bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Do airborne microbes matter for atmospheric chemistry and cloud formation?
Authors: Konstantinidis Konstantinos T.
Published: February 2014

The role of airborne microbial cells in the chemistry of the atmosphere and cloud formation remains essentially speculative. Recent studies have indicated that microbes might be more important than previously anticipated for atmospheric processes. However, more work and direct communication between microbiologists and atmospheric scientists and modellers are necessary to better understand and model bioaerosol–cloud–precipitation–climate interactions.
Distributive Justice and the Problem of Friendship
Authors: Cordelli Chiara
Published: February 2014

Friendship distributes critical benefits across society and does so unequally. Income, levels of education and health vary dramatically according to the quality of individuals' friendships. Further, friendships shape the motivations and aspirations of their participants. In light of these facts, this article questions whether and how egalitarian requirements should apply to personal friendship. I first show that existing theories of distributive justice, whether they are ‘outcomes centred’ or ‘institutionalist’, have reasons to consider personal friendship as a direct subject of justice. However, both fail to provide reasonable guidelines for how to apply the requirements of justice to friendship. I thus argue that principles of justice, in particular fair equality of opportunity, ought to assess and govern that part of the social structure that controls the production and distribution of friendship bonds across society. I theorise a ‘relational distributive structure’, mainly constituted by civil society associations, as the appropriate subject of justice.
Compulsory Voting and the Turnout Decision Calculus
Authors: Singh Shane P.
Published: February 2014

By altering the turnout decision calculus, compulsory voting should alter the character of the voting population. Employing survey data across countries and Swiss cantons, I examine how the turnout decision calculus varies across voluntary and compulsory voting systems. Results indicate that many of the demographic, socio-economic and political factors known to correlate with turnout play a relatively weak role in motivating electoral participation where voting is mandatory. Thus, voting populations should be more reflective of the entire electorate in countries with compulsory voting. I conclude with a discussion of the potential implications of my findings.
Reporting errors, incidence and risk factors for postpartum haemorrhage and progression to severe PPH: a prospective observational study
Authors: Briley A , Seed PT , Tydeman G , Ballard H , Waterstone M , Sandall J , Poston L , Tribe RM , Bewley S
Published: February 2014

Objective

To quantify reporting errors, measure incidence of postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) and define risk factors for PPH (≥500 ml) and progression to severe PPH (≥1500 ml).

Design

Prospective observational study.

Setting

Two UK maternity services.

Population

Women giving birth between 1 August 2008 and 31 July 2009 (n = 10 213).

Methods

Weighted sampling with sequential adjustment by multivariate analysis.

Main outcome measures

Incidence and risk factors for PPH and progression to severe PPH.

Results

Errors in transcribing blood volume were frequent (14%) with evidence of threshold preference and avoidance. The incidences of PPH ≥500, ≥1500 and ≥2500 ml were 33.7% (95% CI 31.2–36.2), 3.9% (95% CI 3.3–4.6) and 0.8% (95% CI 0.6–1.0). New independent risk factors predicting PPH ≥ 500 ml included Black African ethnicity (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.77, 95% CI 1.31–2.39) and assisted conception (aOR 2.93, 95% CI 1.30–6.59). Modelling demonstrated how prepregnancy‐ and pregnancy‐acquired factors may be mediated through intrapartum events, including caesarean section, elective (aOR 24.4, 95% CI 5.53–108.00) or emergency (aOR 40.5, 95% CI 16.30–101.00), and retained placenta (aOR 21.3, 95% CI 8.31–54.7). New risk factors were identified for progression to severe PPH, including index of multiple deprivation (education, skills and training) (aOR 1.75, 95% CI 1.11–2.74), multiparity without caesarean section (aOR 1.65, 95% CI 1.20–2.28) and administration of steroids for fetal reasons (aOR 2.00, 95% CI 1.24–3.22).

Conclusions

Sequential, interacting, traditional and new risk factors explain the highest rates of PPH and severe PPH reported to date.
An optimal periconception maternal folate status for embryonic size: the Rotterdam Predict study
Authors: van Uitert EM , van Ginkel S , Willemsen SP , Lindemans J , Koning AHJ , Eilers PHC , Exalto N , Laven JSE , Steegers EAP , Steegers‐Theunissen RPM
Published: February 2014

Objective

To investigate the association between periconception maternal folate status and embryonic size.

Design

Prospective periconception cohort study.

Setting

Erasmus University Medical Centre, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.

Population

Seventy‐seven singleton pregnancies recruited in 2009 and 2010.

Methods

We recruited women before 8 weeks of gestation and performed weekly three‐dimensional ultrasound scans from enrolment up to 13 weeks of gestation. As a measure of embryonic growth, crown–rump length (CRL) measurements were performed using V‐Scope software in the BARCO I‐Space. Maternal blood was collected to determine first‐trimester long‐term red blood cell (RBC) folate status. Non‐malformed live births were included in the analysis. We calculated quartiles of RBC folate, square root‐transformed CRL data and performed multivariable linear mixed model analyses.

Main outcome measures

Serial first‐trimester CRL measurements.

Results

In total, 484 ultrasound scans were performed in 77 women, in 440 (90.7%) of which CRLs could be measured. RBC folate in the third quartile (1513–1812 nmol/l) was significantly associated with an increased CRL compared with the first two quartiles (814–1512 nmol/l) and the upper quartile (1813–2936 nmol/l; Poverall = 0.03; adjusted for gestational age, smoking, body mass index and fetal sex). Compared with the third quartile, embryos in the upper quartile were 24.2% smaller at 6+0 weeks [4.1 mm (95% confidence interval 3.5, 4.7) versus 5.4 mm (95% confidence interval 4.8, 6.1)] and 7.6% smaller at 12+0 weeks [55.1 mm (95% confidence interval 52.9, 57.3) versus 59.6 mm (95% confidence interval 57.4, 62.0)] of gestation.

Conclusions

This study suggests that a very high maternal periconception folate status is associated with reduced embryonic size. Whether these effects are beneficial or harmful requires further investigation.
Power to the People! But How? the Different Uses of Referendums around the World
Authors: Qvortrup Matt
Published: February 2014

Are the voters capable of making complex decisions and informed choices in referendums? Do referendums and other forms of direct democracy provide mechanisms for citizen deliberation? Why do dictators like Hitler and Pinochet use referendums? Are referendum campaigns ultimately decided by who has got the deepest pockets and the best campaign advisors? These are the questions discussed and investigated in the books under review. The conclusion that emerges is that voters are able to make informed choices which broadly reflect their political preferences and they are generally not swayed by spin and campaigns. In the light of these findings, there is reason to be cautiously optimistic as regards the deliberative potential of referendums.
Constructing STR Multiplexes for Individual Identification of Hungarian Red Deer
Authors: Szabolcsi Zoltan , Egyed Balazs , Zenke Petra , Padar Zsolt , Borsy Adrienn , Steger Viktor , Pasztor Erzsebet , Csanyi Sandor , Buzas Zsuzsanna , Orosz Laszlo
Published: February 2014

Red deer is the most valuable game of the fauna in Hungary, and there is a strong need for genetic identification of individuals. For this purpose, 10 tetranucleotide STR markers were developed and amplified in two 5‐plex systems. The study presented here includes the flanking region sequence analysis and the allele nomenclature of the 10 loci as well as the PCR optimization of the DeerPlex I and II. LD pairwise tests and cross‐species similarity analyses showed the 10 loci to be independently inherited. Considerable levels of genetic differences between two subpopulations were recorded, and FST was 0.034 using AMOVA. The average probability of identity (PIave) was at the value of 2.6736 × 10−15. This low value for PIave nearly eliminates false identification. An illegal hunting case solved by DeerPlex is described herein. The calculated likelihood ratio (LR) illustrates the potential of the 10 red deer microsatellite markers for forensic investigations.
Predictors for detection of cancer in patients with indeterminate biliary stricture and atypical cells on endoscopic retrograde brush cytology
Authors: Navaneethan Udayakumar , Singh Tavankit , Gutierrez Norma G , Jegadeesan Ramprasad , Venkatesh Preethi G , Brainard Jennifer , Vargo John J , Parsi Mansour A
Published: February 2014

Objective

The management of atypical cells on endoscopic retrograde brush cytology (ERBC) in patients with indeterminate biliary stricture is unclear. This study aimed to investigate the detection of cancer (pancreatic and biliary carcinoma) in patients with atypical cells on ERBC and the factors predicting it.

Methods

From a prospectively maintained cytology database in a tertiary care center, patients with indeterminate biliary stricture and atypical cells on ERBC from 1996 to 2012 were studied. The date of the initial ERBC with atypical cells was identified as time zero. The primary outcome was to study the incidences and Kaplan–Meier estimates for detecting cancer.

Results

In all, 104 patients with 182.8 person‐years of follow‐up were identified. In 38 (36.5%) patients cancer was detected (19 cholangiocarcinoma, 15 pancreatic cancer, three ampullary cancer and one gallbladder carcinoma) over a mean follow‐up of 4.4 months. On Cox regression analysis, the presence of clinical jaundice (hazard ratio [HR] 4.08, 95% CI 1.41–11.8), active alcohol consumption (HR 7.33, 95% CI 1.85–29.1) and elevated carbohydrate antigen 19‐9 (CA19‐9) level (>33 U/mL) (HR 8.42, 95% CI 1.75–40.6) at the time of ERBC were associated with increased risk for the detection of cancer. Detection of cancer was more common during the first 6 months of follow‐up than at any time period thereafter.

Conclusion

Elevated CA19‐9 level, the presence of clinical jaundice and current alcohol consumption are associated with increased detection of cancer in patients with indeterminate biliary stricture and atypical cells on ERBC.
Quantitative proteomic analysis of the Salmonella‐lettuce interaction
Authors: Zhang Yuping , Nandakumar Renu , Bartelt‐Hunt Shannon L. , Snow Daniel D. , Hodges Laurie , Li Xu
Published: February 2014

Human pathogens can internalize food crops through root and surface uptake and persist inside crop plants. The goal of the study was to elucidate the global modulation of bacteria and plant protein expression after Salmonella internalizes lettuce. A quantitative proteomic approach was used to analyse the protein expression of Salmonella enterica serovar Infantis and lettuce cultivar Green Salad Bowl 24 h after infiltrating S. Infantis into lettuce leaves. Among the 50 differentially expressed proteins identified by comparing internalized S. Infantis against S. Infantis grown in Luria Broth, proteins involved in glycolysis were down‐regulated, while one protein involved in ascorbate uptake was up‐regulated. Stress response proteins, especially antioxidant proteins, were up‐regulated. The modulation in protein expression suggested that internalized S. Infantis might utilize ascorbate as a carbon source and require multiple stress response proteins to cope with stresses encountered in plants. On the other hand, among the 20 differentially expressed lettuce proteins, proteins involved in defense response to bacteria were up‐regulated. Moreover, the secreted effector PipB2 of S. Infantis and R proteins of lettuce were induced after bacterial internalization into lettuce leaves, indicating human pathogen S. Infantis triggered the defense mechanisms of lettuce, which normally responds to plant pathogens.
Bivalirudin Use and One‐Month Outcome in the Context of Contemporary Antiplatelet Treatment: Insights from the Greek Antiplatelet Registry
Authors: Alexopoulos Dimitrios , Xanthopoulou Ioanna , Deftereos Spyridon , Sitafidis George , Kanakakis Ioannis , Hamilos Michalis , Karayannis George , Angelidis Christos , Stavrou Katerina , Vavuranakis Manolis , Goudevenos John A. , Stefanadis Christodoulos ,   the GRAPE Investigators
Published: February 2014

Aims

Little is known about the use of bivalirudin in “real life”. In the context of contemporary antiplatelet treatment, we aimed to assess bivalirudin treatment patterns and short‐term (one‐month) outcome.

Methods

Greek Antiplatelet Registry (GRAPE) is a prospective, observational, multicenter cohort study of consecutive, moderate‐to‐high‐risk acute coronary syndrome patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). We assessed bivalirudin treatment patterns and predictive factors for its use. Combined in‐hospital and one‐month major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE, including death, myocardial infarction, urgent revascularization, and stroke), and bleeding events according to Bleeding Academic Research Consortium (BARC) criteria were analyzed after propensity matching.

Results

Of 2047 registered patients, 480 (23.4%) were treated with bivalirudin. Multivariate analysis (C statistic 0.77, 0.75–0.80 95% CIs, P < 0.001) revealed as factors favoring bivalirudin use primary PCI, radial arterial access, presentation with positive biomarkers and use of novel P2Y12 inhibitor, whereas IIb/IIIa inhibitor administration did not. Regional trends also affected bivalirudin's choice. In 370 propensity‐matched pairs of patients who received or not bivalirudin, MACE, BARC type 1, 2 and 3 did not differ between groups: 4.1%, 21.9%, 3.2%, 3.5% and 5.1%, 18.9%, 2.7%, 4.3%, respectively, P = nonsignificant for all.

Conclusions

In a “real life”, contemporary antiplatelet treatment registry, clinical, laboratory and logistic factors affect bivalirudin's choice, while there are no differences in one‐month outcome between bivalirudin‐treated and non‐bivalirudin‐treated patients.
Randomized, placebo controlled and double‐blind trials of efficacy and safety of adalimumab for treating ankylosing spondylitis: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Wang Hongsheng , Zuo Dongqing , Sun Mengxiong , Hua Yingqi , Cai Zhengdong
Published: February 2014

Adalimumab is a fully human, anti‐TNF monoclonal antibody of proven efficacy and safety in the treatment of the signs, symptoms and functional disability of ankylosing spondylitis (AS). A systematic review and meta‐analysis was performed to assess the efficacy and safety of adalimumab treatment, relative to a placebo, in adult patients with AS. In the efficacy meta‐analysis, significantly more patients in the adalimumab group achieved Assessment in AS International Working Group (ASAS)20 and Bath AS Disease Activity Index (BASDAI)50 compared with patients in the placebo group. Patients in the adalimumab group also showed significant improvement in BASDAI and health‐related quality of life. With regard to adverse events, any adverse events and injection‐site reaction were significantly higher in the adalimumab group compared with the control group. This meta‐analysis shows a higher efficacy of adalimumab relative to placebo, but clinicians should be careful regarding adverse events in adalimumab‐treated patients.
Circulating galectin‐1 concentrations in systemic sclerosis: potential contribution to digital vasculopathy
Authors: Yanaba Koichi , Asano Yoshihide , Akamata Kaname , Noda Shinji , Aozasa Naohiko , Taniguchi Takashi , Takahashi Takehiro , Toyama Tetsuo , Ichimura Yohei , Sumida Hayakazu , Kuwano Yoshihiro , Miyazaki Miki , Sato Shinichi
Published: February 2014

Aim

To determine serum galectin‐1 levels and their clinical associations in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc).

Method

Serum galectin‐1 levels were examined by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay in 66 patients with SSc and 24 healthy individuals.

Results

No significant differences were observed in serum galectin‐1 levels between patients with SSc (9.4 ± 5.6 ng/mL), and healthy individuals (8.9 ± 1.3 ng/mL). Among patients with SSc, no significant differences were seen in serum galectin‐1 levels between those with diffuse cutaneous SSc (8.8 ± 5.7 ng/mL; n = 31) and those with limited cutaneous SSc (10.0 ± 5.4 ng/mL; n = 35). Patients with SSc who had increased galectin‐1 levels less often had pitting scars/digital ulcers than those with normal galectin‐1 levels (17% vs. 49%; P < 0.01). Consistently, galectin‐1 levels were significantly lower in SSc patients with pitting scars/digital ulcers than in those without pitting scars/digital ulcers (6.9 ± 4.8 vs. 10.9 ± 5.5 ng/mL; P < 0.01).

Conclusion

These results suggest that galectin‐1 is a protective factor against the development of digital vasculopathy in SSc. In addition, measurement of serum galectin‐1 levels may be useful for risk stratification for the development of digital vasculopathy in the early phase of SSc.
Features of pseudomonads growing at low temperatures: another facet of their versatility
Authors: Moreno Renata , Rojo Fernando
Published: February 2014

Pseudomonads are a diverse and ecologically successful group of γ‐proteobacteria present in many environments (terrestrial, freshwater and marine), either free living or associated with plants or animals. Their success is at least partly based on their ability to grow over a wide range of temperatures, their capacity to withstand different kinds of stress and their great metabolic versatility. Although the optimal growth temperature of pseudomonads is usually close to 25–30°C, many strains can also grow between 5°C and 10°C, and some of them even close to 0°C. Such low temperatures strongly affect the physicochemical properties of macromolecules, forcing cells to evolve traits that optimize growth and help them withstand cold‐induced stresses such as increased levels of reactive oxygen species, reduced membrane fluidity and enzyme activity, cold‐induced protein denaturation and the greater stability of DNA and RNA secondary structures. This review gathers the information available on the strategies used by pseudomonads to adapt to low temperature growth, and briefly describes some of the biotechnological applications that might benefit from cold‐adapted bacterial strains and enzymes, e.g., biotransformation or bioremediation processes to be performed at low temperatures.
The Mammalian Circadian Clock in the Suprachiasmatic Nucleus Exhibits Rapid Tolerance to Ethanol In Vivo and In Vitro
Authors: Lindsay Jonathan H. , Glass J. David , Amicarelli Mario , Prosser Rebecca A.
Published: February 2014

Background

Ethanol (EtOH) triggers cellular adaptations that induce tolerance in many brain areas, including the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN), the site of the master circadian clock. EtOH inhibits light‐induced phase shifts in the SCN in vivo and glutamate‐induced phase shifts in vitro. The in vitro phase shifts develop acute tolerance to EtOH, occurring within minutes of initial exposure, while the in vivo phase shifts exhibit no evidence of chronic tolerance. An intermediate form, rapid tolerance, is not well studied but may predict subsequent chronic tolerance. Here, we investigated rapid tolerance in the SCN clock.

Methods

Adult C57BL/6 mice were provided 15% EtOH or water for one 12‐hour lights‐off period. For in vitro experiments, SCN‐containing brain slices were prepared in the morning and treated for 10 minutes with glutamate +/− EtOH the following night. Single‐cell neuronal firing rates were recorded extracellularly during the subsequent day to determine SCN clock phase. For in vivo experiments, mice receiving EtOH 24 hours previously were exposed to a 30‐minute light pulse immediately preceded by intraperitoneal saline or 2 g/kg EtOH injection. Mice were then placed in constant darkness and their phase‐shifting responses measured.

Results

In vitro, the SCN clock from EtOH‐exposed mice exhibited rapid tolerance, with a 10‐fold increase in EtOH needed to inhibit glutamate‐induced phase shifts. Co‐application of brain‐derived neurotrophic factor prevented EtOH inhibition, consistent with experiments using EtOH‐naïve mice. Rapid tolerance lasts 48 to 96 hours, depending on whether assessing in vitro phase advances or phase delays. Similarly, in vivo, prior EtOH consumption prevented EtOH's acute blockade of photic phase delays. Finally, immunoblot experiments showed no changes in SCN glutamate receptor subunit (NR2B) expression or phosphorylation in response to rapid tolerance induction.

Conclusions

The SCN circadian clock develops rapid tolerance to EtOH as assessed both in vivo and in vitro, and the tolerance lasts for several days. These data demonstrate the utility of the circadian system as a model for investigating cellular mechanisms through which EtOH acts in the brain.
Altered Anterior Cingulate Neurochemistry in Emerging Adult Binge Drinkers with a History of Alcohol‐Induced Blackouts
Authors: Silveri Marisa M. , Cohen‐Gilbert Julia , Crowley David J. , Rosso Isabelle M. , Jensen J. Eric , Sneider Jennifer T.
Published: February 2014

Background

Binge alcohol consumption is associated with multiple neurobiological consequences, including altered neurophysiology, brain structure, and functional activation. Magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) studies have demonstrated neurochemical alterations in the frontal lobe of alcohol users, although most studies focused on older, alcohol‐dependent subjects.

Methods

In this study, neurochemical data were acquired using MRS at 4.0 Tesla from emerging adults (18 to 24 years old) who were binge alcohol drinkers (BD, n = 23) or light drinkers (LD, n = 31). Since binge drinking is also associated with increased prevalence of experiencing an alcohol‐induced blackout, BD were stratified into alcohol‐induced blackout (BDBO) and non‐blackout (BDN) groups.

Results

Overall, BD had significantly lower gamma amino‐butyric acid (GABA) and N‐acetyl‐aspartate (NAA) in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) than LD. When stratified by blackout history, BDBO also had lower ACC glutamate (Glu) than LD. No group differences in MRS metabolites were observed in the parietal‐occipital cortex. Lower ACC GABA and Glu remained significant after accounting for lower gray matter content in BD, however, NAA differences were no longer evident. In addition, low ACC GABA levels were associated with greater alcohol use consequences, and worse response inhibition and attention/mental flexibility in BD.

Conclusions

These data indicate that binge drinking affects frontal lobe neurochemistry, more so in those who had experienced an alcohol‐induced blackout. Characterization of the neurochemical profiles associated with binge alcohol consumption and blackout history may help identify unique risk factors for the later manifestation of alcohol abuse and dependence, in young individuals who are heavy, frequent drinkers, but who do not meet the criteria for alcohol abuse disorders.
Determinants of Sustained Binge Drinking in Young Adults
Authors: Wellman Robert J. , Contreras Gisèle A. , Dugas Erika N. , O'Loughlin Erin K. , O'Loughlin Jennifer L.
Published: February 2014

Background

Binge drinking occurs frequently among young adults, posing risks to health and safety. Little is known, however, about which drinkers continue to binge later into adulthood. We sought to identify predictors of sustained binge drinking behaviors in young adulthood.

Methods

Participants from the Nicotine Dependence in Teens (NDIT) cohort (n = 609, 53% female) completed self‐report questionnaires in 20 survey cycles (SCs) during secondary school between 1999 and 2005, and in 2 postsecondary school SCs in 2007 to 2008 (SC 21; Mage = 20 years) and 2011 to 2012 (SC 22; Mage = 24 years). Participants reporting past‐year binge drinking in both SCs 21 and 22 were categorized as sustainers (n = 517). Using multivariable logistic regression, we investigated 25 potential predictors of sustained binge drinking, binge‐drinking frequency, and change in frequency over time among sustainers.

Results

Compared with stoppers, sustainers (85% of participants) were more likely to be younger, male, and to have no college/university education. Sustainers began drinking alcohol and binge drinking earlier, drank at least monthly during more secondary school grades, binged more frequently at age 20, and scored higher on impulsivity and novelty seeking in adolescence. Among sustainers, frequent binge drinkers were more likely to be male, to be nonstudents, to score higher on novelty seeking, and to have reported more depressive symptoms in adolescence. Sustainers who decelerated their binge frequency between SCs 21 and 22 were more likely to be female, to have achieved a higher level of education, and to report more depressive symptoms in SC 21.

Conclusions

The determinants of sustained binge drinking are similar to predictors of binge drinking reported in the literature. Early identification of, and intervention with, youth who are impulsive, inclined toward novelty seeking, and who report higher levels of early sub clinical depressive symptoms might forestall their involvement in risky alcohol use.
Effects of Chronic Heavy Alcohol Consumption and Endurance Exercise on Cancellous and Cortical Bone Microarchitecture in Adult Male Rats
Authors: Johnson Teresa L. , Gaddini Gino , Branscum Adam J. , Olson Dawn A. , Caroline‐Westerlind Kim , Turner Russell T. , Iwaniec Urszula T.
Published: February 2014

Background

Bone health is influenced by numerous lifestyle factors, including diet and exercise. Alcohol is a major nonessential constituent of diet and has dose‐ and context‐dependent effects on bone. Endurance exercise is associated with increased risk of stress fractures. The purpose of this study was to determine the long‐term independent and combined effects of chronic heavy alcohol consumption and endurance exercise (treadmill running) on bone mass and microarchitecture in young adult male Sprague‐Dawley rats.

Methods

Six‐month‐old male rats were randomized into 4 groups (9 to 13 rats/group): sedentary + control diet, sedentary + ethanol (EtOH) diet, exercise + control diet, or exercise + EtOH diet. EtOH‐fed rats consumed a liquid diet (EtOH comprised 35% of caloric intake) ad libitum. Control rats were pair‐fed the same diet with isocaloric substitution of EtOH with maltose‐dextran. Exercise was conducted on a motorized treadmill (15% grade for 30 minutes) 5 d/wk for 16 weeks. Femur and 12th thoracic vertebra were analyzed for bone mineral content (BMC) and density (BMD) using densitometry and cortical and cancellous bone architecture using microcomputed tomography.

Results

EtOH consumption resulted in lower femur length, BMC, and BMD, and lower midshaft femur cortical volume, cortical thickness, and polar moment of inertia. In addition, trabecular thickness was lower in vertebra of EtOH‐fed rats. Endurance exercise had no independent effect on any end point evaluated. A significant interaction between endurance exercise and EtOH was detected for several cancellous end points in the distal femur metaphysis. EtOH‐consuming rats that exercised had lower distal femur metaphysis bone volume/tissue volume, trabecular connectivity density, and trabecular thickness compared to exercising rats that consumed control diet.

Conclusions

The results obtained in this model suggest that chronic heavy alcohol consumption may reduce skeletal integrity by reducing bone size, mass, and density, and by negatively altering bone microarchitecture and may increase fracture risk associated with endurance exercise at weight‐bearing skeletal sites.
The influence of niche and neutral processes on a neotropical anuran metacommunity
Authors: Prado Vitor H. M. , Rossa‐Feres Denise de C.
Published: February 2014

One of the most important questions in ecology is the relative importance of local conditions (niche processes) and dispersal ability (neutral processes) in driving metacommunity structure. Although many studies have been conducted in recent years, there is still much debate. We evaluated the processes (niche and neutral) responsible for variation in anuran composition in 28 lentic water bodies in southeastern Brazil. Because anurans depend heavily on environmental conditions, we hypothesized that environmental variables (niche processes) are the most important drivers of community composition. Additionally, as anurans have limited dispersal abilities, and the study region presents harsh conditions (high forest fragmentation, low rainfall and long dry season), we expected a lower, but significant, spatial signature in metacommunity structure, due to neutral dynamics. We used a partial redundancy analysis with variation partitioning to evaluate the relative influence of environmental and spatial variables as drivers of metacommunity structure. Additionally, we used a recently developed spatial autocorrelation analysis to test if neutral dynamics can be attributed to the pure spatial component. This analysis is based on predictions that species abundances are independent but similarly spatially structured, with correlograms similar in shape. Therefore, under neutral dynamics there is no expectation of a correlation between the pairwise distance of spatial correlograms and the pairwise correlation of species abundances predicted by the pure spatial component. We found that the environmental component explained 21.5%, the spatial component 10.2%, and the shared component 6.4% of the metacommunity structure. We found no correlation between correlograms and correlation of abundances predicted by the pure spatial component (Mantel test = −0.109, P = 0.961). In our study, niche‐based processes are the dominant process that explained community composition. However, neutral processes are important because spatial variation can be attributed to pure neutral dynamics rather than to missing spatially structured environmental factors.
Vitamin D concentrations in pregnant women with diabetes attending for antenatal care in Far North Queensland
Authors: Cheng Hon C. , de Costa Caroline , McLean Anna , Woods Cindy
Published: February 2014

Serum concentrations of vitamin D were measured in 101 pregnant women with diabetes, both pre‐existing and gestational, who attended for antenatal care in Cairns Base Hospital. Eighty‐two (81.2%) had sufficient concentrations of vitamin D, 12 (11.9%) had levels indicating insufficiency and 7 (6.9%) were deficient. These findings contrast with those in the general population of pregnant women in the region, among whom 93.1% have been shown to have sufficient levels. The study contributes to the ongoing debate around the need for universal antenatal vitamin D screening in Australia.
Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy: diagnosis and management; a survey of Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetrics and Gynaecology fellows
Authors: Arthur Chris , Mahomed Kassam
Published: February 2014

Background

Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) is an uncommon obstetric condition characterised by intense maternal pruritis and biochemical abnormality. There is a degree of contention regarding the diagnosis and management of ICP, and currently, there are no nationally accepted guidelines.

Aims

To conduct a survey of Fellows and Members of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RANZCOG) regarding their diagnosis and management ICP.

Methods

An online survey of currently practising RANZCOG Fellows and Members, utilising Survey Monkey.

Results

Thirty percent of those sent the survey responded, comprising approximately 40% of practising obstetricians. Fasting bile acid and serum transaminase elevation in association with the characteristic itch define the disease process for the majority of respondents and also inform management decisions. There was no critical level of bile acid elevation that mandated treatment for the majority of respondents. Nearly 90% of respondents induce women with ICP at 37–38 completed weeks of pregnancy, due to concerns regarding possible fetal demise. About one‐third of respondents refer to the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) Green‐top Guideline to advise their decision‐making process, and a similar proportion use local or hospital‐based guidelines.

Conclusions

Elevated fasting bile acids and abnormal liver function tests define the diagnosis and inform management of ICP by Australian obstetricians. Routine induction of labour for patients with ICP at 37–38 completed weeks of pregnancy is widely practised in Australia. An evidence‐based guideline would assist clinicians who manage such cases in Australia.
The association between increasing maternal age at first birth and decreased rates of spontaneous vaginal birth in South Australia from 1991 to 2009
Authors: Baghurst Peter , Robson Stephen , Antoniou Georgia , Scheil Wendy , Bryce Robert
Published: February 2014

Background

Caesarean section rates in Australia rose over the period 1999–2009, as did maternal age at first birth. The contribution of the rise of maternal age to the rise in caesarean sections remains unclear.

Aims

To estimate the effect of increasing maternal age on the incidence of emergency caesarean section or instrumental delivery in term singleton first births in South Australia.

Methods

We undertook a population‐based study of 117 981 term singleton first births, which followed labour during the period 1991–2009, using data from the South Australian Perinatal Statistics Collection. The main outcome measures were deliveries other than spontaneous vaginal births (SVB) (emergency caesarean section or instrumental birth) and emergency caesarean section alone. Logistic regression analysis was performed.

Results

Increasing maternal age at first birth was found to be associated with delivery other than SVB and emergency caesarean section. The adjusted odds of delivery other than SVB increased multiplicatively by approximately 1.49 (95% CI, 1.47–1.51) per five‐year rise in maternal age, and the odds of emergency caesarean section increased multiplicatively by approximately 1.39 (95% CI, 1.37–1.42) per five‐year rise. Although there are likely to be many reasons for the effect, increases in maternal age at first birth made a contribution in up to 75% of the observed increase in delivery other than SVB from 44.0% to 49.6% over the study period.

Conclusions

Rising maternal age at first birth appeared to contribute to a large proportion of the increase in deliveries other than SVB in South Australia.
A novel ‘uterine sandwich’ for haemorrhage at caesarean section for placenta praevia
Authors: Matsubara Shigeki , Kuwata Tomoyuki , Baba Yosuke , Usui Rie , Suzuki Hirotada , Takahashi Hironori , Ohkuchi Akihide , Suzuki Mitsuaki
Published: February 2014

Although massive haemorrhage at caesarean section (CS) for placenta praevia is a serious concern, effective treatment is not yet determined. We performed a new uterine sandwich to achieve haemostasis at CS for total placenta praevia in five consecutive cases in whom the placenta reached up to >5 cm from the internal cervical os in all directions of an uterine wall. A Matsubara‐Yano (MY) uterine compression suture was placed, followed by placement of an intrauterine balloon. Haemostasis was achieved in all five cases with median blood loss of 1618 mL. No short‐term adverse events were observed. The MY sandwich can be used to achieve haemostasis at CS for placenta praevia.
Comparing and Combining List and Endorsement Experiments: Evidence from Afghanistan
Authors: Blair Graeme , Imai Kosuke , Lyall Jason
Published: February 2014

List and endorsement experiments are becoming increasingly popular among social scientists as indirect survey techniques for sensitive questions. When studying issues such as racial prejudice and support for militant groups, these survey methodologies may improve the validity of measurements by reducing nonresponse and social desirability biases. We develop a statistical test and multivariate regression models for comparing and combining the results from list and endorsement experiments. We demonstrate that when carefully designed and analyzed, the two survey experiments can produce substantively similar empirical findings. Such agreement is shown to be possible even when these experiments are applied to one of the most challenging research environments: contemporary Afghanistan. We find that both experiments uncover similar patterns of support for the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) among Pashtun respondents. Our findings suggest that multiple measurement strategies can enhance the credibility of empirical conclusions. Open‐source software is available for implementing the proposed methods.
Long‐term outcome of portomesenteric vein invasion and prognostic factors in pancreas head adenocarcinoma
Authors: Jeong Jaehong , Choi Dong W. , Choi Seong H. , Heo Jin S. , Jang Kee‐Taek
Published: February 2014

Background

The purpose of this study was to clarify the post‐operative prognosis of pancreatic head cancer with pathologic portal vein (PV) or superior mesenteric vein (SMV) invasion.

Methods

From May 1995 to December 2009, preoperative, intra‐operative and post‐operative data from 276 patients who underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma were reviewed retrospectively. The long‐term prognosis was compared between patients with a pathologic PV‐SMV invasion and those without invasion.

Results

Fourty‐six patients (16.7%) underwent PV‐SMV resection during pancreaticoduodenectomy. Pathologic PV‐SMV invasion was observed in 30 (65.2%). Post‐operative severe morbidity (grade 3 or 4) was similar for patients with and without PV‐SMV resection (8.7% with versus 7.0% without P = 0.754). The mortality rate was 2.2% with PV‐SMV resection and 0.9% without PV‐SMV resection (P = 0.423). Survival of PV‐SMV resection and no resection group had no significant difference (median survival, 16 versus 12 months; P = 0.086). No significant difference in overall survival was seen between patients with and without pathologic PV‐SMV invasion (median survival, 13 versus 16 months; P = 0.663). Tumour differentiation, R status, tumour size and type of operation were revealed as independent prognostic factors.

Conclusions

34.8% of patients who underwent PV‐SMV resection had no pathologic invasion. And PV‐SMV resection did not increase the rate of severe complications and mortality. Furthermore, the prognosis for patients with pathologic PV‐SMV invasion may be nearly the same as patients with no invasion. So, PV‐SMV resection with reconstruction should be considered in pancreatic head cancer patients with suspected PV‐SMV invasion.
Biased Self‐Perception Tendencies: Self‐Enhancement/Self‐Diminishment and Leader Derailment in Individualistic and Collectivistic Cultures
Authors: Cullen Kristin L. , Gentry William A. , Yammarino Francis J.
Published: February 2014

Self–other agreement (SOA) discrepancies are commonly interpreted as a lack of self‐awareness. The consistent display of such discrepancies could be considered a behavioral manifestation of biased self‐perception. In extreme forms, we propose that this bias can be viewed as a form of dark personality. Using archival data from a multisource instrument, we examine the derailment implications of self‐enhancement (i.e. overrating) and the opposite tendency, self‐diminishment (i.e. underrating), in collectivistic (Taiwan, China, South Korea) and individualistic (United States of America) cultures. In particular, we examine whether individuals whose biased self‐perception tendencies violate cultural norms are perceived as more likely to derail. In both culture types, individuals with small SOA discrepancies and high ratings on managerial competence were perceived as less likely to derail. However, the implications of self‐enhancement and self‐diminishment were culturally contingent. Self‐enhancement was not related to derailment in individualistic cultures, but in collectivistic cultures, which endorse the norm of modesty, individuals who overrate (self‐enhance) are perceived by their boss as more likely to derail. Substantial underrating (self‐diminishment) was also related to higher perceived likelihood of derailment in collectivistic cultures, but in individualistic cultures, some evidence suggests that self‐diminishment may be related to decreased perceptions of derailment.
Talking on the move: place‐based interviewing with undergraduate students
Authors: Holton Mark , Riley Mark
Published: February 2014

Recent research has begun to pay attention to the importance of place to the research encounter. This paper makes a contribution to these discussions through an investigation into the lived experiences of higher education students. Although there is a burgeoning literature on what has been termed ‘student geographies’, there has been relatively little attention focused on the methods that we might employ in exploring these geographies. Here we consider ‘walking interviews’ as an approach to helping better comprehend students' experiences and understandings of University towns and cities. Accompanying students ‘in the field’ allowed us to explore students' narratives ‘in place’ while seeing first hand how some of the multi‐sensual and multi‐layered experiences of place might be captured and interpreted. We argue that such place‐based interviews allow us to ‘get into the gaps’ of student experiences and understand how students' dynamic relationships with place shape their conceptions and narrations of their term‐time location.
In vitro gas production in rumen fluid of buffalo as affected by urea‐calcium mixture in high‐quality feed block
Authors: Cherdthong Anusorn , Wanapat Metha
Published: February 2014

This study aimed to determine the effect of urea‐calcium sulphate mixture (U‐cas) levels in high‐quality feed block (HQFB) on ruminal digestibility, fermentation and gas kinetics in rumen fluid of swamp buffalo by using in vitro techniques. The treatments were seven levels of U‐cas incorporated in HQFB at 0, 3, 6, 9, 12, 15 and 18% and the experimental design was a completely randomized design. Gas production rate constants for the insoluble fraction, potential extent of gas and cumulative gas were linearly increased with increasing levels of U‐cas in HQFB. The in vitro dry matter digestibility, in vitro organic matter digestibility, true digestibility and microbial mass were altered by treatments and were greatest at 18% U‐cas supplementation. Concentrations of propionate were linearly increased with increasing levels of U‐cas and was highest with U‐cas supplementation at 18%. The NH3–N concentration was highest when urea was added in the HQFB while NH3–N concentration tended to be reduced with increasing level of U‐cas. The findings suggest supplementation of 18% U‐cas in HQFB improves kinetics of gas production, rumen fermentation, digestibility and microbial mass as well as controlling the rate of N degradation in the rumen of swamp buffalo.
Comparison of cytokine mRNA expression in peripheral CD4+, CD8+ and γδ T cells between healthy Holstein and Japanese Black calves
Authors: Ohtsuka Hiromichi , Kobayashi Hiroki , Kinouchi Kumi , Kiyono Miki , Maeda Yousuke
Published: February 2014

Japanese Black (JB) calves are more susceptible to infectious diseases compared to Holstein (Hol) calves. To clarify the immunological differences between JB and Hol calves, expression of cytokine messenger RNA (mRNA) was examined using peripheral CD4+, CD8+ and γδ T cells. Healthy calves, 24 from each species, were examined. Blood samples were obtained from calves at 1 week, 1 month and 3 months old, eight calves for each age of each species. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were stimulated with phytohemagglutin (PHA), and T cell subsets were isolated by positive selection using magnetic cell sorting (MACS). Levels of interlekin (IL)‐2, IL‐4, IL‐10 and interferon (IFN)‐γ mRNA in three T cell subsets were analyzed. WC1‐N1+ γδ T cell percentages were significantly lower in JB calves at 1 week and 1 month of age compared to Hol calves. In addition JB calves had significantly lower IL‐2, IL‐10 and IFN‐γ mRNA in WC1‐N1+ γδ T cells at 1 and 3 months of age, whereas there were no significant differences in cytokine mRNA of CD4+ and CD8+ cells between the two groups. Decreased cytokine mRNA and cell number of peripheral γδ T cells may affect negatively on the immune system of JB calves.
Development of large and small blastomeres from 2‐cell embryos produced in vitro in pigs
Authors: Dang‐Nguyen Thanh Quang , Viet‐Linh Nguyen , Somfai Tamas , Haraguchi Seiki , Xuan Nguyen Bui
Published: February 2014

In the present study, we examined the development to blastocysts of large and small blastomeres from unevenly cleaved 2‐cell embryos (uneven 2‐cell embryos) in pigs. Proportion of blastocysts derived from large blastomeres (52.8 ± 6.4%) was significantly higher (P < 0.05) compared with small ones (32.1 ± 4.6%). However, there were no differences in total cell number, inner cell mass (ICM) cell number and ICM/total cells ratio between them. Of 53 sister blastomere pairs in the same embryos examined there were 12 pairs (22.6%) in which both blastomeres developed to blastocysts, 16 pairs (30.2%) in which only large blastomeres developed to blastocysts, and five pairs (9.4%) in which only small blastomeres developed to blastocysts. Relative total amount of active mitochondria in small blastomeres were lower (P < 0.05) than that of large blastomeres and blastomeres from evenly cleaved 2‐cell embryos. However, there was no difference in relative density of active mitochondria in these three types of blastomeres. In conclusion, blastocysts derived from small and large blastomeres in uneven 2‐cell embryos had comparable quality in terms of cell number, ICM number, ICM/total cell ratio and distribution of active mitochondria. The results suggest that these blastomeres may contribute multiple offspring production in pigs.
The evolution of Reference Drug Lists and Clinical Practice Guidelines in the public health system of a middle‐income country
Authors: Rico‐Alba Israel , Figueras Albert
Published: February 2014

Aims

The aims were to analyze the dynamics of the medicines formulary in a middle‐income country and to analyze the concordance of the included medicines with the national Clinical Practices Guidelines (CPG).

Methods

Medicines and their indications of use included in the Mexican Reference Drug List (Mex‐RDL) from 1996 to 2013 were analyzed. The top 10 indications with the highest number of medicines in 2013 were analyzed retrospectively until 1996 in order to identify the increase in the number of medicines to treat each one, as well as the progressive specificity of the indication according to the International statistical Classification of Diseases (ICD‐10). The concordance between the CPG and medicines approved for the top 10 indications was studied.

Results

The number of medicines included in the Mex‐RDL kept constantly growing from 454 drugs in 1996 to 811 in 2013. Up to 26.3% of these medicines were approved to treat only 10 indications (1.5% of all possible indications of use). Many of these new medicines had been approved for more and more specific indications, while the oldest ones had been approved for general indications. Up to 27.6% of the medicines approved for these top 10 indications do not appear in the updated recommendations of the specific CPG for those indications.

Conclusions

During the last 18 years, the new medicines and indications included in the Mex‐RDL were redundant and concentrated into few similar clinical conditions. This is a factor that promotes an irrational use of these medicines and, thus, unnecessarily raises the price of health care, undermines the quality of the health system and probably increases the uncertainty of treatments.