bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Topology of tree–mycorrhizal fungus interaction networks in xeric and mesic Douglas‐fir forests
Authors: Beiler Kevin J. , Simard Suzanne W. , Durall Daniel M.
Published: February 2015

From the phytocentric perspective, a mycorrhizal network (MN) is formed when the roots of two or more plants are colonized by the same fungal genet. MNs can be modelled as interaction networks with plants as nodes and fungal genets as links. The potential effects of MNs on facilitation or competition between plants are increasingly recognized, but their network topologies remain largely unknown. This information is needed to understand the ecological significance of MN functional traits.

The objectives of this study were to describe the interaction network topologies of MNs formed between two ectomycorrhizal fungal species, Rhizopogon vesiculosus and R. vinicolor, and interior Douglas‐fir trees at the forest stand scale, identify factors leading to this structure and to contrast MN structures between forest plots with xeric versus mesic soil moisture regimes.

Tuberculate mycorrhizas were sampled in six 10 × 10 m plots with either xeric or mesic soil moisture regimes. Microsatellite DNA markers were used to identify tree and fungal genotypes isolated from mycorrhizas and for comparison with reference tree boles above‐ground.

In all six plots, trees and fungal genets were highly interconnected. Size asymmetries between different tree cohorts led to non‐random MN topologies, while differences in size and connectivity between Rhizopogon species‐specific subnetwork components contributed towards MN nestedness. Large mature trees acted as network hubs with a significantly higher node degree compared to smaller trees. MNs representing trees linked by R. vinicolor genets were mostly nested within larger, more highly connected R. vesiculosus‐linked MNs.

Attributes of network nodes showed that hub trees were more important to MN topology on xeric than mesic sites, but the emergent structures of MNs were similar in the two soil moisture regimes.

Synthesis. This study suggests MNs formed between interior Douglas‐fir trees and R. vesiculosus and R. vinicolor genets are resilient to the random loss of participants, and to soil water stress, but may be susceptible to the loss of large trees or fungal genets. Our results regarding the topology of MNs contribute to the understanding of forest stand dynamics and the resilience of forests to stress or disturbance.
Immigrants and Mortgage Delinquency
Authors: Lin Zhenguo , Liu Yingchun , Xie Jia
Published: February 2015

This article studies the effect of immigrant status on mortgage delinquency. Due to their different social and economic background, immigrant households may not integrate well into the host society, and therefore are more likely to be delinquent on mortgages than otherwise identical native‐born households. We test this hypothesis by comparing the mortgage delinquency rate between immigrant and native‐born households in the 2009 PSID (Panel Study of Income Dynamics) data, in which all the immigrant households have been in the United States for more than 10 years. We find that, after controlling for observables, those relatively recent immigrants who have been in the United States for 10 to 20 years have a higher mortgage delinquency rate than native‐born, while immigrants who have resided in the United States for more than 20 years are no different from native‐borns. In addition, there is no evidence that the second generation of immigrants is more likely to be delinquent than the third‐or‐higher generations. Our results are robust to potential sample‐selection bias and functional misspecifications.
Application of Cellulosic Nanofibers in Food Science Using Electrospinning and Its Potential Risk
Authors: Rezaei Atefe , Nasirpour Ali , Fathi Milad
Published: February 2015

Cellulose is the most abundant and a low‐cost biodegradable by‐product in the food and agricultural industries. Electrospun cellulosic nanofibers have remarkable physicochemical properties that make them attractive for many applications in the food sector. In this review, electrospinning is investigated as an easy method for producing nanofibers from polymers. Moreover, the most important applications of cellulosic nanofibers in food science are presented. These applications are (a) immobilization of bioactive substances such as enzymes, vitamins, and antimicrobials; (b) nutraceutical delivery systems and controlled release of materials; (c) as biosensors; (d) filtration; and (e) for reinforcing composites and in films. Finally, some potential risks of using electrospinning in food science are reviewed.
A Systematic Study to Understand the Effects of Particle Size Distribution of Magnetic Fingerprint Powders on Surfaces with Various Porosities
Authors: Gürbüz Serkan , Özmen Monkul Bahar , İpeksaç Tuğba , Gürtekin Seden Merve , Erol Melek
Published: February 2015

This study intends to design magnetite (Fe3O4)‐based magnetic fingerprint powders with different particle size distributions. It also investigates the influence of particle size distribution on the visualization of latent fingermarks with as little background staining as possible on the surfaces with various porosities in a systematic way. Two strategies were used to prepare the magnetic fingerprint formulations for this study: milling of coarse magnetite particles for different durations, and mixing of sieved fine particles with different size ranges with coarse particles. Particle size analyses of the prepared magnetic powders, optical microscopy‐based roughness analysis of the surfaces and SEM measurements of the visualized fingerprints and representative powders were performed. Mag2 of the formulations prepared through milling and Mag5 and Mag6 of the formulations prepared through sieving and mixing were more successful in the development of latent prints than the rest of the solutions.
Sexual Dimorphism in Auricular Surface Projection and Postauricular Sulcus Morphology
Authors: Wescott Daniel J.
Published: February 2015

The presence of an elevated auricular surface and a postauricular sulcus is presented in numerous reference books as osteological indicators of sex, but the validity of these traits has not been adequately evaluated. The ilia of 322 (181 male, 141 female) adults were examined, the auricular surface was scored as completely, partially, or nonelevated, and the postauricular sulcus was scored as present or absent. Complete elevation occurred almost exclusively in females (67% of females and 0.6% of males). The postauricular sulcus was present in 27% of males and 85% of females. When present, an elevated auricular surface is a reliable indicator that the individual is female. However, the absence of the trait is a less reliable indicator of sex. The postauricular sulcus is a moderately accurate estimator of sex.
Age distribution of emergency department presentations in Victoria
Authors: Freed Gary L , Gafforini Sarah , Carson Norman
Published: February 2015

Objectives

To describe patterns of ED utilisation over time, by patient age group and triage classification.

Methods

Secondary analysis of data from all patients presenting to EDs in Victoria utilising the Victorian Emergency Minimum Dataset (VEMD) for the years 2002–2013. The VEMD includes all hospitals in Victoria with 24 h EDs.

Results

The absolute number of presentations to EDs in Victoria has grown by over 52% in the last 11 years. The triage categories of highest urgency (1–3) grew by 89% whereas the categories of lowest urgency (4–5) grew by 33%. Over this period, the 5 year age band with the greatest number of ED presentations has consistently been, by far, children 0–4 years of age. This age group has seen an increase of 29% in ED presentations overall with a >55% increase in Triage 1–3, and an increase of 16% in triage 4–5. For all age groups, there has been little change in the number of triage category 4–5 presentations since 2007/2008. However, for triage categories 1–3, there have been consistent increases in presentations across all age groups.

Conclusion

The age range with the greatest absolute number of ED presentations in Victoria is children 0–4 years of age. This finding is consistent over time and across all triage classifications. The age range with the second highest absolute number of ED presentations is comprised of those 20–24 years of age. This is in contrast to the frequent public attention placed on the volume of ED presentations by the elderly.
How Aspiration to Office Conditions the Impact of Government Participation on Party Platform Change
Authors: Schumacher Gijs , van de Wardt Marc , Vis Barbara , Klitgaard Michael Baggesen
Published: February 2015

Considerable ambiguity exists regarding the effect of government/opposition status on party platform change. Existing theories predict that (1) it has no effect, (2) opposition parties change more, (3) opposition parties change more after several spells in opposition, and (4) parties’ responses vary because of different goal orientations. We propose that a party's aspiration to office, measured by its historical success or failure in entering office, determines a party's reaction to being in opposition or government. We hypothesize that, because of loss aversion, parties with low office aspiration change more when they are in government than when they are in opposition. Conversely, parties with high office aspiration change more as opposition party than as government party. We find evidence for these hypotheses through a pooled time‐series cross‐sectional analysis of 1,686 platform changes in 21 democracies, using the Comparative Manifesto Data and an innovative measure of party platform change.
Correlation between macular blood flow and central visual sensitivity in retinitis pigmentosa
Authors: Murakami Yusuke , Ikeda Yasuhiro , Akiyama Masato , Fujiwara Kota , Yoshida Noriko , Nakatake Shunji , Notomi Shoji , Nabeshima Takahiro , Hisatomi Toshio , Enaida Hiroshi , Ishibashi Tatsuro
Published: February 2015

Purpose

To investigate the changes in macular blood flow and the correlation between those changes and central visual function in patients with retinitis pigmentosa (RP).

Methods

The mean blur rate (MBR), a quantitative blurring index of the laser speckle pattern that represents retinal and choroidal blood flow, was measured by laser speckle flowgraphy. Mean blur rate values in the macular area were compared between 70 patients with RP and 28 control subjects. The relationships between MBR on the one hand and, on the other, visual acuity (VA), mean deviation (MD) and averaged macular sensitivity of static perimetry tests (Humphrey Filed Analyzer, the central 10‐2 program) were analysed in patients with RP.

Results

Macular MBR was decreased to 75% in patients with RP compared with control subjects (p < 0.0001, Student's t‐test). Spearman's rank testing showed that macular MBR was significantly correlated with VA (r = −0.261, p = 0.0299), MD values (r = 0.438, p = 0.0002) and averaged macular sensitivity at the central 4 and 12 points of static perimetry tests (r = 0.426 and 0.442, p = 0.0003 and 0.0002, respectively). Multivariable‐adjusted analysis confirmed that MBR was independently associated with MD (p = 0.0002) and macular sensitivity at the central 4 and 12 points (p < 0.0001 and 0.0002, respectively).

Conclusions

Decreased macular blood flow was associated with reduced macular visual sensitivity in patients with RP. Although the cause–effect relationships remain to be elucidated, these findings suggest that vascular defects may be involved in the pathogenesis of RP such as central vision loss.
Expression of CYP3A4 and CYP3A7 in Human Foetal Tissues and its Correlation with Nuclear Receptors
Authors: Betts Stina , Björkhem‐Bergman Linda , Rane Anders , Ekström Lena
Published: February 2015

Previous reports have suggested that the nuclear receptors vitamin D receptor (VDR), peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor α (PPARα), pregnane X receptor (PXR) and constitutive androstane receptor (CAR) are involved in the regulation of the drug‐metabolizing enzyme cytochrome P450 (CYP) 3A4 expression in adults. The aim of this study was to investigate the gene expression of CYP3A4 and the foetal CYP3A7 in human foetal tissues and their relation to gene expression and genetic variations in the nuclear receptors VDR, PPARα, PXR and CAR. We determined the relative expression of CYP3A4 and CYP3A7 and these nuclear receptors in foetal livers, intestines and adrenals, using quantitative PCR. In addition, the expression of these enzymes was also analysed in adult liver. There was a high interindividual variability in CYP3A4 and CYP3A7, 49 times and 326 times, respectively. Both CYP3A4 and CYP3A7 had the highest expression in the liver. There were significant correlations (p < 0.001) between the nuclear receptors studied and the expression of CYP3A4 and CYP3A7 in foetal liver, as well as the expression of CYP3A4 in foetal intestine. Polymorphisms in the VDR gene, rs1544410 and rs1523130 (TaqI), in the PXR gene, rs1523130, and in the PPARα gene, rs4253728, were not correlated with CYP3A4 or CYP3A7 expression. However, C‐homozygous individuals of the TaqI VDR polymorphism had 60% lower VDR gene expression (p < 0.05), than individuals carrying one or two T alleles. In conclusion, differences in the expression of nuclear receptors might determine the variability in CYP3A4 and CYP3A7 expression observed in foetal liver.
Rawlsian Justice and Palliative Care
Authors: Knight Carl , Albertsen Andreas
Published: February 2015

Palliative care serves both as an integrated part of treatment and as a last effort to care for those we cannot cure. The extent to which palliative care should be provided and our reasons for doing so have been curiously overlooked in the debate about distributive justice in health and healthcare. We argue that one prominent approach, the Rawlsian approach developed by Norman Daniels, is unable to provide such reasons and such care. This is because of a central feature in Daniels' account, namely that care should be provided to restore people's opportunities. Daniels' view is both unable to provide pain relief to those who need it as a supplement to treatment and, without justice‐based reasons to provide palliative care to those whose opportunities cannot be restored. We conclude that this makes Daniels' framework much less attractive.
A frame‐reflective discourse analysis of serious games
Authors: Mayer Igor , Warmelink Harald , Zhou Qiqi
Published: February 2015

The authors explore how framing theory and the method of frame‐reflective discourse analysis provide foundations for the emerging discipline of serious games (SGs) research. Starting withWittgenstein's language game andBerger andLuckmann's social constructivist view on science, the authors demonstrate why a definitional or taxonomic approach toSGs is problematic and unfruitful. UsingGoffman's frame analysis as an alternative, they construct four frames, with sample illustrations, demonstrating the different ways in which the utility of games for society, business and politics is considered. These areSGs as: (1) tool (therapy, drug), (2) innovation (economic utility), (3) persuasion (idea, belief) and (4) self‐organization (complexity). The frames are based upon different values and perceive different impacts of games in society, business and politics. The authors discuss the implications of their approach.
A spatio‐temporal contrast of the predatory impact of an invasive freshwater crustacean
Authors: Iacarella Josephine C. , Dick Jaimie T. A. , Ricciardi Anthony
Published: February 2015

Aim

Impacts of invasive species may vary across invasion gradients, owing to trait‐based sorting of individuals through dispersal: those aggregating at invasion fronts may be more aggressive and voracious. We examine, in the field and laboratory, variation in the predatory impacts of an invasive Ponto‐Caspian crustacean Hemimysis anomala G.O. Sars, 1907 at two sites along a spatio‐temporal gradient of invasion.

Location

Republic of Ireland.

Methods

We used reciprocal transplant field‐deployed mesocosms to compare predation rates of invasion front and well‐established H. anomala on natural zooplankton assemblages. In the laboratory, we measured the functional response (relationship between predation rate and prey supply) of H. anomala from both sites, for a per capita mechanistic comparison of predation efficiency. We also assessed prey selectivity of H. anomala in the mesocosm experiments to further compare feeding behaviour. Finally, we used a correlative approach to assess the community impact of H. anomala across sites, including a nearby uninvaded site, by comparing zooplankton diversities and densities.

Results

Invasion front H. anomala had higher predation rates than well‐established H. anomala at high in situ zooplankton densities. Invasion front H. anomala also had higher functional responses – in particular showing higher ‘attack rates’ – indicating a heightened ability to locate and capture prey. Prey selectivity was consistent across the spatio‐temporal contrast, with positive selection for cladocerans. Zooplankton diversity and density declined with time since H. anomala invasion, both being maximal at the uninvaded site.

Main conclusions

Our study, for the first time, (1) reveals differences in predatory per capita effects and associated behavioural traits between two sites along a spatio‐temporal invasion gradient and (2) shows a negative community‐level impact of the invasive H. anomala in natural water bodies. Further spatio‐temporal comparisons of predatory per capita effects of invaders are needed to assess the generality of these results.
Plant diversity, soil biota and resistance to exotic invasion
Authors: Liao Huixuan , Luo Wenbo , Peng Shaolin , Callaway Ragan M.
Published: February 2015

Aim

High species richness at small spatial scales can increase productivity and resist exotic invasion through complementary and selection effects. Recent evidence also suggests that soil biota can drive the increase in productivity caused by high species richness. Here, we take this a step farther and investigate whether soil biota can also affect how high species richness resists invasion.

Location

Missoula, Montana, USA.

Methods

Ten native grassland species were used to create plant assemblages with either one species (monocultures) or 10 species (polycultures) in a common garden. Soils cultured by these assemblages were collected and either sterilized or not to examine the combined effects of species richness and soil biota on the growth and competitive ability of the 10 native species against the invader Bromus tectorum.

Results

Live soil from monocultures inhibited the growth of all native species as a group and native grasses as a functional group more than live soil from polycultures. Sterilization eliminated the negative effects of soil from monocultures but not from polycultures. Native species also competed with B. tectorum more successfully in live soil from polycultures than live soil from monocultures, and sterilization eliminated the competitive advantage of natives in live polyculture soil.

Main conclusions

We found that local plant species richness can affect soil biota in ways that can increase the competitive effects of natives against an aggressive exotic invader; thus, our results suggest a mechanism by which species diversity might provide resistance to exotic invasion.
Presentation and management of acute coronary syndromes among adult persons with haemophilia: results of an international, retrospective, 10‐year survey
Authors: Fogarty P. F. , Mancuso M. E. , Kasthuri R. , Bidlingmaier C. , Chitlur M. , Gomez K. , Holme P. A. , James P. , Kruse‐Jarres R. , Mahlangu J. , Mingot‐Castellano M. E. , Soni A. ,   the Global Emerging HEmophilia Panel (GEHEP)
Published: February 2015

Sparse data are available on presentation and management of acute coronary syndromes (ACS), including unstable angina and non‐ST‐ and ST‐elevation myocardial infarction, among persons with haemophilia (PWH). The aim of this study was to determine demographics, bleeding disorder characteristics, cardiovascular risk factors (CRFs), interventions, haemostatic protocol, revascularization outcomes and complications among PWH with ACS. Members of an international consortium comprising >2000 adult PWH retrospectively completed case report forms for episodes of ACS in a >10‐year follow‐up period (2003–2013). Twenty ACS episodes occurred among 19 patients [rate, 0.8% (95% CI 0.4, 1.2)]. Seven patients (37%) were aged <50 years; 10 (53%) had ≥3 CRFs. In 5/20 episodes (25%), the initial ACS management protocol was altered because of the bleeding disorder. None of the eight patients with severe haemophilia underwent coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), compared with 54.5% of patients with non‐severe disease (P = 0.02). Revascularization with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) or CABG was rated successful in 13/13 cases, with no excessive bleeding during initial management. During chronic exposure to antiplatelet agents, secondary haemophilia prophylaxis was more prevalent in patients with severe haemophilia compared with non‐severe haemophilia (85.7% vs. 30%, P = 0.05). No ACS‐related deaths occurred during initial management, but one patient with severe haemophilia A died of undetermined cause 36 months after the ACS event while on aspirin therapy. ACS occurs even among relatively younger PWH, typically in association with multiple CRFs. Revascularization with PCI/CABG is feasible, and antiplatelet agents plus secondary prophylaxis appears to be well tolerated in selected PWH with ACS.
Contraceptive options for HIV‐positive women: making evidence‐based, patient‐centred decisions
Authors: Sharma M , Walmsley SL
Published: February 2015

Objectives

Women of reproductive age represent a large proportion of the global population living with HIV/AIDS. With improvements in morbidity and mortality since the advent of combination antiretroviral therapy, contraception and pregnancy planning are an increasingly important issue for women living with HIV. This review aims to outline the key considerations when choosing contraceptive methods in HIV‐positive women and provides a review of the literature to inform decision‐making.

Methods

Pubmed was searched using the terms ‘HIV’, ‘contraception’, ‘HIV progression’, ‘HIV acquisition’, ‘HIV transmission’ and the combination of ‘antiretroviral’ and ‘contraception’. Abstracts were reviewed and relevant articles were retrieved. Reference lists were also reviewed for pertinent citations.

Results

HIV and contraceptive methods can interact in several clinically meaningful ways. Concomitant use may result in altered contraceptive efficacy, drug−drug interactions, or increased toxicity. Hormonal contraceptives have not been shown to affect HIV progression. Notably, the impact of hormonal contraceptives on HIV transmission and acquisition remains unclear, particularly for injectable forms. Data are lacking on several newer methods of contraception including contraceptive rings, patches and intrauterine systems.

Conclusions

Effective, reliable contraception is important for HIV‐positive women. Efficacy, toxicity, drug interactions, and potential impacts on HIV disease progression, transmission, and acquisition must be assessed when making clinical decisions.
An exploratory study of the views of community pharmacy staff on the management of patients with undiagnosed skin problems
Authors: Tucker Rod , Stewart Derek
Published: February 2015

Objective

The aim of this study was to explore pharmacist and medicine counter assistant (MCA) perceptions of community pharmacy management of patients presenting with symptomatic skin problems.

Methods

The study involved semi-structured telephone interviews with 10 pharmacists and 15 MCAs from seven pharmacies. Interviews focused on perceptions of their role in managing symptomatic skin problems and views on why people sought pharmacy advice and any barriers to management. Advice from the local ethics committee was that approval was not required for the study. We analysed the interviews using the framework approach.

Key finding

Pharmacists identified two key themes that defined their role; triage and reassurance. In contrast, MCAs defined their role as information gatherers and independent advisors. Themes identified by both pharmacists and MCAs relating to the use of pharmacy as a source of advice were convenience, the perceived non-serious nature of conditions and inaccessibility of the GP. Additionally, MCAs believed familiarity with the pharmacist was important. Both pharmacists and MCAs identified their lack of dermatological knowledge as a barrier with pharmacists reporting insufficient time to deal effectively with patients. MCAs identified the potential for misdiagnosis by pharmacists as another potential barrier.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that the role of pharmacists and MCAs is complementary; MCAs screen and provide the necessary information to pharmacists who then decide upon an appropriate course of action for the patient. Nevertheless, a major barrier to pharmacy-supported self-care of symptomatic skin problems is a perceived lack of knowledge and training in dermatology.
Moral distress in critical care nurses: a phenomenological study
Authors: Choe Kwisoon , Kang Youngmi , Park Youngrye
Published: February 2015

Aim

To explore and understand moral distress from the perspective of and as experienced by critical care nurses in Korea.

Background

The concept of moral distress among critical care nurses must be more broadly explored using a qualitative approach.

Design

Giorgi's phenomenological research approach was used.

Methods

A purposive sampling was used to select 14 critical care nurses. In‐depth face‐to‐face interviews were performed in Korea from March 2012–December 2013.

Findings

Five main themes of moral distress emerged: (1) ambivalence towards treatment and care (notably prioritizing work tasks over human dignity, unnecessary medical treatments and the compulsory application of restraints); (2) suffering resulting from a lack of ethical sensitivity; (3) dilemmas resulting from nurses' limited autonomy in treatments; (4) conflicts with physicians; and (5) conflicts with institutional policy.

Conclusion

Staff shortages are aggravated by high staff turnover caused by ethical suffering. The resulting lack of staff can, in turn, give rise to added ethical conflicts as part of a vicious circle, leading to decreased patient satisfaction.
Geomorphic and Ecological Consequences of Riprap Placement in River Systems
Authors: Reid David , Church Michael
Published: February 2015

Riprap, consisting of large boulders or concrete blocks, is extensively used to stabilize streambanks and to inhibit lateral erosion of rivers, yet its effect on river morphology and its ecological consequences have been relatively little studied. In this paper, we review the available information, most of it culled from the “grey” literature. We use a simple one‐dimensional morphodynamic model as a conceptual tool to illustrate potential morphological effects of riprap placement in a gravel‐bed river, which include inhibition of local sediment supply to the channel and consequent channel bed scour and substrate coarsening, and downstream erosion. Riprap placement also tends to sever organic material input from the riparian zone, with loss of shade, wood input, and input of finer organic material. Available information on the consequences for the aquatic ecosystem mainly concerns effects on commercially and recreationally important fishes. The preponderance of studies report unfavorable effects on local numbers, but habitat niches created by openings in riprap can favorably affect invertebrates and some small fishes. There is a need for much more research on both morphological and ecosystem effects of riprap placement.
A Hierarchical Model for Estimating Long‐Term Trend of Atrazine Concentration in the Surface Water of the Contiguous U.S.
Authors: Yun Jian , Qian Song S.
Published: February 2015

Atrazine is a herbicide frequently detected in both surface and groundwater in the United States (U.S.), but its spatiotemporal distribution and concentration trends have only been analyzed recently at regional or local scales. We employed a Bayesian hierarchical modeling approach to assess spatial and seasonal variation in atrazine concentration trends between 1990 and 2010 for the contiguous U.S. A Markov chain Monte Carlo simulation algorithm was used to address the problem of left‐censored data (i.e., atrazine concentration values below method reporting levels). We observed opposing temporal trends in the northern (flat or decreasing) and southern (increasing) regions of the U.S. This spatial variation in temporal trends can be partially explained by the relative amount of cropland in the region. Flat or decreasing trends in the north are more likely in regions with high cropland coverage while positive trends in the south are more likely in regions with low cropland coverage.
Evidence for Sealing versus Restoration of Early Caries Lesions
Authors: Zandona Andrea Ferreira , Swift Edward J.
Published: February 2015

Resin‐based pit and fissure sealants are established tools for prevention of dental caries. Conversely, the role of sealants for management of existing early dental caries lesions has been disputed despite the recommendation from the American Dental Association Council on Scientific Affairs. The development of more sensitive caries detection technologies has revealed that many sealants have likely been placed over incipient lesions inadvertently over the years. However, the issue remains whether sealing overt incipient occlusal caries lesions leads to a worse outcome versus restoring the surface. Certainly, there are diverse opinions regarding this topic. But what does the science say? This Critical Appraisal presents evidence from several clinical trials for sealing incipient occlusal caries lesions.
Participation of Elderly Adults in Randomized Controlled Trials Addressing Antibiotic Treatment of Pneumonia
Authors: Avni Tomer , Shiver‐Ofer Shahaf , Leibovici Leonard , Tacconelli Evelina , DeAngelis Giulia , Cookson Barry , Pagani Leonardo , Paul Mical
Published: February 2015

Objectives

To examine how relevant current evidence on antibiotic treatment of pneumonia is for elderly adults.

Design

Systematic review.

Setting

Randomized controlled trials (RCTs; N = 43) comparing different antibiotics and prospective observational studies (N = 182) published since 2005.

Participants

Adults with community‐acquired (CAP), healthcare‐associated (HCAP), hospital‐acquired (HAP), or ventilator‐associated (VAP) pneumonia.

Measurements

Exclusion criteria that could preferentially limit participation of elderly adults were examined, subgroup or other adjusted analyses were searched for according to age, and treatment effects in participants younger than 65 in RCTs were compared with those in participants aged 65 and older. Mean participant ages in RCTs and observational studies were compared. Risk ratios (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for differences between older and younger adults were pooled using a fixed effect metaanalysis.

Results

No RCT reported exclusion based on an upper age limit; 100% of community CAP trials, 90% of hospitalized CAP trials, and 76% of HAP and VAP trials excluded individuals based on comorbidities. None of the RCTs reported a subgroup analysis for mortality according to age. The RR for the pooled difference in treatment failure rates between participants younger than 65 and those aged 65 and older was 1.25 (95% CI = 0.94–1.65, 12 RCTs) and between participants younger than 75 and aged 75 and older was 1.43 (95% CI = 0.98–2.09, 7 RCTs). RCT participants were significantly younger (54.0 ± 9.6) than those in observational studies of CAP (66.2 ± 8.1, P < .001). Age differences were not significant for HCAP, HAP, and VAP.

Conclusion

Elderly adults are often excluded from RCTs of bacterial pneumonia. No data were found on the comparative efficacy of antibiotic treatment in elderly adults and the general population.
APOE‐modulated Aβ‐induced neuroinflammation in Alzheimer's disease: current landscape, novel data, and future perspective
Authors: Tai Leon M. , Ghura Shivesh , Koster Kevin P. , Liakaite Vaiva , Maienschein‐Cline Mark , Kanabar Pinal , Collins Nicole , Ben‐Aissa Manel , Lei Arden Zhengdeng , Bahroos Neil , Green Stefan J. , Hendrickson Bill , Van Eldik Linda J. , LaDu Mary Jo
Published: February 2015

Chronic glial activation and neuroinflammation induced by the amyloid‐β peptide (Aβ) contribute to Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathology. APOE4 is the greatest AD‐genetic risk factor; increasing risk up to 12‐fold compared to APOE3, with APOE4‐specific neuroinflammation an important component of this risk. This editorial review discusses the role of APOE in inflammation and AD, via a literature review, presentation of novel data on Aβ‐induced neuroinflammation, and discussion of future research directions. The complexity of chronic neuroinflammation, including multiple detrimental and beneficial effects occurring in a temporal and cell‐specific manner, has resulted in conflicting functional data for virtually every inflammatory mediator. Defining a neuroinflammatory phenotype (NIP) is one way to address this issue, focusing on profiling the changes in inflammatory mediator expression during disease progression. Although many studies have shown that APOE4 induces a detrimental NIP in peripheral inflammation and Aβ‐independent neuroinflammation, data for APOE‐modulated Aβ‐induced neuroinflammation are surprisingly limited. We present data supporting the hypothesis that impaired apoE4 function modulates Aβ‐induced effects on inflammatory receptor signaling, including amplification of detrimental (toll‐like receptor 4‐p38α) and suppression of beneficial (IL‐4R‐nuclear receptor) pathways. To ultimately develop APOE genotype‐specific therapeutics, it is critical that future studies define the dynamic NIP profile and pathways that underlie APOE‐modulated chronic neuroinflammation.

image

In this editorial review, we present data supporting the hypothesis that impaired apoE4 function modulates Aβ‐induced effects on inflammatory receptor signaling, including amplification of detrimental (TLR4‐p38α) and suppression of beneficial (IL‐4R‐nuclear receptor) pathways, resulting in an adverse NIP that causes neuronal dysfunction. NIP, Neuroinflammatory phenotype; P.I., pro‐inflammatory; A.I., anti‐inflammatory.
Urodynamic Efficacy and Safety of Mirabegron Add‐on Treatment with Tamsulosin for Japanese Male Patients with Overactive Bladder
Authors: WADA Naoki , IUCHI Hiromichi , KITA Masafumi , HASHIZUME Kazumi , MATSUMOTO Seiji , KAKIZAKI Hidehiro
Published: February 2015

Objectives

To investigate urodynamic efficacy and safety of mirabegron add‐on treatment with tamsulosin for Japanese male patients with overactive bladder (OAB).

Methods

A prospective study was conducted in 26 consecutive male patients with OAB who had been taking tamsulosin. OAB was diagnosed by overactive bladder symptom score (OABSS). Before and 8 weeks after mirabegron add‐on treatment with preceding tamsulosin, we assessed OABSS, International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), free uroflowmetry (UFM), filling cystometry and pressure‐flow study (PFS).

Results

Mean age and prostate volume of the study patients were 75 ± 7 years and 32 ± 19 mL, respectively. Mirabegron significantly improved OABSS (from 8.5 ± 2.3 to 4.7 ± 2.5, P < 0.001). On free UFM, mirabegron significantly increased voided volume (from 135 ± 47 to 182 ± 102 mL, P = 0.01), maximum (from 10.7 ± 3.7 to 13.5 ± 6.4 mL/sec, P < 0.01) and average flow rate (from 5.5 ± 1.9 to 7.1 ± 3.3 mL/sec, P < 0.01), while postvoid residual urine volume did not change significantly (from 47 ± 38 to 63 ± 61 mL, P = 0.23). Before mirabegron, 24 patients (92%) had detrusor overactivity (DO). After mirabegron add‐on, maximum cystometric capacity significantly increased from 170 ± 98 to 212 ± 95 mL (P = 0.01) and DO disappeared in six patients (25%). In the other 18 patients with persistent DO, amplitude of involuntary contraction decreased and bladder volume at first involuntary contraction increased with statistical significance. On PFS, detrusor pressure at maximum flow rate (from 79 ± 31 to 68 ± 19 cmH2O, P = 0.10) or bladder contractility index (from 126 ± 39 to 120 ± 27, P = 0.45) did not change significantly.

Conclusions

Mirabegron add‐on treatment with tamsulosin has efficacy and safety because it improves storage symptom without impairment of bladder contractility during voiding in male patients with OAB.
Obesity and vitamin D deficiency: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Pereira‐Santos M. , Costa P. R. F. , Assis A. M. O. , Santos C. A. S. T. , Santos D. B.
Published: February 2015

Over the past decade, there have been an increasing number of studies on the association between vitamin D deficiency and anthropometric state. However, we did not identify any meta‐analyses of the relationship between obesity and vitamin D deficiency in different age groups. Thus, we evaluated the association between obesity and vitamin D deficiency. We searched for observational studies published up to April 2014 in PubMed/Medline, Web of Science and Scopus databases. We performed a meta‐analysis in accordance with the random‐effects model to obtain the summary measurement (prevalence ratio, PR). Among the 29,882 articles identified, 23 met the inclusion criteria. The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency was 35% higher in obese subjects compared to the eutrophic group (PR: 1.35; 95% CI: 1.21–1.50) and 24% higher than in the overweight group (PR: 1.24; 95% CI: 1.14–1.34). These results indicate that the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency was more elevated in obese subjects. The vitamin D deficiency was associated with obesity irrespective of age, latitude, cut‐offs to define vitamin D deficiency and the Human Development Index of the study location.
The effects of anti‐hypertensives and type 2 diabetes on salivary flow and total antioxidant capacity
Authors: Djukić LJ , Roganović J , Brajović MD , Bokonjić D , Stojić D
Published: February 2015

Objective

The present cross‐sectional study aimed to determine the effect of first‐line anti‐hypertensive drugs (enalapril, metoprolol, and combinations of enalapril with metoprolol and/or hydrochlorothiazide) on salivary gland function and salivary total antioxidant capacity (TAC) in hypertensive patients with/without diabetes mellitus (DM) type 2.

Materials and Methods

Salivary gland function was measured as xerostomia (interview) and unstimulated whole saliva flow rate (UWSFR) in 447 subjects (387 hypertensive and 60 healthy). Salivary TAC was evaluated by spectrophotometric assay.

Results

Enalapril is not xerogenic, while metoprolol and drug combinations are. In the presence of DM type 2, all drugs, except metoprolol, had pronounced xerogenic effect. Binary logistic regression analysis found enalapril to be significantly associated with decreased risk of xerogenic effect development, while DM type 2 with increased risk. In the presence of enalapril in hypertensive patients with/without DM type 2 salivary TAC was similar to that in healthy subjects, while for metoprolol was reduced.

Conclusions

Enalapril is not xerogenic but is antioxidant, which moderately reduces the risk of xerogenic effect development even in the presence of DM type 2. However, metoprolol and drug combinations exhibit xerogenic effect. In DM type 2, xerogenic effect of all drugs was pronounced except of metoprolol.
Sugar as a key component of the shoot branching regulation network
Authors: EVERS JOCHEM B.
Published: February 2015

This article comments on: Photosynthetic leaf area modulates tiller bud outgrowth in sorghum
Is There a Nonprofit Advantage? Examining the Impact of Institutional Context on Individual–Organizational Value Congruence
Authors: Peng Shuyang , Pandey Sheela , Pandey Sanjay K.
Published: February 2015

This article addresses an important question: do nonprofit organizations have an advantage over public organizations in fostering individual–organizational value congruence? The authors argue that nonprofit organizations do have an advantage. This is because institutional differences between the two sectors become manifest through nonprofit status and the extent of external control, which influences the organization and the individual. External control and sector status (nonprofit versus public) determine the extent of centralization, organizational goal ambiguity, and work autonomy. In turn, these three organizational characteristics shape individual–organizational value congruence. Although the results provide support for the nonprofit advantage thesis, it is worth noting that organizational effects on individual–organizational value congruence are more powerful. Indeed, the results suggest that managerial and organizational actions, compared with sector status, are more likely to influence individual–organizational value congruence.
Political Equality by Precedent
Authors: Aronovitch Hilliard
Published: February 2015

This article asks about the justification for the principle of political equality in the sense of equal entitlement to basic rights. A preliminary portion criticizes standard justifications that refer to a property or properties all human beings share; these fail because they are untrue, irrelevant, or question‐begging. The more substantial and constructive portion of the article then argues for a different, indirect mode of justification, based on rebuttals of historical presumptions of inequality and the actual evolution of the idea of equality through partial steps and specific precedents. The justification of political equality is thus connected to the explanation of its emergence.
The Inverse Relation Between Risks and Benefits: The Role of Affect and Expertise
Authors: Sokolowska Joanna , Sleboda Patrycja
Published: February 2015

Although risk and benefits of risky activities are positively correlated in the real world, empirical results indicate that people perceive them as negatively correlated. The common explanation is that confounding benefits and losses stems from affect. In this article, we address the issue that has not been clearly established in studies on the affect heuristic: to what extent boundary conditions, such as judgments’ generality and expertise, influence the presence of the inverse relation in judgments of hazards.

These conditions were examined in four studies in which respondents evaluated general or specific benefits and risks of “affect‐rich” and “affect‐poor” hazards (ranging from investments to applications of stem cell research). In line with previous research, affect is defined as good or bad feelings integral to a stimulus. In contrast to previous research, affect is considered as related both to personal feelings and to social controversies associated with a hazard. Expertise is related to personal knowledge (laypersons vs. experts) as well as to objective knowledge (targets well vs. poorly known to science). The direct comparison of the input from personal and objective ignorance into the inverse relation has not been investigated previously.

It was found that affect invoked by a hazard guides general but not specific judgments of its benefits and risks. Technical expertise helps to avoid simplified evaluations of consequences as long as they are well known to science. For new, poorly understood hazards (e.g., stem cell research), expertise does not protect from the perception of the inverse relation between benefits and risks.
Advanced age protects microvascular endothelium from aberrant Ca2+ influx and cell death induced by hydrogen peroxide
Authors: Socha Matthew J. , Boerman Erika M. , Behringer Erik J. , Shaw Rebecca L. , Domeier Timothy L. , Segal Steven S.
Published: February 2015

Key points

Calcium signalling in endothelial cells of resistance arteries is integral to blood flow regulation. Oxidative stress and endothelial dysfunction can prevail during advanced age and we questioned how calcium signalling may be affected.

Intact endothelium was freshly isolated from superior epigastric arteries of Young (∼4 months) and Old (∼24 months) male C57BL/6 mice. Under resting conditions, with no difference in intracellular calcium levels, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) availability was ∼1/3 greater in endothelium of Old mice while vascular catalase activity was reduced by nearly half.

Compared to Old, imposing oxidative stress (200 μm H2O2) for 20 min increased intracellular calcium to 4‐fold greater levels in endothelium of Young in conjunction with twice the calcium influx. Prolonged (60 min) exposure to H2O2 induced 7‐fold greater cell death in endothelium of Young.

Microvascular adaptation to advanced age may protect endothelial cells during elevated oxidative stress to preserve functional viability of the intima.

Endothelial cell Ca2+ signalling is integral to blood flow control in the resistance vasculature yet little is known of how its regulation may be affected by advancing age. We tested the hypothesis that advanced age protects microvascular endothelium by attenuating aberrant Ca2+ signalling during oxidative stress. Intact endothelial tubes (width, ∼60 μm; length, ∼1000 μm) were isolated from superior epigastric arteries of Young (3–4 months) and Old (24–26 months) male C57BL/6 mice and loaded with Fura‐2 dye to monitor [Ca2+]i. At rest there was no difference in [Ca2+]i between age groups. Compared to Young, the [Ca2+]i response to maximal stimulation with acetylcholine (3 μm, 2 min) was ∼25% greater in Old, confirming signalling integrity with advanced age. Basal H2O2 availability was ∼33% greater in Old while vascular catalase activity was reduced by half. Transient exposure to elevated H2O2 (200 μm, 20 min) progressively increased [Ca2+]i to ∼4‐fold greater levels in endothelium of Young versus Old. With no difference between age groups at rest, Mn2+ quench of Fura‐2 fluorescence revealed 2‐fold greater Ca2+ influx in Young during elevated H2O2; this effect was attenuated by ∼75% using ruthenium red (5 μm) as a broad‐spectrum inhibitor of transient receptor potential channels. Prolonged exposure to H2O2 (200 μm, 60 min) induced ∼7‐fold greater cell death in endothelium of Young versus Old. Thus, microvascular endothelium can adapt to advanced age by reducing Ca2+ influx during elevated oxidative stress. Protection from cell death during oxidative stress will sustain endothelial integrity during ageing.
‘The Datafication of Everything’: Toward a Sociology of Sport and Big Data
Authors: Millington Brad , Millington Rob
Published: February 2015

This paper explores the articulations of sport and ‘Big Data’—an important though to date understudied topic. That we have arrived at an ‘Age of Big Data’ is an increasingly accepted premise: the proliferation of tracking technologies, combined with the desire to record/monitor human activity, has radically amplified the volume and variety of data in circulation, as well as the velocity at which data move. Herein, we take initial steps toward addressing the implications of Big Data for sport (and vice versa), first by historicizing the relationship between sport and quantification and second by charting its contemporary manifestations. We then present four overlapping postulates on sport in the Age of Big Data. These go toward both showing and questioning the logic of ‘progress’ said to lie at the core of sport’s nascent statistical turn. We conclude with reflections on how a robust sociology of sport and Big Data might be achieved.
Plasma membrane Ca
2+
-ATPases can shape the pattern of Ca
2+
transients induced by store-operated Ca
2+
entry
Authors: Pászty Katalin , Caride Ariel J. , Bajzer Željko , Offord Chetan P. , Padányi Rita , Hegedűs Luca , Varga Karolina , Strehler Emanuel E. , Enyedi Agnes
Published: February 2015

Plasma membrane calcium pumps differentially affect the pattern of calcium signals.
Normalizing immune cell metabolism treats lupus
Authors: Colmone Angela
Published: February 2015

Systemic lupus erythematosus is associated with enhanced CD4
+
T cell metabolism and can be reversed by metabolic modulators.