bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dexamethasone Intravitreal Implant as Adjunctive Therapy to Ranibizumab in Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration: A Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Kuppermann Baruch D. , Goldstein Michaella , Maturi Raj K. , Pollack Ayala , Singer Michael , Tufail Adnan , Weinberger Dov , Li Xiao-Yan , Liu Ching-Chi , Lou Jean , Whitcup Scott M. ,   Ozurdex® ERIE Study Group
Published: June 2015

Purpose: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of dexamethasone intravitreal implant 0.7 mg (DEX) as adjunctive therapy to ranibizumab in neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nvAMD). Procedures: This was a 6-month, single-masked, multicenter study. Patients were randomized to DEX implant (n = 123) or sham procedure (n = 120) and received 2 protocol-mandated intravitreal ranibizumab injections. The main outcome measure was injection-free interval to first as-needed ranibizumab injection. Results: DEX increased the injection-free interval versus sham (50th percentile, 34 vs. 29 days; 75th percentile, 85 vs. 56 days; p = 0.016). 8.3% of DEX versus 2.5% of sham-treated patients did not require rescue ranibizumab (p = 0.048). Visual acuity and retinal thickness outcomes were similar in DEX and sham-treated patients. Only reports of conjunctival hemorrhage (18.2 vs. 8.5%) and intraocular pressure elevation (13.2 vs. 4.2%) were significantly different in the DEX versus the sham treatment groups. Conclusion: DEX reduced the need for adjunctive ranibizumab treatment and showed acceptable tolerability in nvAMD patients.
Strategic Targets in Acne: The Comedone Switch in Question
Authors: Saurat Jean-Hilaire
Published: June 2015

The sequence of events and mechanisms leading to the development of the primary acne lesion, the comedone, is revisited. Recent knowledge obtained both from lineage tracing experiments in the mouse and the pilosebaceous response to xenobiotics in humans provides robust models for further understanding key biological events at the cellular roots of comedogenesis. The focus is set on the LRIG1+ sebaceous stem cells in the isthmus of the pilosebaceous duct. The master switch that transforms a normally functioning sebaceous gland into a microcomedone and the hierarchy of factors involved in this process are reviewed. The key strategic target in acne care appears to be the naïve pilosebaceous follicle that is not involved yet in the acne cycle. The prevention of the comedone switch implies that the key switching factors are adequately controlled in the long term.
Validity and Reliability of the Chronic Respiratory Disease Questionnaire in Elderly Individuals with Mild to Moderate Non-Cystic Fibrosis Bronchiectasis
Authors: Vodanovich Domagoj A. , Bicknell Thomas J. , Holland Anne E. , Hill Catherine J. , Cecins Nola , Jenkins Sue , McDonald Christine F. , Burge Angela T. , Thompson Philip , Stirling Robert G. , Lee Annemarie L.
Published: June 2015

Background: The chronic respiratory disease questionnaire (CRDQ) is designed to assess health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in chronic respiratory conditions, but its reliability, validity and responsiveness in individuals with mild to moderate non-cystic fibrosis (CF) bronchiectasis are unclear. Objectives: This study aimed to determine measurement properties of the CRDQ in non-CF bronchiectasis. Methods: Participants with non-CF bronchiectasis involved in a randomised controlled trial of exercise training were recruited. Internal consistency was assessed using Cronbach's α. Over 8 weeks, reliability was evaluated using intra-class correlation coefficients and Bland-Altman analysis for measures of agreement. Convergent and divergent validity was assessed by correlations with the other HRQOL questionnaires and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). The responsiveness to exercise training was assessed using effect sizes and standardised response means. Results: Eighty-five participants were included (mean age ± SD, 64 ± 13 years). Internal consistency was adequate (>0.7) for all CRDQ domains and the total score. Test-retest reliability ranged from 0.69 to 0.85 for each CRDQ domain and was 0.82 for the total score. Dyspnoea (CRDQ) was related to St George's respiratory questionnaire (SGRQ) symptoms only (r = 0.38), with no relationship to the Leicester cough questionnaire (LCQ) or HADS. Moderate correlations were found between the total score of the CRDQ, the SGRQ (rs = -0.49) and the LCQ score (rs = 0.51). Lower CRDQ scores were associated with higher anxiety and depression (rs = -0.46 to -0.56). The responsiveness of the CRDQ was small (effect size 0.1-0.24). Conclusions: The CRDQ is a valid and reliable measure of HRQOL in mild to moderate non-CF bronchiectasis, but responsiveness was limited.
Proinflammatory Caspase A Activation and an Antiviral State Are Induced by a Zebrafish Perforin after Possible Cellular and Functional Diversification from a Myeloid Ancestor
Authors: Varela Mónica , Forn-Cuní Gabriel , Dios Sonia , Figueras Antonio , Novoa Beatriz
Published: June 2015

In mammals, perforins play a central role in the granule-dependent cell death induced by natural killer T cells and cytotoxic T lymphocytes, and participate both in the defense against virus-infected and neoplastic cells and in the recognition of nonself molecules by the immune system. Little is known about fish perforin genes. We examined the zebrafish with the aim of increasing our knowledge about the role of perforins. We characterized 6 perforin genes in the zebrafish genome, and we studied them at the evolutionary level in combination with expression patterns in several tissues and cell populations, during both larval development and in the course of a viral infection. Our results suggest the specialization of different cell types in the production of perforins. Moreover, functional diversification during the evolution of these molecules could be inferred from this study. In particular, one of the genes, prf19b, which is mainly produced by myeloid cells, seemed to be involved in antiviral defense, conferring protection after an in vivo infection.
The Effects of Smoking on the Osmotic Pressure of Human Dental Pulp Tissue
Authors: Özsezer Demiryürek Ebru , Sakallıoğlu Elif Eser , Kalyoncuoğlu Elif , Yılmaz Miroğlu Yeliz , Sakallıoğlu Umur
Published: June 2015

Objective: We aimed to investigate the effect of smoking on the osmotic pressure (OP) of human dental pulp tissue. Materials and Methods: Sixty male dental patients (smokers and nonsmokers) scheduled for root canal treatment for prosthodontics were included in the study. Fifteen patients (1 premolar tooth/patient) were allocated to each of the following groups according to their smoking habits, i.e. group 1: ≤10 cigarettes/day, group 2: 11-20 cigarettes/day, group 3: >20 cigarettes/day and group 4: nonsmoking controls. Apical pulp tissues were removed via coronal access. Pulp tissue supernatants were obtained to measure the pulpal OP by means of a semimicro digital osmometer. One-way analysis of variance and the post hoc Duncan test were used to analyze the differences in OP between groups. Regression analysis was used to determine the relationship between the number of cigarettes smoked daily and the pulpal OP. Results: The mean (± SD) OP value decreased as cigarette consumption increased: group 4 (268.00 ± 10.09 mosm/kg) > group 1 (259.20 ± 7.16 mosm/kg) > group 2 (248.90 ± 2.23 mosm/kg) > group 3 (239.90 ± 7.40 mosm/kg). The OP differed significantly between groups (p < 0.01), and a significant negative correlation was found between cigarette consumption and pulpal OP (r = -0.809, p < 0.01). Conclusion: In this study, the OP decreased as the number of cigarettes smoked increased. In clinical examination, there may be misdiagnosis of pulpal conditions in smokers (even in healthy pulp tissue) due to the effect of altered OP on pulpal tissue reactions.
Hurricane Katrina: Influence on the Male-to-Female Birth Ratio
Authors: Grech Victor , Scherb Hagen
Published: June 2015

Objective: This study was carried out in order to ascertain whether or not Hurricane Katrina and related factors (i.e. the amount of rainfall) influenced the male-to-female birth ratio (M/F). Materials and Methods: Monthly births by gender for the affected states (Alabama, Florida, Louisiana and Mississippi) for January 2003 to December 2012 were obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC Wonder, Atlanta, Ga., USA). Precipitation data was obtained from the US National Weather Service. Ordinary linear logistic regression was used for trend analysis. A p value ≤0.05 was taken to represent a statistically significant result. Results: Of the total of 3,903,660 live births, 1,996,966 (51.16%) were male and 1,906,694 (48.84%) were female. Significant seasonal variation was noted (the maximum M/F in May was 1.055, the minimum M/F in September was 1.041, p = 0.0073). There was also a separate and significant rise in M/F 8-10 months after the storm (April to June 2006, peak M/F 1.078, p = 0.0074), which translated to an approximate deficit of 800 girls compared to 46,072 girls born in that period if the M/F increase was theoretically only due to a girls' deficit in the denominator of the ratio. This spike was only present in Alabama, Louisiana and Mississippi, all of which received heavy rainfall. Florida did not receive heavy rainfall and experienced no such M/F spike. Conclusion: In this study there was a dose-response relation between the amount of rainfall after Hurricane Katrina and the monthly sex ratio of live births in the US states of Alabama, Louisiana and Mississippi 8-10 months later. The well-known yet unexplained distinct sex ratio seasonality may be due to natural or man-made radiation contained in the rain.
Composite Aging Markers Can Be Used for Quantitative Profiling of Aging
Authors: Shamir Lior
Published: June 2015

In the absence of a single marker that reliably reflects biological aging, or even an exact definition of biological age, compound aging scores that combine multiple aging biomarkers into a single composite aging score can quantitatively reflect the age-related changes over time. If aging is viewed as the broad accumulation of alterations over time, a composite score that reflects numerous diverse aspects of these alterations can be used as a quantitative approximation of aging. Profiling the changes of the composite aging score over time shows variations in the pace of aging at different chronological ages, such that the changes over time show distinct stages separated by a short period of rapid aging. These observations are difficult to explain by molecular entropy or stochastic accumulation of irreparable environmental damage alone, as a process driven solely by entropy or stochasticity is not expected to have signs of distinct stages or leaps in aging. These results are in agreement with some previous observations in other organisms, indicating the possibility of the involvement of pathways in the process of aging. Given this evidence, the contention that aging can be driven also by biological pathways should be considered.
A Case of Coats' Disease with Spontaneous Retinal Reattachment after Total Detachment
Authors: Ochi Ryosuke , Sato Bunpei , Mimura Masashi , Morishita Seita , Fukumoto Masanori , Kida Teruyo , Sugasawa Jun , Ikeda Tsunehiko
Published: June 2015

Purpose: To report a case of Coats' disease in which spontaneous reattachment occurred after total retinal detachment. Patient and Methods: A young boy (patient age: 4 years and 11 months) presented with leukocoria in the left eye. Slit-lamp examination revealed total retinal detachment with abnormal retinal blood vessels and subretinal exudation just behind the lens. Computed tomography imaging showed no solid mass lesion in the intraocular space. Secondary total retinal detachment as a complication of Coats' disease was diagnosed. No light perception was detected, so we determined that surgical treatment was not indicated. Results: Four months after the initial diagnosis, the retina showed complete reattachment with a large amount of subretinal hard exudate. Visual acuity remained unchanged, with no light perception. Conclusions: We speculate that the spontaneous retinal reattachment in the present case was caused by the decreased permeability of the abnormal retinal vessels and the good functional effect of the retinal pigment epithelium.
Uma nova era geológica em nosso planeta: o Antropoceno?
Authors: Artaxo Paulo
Published: June 2015

Nosso planeta seguiu uma evolução determinada pelas forças geológicas desde sua origem, há cerca de 4,5 bilhões de anos. Ao longo dessa jornada, passou por transformações significativas em sua crosta e atmosfera. Com o início da Revolução Industrial, na segunda metade do século XVIII, um novo agente de mudança se somou às transformações geológicas. O rápido crescimento populacional – somos 7,3 bilhões de habitantes hoje, e seremos cerca de 10 bilhões em 2050 –, associado ao uso excessivo de recursos naturais, fez com que muitos indicadores de saúde da Terra saíssem da região segura. A partir de 1950, o desenvolvimento humano e suas implicações no ecossistema terrestre crescem exponencialmente. Atualmente, uma grande fração das áreas continentais sem gelo é ocupada por atividades humanas como agricultura e urbanização, entre outras.
Evolução dos Modelos Climáticos e de Previsão de Tempo e Clima.
Authors: Sampaio Gilvan , Dias Pedro Leite da Silva
Published: June 2015

A atmosfera da Terra é geralmente considerada como um exemplo de sistema caótico onde as flutuações atmosféricas em escalas de tempo superiores a cerca de duas semanas são imprevisíveis. No entanto, apesar dessa limitação, é possível fazer previsões com antecedência de meses. Como são feitas as previsões de tempo e clima? Como evoluiu a modelagem atmosférica até o presente e quais são as limitações? Seria possível prever como será o próximo inverno? Aqui é apresentada a evolução da previsão de tempo, desde a introdução das bases teóricas no final do século XIX, até os recentes modelos do sistema terrestre.
Revision of five species of Euonymus (Celastraceae) from East and South Asia
Authors: Cheng Du , Yunjuan Zuo , Lei Wu , Quanru Liu , Ma Jinshuang
Published: June 2015

Based on re-collections at known sites, field observations, study of specimens and review of literature, taxonomic revisions of five Euonymus species from East and South Asia are presented, including three new synonyms of Euonymus laxiflorus Champion ex Bentham, a new synonym of Euonymus mengtzeanus (Loesener) Sprague, a new synonym of Euonymus gracillimus Hemsley, and supplemental descriptions of the floral features of Euonymus pittosporoides Cheng ex Ma and Euonymus ficoides Cheng ex Ma. Lectotypes are also designated for seven names wherein the holotype had not been designated in the original publication. Additionally, the conservation status of these species is reevaluated according to IUCN standards (version 3.1).
Serpocaulon tayronae (Polypodiaceae), a new species from the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, Colombia
Authors: Sanín David
Published: June 2015

Serpocaulon tayronae is described as a new endemic fern species from the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, Colombia. This species has long-creeping rhizomes, whitish or light-coloured patent scales, free veins and spores with dense rounded verrucae. In this aspect it resembles the species Serpocaulon eleutherophlebium, S. obscurinervium and S. patentissimum, as well as the species complexes of Polypodium plesiosorum and P. dulce. However it differs from these taxa by the clathrate orange rhizome scales and the pectinate laminae, proximally reduced with its pinnae slightly ascending. A key to the Colombian species of Serpocaulon is provided to distinguish the new species from the other taxa.
Allium kyrenium (Amaryllidaceae), a new species from Northern Cyprus
Authors: GALDO GIANPIETRO GIUSSO DEL , BRULLO CRISTIAN , Brullo Salvatore , SALMERI CRISTINA
Published: June 2015

Allium kyrenium, a new species of Allium sect. Codonoprasum, is described and illustrated from northern Cyprus. It is a very circumscribed geophyte growing on the calcareous cliffs of the Kyrenia range. This diploid species, with a somatic chromosome number 2n = 16, shows close morphological relationships with A. stamineum, a species complex distributed in the eastern Mediterranean area. Its morphology, karyology, leaf anatomy, ecology, conservation status and taxonomical relationships with the allied species belonging to the A. stamineum group are examined.
Muscari atillae (Asparagaceae): a new species from Eastern Anatolia, Turkey
Authors: YILDIRIM HASAN
Published: June 2015

The genus Muscari Miller (1754: 926) is represented by about 50 species (Speta 1998), which are distributed in Caucasus, temperate Europe, Africa, and north-western and south-western Asia (Losinskaya 1935, Davis & Stuart 1966, 1980, Stuart 1966, Garbari & Greuter 1970, Davis 1984, Townsend & Guest 1985, Feinbrun 1986, Rechinger 1990, Jafari & Maassoumi 2011). According to the latest checklist for Muscari s.s., this genus is represented by 47 taxa (Govaerts 2015).
Taxonomic revision of the Limonium cancellatum group (Plumbaginaceae) in Croatia
Authors: BOGDANOVIĆ SANDRO , BRULLO SALVATORE
Published: June 2015

A taxonomic revision of the genus Limonium (Plumbaginaceae) in Croatia was carried out. In particular, the species belonging to L. cancellatum group are examined on morphological, nomenclatural, ecological and chorological grounds. The morphological study is based on herbarium materials and living plants. 26 species are recognized, of which 4 are well known in literature (L. cancellatum, L. dictyophorum, L. vestitum and L. subanfractum), while 21 species are described as new to science (L. busianum, L. cazzae, L. croaticum, L. ginzbergeri, L. issaeum, L. istriacum, L. lagostanum, L. leprosorum, L. liberianum, L. liburnicum, L. lovricii, L. milovicii, L. omissae, L. pelagosae, L. pharosianum, L. pomoense, L. subnudum, L. tabulare, L. trinajsticii, L. velutinum and L. zankii). A new combination (L. brusnicense) was also proposed. Description, iconography, type, nomenclatural data, etymology, ecology, distribution maps and taxonomical notes are given for each taxon. New somatic chromosome number was given for 4 species (L. cancellatum, L. dictyophorum, L. lovricii and L. milovicii). The phenetic tree clearly shows that the species are morphologically related and two main groups can be separated on the base of the hairness. In order to allow a correct identification, a diagnostic key is provided.
Taxonomic Revision of Tynanthus (Bignonieae, Bignoniaceae)
Authors: Medeiros Maria Cláudia Melo Pacheco de , Lohmann Lúcia Garcez
Published: June 2015

Tynanthus is a genus of Neotropical lianas that are distributed from southern Mexico to southern Brazil. Extensive herbarium work, field studies and new molecular phylogenetic data were used as the basis to recognize 14 species in the genus. Here, we provide a detailed treatment of the group, including an identification key to all species recognized, as well as morphological descriptions, a complete list of synonymy, nomenclatural information, taxonomic notes, phenological data, information on habitat and distribution, and illustrations. Two species are circumscribed differently from earlier classifications, in particular Tynanthus elegans is synonymized with Tynanthus cognatus, while Tynanthus villosus is synonymized with Tynanthus polyanthus. In addition, Tynanthus goudotianus is treated as a doubtful name, and two recently described species are recognized, Tynanthus densiflorus and Tynanthus espiritosantensis. One species name is neotypified, Tynanthus caryophylleus, and nine species names are lectotypified, namely Cuspidaria ovalis, Tynanthus cognatus, Tynanthus elegans, Tynanthus guatemalensis, Tynanthus lindmanii, Tynanthus myrianthus, Tynanthus panurensis, Schizopsis chimonantha, and Schizopsis regnelliana. A complete list of doubtful and excluded names is presented.
A new combination in Helosciadium (Apiaceae) for the flora of North Africa
Authors: Stinca Adriano , Motti Riccardo
Published: June 2015

According to recent molecular studies (Hardway et al. 2004, Spalik & Downie 2006, Spalik et al. 2009), the genus Helosciadium Koch (1824: 125) was segregated from Apium Linnaeus (1753: 264). The separate position of Helosciadium is supported also by morphological characters and fruit anatomy (Ronse et al. 2010).
Four new species of Salvia (Lamiaceae) from central Mexico
Authors: Bedolla García Brenda Y. , ZAMUDIO SERGIO
Published: June 2015

Four new species of Salvia are described and illustrated. These come from central Mexico in the region studied in the project Flora del Bajío y de Regiones Adyacentes. The four species belong to the subgenus Calosphace. Salvia carranzae is placed in the section Fulgentes and is distinguished by the stem ascending at first and then pendulous, leaves that present an irregularly dentate margin, inflorescence supine, corolla tube without papillae inside, narrow lower lip of the corolla with three very short lobules on the apex, and the upper branch of the style shorter than the lower. Salvia calderoniae has affinity with the species of section Angulatae and is distinguished by being a perennial herbaceous plant, erect, with short, lax inflorescences (3.5–10 cm) With few verticillasters 12(–19) and few flowers per verticillaster (2–8), and corolla tube arched upwards of 6–13 mm long. Salvia xolocotzii is morphologically similar to the species of section Uliginosae; it is characterized by being a herbaceous perennial plant, stoloniferous, decumbent, 15–45 cm tall, terminal inflorescence, rachis and calyx with glandular pubescence, upper lip of the calyx entire, with 5 veins, blue corolla with ventricose tube and connectives with a short acute tooth. Salvia zamoranensis coincides with the species of section Brandegeia; it is characterized by abundant long trichomes, extended on stems and calyces, calyx with 5 veins, blue corolla and ventricose, invaginated and epapillate tube, and a lower lip with two lines of white marks. The four species are distributed in forests of temperate climates and are endemic to the northeast of Guanajuato and Querétaro and southeast of San Luis Potosí.
Limonium korakonisicum (Plumbaginaceae), a new species from Zakynthos Island (Ionian Islands, Greece)
Authors: Valli Anna-Thalassini , Artelari Rea
Published: June 2015

Limonium korakonisicum (Plumbaginaceae), a new species from Zakynthos Island (Ionian Islands, Greece), is described and illustrated from the only known population (locality Korakonisi) located in the southwestern coast of the island. The hexaploid chromosome number (2n=6x=51), the karyotype and the self-incompatible pollen-stigma combination A (‘A’pollen and ‘Cob’ stigma), support that L. korakonisicum is an apomictic taxon originated through hybridization. This new taxon is related to the polyploid apomictic Limonium species which are prevalent in the Aegean area and especially to the recently described Cytherian endemic L. spreitzenhoferi Erben & Brullo. The morphological differences of L. korakonisicum from L. spreitzenhoferi as well as from the sexual diploid endemic L. phitosianum, which coexists at the same locality, are discussed. Data on the ecology and conservation status of the new species are also given.
The genus Xestoleberis (Ostracoda: Xestoleberididae) in the Northern, Northeastern and Eastern regions of the Brazilian continental shelf
Authors: DA LUZ NATHÁLIA CARVALHO , COIMBRA JOÃO CARLOS
Published: June 2015

The analysis of 359 samples from three regions of the Brazilian continental shelf (Northern, Northeastern and Eastern) resulted in the recognition of six species of the genus Xestoleberis. One of these species was already described, X. umbonata Whatley et al. 1998, four species are new and herein described, X. inesae sp. nov., X. amazonica sp. nov., X. subtriangularis sp. nov. and X. virilis sp. nov., and one was maintained in open nomenclature, Xestoleberis sp. The species X. inesae sp. nov. is widely distributed in the study area, occurring in all mentioned regions, while X. amazonica sp. nov. is restricted to the Northern region. Xestoleberis subtriangularis sp. nov., X. virilis sp. nov. and Xestoleberis sp. occur in the Northeastern and Eastern regions. Xestoleberis umbonata was recorded in this study only in the southernmost part of the Eastern region.
New species of Gelechiidae (Lepidoptera) from Ukraine
Authors: BIDZILYA OLEKSIY V. , BUDASHKIN YURY I.
Published: June 2015

Chrysoesthia halimionella, sp. n., Megacraspedus uzunsyrtus, sp. n., Aristotelia confusella, sp. n., and Dirhinosia interposita, sp. n., are described from Ukraine. Adults and genitalia of the new species are illustrated and compared with related species.
Review of the genus Sobrala Dworakowska (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Typhlocybinae: Alebrini) with description of four new species and a new record from China
Authors: KANG JU-XIA , ZHANG YA-LIN
Published: June 2015

The genus Sobrala Dworakowska is reported for the first time in China and a key to known species of the genus is provided. Four new species, Sobrala acanthophylla, S. dactylina, S. lamellaris and S. quadrilatera spp. nov. from China are described and illustrated.
A range extension of a deep-sea barnacle of the genus Aurivillialepas (Cirripedia, Scalpellomorpha), a Macaronesian and amphitropical refugial genus having Mesozoic affinities
Authors: INNOCENTI GIANNA , GERONIMO RAFFAELLA DI , NEWMAN WILLIAM A.
Published: June 2015

The scalpellomorph barnacle, Aurivillialepas calycula (Aurivillius, 1898), previously known only from Macaronesia, is reported from Banco de Galicia, off the NW corner of the Iberian Peninsula. One of the two specimens was attached to the scleractinian coral, Madrepora oculata Linnaeus, 1758. Since such pedunculate barnacles are little known, the potentially hermaphroditic specimens and its complemental male are illustrated photographically, and a key to the genus Aurivillialepas is provided. The genus, together with Scillaelepas Seguenza, 1876 and Gruvelialepas Newman, 1980, has long been considered to constitute a natural group of scalpellomorphs within the Calanticidae, and therefore the Scillaelepadinae subfam. nov. is proposed to accommodate them. Biogeographical aspects of these deep-sea barnacles support the hypothesis that not only the islands but the banks and guyots of Macaronesia constitute refugia for ancient as well as more recent forms, some of which may stem back to the late Mesozoic.
Gravity Wave–Induced Anomalous Potential Vorticity Gradient Generating Planetary Waves in the Winter Mesosphere
Authors: Sato Kaoru , Nomoto Masahiro
Published: June 2015

This study shows that gravity wave (GW) forcing (GWF) plays a crucial role in the barotropic/baroclinic instability that is frequently observed in the mesosphere and considered an origin of planetary waves (PWs) such as quasi-2-day and quasi-4-day waves. Simulation data from a GW-resolving general circulation model were analyzed, focusing on the winter Northern Hemisphere where PWs are active. The unstable field is characterized by a significant potential vorticity (PV) maximum with an anomalous latitudinal gradient at higher latitudes that suddenly appears in the midlatitudes of the upper mesosphere. This PV maximum is attributed to an enhanced static stability that develops through the following two processes: 1) strong PWs from the troposphere break in the middle stratosphere, causing a poleward and downward shift of the westerly jet to higher latitudes, and 2) strong GWF located above the jet simultaneously shifts and forms an upwelling in the midlatitudes, causing a significant increase in . An interesting feature is that the PV maximum is not zonally uniform but is observed only at longitudes with strong GWF. This longitudinally dependent GWF can be explained by selective filtering in the stratospheric mean flow modified by strong PWs. In the upper mesosphere, the Eliassen–Palm flux divergence by PWs has a characteristic structure, which is positive poleward and negative equatorward of the enhanced PV maximum, attributable to eastward- and westward-propagating PWs, respectively. This fact suggests that the barotropic/baroclinic instability is eliminated by simultaneous generation of eastward and westward PWs causing PV flux divergence.
Basin-Wavelength Equatorial Deep Jet Signals across Three Oceans
Authors: Youngs Madeleine K. , Johnson Gregory C.
Published: June 2015

Equatorial deep jets (EDJs) are equatorially trapped, stacked, zonal currents that reverse direction every few hundred meters in depth throughout much of the water column. This study evaluates their structure observationally in all three oceans using new high-vertical-resolution Argo float conductivity–temperature–depth (CTD) instrument profiles from 2010 to 2014 augmented with historical shipboard CTD data from 1972 to 2014 and lower-vertical-resolution Argo float profiles from 2007 to 2014. The vertical strain of density is calculated from the profiles and analyzed in a stretched vertical coordinate system determined from the mean vertical density structure. The power spectra of vertical strain in each basin are analyzed using wavelet decomposition. In the Indian and Pacific Oceans, there are two distinct peaks in the power spectra, one Kelvin wave–like and the other entirely consistent with the dispersion relation of a linear, first meridional mode, equatorial Rossby wave. In the Atlantic Ocean, the first meridional mode Rossby wave signature is very strong and dominates. In all three ocean basins, Rossby wave–like signatures are coherent across the basin width and appear to have wavelengths the scale of the basin width, with periods of about 5 yr in the Indian and Atlantic Oceans and about 12 yr in the Pacific Ocean. Their observed meridional scales are about 1.5 times the linear theoretical values. Their phase propagation is downward with time, implying upward energy propagation if linear wave dynamics hold.
Oral Health Inequalities between Rural and Urban Populations of the African and Middle East Region
Authors: Ogunbodede E.O. , Kida I.A. , Madjapa H.S. , Amedari M. , Ehizele A. , Mutave R. , Sodipo B. , Temilola S. , Okoye L.
Published: June 2015

Although there have been major improvements in oral health, with remarkable advances in the prevention and management of oral diseases, globally, inequalities persist between urban and rural communities. These inequalities exist in the distribution of oral health services, accessibility, utilization, treatment outcomes, oral health knowledge and practices, health insurance coverage, oral health–related quality of life, and prevalence of oral diseases, among others. People living in rural areas are likely to be poorer, be less health literate, have more caries, have fewer teeth, have no health insurance coverage, and have less money to spend on dental care than persons living in urban areas. Rural areas are often associated with lower education levels, which in turn have been found to be related to lower levels of health literacy and poor use of health care services. These factors have an impact on oral health care, service delivery, and research. Hence, unmet dental care remains one of the most urgent health care needs in these communities. We highlight some of the conceptual issues relating to urban-rural inequalities in oral health, especially in the African and Middle East Region (AMER). Actions to reduce oral health inequalities and ameliorate rural-urban disparity are necessary both within the health sector and the wider policy environment. Recommended actions include population-specific oral health promotion programs, measures aimed at increasing access to oral health services in rural areas, integration of oral health into existing primary health care services, and support for research aimed at informing policy on the social determinants of health. Concerted efforts must be made by all stakeholders (governments, health care workforce, organizations, and communities) to reduce disparities and improve oral health outcomes in underserved populations.
Prevalence and Severity of Oral Diseases in the Africa and Middle East Region
Authors: Abid A. , Maatouk F. , Berrezouga L. , Azodo C. , Uti O. , El-Shamy H. , Oginni A.
Published: June 2015

This review aims to determine the prevalence and severity of oral health diseases in the Africa and Middle East region (AMER). The profile of oral diseases is not homogeneous across the AMER. There are large disparities between groups. Reliable data are scarce. The prevalence and severity of oral diseases appear to be increasing in the African region, as does associated morbidity. There are substantial differences in inequalities in oral health. Dental caries prevalence is less severe in most African countries than in developed countries, but the high rate of untreated caries reflects the limited resources available and difficulties of access and affordability to essential oral health care services. The prevalence of gingival inflammation is very high in all age groups in several African countries. The prevalence of maxillofacial trauma has increased in many countries, with a wide variation of the incidence and high prevalence of traumatic dental injuries in primary and permanent teeth. Orofacial clefts are among the most common birth defects. Annual incidence of oral cancer is estimated as 25 cases per 100,000 people in Africa. Noma is a major public health problem for the Middle East and North African (MENA) region. Data about human immunodeficiency virus/AIDS are limited, particularly in the MENA region. According to the World Health Organization Regional Committee for Africa report, some fundamental key basic knowledge gaps need to be underlined. They include inequalities in oral health, low priority for oral health, lack of adequate funding, inadequate dental student training, obstacles to medical and dental research, and poor databases. There are very few effective public prevention and oral health promotion programs in the AMER. Universal health coverage is not achievable without scientific research on the effectiveness of health promotion interventions.
Ages of legal importance: Implications in relation to birth registration and age assessment practices
Authors: Jayaraman Jayakumar , Roberts Graham J , Wong Hai Ming , McDonald Fraser , King Nigel M
Published: June 2015

Assessment of age is a common procedure routinely conducted in many countries following birth date disputes, particularly following asylum claims and criminal offenses. UNICEF reports that only 65% of children in the world were registered, and the numbers of children who possess an authentic birth certificate were significantly lower than those registered. Legally important ages can be categorized into defined age ranges that vary among different countries. Recently, following an increase in the number of age-specific crimes, many countries have revised their legally important ages. This article is intended to report the most recent data on the ages of legal importance in the major countries of the world and implicate its relevance to birth registration and age assessment practices.
Child maltreatment and neglect, or poverty and ignorance: An old case from the museum
Authors: Nikolić Slobodan , Živković Vladimir
Published: June 2015

We present an old case, from the year 1928, of a girl who, as an 18-month-old, had ingested a small amount of lye, and over time oesophageal stenosis had developed. However, her parents had not taken her to hospital until 4 months after the event, after an episode of bloody vomiting. She spent the remaining time of her life in the hospital, where she died as a 3-year-old. Her parents did not visit once during that time. After the autopsy, the opinion about the cause and mechanism of death had five steps: the immediate cause of death was purulent pneumonia, which was a complication of small pox and severe undernourishment; the severe undernourishment was the consequence of a narrowed part of the oesophagus; this developed due to the ingestion of the corrosive agent; and it remained uncertain whether the ingestion of the corrosive agent was accidental or homicidal in manner. The presented case could be an example of possible child maltreatment and neglect in rural parts of society, from almost 90 year ago; at the time these cases were not recognized and treated as they would be today. This is also an example of how the forensic pathologist, via the conclusion about the cause of death, highlighted the parents' carelessness and neglect of the child.
Skin wounds vitality markers in forensic pathology: An updated review
Authors: Casse Jean-Matthieu , Martrille Laurent , Vignaud Jean-Michel , Gauchotte Guillaume
Published: June 2015

Wound age evaluation is one of the most challenging issues in forensic pathology. In the first minutes or hours, standard histological examination may not determine whether the wound was inflicted in the pre- or post-mortem period. While red blood cell infiltration is classically considered as a sign of vital reaction, several studies have shown that extravasation of blood cells may also occur after death and cannot be used as a reliable marker in the diagnosis of wound vitality. Numerous studies about wound vitality are available in the literature. They have evaluated markers involved in coagulation or inflammation, using various methods such as enzymology, molecular biology or immunohistochemistry. In this update, we first introduce some methodological principles. Then, we review the main studies available in the literature. Immunohistochemistry seems to be the most valuable method, given its easy application and the possibility to analyse the localization of the molecules of interest. Some markers are promising, such as CD15, TNFα, IL-6, IL-1β, TGFα or TGFβ1. Prior to their application in daily practice, these early results need to be confirmed with other studies, conducted by independent teams and integrating multiple controls. Most notably, the antibodies have to be tested in numerous post-mortem wounds. Indeed, a critical risk of overexpression in post-mortem wounds is present. Some promising markers have been later invalidated because of post-mortem false positivity. Finally, optimal sensitivity and specificity values could probably be reached by combining several markers, validated by large groups of pre- and post-mortem wounds.
Negotiating Aid
Authors: Basu Moushumi
Published: June 2015

The political nature of aid in contemporary society is not easily a visible characteristic of daily reality. The institutionalisation of ‘rationally assessed and technically managed aid’ by international agencies generates and sustains an ideological position that obscures existing linkages between politics and policy in the making of development strategies. The following paper takes up the case of World Bank aid for primary education in India to illustrate the deceptively ‘neutral’ characterisation of aid in contemporary politics.
Pediatric Palliative Care Pilot Curriculum
Authors: Barnett Michael D. , Maurer Scott H. , Wood Gordon J.
Published: June 2015

Background:

Prior research has shown that less than 40% of pediatric program directors believe their graduating residents competent in palliative care. While many curricula have been developed to address this need, few have demonstrated improved comfort and/or knowledge with palliative care principles. The purpose of this study was to test a pocket card educational intervention regarding resident knowledge and comfort with palliative care principles.

Methods:

Pocket reference cards were created to deliver fundamentals of pediatric palliative care to resident learners; didactics and case studies emphasized principles on the cards. Self-reported comfort and objective knowledge were measured before and after the curriculum among residents.

Results:

Of 32 post-graduate year 2 (PGY2) residents, 23 (72%) completed the pre-test survey. The post-test was completed by 14 PGY2 residents (44%) and 16 of 39 PGY3/4 residents (41%). There was improvement in comfort with communication, as well as pain and symptom management among the residents. Knowledge of palliative care principles improved in part, with only a few survey questions reaching statistical significance. 100% of respondents recommended the cards be provided to their colleagues.

Conclusion:

This longitudinal curriculum, designed specifically for pediatric residents, was built into an existing training program and proved to be popular, feasible, and effective at improving comfort with basic palliative care principles.
Lungworm disease in cats
Authors: Pennisi Maria Grazia , Hartmann Katrin , Addie Diane D , Boucraut-Baralon Corine , Egberink Herman , Frymus Tadeusz , Gruffydd-Jones Tim , Horzinek Marian C , Hosie Margaret J , Lloret Albert , Lutz Hans , Marsilio Fulvio , Radford Alan D , Thiry Etienne , Truyen Uwe , Möstl Karin ,   European Advisory Board on Cat Diseases
Published: June 2015

Overview:

Cardiopulmonary nematodes are emerging parasites of cats in Europe. A number of helminth parasites may be involved. The most prevalent lungworm in domestic cats is Aelurostrongylus abstrusus. Oslerus rostratus and Troglostrongylus species are found mainly in wild cats. The trichurid Capillaria aerophila has a low host specificity and is not uncommon in cats. Additionally the lung flukes Paragonimus species are reported in many species outside of Europe, including cats.

Clinical signs:

Lungworm infections may be asymptomatic, or cause mild to severe respiratory signs, dependent on the worm species and burden; mixed infections are observed. Kittens can be vertically infected and may develop a more severe disease. Affected cats show a productive cough, mucopurulent nasal discharge, tachypnoea, dyspnoea and, in severe cases, respiratory failure and death.

Management:

Early diagnosis and treatment greatly improves the prognosis. First-stage larvae can be easily detected in fresh faecal samples; the Baermann migration method is the enrichment technique of choice, but takes 24 h. Lungworm larvae can be found in tracheal swabs and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, but with less sensitivity than in faeces. Molecular methods have been developed that exhibit high specificity and sensitivity, and allow diagnosis in the prepatent phase. Treatment options include fenbendazole paste, milbemycin oxime/praziquantel and various spot-on formulations. Severe cases should receive prompt medical care in an intensive care unit.

Prevention:

Avoiding predation is at present the only preventive measure for pulmonary worms with indirect life cycles.

Zoonotic risk:

C aerophila has zoonotic potential, causing severe pulmonary disease in humans. Some Paragonimus species are also of zoonotic concern.
Cytauxzoonosis in cats
Authors: Lloret Albert , Addie Diane D , Boucraut-Baralon Corine , Egberink Herman , Frymus Tadeusz , Gruffydd-Jones Tim , Hartmann Katrin , Horzinek Marian C , Hosie Margaret J , Lutz Hans , Marsilio Fulvio , Pennisi Maria Grazia , Radford Alan D , Thiry Etienne , Truyen Uwe , Möstl Karin ,   European Advisory Board on Cat Diseases
Published: June 2015

Overview:

Cytauxzoon species are apicomplexan haemoparasites, which may cause severe disease in domestic cats, as well as lions and tigers. For many years, cytauxzoonosis in domestic cats was only reported in North and South America, but in recent years the infection has also been seen in Europe (Spain, France and Italy).

Infection:

Cytauxzoon felis is the main species; it occurs as numerous different strains or genotypes and is transmitted via ticks. Therefore, the disease shows a seasonal incidence from spring to early autumn and affects primarily cats with outdoor access in areas where tick vectors are prevalent. Domestic cats may experience subclinical infection and may also act as reservoirs.

Clinical signs:

Cytauxzoonosis caused by C felis in the USA is an acute or peracute severe febrile disease with non-specific signs. Haemolytic anaemia occurs frequently; in some cats neurological signs may occur in late stages. The Cytauxzoon species identified in Europe differ from C felis that causes disease in the USA and are probably less virulent. The majority of infected cats have been healthy; in some cases anaemia was found, but disease as it occurs in the USA has not been reported to date.

Diagnosis:

Diagnosis is usually obtained by Cytauxzoon detection in blood smears and/or fine-needle aspirates from the liver, spleen and lymph nodes. PCR assays are able to detect low levels of parasitaemia and may be used for confirmation.

Treatment:

Currently a combination of the antiprotozoal drugs atovaquone and azithromycin is the treatment of choice. Concurrent supportive and critical care treatment is extremely important to improve the prognosis. Cats that survive the infection may become chronic carriers for life.

Prevention:

Cats with outdoor access in endemic areas should receive effective tick treatment.
Hepatozoonosis in cats
Authors: Lloret Albert , Addie Diane D , Boucraut-Baralon Corine , Egberink Herman , Frymus Tadeusz , Gruffydd-Jones Tim , Hartmann Katrin , Horzinek Marian C , Hosie Margaret J , Lutz Hans , Marsilio Fulvio , Pennisi Maria Grazia , Radford Alan D , Thiry Etienne , Truyen Uwe , Möstl Karin ,   European Advisory Board on Cat Diseases
Published: June 2015

Overview:

Hepatozoonosis of domestic cats has been reported in several countries, mainly as a subclinical infection.

Disease agent:

Infection has been described mostly in areas where canine infection is present and, in recent years, Hepatozoon felis has been identified as a distinct species by molecular techniques. The vector for feline hepatozoonosis remains unknown and the pathogenesis has not been elucidated.

Infection in cats:

Feline hepatozoonosis is mainly a subclinical infection and few cases have been reported with clinical signs. The diagnosis of hepatozoonosis in cats can be made by observation of parasite gamonts in blood smears, parasite meronts in muscles by histopathology, and detection of parasite DNA in blood and tissue by PCR.

Disease management:

The treatment of choice is not known, but single cases have been treated with doxycycline or oxytetracycline and primaquine. Although the mode of transmission and the type of vector is not known, preventive treatment against blood-sucking vectors (fleas and ticks) is advised.
Transient Receptor Potential Channel and Interleukin-17A Involvement in LTTL Gel Inhibition of Bone Cancer Pain in a Rat Model
Authors: Wang Juyong , Zhang Ruixin , Dong Changsheng , Jiao Lijing , Xu Ling , Liu Jiyong , Wang Zhengtao , Lao Lixing
Published: June 2015

Cancer pain management is a challenge for which Chinese herbal medicine might be useful. To study the spinal mechanisms of the Chinese medicated gel Long-Teng-Tong-Luo (LTTL), a 7-herb compound, on bone cancer pain, a bone cancer pain model was made by inoculating the tibias of female rats with Walker 256 cells. LTTL gel or inert gel, 0.5 g/cm2/d, was applied to the skin of tumor-bearing tibias for 21 days beginning a day after the inoculation. Mechanical threshold and paw withdrawal latency to thermal stimulation was measured. Transient receptor potential (TRP) cation channels in lumbar dorsal root ganglia (DRG) were immunostained and counted, and lumbar spinal cord interleukin-17A (IL-17A) was measured with real-time polymerase chain reaction and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. TRP antagonists and interleukin (IL)-17A antibodies were intrathecally administered to determine their effects on bone cancer pain. The gel significantly ( P < .05) alleviated cancer-induced mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia and inhibited cancer-enhanced expression of IL-17A in spinal astrocytes and the TRP subfamily members V1, A1, and V4 in lumbar DRG. Intrathecal TRP antagonists at 10 µg significantly ( P < .05) attenuated mechanical allodynia, thermal hyperalgesia, and IL-17A expression, indicating that TRP channels facilitate spinal IL-17 expression and cancer pain. IL-17A antibodies inhibited cancer pain, suggesting that IL-17A promotes such pain. The data show that LTTL gel inhibits cancer pain, and this might be accounted for by the decrease in expression of DRG TRP channels and spinal astrocyte IL-17A.