapraveena , DeLeon Joshua , Marzo Kevin , Calixte Rose , Gaztanaga Juan
Published: July 2017

Background

The role of three‐dimensional transesophageal echocardiography (3DTEE) vs multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) in aortic annular sizing has been poorly defined in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacements (TAVR). We set to determine the correlation between 3DTEE and MDCT in measuring the aortic annulus prior to TAVR.

Methods

In an observational, retrospective study, we compared aortic annular areas measured by MDCT and 3DTEE in TAVR patients. The aortic annular area was measured by planimetry of images obtained by MDCT pre‐TAVR and by intra‐TAVR TEE using 3D rendering of the aortic annulus followed by planimetry. Our primary outcome was degree of correlation between mean aortic annulus area by 3DTEE and MDCT.

Results

Of the 111 consecutive patients undergoing TAVR who had measurements from both modalities available for comparison between February 2012 and April 2015, 87 met inclusion criteria. The mean aortic annular area by MDCT was 4.44±0.88 cm2 and by 3DTEE was 4.33±0.78 cm2. There was a strong positive linear correlation between aortic annular area measurements obtained from these two modalities with mild relative underestimation by 3DTEE (ρ=.833). This relationship can be estimated using the predictive formula: urn:x-wiley:07422822:media:echo13613:echo13613-math-0001

Conclusions

Three‐dimensional transesophageal echocardiography measurements have a high degree of correlation with MDCT measurements and thus can assist in proper valve prosthesis selection for TAVR. Our study thus supports use of 3DTEE as a reasonable alternative imaging modality in patients undergoing TAVR.
Haugeland's Heidegger and the Metaphysics of Normativity
Authors: Withy Katherine
Published: July 2017

Abstract: John Haugeland's distinctive approach to Heidegger's ontology rests on taking scientific explanation to be a paradigmatic case of understanding the being of entities. I argue that this paradigm, and the more general account that Haugeland develops from it, misses a crucial component of Heidegger's picture: the dynamic character of being. While this dimension of being first comes to the fore after Being and Time, it should have been present all along. Its absence grounds Heidegger's persistent confusion about whether world is an entity, as well as problems that both Haugeland's Heidegger and Heidegger's Plato run into with the ontological difference. Retrieving the dynamic character of being reveals the proper object of Heidegger's fundamental ontology as well as a distinctive feature of his metaphysics of normativity, which is all but impossible to see if we grasp Heidegger's account through the special case of scientific explanation—at least as usually understood.
The Feminization of Body Work
Authors: Cohen Rachel Lara , Wolkowitz Carol
Published: July 2017

This article explores the relationship between ‘body work’ and gender, asking why paid work involving the physical touch and manipulation of others' bodies is largely performed by women. It argues that the feminization of body work is not simply explicable as ‘nurturance’, nor as the continuation of a pre‐existing domestic division of labour. Rather, feminization resolves dilemmas that arise when intimate touch is refigured as paid labour. These ‘body work dilemmas’ are rooted in the material nature of body work. They are both cultural (related to the meaning of inter‐corporeality) and organizational (related to the spatial, temporal and labour process constraints of work on bodies). Two sectors are explored as exemplars: hairdressing and care work. Synthesizing UK quantitative data and existing research, the article traces similarities and differences in the composition of these sectors and in how gender both responds to and re‐entrenches the cultural and organizational body work dilemmas identified.
Pathology Imagebase—a reference image database for standardization of pathology
Authors: Egevad Lars , Cheville John , Evans Andrew J , Hörnblad Jonas , Kench James G , Kristiansen Glen , Leite Katia R M , Magi‐Galluzzi Cristina , Pan Chin‐Chen , Samaratunga Hemamali , Srigley John R , True Lawrence , Zhou Ming , Clements Mark , Delahunt Brett ,   The ISUP Pathology Imagebase Expert Panel
Published: July 2017

Aims

Despite efforts to standardize histopathology practice through the development of guidelines, the interpretation of morphology is still hampered by subjectivity. We here describe Pathology Imagebase, a novel mechanism for establishing an international standard for the interpretation of pathology specimens.

Methods and results

The International Society of Urological Pathology (ISUP) established a reference image database through the input of experts in the field. Three panels were formed, one each for prostate, urinary bladder and renal pathology, consisting of 24 international experts. Each of the panel members uploaded microphotographs of cases into a non‐public database. The remaining 23 experts were asked to vote from a multiple‐choice menu. Prior to and while voting, panel members were unable to access the results of voting by the other experts. When a consensus level of at least two‐thirds or 16 votes was reached, cases were automatically transferred to the main database. Consensus was reached in a total of 287 cases across five projects on the grading of prostate, bladder and renal cancer and the classification of renal tumours and flat lesions of the bladder. The full database is available to all ISUP members at www.isupweb.org. Non‐members may access a selected number of cases.

Conclusions

It is anticipated that the database will assist pathologists in calibrating their grading, and will also promote consistency in the diagnosis of difficult cases.
Variety‐based discrimination of apple juices by an electronic nose and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry
Authors: Wu Hao , Wang Jianguo , Yue Tianli , Yuan Yahong
Published: July 2017

The variety of raw material plays a crucial role in the quality and authenticity of fruit juices and juice products. To characterise and classify apple juices according to variety on the basis of their volatile compounds, electronic nose (EN) and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC‐MS) were applied to detect the apple juices prepared by eight different varieties. The EN was used to analyse the mixture of volatile compounds as a whole and enabled rapid classification of juice samples when coupled with linear discriminant analysis (LDA). LDA showed a perfect discrimination of apple juices based on varieties. GC‐MS was utilised to illustrate the differences of volatile compounds among juice samples. Identification of volatile compositions and their contents provides useful access to differentiate juices from different varieties.
The Staurocentric Logic of Eberhard Jüngel: Pneumatology and Ecclesiology
Authors: Reinhard Kathryn L.
Published: July 2017

Ecclesiology and pneumatology remain two areas of Eberhard Jüngel's thought that are repeatedly critiqued as being ‘underdeveloped’ or ‘deficient’ due to his reliance on an Augustinian grammar in describing the Holy Spirit. This article argues for a revised understanding of both Jüngel's trinitarian theology and ecclesiology in light of his commitment to staurocentrism. Jüngel's staurocentric doctrine of God, for which he is so often lauded, is only possible because of the Augustinian grammar he accepts for his pneumatology. Only as the bond of love, the relation between the relations, can the Spirit make clear how it is that the triune God, fully identified with the life of Jesus, can die. Ultimately, Jüngel builds on Augustine's doctrine of the Spirit to demonstrate two distinct, yet interrelated, theological principles: first, that the person of the Spirit is indispensible within the event of God's triune being; and second, that within the church it is the Spirit's personhood, uniquely, which makes possible ecclesial correspondence to God.
Exploring Perceptions of the Food Environment Amongst Congolese, Somalis and Zimbabweans Living in Cape Town
Authors: Hunter‐Adams Jo
Published: July 2017

In low and middle‐income countries, the nutrition transition to highly processed, high‐sugar diets has been extraordinarily rapid. Yet in these same settings, obesity and hunger are often experienced within a single household. As part of a broader study of cross‐border migrants’ experiences of maternal and infant nutrition in Cape Town, in this article I explore the individual and collective meanings associated with foods in a specific migrant context, as well as their connections to changing food environments in Cape Town, South Africa. While there was relative silence over food scarcity, the food environment seemed to present constraints to dietary diversity. The migrants’ views and experiences suggest the relevance of improving the accessibility and affordability of already desirable, nutrient dense foods.
Challenges of connectedness in personal recovery for rural mothers with mental illness
Authors: Hine Rochelle Helena , Maybery Darryl , Goodyear Melinda Jane
Published: July 2017

Social connection is a fundamental human need, but challenging for individuals with characteristics that are socially stigmatized. Parenting with mental illness presents obstacles, as well as opportunities, for connection. In the present study, we examined connectedness within a personal recovery paradigm for rural mothers with a mental illness. In‐depth interviews with 17 mothers with a mental illness, utilizing constructivist grounded theory, resulted in six categories of meaning, including ‘yearning for connection’, ‘connecting intensely’, ‘encountering rejection and exclusion’, ‘choosing isolation’, ‘being known’, and ‘finding peers/helping others’. Women expressed a strong desire for connection, but for many, prior experiences of trauma and rejection created barriers to the development of trust, preventing some women from seeking opportunities for connection. Connectedness to self and significant others, and a broader life meaning and purpose can support and expedite personal recovery from mental illness for rural women. However the factors that contribute to the mental illness might also inhibit the development of trust needed to attain social connection. Increasing connectedness in mothers with mental illness is a complex endeavour requiring concerted focus as distinct from other service‐delivery goals. The perinatal period could be a key time for intervention.
Risk factors for amputation in patients with diabetic foot infection: a prospective study
Authors: Uysal Serhat , Arda Bilgin , Taşbakan Meltem I , Çetinkalp Şevki , Şimşir Ilgın Y , Öztürk Anıl M , Uysal Ayşe , Ertam İlgen
Published: July 2017

There is a variety of diagnostic and therapeutic algorithms for diabetic foot infections (DFIs). Some of them are too difficult to be applied in routine clinical approach. In the routine clinical approach, it is necessary to find new risk factors and end up with a quick and easy assessment of DFIs. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the independent risk factors for osteomyelitis, amputation and major amputation in patients with DFI using standard scoring procedures.

We prospectively studied 379 patients with DFI. The variables were analysed using logistic analysis. A total of 126 cases (33·2%) underwent amputation. The odds ratios in the amputation model were 3·09 for osteomyelitis (P < 0·001), 4·90 for arterial stenosis (AS) (P < 0·001), 3·67 for the history of DFI (P = 0·001), 2·47 for ulcer duration >60 days (P = 0·001), 3·10 for ulcer depth > 15 mm (P < 0·001) and 10·28 for fungal DFI (P = 0·015).

In this study, the unusual result of well‐known literature was fungal DFI as an independent risk factor for amputation in patients with DFI.
Identifying demographic and environmental drivers of recruitment and population growth in a cavity‐nesting sea duck population
Authors: Lawson Abigail J. , Sedinger James S. , Taylor Eric J.
Published: July 2017

Traits with the greatest proportional effects on fitness are typically conserved, and traits with larger temporal variation frequently play a dominant role in population dynamics. We examined recruitment patterns and population growth in common goldeneyes Bucephala clangula (hereafter goldeneye), using Pradel mark–recapture models from a long‐term nest box study (1997–2010). Our objectives were to estimate recruitment (f ) and population growth (λ) relative to recruitment origin group (in‐situ or unknown), investigate environmental and density dependent effects on these parameters, and evaluate potential immigration patterns. We detected group‐specific differences for f (in‐situ: 0.47 ± 0.13 SE, unknown: 0.31 ± 0.04), and the proportion of boxes occupied by goldeneyes the year prior to recruitment had a significant negative effect on recruitment for the in‐situ group (β = –1.04; 85% CI –1.29, –0.78), and a positive effect for the unknown group (β = 0.45; 85% CI 0.30, 0.61). The negative box occupancy effect in the year prior to recruitment, when in‐situ yearling goldeneyes prospect for potential nest sites, suggests that local nesting densities may limit recruitment of locally hatched females. We identified two competitive models for λ, which averaged 1.04 ± 0.03 and included interactions between recruitment origin group and a linear temporal trend, and the proportion of ducklings marked two years prior. By evaluating all levels of marking effort on λ, we determined that even if all hatched ducklings were marked in a given year, the resulting in‐situ λ was consistently lower than all observed population‐level λs during the study, indicating that individuals produced outside of study area nest boxes contributed to λ. Though female goldeneyes are considered highly philopatric, our results suggest that female natal and breeding dispersal may be more prevalent than previously thought, and the spatial scale at which these processes occur requires further investigation.
The universal, collaborative and dynamic model of specialist and advanced nursing and midwifery practice: A way forward?
Authors: O'Connor Laserina , Casey Mary , Smith Rita , Fealy Gerard M , Brien Denise O' , O'Leary Denise , Stokes Diarmuid , McNamara Martin S , Glasgow Mary Ellen , Cashin Andrew
Published: July 2017

Aims and objectives

To inform and guide the development of a future model of specialist and advanced nursing and midwifery practice.

Background

There is a sizable body of empirical literature supporting the unique contributions of specialist and advanced practice roles to health care. However, there is very little international evidence to inform the integration of a future model for advanced or specialist practice in the Irish healthcare system.

Design

A qualitative study was conducted to initiate this important area of inquiry.

Methods

Purposive sampling was used to generate a sample of informants (n = 15) for the interviews. Nurses and midwives working in specialist and advanced practice and participants from other areas such as legislative, regulatory, policy, medicine and education were included in the sampling frame.

Results

Arguments for a new model of specialist and advanced practice were voiced. A number of participants proposed that flexibility within specialist and advanced practitioner career pathways was essential. Otherwise, there existed the possibility of being directed into specialised “silos,” precluding movement to another area of integrated practice. Future specialist and advanced practice education programmes need to include topics such as the development of emotional and political intelligence.

Conclusion

The contribution of specialist and advanced practice roles to the health service includes providing rapid access to care, seamless patient flow across services, early discharge and lead coordinator of the patient's care trajectory. There was a recommendation of moving towards a universal model to cultivate specialist and advanced nurse and midwife practitioners.

Relevance to clinical practice

The model design has Universal application in a range of contexts “U.” It is Collaborative in its inclusivity of all key stakeholders “C.” The model is Dynamic pertinent to accommodating movement of nurses and midwives across health continua rather than plateauing in very specialised “silos” “D.”
Tailoring of the Tell‐us Card communication tool for nurses to increase patient participation using Intervention Mapping
Authors: van Belle Elise , Zwakhalen Sandra M G , Caris Josien , Van Hecke Ann , Huisman‐de Waal Getty , Heinen Maud
Published: July 2017

Aims and objectives

To describe the tailoring of the Tell‐us Card intervention for enhanced patient participation to the Dutch hospital setting using Intervention Mapping as a systematic approach.

Background

Even though patient participation is essential in any patient‐to‐nurse encounter, care plans often fail to take patients’ preferences into account. The Tell‐us Card intervention seems promising, but needs to be tailored and tested before implementation in a different setting or on large scale.

Design

Description of the Intervention Mapping framework to systematically tailor the Tell‐us Card intervention to the Dutch hospital setting.

Methods

Intervention Mapping consists of: (i) identification of the problem through needs assessment and determination of fit, based on patients and nurses interviews and focus group interviews; (ii) developing a logic model of change and matrices, based on literature and interviews; (iii) selection of theory‐based methods and practical applications; (iv) producing programme components and piloting; (v) planning for adoption, implementation and sustainability; and (vi) preparing for programme evaluation.

Results

Knowledge, attitude, outcome expectations, self‐efficacy and skills were identified as the main determinants influencing the use of the Tell‐us Card. Linking identified determinants and performance objectives with behaviour change techniques from the literature resulted in a well‐defined and tailored intervention and evaluation plan.

Conclusions

The Tell‐us Card intervention was adapted to fit the Dutch hospital setting and prepared for evaluation. The Medical Research Council framework was followed, and the Intervention Mapping approach was used to prepare a pilot study to confirm feasibility and relevant outcomes.

Relevance to clinical practice

This article shows how Intervention Mapping is applied within the Medical Research Council framework to adapt the Tell‐us Card intervention, which could serve as a guide for the tailoring of similar interventions.
Navigating and negotiating information and support: Experiences of first‐time mothers
Authors: Aston Megan , Price Sheri , Monaghan Joelle , Sim Meaghan , Hunter Andrea , Little Victoria
Published: July 2017

Aims and objectives

To examine how first‐time mothers in Nova Scotia identified and prioritised their own postpartum needs and where they went for information and support, inclusive of informal or formal programmes and services, social media, family and friends.

Background

The early postpartum period is an exciting, yet stressful life experience for first‐time mothers. Mothers have often turned to families, friends and healthcare professionals for support and information; however, these social networks look differently today due to changes in institutional policies and postpartum healthcare practices, as well as the emergence of online resources and networks. There is currently limited understanding of how online resources have shifted mothers social networking practices and the degree to which programmes and resources are currently meeting the needs of mothers and families.

Methods

Data were collected through focus group interviews in rural and urban Nova Scotia communities (n = 19) and online electronic interviews (n = 18). Data were analysed using feminist poststructuralism and discourse analysis to understand issues of inclusion and health equity for mothers and how relations of power were negotiated by first‐time mothers in their search for support and information.

Results

Most participants were savvy as they critiqued, compared, navigated and negotiated advice and information from various sources, including health professionals, family, friends and online forums. However, they unanimously wanted face‐to‐face support with other mothers and healthcare professionals. Participants enacted their agency to critically analyse information and support to ensure it matched their own beliefs, values and practices.

Conclusions

It is important to understand first‐time mothers’ practices and need for face‐to‐face support, as well as a need for further research with more diverse or marginalised demographics of mothers.
QUANTITATIVE EMPIRICAL RESEARCH IN MARXIST POLITICAL ECONOMY: A SELECTIVE REVIEW
Authors: Basu Deepankar
Published: July 2017

This paper surveys quantitative empirical research in some key areas of Marxist political economy. Following an introductory section on the value controversy, the paper surveys quantitative empirical research on the following topics: (a) Marxist national accounts, (b) classical‐Marxist theory of relative prices, (c) probabilistic political economy, (d) profitability analysis and (e) classical‐Marxian theories of growth and technical change. I end by highlighting two important puzzles in the extant literature.
Dendrobium nobile Lindl. alkaloids regulate metabolism gene expression in livers of mice
Authors: Xu Yun-Yan , Xu Ya-Sha , Wang Yuan , Wu Qin , Lu Yuan-Fu , Liu Jie , Shi Jing-Shan
Published: July 2017

Objectives

In our previous studies, Dendrobium nobile Lindl. alkaloids (DNLA) has been shown to have glucose-lowering and antihyperlipidaemia effects in diabetic rats, in rats fed with high-fat diets, and in mice challenged with adrenaline. This study aimed to examine the effects of DNLA on the expression of glucose and lipid metabolism genes in livers of mice.

Methods

Mice were given DNLA at doses of 10–80 mg/kg, po for 8 days, and livers were removed for total RNA and protein isolation to perform real-time RT-PCR and Western blot analysis.

Key findings

Dendrobium nobile Lindl. alkaloids increased PGC1α at mRNA and protein levels and increased glucose metabolism gene Glut2 and FoxO1 expression. DNLA also increased the expression of fatty acid β-oxidation genes Acox1 and Cpt1a. The lipid synthesis regulator Srebp1 (sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1) was decreased, while the lipolysis gene ATGL was increased. Interestingly, DNLA increased the expression of antioxidant gene metallothionein-1 and NADPH quinone oxidoreductase-1 (Nqo1) in livers of mice. Western blot on selected proteins confirmed these changes including the increased expression of GLUT4 and PPARα.

Conclusions

DNLA has beneficial effects on liver glucose and lipid metabolism gene expressions, and enhances the Nrf2-antioxidant pathway gene expressions, which could play integrated roles in regulating metabolic disorders.
Chemometric evaluation of hypericin and related phytochemicals in 17 in vitro cultured Hypericum species, hairy root cultures and hairy root-derived transgenic plants
Authors: Nigutová Katarína , Kusari Souvik , Sezgin Selahaddin , Petijová Linda , Henzelyová Jana , Bálintová Miroslava , Spiteller Michael , Čellárová Eva
Published: July 2017

Objectives

The objective of this study was to ascertain the presence and correlations among eight important secondary metabolites viz. hypericin, pseudohypericin, emodin, hyperforin, rutin, hyperoside, quercetin and quercitrin in different organs of 17 in vitro cultured Hypericum species, along with H. tomentosum and H. tetrapterum hairy root cultures, and hairy root-derived transgenic plants of H. tomentosum.

Methods

Samples were extracted and analysed by LC-MS. The LC-MS data were subjected to chemometric evaluations for metabolite profiling and correlating the phytochemical compositions in different samples.

Key findings

Hypericin, pseudohypericin and their proposed precursor emodin were detected in various levels in the leaves of eight Hypericum species. The highest content of hypericins and emodin was found in H. tetrapterum, which contains the studied secondary metabolites in all plant organs. A significant positive correlation between hypericins and emodin was observed both by principal component analysis (PCA) and multidimensional scaling (MDS), indicating the role of emodin as a possible precursor in the biosynthetic pathway of hypericins. Flavonoids were found in all tested plant organs except roots of H. pulchrum. The hairy roots lacked hypericin, pseudohypericin, emodin, hyperforin and rutin. However, the hairy root-derived transgenic plants showed a significant increase in flavonoids.

Conclusions

This study broadens knowledge about the phytochemical composition of selected in vitro cultured Hypericum species, compared to that of hairy root cultures and hairy root-derived transgenic plants.
In silico and in vitro prediction of gastrointestinal absorption from potential drug eremantholide C
Authors: Caldeira Tamires G , Saúde-Guimarães Dênia A , Dezani André B , Serra Cristina Helena dos Reis , de Souza Jacqueline
Published: July 2017

Objectives

Analysis of the biopharmaceutical properties of eremantholide C, sesquiterpene lactone with proven pharmacological activity and low toxicity, is required to evaluate its potential to become a drug.

Methods

Preliminary analysis of the physicochemical characteristics of eremantholide C was performed in silico. Equilibrium solubility was evaluated using the shake-flask method, at 37.0 °C, 100 rpm during 72 h in biorelevant media. The permeability was analysed using parallel artificial membrane permeability assay, at 37.0 °C, 50 rpm for 5 h. The donor compartment was composed of an eremantholide C solution in intestinal fluid simulated without enzymes, while the acceptor compartment consisted of phosphate buffer.

Key findings

Physicochemical characteristics predicted in silico indicated that eremantholide C has a low solubility and high permeability. In-vitro data of eremantholide C showed low solubility, with values for the dose/solubility ratio (ml): 9448.82, 10 389.61 e 15 000.00 for buffers acetate (pH 4.5), intestinal fluid simulated without enzymes (pH 6.8) and phosphate (pH 7.4), respectively. Also, it showed high permeability, with effective permeability of 30.4 × 10−6 cm/s, a higher result compared with propranolol hydrochloride (9.23 × 10−6 cm/s).

Conclusions

The high permeability combined with its solubility, pharmacological activity and low toxicity demonstrate the importance of eremantholide C as a potential drug candidate.
Gearing effects of the patella (knee extensor muscle sesamoid) of the helmeted guineafowl during terrestrial locomotion
Authors: Allen V. R. , Kambic R. E. , Gatesy S. M. , Hutchinson J. R.
Published: July 2017

Human patellae (kneecaps) are thought to act as gears, altering the mechanical advantage of knee extensor muscles during running. Similar sesamoids have evolved in the knee extensor tendon independently in birds, but it is unknown if these also affect the mechanical advantage of knee extensors. Here, we examine the mechanics of the patellofemoral joint in the helmeted guineafowlNumida meleagrisusing a method based on muscle and tendon moment arms taken about the patella's rotation centre around the distal femur. Moment arms were estimated from a computer model representing hindlimb anatomy, using hip, knee and patellar kinematics acquired via marker‐based biplanar fluoroscopy from a subject running at 1.6 ms−1on a treadmill. Our results support the inference that the patella ofNumidadoes alter knee extensor leverage during running, but with a mechanical advantage generally greater than that seen in humans, implying relatively greater extension force but relatively lesser extension velocity.
Perianth colour dimorphism is related to germination properties and salinity tolerance in Salsola vermiculata in the Arabian deserts
Authors: Bhatt Arvind , Phartyal Shyam S. , Phondani Prakash C. , Gallacher David J.
Published: July 2017

We investigated the dimorphic perianth colour of Salsola vermiculata and its association with seed germination percentage, interactions with temperature, light, salinity and recovery from prior salinity exposure. Seeds with and without pink and yellow perianth were incubated at three thermal regimes, two photoperiods, and five salinity levels. Germination recovery after salinity exposure was observed on seeds that failed to germinate during the salinity study. The germination percentage and rate were signiﬁcantly related to the perianth colour, the presence of perianth wings, thermal regimes and photoperiod. The presence of a perianth wing significantly reduced germination percentage and germination rate in both the pink and the yellow morph, but the yellow morph exhibited a higher germination percentage. Perianth wing removal increased germination in saline conditions. With the perianth removed, germination recovery was higher for the pink morph than for the yellow one. We suggest that by providing two different strategies for balancing germination with dormancy during favourable conditions, the presence of two morphs makes S. vermiculata more successful in highly unpredictable desert environments.
Historical biome distribution and recent human disturbance shape the diversity of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi
Authors: Pärtel Meelis , Öpik Maarja , Moora Mari , Tedersoo Leho , Szava‐Kovats Robert , Rosendahl Søren , Rillig Matthias C. , Lekberg Ylva , Kreft Holger , Helgason Thorunn , Eriksson Ove , Davison John , de Bello Francesco , Caruso Tancredi , Zobel Martin
Published: July 2017

The availability of global microbial diversity data, collected using standardized metabarcoding techniques, makes microorganisms promising models for investigating the role of regional and local factors in driving biodiversity.

Here we modelled the global diversity of symbiotic arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi using currently available data on AM fungal molecular diversity (small subunit (SSU) ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene sequences) in field samples. To differentiate between regional and local effects, we estimated species pools (sets of potentially suitable taxa) for each site, which are expected to reflect regional processes. We then calculated community completeness, an index showing the fraction of the species pool present, which is expected to reflect local processes.

We found significant spatial variation, globally in species pool size, as well as in local and dark diversity (absent members of the species pool). Species pool size was larger close to areas containing tropical grasslands during the last glacial maximum, which are possible centres of diversification. Community completeness was greater in regions of high wilderness (remoteness from human disturbance). Local diversity was correlated with wilderness and current connectivity to mountain grasslands.

Applying the species pool concept to symbiotic fungi facilitated a better understanding of how biodiversity can be jointly shaped by large‐scale historical processes and recent human disturbance.
The Problem of Modernity
Authors: Ullén Magnus
Published: July 2017

This article suggests that the ideologically aware mode of criticism that characterizes recent Hawthorne criticism is not the radical break with an earlier mode of criticism that it might appear to be, but rather a continuation of it. While laudable, the crucial aim of recent critics, to elucidate the relationship between literary text and social context, is in practice often compromised by the notion that literary works are more valuable if they can be shown somehow to predate or prefigure our own historical situation. This notion, however, is itself an article of faith, and needs to be critically examined if ideological analysis is to retain its productivity. To that end, the present article suggests that literary criticism would do well to focus not so much on the literary text as on the literary situation, which involves not only the writer and the original audience of the text, but its subsequent readings as well.
Location, variations, and predictors of epicardial fat mapping using multidetector computed tomography to assist epicardial ventricular tachycardia ablation
Authors: Sourwine Mariaileen , Jeudy Jean , Miller Brian , Vunnam Rama , Imanli Hasan , Mesubi Olurotimi , Etienne‐Mesubi Martine , See Vincent , Shorofsky Stephen , Dickfeld Timm
Published: July 2017

Background

A significant number of ventricular tachycardia circuits are located close to the epicardial surface and are amendable to epicardial ablation. Epicardial fat often interferes with substrate mapping and ablation, though little is known regarding the distribution of fat and its fluctuation with the cardiac cycle.

Methods

We studied 40 patients who underwent a 64‐slice multidetector computed tomography in order to describe patterns of epicardial fat distribution, variation during cardiac cycle, and clinical predictors of epicardial fat. Multiplanar reconstructions were analyzed during systole and diastole in six cross‐sections. Epicardial fat thickness was measured across multiple wall segments in each view.

Results

Epicardial fat was found to be thicker in areas overlying coronary vasculature (7.8 ± 2.6 mm vs 3.5 ± 0.9 mm, P = 0.001), along with the right ventricular wall (3.9 ± 0.8 mm vs 2.6 ± 0.6 mm, P = 0.001) and the ventricular base (6.1 ± 1.7 mm vs 4.6 ± 1.6 mm, P < 0.01). Epicardial fat thickness increased 27% during systole as compared to diastole (4.9 ± 2.7 mm vs 6.2 ± 3.0 mm, P = 0.04). Variation with cardiac cycle was most evident along the right ventricular wall (3.9 ± 0.8 mm vs 5.0 ± 1.3 mm, P = 0.001) and nonvascular areas (P = 0.001), especially at the ventricular base (3.7 ± 1.1 mm vs 5.3 ± 1.5 mm, P = 0.001). In multivariate logistic regression, we found that age >50 years (P = 0.031) and coronary artery disease (P = 0.023) were statistically correlated with epicardial fat >5‐mm thickness and body mass index > 33 (P = 0.052) nearly so.

Conclusions

Baseline epicardial fat thickness >5 mm is common in areas typically targeted during epicardial ablation and further increases during the cardiac cycle. Simple clinical characteristics can identify patients with >5 mm epicardial fat in which preprocedural computed tomography imaging and three‐dimensional fat map reconstruction may facilitate epicardial ablation.
State LST Laws: A Comprehensive Analysis of the Laws Governing Local Sales Taxes
Authors: Afonso Whitney B.
Published: July 2017

Local sales taxes (LSTs) have received growing attention over the past decade, but a fundamental aspect of LSTs has remained largely unexplored: How do state laws governing LSTs differ from one another? The literature acknowledges that state laws vary widely, but leaves the discussion at that. This research seeks to fill that void by presenting a comprehensive set of state LST laws and creating a resource that will enable researchers to consider these differences in their analyses. State LST laws are framed within the lenses of jurisdictional eligibility and discretionary authority.
31P NMR Evidence for Peroxide Intermediates in Lipid Emulsion Photooxidations: Phosphine Substituent Effects in Trapping
Authors: Mohapatra Prabhu P. , Chiemezie Callistus O. , Kligman Arina , Kim Michele M. , Busch Theresa M. , Zhu Timothy C. , Greer Alexander
Published: July 2017

Intralipid is a lipid emulsion used in photodynamic therapy (PDT) for its light scattering and tissue‐simulating properties. The purpose of this study is to determine whether or not Intralipid undergoes photooxidation, and we have carried out an Intralipid peroxide trapping study using a series of phosphines [2′‐dicyclohexylphosphino‐2,6‐dimethoxy‐1,1′‐biphenyl‐3‐sulfonate, 3‐(diphenylphosphino)benzenesulfonate, triphenylphosphine‐3,3′,3′′‐trisulfonate and triphenylphosphine]. Our new findings are as follows: (1) An oxygen atom is transferred from Intralipid peroxide to the phosphine traps in the dark, after the photooxidation of Intralipid. 3‐(Diphenylphosphino)benzenesulfonate is the most suitable trap in the series owing to a balance of nucleophilicity and water solubility. (2) Phosphine trapping and monitoring by 31P NMR are effective in quantifying the peroxides in H2O. An advantage of the technique is that peroxides are detected in H2O; deuterated NMR solvents are not required. (3) The percent yield of the peroxides increased linearly with the increase in fluence from 45 to 180 J cm−2 based on our trapping experiments. (4) The photooxidation yields quantitated by the phosphines and 31P NMR are supported by the direct 1H NMR detection using deuterated NMR solvents. These data provide the first steps in the development of Intralipid peroxide quantitation after PDT using phosphine trapping and 31P NMR spectroscopy.
Long‐Term Unemployment and the Great Recession: Evidence from UK Stocks and Flows
Authors: Singleton Carl
Published: July 2017

Long‐term unemployment more than doubled during the United Kingdom's Great Recession. Only a small fraction of this persistent increase can be accounted for by the changing composition of unemployment across personal and work history characteristics. Through extending a well‐known stocks‐flows decomposition of labour market fluctuations, the cyclical behaviour of participation flows can account for over two‐thirds of the high level of long‐term unemployment following the financial crisis, especially the procyclical flow from unemployment to inactivity. The pattern of these flows and their changing composition suggest a general shift in the labour force attachment of the unemployed during the downturn.