bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Sativex®‐like combination of phytocannabinoids as a disease‐modifying therapy in a viral model of multiple sclerosis
Authors: Feliú A , Moreno‐Martet M , Mecha M , Carrillo‐Salinas F J , de Lago E , Fernández‐Ruiz J , Guaza C
Published: April 2015

Background and Purpose

Sativex® is an oromucosal spray, containing equivalent amounts of Δ9‐tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9‐THC) and cannabidiol (CBD)‐botanical drug substance (BDS), which has been approved for the treatment of spasticity and pain associated to multiple sclerosis (MS). In this study, we investigated whether Sativex may also serve as a disease‐modifying agent in the Theiler's murine encephalomyelitis virus‐induced demyelinating disease model of MS.

Experimental Approach

A Sativex‐like combination of phytocannabinoids and each phytocannabinoid alone were administered to mice once they had established MS‐like symptoms. Motor activity and the putative targets of these cannabinoids were assessed to evaluate therapeutic efficacy. The accumulation of chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans (CSPGs) and astrogliosis were assessed in the spinal cord and the effect of Sativex on CSPGs production was evaluated in astrocyte cultures.

Key Results

Sativex improved motor activity – reduced CNS infiltrates, microglial activity, axonal damage – and restored myelin morphology. Similarly, we found weaker vascular cell adhesion molecule‐1 staining and IL‐1β gene expression but an up‐regulation of arginase‐1. The astrogliosis and accumulation of CSPGs in the spinal cord in vehicle‐infected animals were decreased by Sativex, as was the synthesis and release of CSPGs by astrocytes in culture. We found that CBD‐BDS alone alleviated motor deterioration to a similar extent as Sativex, acting through PPARγ receptors whereas Δ9‐THC‐BDS produced weaker effects, acting through CB2 and primarily CB1 receptors.

Conclusions and Implications

The data support the therapeutic potential of Sativex to slow MS progression and its relevance in CNS repair.
Chloride channels mediate sodium sulphide‐induced relaxation in rat uteri
Authors: Mijušković Ana , Kokić Aleksandra Nikolić , Dušić Zorana Oreščanin , Slavić Marija , Spasić Mihajlo B , Blagojević Duško
Published: April 2015

Background and Purpose

Hydrogen sulphide reduces uterine contractility and is of potential interest as a treatment for uterine disorders. The aim of this study was to explore the mechanism of sodium sulphide (Na2S)‐induced relaxation of rat uterus, investigate the importance of redox effects and ion channel‐mediated mechanisms, and any interactions between these two mechanisms.

Experimental Approach

Organ bath studies were employed to assess the pharmacological effects of Na2S in uterine strips by exposing them to Na2S with or without Cl− channel blockers (DIDS, NFA, IAA‐94, T16Ainh‐A01, TA), raised KCl (15 and 75 mM), K+ channel inhibitors (glibenclamide, TEA, 4‐AP), L‐type Ca2+ channel activator (S‐Bay K 8644), propranolol and methylene blue. The activities of antioxidant enzymes were measured in homogenates of treated uteri. The expression of bestrophin channel 1 (BEST‐1) was determined by Western blotting and RT‐PCR.

Key Results

Na2S caused concentration‐dependent reversible relaxation of spontaneously active and calcium‐treated uteri, affecting both amplitude and frequency of contractions. Uteri exposed to 75 mM KCl were less sensitive to Na2S compared with uteri in 15 mM KCl. Na2S‐induced relaxations were abolished by DIDS, but unaffected by other modulators or by the absence of extracellular HCO3−, suggesting the involvement of chloride ion channels. Na2S in combination with different modulators provoked specific changes in the anti‐oxidant profiles of uteri. The expression of BEST‐1, both mRNA and protein, was demonstrated in rat uteri.

Conclusions and Implications

The relaxant effects of Na2S in rat uteri are mediated mainly via a DIDS‐sensitive Cl−‐pathway. Components of the relaxation are redox‐ and Ca2+‐dependent.
Universal Parenting Programme Provision in England; Barriers to Parent Engagement in the CANparent Trial, 2012–2014
Authors: Cullen Stephen M. , Cullen Mairi‐Ann , Lindsay Geoff
Published: April 2015

The CANparent trial, 2012–2014, was a government initiative in four English areas designed to develop a market in universal parenting support. Fourteen parenting class providers offered classes to all parents of children aged 0–5 in the areas. In three areas, all eligible parents received £100 vouchers exchangeable for a parenting class. Pre‐trial planning was that take‐up would amount to 20 000 parents. However, only 14 per cent of these parents took advantage of the offer. This article utilises 42 interviews with providers, and two parent surveys over two time periods (n = 1510 and n = 1603) to review barriers to engagement with universal parenting support programmes.
The Portrayal of Children's Mental Health and Developmental Issues from 1890 to 1920 in Mass Print Magazines in North America
Authors: Clarke Juanne N.
Published: April 2015

Children's mental health and development issues are considered a significant concern today. A century and more ago children's mental health and developmental disorders were likely understood differently. This paper examines the portrayal of children's mental health and developmental disorders in all 41 accessible articles on the topic indexed in the Reader's Guide to Periodical Literature from 1890 to 1920. It focuses on these three decades as a time of fundamental economic, political and social transition before the first text in Child Psychiatry was published and the first professorship in the field established. It was also before the beginning of the influential child guidance movement. In particular, the research asks (i) what were the ‘disorders’ discussed and of what were they said to consist?, (ii) what was said to cause them? and (iii) what was thought best to be done about them?
The impact of commissioning for rhinosinusitis in England
Authors: Soni‐Jaiswal A. , Philpott C. , Hopkins C.
Published: April 2015

Objectives

To assess the compliance of clinical commissioning groups (CCGs) in England with the ENT‐UK rhinosinusitis commissioning guide produced in collaboration with the Royal College of Surgeons England and the National Institute of Clinical Excellence. We also aimed to assess the ease of accessibility of data from CCGs.

Design

Audit of compliance of English CCGs with the ENT‐UK rhinosinusitis commissioning guide.

Setting

CCGs in England

Participants

A total of 58 of the 221 CCGs in England were included and chosen because they were the first CCGs authorised by NHS England, or alternately, the CCGs forecasted to have a deficit in their first year of operation. Their websites were reviewed; when information was not easily accessible, a freedom of information request was submitted to the relevant CCG.

Main outcome measures

Compliance with commissioning guidelines for rhinosinusitis.

Results

Thirteen percent of CCGs had restrictive referral criteria in place, largely unrelated to published evidence‐based guidance. The routine use of multiple courses of oral steroids, prescription of antibiotics, CT scanning within primary care, and delaying referral for a year, prior to referral to a specialist were recommended against published advice.

Conclusions

Restricting access to surgery may contribute to poorer outcomes and a decrease in the patient's quality of life. This is against the NHS constitution and is open to legal challenge. We encourage all ENT surgeons to review policies of their local CCG and engage with commissioners to ensure that their patients have evidence‐based care.
Health‐related quality of life in 794 patients with a peripheral facial palsy using the FaCE Scale: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Kleiss I. J. , Hohman M. H. , Susarla S. M. , Marres H. A. M. , Hadlock T. A.
Published: April 2015

Objectives

To describe the health‐related quality of life of patients visiting a tertiary referral centre for facial palsy, and to analyse factors associated with health‐related quality of life, using the FaCE Scale instrument.

Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting

The Facial Nerve Center at the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, a tertiary referral centre.

Participants

Patients with a peripheral facial palsy visiting the centre for an initial consultation between August 2007 and June 2012.

Main outcome measures

The total FaCE score and the FaCE social function subdomain. Multiple regression models were developed to identify factors associated with the total FaCE score and FaCE social function score.

Results

A total of 794 patients with a mean age of 47.0 ± 16.0 years were analysed in this study, of which 59.9% were female. The mean House–Brackmann, Sunnybrook, total FaCE and FaCE social function scores were 3.6 ± 1.5, 48.2 ± 21.2, 47.3 ± 19.3 and 55.5 ± 19.2, respectively. Increasing age (r = −0.229, P < 0.001) was associated with a lower total FaCE score. Female gender (r = −4.422, P = 0.033) and increased duration of palsy (r = −0.018, P = 0.041) were associated with lower FaCE social function scores.

Conclusions

While counselling patients on what to expect during the recovery process after facial paralysis is an important part of any clinical visit, FaCE score correlations suggest that female patients with chronic facial palsy and increased age constitute a patient category that may require additional time and attention to prevent or mitigate psychosocial dysfunction.
Remote surveillance after colorectal cancer surgery: an effective alternative to standard clinic‐based follow‐up
Authors: Siddika A. , Tolia‐Shah D. , Pearson T. E. , Richardson N. G. B. , Ross A. H. McL.
Published: April 2015

Aim

Most colorectal cancer recurrences are asymptomatic and are detected through routine postoperative clinic surveillance programmes with associated investigations. However, attendance at these clinics has a financial cost and may be associated with an increase in patient anxiety and dissatisfaction. The results of a remote follow‐up system developed for selected patients are reported.

Method

A remote surveillance programme has been in place in our institution for over 9 years. Patients having elective and emergency treatment for colorectal cancer were enrolled. The timeliness of the investigation, detection of local recurrence and distant metastases and overall 5‐year survival rates were determined. A cost review and patient satisfaction survey were performed.

Results

The programme was suitable for over 900 patients who had received surgery for colorectal cancer between 2004 and 2012, representing some 50% of the total number of patients treated in this period. Of these, 811 (90%) had investigations carried out on time. Five‐year survival rates were comparable with national data. Cost‐minimization analysis demonstrated a financial saving of 63% and a 75% reduction in clinic appointments. High levels of overall patient satisfaction (97%) were noted with the programme.

Conclusion

A remote surveillance system after colorectal cancer surgery is a safe and cost‐effective alternative to traditional clinic‐based follow up and has high patient satisfaction.
High arterial ligation and risk of anastomotic leakage in anterior resection for rectal cancer in patients with increased cardiovascular risk
Authors: Boström P. , Haapamäki M. M. , Matthiessen P. , Ljung R. , Rutegård J. , Rutegård M.
Published: April 2015

Aim

Controversy still exists as to whether division of the inferior mesenteric artery close to the aorta influences the risk of anastomotic leakage after anterior resection for rectal cancer. This population‐based study was carried out to evaluate the independent association between high arterial ligation and anastomotic leakage in patients with increased cardiovascular risk.

Method

All 2673 cases of registered anterior resection for rectal cancer from 2007 to 2010 were identified from the Swedish Colorectal Cancer Registry and cross‐referenced with the Prescribed Drugs Registry, rendering a cohort of all patients with increased cardiovascular risk. Operative charts and registered data were reviewed for 722 patients. The association between high tie and anastomotic leakage, as quantified by ORs and 95% CIs, was evaluated in a logistic regression model, with adjustment for confounding, including assessment of interaction.

Results

Symptomatic anastomotic leakage occurred in 12.3% (41/334) of patients in the high tie group and in 10.6% (41/388) in the low tie group. The use of high tie was not independently associated with a higher risk of anastomotic leakage (OR = 1.05; 95% CI: 0.61–1.84). In a post‐hoc analysis, patients with a history of manifest cardiovascular disease and American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score III–IV seemed to be at greater risk (OR = 3.66; 95% CI: 1.04–12.85).

Conclusion

In the present population‐based, observational setting, high tie was not independently associated with an increased risk of symptomatic anastomotic leakage after anterior resection for rectal cancer. However, this conclusion may not hold for patients with severe cardiovascular disease.
Eye Movements Reveal the Influence of Event Structure on Reading Behavior
Authors: Swets Benjamin , Kurby Christopher A.
Published: April 2015

When we read narrative texts such as novels and newspaper articles, we segment information presented in such texts into discrete events, with distinct boundaries between those events. But do our eyes reflect this event structure while reading? This study examines whether eye movements during the reading of discourse reveal how readers respond online to event structure. Participants read narrative passages as we monitored their eye movements. Several measures revealed that event structure predicted eye movements. In two experiments, we found that both early and overall reading times were longer for event boundaries. We also found that regressive saccades were more likely to land on event boundaries, but that readers were less likely to regress out of an event boundary. Experiment 2 also demonstrated that tracking event structure carries a working memory load. Eye movements provide a rich set of online data to test the cognitive reality of event segmentation during reading.
Earnings inequality and informal employment in Russia
Authors: Lukiyanova Anna
Published: April 2015

In this paper, we explore the relationship between informality and earnings inequality using the data from the Russia Longitudinal Monitoring Survey (RLMS‐HSE) for 2000–2010. We determine that during the entire period, earnings inequality was substantially higher in the informal sector. Informality increases earnings polarization, widening both tails of the earnings distribution. Nonetheless, inequality has declined in both formal and informal sectors. In the formal sector, changes in the distribution of monthly earnings between 2000 and 2010 were primarily generated by changes in the distribution of hourly earnings. In the informal sector, reduction of variation in monthly earnings went through two channels: declining differences in hourly rates and considerable compositional shifts within the informal sector. The results point to the importance of distributional analysis of earnings gaps and explicit accounting for the sector choice.
Gall‐forming insects in a lowland tropical rainforest: low species diversity in an extremely specialised guild
Authors: BUTTERILL PHILIP T. , NOVOTNY VOJTECH
Published: April 2015

1. Gall‐forming insects are a guild of endophages that exhibit a high level of fidelity to their host plants, however, their level of host specificity is seldom explicitly tested.

2. Gall‐forming insect taxa from 32 species of woody tropical plants with resolved phylogenetic relationships were collected and reared, representing 15 families from all the major clades of angiosperms, at three lowland rainforest locations in Madang, Papua New Guinea (PNG).

3. More than 8800 galled plant parts were collected from 78 gall morphospecies at an average of 2.4 per host plant. Total species richness at the sampling sites was estimated to be 83–89. All but one morphospecies were monophagous resulting in an effective specialisation of 0.98.

4. Specific leaf weight, foliar nitrogen, the presence of latex, and the successional preference of plant species all gave a phylogenetic signal, but only plant successional preference influenced the species richness of galls on analysis of phylogenetically independent contrasts. Gall species were distributed randomly among host plant species and showed no preference for any particular plant lineage. Furthermore, most gall‐forming taxa were evenly dispersed across the host plant phylogeny.

5. In the tropical rainforests of New Guinea, gall‐forming insects are ubiquitous but occur in species‐poor assemblages. Local species richness is closely tied to the diversity of angiosperms owing to very high host specificity.

6. Finally, galler species richness data from the literature across habitats and latitudes were compared and suggest that tropical rainforests may be richer in galls than previously acknowledged.
Depth‐related responses of soil microbial communities to experimental warming in an alpine meadow on the Qinghai‐Tibet Plateau
Authors: Zhang B. , Chen S. Y. , Zhang J. F. , He X. Y. , Liu W. J. , Zhao Q. , Zhao L. , Tian C. J.
Published: April 2015

Although the effect of experimental warming on soil microorganisms has been well documented at surface horizons, less is known about its influence in subsurface horizons. An experiment was therefore carried out in an alpine meadow on the Qinghai‐Tibet Plateau to examine the responses of microbial communities to experimental warming at five soil depths (0–10, 10–20, 20–30, 30–40 and 40–50 cm). Plots were passively warmed for 3 years in open‐top chambers and compared with adjacent control plots at ambient temperature. Soil microbial communities were assessed by using phospholipid fatty acid (PLFA) analysis. Our results showed clearly that 3 years of experimental warming increased microbial biomass consistently and significantly throughout the upper 50‐cm soil profiles, as indicated by the changes in both microbial biomass carbon (C) and total PLFA contents. The composition of microbial communities was also affected significantly by warming, but its effect depended on soil depth. While warming induced a community shift towards bacteria at the 0–10‐cm depth, it tended to shift microbial communities towards fungi at the other, deeper, layers. These results indicate that warming had strong effects on soil microbial communities, including even those residing in subsurface horizons, which may help us to understand the microbial mediation of the feedback between terrestrial C cycling and climate warming.
Valproate in the treatment of epilepsy in girls and women of childbearing potential
Authors: Tomson Torbjörn , Marson Anthony , Boon Paul , Canevini Maria Paola , Covanis Athanasios , Gaily Eija , Kälviäinen Reetta , Trinka Eugen
Published: April 2015

This document provides guidance on the use of valproate in girls and women of childbearing age from a joint Task Force of the Commission on European Affairs of the International League Against Epilepsy (CEA‐ILAE) and the European Academy of Neurology (EAN), following strengthened warnings from the Coordination Group for Mutual Recognition and Decentralised Procedures‐Human (CMDh) of the European Medicines Agency (EMA), which highlight the risk of malformations and developmental problems in infants who are exposed to valproate in the womb. To produce these recommendations, the Task Force has considered teratogenic risks associated with use of valproate and treatment alternatives, the importance of seizure control and of patient and fetal risks with seizures, and the effectiveness of valproate and treatment alternatives in the treatment of different epilepsies. The Task Force's recommendations include the following: (1) Where possible, valproate should be avoided in women of childbearing potential. (2) The choice of treatment for girls and women of childbearing potential should be based on a shared decision between clinician and patient, and where appropriate, the patient's representatives. Discussions should include a careful risk–benefit assessment of reasonable treatment options for the patient's seizure or epilepsy type. (3) For seizure (or epilepsy) types where valproate is the most effective treatment, the risks and benefits of valproate and other treatment alternatives should be discussed. (4) Valproate should not be prescribed as a first‐line treatment for focal epilepsy. (5) Valproate may be offered as a first‐line treatment for epilepsy syndromes where it is the most effective treatment, including idiopathic (genetic) generalized syndromes associated with tonic–clonic seizures. (6) Valproate may be offered as a first‐line treatment in situations where pregnancy is highly unlikely (e.g., significant intellectual or physical disability). (7) Women and girls taking valproate require regular follow‐up for ongoing consideration of the most appropriate treatment regimen.
EPPO Study on pest risks associated with the import of tomato fruit
Authors: Grousset F. , Suffert M. , Petter F.
Published: April 2015

Tomato fruit are currently imported from different parts of the world to the EPPO region, and tomato is an important crop throughout the EPPO region both as an outdoor and indoor crop. The risk that tomato fruit may act as a pathway of introduction of new pests was identified after the introduction of Tuta absoluta in the EPPO region in 2006. A study was launched in 2013, to produce a list of pests associated with the pathway of fruit of Solanum lycopersicum (tomato). The objectives, process and first outcomes of the study are presented here. One main outcome of the study is the recommendation of a general phytosanitary import requirement for a phytosanitary certificate for tomato fruit, thereby ensuring that tomato fruit are inspected at export.
A survey of entomopathogenic nematodes of the families Steinernematidae and Heterorhabditidae (Nematoda: Rhabditida) in Damascus countryside of Syria
Authors: Jawish A. , Al‐assas K. , Basheer A.
Published: April 2015

A survey of entomopathogenic nematodes was conducted in Damascus countryside from January 2011 to December 2013. Soil samples were tested for the presence of steinernematid and heterorhabditid nematodes by baiting with Galleria mellonella larvae. Of the 189 soil samples studied 17 were positive for entomopathogenic nematodes (9%), with 11 of these positive samples (65%) containing Heterorhabditis and 6 (35%) Steinernema isolates. Morphological studies were carried out to characterize eight isolates. The Heterorhabditis isolates collected in Syria were identified as Heterorhabditis zealandica (Poinar, 1990), Heterorhabditis indica (Poinar et al., 1992) and Heterorhabditis bacteriophora (Poinar, 1990). Heterorhabditis zealandica was isolated from 4 sites. Heterorhabditis indica and H. bacteriophora were isolated from two sites each. Entomopathogenic nematodes were mainly found in stone fruit orchards and apple orchards but also in citrus groves, vineyards, and walnut orchards.
Revue bibliographique: la maladie de la tache auréolée du blé
Authors: Benslimane H.
Published: April 2015

La tache helminthosporienne, maladie du blé, communément désignée par l'appellation anglo‐saxonne « tan spot » est mondialement rencontrée dans les champs de blé, et peut causer d'importantes pertes. Elle est provoquée par un ascomycète Pyrenophora tritici‐repentis, dont les différents isolats semblent très variables sur le plan génétique. Cette maladie est caractérisée par des symptômes typiques, une tache nécrotique entourée d'une chlorose. Huit races de son agent causal sont actuellement reconnues, sur la base des symptômes induits (Chlorose/Nécrose) sur une gamme d'hôtes différentielle. Ces symptômes sont le résultat d'une interaction spécifique entre la plante‐hôte et au moins trois toxines spécifiques à l'hôte, Ptr ToxA, Ptr ToxB et Ptr ToxC. L'analyse de cette interaction a démontré que celle‐ci apparait comme l'image inversée du modèle du gène pour gène décrit par de Flore. Le présent article est une première revue bibliographique en langue française cernant les grands aspects de cette maladie, son épidémiologie et la diversité de son agent causal.
Effect of several insecticides on pomegranate aphid, Aphis punicae (Passerini) (Homoptera: Aphididae) and its predators under field conditions
Authors: Abd‐Ella A. A.
Published: April 2015

The pomegranate aphid, Aphis punicae (Passerini) (Homoptera: Aphididae) is one of the most important pests in Egypt on pomegranate trees. The study presented in this paper was conducted from 2012 to 2013 to compare the efficiency and selectivity of neonicotinoids (acetamiprid, imidacloprid, thiamethoxam and dinotefuran), organophosphate (malathion) and carbamate (pirimicarb) insecticides against pomegranate aphid and the associated predators, Coccinella undecimpunctata Linnaeus, Chrysoperla carnea (Stephens) and Syrphus corolla Fabricius. These insecticides significantly reduced the pomegranate aphid population by an average of between 70.6 and 90.7%. The effects persisted for up to 15 days after the end of treatment. The greatest control of A. punicae was achieved by thiamethoxam > acetamiprid > imidacloprid > pirimicarb > dinotefuran > malathion. Acetamiprid, imidacloprid, thiamethoxam, malathion and pirimicarb were harmful to predators and the observed reduction ranged from 75.4 to 100% and dinotefuran was moderately harmful to lacewings with an average reduction about 64.4%. These results suggested that the neonicotinoid insecticides can be considered as promising candidates for controlling the pomegranate aphid as, although they do have harmful to moderately harmful effects on predators, they are significantly less toxic to these beneficial organisms than malathion and pirimicarb.
Detection of PSTVd and TCDVd in seeds of tomato using real‐time RT‐PCR
Authors: Bakker D. , Bruinsma M. , Dekter R.W. , Toonen M.A.J. , Verhoeven J. Th. J. , Koenraadt H.M.S.
Published: April 2015

Worldwide outbreaks of pospiviroids in potato and tomato have increased the need for a reliable test for the detection of pospiviroids in seeds. This study describes the development and validation of a sensitive and fast test for the detection of Potato spindle tuber viroid (PSTVd) and Tomato chlorotic dwarf viroid (TCDVd) in tomato seeds. The test is based on RNA isolation using a commercial kit and is suitable for routine application. The test is able to detect one PSTVd or TCDVd contaminated seed in sub samples of 1000 seeds and results were both repeatable and reproducible.
Lo Mío Es Tuyo: Financing Growth
Authors: Ruiz Massieu Daniela , González Brambila Claudia
Published: April 2015

This case focuses on two Mexican entrepreneurs whose secondhand product retail company has reached a point where they must decide whether to sell an equity stake to a venture capital fund (VCF) or request an equity contribution from existing shareholders. The VCF would ensure opening 40 stores in 2 years and a dramatic boost in the business, whereas contributions from existing shareholders would slow the company's growth but would avoid equity dilution. Is this the right moment for venture capital funding, or is it better to wait to improve the company's financial performance? What are the risks of growing slowly?
Why Are There so Few Breweries in the South?
Authors: Gohmann Stephan F.
Published: April 2015

Most southern states have fewer breweries per population than the rest of the country. This paper examines why. The main outcome is that in the South, the number of breweries is negatively associated with higher campaign contributions from big breweries, the number of beer distributors per capita, and the Southern Baptist adherence rate. In the non–South, these associations are insignificant or positive. The limited number of breweries in the South follows the idea of bootleggers and Baptists where those who gain economically from limited competition—large breweries and distributors—side with groups morally opposed to alcohol to keep breweries out.
Pollution‐induced community tolerance (PICT): towards an ecologically relevant risk assessment of chemicals in aquatic systems
Authors: Tlili Ahmed , Berard Annette , Blanck Hans , Bouchez Agnes , Cássio Fernanda , Eriksson Karl Martin , Morin Soizic , Montuelle Bernard , Navarro Enrique , Pascoal Cláudia , Pesce Stephane , Schmitt‐Jansen Mechthild , Behra Renata
Published: April 2015

A major challenge in environmental risk assessment of pollutants is establishing a causal relationship between field exposure and community effects that integrates both structural and functional complexity within ecosystems.

Pollution‐induced community tolerance (PICT) is a concept that evaluates whether pollutants have exerted a selection pressure on natural communities. PICT detects whether a pollutant has eliminated sensitive species from a community and thereby increased its tolerance. PICT has the potential to link assessments of the ecological and chemical status of ecosystems by providing causal analysis for effect‐based monitoring of impacted field sites.

Using PICT measurements and microbial community endpoints in environmental assessment schemes could give more ecological relevance to the tools that are now used in environmental risk assessment. Here, we propose practical guidance and a list of research issues that should be further considered to apply the PICT concept in the field.
Global effects of soil and climate on leaf photosynthetic traits and rates
Authors: Maire Vincent , Wright Ian J. , Prentice I. Colin , Batjes Niels H. , Bhaskar Radika , van Bodegom Peter M. , Cornwell Will K. , Ellsworth David , Niinemets Ülo , Ordonez Alejandro , Reich Peter B. , Santiago Louis S.
Published: April 2015

Aim

The influence of soil properties on photosynthetic traits in higher plants is poorly quantified in comparison with that of climate. We address this situation by quantifying the unique and joint contributions to global leaf‐trait variation from soils and climate.

Location

Terrestrial ecosystems world‐wide.

Methods

Using a trait dataset comprising 1509 species from 288 sites, with climate and soil data derived from global datasets, we quantified the effects of 20 soil and 26 climate variables on light‐saturated photosynthetic rate (Aarea), stomatal conductance (gs), leaf nitrogen and phosphorus (Narea and Parea) and specific leaf area (SLA) using mixed regression models and multivariate analyses.

Results

Soil variables were stronger predictors of leaf traits than climatic variables, except for SLA. On average, Narea, Parea and Aarea increased and SLA decreased with increasing soil pH and with increasing site aridity. gs declined and Parea increased with soil available P (Pavail). Narea was unrelated to total soil N. Joint effects of soil and climate dominated over their unique effects on Narea and Parea, while unique effects of soils dominated for Aarea and gs. Path analysis indicated that variation in Aarea reflected the combined independent influences of Narea and gs, the former promoted by high pH and aridity and the latter by low Pavail.

Main conclusions

Three environmental variables were key for explaining variation in leaf traits: soil pH and Pavail, and the climatic moisture index (the ratio of precipitation to potential evapotranspiration). Although the reliability of global soil datasets lags behind that of climate datasets, our results nonetheless provide compelling evidence that both can be jointly used in broad‐scale analyses, and that effects uniquely attributable to soil properties are important determinants of leaf photosynthetic traits and rates. A significant future challenge is to better disentangle the covarying physiological, ecological and evolutionary mechanisms that underpin trait–environment relationships.
Estimating global natural wetland methane emissions using process modelling: spatio‐temporal patterns and contributions to atmospheric methane fluctuations
Authors: Zhu Qiuan , Peng Changhui , Chen Huai , Fang Xiuqin , Liu Jinxun , Jiang Hong , Yang Yanzheng , Yang Gang
Published: April 2015

Aim

The fluctuations of atmospheric methane (CH4) that have occurred in recent decades are not fully understood, particularly with regard to the contribution from wetlands. The application of spatially explicit parameters has been suggested as an effective method for reducing uncertainties in bottom‐up approaches to wetland CH4 emissions, but has not been included in recent studies. Our goal was to estimate spatio‐temporal patterns of global wetland CH4 emissions using a process model and then to identify the contribution of wetland emissions to atmospheric CH4 fluctuations.

Location

Global.

Methods

A process‐based model integrated with full descriptions of methanogenesis (TRIPLEX‐GHG) was used to simulate global wetland CH4 emissions.

Results

Global annual wetland CH4 emissions ranged from 209 to 245 Tg CH4 year−1 between 1901 and 2012, with peaks occurring in 1991 and 2012. There is a decreasing trend between 1990 and 2010 with a rate of approximately 0.48 Tg CH4 year−1, which was largely caused by emissions from tropical wetlands showing a decreasing trend of 0.44 Tg CH4 year−1 since the 1970s. Emissions from tropical, temperate and high‐latitude wetlands comprised 59, 26 and 15% of global emissions, respectively.

Main conclusion

Global wetland CH4 emissions, the interannual variability of which was primary controlled by tropical wetlands, partially drive the atmospheric CH4 burden. The stable to decreasing trend in wetland CH4 emissions, a result of a balance of emissions from tropical and extratropical wetlands, was a particular factor in slowing the atmospheric CH4 growth rate during the 1990s. The rapid decrease in tropical wetland CH4 emissions that began in 2000 was supposed to offset the increase in anthropogenic emissions and resulted in a relatively stable level of atmospheric CH4 from 2000 to 2006. Increasing wetland CH4 emissions, particularly after 2010, should be an important contributor to the growth in atmospheric CH4 seen since 2007.
Characterization of HA/FHA Coatings on Smooth and Rough Implant Surface by Pulsed Electrodeposition
Authors: Bir Fatima , Khireddine Hafit , Ksouri Dalila , Benhayoune Hicham , Maho Anthony
Published: April 2015

In this work, hydroxyapatite (HA) and fluorohydroxyapatite (FHA) coatings have been successfully synthesized with an electrochemical deposition method, using pulsed current deposition mode on smooth and rough 316L stainless steel implant surfaces. The impact of the variation of the current density was also studied. The surface morphology and chemical composition of the coatings were characterized by scanning electron microscopy associated with energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (SEM‐EDX), and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The structural characterization is carried out by X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier‐transformed infrared (FT‐IR) spectroscopy. Furthermore, thickness, roughness, and wettability of the coating are determined. The experimental results showed that the electrodeposition on rough surface promotes deposition of dense and homogeneous layers. It also shows that uniform and smooth films were obtained at low current densities compared to high current densities. Potentiodynamic polarization results in simulated body fluid (SBF) indicate that the coatings thickness and the incorporation of the fluorine ions into hydroxyapatite crystals play an important role in improving the corrosion resistance of the substrate. Moreover, cyclic voltammetry studies clearly suggest that the addition of H2O2 and F− ions into the electrolyte solution catalyses a reduction reactions and favorites fluorohydroxyapatite formation.
Using quality indicators to compare outcomes of permanent cardiac pacemaker implantation among publicly and privately funded patients
Authors: Bradshaw P. J. , Stobie P. , Einarsdóttir K. , Briffa T. G. , Hobbs M. S. T.
Published: April 2015

Background

Funding source/insurance status has been associated with disparity in the management and outcomes of cardiovascular disease, with poorer outcomes among disadvantaged groups.

Aim

Using proposed quality indicators for permanent pacemaker (PPM) implantation and administrative data, this study aimed to determine whether quality indicator‐based outcomes of PPM implantation were comparable for publicly and privately funded patients within Australia's two‐tier health system.

Methods

A population‐based cohort study of adults implanted with a PPM between 1995 and 2009 in Western Australia. The association of funding outcomes derived from linked administrative data was tested in multivariate logistic regression models.

Results

There were 9748 PPMs implanted, 48% being among privately funded patients. The mean age was 75 years for both public and private patients. Private patients had better health status (fewer with cardiac conditions and lower non‐cardiac comorbidity scores), were less likely to be an emergency admission (33% vs 60%, P < 0.001) and more likely to have dual‐ or triple‐chamber pacing. Mean length of stay was significantly greater for private patients (4.3 (standard deviation 6.3) vs 5.1 (6.8) days <0.001), related to longer elective admissions. Crude mortality was lower for private patients in‐hospital (0.7 vs 1.3%), 30‐day post‐procedure (1.3 vs 2.1%) and at 1 year (7.3 vs 9.5%). Emergency admission, comorbidity and other demographic and clinical factors, not funding source, were significant predictors of these outcomes.

Conclusions

There was no difference between publicly and privately funded patients in study outcomes, after adjustment for demographic and clinical factors. The exception was longer hospital stay for elective PPM among privately funded patients.
The Effectiveness of Regulatory Capital Requirements Prior to the Onset of the Financial Crisis
Authors: Abreu José Filipe , Gulamhussen Mohamed Azzim
Published: April 2015

We extend the literature on the role of capital requirements as a regulatory tool by developing a continuous measure of the degree of regulatory pressure and by examining data on US commercial banks during the economic upturn that preceded the 2007–2009 financial crisis. Our findings indicate the inability of regulatory pressure to force banks to build capital buffers during the economic upturn that preceded the crisis. These findings are consistent with the view that banks entered the crisis with inadequate levels of capital. Our findings support the endeavors of regulators in explicitly demanding capital buffers in their new regulatory framework.
Efficacy of 1% acetic acid in the treatment of chronic wounds infected with Pseudomonas aeruginosa: prospective randomised controlled clinical trial
Authors: Madhusudhan VL
Published: April 2015

Chronic wounds are those wounds that are persistent and do not respond to any sort of treatment. The concept of using topical antiseptics on open wounds is to prevent and treat infections. They also help to shorten the time taken to heal the wounds. The use of topical agents on wounds to prevent infection is a minimal ability to develop resistance to the microorganisms. Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a Gram‐negative opportunistic pathogen with innate resistance to many antibiotics. In places that are economically backward, these problems get compounded by the inability of patients to afford newer expensive drugs. Topically applied dilute acetic acid, which is cheap and easily available, has been found to be effective in such chronic wounds. In the present study, an attempt has been made to use 1% acetic acid as the sole antimicrobial agent for the treatment of pseudomonal wound infections. A control limb was used in which the wounds were treated with normal saline. Our objective was to evaluate the efficacy of acetic acid in low concentration of 1% in chronic wounds infected with P. aeruginosa. This was a prospective study conducted over a period of 6 months. Inclusion criteria: All patients with chronic wounds infected with P. aeruginosa. Exclusion criteria: Wounds due to massive burns, suspected malignancy, immunocompromised individuals and individuals with sepsis. A total of 32 patients enrolled in the study. Subjects were randomised equally to the 1% acetic acid group and saline dressing group. None of the patients received any systemic antibiotics during the study period and received twice daily dressings. The endpoint of the treatment was wounds free of P. aeruginosa. The duration of treatment required to eliminate the Pseudomonas from the wounds in the acetic acid group was on an average 7 days less than that required by the saline group. P value was <0·001. In the 1% acetic acid group irrespective of the sensitivity of the organism to antibiotics, Pseudomonas organisms were eliminated within the same time period – 4·5 days. In the saline group, susceptible organisms were eliminated within 11·5 days and multidrug‐resistant organisms were eliminated by 15·5 days. 1% acetic acid is a simple, safe and effective topical antiseptic that can be used in the elimination of P. aeruginosa from chronic infected wounds.
Determination of 3‐D Alumina Grain Orientation, Size, Shape, and Growth Kinetics from 2‐D Data in Nextel™ 610 Fibers
Authors: Hay Randall S. , Fair Geoff E. , Keller Kristin A. , Tidball Travis
Published: April 2015

Nextel™ 610 alumina fibers were heat‐treated at 1100°C–1500°C for 1–100 h in air. Grain size distributions (GSDs) and grain orientation distributions (ODs) with respect to the fiber axis were characterized by analysis of TEM images from longitudinal fiber sections. The 2‐D GSDs and ODs were characterized as ellipses. 3‐D GSDs and ODs were calculated by fitting distributions of oriented oblate ellipsoids to 2‐D GSDs and ODs formed by ellipsoid–section‐plane intersections. The standard deviations (SDs) of log‐normal GSDs consistently increased with grain size, which is not diagnostic of normal grain growth. The grain aspect ratio (α) and the tendency of the short grain axis to orient perpendicular to the fiber axis also increased with grain size, resulting in more textured fibers at larger grain sizes. Average 3‐D grain sizes were larger than 2‐D sizes for GSDs with small SDs, but smaller for GSDs with large SDs because of under sampling of small grains. 3‐D grain growth kinetics had the same 815 kJ/mol activation energy as that found by 2‐D analysis, but the grain growth exponent m of 6.0 was larger and the pre‐exponential factor much smaller. Expressions for 3‐D log‐normal GSDs as a function of heat treatment temperature and time were determined. α‐distributions and ODs were determined as a function of grain size. Methods for determining 3‐D GSDs are discussed.
Factors Influencing the Use of Psychotropic Medication for Challenging Behaviour in the United Kingdom: A Q Method Investigation
Authors: Wastell Sarah , Skirrow Paul , Hare Dougal Julian
Published: April 2015

Objectives

The use of pharmacological interventions to manage challenging behaviour displayed by adults with intellectual disabilities remains controversial, with current clinical guidelines in the United Kingdom advocating the use of less invasive psychological interventions. This exploratory study aimed to discover what views and beliefs are held by a sample of NHS professionals who provided care and treatment to adults with learning disabilities, about the factors that are influential in the clinical decision‐making process, surrounding the prescription of psychotropic medication, to manage challenging behaviour.

Methods

Q methodology was used to elucidate the factors considered influential in the clinical decision‐making process, surrounding the prescription of medication to manage challenging behaviour. 55 participants from a range of services across the north–west of England performed a 104 statement Q‐sort task.

Results

Principle component factor analysis with varimax rotation was performed on the 55 completed Q sorts. This revealed a four factor solution, accounting for 44% of the variance in the data. The factors were interpreted and discussed under the following headings: ‘High‐quality safe ethical practice’, Risk is a rationale for reactive prescribing’, ‘Pragmatic management’ and ‘Contextual issues’.

Conclusions

The study demonstrated that Q methodology is a useful tool for identifying subjective viewpoints held by a range of professionals, with regard to the factors that influence the clinical decision‐making process surrounding the prescription of medication. The study suggests that services need to identify the wider contextual factors, which are barriers, to the use of less invasive psychological interventions.
Cover, not caging, influences chronic physiological stress in a ground‐nesting bird
Authors: Tan Laura X. L. , Buchanan Katherine L. , Maguire Grainne S. , Weston Michael A.
Published: April 2015

Predator exclosures (‘nest cages’) around nests are increasingly used to enhance hatching success of declining ground‐nesting birds. However, such exclosures are contentious and have been suggested to have detrimental effects on the species which they aim to protect. This study examines whether exclosures increase physiological stress of incubating birds, a hitherto unrecognised and untested potential drawback of exclosures. Red‐capped plover Charadrius ruficapillus hatching success was radically altered and significantly higher for nests with exclosures (96.2%) compared with those without (6.8%). Chronic physiological stress in parents (as measured by the heterophil/lymphocyte [H/L] ratio in blood) did not vary between nests with and without exclosures, or between the sexes. However the absence of vegetative cover at the nest site was associated with a 62.7% elevation in H/L ratio, indicating that incubating birds which place their nests in the open are subject to increased levels of chronic stress. The results from this study demonstrate the fundamental importance of predation for the nesting success of this species and confirm that chronic stress levels are not a detrimental side effect of exclosure use.
National Parliaments and Transposition of EU Law: A Matter of Coalition Conflict?
Authors: Dörrenbächer Nora , Mastenbroek Ellen , Toshkov Dimiter D.
Published: April 2015

This article analyses to what extent the mechanism of the coalition conflict model of executive‐legislative relations can account for the extent and policy direction of parliamentary control over domestic transposition, focusing on EU migration law. Our empirical approach is based on an in‐depth cross‐country comparison of the transposition of the Returns Directive in Austria, Germany, France, and the Netherlands. We find that in all four countries the legislatures left their marks on the final laws, and the policy direction of amendments was largely in line with the predictions of the model. Yet, the policy adjustments were not always triggered by coalition partners correcting ministerial drift, but also by factions within the ministerial party, and by opposition parties.