bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gynecological cancer alarm symptoms: is contact with specialist care associated with lifestyle and socioeconomic status? A population‐based study
Authors: Balasubramaniam Kirubakaran , Ravn Pernille , Christensen Rene D. , Søndergaard Jens , Jarbøl Dorte E.
Published: May 2016

Introduction

The aim of this study was to determine the proportion of patients who were referred to specialist care after reporting gynecological cancer alarm symptoms to their general practitioner. We sought to investigate whether contact with specialist care was associated with lifestyle factors or socioeconomic status.

Material and methods

Nationwide population‐based prospective cohort study in Denmark, based on a random sample of 51 090 women aged 20 years or older from the general population. A web‐based questionnaire regarding gynecological alarm symptoms and lifestyle was distributed to the invited individuals. Data about contact with specialist care were obtained from the National Patient Register and the National Health Insurance Service Registry, whereas information about socioeconomic status was collected from Statistics Denmark. Main outcome measures were percentages of patients having contact with specialist care and odds ratios (ORs) for associations between specialist care contact, lifestyle factors and socioeconomic status.

Results

The study included 25 866 nonpregnant women; 2957 reported the onset of at least one gynecological cancer alarm symptom, and 683 of these (23.1%) reported symptoms to their general practitioner. The proportion of individuals having contact with specialist care ranged from 39.3% (pain during intercourse) to 47.8% (bleeding during intercourse). Individuals with higher educational level had significantly higher odds of contact with a specialist (OR 1.86, 95% CI 1.17–2.95).

Conclusions

Educational level influences contact with specialist care among patients with gynecological cancer alarm symptoms. Future studies should investigate inequalities in access to the secondary healthcare system.
Preoperative intraocular pressure as a predictor of selective laser trabeculoplasty efficacy
Authors: Pillunat Karin R. , Spoerl Eberhard , Elfes Greta , Pillunat Lutz E.
Published: May 2016

Purpose

To identify predictors of intraocular pressure (IOP) reduction following selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) in patients with high‐ and low‐pressure primary open‐angle glaucoma, who are already taking maximally tolerated IOP‐lowering medication and need further IOP reduction.

Methods

In this prospective interventional case series, 157 eyes of 157 open‐angle glaucoma patients who were assigned for SLT for further IOP reduction were included. Each patient had diurnal IOP measurements taken before and on average 6 months following SLT. The mean of six IOP measurements was compared. The following parameters were analysed for their association with SLT success: age, gender, spherical equivalent, high‐pressure or normal‐pressure open‐angle glaucoma, number and type of pressure‐lowering medications, lens status, pre‐SLT IOP, IOP at the time of diagnosis, duration of glaucoma, visual field stage and central corneal thickness.

Results

The only parameter that was predictive for absolute and relative mean diurnal IOP reduction after SLT was the preoperative mean diurnal IOP. One hundred per cent of the patients with a mean diurnal preoperative IOP of more than 18 mmHg had an IOP reduction after SLT. With mean diurnal preoperative values of 14–18 mmHg, 83.1% of the patients, and with values below 14 mmHg only 64% of the patients, showed an IOP reduction. This difference was statistically significant (>18 compared to 14–18: p = 0.002; >18 compared to <14: p = 0.001; 14–18 compared to <14: p = 0.030).

Conclusions

The pressure‐lowering effect of SLT can best be predicted by the individual IOP level before treatment. Patients with mean diurnal IOP levels below 14 mmHg might not benefit from the procedure at all.
Effect of heat stress on adipokines and some blood metabolites in goats from Jordan
Authors: Al‐Dawood Amani
Published: May 2016

To date and to the best of our knowledge, there have been no available data on the interaction between heat stress (HS) and secretion of adipokines and some blood metabolites in Baladi goats from Jordan. Therefore, this study aimed at evaluating the changes in leptin, adiponectin, non‐ester fatty acid (NEFA) and beta‐hydroxybutyrate (BHB) concentrations in Baladi goats under HS conditions in Jordan. Six goats were exposed to direct solar radiation versus six goats exposed to shade regimen. Blood samples were collected and serum concentrations of leptin, adiponectin, NEFA and BHB were measured. Ambient temperature, relative humidity (RH) and body weight (BW) were recorded. Results indicated that leptin and adiponectin concentrations were significantly increased under HS. The concentration of NEFA was significantly increased under HS at the 7th and 14th days of the experiment, while mean total concentration of NEFA was not significantly affected by HS. Neither weekly nor mean total concentrations of BHB were significantly affected by HS during the experimental period. In conclusion, HS is associated with changes in leptin and adiponectin concentrations in Baladi goats. Heat‐stressed goats were able to keep their blood NEFA and BHB concentrations similar to those of thermo‐neutral goats.
Spatially limited clonality and pollen and seed dispersal in a characteristic climber of Central African rain forests: Haumania danckelmaniana (Marantaceae)
Authors: Ley Alexandra C. , Hardy Olivier J.
Published: May 2016

Gene dispersal and clonality are important aspects of plant evolution affecting the spatial genetic structure (SGS) and the long‐term survival of species. In the tropics these parameters have mostly been investigated in trees and some herbs, but rarely in climbers which frequently: (1) show clonal growth leading to a patchy distribution pattern similar to that of understory herbs; and (2) flower in the canopy where they may have access to long‐distance dispersal like canopy trees. We thus hypothesize for climbers an intermediate genetic structure between herbs and trees. The study aims at assessing breeding system and spatial extent of clonality and gene dispersal in Haumania danckelmaniana (Marantaceae), a common climber in the tropical rain forests from western Central Africa. In eastern Cameroon, 330 ramets were sampled at three spatial scales and genotyped at seven microsatellite loci. Clonality was moderate (clonal extend: 15–25 m, clonal diversity 0.4–0.65) indicating the importance of recruitment from seeds at this locality. The low inbreeding (FIS) suggested predominant outcrossing. The rate of decay of the relatedness between individuals with distance indicated limited gene dispersal distance (σg = 9–50 m, neighborhood sizes Nb = 23–67) in accordance with narrowly gravity dispersed seeds and restricted pollen transfer distance in densely flowering populations. The marked SGS (Sp = 0.011–0.026) was similar to that reported in tropical trees, but might increase with augmented clonality as in many herbs, especially under more severe disturbance regimes.
Observed Racial Socialization and Maternal Positive Emotions in African American Mother–Adolescent Discussions About Racial Discrimination
Authors: Smith‐Bynum Mia A. , Anderson Riana E. , Davis BreAnna L. , Franco Marisa G. , English Devin
Published: May 2016

This study examined patterns of (a) observed racial socialization messages in dyadic discussions between 111 African American mothers and adolescents (Mage = 15.50) and (b) mothers’ positive emotions displayed during the discussion. Mothers displayed more advocacy on behalf of their adolescents in response to discrimination by a White teacher than to discrimination by a White salesperson. Mothers displayed consistent emotional support of adolescents’ problem solving across both dilemmas but lower warmth in response to the salesperson dilemma. Findings illustrate evidence of the transactional nature of racial socialization when presented with adolescents’ racial dilemmas. The role of adolescent gender in mothers’ observed racial socialization responses is also discussed. A framework for a process‐oriented approach to racial socialization is presented.
Identification of autoimmune polyendocrine syndrome type 1 in patients with isolated hypoparathyroidism
Authors: Sahoo Saroj K. , Zaidi Ghazala , Srivastava Rajni , Sarangi Aditya N. , Bharti Niharika , Eriksson Daniel , Bensing Sophie , Kämpe Olle , Aggarwal Amita , Aggarwal Rakesh , Bhatia Eesh
Published: May 2016

Objective

The prevalence of autoimmune polyendocrine syndrome type 1 (APS1) among isolated hypoparathyroidism (HP) or primary adrenal insufficiency (PAI) is not well established. We studied the frequency of APS1 in patients with HP or PAI by measuring interferon‐α (IFN‐α) antibody levels, a highly sensitive and specific marker for APS1.

Design, patients and measurements

In a single‐centre cross‐sectional study, 37 Indian patients with isolated HP and 40 patients with PAI were tested for IFN‐α antibody using an indirect ELISA. In patients with elevated IFN‐α antibody, the autoimmune regulator (AIRE) gene was bidirectionally sequenced.

Results

Three (8·1%) patients with isolated HP had elevated IFN‐α antibody levels (range: 367–17382 units; positive titre >56 units). Homozygous or compound heterozygous AIRE mutations were detected in all three patients, including a novel mutation (p.T68P). All three APS1 patients had atypical features. The first patient, diagnosed at 7 years of age, died suddenly 5 months later. The second patient had late‐onset HP (at the age of 34 years) and a solitary episode of transient mucocutaneous candidiasis 5 years later. The final patient developed HP at the age of 14 years and premature ovarian insufficiency 14 years later. Interleukin‐22 antibodies, as well as most other organ‐specific antibodies, were absent in the 3 APS1 patients. All patients with PAI were negative for IFN‐α antibody.

Conclusion

Eight percentage of patients with isolated HP had elevated IFN‐α antibody levels and AIRE mutation‐positive APS1. All APS1 patients had atypical clinical features. Testing for IFN‐α antibody should be considered in patients with idiopathic HP.
In vivo imaging of neuroinflammation in Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Higuchi Makoto , Ji Bin , Maeda Jun , Sahara Naruhiko , Suhara Tetsuya
Published: May 2016

Diverse neurological dementias show neuropathological features, such as deposition of abnormal protein aggregates, as exemplified by accumulation of amyloid‐beta peptide and tau proteins in Alzheimer's disease. These pathological changes are accompanied by activation of inflammatory microglia and astrocytes, which act on neurons either deleteriously or protectively. Several molecular markers including 18‐kDa translocator protein are known to be upregulated in aggressive microglia exerting neurotoxicity, and in vivo visualization of these components potentially contributes to assessments of the disease severity. Meanwhile, biological indicators for other microglial and astrocytic phenotypes are yet to be identified. Inflammatory microgliosis has also been found to have bidirectional mechanistic links to amyloid‐beta peptide and tau pathologies, and neurodegeneration, supporting the view that modifications of degenerative dementias will be enabled by optimizing immunotherapeutic approaches to neuroinflammation with the aid of imaging modalities targeting specific glial phenotypes.
Orphanage Staff's Perceptions of Children's Psycho‐social Needs
Authors: Bettmann Joanna Ellen , Mortensen Jamie M. , Akuoko Kofi O. , Tatum Callie A.
Published: May 2016

More than three quarters of all children orphaned by AIDS live in sub‐Saharan Africa. Significant portions of these children live in institutions. This study explores institutional caregivers’ views of children's psycho‐social needs. The authors gathered qualitative data from 92 staff at eight orphanages in the Ashanti region of Ghana. Results suggest that while staff's descriptions portray some understanding of children's psycho‐social needs, they suggest a possible deficit in organisational training or resources to adequately address these needs. Such findings warrant strengthening of orphanage caregivers’ capacity to provide optimal orphan care.
Oral health‐related quality of life changes after placement of immediately loaded single implants in healed alveolar ridges or extraction sockets: a 5‐year prospective follow‐up study
Authors: Raes Stefanie , Raes Filiep , Cooper Lyndon , Giner Tarrida Luis , Vervaeke Stijn , Cosyn Jan , De Bruyn Hugo
Published: May 2016

Objectives

The impact of single implants on oral health‐related quality of life (OHRQoL) is scarcely investigated, especially when combined with immediate placement and loading in extraction sockets. The aim was to describe prospectively the changes of OHRQoL with single implants placed in the esthetic zone in healed ridges or in extraction sockets after 5 years.

Material and Methods

Ninety‐six patients, enrolled at three clinical centers, received 102 single implants placed in a healed ridge (n = 54 implants/50 patients) or in extraction sockets (n = 48 implants/46 patients). Implants were immediately provisionalized, and permanent crowns were cemented after 12 weeks. Oral health impact profile questionnaires (OHIP‐14) were completed before surgery, after 1 (provisional crown), 6 (permanent crown), 12 and 60 months, respectively. The overall OHIP‐14 score pertains to seven domains with two items each and was assessed on a Likert scale of 0–4 (0 = never and 4 = very often). The evolution of the total OHIP‐14 score and changes within all OHIP domains over time and between groups were assessed with a linear mixed‐effect model analysis.

Results

After 5 years, overall implant survival was 98%. The total OHIP‐14 score for both groups combined decreased from 0.50 at baseline to 0.17 at 6 months (P < 0.001), indicative of improvement. For both groups, this remained stable up to 5 years (P = 0.41). However, after 5 years, the total OHIP‐14 score revealed a statistically significantly higher improvement in the healed group compared with the extraction group (P = 0.027).

Conclusion

Missing a single tooth in the maxillary esthetic zone leads to limited OHRQoL problems as reflected by a low overall OHIP score. However, OHRQoL improves less in the extraction group, reflecting that replacing a missing tooth is perceived as more beneficial than replacing a present tooth.
Pulmonary veins stenosis after catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation as the cause of haemoptysis: three cases and a literature review
Authors: Zhang Guoxin , Yu Hu , Chen Liangan , Li Yuechuan , Liang Zhixin
Published: May 2016

Background

Haemoptysis is a common clinical symptom with a complicated aetiology. Patients usually visit pulmonologists initially and are misdiagnosed due to physician ignorance regarding the rare causes of haemoptysis.

Methods

We report three cases of haemoptysis due to pulmonary vein stenosis accompanied by catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation and review the related literature.

Results

The three patients presented haemoptysis and they all had the history of catheter ablation. They received kinds of non‐invasive and invasive diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. Finally they were confirmed to have pulmonary vein stenosis by either pulmonary angiography or thorax computed tomography three‐dimensional reconstructions.

Conclusions

Haemoptysis could be caused by pulmonary vein stenosis secondary to catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation. Doctors should be aware of this rare aetiology.
Labour Supply: The Roles of Human Capital and The Extensive Margin
Authors: Keane Michael P. , Wasi Nada
Published: May 2016

We specify and estimate a life-cycle labour supply model that expands on earlier work by simultaneously including human capital accumulation, saving and bequests, an active extensive margin, a realistic specification of the progressive tax structure and the Social Security system, and an accounting for private pensions and health expenditures. By incorporating all these features, we develop new insights into how taxes affect life-cycle labour supply. For instance, we find that labour supply elasticities vary in important ways with age, education and the tax structure itself. We also show how human capital affects elasticities differently on the intensive versus extensive margins.
Detection of Helicobacter pylori by Real‐Time PCR for 16s rRNA in Stools of NonInfected Healthy Children, Using ELISA Antigen Stool Test as the Gold Standard
Authors: George Sergio , Mamani Nora , Lucero Yalda , Torres Juan Pablo , Farfán Mauricio , Lagomarcino Anne J , Orellana Andrea , O'Ryan Miguel
Published: May 2016

Background

We previously detected Helicobacter pylori infection by stool antigen ELISA assay in 33‐41% of asymptomatic Chilean children between 2–3 years of age, of which 11–20% had a transient infection and 21–22% a persistent infection. A total of 88% of ELISA‐positive samples were also rtPCR positive, while 37/133 (33%) of ELISA‐negative stool samples were rtPCR positive. The significance of a ELISA‐negative/rtPCR‐positive sample requires clarification. We aimed to determine whether rtPCR is able to detect persistent infections not detected by ELISA.

Materials and Methods

We selected 36 children with an ELISA‐negative/rtPCR‐positive stool sample, of which 25 were never H. pylori infected according to ELISA, and 11 had a transient infection with an ELISA‐positive sample before or after the discordant sample. At least two additional consecutive ELISA‐negative samples per child were tested in duplicate by rtPCR for the 16s rRNA gene.

Results

A total of 14 of 78 (17.9%) rtPCR reactions were positive, but only 4/78 (5.1%) were positive in both duplicates, representing a total of 3/36 (8.3%) children with an additional rtPCR‐positive sample, only one of whom was persistently negative by ELISA. One child with a transient infection had two positive rtPCR reactions despite negative ELISA samples.

Conclusions

In H. pylori noninfected or transiently infected children, as determined by stool ELISA, additional ELISA‐negative/rtPCR‐positive stool samples were found in 8.3% of children, but a possible persistent infection was only identified in 2.7% of children. Thus, the characterization of infection dynamics in children is not being misrepresented by application of stool ELISA. Furthermore, rtPCR does not significantly improve dynamic characterization.
Innovative approaches to avoid electric shaving‐induced skin irritation
Authors: Rietzler M. , Maurer M. , Siebenhaar F. , Angelino S. , Handt J. , Burghardt R. , Smetana H.
Published: May 2016

Globally, millions of men regularly remove their facial hair using an electric shaver. Over the course of several decades, the concept of an electric shaver has evolved from a relatively simple hand‐powered apparatus to a technologically advanced device designed to provide the user with an optimum shaving experience. This requires a careful balance between robust removal of hair and skin comfort. By incorporating advanced scientific measurement and imaging technology into clinical testing, insights are being gained into skin comfort issues associated with hair removal practices. This study describes new research insights that have guided the development of electric shaving technology. These innovative features are designed to maximize hair removal and minimize the impact on skin health, thus enabling new levels of shaving efficacy and comfort to be attained.
Characterization and Formation of Yttrium Disilicate Nanocrystalline Powders by EDTA–Citric Acid Complexing Process
Authors: Wang Yong Hong , Wang Zhong Shang , Jiang Yan , Wang Xu , Cheng Ji Gui
Published: May 2016

A new route for the synthesis of yttrium disilicate (mainly α‐Y2Si2O7) powders was reported as ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA)–citric acid (CA) complexing process. The thermal decomposition, phase composition, and microstructure of sample were characterized by thermogravimetry–differential thermal analyses, X‐ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and field emission scanning microscopy, respectively. The EDTA–CA complexation mechanism was further discussed, and the selected condition to get nanocrystalline Y2Si2O7 powders was the precursor with pH 9.38 and heat treatment at around 1050°C. The prepared powders were well crystallized with average crystalline size ca. 50 nm.
Potential of lactic acid bacteria to improve the fermentation and quality of coffee during on‐farm processing
Authors: Pereira Gilberto Vinícius de Melo , de Carvalho Neto Dão Pedro , Medeiros Adriane Bianchi Pedroni , Soccol Vanete Thomaz , Neto Ensei , Woiciechowski Adenise Lorenci , Soccol Carlos Ricardo
Published: May 2016

This study describes, for the first time, the potential use of selected lactic acid bacteria (LAB) to conduct improved coffee bean fermentation during on‐farm wet processing. Among different strains tested, Lactobacillus plantarum LPBR01 showed a suitable production of organic acids and flavour‐active esters in a coffee‐pulp simulation medium and was used as starter culture under field conditions. The results indicated that L. plantarum LPBR01 was able to establish an accelerated coffee‐pulp acidification process and potentially reduced the fermentation time from 24 to 12 h. The inoculation of LPBR01 strain also increased significantly the formation of volatile aroma compounds during fermentation process (such as ethyl acetate, ethyl isobutyrate and acetaldehyde) and enabled the production of beverage with distinct sensory notes and a remarkable increase in quality compared to the conventional process. Our results suggest that the use of LAB in coffee processing is an ideal alternative way to conduct faster and improved coffee bean fermentation.
Grape juice obtained using steam extraction and other small‐scale extraction methods: phenolic content, antioxidant capacity and stability during storage
Authors: Mendes Lopes Maria Lucia , Miguel Marco Antonio Lemos , Fialho Eliane , Valente‐Mesquita Vera Lucia
Published: May 2016

Grape juices made using small‐scale production techniques are widely consumed. The extraction procedures employed to produce them, however, can affect bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity in the final product. In this study, juices prepared using four extraction methods (steam, extractor, juicer and blender) were evaluated for soluble and hydrolysable polyphenol content, total anthocyanin content, antioxidant capacity, physicochemical characteristics and colour. Acceptance of steam‐extracted juices and their stability during storage were also evaluated. Steam extraction resulted in a higher soluble phenolic (1073 ± 58 mg gallic acid L−1) and anthocyanin content (138 ± 22 mg cyanidin L−1), as well as a higher antioxidant capacity when compared to juices prepared using other methods. Although steam‐extracted juice remained microbiologically stable during 24 months of storage, changes in phytochemical compounds and antioxidant capacity did occur. Our results indicate that steam‐extracted grape juices have high commercial potential.
Testicular torsion–detorsion and potential therapeutic treatments: A possible role for ischemic postconditioning
Authors: Shimizu Shogo , Tsounapi Panagiota , Dimitriadis Fotios , Higashi Youichirou , Shimizu Takahiro , Saito Motoaki
Published: May 2016

Testicular torsion is a common urological emergency among adolescent boys and young men. Rotation of the testis and twisting of the spermatic cord rapidly leads to ischemia, resulting in a loss of germ cells. Thus, prompt diagnosis and urgent surgical intervention are required, but the subsequent release of the torsion induces reperfusion injury, which causes further damage to the ischemic testis. Testicular torsion–detorsion (ischemia–reperfusion) injury triggers the generation of reactive oxygen species, pro‐inflammatory cytokines, neutrophil recruitment, lipid peroxidation, anoxia and apoptosis, which carry a significant risk of subsequent infertility. Previously, the effects of numerous pharmacological agents and treatments have been evaluated to prevent testicular ischemia–reperfusion injury in animal models. We propose a new treatment, especially postconditioning, to prevent adverse effects of ischemia–reperfusion injury after testicular torsion–detorsion.
Stress‐Enhanced Swelling of Silica: Effect on Strength
Authors: Wiederhorn Sheldon M. , Rizzi Gabriele , Wagner Susanne , Hoffmann Michael J. , Fett Theo
Published: May 2016

From the work of Le Chatelier [1884], it is well known that chemical reactions that exhibit a change in volume are sensitive to the ambient pressure of the reaction. Increasing the pressure will alter the ratio of reaction products to reactants. If the change in volume is constrained to occur at a surface, then such reactions can result in residual stresses that affect the strength of the solid. These effects are applicable to silica glass, which increases in volume when reacting with water. In this paper, we discuss the possibility of using this effect to strengthen silica glass. Using a modification of Le Chatelier's theory to handle applied stresses, we show that water penetration into the surface of silica glass can yield sufficient residual stress to increase the strength of silica glass into the GPa range. Applying these ideas to recent data published by Lezzi et al., we are able to attribute the strengthening they observe to a water/silica reaction under an applied tensile stress.
Conversion of Nuclear Waste to Molten Glass: Cold‐Cap Reactions in Crucible Tests
Authors: Xu Kai , Hrma Pavel , Rice Jarrett A. , Schweiger Michael J. , Riley Brian J. , Overman Nicole R. , Kruger Albert A.
Published: May 2016

The feed‐to‐glass conversion, which comprises complex chemical reactions and phase transitions, occurs in the cold cap during nuclear waste vitrification. To investigate the conversion process, we analyzed heat‐treated samples of a simulated high‐level waste feed using X‐ray diffraction, electron probe microanalysis, leaching tests, and residual anion analysis. Feed dehydration, gas evolution, and borate phase formation occurred at temperatures below 700°C before the emerging glass‐forming melt was completely connected. Above 700°C, intermediate aluminosilicate phases and quartz particles gradually dissolved in the continuous borosilicate melt, which expanded with transient foam. Knowledge of the chemistry and physics of feed‐to‐glass conversion will help us control the conversion path by changing the melter feed makeup to maximize the glass production rate.
Multiple transoceanic dispersals and geographical structure in the pantropical leafy liverwort Ceratolejeunea (Lejeuneaceae, Porellales)
Authors: Scheben Armin , Bechteler Julia , Lee Gaik Ee , Pócs Tamás , Schäfer‐Verwimp Alfons , Heinrichs Jochen
Published: May 2016

Aim

How disjunct distributions arise and why organisms differ in diversification patterns remain some of the most compelling fundamental questions in biogeography. We carry out phylogeographical analyses of the pantropical liverwort genus Ceratolejeunea to identify its geographical origin and the dispersal routes by which it gained its Neotropical‐African disjunction. Furthermore, we investigate whether there is geographical structure in Ceratolejeunea on islands and whether island diversity is a result of radiations or recurrent migration.

Location

America, Africa and Australasia.

Methods

Sequences of two chloroplast regions (trnL–F, rbcL) and the nuclear ribosomal ITS region were obtained for 55 accessions of 20 species to explore the phylogeny, divergence times and ancestral areas of Ceratolejeunea. The phylogeny was reconstructed using maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference approaches, and divergence times were estimated with a Bayesian relaxed clock method and fossil and secondary calibrations. Ancestral areas were estimated using BioGeoBEARS.

Results

Ceratolejeunea likely originated in the Neotropics during the Palaeogene (42.2 Ma, 95% HPD: 22.2–64.8) and the initial diversification of its crown group took place between the Eocene and Miocene (25.5 Ma, 95% HPD: 16.6–35.8). Although boreotropical migration and subsequent extinction in northern regions cannot be rejected, the observed disjunctions are best explained by four transoceanic dispersal events from the Neotropics to Africa during the late Oligocene to Pleistocene. Geographical structure is prevalent on islands, particularly in the C. cornuta complex. Three species and the subgenus Ceratolejeunea are recovered as paraphyletic.

Main conclusions

Widespread paraphyly and sister group relationships between disjunct taxa indicate an important role of cryptic speciation and transoceanic dispersal with subsequent genetic differentiation in the evolution of Ceratolejeunea. On islands, recurrent migration, rather than radiation, has shaped bryophyte diversity.
A PROGRESS REPORT ON MARXIAN ECONOMIC THEORY: ON THE CONTROVERSIES IN EXPLOITATION THEORY SINCE OKISHIO ()
Authors: Yoshihara Naoki
Published: May 2016

This report explores the development of exploitation theory in mathematical Marxian economics by reviewing the main controversies surrounding the proper definition of exploitation since the contribution of Okishio. The report first examines the debates on the Fundamental Marxian Theorem and Class‐Exploitation Correspondence Principle, developed mainly in the 1970s and 1980s, followed by the property relation theory of exploitation by Roemer. Then, the more recent exploitation theory proposed by Vrousalis and Wright is introduced. Finally, the report introduces and comments on recent axiomatic studies of exploitation by focusing on the work of Veneziani and Yoshihara.
Why Invest in Emerging Markets? The Role of Conditional Return Asymmetry
Authors: GHYSELS ERIC , PLAZZI ALBERTO , VALKANOV ROSSEN
Published: May 2016

We propose a quantile‐based measure of conditional skewness, particularly suitable for handling recalcitrant emerging market (EM) returns. The skewness of international stock market returns varies significantly across countries over time, and persists at long horizons. In EMs, skewness is mostly positive and idiosyncratic, and significantly relates to a country's financial and trade openness and balance of payments. In an international portfolio setting, return asymmetry leads to sizeable certainty‐equivalent gains and increases the weight on emerging countries to about 30%. Investing in EMs seems to be about expectations of a higher upside than downside, consistent with recent theories.
Evidence of Phytoalexins in Rhizome of Atractylodis Maceocephalae Koidz Infected with Sclerotium rolfsii sacc Following Treatment with the Polysaccharides of Chrysanthemum indicum
Authors: Zhou Yinfeng , Du Ningning , Jiang Peng , Tian Wei , Zheng Dongfang , Zhang Xinyi , Qin Pinyan
Published: May 2016

Atractylenolides compounds (atractylenolide‐I, atractylenolide‐II and atractylenolide‐III) extracted from Atractylenolides macrocephala were analysed for their differential presence in the rhizome of both the infected and healthy plants and its fungitoxicity on prophylactic treatment with polysaccharides of Chrysanthemum indicum against Sclerotium rolfsii. It was evident that the plant under stress by pathogen has instigated the significant synthesis and accumulation of atractylenolide‐II and atractylenolide‐III in the rhizome of plants as a result of elicitation with polysaccharides of C. indicum. Our results also showed that the absence of atractylenolide‐II in the rhizome made the plant susceptible to S. rolfsii. Furthermore, on in vitro antifungal studies, exogenous application of atractylenolide‐II with the concentration of 200 μg/ml showed a significant inhibitory effect on mycelial growth by achieving a 77.23% antifungal activity rate, and a minimal inhibitory effect at a concentration of 12.5 μg/ml with atractylenolide‐II. To our knowledge, this novel study on phytoalexins in A. macrocephala suggested that A. macrocephala plants produce elevated levels of atractylenolide‐II and atractylenolide‐III in a pattern typical of phytoalexins, in response to an eliciting treatment after infection.
Complications of Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy in Dogs and Cats Receiving Corticosteroid Treatment
Authors: Aguiar J. , Chang Y.M. , Garden O.A.
Published: May 2016

Background

Corticosteroid treatment is commonly required in veterinary patients for treatment of inflammatory, immune‐mediated, neurologic, and neoplastic diseases, which also may require assisted enteral nutrition via percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG).

Objective

To evaluate complications associated with PEG use in dogs and cats receiving corticosteroid treatment.

Animals

Forty‐two animals were included in the study: 12 dogs and 2 cats in the steroid group and 26 dogs and 2 cats in the control group.

Methods

Medical records, between January 2006 and March 2015, were reviewed. Patients were included if the PEG tube was in use for at least 24 hours and if complete medical records were available. Patients were assigned to the control group if they were not treated with corticosteroids during PEG use or to the steroid group if they had received corticosteroids during PEG tube use. Complications were classified as minor, moderate, and major in severity. Maximum severity complication rate was compared between groups.

Results

The general prevalence of complications was found to be similar between groups (P = .306), but in the steroid group, 43% of the cases developed a major severity complication compared with 18% of the control group (P = .054).

Conclusion and Clinical Importance

Owners of dogs and cats receiving corticosteroids, in which PEG is planned, should be counseled about possible complications beyond those associated with PEG tube usage alone.
Pharmacokinetic indices for cefovecin after single‐dose administration to adult sea otters (Enhydra lutris)
Authors: Lee E. A. , Byrne B. A. , Young M. A. , Murray M. , Miller M. A. , Tell L. A.
Published: May 2016

Seven sea otters received a single subcutaneous dose of cefovecin at 8 mg/kg body weight. Plasma samples were collected at predetermined time points and assayed for total cefovecin concentrations using ultra‐performance liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry. The mean (±SD) noncompartmental pharmacokinetic indices were as follows: CMax (obs) 70.6 ± 14.6 μg/mL, TMax (obs) 2.9 ± 1.5 h, elimination rate constant (kel) 0.017 ± 0.002/h, elimination half‐life (t1/2kel) 41.6 ± 4.7 h, area under the plasma concentration‐vs.‐time curve to last sample (AUClast) 3438.7 ± 437.7 h·μg/mL and AUC extrapolated to infinity (AUC0→∞) 3447.8 ± 439.0 h·μg/mL. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) for select isolates were determined and used to suggest possible dosing intervals of 10 days, 5 days, and 2.5 days for gram‐positive, gram‐negative, and Vibrio parahaemolyticus bacterial species, respectively. This study found a single subcutaneous dose of cefovecin sodium in sea otters to be clinically safe and a viable option for long‐acting antimicrobial therapy.
Small, rare and trendy: traits and biogeography of lizards described in the 21st century
Authors: Meiri S.
Published: May 2016

The pace of new reptile species descriptions, especially of new lizard descriptions, is rapidly increasing. The number of recognized lizard species has increased by more than 30% since the turn of the century. I examined the traits of newly described lizard taxa, and compared them to those of species described earlier, to predict where new species will be found, what traits they have, and whether they are likely to be more extinction‐prone than well‐known species. I compiled data on the biogeography and ecology of newly described forms and examined the relationship between these traits and the date of description. As expected, new descriptions are generally of small species, predominantly with small geographic ranges. Most species have been described from the Oriental Realm, whereas few new species were described from Africa. New descriptions are disproportionally biased in favor of geckos and of nocturnal species – and, surprisingly, contain few subterranean forms. Newly described lizard species are more likely to be threatened with extinction and may be more susceptible to population decline. Although the rate of new lizard descriptions is still accelerating, this work contributes to predicting what types of species are likely to be found in the future – and where. The small ranges of such species, in regions suffering from severe habitat degradation, suggests that strong mitigation measures are needed to ensure that many of these species will not be lost shortly after being described.
The Effect of the Electoral Calendar on Politicians' Selection into Legislative Cohorts and Legislative Behavior in Argentina, 1983–2007
Authors: Lucardi Adrián , Micozzi Juan Pablo
Published: May 2016

How do electoral opportunities affect politicians' career strategies? Do politicians behave strategically in response to the opportunities provided by the electoral calendar? We argue that in a legislature that combines nonstatic ambition with a staggered electoral calendar, different kinds of politicians will have dissimilar preferences towards running in concurrent or midterm elections. More specifically, politicians with no previous executive experience should strategically run in midterm legislative elections in order to increase their visibility among voters, while more experienced politicians should opt for concurrent elections. We support these claims with data from the Argentine Chamber of Deputies between 1983 and 2007.
Assessing nursing quality in paediatric intensive care units: a cross‐sectional study in China
Authors: Zhang Yuxia , Liu Linxia , Hu Jing , Zhang Yanhong , Lu Guoping , Li Guangyu , Zuo Zelan , Lu Hua , Zou Huan , Wang Zaihua , Huang Quelan
Published: May 2016

Background

Nursing‐sensitive indicators are considered effective tools for improving the quality of care in hospitals. However, these have not been used in paediatric intensive care units (PICUs) in China.

Aim

To develop nursing‐sensitive indicators for PICUs and to assess the quality of nursing in PICUs in China based on the nursing‐sensitive indicators.

Design

Multi‐centre, cross‐sectional study.

Methods

Structure, process and outcome indicators were developed and measured from 1 January to 31 March 2014 in seven PICUs in China.

Results

The structure indicators showed that one nurse cared for an average of 2·8 patients in a PICU, and 44% of nurses had a bachelor's degree. The process indicators revealed that hand‐washing compliance varied across PICUs, whereas pain management and physical restraint have not been adequately addressed in China. The outcome indicators revealed that the incidence rates of ventilator‐associated pneumonia and central‐line‐associated blood stream infections were 2·96 and 0·7, respectively, per 1000 device days. Patients were intubated for a total of 4392 mechanical ventilator days, and 32 patients (7·29‰) had an unplanned extubation. Nurses were moderately satisfied in their jobs (3·1 ± 0·3), and parents reported that nurses provide high quality of care.

Conclusions

This study developed and used nursing‐sensitive indicators to assess the quality of nursing in PICUs in China, which provided a reference for national and international comparisons of nursing quality in PICUs. Nursing staffing levels and education should be improved. Pain management and physical restraints should be regulated in China's PICUs. Nurse managers need to explore staff attitudes towards implementation of family‐centred care. The development of a national database of nursing quality indicators can contribute to quality and safety improvement.

Relevance to clinical practice

This study developed a set of nursing‐sensitive indicators, and these indicators were used to assess and improve the quality of nursing in PICUs.
Multifunctional oxidosqualene cyclases and cytochrome P450 involved in the biosynthesis of apple fruit triterpenic acids
Authors: Andre Christelle M. , Legay Sylvain , Deleruelle Amélie , Nieuwenhuizen Niels , Punter Matthew , Brendolise Cyril , Cooney Janine M. , Lateur Marc , Hausman Jean‐François , Larondelle Yvan , Laing William A.
Published: May 2016

Apple (Malus × domestica) accumulates bioactive ursane‐, oleanane‐, and lupane‐type triterpenes in its fruit cuticle, but their biosynthetic pathway is still poorly understood.

We used a homology‐based approach to identify and functionally characterize two new oxidosqualene cyclases (MdOSC4 and MdOSC5) and one cytochrome P450 (CYP716A175). The gene expression patterns of these enzymes and of previously described oxidosqualene cyclases were further studied in 20 apple cultivars with contrasting triterpene profiles.

MdOSC4 encodes a multifunctional oxidosqualene cyclase producing an oleanane‐type triterpene, putatively identified as germanicol, as well as β‐amyrin and lupeol, in the proportion 82 : 14 : 4. MdOSC5 cyclizes 2,3‐oxidosqualene into lupeol and β‐amyrin at a ratio of 95 : 5. CYP716A175 catalyses the C‐28 oxidation of α‐amyrin, β‐amyrin, lupeol and germanicol, producing ursolic acid, oleanolic acid, betulinic acid, and putatively morolic acid. The gene expression of MdOSC1 was linked to the concentrations of ursolic and oleanolic acid, whereas the expression of MdOSC5 was correlated with the concentrations of betulinic acid and its caffeate derivatives.

Two new multifuntional triterpene synthases as well as a multifunctional triterpene C‐28 oxidase were identified in Malus × domestica. This study also suggests that MdOSC1 and MdOSC5 are key genes in apple fruit triterpene biosynthesis.
Enhanced paromomycin efficacy by solid lipid nanoparticle formulation against Leishmania in mice model
Authors: Heidari‐Kharaji M. , Taheri T. , Doroud D. , Habibzadeh S. , Badirzadeh A. , Rafati S.
Published: May 2016

Leishmaniasis caused by protozoan parasites of the genus Leishmania. Intracellular infections treatment such as leishmaniasis is frequently hampered by limited access of drugs to infected cells. Moreover, most of the current drugs are confined to some toxic compounds, and there are increasing incidences of development of drug resistance. Hence, production of a new antileishmanial compound is crucial. Paromomycin sulphate (PM) is a promising antileishmanial drug. One strategy to improve drug effectiveness is to use appropriate delivery systems. Solid lipid nanoparticle (SLN) is as an excellent substitute delivery system to other colloidal carrier. In the present study, PM was loaded in solid lipid nanoparticles (PM‐SLN) and the in vivo efficacy was studied against Leishmania (L.) major‐infected BALB/c mice. For this reason, the footpad swelling was measured and real‐time PCR was performed to quantify the parasite load after infectious challenge. The level of cytokines including interleukin‐4 (IL‐4) and gamma interferon (IFN‐γ) and nitric oxide was evaluated. Altogether, this study showed that the PM‐SLN formulation is a safe compound and SLN in PM‐SLN compound is effective for treatment of leishmaniasis by improving the effectiveness of PM in killing the parasite and switching towards Th1 response.
Carbon as a Metric of the Human
Authors: Whitington Jerome
Published: May 2016

In this article, carbon management is framed as a domain in which active reflection on the uncertain significance of climate change takes material form in the construction of new infrastructures of carbon accounting and carbon markets. “Carbon” refers not to a chemical, per se, but to an imaginative space of global atmospheric relations rendered material. The historical ontology of carbon and atmosphere together form a distinctive global medium, as I describe. The atmosphere as medium is manifest in the informational spaces of digital platforms meant to do work on the human subjects of climate change. I describe the carbon accounting practices of two Beijing‐based enterprises that are involved in building out the infrastructure of carbon accounting for the purpose of decarbonizing Chinese industry. Carbon is at the center of a contemporary formation that is imaginative, materialist, heavily quantified, and oriented toward the technical modification of human affairs. It supposes that humans as planetary agents have become significant in terms of collective activity that is historically recent, highly unequal, and global in scope. The human is configured not as a biological species, such as in debates on “life itself” or distinctions between humans and other species, or even in terms of an essential humanity that can provide the transcendent bonds of a moral community. Rather, carbon accounting formulates the human ecologically and geologically with an eye toward imagining the future forms these relations might take. Hence, climate change has identified the human as a contemporary problem with particular urgency.
Control Functionals for Monte Carlo Integration
Authors: Oates Chris J. , Girolami Mark , Chopin Nicolas
Published: May 2016

A non-parametric extension of control variates is presented. These leverage gradient information on the sampling density to achieve substantial variance reduction. It is not required that the sampling density be normalized. The novel contribution of this work is based on two important insights: a trade-off between random sampling and deterministic approximation and a new gradient-based function space derived from Stein's identity. Unlike classical control variates, our estimators improve rates of convergence, often requiring orders of magnitude fewer simulations to achieve a fixed level of precision. Theoretical and empirical results are presented, the latter focusing on integration problems arising in hierarchical models and models based on non-linear ordinary differential equations.
Apparent nitrogen fertilizer replacement value of grass–clover leys and of farmyard manure in an arable rotation. Part I: grass–clover leys
Authors: ten Berge H. F. M. , Pikula D. , Goedhart P. W. , Schröder J. J.
Published: May 2016

Apparent nitrogen fertilizer replacement values of grass–clover leys (NFRVGCL) and farmyard manure (NFRVFYM) were studied in a long‐term (24 years) experiment. This paper reports the results for grass–clover leys (GCL). Five rates of farmyard manure (FYM) and four rates of fertilizer nitrogen (N) were applied to two arable rotations (RotA – arable+silage maize; RotB – arable+GCL). Polynomial response surfaces fitted to dry matter (DM) yield and N offtake in the three arable crops were used to assess NFRVGCL by interpolation, at high (Method H) and low (Method L) N fertilizer rates, always comparing RotA and RotB at equal FYM rates. In Expt1 (started in 1980), arable crops in RotB required 188, 246, 270, 295 and 312 kg N/ha less fertilizer per cycle than in RotA, to match the DM yields found at highest fertilizer rate in RotA (Method H). These values refer to FYM rates of 0, 20, 40, 60 and 80 t/ha per cycle, respectively. Corresponding fertilizer savings in Expt2 (started in 1981) were 287, 323, 341, 346 and 337 kg N/ha per cycle. These NFRVGCL values represent savings of 50–83% (Expt1) or 77–92% (Expt2) in N fertilizer applied to the arable phase. Slightly lower NFRVGCL was found by Method L. Extra N offtake in RotB over RotA was a poor estimator of NFRVGCL, showing much lower values and different responses to FYM and fertilizer than NFRVGCL. Mixed leys enable large fertilizer savings in arable rotations.