bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of alfaxalone, ketamine and thiopental for anaesthetic induction and recovery in Thoroughbred horses premedicated with medetomidine and midazolam
Authors: Wakuno A. , Aoki M. , Kushiro A. , Mae N. , Kodaira K. , Maeda T. , Yamazaki Y. , Ohta M.
Published: February 2016

Reasons for performing study

There is limited information on clinical use of the new injectable anaesthetic agent alfaxalone in Thoroughbred horses.

Objectives

To compare anaesthetic induction and recovery characteristics and cardiopulmonary responses between alfaxalone, ketamine and thiopental in Thoroughbred horses premedicated with medetomidine and midazolam.

Study design

Randomised blinded experimental cross‐over study.

Methods

Six Thoroughbred horses were anaesthetised 3 times with alfaxalone 1 mg/kg bwt, ketamine 2.5 mg/kg bwt or thiopental 4 mg/kg bwt after premedication with medetomidine 6 μg/kg bwt and midazolam 20 μg/kg bwt. Qualities of anaesthetic induction and recovery were scored on a scale of 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent). Induction time and recovery time were recorded. Cardiopulmonary values (heart rate, respiratory rate, arterial blood pressures, and arterial blood gases) were recorded throughout anaesthesia. Data were analysed with nonparametric methods.

Results

The anaesthetic induction (P = 0.2) and recovery (P = 0.1) quality scores (median, range) were not different amongst protocols and were 4.0, 3–5; 5.0, 4–5; 4.5, 3–5; and 4.5, 3–5; 3.5, 2–5; 4.0, 2–5 for alfaxalone, ketamine and thiopental, respectively. Induction time for ketamine (67, 53–89 s) was significantly longer than that for alfaxalone (49, 40–51 s, P = 0.01) and thiopental (48, 43–50 s, P = 0.01). Time to standing for alfaxalone (44, 40–63 min, P = 0.01) and thiopental (39, 30–58 min, P = 0.01) was significantly longer than that for ketamine (25, 18–26 min). Cardiovascular values were maintained within the clinically acceptable level throughout anaesthesia. Respiratory rate significantly decreased during anaesthesia for all 3 drugs; however, spontaneous breathing did not disappear, and PaCO2values were maintained at approximately 50 mmHg.

Conclusions

All 3 drugs showed similar effects in relation to anaesthetic induction and recovery qualities and cardiopulmonary responses. However, alfaxalone and thiopental prolonged recovery time compared with ketamine.
Implications of fish migration and fishing mortality for marine protected area design
Authors: Kenchington Trevor J
Published: February 2016

The Convention on Biological Diversity calls for networks of ‘representative’ MPAs, the effectiveness of which requires that the protected ecosystems be independent of external anthropogenic pressures. One principal pressure, fishing, severely depletes the oldest age classes of the target fish even if optimally managed. As many fishery resource species had high natural abundance and large individual sizes, while most fish show indeterminate growth and ascend the trophic pyramid as they grow, elimination of older age classes equates to removal of once‐dominant top predators. Because archetypal resource species are also migratory, that loss is transported throughout the range of the exploited populations, including into MPAs, through a lack of large migrants. The ecological implications remain uncertain in marine ecosystems, which are typically under ‘bottom‐up’ control. ‘Top‐down’ effects, such as mesopredator release, species replacement and trophic cascades, have been observed, however, meaning that elimination of top predators may affect ecosystem structure. It follows that, while exceptions doubtless exist, in general ‘representative’ MPAs should not be expected to fulfil their declared purposes, unless they are made so large as to encompass the whole migratory circuits of principal resource species – implying indefinite closure of the fisheries affected. Some compromise may be possible if MPAs were combined with fishing mortality rates far below current ‘optimal’ levels or where fishing can be concentrated on younger adults, while older fish are protected from exploitation. In any case, societies must choose between seafood production and recovery of selected marine areas to near‐pristine conditions.
Minimizing the impact of fishing
Authors: Froese Rainer , Winker Henning , Gascuel Didier , Sumaila U Rashid , Pauly Daniel
Published: February 2016

Minimizing the impact of fishing is an explicit goal in international agreements as well as in regional directives and national laws. To assist in practical implementation, three simple rules for fisheries management are proposed in this study: 1) take less than nature by ensuring that mortality caused by fishing is less than the natural rate of mortality; 2) maintain population sizes above half of natural abundance, at levels where populations are still likely to be able to fulfil their ecosystem functions as prey or predator; and 3) let fish grow and reproduce, by adjusting the size at first capture such that the mean length in the catch equals the length where the biomass of an unexploited cohort would be maximum (Lopt). For rule 3), the basic equations describing growth in age‐structured populations are re‐examined and a new optimum length for first capture (Lc_opt) is established. For a given rate of fishing mortality,Lc_optkeeps catch and profit near their theoretical optima while maintaining large population sizes. Application of the three rules would not only minimize the impact of fishing on commercial species, it may also achieve several goals of ecosystem‐based fisheries management, such as rebuilding the biomass of prey and predator species in the system and reducing collateral impact of fishing, because with more fish in the water, shorter duration of gear deployment is needed for a given catch. The study also addresses typical criticisms of these common sense rules for fisheries management.
Using maximum entropy to predict the potential distribution of an invasive freshwater snail
Authors: Papeş Monica , Havel John E. , Vander Zanden M. Jake
Published: February 2016

Ecological niche modelling is a technique used to estimate potential distributions of invasive species based on available occurrence data and associated environmental conditions. Maximum entropy (Maxent) is a powerful method for ecological niche modelling and yet has only rarely been applied to aquatic species.

Here we applied Maxent to estimate the potential distribution of the invasive Chinese mystery snail (Cipangopaludina chinesis) in Wisconsin and analysed several methodological issues associated with using Maxent for lentic species.

To generate Maxent estimates of the potential distribution ofC. chinesis, we used presence records from 292 lakes, five spatially explicit climatic variables, and two lake‐specific environmental data sets (area, conductivity) from 7995 lakes. Our investigations included three aspects that could affect model prediction accuracy and transferability: (i) combining climate and lake variables into a single data set in two different ways, using each lake as a single observation and as a grid of 1 ha cells; (ii) varying the size of the background data set (locations without presences); and (iii) contrasting environmental conditions between locations with and withoutC. chinesis.

The lake‐based model had higher accuracy than the grid‐based model, although both models had accuracy values indicative of good performance. Conductivity and lake area were important predictor variables for both models, but had higher contribution to the lake‐based model accuracy. Decreasing the background sample size minimally affected model accuracy and thus Maxent can be used even when background sampling does not meet the algorithm's default settings. Lastly, lakes that were environmentally dissimilar from lakes with knownC. chinesisrecords were more likely to be predicted unsuitable by both grid‐based and lake‐based models.

Overall, the models predicted high potential suitability across Wisconsin lakes forC. chinesis, especially in lakes ≥60 ha. Our study provides evidence that small or environmentally biased presence data sets may underestimate the number of environmentally suitable locations of invasive species.
Valorization of Sida (Sida hermaphrodita) biomass for multiple energy purposes
Authors: Jablonowski Nicolai David , Kollmann Tobias , Nabel Moritz , Damm Tatjana , Klose Holger , Müller Michael , Bläsing Marc , Seebold Sören , Krafft Simone , Kuperjans Isabel , Dahmen Markus , Schurr Ulrich
Published: February 2016

The performance and biomass yield of the perennial energy plant Sida hermaphrodita (hereafter referred to as Sida) as a feedstock for biogas and solid fuel was evaluated throughout one entire growing period at agricultural field conditions. A Sida plant development code was established to allow comparison of the plant growth stages and biomass composition. Four scenarios were evaluated to determine the use of Sida biomass with regard to plant development and harvest time: (i) one harvest for solid fuel only; (ii) one harvest for biogas production only; (iii) one harvest for biogas production, followed by a harvest of the regrown biomass for solid fuel; and (iv) two consecutive harvests for biogas production. To determine Sida's value as a feedstock for combustion, we assessed the caloric value, the ash quality, and melting point with regard to DIN EN ISO norms. The results showed highest total dry biomass yields of max. 25 t ha−1, whereas the highest dry matter of 70% to 80% was obtained at the end of the growing period. Scenario (i) clearly indicated the highest energy recovery, accounting for 439 288 MJ ha−1; the energy recovery of the four scenarios from highest to lowest followed this order: (i) ≫ (iii) ≫ (iv) > (ii). Analysis of the Sida ashes showed a high melting point of >1500 °C, associated with a net calorific value of 16.5–17.2 MJ kg−1. All prerequisites for DIN EN ISO norms were achieved, indicating Sida's advantage as a solid energy carrier without any post‐treatment after harvesting. Cell wall analysis of the stems showed a constant lignin content after sampling week 16 (July), whereas cellulose had already reached a plateau in sampling week 4 (April). The results highlight Sida as a promising woody, perennial plant, providing biomass for flexible and multipurpose energy applications.
Local Development in the Context of Global Migration and the Global Land Rush: The Need for a Conceptual Update
Authors: Zoomers Annelies , Leung Maggi , Westen Guus van
Published: February 2016

This paper argues that global linkages, flows and circulations merit a more central place in theorization about local development. In particular, we make connections across two dominant types of global flows that shape our world tremendously: international migration and large‐scale land investments. The paper compares the two hypes and underlines the similarities in their genealogy, rhetoric and push for good governance as a solution. It then maps out the emergent geographies of local development given rise by these two ntersecting global flows and discusses how they hinder the road to inclusive and sustainable development. While analysing the consequences of the two global flows, we probe the mileage of two interlinked influential concepts in development studies: the notion ‘development as freedom’ and the Sustainable Livelihood Approach. We conclude that the relational aspects of livelihood and development, positionality of the local vis‐à‐vis the global or external, and transformations coming from the outside should be central in our renewed conceptualisation about local development.
Social Science/Natural Science Perspectives on Wildfire and Climate Change
Authors: Ayres Andrew , Degolia Alexander , Fienup Matthew , Kim Yunyeol , Sainz Jade , Urbisci Laura , Viana Daniel , Wesolowski Graham , Plantinga Andrew J. , Tague Christina
Published: February 2016

In western North America, wildfire is a critical component of many ecosystems and a natural hazard that can result in catastrophic losses of human lives and property. Billions of dollars are spent suppressing wildfires each year. In the past decades, academic research has made substantial contributions to the understanding of fire and its interaction with climate and land management. Most reviews of the academic literature, however, are centered in either natural or social science. We offer an integrated cross‐disciplinary guide to state‐of‐the art fire science and use this review to identify research gaps. We focus on the modern era and understanding fire in the context of a changing climate in western North America. We find that studies combining social and natural science perspectives remain limited and that interactions among coupled system components are poorly understood. For example, while natural science studies have identified how fuel treatments alter fire regimes, few social science studies examine how decisions are made about fuel treatments and how these decisions respond to changes in fire regimes. A key challenge is to better quantify the effects of actual fire management policies in a way that accounts for the complexity of coupled natural and natural–human system interactions.
CRM1 and chromosomal passenger complex component survivin are essential to normal mitosis progress and to preserve keratinocytes from mitotic abnormalities
Authors: Labarrade F. , Botto J.‐M. , Domloge N.
Published: February 2016

Objective

Human epidermis provides the body a barrier against environmental assaults. To assume this function, the epidermis needs the renewal of keratinocytes allowed by constant mitosis, which replace the exfoliating corneocytes. Keratinocyte stem cells (KSCs) located in the basal epidermis are mitotically active, self‐renewing and govern the epithelial stratification by producing renewed source of keratinocytes. Protein complex such as the chromosomal passenger complex (CPC) allows the correct development of this process. The CPC is composed of four members: INCENP, survivin, borealin and aurora kinase B, and the disruption of the CPC during cell division induces mitotic spindle defects and improper repartition of chromosomes. The aim of our study was to investigate the implication of CRM1 and survivin in the progress of mitosis in skin keratinocytes.

Methods

Cultured human keratinocytes and skin biopsies were used in this study. KSCs‐enriched population of keratinocytes was isolated from total keratinocytes by differential attachment to a type IV collagen matrix. Survivin and CRM1 expression levels were assessed by immunofluorescence and immunoblotting. Specific siRNAs for each CPC member and for CRM1 were used to determine the relationship between these proteins. Survivin‐specific siRNA was used to induce the apparition of mitotic abnormalities in cultured keratinocytes.

Results

We demonstrated the ability of our compound ‘IV08.009’ to modulate the expression level of survivin and CRM1 in keratinocytes and in skin biopsies. We observed that members of the CPC are interdependent: siRNA‐induced inhibition of one component caused a decrease in the expression of all other CPC members. Downregulation of survivin or CRM1 induced mitotic abnormalities in keratinocytes. However, decreased number of mitotic abnormalities was observed in keratinocytes after ‘IV08.009’ application.

Conclusion

Basal keratinocytes may divide frequently during skin lifespan, and signs of deterioration could appear such as loss of protein factors required for correct mitosis. Our findings suggest that mitotic abnormalities can be prevented by the modulation of CRM1 and survivin. We demonstrated the ability of compound ‘IV08.009’ to efficiently protect cultured keratinocytes from mitotic abnormalities.
Nurses' perceptions of care during wartime: a qualitative study
Authors: Rahimaghaee Flora , Hatamopour Khadijeh , Seylani Khatere , Delfan Vida
Published: February 2016

Aim

This study explains nurses' experiences and views on the care of injured soldiers during the Iraq–Iran war (1980–1988) and the effect of this care on these nurses.

Background

Many studies on war suggest nurses' experiences physical and psychological trauma. Knowing the nurses' experiences can assist healthcare systems and the nursing profession to identify unknown threats.

Introduction

War is a specific phenomenon. After soldiers, nurses are one of the first professions to engage in the phenomenon when it occurs.

Method

A descriptive qualitative approach was used along with conventional content analysis. Data collected in 2014 from semi‐structured interviews of 14 nurses who were selected through purposive sampling.

Results

Two themes (Care in the war, a different culture and concept and Care achievements during the war) and six subthemes (Unusual working conditions, Different work spirit, A real but informal classroom, Professional self‐achievements, Outcomes for the professional community, The changed self) emerged from the data.

Conclusion

A range of environmental factors and conditions, mental and emotional problems and the outcomes of war were identified.

Implications for nursing and health policy

This study emphasizes the importance of being prepared for such crises and using the previous experiences of nurses who served in war time for training future nurses.
Effects of conventional and orthodontic pacifiers on the dental occlusion of children aged 24–36 months old
Authors: Lima Andrea Arraes dos Santos Jacintho , Alves Cláudia Maria Coelho , Ribeiro Cecília Cláudia Costa , Pereira Alex Luiz Pozzobon , da Silva Antônio Augusto Moura , Silva Luciana Freitas Gomes e , Thomaz Erika Barbara Abreu Fonseca
Published: February 2016

Aim

To investigate the effects of conventional and orthodontic pacifiers on the prevalence of malocclusion (MO) considering frequency, duration, and intensity of the sucking habit.

Design

Data were collected at three time‐points: birth, T1; (12–24 months old), T2; (24–36 months old), T3 and were divided into three groups: control (GC; 110), without non‐nutritive sucking habits; orthodontic pacifiers (GOrth; 55); conventional pacifiers (GConv; 55). A questionnaire was applied. Clinical examination was performed at T3. The groups were compared as to the prevalence and severity of anterior open bite (AOB), accentuated overjet, anterior crossbite, posterior crossbite (PCB).

Results

The use of pacifiers was associated with occurrence of MO compared to GC (P < 0.05). Frequency, intensity, and duration of pacifier use was also associated with of MO. There was significant difference in the prevalence of MO between GConv and GOrth for AOB (P = 0.027). Only GConv exhibited higher odds of PCB compared to GC (P = 0.040). The prevalence of MO was significantly higher in pacifiers users (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

The prevalence of MO was higher among children who used pacifiers. According to a general trend, the use of conventional pacifiers was associated to severe anterior open bite and overjet.
Meta‐epidemiological study: a step‐by‐step approach by using R
Authors: Zhang Zhongheng
Published: February 2016

The results of meta‐analysis are usually influenced by characteristics of component trials. These characteristics include but are not limited to sample size, publication language, quality of study design and the number of participating centers. Because systematic review and meta‐analysis is considered to be evidence of the highest quality in the era of evidence‐based medicine, characteristics that may bias the results of meta‐analysis should be fully investigated. Meta‐epidemiological study aims to investigate the impact of study design characteristics on treatment effect. The article introduces how to perform meta‐epidemiological study by using R software. There are several methodological approaches to perform meta‐epidemiological study, depending on whether there is heterogeneity between meta‐analyses and between trials. When there is no significant heterogeneity, these results would be similar.
Apples and Oranges: An International Comparison of the Public's Experience of Justiciable Problems and the Methodological Issues Affecting Comparative Study
Authors: Pleasence P. , Balmer N. J. , Sandefur R. L.
Published: February 2016

Since the mid‐1990s, at least 28 large‐scale national surveys of the public's experience of justiciable problems have been conducted in at least 15 separate jurisdictions, reflecting widespread legal aid reform activity. While the majority of these surveys take their structure from Genn's Paths to Justice survey (1999), they vary significantly in length, scope, mode of administration, types of problems included, survey reference period, data structure, data analysis, and question formulation. This article draws on surveys from across the world, contrasting their methodologies, comparing their headline findings, and setting out the potential for bias as a consequence of methodological variation. The article also presents findings from five online experiments testing the impact of various question formulations on problem prevalence, use of advice, and formal processes. Specifically, the experiments test whether varying the reference period, describing problems as “legal,” offering detailed as opposed to simple problem descriptions, and describing problems as “difficult to solve” had an impact on reported prevalence of justiciable problems, and whether presenting lists as opposed to a series of individual questions had an impact on reported use of advice and processes. The experiments demonstrated that modest differences in question formulation yield significantly different results. Specifically, alteration of survey reference period did not result in a proportional change in reported problem prevalence, introducing problems as either “legal” or “difficult to solve” significantly reduced reported prevalence, and introducing use of advice/processes as multiple questions rather than as lists significantly increased reported use. The risks involved in comparative analysis (and particularly in looking beyond methodology when attempting to explain jurisdictional variation) are discussed. In relation to future studies, the importance of understanding the impact of methodological change, learning the lessons of the past, making technical details transparent, and making data available are highlighted.
Does the Chief Justice Make Partisan Appointments to Special Courts and Panels?
Authors: Palmer Maxwell
Published: February 2016

The Chief Justice of the Supreme Court has the exclusive and independent power to appoint federal judges to various special courts and panels, including the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court (FISC), the court that oversees all domestic surveillance for national security, including domestic data collection by the National Security Agency (NSA). This article examines the propensity of Chief Justices to appoint co‐partisan judges to these panels. Such appointments may serve to produce decisions and policies that align with the Chief Justice's preferences. I use computational simulations to model the appointment decisions made by Chief Justices. I find that there is less than a 1 percent chance that a neutral Chief Justice would appoint as many Republicans to the FISC as have been appointed in the last 36 years. I further show that the Chief Justice is not selecting appointees on other observable judicial characteristics, such as age, experience, gender, senior status, or caseload. These results have important implications for the creation of judicial institutions, the internal politics of the judiciary, legislative delegation, and the powers and oversight of the national security state.
Investigations on the role of the salmon louse, Lepeophtheirus salmonis (Caligidae), as a vector in the transmission of Aeromonas salmonicida subsp. salmonicida
Authors: Novak C W , Lewis D L , Collicutt B , Verkaik K , Barker D E
Published: February 2016

A bacteria–parasite challenge model was used to study the role of sea lice, Lepeophtheirus salmonis (Copepoda), as a vector of Aeromonas salmonicida subsp. salmonicida. Three hypotheses were tested: (i) L. salmonis can acquire A. salmonicida subsp. salmonicida via water bath exposure; (ii) L. salmonis can acquire the bacteria via parasitizing infected Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar; and (iii) L. salmonis can transmit the bacteria to naïve Atlantic salmon via parasitism. Adult L. salmonis exposed to varying A. salmonicida subsp. salmonicida suspensions (101–107 cells mL−1) for 1.0, 3.0 or 6.0 h acquired the bacteria externally (12.5–100%) and internally (10.0–100%), with higher prevalences associated with the highest concentrations and exposures. After exposure to 107 cells mL−1, viable A. salmonicida subsp. salmonicida could be isolated from the external carapace of L. salmonis for 120 h. Lepeophtheirus salmonis also acquired the bacteria externally and internally from parasitizing infected fish. Bacterial transmission was observed only when L. salmonis had acquired the pathogen internally via feeding on ‘donor fish’ and then by parasitizing smaller (<50 g) ‘naive’ fish. Under specific experimental conditions, L. salmonis can transfer A. salmonicida subsp. salmonicida via parasitism; however, its role as a mechanical or biological vector was not defined.
Molecular docking and simulation studies of 3‐(1‐chloropiperidin‐4‐yl)‐6‐fluoro benzisoxazole 2 against VP26 and VP28 proteins of white spot syndrome virus
Authors: Sudharsana S , Rajashekar Reddy C B , Dinesh S , Rajasekhara Reddy S , Mohanapriya A , Itami T , Sudhakaran R
Published: February 2016

White spot syndrome virus (WSSV), an aquatic virus infecting shrimps and other crustaceans, is widely distributed in Asian subcontinents including India. The infection has led to a serious economic loss in shrimp farming. The WSSV genome is approximately 300 kb and codes for several proteins mediating the infection. The envelope proteins VP26 and VP28 play a major role in infection process and also in the interaction with the host cells. A comprehensive study on the viral proteins leading to the development of safe and potent antiviral therapeutic is of adverse need. The novel synthesized compound 3‐(1‐chloropiperidin‐4‐yl)‐6‐fluoro benzisoxazole 2 is proved to have potent antiviral activity against WSSV. The compound antiviral activity is validated in freshwater crabs (Paratelphusa hydrodomous). An in silico molecular docking and simulation analysis of the envelope proteins VP26 and VP28 with the ligand 3‐(1‐chloropiperidin‐4‐yl)‐6‐fluoro benzisoxazole 2 are carried out. The docking analysis reveals that the polar amino acids in the pore region of the envelope proteins were involved in the ligand binding. The influence of the ligand binding on the proteins is validated by the molecular dynamics and simulation study. These in silico approaches together demonstrate the ligand's efficiency in preventing the trimers from exhibiting their physiological function.
Characterization of a new strain of Aeromonas dhakensis isolated from diseased pacu fish (Piaractus mesopotamicus) in Brazil
Authors: Carriero M M , Mendes Maia A A , Moro Sousa R L , Henrique‐Silva F
Published: February 2016

This study provides a detailed description and characterization of a strain of Aeromonas dhakensis isolated from a diseased juvenile Piaractus mesopotamicus obtained from the fish farm of the National Center for Continental Fish Research and Conservation (CEPTA/ICMBio), in the state of São Paul, Brazil. Biochemical tests using the VITEK 2 automated bacterial identification system identified the isolate to genus level; however, further molecular analysis of the 16S rRNA, gyrB and rpoD genes showed that the strain belonged to the species A. dhakensis. As expected, the isolated A. dhakensis strain was resistant to ampicillin and ampicillin/sulbactam, as resistance to ampicillin is a typical characteristic of the genus Aeromonas. Resistance to cefoxitin and meropenem was also observed, but the strain was susceptible to most of the tested antibiotics. The isolated strain of A. dhakensis caused acute haemorrhagic septicaemia in experimentally infected P. mesopotamicus, with a fifty per cent lethal dose of 1.14 × 105 CFU/fish. This is the first report of the occurrence of an A. dhakensis strain causing an infection in a fish species of South America, providing important epidemiologic data relating to this important pathogenic species.
Regulation of colorectal cancer cell epithelial to mesenchymal transition by the renin angiotensin system
Authors: Nguyen Linh , Ager Eleanor I , Neo Jaclyn , Christophi Christopher
Published: February 2016

Background and Aim

Epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) is implicated in tumor progression. We aimed to determine if the renin angiotensin system has a role in colorectal cancer (CRC) cell EMT.

Methods

Human CRC cell lines DLD‐1 and LIM2405 were used in wound scratch migration assays where they were treated with renin angiotensin system peptide ANG II alone or with blockers of ANG II type 1 or 2 receptors (AT1R and AT2R). Levels of epithelial (E‐cadherin), mesenchymal (ZEB1, Vimentin) markers, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and MMP9 were determined by flow cytometry. Mice bearing CRC liver metastases and treated with blockers for AT1R or AT2R were examined for ZEB1 and iNOS by immunohistochemistry.

Results

ANG II increased in‐vitro CRC cell migration in both cell lines, this was inhibited by AT1R (IRB) or AT2R blockade (PD123319). DLD‐1 cells treated with AT1R blocker resulted in increased E‐cadherin, reduced ZEB1, and Vimentin expression compared with ANG II‐treated cells. Treatment with AT2R blocker decreased E‐cadherin, no change in ZEB1 or Vimentin expression. AT1R blockade increased iNOS and decreased MMP9 expression in DLD‐1 and LIM2405 cells. AT2R blockade decreased iNOS and MMP9 expression in both cell lines. In vivo, ZEB1 staining was higher in ANG II‐treated animals compared with control and AT1R blockade treated animals, while activation of the AT2R led to an increase in iNOS compared with control and AT1R blockade.

Conclusions

ANG II‐induced migration of CRC cells via both AT1 and AT2 receptors; the AT1R‐mediated effects were associated with changes typical of EMT.
Recognition of subtle and universal facial expressions in a community‐based sample of adults classified with intellectual disability
Authors: Owen S. , Maratos F. A.
Published: February 2016

Background

Across the USA and UK, schemes now exist to aid the successful integration of adults with mild to moderate intellectual disabilities into general society. One factor that may prove important to the success of such schemes is social competence. Here, understanding the facial expressions of others is critical, as emotion recognition is a prerequisite to empathetic responding and an essential factor in social functioning. Yet research in this area is lacking, especially in community‐based samples.

Method

We investigated the performance of 13 adults with mild to moderate intellectual disability (ID), relative to 13 age‐matched controls, on three tasks of emotion recognition (emotion categorisation; recognition of valence; and recognition of arousal), using a number of ‘basic’ (angry and happy) and more ‘subtle’ (compassionate and critical) emotional expressions, as well as the posers face in a default relaxed (i.e. ‘neutral’) state. Importantly, the sample was drawn from a community‐based initiative and was therefore representative of populations' government schemes target.

Results

Across emotion recognition tasks, the ID adults, as compared with controls, were significantly impaired when labelling the emotions displayed by the poser as well as recognising the associated ‘feelings’ conveyed by these faces. This was especially true for the neutral, compassionate and angry facial expressions. For example, ID adults demonstrated deficits in categorising neutral and subtle emotional expressions, as well as assessing the valence of such facial expressions. In addition, ID adults also struggled to assess arousal levels; especially those associated with compassionate and angry faces.

Conclusion

Given both basic and subtle emotions are conveyed in a range of daily situations, errors in interpreting such facial expressions and, relatedly, understanding what potential behaviours such expressions signify could contribute to the social difficulties ID adults face. This is important because current initiatives such as ‘personalisation’ do not appear to have schemes supporting training in this area, and understanding the facial expressions of others is, after all, one of our most important non‐verbal social communication tools.
US Navy Women's Experience of an Abnormal Cervical Cancer Screening
Authors: Braun Lisa A. , Kennedy Holly Powell , Sadler Lois S. , Dixon Jane , Womack Julie , Wilson Candy
Published: February 2016

Introduction

Recent policy revisions allow greater inclusion of military women in operational and/or deployable positions (ie, shipboard, overseas, and war zone duty assignments), but these positions can create unique health care challenges. Military members are often transient due to deployments and change of duty stations, impacting timely follow‐up care for treatable health conditions. There has been minimal research on challenges or strategies in preventive health screening and follow‐up for US military women.

Methods

The purpose of this qualitative research study was to describe US Navy women's experiences with abnormal cervical cancer screenings requiring colposcopic follow‐up care. Ship‐ and shored‐based women receiving care at a military colposcopy clinic completed interviews about their experience. Two forms of narrative analysis, Labov's sociolinguistic structural analysis and Braun and Clarke's thematic analysis, were employed to gain a more robust understanding of the women's experiences.

Results

The sample was comprised of 26 women (16 ship‐based, 10 shore‐based). Five themes were identified: 1) It's like this bombshell (initial abnormal results notification); 2) I didn't understand (self‐discovery process); 3) Freaked (emotional toll); 4) It's kind of like this back and forth (scheduling and navigating care); and 5) It really opened my eyes (lessons learned).

Discussion

The women's stories highlighted some issues unique to military health care, such as operational demands and follow‐up care; other issues are likely common for most women learning about an abnormal cervical cancer screening result. Areas important for practice and future research include improving notification practices, providing information, understanding women's fear, and continuity of care. Research exploring educational initiatives and self‐management practices are critical within military populations.
Equine Protozoal Myeloencephalitis: An Updated Consensus Statement with a Focus on Parasite Biology, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention
Authors: Reed S.M. , Furr M. , Howe D.K. , Johnson A.L. , MacKay R.J. , Morrow J.K. , Pusterla N. , Witonsky S.
Published: February 2016

Equine protozoal myeloencephalitis (EPM) remains an important neurologic disease of horses. There are no pathognomonic clinical signs for the disease. Affected horses can have focal or multifocal central nervous system (CNS) disease.EPMcan be difficult to diagnose antemortem. It is caused by either of 2 parasites,Sarcocystis neuronaandNeospora hughesi, with much less known aboutN. hughesi. Although risk factors such as transport stress and breed and age correlations have been identified, biologic factors such as genetic predispositions of individual animals, and parasite‐specific factors such as strain differences in virulence, remain largely undetermined. This consensus statement update presents current published knowledge of the parasite biology, host immune response, disease pathogenesis, epidemiology, and risk factors. Importantly, the statement provides recommendations forEPMdiagnosis, treatment, and prevention.
Population genomics of the filarial nematode parasite Wuchereria bancrofti from mosquitoes
Authors: Small Scott T. , Reimer Lisa J. , Tisch Daniel J. , King Christopher L. , Christensen Bruce M. , Siba Peter M. , Kazura James W. , Serre David , Zimmerman Peter A.
Published: February 2016

Wuchereria bancrofti is a parasitic nematode and the primary cause of lymphatic filariasis – a disease specific to humans. W. bancrofti currently infects over 90 million people throughout the tropics and has been acknowledged by the world health organization as a vulnerable parasite. Current research has focused primarily on the clinical manifestations of disease and little is known about the evolutionary history of W. bancrofti. To improve upon knowledge of the evolutionary history of W. bancrofti, we whole genome sequenced 13 W. bancrofti larvae. We circumvent many of the difficulties of multiple infections by sampling larvae directly from mosquitoes that were experimentally inoculated with infected blood. To begin, we used whole genome data to reconstruct the historical population size. Our results support a history of fluctuating population sizes that can be correlated with human migration and fluctuating mosquito abundances. Next, we reconstructed the putative pedigree of W. bancrofti worms within an infection using the kinship coefficient. We deduced that there are full‐sib and half‐sib relationships residing within the same larval cohort. Through combined analysis of the mitochondrial and nuclear genomes we concluded that this is likely a results of polyandrous mating, the first time reported for W. bancrofti. Lastly, we scanned the genomes for signatures of natural selection. Annotation of putative selected regions identified proteins that may have aided in a parasitic life style or may have evolved to protect against current drug treatments. We discuss our results in the greater context of understanding the biology of an animal with a unique life history and ecology.
Staphylococcus aureus lactate‐ and malate‐quinone oxidoreductases contribute to nitric oxide resistance and virulence
Authors: Spahich Nicole A. , Vitko Nicholas P. , Thurlow Lance R. , Temple Brenda , Richardson Anthony R.
Published: February 2016

Staphylococcus aureus is a Gram‐positive pathogen that resists many facets of innate immunity including nitric oxide (NO·). Staphylococcus aureus NO‐resistance stems from its ability to evoke a metabolic state that circumvents the negative effects of reactive nitrogen species. The combination of l‐lactate and peptides promotes S. aureus growth at moderate NO‐levels, however, neither nutrient alone suffices. Here, we investigate the staphylococcal malate‐quinone and l‐lactate‐quinone oxidoreductases (Mqo and Lqo), both of which are critical during NO‐stress for the combined utilization of peptides and l‐lactate. We address the specific contributions of Lqo‐mediated l‐lactate utilization and Mqo‐dependent amino acid consumption during NO‐stress. We show that Lqo conversion of l‐lactate to pyruvate is required for the formation of ATP, an essential energy source for peptide utilization. Thus, both Lqo and Mqo are essential for growth under these conditions making them attractive candidates for targeted therapeutics. Accordingly, we exploited a modelled Mqo/Lqo structure to define the catalytic and substrate‐binding residues.We also compare the S. aureus Mqo/Lqo enzymes to their close relatives throughout the staphylococci and explore the substrate specificities of each enzyme. This study provides the initial characterization of the mechanism of action and the immunometabolic roles for a newly defined staphylococcal enzyme family.
Antifungal therapies in murine infections by Candida kefyr
Authors: Sanchis Marta , Martin‐Vicente Adela , Capilla Javier , Guarro Josep
Published: February 2016

Candida kefyr is an emerging pathogen able to cause disseminated infection, especially in immunocompromised patients. Although guidelines for the treatment of invasive candidiasis have been published, no specific recommendations against C. kefyr are available. We determine the in vitro killing activity of amphotericin B (AMB), fluconazole (FLC) and caspofungin (CFG) as well as their efficacy in a murine model of systemic infection by two C. kefyr strains. Time‐kill curves of AMB, FLC and CFG were determined in final volumes of 10 ml containing the assayed drugs ranged from 0.03 to 32 μg ml−1 at different time points and efficacy of the drugs was evaluated in a systemic model of candidiasis, conducted in immunosuppressed mice, through survival, (1→3)‐β‐D‐glucan levels in serum and fungal load in kidneys. AMB and CFG showed fungicidal and FLC fungistatic activity against both isolates. The three drugs were able to reduce fungal burden in kidneys and (1→3)‐β‐D‐glucan concentration in serum of infected mice, with CFG showing the highest efficacy, followed by FLC. In conclusion, CFG showed efficacy over AMB and FLC against the systemic candidiasis by C. kefyr. The established epidemiological cut‐off for anidulafungin seems the best indicator of outcome for echinocandins.
The impact of occlusal plane cant along with gingival display on smile attractiveness
Authors: Kaya B. , Uyar R.
Published: February 2016

Structured Abstract

Objectives

To evaluate the influence of occlusal plane cant in conjunction with maxillary gingival display on perception of smile attractiveness by orthodontists, dentists, and laypersons.

Setting and sample population

Faculty of Dentistry at Baskent University. A total of 204 raters for smile attractiveness.

Materials and methods

A frontal intra‐oral photograph of aligned teeth was modified using image processing software. Six different occlusal lines representing 0° to 5° cants were obtained by tilting the photographs. Each occlusal cant was adjusted in five manners resulting in five different gingival display amounts. Attractiveness of the 30 different smiles was evaluated by 204 raters divided into three groups (n = 68 in each group).

Results

Both occlusal cant (p < 0.001) and gingival display amount (p < 0.001) had a statistically significant influence on smile attractiveness. Smile attractiveness scores with reference to amount of gingival display showed a significant difference between rater groups (p < 0.001). Orthodontists preferred 1‐mm coverage of upper central incisors by the upper lip, whereas dentists and laypersons preferred 2 mm. Significant (p < 0.001) interaction was observed between occlusal cant and gingival display amount, which influenced smile attractiveness.

Conclusion

Increase in both occlusal plane cant and gingival display negatively influences smile attractiveness. The influence of occlusal plane cant becomes less when gingival display increases, whereas the influence of gingival display decreases when occlusal cant increases. Dentists are more generous than orthodontists, while laypersons are the most generous regarding smile attractiveness scores.
Hydrothermal Preparation and Characterization of TiO2/BiVO4 Composite Catalyst and its Photolysis of Water to Produce Hydrogen
Authors: Jian Zicong , Huang Shaobin , Cao Yaya , Zhang Yongqing
Published: February 2016

In the present work, bismuth vanadate composited photocatalysts were synthesized and characterized. X‐ray diffractometry and Raman results showed that the particles were well crystallized, and formed by the complex of monoclinic BiVO4 and TiO2. On electron microscopy, the photocatalyst exhibited high crystallization, agglutination and irregular shape, and was surrounded by numerous TiO2 particles. The study of surface areas showed that the specific surface area of 30‐BiVO4/TiO2 composited was 112 m2·g−1, which was nearly 10 times that of pure BiVO4. The ultraviolet–visible diffuse reflectance spectra indicated the composited photocatalyst were activated in visible light. The activity of photocatalytic water splitting was studied. The results showed that monomer BiVO4 photocatalyst was not able to produce hydrogen under any light source. BiVO4/TiO2 composited photocatalysts, however, were capable of generating hydrogen. Under UV light irradiation for 120 min, 1 g catalyst dispersed in 50 mL deionized water produced almost 1 mL hydrogen, such that the productivity of hydrogen was higher than that of P25‐TiO2. Photocatalytic decomposition of water under visible light also confirmed that the BiVO4/TiO2 composited photocatalyst had the ability of water splitting.
Vitamin D Status in Pregnancy and Determinants in a Southern European Cohort Study
Authors: Rodriguez Agueda , Santa Marina Loreto , Jimenez Ana María , Esplugues Ana , Ballester Ferran , Espada Mercedes , Sunyer Jordi , Morales Eva
Published: February 2016

Background

Population‐based data on vitamin D status in pregnancy in southern European countries are scarce. We assessed the prevalence and determinants of vitamin D insufficiency and deficiency in pregnancy in Spain.

Methods

Plasma 25‐hydroxyvitamin D3 (25(OH)D3) concentration was measured at the first trimester of gestation in 2,036 pregnant women from several geographical areas of Spain (latitude 39–42°N). Uni‐ and multivariable regression models were conducted to identify predictors of circulating 25(OH)D3 concentration and vitamin D insufficiency (20–30 ng/mL) and deficiency (<20 ng/mL).

Results

Thirty‐one per cent and 18% of women were vitamin D insufficient and deficient, respectively. Season at blood collection, latitude, age, social class, tobacco smoking, physical activity and use of vitamin D supplements were identified as independent determinants of 25(OH)D3 concentration. Lower risk of vitamin D insufficiency and deficiency was associated with summer season at blood collection (RRfor insufficiency = 0.34, confidence intervals (CI) 0.25, 0.48; andRRfor deficiency = 0.07, 95%CI0.04, 0.12), southern latitude (RRfor insufficiency = 0.71, 95%CI0.50, 1.02;RRfor deficiency = 0.60, 95%CI0.38, 0.94); use of vitamin D supplements (RRfor insufficiency = 0.50, 95%CI0.35, 0.71;RRfor deficiency = 0.24, 95%CI0.14, 0.41); and strong physical activity (RRfor insufficiency = 0.80, 95%CI0.58, 1.09; andRRfor deficiency = 0.67, 95%CI0.46, 1.03). Higher risk of vitamin D deficiency was related to lower social class (RR = 1.94, 95%CI1.19, 3.16) and smoking (RR = 1.76, 95%CI1.23, 2.54).

Conclusions

Vitamin D insufficiency and deficiency are highly prevalent in pregnancy. Recommendations and policies to detect and prevent hypovitaminosis D during pregnancy should be developed taking into account the associated factors.
HEALTH CARE SYSTEM EFFICIENCY: A SUB‐STATE LEVEL ANALYSIS FOR ORISSA (INDIA)
Authors: Purohit Brijesh C
Published: February 2016

In recent years, there has been renewed emphasis on efficiency in resource utilization in the healthcare sector. Most studies in the Indian context have focused on state level analysis. This paper explores sub‐state level health system efficiency in Orissa, a low‐income state in India. Our analysis estimates the efficiency of the healthcare system at sub‐state level using 2012 district level data. We explore the reasons for relative performance of different districts using a frontier estimation technique. There is a substantial difference in performance between the most efficient district of Jharsuguda and the least efficient district of Balangir, resulting from inadequate utilization of available health care resources. Our study also identifies complementarity of private health care resources and the role of other factors, such as sanitation facilities, village electrification, and rural population growth. Our results suggest a need for better utilization of budgetary resources, both under the state department of health and the National Rural Health Mission, to increase health manpower and improve quality through training and better management resources in order to improve district health systems in Orissa.