bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Role of CYP2C8 and CYP2C9 Genotypes in Losartan‐Dependent Inhibition of Paclitaxel Metabolism in Human Liver Microsomes
Authors: Mukai Yuji , Senda Asuna , Toda Takaki , Eliasson Erik , Rane Anders , Inotsume Nobuo
Published: November 2015

The aim of the present study was to further investigate a previously identified metabolic interaction between losartan and paclitaxel, which is one of the marker substrates of CYP2C8, by using human liver microsomes (HLMs) from donors with different CYP2C8 and CYP2C9 genotypes. Although CYP2C8 and CYP2C9 exhibit genetic linkage, previous studies have yet to determine whether losartan or its active metabolite, EXP‐3174 which is specifically generated by CYP2C9, is responsible for CYP2C8 inhibition. Concentrations of 6α‐hydroxypaclitaxel and EXP‐3174 were measured by high‐performance liquid chromatography after incubations with paclitaxel, losartan or EXP‐3174 in HLMs from seven donors with different CYP2C8 and CYP2C9 genotypes. The half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values were not fully dependent on CYP2C8 genotypes. Although the degree of inhibition was small, losartan significantly inhibited the production of 6α‐hydroxypaclitaxel at a concentration of 1 μmol/L in only HL20 with the CYP2C8*3/*3 genotype. HLMs with either CYP2C9*2/*2 or CYP2C9*1/*3 exhibited a lower losartan intrinsic clearance (Vmax/Km) than other HLMs including those with CYP2C9*1/*1 and CYP2C9*1/*2. Significant inhibition of 6α‐hydroxypaclitaxel formation by EXP‐3174 could only be found at levels that were 50 times higher (100 μmol/L) than the maximum concentration generated in the inhibition study using losartan. These results suggest that the metabolic interaction between losartan and paclitaxel is dependent on losartan itself rather than its metabolite and that the CYP2C8 inhibition by losartan is not affected by the CYP2C9 genotype. Further study is needed to define the effect of CYP2C8 genotypes on losartan–paclitaxel interaction.
Effect of the Combination of Ezetimibe and Simvastatin on Gluconeogenesis and Oxygen Consumption in the Rat Liver
Authors: Bracht Lívia , Caparroz‐Assef Silvana Martins , Bracht Adelar , Bersani‐Amado Ciomar Aparecida
Published: November 2015

The aim of this work was to investigate the effects of chronic treatment with the combination of ezetimibe and simvastatin on gluconeogenesis in rat liver. Rats were treated daily for 28 days with the combination of ezetimibe and simvastatin (10/40 mg/kg) by oral gavage. To measure gluconeogenesis and the associated pathways, isolated perfused rat liver was used. In addition, subcellular fractions, such as microsomes and mitochondria, were used for complementary measures of enzymatic activities. Treatment with the combination of simvastatin and ezetimibe resulted in a decrease in gluconeogenesis from pyruvate (−62%). Basal oxygen consumption of the treated animals was higher (+22%) than that of the control rats, but the resulting oxygen consumption that occurred after pyruvate infusion was 43% lower in animals treated with the combination of simvastatin and ezetimibe. Oxygen consumption in the livers from treated animals was completely inhibited by cyanide (electron transport chain inhibitor), but not by proadifen (cytochrome P450 inhibitor). Chronic treatment with ezetimibe/simvastatin decreased the activity of the key enzymes glucose‐6‐phosphatase and fructose‐1,6‐bisphosphatase by 59% and 45%, respectively, which is probably the major reason for the decreased gluconeogenesis seen in ezetimibe‐/simvastatin‐treated rats. It is also possible that part of the effect of this combination on gluconeogenesis and on the oxygen consumption is related to the impairment of mitochondrial energy transduction.
An Elicited‐Production Study of Inflectional Verb Morphology in Child Finnish
Authors: Räsänen Sanna H. M. , Ambridge Ben , Pine Julian M.
Published: November 2015

Many generativist accounts (e.g., Wexler, 1998) argue for very early knowledge of inflection on the basis of very low rates of person/number marking errors in young children's speech. However, studies of Spanish (Aguado‐Orea & Pine, 2015) and Brazilian Portuguese (Rubino & Pine, 1998) have revealed that these low overall error rates actually hide important differences across the verb paradigm. The present study investigated children's production of person/number marked verbs by eliciting present tense verb forms from 82 native Finnish‐speaking children aged 2;2–4;8 years. Four main findings were observed: (a) Rates of person/number marking errors were higher in low‐frequency person/number contexts, even excluding children who showed no evidence of having learned the relevant morpheme, (b) most errors involved the use of higher frequency forms in lower frequency person/number contexts, (c) error rates were predicted not only by the frequency of person/number contexts (e.g., 3sg > 2pl) but also by the frequency of individual “ready‐inflected” lexical target forms, and (d) for low‐frequency verbs, lower error rates were observed for verbs with high phonological neighborhood density. It is concluded that any successful account of the development of verb inflection will need to incorporate both (a) rote‐storage and retrieval of individual inflected forms and (b) phonological analogy across them.
Incremental Value of Live/Real Time Three‐Dimensional over Two‐Dimensional Transesophageal Echocardiography in the Assessment of Atrial Septal Pouch
Authors: Elsayed Mahmoud , Hsiung Ming C. , Meggo‐Quiroz L. David , Elguindy Mostafa , Uygur Begum , Tandon Rohit , Guvenc Tolga , Keser Nurgul , Vural Mustafa G. , Bulur Serkan , Chahwala Jugal R. , Abtahi Firoozeh , Nanda Navin C.
Published: November 2015

An atrial septal pouch (ASP) results from partial fusion of the septum primum and the septum secundum, and depending on the site of fusion, the pouch can be left‐sided (LASP) or right‐sided (RASP). LASPs have been described in association with thrombi found in patients admitted with acute strokes, raising awareness of its potential cardioembolic role, especially in those with no other clearly identifiable embolic source. We retrospectively studied 39 patients in whom the presence of an ASP had been identified by three‐dimensional transesophageal echocardiography (3DTEE) and who had a two‐dimensional transesophageal echocardiogram (2DTEE) performed during the same clinical encounter. The incremental value provided by 3DTEE over 2DTEE included the detection of six ASPs not found by 2DTEE; the detection of two ASPs in the same subject (in four patients) not identified by 2DTEE; larger ASP measurements of length and height in over 80% of the cases; and measurement of the ASP width (elevational axis) for the calculation of the area of the ASP opening, because of its unique capability to view the pouch en face. In addition, the volume of ASP and of the echogenic masses contained in the ASP (four of 39 patients) could be calculated by 3DTEE, which is a superior parameter of size characterization when compared to individual dimensions. One of these patients who presented with ischemic stroke diagnosed by magnetic resonance imaging had a large (>2 cm) mass in a LASP, with echolucencies similar to those seen in thrombi and associated with clot lysis and resolution. This mass completely disappeared on anticoagulant therapy lending credence that it was most likely a thrombus. There was no history of stroke or any other type of embolic event in the other three patients with masses in ASP. In conclusion, this retrospective study highlights the incremental value of 3DTEE over 2DTEE in the comprehensive assessment and characterization of ASPs, which can aid in the clarification of their role in cryptogenic stroke patients.
Three‐dimensional pore structure and carbon distribution of macroaggregates in biochar‐amended soil
Authors: Yu X. , Wu C. , Fu Y. , Brookes P. C. , Lu S.
Published: November 2015

Incorporation of biochar improves the physical properties of soil that are needed for plant growth; in particular, it stabilizes soil's aggregate structure. There has been little research, however, on the effects of biochar on three‐dimensional (3‐D) soil structure and carbon distribution within aggregates. To investigate the effects we amended two soil types (Ultisol andVertisol) with three types of biochar (at the rate of 40 g biochar kg−1soil). We separated the macroaggregates (5–7 cm in diameter) into two sets to study the distributions of intra‐aggregate pores and carbon. Synchrotron‐basedX‐ray micro‐computed tomography (SR‐mCT) indicated that application of woodchip biochar (WCB) and waste‐water sludge biochar (WSB) increased significantly the porosities of macroaggregates, whereas straw biochar (SB) was less effective. The increased porosity of macroaggregates in the biochar‐amended soil is attributed to both the original porosity in the biochar and newly formed pores resulting from the interaction between the soil and the biochar. The addition of straw biochar has no obvious effect on the spatial distribution of pores in macroaggregates of either soil, whereasWCBandWSBchanged the directional pore distribution of theVertisol macroaggregates considerably. In theWCB‐ andWSB‐amendedUltisol, the number of pores increased in the outer parts of the macroaggregates, thereby greatly improving the exchange of air, water and nutrients with the adjacent soil matrix. Carbon mapping of the macroaggregates showed that the application ofSBdid not greatly increase the carbon content of macroaggregates compared with the control. The addition ofWSBto theUltisol markedly increased the carbon concentration of macroaggregates. The heat‐map analysis indicated that the effects of biochar on pore structure and carbon content depend on the type of biochar and soil. The combination ofSR‐mCTand scanning electron microscopy (SEM) has been shown to be powerful for quantifying the pore characteristics and carbon distribution in soil macroaggregates.
The Study of Bias in Entrepreneurship
Authors: Zhang Stephen X. , Cueto Javier
Published: November 2015

Scholars use the theoretical lens of bias to research various behavioral phenomena in entrepreneurship. We assess this body of research, focusing on definitional issues and relationships. Furthermore, we discuss how the study of bias in entrepreneurship can be advanced, given the new development in related fields such as cognitive sciences. The assessments and discussions help reveal as well as address tensions in the literature, identify numerous research opportunities that may not be obvious by looking at previous work individually, and contribute to how the theory of bias can further help to understand entrepreneurship.
Public Services and the Internal Market: Building Blocks or Persistent Irritant?
Authors: Sauter Wolf
Published: November 2015

Critics such as Fritz Scharpf maintain that in the EU, negative integration (abolishing national rules) by definition wins out over positive integration (adopting new EU rules). This claim is examined here regarding public services—both utilities and welfare services. In EU law, the (partly overlapping) relevant categories are as follows: (1) services of general interest (SGI) and (2) services of general economic interest (SGEI). The latter are provided by undertakings. SGI that are not also SGEI are subject only to non‐discrimination requirements: this covers most welfare services. SGEI must comply with the EU competition and state aid rules, which promotes liberalisation. However, a proportional exception is allowed in so far as necessary for SGEI to carry out their public tasks. Moreover, alongside liberalisation, EU regimes for public services have emerged that benefit citizens/consumers. In sum, public services can now arguably be seen as building blocks of the internal market.
Minimum Criminal Penalties in the European Union: In Search of a Credible Justification
Authors: De Bondt Wendy , Miettinen Samuli
Published: November 2015

The EU has recently mooted the possibility of harmonising minimum penalties. ‘Minimum criminal penalties’ refers to the lowest sanction available for a judge in a concrete case. Calculating the actual penalty involves legal mechanisms that might mitigate that penalty. Comparative analysis reveals that a distinction needs to be made between minimum penalties included in national criminal codes (in abstracto penalty) and the lowest penalty that might be imposed (in concreto penalty). Although in abstracto minimum penalties are found in the criminal codes of most Member States, they are fiercely opposed in others. In concreto minimum penalties that constitute an absolute limit to the discretion of a judge are even more controversial. Against that background, this contribution reviews whether or not the EU should force the Member States to impose absolute, in concreto minimum criminal penalties. It examines the justifications presented in recent proposals in light of legal and criminological research.
Successful management of multiple extrapulmonary complications associated with Rhodococcus equi pneumonia in a foal
Authors: Wilkes E. J. A. , Hughes K. J. , Kessell A. E. , Raidal S. L.
Published: November 2015

This report describes the diagnosis and successful treatment of multiple extrapulmonary sequelae of Rhodococcus equi (R. equi) pneumonia in a 3‐month‐old filly. Bilateral uveitis and hyphaema, haemolytic anaemia and polysynovitis developed in this foal and were likely due to immune‐mediated mechanisms. The challenges associated with diagnosis and treatments of these extrapulmonary disorders are discussed. The filly was treated initially with clarithromycin and rifampin; however, a blood transfusion and immunosuppressive therapy with dexamethasone were required due to progressive haemolysis and for treatment of uveitis and polysynovitis. Bilateral hyphaema was successfully treated with intracameral injections of a recombinant tissue plasminogen activator. The development of antimicrobial resistance in R. equi was an additional challenge encountered in the management of this case and emphasises the importance of culture and in vitro antimicrobial susceptibility testing of isolates from foals with R. equi pneumonia. Extrapulmonary disorders associated with R. equi pneumonia are likely underdiagnosed and associated with a poor prognosis. This case highlights the importance of thorough and ongoing diagnostic assessment of foals with R. equi pneumonia and demonstrates that a successful outcome can be achieved with appropriate and directed treatment.
Traumatic bilateral stylohyoid bone fracture in an Appaloosa
Authors: Rando J. T. , Reilly M. T. , Cimetti L. J. , Bueno A. C. D.
Published: November 2015

An Appaloosa gelding presented for a traumatic puncture wound of the head ventral to the base of his left ear, bilateral epistaxis and upper respiratory compromise. The horse did not exhibit dysphagia or cranial nerve deficits. The horse suffered bilateral oblique fractures of both stylohyoid bones due to the traumatic incident, diagnosed upon endoscopy of the guttural pouches. Treatment consisted of anti‐inflammatory medication, broad‐spectrum antibiotics, guttural pouch lavage and dietary management with soft feeds. At a one‐month follow‐up examination, endoscopic evaluation revealed a union at both stylohyoid bone fracture sites. Guttural pouch mycosis was diagnosed in the left guttural pouch on the lateral wall at the entrance of the lateral compartment. The guttural pouch mycosis was treated with a nystatin and gentamicin flush, followed by a course of oral fluconazole. At the 3‐month re‐evaluation, the guttural pouch mycosis had completely responded to treatment.
Understanding the Components of Bank Failure Resolution Costs
Authors: Bennett Rosalind L. , Unal Haluk
Published: November 2015

In this paper, we demonstrate how the resolution costs associated with over 1,000 bank failures from 1986 to 2007 are distributed across the method of resolution, bank size, regulatory periods, and the existence of fraud. In addition, we document the time spent in the resolution by the resolution method and legislative period. Finally, we show how various classes of claimants against the failed banks bear the costs of the failure.
Estimating Portfolio Credit Losses in Downturns
Authors: Moreira Fernando F.
Published: November 2015

This paper suggests formulas able to capture potential strong connection among credit losses in downturns without assuming any specific distribution for the variables involved. We first show that the current model adopted by regulators (Basel) is equivalent to a conditional distribution derived from the Gaussian Copula (which does not identify tail dependence). We then use conditional distributions derived from copulas that express tail dependence (stronger dependence across higher losses) to estimate the probability of credit losses in extreme scenarios (crises). Next, we use data on historical credit losses incurred in American banks to compare the suggested approach to the Basel formula with respect to their performance when predicting the extreme losses observed in 2009 and 2010. Our results indicate that, in general, the copula approach outperforms the Basel method in two of the three credit segments investigated. The proposed method is extendable to other differentiable copula families and this gives flexibility to future practical applications of the model.
A cross‐biome synthesis of soil respiration and its determinants under simulated precipitation changes
Authors: Liu Lingli , Wang Xin , Lajeunesse Marc J. , Miao Guofang , Piao Shilong , Wan Shiqiang , Wu Yuxin , Wang Zhenhua , Yang Sen , Li Ping , Deng Meifeng
Published: November 2015

Soil respiration (Rs) is the second‐largest terrestrial carbon (C) flux. Although Rs has been extensively studied across a broad range of biomes, there is surprisingly little consensus on how the spatiotemporal patterns of Rs will be altered in a warming climate with changing precipitation regimes. Here, we present a global synthesis Rs data from studies that have manipulated precipitation in the field by collating studies from 113 increased precipitation treatments, 91 decreased precipitation treatments, and 14 prolonged drought treatments. Our meta‐analysis indicated that when the increased precipitation treatments were normalized to 28% above the ambient level, the soil moisture, Rs, and the temperature sensitivity (Q10) values increased by an average of 17%, 16%, and 6%, respectively, and the soil temperature decreased by −1.3%. The greatest increases in Rs and Q10 were observed in arid areas, and the stimulation rates decreased with increases in climate humidity. When the decreased precipitation treatments were normalized to 28% below the ambient level, the soil moisture and Rs values decreased by an average of −14% and −17%, respectively, and the soil temperature and Q10 values were not altered. The reductions in soil moisture tended to be greater in more humid areas. Prolonged drought without alterations in the amount of precipitation reduced the soil moisture and Rs by −12% and −6%, respectively, but did not alter Q10. Overall, our synthesis suggests that soil moisture and Rs tend to be more sensitive to increased precipitation in more arid areas and more responsive to decreased precipitation in more humid areas. The responses of Rs and Q10 were predominantly driven by precipitation‐induced changes in the soil moisture, whereas changes in the soil temperature had limited impacts. Finally, our synthesis of prolonged drought experiments also emphasizes the importance of the timing and frequency of precipitation events on ecosystem C cycles. Given these findings, we urge future studies to focus on manipulating the frequency, intensity, and seasonality of precipitation with an aim to improving our ability to predict and model feedback between Rs and climate change.
Drivers of Setaria pumila (Poir.) Roem. et Schult growth and impact on forage quality in lowland Switzerland meadows
Authors: Orlandi S. , Nucera E. , Mosimann E. , D'Adda G. , Garzoli D. , Bertossa M. , Lonati M. , Lombardi G.
Published: November 2015

Invasive grasses (especially Setaria pumila (Poir.) Roem. et Schult) increasingly threaten meadows and pastures as a consequence of human impact and climate change. We conducted a study in 2012 and in 2013 to better understand the growing cycle and the influence of S. pumila on forage quality of lowland meadows. We observed a rapid increase of S. pumila presence and phytomass on the southern side of the Alps across the growing season. We measured (i) above‐ground phytomass, with a modified Corral‐Fenlon method; (ii) botanical composition using the linear point quadrat method; and (iii) grassland chemical composition by NIRs (near‐infrared spectroscopy) analyses. To test the hypothesis that S. pumila summer growth is related to specific climatic conditions, meteorological data (temperature, precipitation and evapotranspiration) were collected from meteorological stations near the study sites. Total phytomass was sorted into S. pumila and other species. We used a generalized linear mixed models (GLMM) and found the abundance of S. pumila to be inversely correlated with rainfall and the presence of other species, but positively correlated with temperature increase. The increase of S. pumila above‐ground phytomass production was linked to a reduction of forage quality.
The Production of Difference and Maintenance of Inequality: The Place of Young Goan Men in a Post‐Crisis UK Labour Market
Authors: McDowell Linda , Rootham Esther , Hardgrove Abby
Published: November 2015

This article examines the ways in which young migrant men are constructed as potential employees in a British town where service sector employment, often on a casual or precarious basis, dominates the bottom end of the labour market. Low‐wage jobs in many British towns are now constructed as feminized, low waged and demanding personal skills of empathy and servility. In this context, young men, and especially young men of colour, including recent in‐migrants, are at a disadvantage, constructed by employers, agencies, co‐workers and customers as less eligible workers than ‘locals’. We use the experiences of young men from Goa as a lens though which to trace the ways in which expectations and experiences when looking for employment produce a hierarchical division of labour in precarious jobs at the bottom end of the service sector.
An analysis of caregiver burden of patients with hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis
Authors: Cantekin Işın , Kavurmacı Mehtap , Tan Mehtap
Published: November 2015

Since caregivers have roles and responsibilities in all phases from the diagnosis of the disease to discharge and homecare, their care burdens increase. The problems experienced by caregivers, whose care burden increase and accordingly whose life quality is deteriorated, complicate the treatment‐receiving patient's adaptation to the disease. This study was performed to determine the burden to primary caregivers of patients undergoing dialysis. This descriptive study was conducted with the family caregivers of 114 patients from Erzurum Ataturk University's Medical Faculty Nephrology Department: 54 were relatives of patients receiving hemodialysis and 60 were relatives of patients receiving peritoneal dialysis during August to December 2014. The percentage of the patients with low levels of caregiver burden is 13% in the hemodialysis group, while it is 35% in the peritoneal dialysis group. These findings are statistically significant. To conclude, chronic diseases affect not only patients, but also their relatives who care for them. Nursing care needs to include both patients and their relatives and support them. It is hoped that this study will guide nursing care in this direction.
A rare cause of abdominal pain: Catheter in the middle hepatic vein
Authors: Akturk Yeliz , Ozbal Gunes Serra , Akturk Okan Murat , Akcalar Seray , Hekimoglu Baki
Published: November 2015

Hemodialysis catheters are vital for chronic renal failure patients. Permanent tunneled dialysis catheters may be inserted through the jugular, subclavian, and femoral veins. In this paper, we aimed to present the computed tomography findings of a chronic renal failure patient who had referred our clinic with abdominal pain and dyspnea symptoms. This patient had a formerly inserted hemodialysis catheter for chronic renal failure and her catheter was found to be extending towards the middle hepatic vein with the tip leaning onto the parenchyma. Hemodialysis catheters can provide instant vascular access and can also be used for the consecutive procedures. Permanent hemodialysis catheters are ideal for long‐term use when placing an arteriovenous fistula is contraindicated or is no longer possible under conditions like advanced heart failure, peripheral artery disease or short life expectancy. The internal jugular, subclavian, the femoral veins, and the inferior vena cava can be used for catheter insertion. The tip of the catheters inserted in the neck or the thorax must extend to the vena cava superior. Catheter malposition may both lead to fatal outcomes and ineffective dialysis. It is important to obtain chest X‐rays after the procedure, particularly to detect catheter malposition.
Facilitating psychosexual adjustment for women undergoing pelvic radiotherapy: pilot of a novel patient psycho‐educational resource
Authors: Lubotzky Franchelle , Butow Phyllis , Nattress Kathryn , Hunt Caroline , Carroll Susan , Comensoli Andrew , Philp Shannon , Juraskova Ilona
Published: November 2015

Purpose

This pilot study aimed to obtain feedback on the feasibility, safety and acceptability of a psychosexual rehabilitation booklet developed for women undergoing pelvic radiation therapy (PRT) and to explore women's sexual, informational and supportive care needs post‐PRT rehabilitation.

Methods

Twenty women treated with PRT for gynaecological or anorectal cancer within the last 5 years, who had received vaginal dilators, provided feedback on the format, content and utility of the booklet and discussed their post‐treatment information needs, via a semi‐structured phone interview. Women completed standardized (HADS, IES‐R) and study‐specific scales to characterize psychological status of the sample and to assess participants' booklet knowledge and feedback, respectively.

Results

The booklet was perceived as very helpful, informative and not distressing, providing additional information to that discussed with clinicians. After reading the booklet, women had good understanding of strategies to reduce the sexual impact of PRT. Many women reported that discussion of sexuality was often avoided during consultations, despite them experiencing distressing sexual experiences and difficulties post‐PRT.

Conclusions

This novel resource which addresses an important component of post‐pelvic radiation care appears acceptable and highly valued. Findings have highlighted a need for sexual health communication training for clinicians who treat this population so that they can initiate conversations about vaginal health and sexual health in an informed and comfortable manner. The impact of the revised booklet on psychosexual and clinical outcomes is being evaluated in a multicentre RCT.
Extraction and characterisation of Riceberry bran protein hydrolysate using enzymatic hydrolysis
Authors: Thamnarathip Parichart , Jangchud Kamolwan , Jangchud Anuvat , Nitisinprasert Sunee , Tadakittisarn Sukuntaros , Vardhanabhuti Bongkosh
Published: November 2015

Riceberry bran protein hydrolysate (RBPH) was prepared from bran of purple‐pigmented Riceberry rice using enzymatic hydrolysis. The effect of enzyme type (Alcalase, Flavourzyme and Neutrase) and hydrolysis time (2, 4 and 6 h) on protein content, protein yield, total phenolic content (TPC), antioxidant activities (ABTS and FRAP) and molecular weight patterns of RBPH was investigated. The enzyme type significantly (P < 0.05) affected the properties of RBPH whereas the hydrolysis time had no significant effect (P ≥ 0.05) on those properties. Flavourzyme was the most effective to increase protein yield, TPC and antioxidant activities compared to Alcalase and Neutrase. The optimal hydrolysis condition was 4 h using Flavourzyme which yielded 74.9% extracted protein. This hydrolysate contained peptides ranging from 16 to 64 kDa. The high antioxidant activity was related to negative charge peptides as shown by anion exchange chromatography. With high protein content and antioxidant properties, RBPH using Flavourzyme could be practically utilised in functional foods.
Prevalence of overweight/obesity and fitness level in preschool children from the north compared with the south of Europe: an exploration with two countries
Authors: Cadenas‐Sanchez C. , Nyström C. , Sanchez‐Delgado G. , Martinez‐Tellez B. , Mora‐Gonzalez J. , Risinger A. S. , Ruiz J. R. , Ortega F. B. , Löf M.
Published: November 2015

Background

North–south differences in the prevalence of obesity and fitness levels have been found in European adolescents, yet it is unknown if such differences already exist in very young children.

Objectives

This study aims to compare the prevalence of overweight/obesity and fitness levels in preschool children aged 4 years from Sweden (north of Europe) and Spain (south of Europe).

Methods

The sample consisted of 315 Swedish and 128 Spanish preschoolers. Anthropometry (weight, height, waist circumference) and fitness (strength, speed–agility, balance and cardiorespiratory fitness) were assessed. Analysis of covariance adjusted for age, sex and height/body mass index (BMI) was used.

Results

Preschool children from Sweden had lower prevalence of overweight/obesity than their peers from Spain (World Obesity Federation, mean difference, MD = −9%, P = 0.010; World Health Organization, MD = −11%, P = 0.011). Concerning fitness, preschoolers from Spain were more fit in terms of upper‐muscular strength (MD = +0.4 kg, P = 0.010), speed–agility (MD = −1.9 s, P = 0.001), balance (MD = +4.0 s, P = 0.001) and cardiorespiratory fitness (MD = boys = +6.6 laps, girls = +2.3 laps; P < 0.001 for all), yet they had worse lower‐muscular strength (MD = −7.1, P ≤ 0.001) than those from Sweden. Differences in upper‐muscular strength were largely explained by differences in BMI, and differences in cardiorespiratory fitness should be interpreted cautiously due to some methodological deviations.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that a higher prevalence of overweight/obesity in Spain compared with Sweden is present already at early childhood, while differences in physical fitness components showed mixed findings.
Do community hospice programmes reduce hospitalisation rate in patients with advanced chronic obstructive pulmonary disease?
Authors: Iupati S. P. M. , Ensor B. R.
Published: November 2015

Background

Since Hinton first published his observations on the distress of patients dying on a medical ward in 1963, there has been increasing awareness of the palliative care needs in patients who have non malignant diseases. Patients with advanced chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are known to have comparable symptom burden to lung cancer patients and are more likely receive invasive treatment at the end of life than patients with end stage lung cancer. They are also less likely to receive hospice services, and the benefit of such programmes in this key group of patients remain largely unknown, in particular what effect hospice programmes have on hospitalisation.

Aims

(i) To examine any effect of community hospice programmes on hospitalisation in patients with advanced COPD. (ii) To identify any association between utilisation of specific hospice services with hospitalisation. (iii) To describe key peri‐mortem outcomes.

Methods

This was a retrospective study of consecutive patients with COPD admitted into community hospice programmes in the greater Wellington region, New Zealand between 1 October 2007 and 31 October 2013.

Results

A mean decrease of 2.375 (median decrease of 2; 95% confidence interval 1, 3) hospital admissions over a 12‐month period was found after admission into hospice programme (P < 0.0005).

Conclusion

Community hospice programmes may be associated with reduction in hospitalisation in patients with advanced COPD.
A survey of lung cancer in rural and remote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in Queensland: health views that impact on early diagnosis and treatment
Authors: Page B. J. , Bowman R. V. , Yang I. A. , Fong K. M.
Published: November 2015

Background

Lung cancer incidence, mortality and hospitalisation rates are higher for Indigenous Australians compared with non‐Indigenous Australians and increase again when living in more remote areas. If Indigenous Australians are made more aware of lung cancer through better access to health services and programmes, lung cancer outcomes might improve.

Aim

We aimed to survey the level of lung cancer awareness in rural and remote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and discover perceived barriers to timely diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer.

Methods

Interviews were conducted in three discrete outer regional and remote Aboriginal communities and one urban setting in Queensland. Participants included Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples from three target population groups: patients referred for medical treatment with symptoms suspicious of lung cancer or confirmed lung cancer; Indigenous health workers; community members aged 18 years and over. Participants gave written, informed consent.

Results

Of 51 community members and 14 Indigenous health workers, 32 reflected they knew very little about lung cancer, 60 cited smoking as the cause of lung cancer and 54 recognised warning symptoms as a prompt to seek healthcare. Indigenous health workers were not able to describe a healthcare pathway that would apply to a patient with suspected lung cancer.

Conclusion

The two main barriers identified as impacting on quality healthcare were communication and follow‐up processes. These could be addressed by service improvement activities.
Effects of team‐building on communication and teamwork among nursing students
Authors: Yi Y.J.
Published: November 2015

Aim

The aim of this study was to assess the effects of team‐building on communication and teamwork (i.e. teamwork skills and team effectiveness) among nursing students.

Background

Team‐building is effective for improving communication and teamwork among the nursing organization. However, the effects of team‐building are not well known especially in Korea.

Methods

This study used a quasi‐experimental design. The sample was composed of 195 junior‐year nursing students in Korea. The experimental group (100 subjects) participated in team‐building activities over a 100‐day period, whereas no intervention was applied to the control group (95 subjects). Pretest was conducted in both groups, and post‐test was conducted after the 100‐day intervention.

Findings

The pre–post change in mean communication competence score did not differ between the two groups. However, the mean scores for teamwork skills and team effectiveness differed significantly between the two groups after team‐building activity.

Limitations

This study was not a double‐blind test, and randomized sampling was not implemented. Caution should thus be used when interpreting the findings.

Conclusion

Team‐building activities were effective for improving the teamwork skills and team effectiveness among Korean nursing students.

Implications for nursing education

It is recommended that team‐building activities should be included regularly as an integral educational approach in nursing education. The findings suggest that suggests that team‐building for improving communication and teamwork should be designated as one of the required criteria for nursing college programme accreditation in many countries, including Korea. However team‐building requires further testing to verify this across cultures.

Implications for nursing policy

Nurses need to receive formal team‐building training for improving communication and teamwork, and formal education should be included in their job training schedule. It is recommended that communication competence and teamwork be used as one of job performance evaluations in their workplace.
Riders on the Storm: Wales, the Union, and Territorial Constitutional Crisis
Authors: Rawlings Richard
Published: November 2015

The United Kingdom continues to undergo a rapid process of constitutional change, with an ongoing redistribution of law‐making and governmental powers to different parts of the Union under an expanded rubric of ‘devolution'. This article illuminates a pervasive sense of territorial constitutional crisis and opportunity in the most recent period, familiarly associated with, but not confined to, Scotland. Constructive and flexible federal‐type responses inside a famously uncodified constitution are championed. Wales, commonly treated as a junior partner in the United Kingdom, presents special challenges for constitutional and legal analysis and distinctive perspectives on the Union which have not received the attention they deserve. In tackling this deficiency, the article elaborates a ‘new Union’ concept of a looser and less hierarchical set of constitutional arrangements in which several systems of parliamentary government are grounded in popular sovereignty and cooperate for mutual benefit.
The Legal Case File as Border Object: On Self‐reference and Other‐reference in Criminal Law
Authors: van Oorschot Irene , Schinkel Willem
Published: November 2015

What do case files do? With help of an ethnographic study on the care, maintenance, and use of legal case files in a Dutch, inquisitorial context, we work through Latour's and Luhmann's conceptualizations of law. We understand these case files as enacting and performing both self‐reference and other‐reference. We coin the term border object to denote the way the legal case file becomes the nexus between two worlds it itself performatively produces: the world of ‘law itself’ on the one hand, and the ‘world out there’ on the other. As such, our discussion offers clues for a partial reconciliation of Latour's and Luhmann's conceptualizations of law: while Luhmann's insistence on other‐referential operations assist in showing how law forges an ‘epistemic relationship’ with the realities it seeks to judge, Latour's concentration on the materialities of epistemic practices assists in situating these other‐referential and self‐referential operations.
From Brand Performance to Consumer Performativity: Assessing European Trade Mark Law after the Rise of Anthropological Marketing
Authors: McDonagh Luke
Published: November 2015

Since the 2009 CJEU decision in L'Oréal v. Bellure, the idea that a brand's image is the property of the trade mark owner has become increasingly entrenched within European trade mark law. Brand image is now protected even where there is no harm to the underlying mark. However, the courts have largely failed to acknowledge the radical ways in which the marketplace for goods bearing trade marks has changed in the past three decades. One key shift is that businesses and marketers no longer view the brand creation process from a top‐down ‘brand performance’ perspective, but, rather, through the prisms of ‘anthropological marketing’ and ‘consumer performativity'. Through an interdisciplinary approach, this article dissects the process of brand creation in the context of European trade mark law, and argues that the law must take account of consumer agency when the question of who should own brand image arises.
Orientation Growth and Magnetic Properties of BaM Hexaferrite Films Deposited by Direct Current Magnetron Sputtering
Authors: Zhang Xiaozhi , Yue Zhenxing , Li Longtu
Published: November 2015

In‐plane c‐axis oriented Ba‐hexaferrite (BaM) thin films were prepared on a‐plane sapphire (Al2O3) substrates using direct current (DC) magnetron sputtering followed by ex‐situ annealing. The sputtering atmosphere was found to have a great influence on the stoichiometry, orientation growth, and grain morphology of the as‐prepared BaM films. With moderate oxygen partial pressure during sputtering, in‐plane c‐axis highly oriented BaM films were obtained. The films showed strong magnetic anisotropy with a high hysteresis loop squareness (Mr/Ms of 0.96) along in‐plane easy axis and a low Mr/Ms of 0.05 along in‐plane hard axis. Rocking curves and pole figures were utilized to reveal the epitaxial‐like orientation relationship of the BaM films relative to the sapphire substrates, as well as the orientation growth dispersion of the hexagonal platelet‐shaped grains in BaM films.
Combustion Synthesis and Enhancement of BiOCl by Doping Eu3+ for Photodegradation of Organic Dye
Authors: Gao Meichao , Zhang Dafeng , Pu Xipeng , Shao Xin , Li Hong , Lv Dongdong
Published: November 2015

Eu3+‐doped BiOCl with different doping concentrations was synthesized by a simple combustion method. The as‐synthesized photocatalysts were characterized by X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope, transmission electron microscope, Raman spectroscopy, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy, and UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. The experimental results show that Eu3+ was successfully doped into the lattice of BiOCl. The as‐synthesized Eu3+‐doped BiOCl photocatalysts show a more intense continuous absorption in UV light region, accompanied with decreased energy band gap. Moreover, the Eu3+ doping leads to the formation of oxygen vacancies, small crystallite size, and high specific surface areas. Compared with pure BiOCl, the Eu3+‐doped BiOCl photocatalysts exhibits much higher photocatalytic activity for Rhodamine B (RhB) under UV light irradiation. As‐obtained Eu3+‐doped BiOCl can be easily reused with excellent stability. In addition, the mechanism of the improved photocatalytic properties of Eu3+‐doped BiOCl was discussed in detail.
Novel Microstructured SiCNO Films Based on Polyvinylsilazane‐Swelled F127 Micelles
Authors: Yu Yuxi , Liu Yu , Huang Qifan , Yan Shaole , Han Qingkai , Fang Jiyu , An Linan
Published: November 2015

We report a facile route to synthesize novel microstructured SiCNO films via a block copolymer micellar‐templating approach, in which polyvinylsilazane (PVSZ)‐swelled F127 micelles are used as a precursor and the crystallization of the PEO shell of PVSZ‐swelled F127 micelles is used to control the microstructure of SiCNO films. By changing the evaporation temperature of multistep thermal treatments, SiCNO films containing nanospheres, rods, crosses, cuboids, and microspheres can be formed. We find that these microstructures have a significant effect on the dielectric loss of SiCNO films, which can be explained by the Maxwell–Wagner effects and impurities at interfaces.
Mg(OH)2 Nucleation and Growth Parameters Applicable for the Development of MgO‐Based Refractory Castables
Authors: Santos Tiago , Luz Ana P. , Pagliosa Carlos , Pandolfelli Victor C.
Published: November 2015

MgO is a very attractive raw material for refractory applications. However, its use has been mainly aimed at developing high‐magnesia and magnesia–carbon bricks due to the marked hydration likelihood of this oxide and the related drawbacks (volumetric expansion, crack formation) associated with this transformation. This work aims to evaluate some critical aspects that affect the MgO reaction with water (magnesia source, particle size, concentration of available sites for brucite nucleation, influence of a hydrating additive – acetic acid, and others) during the curing and drying steps of Al2O3–MgO binder‐free refractory castables. The attained experimental results were associated with the boundary nucleation and growth model proposed in the literature. According to the in situ elastic modulus measurements carried out at 110°C, the MgO particle size and reactivity present an important effect on the nucleation and growth of brucite crystals, highlighting that a proper site activation should be induced during the castables' curing process in order to effectively allow the use of magnesia as a binder source for refractories. Faster Mg(OH)2 nuclei generation also helps to minimize further growth of these crystals, leading to a decrease in the samples' porosity and, consequently, a continuous increase in the overall refractory stiffness (E values).
Differences in developmental strategies between long‐settled and invasion‐front populations of the cane toad in Australia
Authors: Ducatez S. , Crossland M. , Shine R.
Published: November 2015

Phenotypic plasticity can enhance a species’ ability to persist in a new and stressful environment, so that reaction norms are expected to evolve as organisms encounter novel environments. Biological invasions provide a robust system to investigate such changes. We measured the rates of early growth and development in tadpoles of invasive cane toads (Rhinella marina) in Australia, from a range of locations and at different larval densities. Populations in long‐colonized areas have had the opportunity to adapt to local conditions, whereas at the expanding range edge, the invader is likely to encounter challenges that are both novel and unpredictable. We thus expected invasion‐vanguard populations to exhibit less phenotypic plasticity than range‐core populations. Compared to clutches from long‐colonized areas, clutches from the invasion front were indeed less plastic (i.e. rates of larval growth and development were less sensitive to density). In contrast, those rates were highly variable in clutches from the invasion front, even among siblings from the same clutch under standard conditions. Clutches with highly variable rates of growth and development under constant conditions had lower phenotypic plasticity, suggesting a trade‐off between these two strategies. Although these results reveal a strong pattern, further investigation is needed to determine whether these different developmental strategies are adaptive (i.e. adaptive phenotypic plasticity vs. bet‐hedging) or instead are driven by geographic variation in genetic quality or parental effects.
Sperm traits in farmed and wild Atlantic salmon Salmo salar
Authors: Camarillo‐Sepulveda N. , Hamoutene D. , Lush L. , Burt K. , Volkoff H. , Fleming I. A.
Published: November 2015

Differences in sperm metabolism and morphology between wild and non‐local farmed Atlantic salmon Salmo salar were assessed by measuring metabolic enzyme activities and length of sperm flagella. No differences were observed between wild and farmed S. salar sperm with regards to cell counts or any of the biochemical variables assessed. Flagella of sperm cells were significantly longer in wild than farmed S. salar; however, this did not result in higher energy levels or different fertilization rates.
Effect of Drying on Texture and Color Characteristics of Ginger and Turmeric in a Solar Biomass Integrated Dryer
Authors: Borah A. , Sethi L.N. , Sarkar S. , Hazarika K.
Published: November 2015

Spices are more preferred in powdered form and this invariably demands drying without compromising its quality attributes before grinding. Four different drying methods viz. integrated drying system (IDS), fluidized bed dryer (FBD), electrical oven (EO) and open sun drying (OSD) were selected for comparative study of textural and color changes of ginger and turmeric. The texture values of ginger differed significantly among different drying methods. Minimum crushing strength of 1,124.597 g (IDS) and highest of 1,421.62 g (OSD) was observed. Turmeric dried in IDS reflected maximum (8,789.01 g) and dried in EO showed minimum (6,307.619 g) crushing strength. Color loss values in dried ginger was minimum in IDS (34.795) followed by OSD (32.214), EO (37.479) and FBD (38.131), respectively. Color of dried turmeric was affected maximum in EO (67.354) followed by FBD (61.001) and OSD (58.213). Minimum color loss was observed in IDS (52.681). Instrumental measurement of texture and color attributes showed spices dried in IDS retained best quality attributes among the selected methods.

Practical Applications

The developed solar‐biomass integrated drying system, apart from advantage of independence from grid power dependency, could safely be promoted for drying of ginger and turmeric to the stakeholders as evident from the comparative instrumental measurement study of texture and color attributes of the dried products.