bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparative study of soft tissue perineurioma and meningioma using a five‐marker immunohistochemical panel
Authors: Agaimy Abbas , Buslei Rolf , Coras Roland , Rubin Brian P , Mentzel Thomas
Published: January 2014

Aims

Owing to their close embryological relationship, soft tissue perineurioma and meningioma may closely mimic each other, not only histologically but also by immunohistochemistry. We aimed to compare the frequency of perineurial marker expression in these two entities, and to determine whether somatostatin receptor 2 (SSTR2) and progesterone receptor (PR), both expressed frequently in meningiomas, are also expressed in perineuriomas.

Methods and results

We analysed and compared the immunohistochemical findings in 58 WHO grade I meningiomas (29 meningothelial, 16 fibrous, 10 transitional, and three others), 10 WHO grade II (atypical) meningiomas, and 20 soft tissue perineuriomas. All tumours were stained using five antibodies against antigens that are known to be expressed in perineuriomas or meningiomas: epithelial membrane antigen (EMA), claudin‐1, GLUT‐1 (glucose transporter‐1), SSTR2, and PR. Of the meningiomas, EMA was expressed in 59 of 61, claudin‐1 in five of 63, GLUT‐1 in 19 of 62, SSTR2 in 59 of 68, and PR in 44 of 62. Of the perineuriomas, EMA was expressed in 20 of 20, claudin‐1 in 17 of 18, GLUT‐1 in 14 of 16, SSTR2 in one of 20, and PR in one of 20. The SSTR2‐positive/PR‐positive phenotype was detected in 42 of 60 meningiomas, but in none of 20 perineuriomas. On the other hand, the claudin‐1‐positive/GLUT‐1‐positive phenotype was detected in only four of 62 meningiomas, and in 14 of 16 perineuriomas.

Conclusions

Epithelial membrane antigen expression is ubiquitous in both entities, and does not distinguish between them. SSTR2 and PR are highly sensitive and, in this context, specific meningioma markers. They may be helpful in distinguishing between the two entities, particularly in cases of meningioma occurring at unusual (extracranial) sites.
Community HIV‐1 drug resistance is associated with transmitted drug resistance
Authors: Tilghman MW , Pérez‐Santiago J , Osorio G , Little SJ , Richman DD , Mathews WC , Haubrich RH , Smith DM
Published: January 2014

Objectives

As community viral load (CVL) measurements are associated with the incidence of new HIV‐1 infections in a population, we hypothesized that similarly measured community drug resistance (CDR) could predict the prevalence of transmitted drug resistance (TDR).

Methods

Between 2001 and 2011, the prevalences of HIV‐1 drug resistance for patients with established infection receiving HIV care (i.e. CDR) and TDR in recently infected patients were determined in San Diego. At each position in HIV‐1 reverse transcriptase (RT) and protease (pro), drug resistance was evaluated both as the overall prevalence of resistance‐associated mutations and by weighting each resistance position to the concurrent viral load of the patient and its proportion to the total viral load of the clinic (CVL). The weighting was the proportion of the CVL associated with patients identified with resistance at each residue. Spearman ranked correlation coefficients were used to determine associations between CDR and TDR.

Results

We analysed 1088 resistance tests for 971 clinic patients and baseline resistance tests for 542 recently infected patients. CDR at positions 30, 46, and 88 in pro was associated with TDR between 2001 and 2011. When CDR was weighted by the viral load of patients, CDR was associated with TDR at position 103 in RT. Each of these associations was corroborated at least once using shorter measurement intervals.

Conclusions

Despite evaluation of a limited percentage of chronically infected patients in San Diego, CDR correlated with TDR at key resistance positions and therefore may be a useful tool with which to predict the prevalence of TDR.
Thermal Conductivity of Very Porous Kaolin‐Based Ceramics
Authors: Bourret Julie , Michot Aurelie , Tessier‐Doyen Nicolas , Naït‐Ali Benoit , Pennec Fabienne , Alzina Arnaud , Vicente Jerome , Peyratout Claire S. , Smith David S.
Published: January 2014

A clay‐based material exhibiting high pore volume fraction and low thermal conductivity suitable for thermal insulation is described. Starting with a commercial clay containing >75% kaolinite, foams were made by mixing in water and methyl cellulose as a surfactant then beating. After drying at 70°C, the pore volume fraction >94% remains almost constant for treatments up to 1150°C. In contrast, the phases constituting the solid skeleton evolve strongly with removal of surfactant, dehydroxylation of kaolinite, and formation of mullite. The latter leads to greater mechanical strength but also an increase in thermal conductivity. Thermal treatment of the kaolin foam at 1100°C yields a suitable compromise between low thermal conductivity of 0.054 W.(m.K)−1 at room temperature with a compressive yield stress of 0.04 MPa. The radiation component in the effective thermal conductivity is <10% at 20°C increasing to >50% at 500°C.
A Political Economy Approach to the European Union Gas Model: Continuities and Changes
Authors: Fernandez Rafael , Palazuelos Enrique
Published: January 2014

The European Union gas model worked steadily for nearly four decades: since the time that gas first emerged as an important resource in European energy demand. However, since the late 1990s this stability has been disrupted by a number of factors. The EU reform agenda has been the most important of these. Following a structural‐conduct‐performance plan, the European Commission has forced changes on players, scenarios and exchange mechanisms through legislative action in order to build a new energy model based on those operating in the United States and the United Kingdom. The main point of this article is that despite these actions, many features of the traditional model have been modified but not removed, and many changes have not brought the results initially expected. These results are mainly due to the fact that the power relations among the main players of the pre‐reform model are still in place.
Renewed diversification is associated with new ecological opportunity in theNeotropical turtle ants
Authors: Price S. L. , Powell S. , Kronauer D. J. C. , Tran L. A. P. , Pierce N. E. , Wayne R. K.
Published: January 2014

Ecological opportunity, defined as access to new resources free from competitors, is thought to be a catalyst for the process of adaptive radiation. Much of what we know about ecological opportunity, and the larger process of adaptive radiation, is derived from vertebrate diversification on islands. Here, we examine lineage diversification in the turtle ants (Cephalotes), a species‐rich group of ants that has diversified throughout theNeotropics. We show that crown group turtle ants originated during theEocene (around 46 mya), coincident with global warming and the origin of many other clades. We also show a marked lineage‐wide slowdown in diversification rates in theMiocene. Contrasting this overall pattern, a species group associated with the young and seasonally harshChacoan biogeographic region underwent a recent burst of diversification. Subsequent analyses also indicated that there is significant phylogenetic clustering within theChacoan region and that speciation rates are highest there. Together, these findings suggest that recent ecological opportunity, from successful colonization of novel habitat, may have facilitated renewed turtle ant diversification. Our findings highlight a central role of ecological opportunity within a successful continental radiation.
Appropriability and Incentives with Complementary Innovations
Authors: D'Antoni Massimo , Rossi Maria Alessandra
Published: January 2014

This paper analyzes the effects on incentives to invest in the development of complementary innovations within research and development (R&D) collaborations of two alternative appropriability regimes: an “openness regime” whereby parties make an ex ante commitment to reciprocal access to each other's R&D outputs and an “exclusion regime” whereby no such commitment is made. We consider a model with efficient bargaining ex ante in which firms do not compete in the final market. Assuming that the complementary innovations constitute a common input and that agents make complementary investments in its private exploitation, we find that, when complementarities are sufficiently strong, a commitment to openness may provide greater incentives than an exclusion regime. The theoretical framework may be applied to interpret Open Source Software licenses, intellectual property rights licensing arrangements within research joint ventures and royalty stacking issues. From a public policy standpoint, the paper allows to identify conditions under which the openness regime may be an appropriate choice to elicit further development of publicly funded technologies.
Behind the Scenes: Sources of Complementarity in R&D
Authors: Ceccagnoli Marco , Higgins Matthew J. , Palermo Vincenzo
Published: January 2014

Management consultants increasingly recommend that internal R&D be outsourced; however, little is known about the substitution or complementarity between internal and external R&D. Through structural estimation of a flexible innovation production function we provide a deeper understanding of firm‐level drivers of complementarity between these two types of investments. Our analysis is based on a unique panel data set on the R&D and in‐licensing expenditures of pharmaceutical firms. Our results suggest that internal R&D and in‐licensing are neither complements nor substitutes. We find that the degree of complementarity is enhanced for firms with stronger absorptive capacity, economies of scope, and licensing experience.
Effect of Blood Contamination and Decontamination Protocols on Acetone‐Based and Ethanol‐Based Total Etch Adhesive Systems
Authors: Juneja Ruchi , Duhan Jigyasa , Tewari Sanjay , Sangwan Pankaj , Bhatnagar Naresh
Published: January 2014

Statement of the Problem

The efficacy of various decontamination protocols to reverse the effect of blood contamination after acid‐etching may depend on the type of adhesive.

Objectives

To compare the effect of blood contamination and various decontamination protocols on acetone‐based and ethanol‐based total‐etch adhesive systems.

Methods

Occlusal dentin of 64 human molars was etched and contaminated with fresh human blood. The samples were assigned to two groups as per adhesive used: Prime & Bond NT (acetone‐based) and Adper Single Bond 2 (ethanol‐based) and then subdivided into eight groups: (1) control, (2) no decontamination, (3) water rinsing, (4) re‐etching, (5) sodium hypochlorite, (6) sodium hypochlorite/sodium ascorbate, (7) hydrogen peroxide, and (8) ethanol. Adhesives were applied and specimens were prepared for μTBS after composite buildup. The data were subjected to analysis of variance followed by post hoc Tukey test.

Results

Blood contamination significantly reduced μTBS of both the adhesives. Re‐etching and NaOCl/Asc were effective in restoring μTBS to the level of control for both the adhesives whereas NaOCl was effective only for Prime & Bond NT.

Conclusion

Both re‐etching and NaOCl can be used for regaining μTBS of blood‐contaminated acid‐etched dentin. NaOCl/Asc yields better results than NaOCl alone, specifically for ethanol‐based adhesive.

Clinical Significance

Knowing the adverse effects of prolonged acid‐etching, other alternatives for decontamination of etched dentin after blood contamination should be considered. NaOCl alone or NaOCl followed by sodium ascorbate may prove to be good alternatives. These choices also may determine the type of adhesive system.
Microanatomy of the male and female reproductive tracts in the long‐tailed butterfly ray Gymnura poecilura, an elasmobranch with unusual characteristics
Authors: Henderson A. C. , Reeve A. J. , Ambu‐Ali A.
Published: January 2014

The anatomy of the male and female reproductive systems was investigated in the long‐tailed butterfly ray Gymnura poecilura using gross observation and light microscopy. The testes are highly asymmetrical, to the extent that only the left testis is functional and the right testis is completely absent. Both of the male genital ducts are present and symmetrical, although spermatozoa only occur in the left duct. The genital ducts are straight and unconvoluted, with regular incomplete internal partitions throughout. Females do not possess a right ovary, nor do the oviducal glands exhibit distinct club and papillary zones, and the baffle zone lacks baffle plates. In all sections of the gland, the tubules display different secretory activities depending on the proximity to the gland lumen. The gland produces a thin egg membrane that encases each egg individually, while the endometrium is formed into trophonemata.
Methodological Challenges in Determining Longitudinal Associations Between Anticholinergic Drug Use and Incident Cognitive Decline
Authors: Kashyap Mandavi , Belleville Sylvie , Mulsant Benoit H. , Hilmer Sarah N. , Paquette Amelie , Tu Le Mai , Tannenbaum Cara
Published: January 2014

Objectives

To compare the effect of using different anticholinergic drug scales and different models of cognitive decline in longitudinal studies.

Design

Longitudinal cohort study.

Setting

Outpatient clinics, Quebec, Canada.

Participants

Individuals aged 60 and older without dementia or depression (n = 102).

Measurements

Using baseline and 1‐year follow‐up data, four measures of anticholinergic burden (anticholinergic component of the Drug Burden Index (DBI‐Ach), Anticholinergic Cognitive Burden (ACB), Anticholinergic Drug Scale (ADS), and Anticholinergic Risk Scale (ARS)) were applied. Three models of cognitive decline (worsening of raw neuropsychological test scores, Reliable Change Index (RCI), and a standardized regression based measure (SRB)) were compared in relation to Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM‐V) criteria for the onset of a new mild neurocognitive disorder. The consistency of associations was examined using logistic regression.

Results

The frequency of identifying individuals with an increase in anticholinergic burden over 1 year varied from 18% with the DBI‐Ach to 23% with the ACB. The frequency of identifying cognitive decline ranged from 8% to 86% using different models. The raw change score had the highest sensitivity (0.91), and the RCI the highest specificity (0.93) against DSM‐V criteria. Memory decline using the SRB method was associated with an increase in ACB (odds ratio (OR) = 5.3, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.1–25.8), ADS (OR = 5.7, 95% CI = 1.1–27.7), and ARS (OR = 6.5, 95% CI = 1.34–32.3). An increase in the DBI‐Ach was associated with a decline on memory testing using the raw change score method (OR = 4.2, 95% CI = 1.8–15.4) and on the Trail‐Making Test Part B using SRB (OR = 2.9, 95% CI = 1.1–8.0). No associations were observed using the DSM‐V criteria or RCI method.

Conclusion

The choice of different methods for defining drug exposure and cognitive decline will have a significant effect on the results of pharmacoepidemiological studies.
A Tool to Strengthen the Older Patient–Companion Partnership in Primary Care: Results from a Pilot Study
Authors: Wolff Jennifer L. , Roter Debra L. , Barron Jeremy , Boyd Cynthia M. , Leff Bruce , Finucane Thomas E. , Gallo Joseph J. , Rabins Peter V. , Roth David L. , Gitlin Laura N.
Published: January 2014

Objectives

To determine the acceptability of a pre‐consultation checklist for older adults who attend medical visits with an unpaid companion and to evaluate its effects on visit communication.

Design

Randomized controlled pilot study.

Setting

Academic geriatrics ambulatory clinic.

Participants

Thirty‐two individuals aged 65 and older and their unpaid companions.

Intervention

A self‐administered checklist was compared with usual care. The checklist was designed to elicit and align patient and companion perspectives regarding health concerns to discuss with the doctor and stimulate discussion about the companion's role in the visit.

Measurement

Primary outcome: ratio of patient‐centered communication, coded from visit audiotapes. Secondary outcomes: checklist acceptability; visit duration; patient‐companion verbal activity; patient‐ and physician‐reported perspectives of the visit.

Results

All intervention patients and companions (n = 17) completed the checklist, and all participants (n = 32 dyads) completed the study. Patients and companions stated that the checklist was easy to complete (88%) and useful (91%), and they uniformly (100%) recommended it to other patients. Communication was significantly more patient‐centered in intervention group visits (ratio of 1.22 vs 0.71; P = .03). Visit duration (35.0 and 30.6 minutes; P = .34) and percentage of total verbal activity contributed by patients and companions (58.2% and 56.3% of visit statements; P = .50) were comparable in the intervention and control groups, respectively. Physicians were more likely to indicate that intervention companions “helped them provide good care to the patient” (94% vs 60%; P = .02). Intervention patients were more likely to indicate that they “better understood their doctor's advice and explanations” because their companion was present (82% vs 47%; P = .03).

Conclusion

A checklist to elicit and align perspectives of older adults and their companions resulted in enhanced patient‐centered medical visit communication.
Comparing patient and professional views of expected treatment outcomes for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a Delphi study identifies possibilities for change in service delivery in England, UK
Authors: Cooke Mary , Campbell Malcolm
Published: January 2014

Aims and objectives

To clarify by consensus the professional and patient views of expected treatment outcomes for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and to compare the similarities and differences and identify the potential for adjusting service delivery.

Background

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is an under‐researched topic necessary to illuminate health planning, and patient partnership needs in the UK clinical screening is low priority for this condition. Government policy expects that service users are involved in planning services for their condition, but few opportunities exist for this process.

Design

A feasibility study in two phases conducted three service user focus groups and one specialist professional group to provide statements of expected treatment outcomes from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease interventions. The statements then formed a further two‐round Delphi structured survey to compare service users' and carers' views with those of specialist professionals to ascertain what differences could be developed in service delivery for people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Methods

Three rounds of Delphi survey were administered. Round 1: Specialist professionals and patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease ranked statements using nominal group technique. A nine‐point scale Delphi consensus study used the statements in two further rounds.

Results

Twenty‐four of 54 professionals contacted, and 52 of 152 patients and carers completed Delphi rounds 2 and 3. Consensus was found within and between both groups. The greatest difference was where professionals sought government targets and did not realise patient expectations, which were constrained by policy disincentives. The greatest agreement was for accurate record keeping and the need for revised chronic obstructive pulmonary disease services.

Conclusions

Patients consider that services should support them to retain their independence and enable their adaptation to the condition.

Relevance to clinical practice

Health professionals aim to provide patient focused care based on need. This helps improve outcomes of interventions. Patients are willing and able if supported to increase independence and maintain self‐help.
Nurses' delivery of the Tobacco Tactics intervention at a Veterans Affairs Medical Center
Authors: Fore Amanda M , Karvonen‐Gutierrez Carrie A , Talsma AkkeNeel , Duffy Sonia A
Published: January 2014

Aims and objectives

To determine (1) factors associated with nurses' perceived confidence in and importance of delivering cessation interventions to patients after receiving the Tobacco Tactics educational module, and (2) whether self‐reported delivery of smoking cessation services increased after the Tobacco Tactics educational programme was implemented.

Background

Intensive nurse‐based inpatient smoking cessation interventions are effective; however, due to a lack of nurse confidence, training and time, nurse‐administered cessation interventions are seldom implemented.

Design

Two cross‐sectional surveys among staff trained in the Tobacco Tactics programme, conducted at two months and 15 months post‐training.

Methods

Surveys were conducted to determine whether self‐reported delivery of smoking cessation services by nursing staff increased after delivery of the Tobacco Tactics training at a Midwestern Veterans Affairs Medical Center. All staff members who attended the training were eligible to complete the surveys at two and 15 months post‐training.

Results

Having a good understanding of the elements of smoking cessation interventions and satisfaction with training were associated with perceived confidence and importance of delivering smoking cessation interventions. Additionally, 86% of participants reported delivering cessation interventions 15 months post‐training compared with 57% prior to training (p < 0·0001).

Conclusions

Training nurses how to deliver tobacco cessation interventions increases delivery of cessation services.

Relevance to clinical practice

Nurse‐delivered cessation interventions have the potential to increase quit rates and decrease morbidity and mortality among patient populations.
The lived experience of relationships after major burn injury
Authors: Moi Asgjerd L , Gjengedal Eva
Published: January 2014

Aims and objectives

To explore and describe the meaning of relationships after major burn injury.

Background

A major burn injury may represent a threat to preburn appearance and level of functioning. Social resources and interaction are considered important for minimising the negative impacts on life after burn through all phases of care and rehabilitation. Yet, the subjective experiences of relating to others after burns have not been extensively explored.

Design

The study was performed by using a phenomenological approach.

Methods

A purposive sample (n = 14) of patients who had experienced major burns were interviewed in average 14 (5–35) months postinjury. The interviews were analysed by the phenomenological method of Giorgi.

Results

The essence of the experience of relationships was constituted by other people re‐anchoring the burn‐injured persons to preburn life, being confirming of the new self, as well as being sensitive, competent and safeguarding with respect to actual and potential problems and harms. New bodily limitations demanded assistive others. Moreover, a worry about the overall burden on close family was typical. The supportive actions from others were mostly described as positive, but could also be experienced as challenging, and sometimes even unwanted and interfering with the struggle for regained freedom.

Conclusions

Across variation, an increased awareness of the meaning of mutual interdependence was typical. Supportive relationships with family, friends and health professionals were important for the return to society, preburn activities and a meaningful life.

Relevance to clinical practice

A perspective that values the significance of social support from family, friends, health professionals and others who are important for the burn‐injured person, and that does not underestimate challenges that may be involved, is recommended during all phases of burn care. Health professionals should also acknowledge the importance of relationships when developing structured educational programmes and organising peer support.
Technical Report: Precisely Fitting Bars on Implants in Five Steps—A CAD/CAM Concept for the Edentulous Mandible
Authors: Beuer Florian , Schweiger Josef , Huber Martin , Engels Jörg , Stimmelmayr Michael
Published: January 2014

Various treatment concepts have been presented for the edentulous mandible. Manufacturing tension‐free and precisely fitting bars on dental implants was previously a great challenge in prosthetic dentistry and required great effort. Modern computer aided design/computer aided manufacturing technology in combination with some clinical modifications of the established workflow enables the clinician to achieve precise results in a very efficient way. The innovative five‐step concept is presented in a clinical case.
Enhanced absorption and bioavailability of hydrochlorothiazide by Chinese medicines in the Zhenju antihypertensive compound
Authors: Qin Jing , Wang Limin , Bai Yu , Li Yongji , Jing Yingchun , Han Limei , Wang Jianxin
Published: January 2014

Objectives

This study was performed to investigate the influence of traditional Chinese medicines in the Zhenju antihypertensive compound (ZJAHC) on the oral absorption of hydrochlorothiazide (HCT) both in vitro and in vivo.

Methods

Caco-2 cells and the in situ closed loop system were used to investigate the possible mechanism of the Chinese-Western medicine interaction on the transepithelial transport and uptake of HCT. The influence of TCMs on the pharmacokinetics and bioavailability of HCT was also studied to reveal the possible interaction in vivo.

Key findings

In an in situ intestinal perfusion study, the cumulative amount of HCT of ZJAHC group (506.05 μg ± 96.03) was 2.2-fold, 2.18-fold and 1.38-fold higher compared to that of the HCT group (228.29 μg ± 23.39), HCT-clonidine (CLO) group (232.13 ± 54.79 μg) and HCT-rutin (RT) group (366.08 ± 21.97 μg), respectively, after 120 min of perfusion. A pharmacokinetic analysis showed a significant increase in area under the plasma concentration-time curve (AUC) of HCT in the ZJAHC group by 2.14-fold, 2.01-fold and 1.32-fold compared to the HCT, HCT-CLO and HCT-RT groups, respectively. As a P-gp inhibitor, RT could contribute to the enhanced oral absorption of HCT in ZJAHC.

Conclusion

The combination of traditional Chinese medicines and chemical drugs may provide a promising strategy and unique advantages to reduce the dosage and side effects of chemical drugs while maintaining an effect on hypertension.
Prevalence and Characteristics of Sexual Functioning among Sexually Experienced Middle to Late Adolescents
Authors: O'Sullivan Lucia F. , Brotto Lori A. , Byers E. Sandra , Majerovich Jo Ann , Wuest Judith A.
Published: January 2014

Introduction

Little is known about problems in sexual functioning among young people, despite the high rates found in adult samples. It is unclear which problems are most prevalent or how common sexual distress is for young people experiencing problems.

Aims

This study aims to assess the prevalence, range, and correlates of sexual problems and distress among a sample of adolescents (16–21 years).

Methods

Participants (mean age 19.2) were recruited from community and area high schools. Male adolescents (n = 114) completed online the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) and Premature Ejaculation Diagnostic Tool (PEDT). Female adolescents (n = 144) completed the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI). Both completed the Female Sexual Distress Scale (FSDS) and the measures of background, relationship characteristics, and sexual histories.

Main Outcomes Measures

Clinical cutoff scores on the IIEF, PEDT, FSFI, and FSDS were used to determine whether there was a significant sexual problem.

Results

Adolescents reported extensive sexual experience, most in relationship contexts. Half of the sample (51.1%) reported a sexual problem; 50.0% reported clinically significant levels of distress associated with it. Similar rates of problems and distress were found among male and female adolescents. For the most part, adolescent characteristics, backgrounds, and experience were not associated with adolescents' sexual problems.

Conclusion

Sexual problems are clearly prevalent among adolescents, and distressing to many who experience them, emphasizing a strong need to develop programs to address this issue.
Evaluation of Coughing and Nasal Discharge as Early Indicators for An Increased Risk to Develop Equine Recurrent Airway Obstruction (RAO)
Authors: Bosshard S. , Gerber V.
Published: January 2014

Background

It is often assumed that horses with mild respiratory clinical signs, such as mucous nasal discharge and occasional coughing, have an increased risk of developing recurrent airway obstruction (RAO).

Hypothesis

Compared to horses without any clinical signs of respiratory disease, those with occasional coughing, mucous nasal discharge, or both have an increased risk of developing signs of RAO (frequent coughing, increased breathing effort, exercise intolerance, or a combination of these) as characterized by the Horse Owner Assessed Respiratory Signs Index (HOARSI 1–4).

Animals

Two half‐sibling families descending from 2 RAO‐affected stallions (n = 65 and n = 47) and an independent replication population of unrelated horses (n = 88).

Methods

In a retrospective cohort study, standardized information on occurrence and frequency of coughing, mucous nasal discharge, poor performance, and abnormal breathing effort—and these factors combined in the HOARSI—as well as management factors were collected at intervals of 1.3–5 years.

Results

Compared to horses without clinical signs of respiratory disease (half‐siblings 7%; unrelated horses 3%), those with mild respiratory signs developed clinical signs of RAO more frequently: half‐siblings with mucous nasal discharge 35% (P < .001, OR: 7.0, sensitivity: 62%, specificity: 81%), with mucous nasal discharge and occasional coughing 43% (P < .001, OR: 9.9, sensitivity: 55%, specificity: 89%); unrelated horses with occasional coughing: 25% (P = .006, OR = 9.7, sensitivity: 75%, specificity: 76%).

Conclusions and Clinical importance

Occasional coughing and mucous nasal discharge might represent an increased risk of developing RAO.
Native Language Phonological Skills in Low‐Proficiency Second Language Learners
Authors: Borodkin Katy , Faust Miriam
Published: January 2014

This study investigated the link between low second language performance and difficulties with native language phonological processing. Participants were native Hebrew speakers, 19–31 years of age, who learned English as a second language in a school setting. Individuals with dyslexia performed below high‐proficiency second language learners on each of four tasks assessing native language phonological processing, whereas low‐proficiency second language learners were disadvantaged compared to high‐proficiency second language learners on only two of the tasks: pseudoword repetition and tip‐of‐the‐tongue naming. These results indicate that both individuals with dyslexia and low‐proficiency second language learners have a weakness in native language phonological processing. The weakness in low‐proficiency second language learners, however, is evident in a more limited set of skills compared to individuals with dyslexia.
Samurai and Gentlemen: The Anglophone Japan Corpus and New Avenues into Orientalism (Part I)
Authors: Holt Jenny
Published: January 2014

The article as a whole seeks to explore new ways of looking at the literature of intercultural encounter using ideas of culture shock, cultural adaptation and narrative theory. It also demonstrates the importance of Anglophone literature about Japan to the understanding of how writers from the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries sought to engage with people from other ethnic groups. From the 1850s, when Japan ended its policy of national isolation, until the beginning of World War II, the literary marketplace was flooded with numerous English‐language texts which dealt with almost every aspect of Japanese life, covering subjects as diverse as art and design, botany, geology, women's rights, war, public health, theatre, linguistics and religion. However, despite the size of this Anglophone Japan corpus, only well‐known texts such as Isabella Bird's Unbeaten Tracks in Japan and the works of Lafcadio Hearn have attracted substantial in‐depth analysis. One reason for the neglect of the field is that previous decades of scholars regarded this literature as too ephemeral to be worth studying. Another may be that conventional Saidian frameworks for interpreting the literature of cultural encounter fail to provide a satisfactory understanding of relationships between westerners and the Japanese. However, this resistance to Saidian interpretation means that the Anglophone Japan corpus is ideal for testing alternative readings of cross‐cultural literature. This, the first section of the article, presents a brief overview of Anglophone literature on Japan, and investigates some of the new strategies being put forward for interpreting these texts. The second part of the article will follow on by presenting a case study of one theme which dominated discussions of Japan in the early twentieth century: the figure of the samurai and the idea of ‘Bushidō’ (the ‘way of the samurai’). By undertaking this analysis, I demonstrate how ideas of culture shock and narrative psychology can be used to give a more nuanced understanding of the personal and social motives behind the literature of intercultural encounter.
Lymph Transport in Rat Mesenteric Lymphatics Experiencing Edemagenic Stress
Authors: Rahbar Elaheh , Akl Tony , Coté Gerard L. , Moore James E. , Zawieja David C.
Published: January 2014

Objective

To assess lymphatic flow adaptations to edema, we evaluated lymph transport function in rat mesenteric lymphatics under normal and increased fluid volume (edemagenic) conditions in situ.

Methods

Twelve rats were infused with saline (intravenous infusion, 0.2 mL/min/100 g body weight) to induce edema. We intravitally measured mesenteric lymphatic diameter and contraction frequency, as well as lymphocyte velocity and density before, during, and after infusion.

Results

A 10‐fold increase in lymphocyte velocity (0.1–1 mm/s) and a sixfold increase in flow rate (0.1–0.6 μL/min), were observed post infusion, respectively. There were also increases in contraction frequency and fractional pump flow one minute post infusion. Time‐averaged wall shear stress increased 10 fold post infusion to nearly 1.5 dynes/cm2. Similarly, maximum shear stress rose from 5 to 40 dynes/cm2.

Conclusions

Lymphatic vessels adapted to edemagenic stress by increasing lymph transport. Specifically, the increases in lymphatic contraction frequency, lymphocyte velocity, and shear stress were significant. Lymph pumping increased post infusion, though changes in lymphatic diameter were not statistically significant. These results indicate that edemagenic conditions stimulate lymph transport via increases in lymphatic contraction frequency, lymphocyte velocity, and flow. These changes, consequently, resulted in large increases in wall shear stress, which could then activate NO pathways and modulate lymphatic transport function.
Thomas Adès's ‘Freaky, Funky Rave’
Authors: Venn Edward
Published: January 2014

‘Ecstasio’, the third movement of Thomas Adès's 1997 orchestral work Asyla, draws heavily on gestures and forms of electronic dance music (EDM) in a manner analogous to the use of contemporary dance genres in the Romantic scherzo. The relative novelty of EDM in the symphonic repertoire led early critics of the work to focus their attention on the unusual gestures and forms that are alluded to in ‘Ecstasio’. The resulting emphasis on the social, political and physical implications of EDM promotes an oversimplified picture of the movement; no mention is made of those alternative processes that comment on, conflict with and ultimately compromise the topical utilisation of EDM within the movement. Through the exploration of the primary and secondary significations of EDM, and by virtue of a close reading of the musical procedures in ‘Ecstasio’, this article offers a reading that questions and contradicts the early critical reception of the movement and suggests instead an ambiguous yet probing artistic position towards EDM.
Dermatophytosis and immunovirological status of HIV‐infected and AIDS patients from Sao Paulo city, Brazil
Authors: da Silva Bosco Christiano Maciel , Paula Claudete Rodrigues , Auler Marcos Ereno , Ruiz Luciana da Silva , dos Santos Jairo Ivo , Yoshioka Márcia Cristina Naomi , Fabris Alexandre , Castro Luiz Guilherme Martins , Duarte Alberto José da Silva , Gambale Walderez
Published: January 2014

Over the past decades, more people became infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and developed acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Because of that the incidence of fungal infections rose dramatically. It happened because this virus can modify the course of fungal diseases, leading to altered clinical pictures. The aim of this study was to evaluate epidemiological and biological aspects of dermatophytosis in HIV‐positive and AIDS patients living in the city of São Paulo, Brazil. A total of 84 (44 HIV‐positive and 40 AIDS) patients were enrolled in this study. The patients were tested for dermatophyte infections, as well as for the CD4+/CD8+ and HIV viral load counts. Tinea unguium was most frequently observed in AIDS patients, whereas Tinea pedis was mostly observed in HIV‐positive patients. The most frequent dermatophyte species was Trichophyton rubrum. CD4+ counts and CD4+/CD8+ ratios were not associated with a higher risk for dermatophytosis. On the other hand, viral load higher than 100 000 copies/ml was associated with a higher frequency of dermatophytosis. The results suggest to that although dermatophytosis is common in HIV‐positive and AIDS patients, the degree of immunosuppression does not seems to correlate with increased risk of this fungal infection. In addition, high viral load as a predictive risk factor for dermatophyte infection should be subject of further evaluations.
Fossilized ontogenies: the contribution of placoderm ontogeny to our understanding of the evolution of early gnathostomes
Authors: Johanson Zerina , Trinajstic Kate
Published: January 2014

Placoderms, representing phylogenetically more inclusive jawed vertebrates and successive sister taxa to crown‐group gnathostomes, are critical to our understanding of character evolution within the crown‐group (chondrichthyans + osteichthyans), including developmental characters. Early ontogenetic stages of placoderms are generally poorly known, although some exceptional faunas preserve both embryonic (e.g. from the Gogo Formation, Western Australia) and post‐embryonic individuals (the Miguasha Formation, Canada; Lode Formation, Latvia; Merriganowry Formation, Gogo Formation, Australia). Information provided by these ontogenies is relevant to questions of placoderm taxonomy and phylogeny, but also to broader questions pertinent to vertebrate evolution as a whole, for example, evolution of bone development, evolution of the axial skeleton and evolution of reproduction.
Is there an alternative to continuous opioid infusion for neonatal pain control? A preliminary report of parent/nurse‐controlled analgesia in the neonatal intensive care unit
Authors: Czarnecki Michelle L. , Hainsworth Keri , Simpson Pippa M. , Arca Marjorie J. , Uhing Michael R. , Varadarajan Jaya , Weisman Steven J.
Published: January 2014

Background

Continuous opioid infusion (COI) remains the mainstay of analgesic therapy in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Parent/nurse‐controlled analgesia (PNCA) has been accepted as safe and effective for pediatric patients, but few reports include use in neonates. This study sought to compare outcomes of PNCA and COI in postsurgical neonates and young infants.

Methods

Twenty infants treated with morphine PNCA were retrospectively compared with 13 infants treated with fentanyl COI in a Midwestern pediatric hospital in the United States. Outcome measures included opioid consumption, pain scores, frequency of adverse events, and subsequent methadone use.

Results

The PNCA group (median 6.4 μg·kg−1·h−1 morphine equivalents, range 0.0–31.4) received significantly less opioid (P < 0.001) than the COI group (median 40.0 μg·kg−1·h−1 morphine equivalents; range 20.0–153.3), across postoperative days 0–3. Average daily pain scores (based on 0–10 scale) were low for both groups, but median scores differed nonetheless (0.8 PNCA vs 0.3 COI, P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the frequency of adverse events or methadone use.

Conclusion

Results suggest PNCA may be a feasible and effective alternative to COI for pain management in postsurgical infants in the NICU. Results also suggest PNCA may provide more individualized care for this vulnerable population and in doing so, may potentially reduce opioid consumption; however, more studies are needed.
Retrospective audit of unplanned admissions to pediatric high dependency and intensive care after surgery
Authors: Gibson Alexander R. , Limb James , Bell Graham
Published: January 2014

Background

Unplanned admissions to intensive care after surgery are a recommended clinical indicator of patient safety in the perioperative period and are validated to reflect both surgical and anesthesia‐related complications.

Objectives

To determine the rate and reasons for unplanned admissions to high dependency (HDU) and pediatric intensive care (PICU) following noncardiac surgery.

Methods

Data, including diagnosis, operation, and history of presenting complaint, were retrieved from electronic HDU and PICU data and hospital records for a 5‐year period. All cases were individually reviewed by two pediatric anesthetists to identify unplanned admissions along with their urgency, source, and cause.

Results

During the study period, 53 876 procedures were performed resulting in 319 unplanned admissions to HDU/PICU, a rate of 0.6%. Of these, 108 (34%) were related to complications of anesthesia. The rate of unplanned admission to HDU/PICU secondary to a complication of anesthesia was therefore 0.2%. Emergency procedures and procedures involving a shared airway were particular risk factors for admission.

Conclusion

The rate of unplanned admission to HDU/PICU is low and is comparable to previously published data. The high number of admissions following procedures involving a shared airway may represent patient‐related factors and the case mix at this hospital. However, such a finding has prompted a combined ENT and anesthetic review of the care pathway for children with problems following airway instrumentation.
Causal Closure, Causal Exclusion, and Supervenience Physicalism
Authors: Morris Kevin
Published: January 2014

This article considers the recent defense of the supervenience approach to physicalism due to Jaegwon Kim. Kim argues that supervenience supports physical causal closure, and that causal closure supports physicalism – indeed, a kind of reductive physicalism – and thus that supervenience suffices for physicalism. After laying out Kim's argument, I ask whether its success would truly vindicate the role of supervenience in defining physicalist positions. I argue that it would not, and that insofar as Kim's defense of supervenience physicalism succeeds, it does so by showing that supervenience physicalism is not a unique, nonredundant way to be a physicalist.
Spinoza's PSR as a Principle of Clear and Distinct Representation
Authors: Schneider Daniel
Published: January 2014

It is argued first, that Spinoza's Principle of Sufficient Reason (PSR) is best seen as an auxiliary premise and not as an axiom of the Ethics; second, that Spinoza held the PSR to be a self‐evident truth that indicates a necessary condition for clearly and distinctly representing the existence or non‐existence of a thing; and third, that this interpretation of Spinoza's PSR explains the near absence of the PSR within the demonstrations of the Ethics as well as the importance of the principle in Spinoza's thought.
Functional screening of willow alleles in Arabidopsis combined with QTL mapping in willow (Salix) identifies SxMAX4 as a coppicing response gene
Authors: Salmon Jemma , Ward Sally P. , Hanley Steven J. , Leyser Ottoline , Karp Angela
Published: January 2014

Willows (Salix spp.) are important biomass crops due to their ability to grow rapidly with low fertilizer inputs and ease of cultivation in short‐rotation coppice cycles. They are relatively undomesticated and highly diverse, but functional testing to identify useful allelic variation is time‐consuming in trees and transformation is not yet possible in willow. Arabidopsis is heralded as a model plant from which knowledge can be transferred to advance the improvement of less tractable species. Here, knowledge and methodologies from Arabidopsis were successfully used to identify a gene influencing stem number in coppiced willows, a complex trait of key biological and industrial relevance. The strigolactone‐related More AXillary growth (MAX) genes were considered candidates due to their role in shoot branching. We previously demonstrated that willow and Arabidopsis show similar response to strigolactone and that transformation rescue of Arabidopsis max mutants with willow genes could be used to detect allelic differences. Here, this approach was used to screen 45 SxMAX1, SxMAX2, SxMAX3 and SxMAX4 alleles cloned from 15 parents of 11 mapping populations varying in shoot‐branching traits. Single‐nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) frequencies were locus dependent, ranging from 29.2 to 74.3 polymorphic sites per kb. SxMAX alleles were 98%–99% conserved at the amino acid level, but different protein products varying in their ability to rescue Arabidopsis max mutants were identified. One poor rescuing allele, SxMAX4D, segregated in a willow mapping population where its presence was associated with increased shoot resprouting after coppicing and colocated with a QTL for this trait.
Plant signalling in acute ozone exposure
Authors: VAINONEN JULIA P. , KANGASJÄRVI JAAKKO
Published: January 2014

Exposure of plants to high ozone concentrations causes lesion formation in sensitive plants. Plant responses to ozone involve fast and massive changes in protein activities, gene expression and metabolism even before any tissue damage can be detected. Degradation of ozone and subsequent accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the extracellular space activates several signalling cascades, which are integrated inside the cell into a fine‐balanced network of ROS signalling. Reversible protein phosphorylation and degradation plays an important role in the regulation of signalling mechanisms in a complex crosstalk with plant hormones and calcium, an essential second messenger. In this review, we discuss the recent advances in understanding the molecular mechanisms of ozone uptake, perception and signalling pathways activated during the early steps of ozone response, and discuss the use of ozone as a tool to study the function of apoplastic ROS in signalling.