bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Urinary Potassium Loss in Children With Acute Liver Failure and Acute Viral Hepatitis
Authors: Bhatia Vidyut , Dhawan Anjali , Arora Narendra K. , Mathur Prashant , Das Manoja K. , Irshad Mohammad
Published: March 2013

Objectives:

The aim of the present study was to determine urinary potassium (K+) loss (as measured by fractional excretion of K+ [FEK] and transtubular K+ gradient [TTKG]) in children with acute liver failure (ALF) and acute viral hepatitis (AVH) at the time of presentation to the hospital and day 45 of follow‐up.

Methods:

Twenty‐five patients with ALF and 84 patients with AVH were worked up for clinical features, liver function tests, and hepatitis viral infections and monitored for outcome. All of the patients with ALF were hospitalized. FEK and TTKG were estimated on the day patients were first seen in the hospital or hospitalized and later on day 45 of follow‐up.

Results:

Sixty percent (15/25) of patients with ALF were hypokalemic (serum K+ <3.5 mEq/L) as compared with only 12% (10/84) in the AVH group (P = 0.000) at the time of presentation in the hospital. Inappropriate kaliuresis was present in 80% to 100% of hypokalemic children compared with 0% to 30% of normokalemic individuals at the time of first contact in either the ALF or AVH group. Inappropriate urinary K+ loss and serum K+ levels in the hypokalemic individuals improved as the hepatic functions recovered by day 45 of follow‐up (P = 0.014–0.000). No significant change in kaliuresis was observed among normokalemic subjects between first contact and later on day 45 of follow‐up (P = 0.991–0.228). Despite different physiologic mechanisms, appropriateness of kaliuresis measured by FEK and TTKG showed results in the same direction.

Conclusions:

Hypokalemia and inappropriate kaliuresis observed during the acute phase of ALF and AVH reversed with clinical and biochemical recovery. In the absence of major gastrointestinal losses and renal abnormalities, there is need to investigate the contributory role of factors like hyperaldosteronism and food intake, which may have therapeutic implications.
A switch from constitutive chemical defence to inducible innate immune responses in the invasive ladybird
Harmonia axyridis
Authors: Schmidtberg Henrike , Röhrich Christian , Vogel Heiko , Vilcinskas Andreas
Published: March 2013

The harlequin ladybird,
Harmonia axyridis
, has emerged as a model species for invasion biology, reflecting its remarkable capacity to outcompete native ladybird species when introduced into new habitats. This ability may be associated with its prominent resistance to pathogens and intraguild predation. We recently showed that the constitutive antibacterial activity present in the haemolymph of
H. axyridis
beetles can be attributed to the chemical defence compound harmonine. Here, we demonstrate that
H. axyridis
differs from other insects, including the native ladybird
Coccinella septempunctata,
by reducing rather than increasing the antimicrobial activity of its haemolymph following the injection of bacteria. However, both species produce new or more abundant proteins in the haemolymph, indicating that bacterial challenge induces innate immune responses associated with the synthesis of immunity-related proteins. Our results suggest that
H. axyridis
beetles can switch from constitutive chemical defence to inducible innate immune responses, supporting hypothesis that inducible antimicrobial peptides protect host beetles against pathogens that survive constitutive defences. These alternative antimicrobial defence mechanisms may reflect a trade-off resulting from fitness-related costs associated with the simultaneous synthesis of harmonine and antimicrobial peptides/proteins.
Biomechanics and hydrodynamics of prey capture in the Chinese giant salamander reveal a high-performance jaw-powered suction feeding mechanism
Authors: Heiss Egon , Natchev Nikolay , Gumpenberger Michaela , Weissenbacher Anton , Van Wassenbergh Sam
Published: March 2013

During the evolutionary transition from fish to tetrapods, a shift from uni- to bidirectional suction feeding systems followed a reduction in the gill apparatus. Such a shift can still be observed during metamorphosis of salamanders, although many adult salamanders retain their aquatic lifestyle and feed by high-performance suction. Unfortunately, little is known about the interplay between jaws and hyobranchial motions to generate bidirectional suction flows. Here, we study the cranial morphology, as well as kinematic and hydrodynamic aspects related to prey capture in the Chinese giant salamander (Andrias davidianus). Compared with fish and previously studied amphibians,A. davidianususes an alternative suction mechanism that mainly relies on accelerating water by separating the ‘plates’ formed by the long and broad upper and lower jaw surfaces. Computational fluid dynamics simulations, based on three-dimensional morphology and kinematical data from high-speed videos, indicate that the viscerocranial elements mainly serve to accommodate the water that was given a sufficient anterior-to-posterior impulse beforehand by powerful jaw separation. We hypothesize that this modified way of generating suction is primitive for salamanders, and that this behaviour could have played an important role in the evolution of terrestrial life in vertebrates by releasing mechanical constraints on the hyobranchial system.
Flow-relative control of an underwater robot
Authors: Salumäe Taavi , Kruusmaa Maarja
Published: March 2013

This paper describes flow-relative and flow-aided navigation of a biomimetic underwater vehicle using an artificial lateral line for flow sensing. Most of the aquatic animals have flow sensing organs, but there are no man-made analogues to those sensors currently in use on underwater vehicles. Here, we show that artificial lateral line sensing can be used for detecting hydrodynamic regimens and for controlling the robot’s motion with respect to the flow. We implement station holding of an underwater vehicle in a steady stream and in the wake of a bluff object. We show that lateral line sensing can provide a speed estimate of an underwater robot thus functioning as a short-term odometry for robot navigation. We also demonstrate navigation with respect to the flow in periodic turbulence and show that controlling the position of the robot in the reduced flow zone in the wake of an object reduces a vehicle’s energy consumption.
Thermodynamics as a theory of decision-making with information-processing costs
Authors: Ortega Pedro A. , Braun Daniel A.
Published: March 2013

Perfectly rational decision-makers maximize expected utility, but crucially ignore the resource costs incurred when determining optimal actions. Here, we propose a thermodynamically inspired formalization of bounded rational decision-making where information processing is modelled as state changes in thermodynamic systems that can be quantified by differences in free energy. By optimizing a free energy, bounded rational decision-makers trade off expected utility gains and information-processing costs measured by the relative entropy. As a result, the bounded rational decision-making problem can be rephrased in terms of well-known variational principles from statistical physics. In the limit when computational costs are ignored, the maximum expected utility principle is recovered. We discuss links to existing decision-making frameworks and applications to human decision-making experiments that are at odds with expected utility theory. Since most of the mathematical machinery can be borrowed from statistical physics, the main contribution is to re-interpret the formalism of thermodynamic free-energy differences in terms of bounded rational decision-making and to discuss its relationship to human decision-making experiments.
Stress hormones mediate predator-induced phenotypic plasticity in amphibian tadpoles
Authors: Middlemis Maher Jessica , Werner Earl E. , Denver Robert J.
Published: March 2013

Amphibian tadpoles display extensive anti-predator phenotypic plasticity, reducing locomotory activity and, with chronic predator exposure, developing relatively smaller trunks and larger tails. In many vertebrates, predator exposure alters activity of the neuroendocrine stress axis. We investigated predator-induced effects on stress hormone production and the mechanistic link to anti-predator defences in
Rana sylvatica
tadpoles. Whole-body corticosterone (CORT) content was positively correlated with predator biomass in natural ponds. Exposure to caged predators in mesocosms caused a reduction in CORT by 4 hours, but increased CORT after 4 days. Tadpoles chronically exposed to exogenous CORT developed larger tails relative to their trunks, matching morphological changes induced by predator chemical cue; this predator effect was blocked by the corticosteroid biosynthesis inhibitor metyrapone. Tadpole tail explants treated
in vitro
with CORT increased tissue weight, suggesting that CORT acts directly on the tail. Short-term treatment of tadpoles with CORT increased predation mortality, likely due to increased locomotory activity. However, long-term CORT treatment enhanced survivorship, likely due to induced morphology. Our findings support the hypothesis that tadpole physiological and behavioural/morphological responses to predation are causally interrelated. Tadpoles initially suppress CORT and behaviour to avoid capture, but increase CORT with longer exposure, inducing adaptive phenotypic changes.
Ontogenetic variation of heritability and maternal effects in yellow-bellied marmot alarm calls
Authors: Blumstein Daniel T. , Nguyen Kathy T. , Martin Julien G. A.
Published: March 2013

Individuals of many species produce distinctive vocalizations that may relay potential information about the signaller. The alarm calls of some species have been reported to be individually specific, and this distinctiveness may allow individuals to access the reliability or kinship of callers. While not much is known generally about the heritability of mammalian vocalizations, if alarm calls were individually distinctive to permit kinship assessment, then call structure should be heritable. Here, we show conclusively for the first time that alarm call structure is heritable. We studied yellow-bellied marmots (
Marmota flaviventris
) and made nine quantitative measurements of their alarm calls. With a known genealogy, we used the animal model (a statistical technique) to estimate alarm call heritability. In juveniles, only one of the measured variables had heritability significantly different from zero; however, most variables had significant maternal environmental effects. By contrast, yearlings and adults had no significant maternal environmental effects, but the heritability of nearly all measured variables was significantly different from zero. Some, but not all of these heritable effects were significantly different across age classes. The presence of significantly non-zero maternal environmental effects in juveniles could reflect the impact of maternal environmental stresses on call structure. Regardless of this mechanism, maternal environmental effects could permit kinship recognition in juveniles. In older animals, the substantial genetic basis of alarm call structure suggests that calls could be used to assess kinship and, paradoxically, might also suggest a role of learning in call structure.
Genomic Distribution of Maize Facultative Heterochromatin Marked by Trimethylation of H3K27
Authors: Makarevitch Irina , Eichten Steven R. , Briskine Roman , Waters Amanda J. , Danilevskaya Olga N. , Meeley Robert B. , Myers Chad L. , Vaughn Matthew W. , Springer Nathan M.
Published: March 2013

Trimethylation of histone H3 Lys-27 (H3K27me3) plays a critical role in regulating gene expression during plant and animal development. We characterized the genome-wide distribution of H3K27me3 in five developmentally distinct tissues in maize (Zea mays) plants of two genetic backgrounds, B73 and Mo17. There were more substantial differences in the genome-wide profile of H3K27me3 between different tissues than between the two genotypes. The tissue-specific patterns of H3K27me3 were often associated with differences in gene expression among the tissues and most of the imprinted genes that are expressed solely from the paternal allele in endosperm are targets of H3K27me3. A comparison of the H3K27me3 targets in rice (Oryza sativa), maize, and Arabidopsis thaliana provided evidence for conservation of the H3K27me3 targets among plant species. However, there was limited evidence for conserved targeting of H3K27me3 in the two maize subgenomes derived from whole-genome duplication, suggesting the potential for subfunctionalization of chromatin regulation of paralogs. Genomic profiling of H3K27me3 in loss-of-function mutant lines for Maize Enhancer of zeste-like2 (Mez2) and Mez3, two of the three putative H3K27me3 methyltransferases present in the maize genome, suggested partial redundancy of this gene family for maintaining H3K27me3 patterns. Only a portion of the targets of H3K27me3 required Mez2 and/or Mez3, and there was limited evidence for functional consequences of H3K27me3 at these targets.
2D tomographic inversion of complex resistivity data on cylindrical models
Authors: De Donno Giorgio
Published: March 2013

The resistive and capacitive response of a multiphase subsoil can be analysed by amplitude and phase models of the electrical complex resistivity. The main goal of this work is to extend the 2D transformed formulation used for electrical site investigations for cylindrical laboratory models, solving the complex resistivity forward problem starting from the Complete Electrode Model approach. This formulation is tested by a comparison with the full 3D solution and is proven to be stable and accurate. Inversion of complex resistivity data is achieved through a Matlab interface included in the EIDORS environment, with the addition of numerous new functions. Three synthetic examples are discussed, to understand the potential and limits of this approach in comparison with the 3D inversion. Laboratory experiments on a cylindrical laboratory model with a horizontal cross‐section of 10 electrodes validated synthetic results. The model having a height of 1 m and a diameter of 500 mm is made by sand contaminated from the top by an engineered fluid with electrical properties similar to chlorinated solvents.
Morbidity experienced by women before and after operative vaginal delivery: prospective cohort study nested within a two‐centre randomised controlled trial of restrictive versus routine use of episiotomy
Authors: Macleod M , Goyder K , Howarth L , Bahl R , Strachan B , Murphy DJ
Published: March 2013

Objective

To explore: (1) the antenatal and postnatal morbidity experienced by women in relation to operative vaginal delivery (OVD); and (2) the impact of restrictive versus routine use of episiotomy.

Design

Longitudinal prospective cohort study embedded within a two‐centre randomised controlled trial (RCT).

Setting

Two UK tertiary‐level maternity units.

Population

Antenatally recruited participants of an RCT of restrictive versus routine use of episiotomy at OVD.

Methods

A self‐completing questionnaire was administered antenatally, before hospital discharge, at 6 weeks and at 1 year postpartum.

Main outcome measures

Urinary and anal incontinence, dyspareunia, perineal pain and psychological morbidity.

Results

Longitudinal data have revealed that morbidities historically associated with OVD were often as prevalent, if not more prevalent, in the third trimester of pregnancy than postpartum. Restrictive episiotomy use was associated with: a higher incidence of perineal pain in the immediate postpartum period (98.9% restrictive versus 87.8% routine, RR 1.10, 95% CI 1.01–1.21); greater psychological morbidity in the immediate postpartum period (mean scores on the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Score (EPDS) 6.7 restrictive versus 5.1 routine; P = 0.01 ); and more stress urinary incontinence at 6 weeks postpartum (42.2% restrictive versus 27.2% routine, RR 1.55, 95% CI 1.00–2.40); however, this had resolved by 1 year. No other differences were found between the groups at 6 weeks and 1 year postpartum.

Conclusions

Morbidities previously attributed to OVD may in fact be present antenatally, to a greater or similar degree. A restrictive approach to the use of episiotomy at OVD may increase rates of urinary morbidity, in particular stress incontinence and perineal pain, in the immediate postpartum period.
Intimate partner violence during pregnancy and associated mental health symptoms among pregnant women in Tanzania: a cross‐sectional study
Authors: Mahenge B , Likindikoki S , Stöckl H , Mbwambo J
Published: March 2013

Objective

Violence against pregnant women is a prevalent issue with severe health implications, especially during pregnancy. This study seeks to determine the prevalence of intimate partner violence against women during pregnancy and its associated mental health symptoms.

Design

Cross‐sectional survey conducted from December 2011 to April 2012.

Setting

Muhimbili National Hospital antenatal clinic in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

Sample

1180 pregnant antenatal care patients.

Methods

Trained interviewers conducted face‐to‐face standardised interviews with the women in a private room prior to their antenatal care appointment. (PTSD), anxiety and depressive symptoms were assessed through the Conflict Tactics Scale, the John Hopkins Symptom Checklist (25) and the Posttraumatic Diagnostic Scale.

Main outcome measures

The Conflict Tactics Scale, the John Hopkins Symptom Checklist (25) and the Posttraumatic Diagnostic Scale.

Results

Of the 1180 women who were interviewed, 27% reported experiencing both physical and sexual intimate partner violence in the index pregnancy, with 18% reporting physical violence and 20% reporting sexual violence. After adjusting for the sociodemographic characteristics of women, women who experienced physical and/or sexual intimate partner violence during pregnancy were significantly more likely to have moderate PTSD (AOR 2.94, 95% CI 1.71–5.06), anxiety (AOR 3.98, 95% CI 2.85–5.57) and depressive (AOR 3.31, 95% CI 2.39–4.593) symptoms than women who did not report physical and/or sexual intimate partner violence during pregnancy.

Conclusions

About three out of ten women experienced physical or sexual intimate partner violence during pregnancy by an intimate partner, which was significantly associated with poor mental health symptoms. These rates are alarming, and justify training and education of antenatal care providers to raise awareness.
Provision of individualised obstetric risk advice to increase health facility usage by women at risk of a complicated delivery: a cohort study of women in the rural highlands of West Ethiopia
Authors: Ballard K , Gari L , Mosisa H , Wright J
Published: March 2013

Objective

To determine whether the provision of individualised obstetric risk advice would increase health facility usage in women at life‐threatening risk of a complicated delivery in Ethiopia, where maternal mortality has remained high and static for a decade and where, although the government has increased the number of health facilities, 90% of women deliver their babies at home.

Design

A prospective cohort study.

Setting

Rural Ethiopian highlands.

Population

A total of 294 pregnant women at 32 weeks or more of gestation.

Methods

Before being provided with individualised risk advice, women were asked about their birth plans, and in particular, their planned delivery place. Those identified as being at risk of a complicated delivery were followed up to find out whether they altered their birth plans.

Main outcome measure

A change in birthplace.

Results

Women identified as being at high risk of a complicated delivery significantly changed their plans (P < 0.01), with 34 (89%) women delivering in hospital. Women with a medium risk did not significantly change their birth plans (P = 0.082), with 35 (36%) delivering at home. Women with a high parity were less likely to change their birth plans compared with primigravid women (odds ratio 0.53; 95% confidence interval 0.34–0.83) and high‐risk women were more likely to change their plans compared with medium‐risk women (odds ratio 6.2; 95% confidence interval 1.8–21.6).

Conclusions

Providing simple, individualised advice about the risks of a complicated delivery leads to high‐risk women delivering in hospital. Embedding this into the current antenatal care system in Ethiopia could significantly decrease maternal mortality.
THE CYCLE OF VIOLENCE IN CONTEXT: EXPLORING THE MODERATING ROLES OF NEIGHBORHOOD DISADVANTAGE AND CULTURAL NORMS
Authors: WRIGHT EMILY M. , FAGAN ABIGAIL A.
Published: March 2013

Although the cycle of violence theory has received empirical support (Widom, 1989a, 1989b), in reality, not all victims of child physical abuse become involved in violence. Therefore, little is known regarding factors that may moderate the relationship between abuse and subsequent violence, particularly contextual circumstances. The current investigation used longitudinal data from 1,372 youth living in 79 neighborhoods who participated in the Project on Human Development in Chicago Neighborhoods (PHDCN), and it employed a multivariate, multilevel Rasch model to explore the degree to which neighborhood disadvantage and cultural norms attenuate or strengthen the abuse–violence relationship. The results indicate that the effect of child physical abuse on violence was weaker in more disadvantaged communities. Neighborhood cultural norms regarding tolerance for youth delinquency and fighting among family and friends did not moderate the child abuse–violence relationship, but each had a direct effect on violence, such that residence in neighborhoods more tolerant of delinquency and fighting increased the propensity for violence. These results suggest that the cycle of violence may be contextualized by neighborhood structural and cultural conditions.
Observation of Injured E. coli Population Resulting from the Application of High‐Pressure Throttling Treatments
Authors: De Lamo‐Castellví Silvia , Toledo Romeo , Frank Joseph F.
Published: March 2013

This study used flow cytometry (FC), epifluorescent microscopy (EM), and conventional culture media (PC) to evaluate the potential for high‐pressure throttling (HPT) to produce injury in E. coli. E. coli cells suspended at a concentration of approximately 8 log (CFU/mL) in Butterfield's phosphate buffer and UHT skimmed milk, were treated with HPT at pressures ranging from 35 to 283 MPa. Cells were stained with SYTO 9 and propidium iodide (Live/Dead Baclight kit) to assess their membrane integrity. MacConkey and Tryptone Soy agars and a modification of the thin agar layer method were used to determine injured and non‐injured cells. PC results indicated a reduction in E. coli counts as pressure increased but no significant injured population was detected in either matrix. However, FC and EM observations indicated that the membrane integrity of a portion of the bacterial population was affected by HPT, producing different degrees of cell injury that could be sublethal. The percentage of this heterogeneous population increased with applied pressure. These results reassert the importance of understanding the potential of new processing treatments to produce sublethally‐injured bacteria, and developing appropriate detection techniques.
Automation and critical evaluation of an annular chamber for aquatic ectotherm temperature preference experiments
Authors: Reiser Stefan , Temming Axel , Eckhardt André , Herrmann Jens‐Peter
Published: March 2013

Annular chambers represent a novel approach for thermal preference experiments in aquatic ectothermic organisms. Most approaches using annular chambers so far lack automation in data recording and analysis, making temperature preference experiments laborious and time consuming.

Here, we describe the design and construction of a modified version of an annular chamber system. We conducted extensive tests to improve the systems' functionality and confirm accuracy of the thermal gradient. Additionally, we present an automated matlab routine for data recording and analysis of temperature preference experiments using the common brown shrimp (Crangon crangon, L.) as a test organism. Using this automated routine, we performed an in silico comparison of different thermal gradient representations with various complexities to test for the effect of temperature resolution on the accuracy of thermal preference estimates.

The here presented annular chamber produced a stable thermal gradient of ∆23 °C, ranging between 3 and 25 °C. Automated recording and data analysis facilitated implementation of long‐term experiments and allowed the collection of highly resolved preference data. The in silico comparison revealed a more accurate specification of the preference zone with increasing resolution of the temperature gradient. With regard to spatial resolution of the thermal gradient and assignment of position and temperature data, the in silico comparison demonstrated previous approaches to be inappropriate for benthic and passive species.

We present guidelines for annular chamber construction and automation of data analysis in these systems, making annular chambers more handy and applicable for a wide range of preference studies. Besides its use for experiments in annular chambers, the principle of the here presented automated matlab routine can be applied to a wide range of behavioural and preference studies.
Neuromuscular blocking effect of fluoxetine and its interaction with rocuronium
Authors: Patel J. C. , Barvaliya M. J. , Patel T. K. , Tripathi C. B.
Published: March 2013

As selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors have an inhibitory effect on nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, they may affect the neuromuscular transmission and interact with neuromuscular blockers. This study was designed to observe the effect of fluoxetine on neuromuscular transmission and its interaction with rocuronium using the rat phrenic nerve hemidiaphragm and rabbit head drop methods.

Rat phrenic nerve hemidiaphragms were mounted and stimulated using a train of four pulses (TOF). The effect of fluoxetine was studied on both indirectly and directly stimulated basal twitch responses by plotting cumulative dose response curves (DRCs). DRCs of rocuronium were obtained in the absence, and presence of 5 μm and 20 μm fluoxetine to study its interaction. ED5, ED50 and ED95 values of rocuronium DRCs in absence and presence of fluoxetine were calculated.

Fluoxetine significantly inhibited twitch responses in both indirect and directly stimulated preparations. Fluoxetine (20 μm) caused an increase in the potency of rocuronium such that the ED50 and ED95 values of rocuronium DRCs were significantly decreased. Partially inhibited twitch responses by fluoxetine (100 μm) were not reversed by neostigmine (3.3 μm) or 3,4 diaminopyridine (0.25 μm).

Rabbits were given fluoxetine 0.25 mg kg−1 and 1 mg kg−1 orally for 15 days, and on 15th day, rocuronium infusion was given, and time for head drop was recorded. The time of head drop was significantly reduced in fluoxetine pretreated as compared to control group.

Fluoxetine blocks the neuromuscular transmission and increases the potency of rocuronium‐induced neuromuscular block.
μ‐Opioid receptors mediate the effects of chronic ethanol binge drinking on the hippocampal neurogenic niche
Authors: Contet Candice , Kim Airee , Le David , Iyengar Siddharth K. , Kotzebue Roxanne W. , Yuan Clara J. , Kieffer Brigitte L. , Mandyam Chitra D.
Published: March 2013

Ethanol exposure and withdrawal alter the generation of new neurons in the adult hippocampus. The endogenous opioid system, particularly the μ‐opioid receptor (MOR), can modulate neural progenitors and also plays a critical role in ethanol drinking and dependence. In the present study, we sought to determine whether MOR contributes to the effects of ethanol on the dentate gyrus (DG) neurogenic niche. MOR wild‐type (WT), heterozygous (Het) and knockout (KO) littermates were subjected to voluntary ethanol drinking in repeated limited‐access two‐bottle choice (2BC) sessions. MOR deficiency did not alter progenitor proliferation, neuronal differentiation and maturation, apoptosis or microglia in ethanol‐naïve mice. When exposed to five consecutive weeks of 2BC, MOR mutant mice exhibited a gene‐dosage‐dependent reduction of ethanol consumption compared with WT mice. Introducing a week of ethanol deprivation between each week of 2BC increased ethanol consumption in all genotypes and produced equivalent intakes in WT, Het and KO mice. Under the latter paradigm, ethanol drinking decreased progenitor proliferation and neuronal differentiation in the DG of WT mice. Interestingly, WT mice exhibited a strong negative correlation between ethanol intake and proliferation, which was disrupted in Het and KO mice. Moreover, MOR deficiency blocked the effect of ethanol on neuronal differentiation. MOR deficiency also protected against the neuroimmune response to ethanol drinking. Finally, chronic binge drinking induced a paradoxical decrease in apoptosis, which was independent of MOR. Altogether, our data suggest that MOR is implicated in some of the neuroplastic changes produced by chronic ethanol exposure in the DG.
Population drinking and drink driving in Norway and Sweden: an analysis of historical data 1957–89
Authors: Norström Thor , Rossow Ingeborg
Published: March 2013

Aim

Research suggests an association between population drinking and a large number of outcomes. However, driving while under the influence of alcohol (DWI) is conspicuously absent from this list of outcomes. The aim of this study was to estimate the relation between DWI and total consumption of alcohol on annual time–series data for Norway and Sweden.

Design, setting, and measurements

For Norway, we used data on convictions for DWI per 100 000 inhabitants (aged 15–69 years). The DWI proxy for Sweden comprised the proportion (%) of all police‐reported traffic accidents with personal injuries where the driver was under the influence of alcohol. Data on total alcohol sales in litres of pure alcohol per inhabitant (aged 15 years and older) were used as proxy for total alcohol consumption. We focused on the period 1957–89, during which the legislation concerning DWI remained unchanged in Norway as well as in Sweden. The statistical analyses were based on co‐integrated models.

Findings

The estimates of the association between DWI and per capita alcohol consumption were strongly significant in Norway as well as in Sweden. For Norway, the estimated elasticity equalled 2 (P < 0.001) and for Sweden 1.5 (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

In Norway and Sweden, as total population level of alcohol consumption increases or decreases so does the incidence of driving while intoxicated.
Management of delirium in medicine: Experience of a Close Observation Unit
Authors: Eeles Eamonn , Thompson Leah , McCrow Judy , Pandy Shaun
Published: March 2013

Aim

A new model of care for the management of patients with delirium was developed and evaluated.

Method

A four‐bedded Close Observation Unit (COU) was introduced. The model comprised education for assistants in nursing (AINs), environmental adaptations and AIN‐to‐patient ratio of 1:4. Outcomes in all patients with delirium before and after introduction of the new model of care were compared.

Results

One hundred and five patients were admitted to COU, of whom 100 (95%) were diagnosed with delirium. In‐hospital mortality improved after introduction of the unit (15% vs 5%; P = 0.002) without significant change in length of stay, discharge destination or falls frequency.

Conclusion

A dedicated unit for delirium management within medicine achieved a reduction in mortality.
Anatomic Fitting of Total Artificial Hearts for In Vivo Evaluation
Authors: Gregory Shaun D. , Loechel Nicole , Pearcy Mark J. , Fraser John , Parnis Steven , Cohn William E. , Timms Daniel
Published: March 2013

Successful anatomic fitting of a total artificial heart (TAH) is vital to achieve optimal pump hemodynamics after device implantation. Although many anatomic fitting studies have been completed in humans prior to clinical trials, few reports exist that detail the experience in animals for in vivo device evaluation. Optimal hemodynamics are crucial throughout the in vivo phase to direct design iterations and ultimately validate device performance prior to pivotal human trials. In vivo evaluation in a sheep model allows a realistically sized representation of a smaller patient, for which smaller third‐generation TAHs have the potential to treat. Our study aimed to assess the anatomic fit of a single device rotary TAH in sheep prior to animal trials and to use the data to develop a three‐dimensional, computer‐aided design (CAD)‐operated anatomic fitting tool for future TAH development. Following excision of the native ventricles above the atrio‐ventricular groove, a prototype TAH was inserted within the chest cavity of six sheep (28–40 kg). Adjustable rods representing inlet and outlet conduits were oriented toward the center of each atrial chamber and the great vessels, with conduit lengths and angles recorded for future analysis. A three‐dimensional, CAD‐operated anatomic fitting tool was then developed, based on the results of this study, and used to determine the inflow and outflow conduit orientation of the TAH. The mean diameters of the sheep left atrium, right atrium, aorta, and pulmonary artery were 39, 33, 12, and 11 mm, respectively. The center‐to‐center distance and outer‐edge‐to‐outer‐edge distance between the atria, found to be 39 ± 9 mm and 72 ± 17 mm in this study, were identified as the most critical geometries for successful TAH connection. This geometric constraint restricts the maximum separation allowable between left and right inlet ports of a TAH to ensure successful alignment within the available atrial circumference.
Differences in parents', nurses' and physicians' views of NICU parent support
Authors: Franck Linda S , Axelin Anna
Published: March 2013

Aim

To measure the perceptions of parent support by parents, nurses and physicians.

Methods

Perceptions were compared among parents (n = 227), nurses (n = 178) and physicians (n = 43) in four neonatal intensive care units (NICU) using two versions of the Nurse Parent Support Tool (NPST and NPSTpro).

Results

Overall, parents reported receiving support from nurses some or most of the time and their perceptions were correlated with aspects of their NICU experience. Nurses reported giving support to parents almost all of the time. The mean difference between parent and nurse ratings was smallest for instrumental support (0.26, 0.16–0.36; p < 0.001) and greatest for emotional support (0.82, 0.67–0.97; p < 0.001). Physicians overall reported that they gave support to parents most of the time, significantly less frequently than nurses (mean difference 0.58, 0.45–0.71; p < 0.001). They rated their support as most frequent on answering parents' questions satisfactorily and as least frequent on teaching parents how to give care to their baby.

Conclusion

NICU nurses and physicians should be encouraged to critically reflect on whether the type and consistency of support they provide to parents is in line with parents' perceptions and needs. Further research is needed on effective methods for health professionals to support parents of NICU infants.
Classification of Taiwan forest vegetation
Authors: Li Ching‐Feng , Chytrý Milan , Zelený David , Chen Ming‐Yih , Chen Tze‐Ying , Chiou Chyi‐Rong , Hsia Yue‐Joe , Liu Ho‐Yih , Yang Sheng‐Zehn , Yeh Ching‐Long , Wang Jenn‐Che , Yu Chiou‐Feng , Lai Yen‐Jen , Chao Wei‐Chun , Hsieh Chang‐Fu
Published: March 2013

Aim

We identify the main forest vegetation types in Taiwan, provide their formal definitions and describe their species composition, habitat affinities and distribution.

Location

Taiwan.

Methods

A data set of 9822 vegetation plots with environmental characteristics recorded in the field or derived from digital maps in GIS was compiled from historical literature and an extensive field survey. Using expert knowledge, 6574 of these plots were used to build a classification into broad vegetation types. The units of the resulting classification were formally defined using a Cocktail determination key, which can be used for the automatic assignment of new vegetation plots to these vegetation types.

Results

Twelve vegetation types of zonal forests and nine types of azonal forests were distinguished. Zonal types in the subtropical region, from high mountains to foothills, are Juniperus subalpine coniferous woodland, Abies–Tsuga upper‐montane coniferous forest, Chamaecyparis montane mixed cloud forest, Fagus montane deciduous broad‐leaved cloud forest, Quercus montane evergreen broad‐leaved cloud forest, Machilus–Castanopsis sub‐montane evergreen broad‐leaved forest, Phoebe–Machilus sub‐montane evergreen broad‐leaved forest and Ficus–Machilus semi‐evergreen foothill forest. Zonal types in the tropical region, from high mountains to foothills, are Pasania–Elaeocarpus montane evergreen broad‐leaved cloud forest, Drypetes–Helicia sub‐montane evergreen broad‐leaved forest, Dysoxylum–Machilus foothill evergreen broad‐leaved forest and Aglaia–Ficus foothill evergreen broad‐leaved forest. Azonal types are Illicium–Cyclobalanopsis tropical winter monsoon forest, Pyrenaria–Machilus subtropical winter monsoon forest, Diospyros–Champereia tropical rock‐outcrop forest, Zelkova–Quercus subtropical rock‐outcrop forest, Pinus successional woodland, Alnus successional woodland, Trema–Mallotus successional woodland, Scaevola–Hibiscus seashore woodland and Kandelia mangrove.

Conclusions

The diversity of forest vegetation in Taiwan is strongly structured by the temperature and moisture gradient. Along the temperature gradient, five altitudinal zones can be recognized. Azonal forest types develop at sites affected by the winter monsoon, on steep slopes, rocky soils, in seashore saline habitats and in places disturbed by fire, landslides and human activities. Zonal vegetation contains a higher ratio of endemic and Pacific species and occurs in wetter habitats, whereas azonal vegetation contains co‐existing species from different regions and usually occurs in drier habitats.
Post‐fire regeneration inMediterranean reforested sites as affected by mechanical site preparation: lessons for restoration
Authors: Hibsher Nurit , Moshe Yossi , Bney‐Moshe Eitan , Ben‐Moshe Ezra , Zangi Ela , Zuck Aviram , Osem Yagil
Published: March 2013

Question

The importance of silvicultural site preparation techniques in determining vegetation succession is increasingly recognized. We studied the effects of mechanical site preparation (MSP) on post‐fire vegetation regeneration within reforested sites inMediterraneanIsrael.

Location

UpperGalilee region,Israel.

Methods

Vegetation cover and composition, ruderal species colonization and pine regeneration were monitored in four reforested sites for 3 yr following wildland fires that burned maturePinus brutiaandP. halepensisplantations. In each reforested site, a 50 m × 50 m monitoring area was assigned and measurements were conducted within five subplots (2 m × 50 m) encompassing threeMSPpatch types: ploughed patches (P), unploughed patches (UP) and planting mounds (M) that combined ploughing, pit digging and wood‐chip mulching.

Results

Recovery of vegetation cover (excluding pines) was rapid. TheMSPpatch type significantly affected vegetation cover in the first spring following the fire: cover was lowest onM, intermediate onPand highest onUP. However, these differences became minor by the third spring following the fire. Total woody species richness was not affected byMSPpatch type, although there were minor effects on relative abundance of woody species. Two ruderal species were found, but their abundance became untraceable by the third year. Patterns ofMSPeffects on pine regeneration were similar forP. halepensisandP. brutia. Density of emerging seedlings of both pine species during the first year following the fire was significantly affected by MSP patch type: lower inPandMthan inUPby more than 50% and 90%, respectively. However, emergence and/or survival during the following 2 yr was higher inPandMthan inUP, with overall outcome of pine regeneration still about 50% lower inPandMthan inUP.

Conclusions

TheMSPtreatments had only a minor, short‐term effect on post‐fire regeneration and colonization of vegetation, except for pine recruitment, which was more severely affected.
Global Labour‐Standards Advocacy by European Civil Society Organizations: Trends and Developments
Authors: Fransen Luc , Burgoon Brian
Published: March 2013

In recent years, developments in intergovernmental organizations and transnational private governance organizations have created new opportunities and constraints for the promotion of global labour‐standards governance by civil society organizations (CSOs). This article describes how European CSOs (including trade union organizations and non‐governmental organizations (NGOs)) respond to these developments. It argues that European civil society is witnessing a threefold shift in priorities of labour‐standards advocacy: from pushing regulatory approaches to organizational capacity building; from corporate responsibility strategies focused on compliance to strategies focused on transparency; and from fair labour standards within the sustainable development agenda to a host of other issues. The overall result is that labour‐standards advocacy in general and private labour governance in particular are receiving less attention from European CSOs.
COMPARATIVE STATICS OF A MONOPOLISTIC FIRM FACING RATE‐OF‐RETURN AND COMMAND‐AND‐CONTROL POLLUTION CONSTRAINTS
Authors: Caputo Michael R. , Popov Dmitriy
Published: March 2013

The intrinsic comparative statics properties of a general rate‐of‐return regulated, profit‐maximizing model of a monopolist facing a command‐and‐control pollution constraint are derived. Recent advances in the theory of comparative statics are used to derive the basic comparative statics of the model, which are contained in an observable negative semi‐definite matrix and possess the form of Slutsky‐like expressions. We consider several command‐and‐control pollution constraints that are commonly implemented in practice, and conclude that the intrinsic comparative statics properties of the model are qualitatively invariant to the type of command‐and‐control pollution constraint imposed. We compare our results with those extant, and find that several basic results from the standard A–J model no longer hold in our model.
Prevalence of undetected developmental delays in Iranian children
Authors: Sajedi F. , Vameghi R. , Kraskian Mujembari A.
Published: March 2013

Background

Regarding the short‐ and long‐term benefits of early intervention for childhood developmental disorders, this study was carried out to determine the prevalence of undetected developmental delays by the standardized form of the Persian version of the Ages and Stages Questionnaires (ASQ) in Iranian children.

Methods

This was a cross‐sectional study. The study was carried out on 11 000, 4‐ to 60‐month‐old children; in 19 age groups, in 41 selected cities throughout the country. Ninety physicians were invited from each of the selected cities to Tehran in groups, and trained about the ASQ scoring, during a 2‐day workshop. The questionnaires were completed at healthcare settings by parents of children who were apparently normal (lacking any gross developmental disorders) under the supervision of the physicians who consequently scored each child. The response rate was 95% (10 516 parents).

Results

Among the 10 516 children studied, 5035 (47.87%) were girls. The average percentage of children delayed in the communication, gross motor, fine motor, problem‐solving and social‐personal domains was 3.87%, 4.04%, 4.31%, 4.15% and 3.69%, respectively, when considering the Iranian cut‐off points. In the 19 age‐domain groups, most frequently in the personal‐social and fine motor domains (in terms of domains), and also most frequently at 36 and 48 months of age (in terms of age ranges), girls showed significantly higher scores than boys. Boys showed significantly higher scores in two age‐domain groups (gross motor domain at 20 and 22 months of age).

Conclusions

The prevalence of undetected developmental delays in Iranian children screened by the ASQ questionnaires ranged from 3.69% to 4.31% in different developmental domains.
Contested attachments: rethinking adoptive kinship in the era of open adoption
Authors: Sales Sally
Published: March 2013

Since its legal inception in 1926, adoption work has been centrally concerned with the matter of the adopted child's ‘first’ or prior life, whilst also focussed on achieving a new and secure substitute family for that child. Adoptive kinship has been formed through this dual and contradictory concern, a concern that has produced diverse policies and practices over the last 90 years. Drawing onFoucault's concept of technologies of the subject, this paper is an exploration of adoptive kinship within the new context of open adoption, a set of practices that more actively promotes the involvements of the adopted child's former family. These practices both promote a radical reworking of adoptive kinship, as well as confirming its more orthodox moorings. Drawing on an adoption archive study, the paper concludes with an analysis of letterbox contact to explore how far this form of open practice transforms adoptive kinship in the contemporary era.
Zygomatic Implants Placed Using the Zygomatic Anatomy‐Guided Approach versus the Classical Technique: A Proposed System to Report Rhinosinusitis Diagnosis
Authors: Aparicio Carlos , Manresa Carolina , Francisco Karen , Aparicio Arnau , Nunes Jonas , Claros Pedro , Potau Josep M.
Published: March 2013

Purpose

The first aim of this study is to compare the outcomes in rehabilitating the atrophic maxilla using zygomatic implants (ZIs) and regular implants (RIs) using the classical zygomatic technique (CZT) versus the zygomatic anatomy‐guided approach (ZAGA). The second goal of this paper is to propose a standardized system to report rhinosinusitis diagnosis.

Materials and Methods

Twenty‐two consecutive zygomatic patients operated on from 1998 to 2002 and 80 consecutive zygomatic patients operated on from 2004 to October 2009 were selected. All included patients were in a maintenance program. Survival rates (SRs) of ZI and RI were recorded. Implants were individually tested using Periotest® (Periotest value [PTv], Siemens AG, Bensheim, UK). Sinus health was radiographically and clinically assessed according to Lund‐Mackay system and Lanza and Kennedy survey recommended by Task Force on Rhinosinusitis for research outcomes. A satisfaction questionnaire (Oral Health Impact Profile for assessing health‐related quality of life in Edentulous adults) and different anatomical measurements were also performed.

Results

No significant differences (p = .602) were observed with respect to SR between the two groups (95.12% vs 96.79%). Significant differences (p = .000) were found comparing measurements of ZI head distance to the alveolar crest (5.12 ± 2.38 mm vs 2.92 ± 2.30 mm). With the CZT, more palatal emergence of ZI was observed. PTv gave significantly greater stability for the CZT compared with the ZAGA group in both measurements (−4.38 ± 1.75 vs −2.49 ± 4.31, p = .000; −4.94 ± 1.46 vs −3.11 ± 5.06, p = .000). Lund‐Mackay score was significantly lower for the ZAGA group (2.38 ± 3.86 vs 0.56 ± 1.26, p = .042). Statistically significant difference (p = .047) regarding the percentage of patients with no signs or symptoms of rhinosinusitis (Lanza and Kennedy test negative and Lund‐Mackay score zero) was observed between groups (54.55% vs 76.25%, p = .047).

Conclusions

Both procedures had similar clinical outcomes with respect to implant survival. The ZAGA concept is able to immediately rehabilitate the severely atrophic maxillae, minimizing the risk of maxillary sinus‐associated pathology. Moreover, less bulky, more comfortable, and easy to clean prostheses are achieved.