bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hypertension in African Americans Aged 60 to 79 Years: Statement From the International Society of Hypertension in Blacks
Authors: Egan Brent M. , Bland Veita J. , Brown Angela L. , Ferdinand Keith C. , Hernandez German T. , Jamerson Kenneth A. , Johnson Wallace R. , Kountz David S. , Li Jiexiang , Osei Kwame , Reed James W. , Saunders Elijah
Published: March 2015

A 2014 hypertension guideline raised goal systolic blood pressure (SBP) from <140 mm Hg to <150 mm Hg for adults 60 years and older without diabetes mellitus (DM) or chronic kidney disease (CKD). The authors aimed to define the status of hypertension in black adults 60 to 79 years from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2005–2012 and provide practical guidance. Black patients were more often aware and treated (P≤.005) for hypertension than whites and had higher rates of DM/CKD (P<.001), similar control to <140/<90 mm Hg with DM/CKD (P=.59), and lower control without DM/CKD (<140/<90 mm Hg and <150/<90 mm Hg, P≤.01). Limited awareness (<30%) and infrequent health care (>30% 0–1 health‐care visits per year) occurred in untreated black and white hypertensive patients without DM/CKD and BP ≥140/<90 mm Hg. The literature suggests benefits of treated SBP <140 mm Hg in adults 60 to 79 years without DM/CKD. The International Society of Hypertension in Blacks recommends: (1) continuing efforts to achieve BP <140/<90 mm Hg in those with DM/CK, and (2) identifying hypertensive patients without DM/CKD and BP ≥140/<90 mm Hg and treat to an SBP <140 mm Hg in black adults 60–79 years.
Unadjusted Plasma Renin Activity as a “First‐Look” Test to Decide Upon Further Investigations for Primary Aldosteronism
Authors: Rye Peter , Chin Alex , Pasieka Janice , So Benny , Harvey Adrian , Kline Gregory
Published: March 2015

The authors sought to define the 95th percentile of plasma renin activity (PRA) in a sample of patients with confirmed primary aldosteronism (PA) prior to adjustment of medications as a practical “first‐look” test to identify those with very low ultimate likelihood of having PA. The aldosterone to renin ratio (ARR) was measured without adjustment of antihypertensive medications, with further workup as appropriate. Two groups were defined: patients with surgically “confirmed PA” (n=58) and patients with “high‐probability PA” (n=59), defined as having any of the following: computed tomography–confirmed adrenal adenoma plus lateralizing adrenal vein sampling (AVS) without surgery, high ARR and hypokalemia but nonlateralizing AVS, or ARR more than four times the upper limit of normal. The PRA 95th percentile was 1.0 ng/mL/h. All outliers had hypokalemia and two had adrenal adenomas. There was no difference between the confirmed and high probability groups. In the absence of highly suspicious clinical features, patients with unadjusted PRA >1.0 ng/mL/h do not warrant further investigation for PA.
Preschool language variation, growth, and predictors in children on the autism spectrum
Authors: Ellis Weismer Susan , Kover Sara T.
Published: March 2015

Background

There is wide variation in language abilities among young children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD), with some toddlers developing age‐appropriate language while others remain minimally verbal after age 5. Conflicting findings exist regarding predictors of language outcomes in ASD and various methodological issues limit the conclusions that can be drawn about factors associated with positive language growth that could provide insights into more effective intervention approaches for increasing communication skills.

Methods

Language development was investigated in 129 children with ASD participating in four assessments from mean age 2½ years (Visit 1) through 5½ years (Visit 4). Language ability was measured by a clinician‐administered test of comprehension and production. Hierarchical linear modeling was used to identify predictors of language ability. Stability of language status was examined in subgroups of Preverbal versus Verbal children identified at Visit 1. Discriminant function analysis was used to classify another subset of cases according to Low Language (minimally verbal) versus High Language outcome at Visit 4.

Results

ASD severity was a significant predictor of growth in both language comprehension and production during the preschool period, while cognition predicted growth in production. For the highest and lowest language performers at Visit 4, cognition, maternal education, and response to joint attention correctly classified over 80% of total cases. The vast majority of children who were preverbal at 2½ years attained some level of verbal skills by 5½ years.

Conclusions

Findings indicate that it is possible, by 2½ years, to predict language growth for children with ASD across the preschool years and identify factors that discriminate between children who remain minimally verbal at 5½ years from those with high language proficiency. Results suggest that early intervention focused on reducing core ASD symptoms may also be important for facilitating language development in young children with ASD.
Effects of chromium malate on glycometabolism, glycometabolism‐related enzyme levels and lipid metabolism in type 2 diabetic rats: A dose–response and curative effects study
Authors: Feng Weiwei , Mao Guanghua , Li Qian , Wang Wei , Chen Yao , Zhao Ting , Li Fang , Zou Ye , Wu Huiyu , Yang Liuqing , Wu Xiangyang
Published: March 2015

Aims/Introduction

The present study was designed to evaluate the effect of chromium malate on glycometabolism, glycometabolism‐related enzyme levels and lipid metabolism in type 2 diabetic rats, and dose–response and curative effects.

Materials and Methods

The model of type 2 diabetes rats was developed, and daily treatment with chromium malate was given for 4 weeks. A rat enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay kit was used to assay glycometabolism, glycometabolism‐related enzyme levels and lipid metabolism changes.

Results

The results showed that the antihyperglycemic activity increased with administration of chromium malate in a dose–dependent manner. The serum insulin level, insulin resistance index and C‐peptide level of the chromium malate groups at a dose of 17.5, 20.0 and 20.8 μg chromium/kg bodyweight were significantly lower than that of the model, chromium trichloride and chromium picolinate groups. The hepatic glycogen, glucose‐6‐phosphate dehydrogenase and glucokinase levels of the chromium malate groups at a dose of 17.5, 20.0 and 20.8 μg chromium/kg bodyweight were significantly higher than that of the model, chromium trichloride and chromium picolinate groups. Chromium malate at a dose of 20.0 and 20.8 μg chromium/kg bodyweight significantly changed the total cholesterol, low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, and triglycerides levels compared with the chromium trichloride and chromium picolinate groups.

Conclusions

The results showed that chromium malate exhibits greater benefits in treating type 2 diabetes, and the curative effect of chromium malate is superior to chromium trichloride and chromium picolinate.
Ten years experience with oral immunosuppressive treatment in adult patients with atopic dermatitis in two academic centres
Authors: Garritsen F.M. , Roekevisch E. , van der Schaft J. , Deinum J. , Spuls P.I. , de Bruin‐Weller M.S.
Published: March 2015

Background

There is a lack of information on the use oral immunosuppressive drugs in atopic dermatitis (AD) daily practice.

Objective

A 10‐years overview of the use of oral immunosuppressive drugs in patients with severe AD.

Methods

Medical charts of patients with AD, who received oral immunosuppressive drugs at the Academic Medical Center Amsterdam and in the University Medical Center Utrecht between January 2001 and January 2011, were analysed. Particular attention was paid to patient characteristics, prior treatment, prescribed oral immunosuppressive drugs, the order of use, doses and treatment durations and reasons for discontinuation of treatment.

Results

Of 334 patients [53% male, mean age at start of an oral immunosuppressive drug 36.9 years (SD 13.6)] with AD received oral immunosuppressive treatment of which 102 (31%) participated in clinical trials. Cyclosporine A (CyA) was given in 80% of the patients, mycophenolate mofetil or enteric‐coated mycophenolate (MMF/EC‐MPS) in 31%, azathioprine (AZA) in 14%, methotrexate (MTX) in 11%, systemic glucocorticosteroids in 7% and systemic tacrolimus in 5%. In these academic centra, CyA was the first choice oral immunosuppressive in 252 patients. Reasons for discontinuation of oral immunosuppressive drugs were controlled AD disease, ineffectiveness and adverse events.

Conclusion

Various types of oral immunosuppressive drugs have been used over the past 10 years for the treatment of severe AD with a prominent first choice for CyA. Adverse events and ineffectiveness were frequent reasons for discontinuation. A prospective database of patients using oral immunosuppressive treatments in daily practice will give more insight in the effectiveness and safety and may help to formulate future recommendations.
How the creative use of analogies can shape medical practice
Authors: Prasad G V Ramesh
Published: March 2015

Analogical reasoning is central to medical progress, and is either creative or conservative. According to Hofmann et al., conservative analogy relates concepts from old technology to new technologies with emphasis on preservation of comprehension and conduct. Creative analogy however brings new understanding to new technology, brings similarities existing in the source domain to a target domain where they previously had no bearing, and imports something entirely different from the content of the analogy itself. I defend the claim that while conservative analogies are useful by virtue of being comfortable to use from familiarity and experience, and are more easily accepted by society, they only lead to incremental advances in medicine. However, creative analogies are more exciting and productive because they generate previously unexpected associations across widely separated domains, emphasize relations over physical similarities, and structure over superficiality. I use kidney transplantation and anti‐rejection medication development as an exemplar of analogical reasoning used to improve medical practice. Anti‐rejection medication has not helped highly sensitized patients because of their propensity to rejecting most organs. I outline how conservative analogical reasoning led to anti‐rejection medication development, but creative analogical reasoning helped highly sensitized and blood type incompatible patients through domino transplants, by which they obtain a kidney to which they are not sensitized. Creative analogical reasoning is more likely than conservative analogical reasoning to lead to revolutionary progress. While these analogies overlap and creative analogies eventually become conservative, progress is best facilitated by combining conservative and creative analogical reasoning.
Quality Characteristics of Wheat Germ Oil Obtained by Innovative Subcritical Butane Experimental Equipment
Authors: Xu Bin , Han Jihua , Zhou Shilong , Wu Qifei , Ding Fen
Published: March 2015

Subcritical butane extraction (SBE) was used to extract oil from wheat germ and was compared with conventional n‐hexane extraction (CHE) and supercritical CO2 extraction (SC‐CO2E) methods. By analyzing the extraction yield, composition of fatty acids and characteristic functional contents such as VE, phytosterols and phospholipids in wheat germ oil (WGO), the selective extraction characteristics of subcritical butane were evaluated. The results indicated that compared with SC‐CO2E and CHE, SBE had no significant difference in oil yield, fatty acid compositions, acid value and peroxide value of WGO. However, the content of phytosterols in the oil extracted by SBE (2,326 mg/100 g) was higher than that extracted by CHE (921 mg/100 g) or SC‐CO2E (1,381 mg/100 g). The VE content of WGO extracted by SBE (359 mg/100 g) was equivalent to that extracted by CHE (357 mg/100 g) and slightly less than that extracted by SC‐CO2E (374 mg/100 g). And the content of phospholipids in WGO extracted by SBE (12.41 mg/g) was lower than that extracted by CHE (17.78 mg/g). In conclusion, SBE was able to retain the bioactive compounds in WGO when compared with CHE.

Practical Applications

Wheat germ oil is a type of functional oil enriched with bioactive compounds that have great latent capacity for further exploitation. However, conventional extraction methods of edible oil lead to oil oxidation and degradation or loss of bioactive components after desolvation and refinement (Pradhan et al. 2010). In addition, due to the shortcomings of supercritical CO2 extraction technology such as costly equipment investment, low productivity and high cost of production, subcritical fluid extraction technology can be applied to industrial production owing to its use of low pressure and room temperature for extraction. The present study demonstrates that subcritical butane has better extracting power for bioactive compounds in wheat germ oil than conventional n‐hexane. Choosing subcritical butane extraction technology can help the fats and oils industry to improve the quality of high value‐added oil while lowering production costs.
Thermal Inactivation of Shiga Toxin‐Producing Escherichia coli Cells within Veal Cordon Bleu
Authors: Kulas Megan , Porto‐Fett Anna C.S. , Swartz Richard S. , Shane Laura E. , Strasser Hannah , Munson Madison , Shoyer Bradley A. , Luchansky John B.
Published: March 2015

Veal cutlets were surface inoculated with ca. 6.6 cfu/g of an eight‐strain rifampicin‐resistant cocktail of Shiga toxin‐producing Escherichia coli (STEC) (O26:H11, O45:H2, O103:H2, O104:H4, O111:H‐, O121:H19, O145:NM and O157:H7). Cutlets were mechanically tenderized and cordon bleu was prepared by adding slices of ham and cheese between two cutlets prior to batter/breading and cooking. Fully assembled cordon bleu were cooked in preheated (191.5C) extra virgin olive oil (45 mL) on a griddle. Cooking for 4, 5 or 6 min per side reduced STEC levels by ca. 1.3, 2.2 or 3.4 log cfu/g, respectively, whereas cooking for 7–10 min per side resulted in reductions of ca. ≥6.2 log cfu/g. These data validated that cooking tenderized veal cordon bleu for at least 7 min per side in 45 mL of olive oil on a griddle maintained at ca. 191.5C is sufficient to achieve an internal cordon bleu temperature of 69.0 ± 3.3C and a ≥5‐log reduction of STEC.

Practical Applications

Veal cordon bleu is a popular meal prepared by placing a slice of cheese and a slice of cured pork between two cutlets and then coating/breading the resulting turnover‐type product. We evaluated time and temperature cooking regimens for lethality toward Shiga toxin‐producing Escherichia coli (STEC) inoculated onto mechanically tenderized multicomponent veal cordon bleu. Our results confirmed that a 5‐log reduction of STEC was achieved by cooking veal cordon bleu to an internal temperature of 69.0 ± 3.3C for at least 7 min per side on a griddle maintained at 191.5C. Reductions of ca. 1.5–3.5 log cfu/g were also achieved following cooking for 4 to 6 min per side. These data establish guidelines for cooking veal cordon bleu, which, in turn, may decrease the potential risk of STEC illnesses associated with this product if pathogens are present and if these products are undercooked or mishandled.
Oral health‐related quality of life among an Australian sample of people who inject drugs
Authors: Truong Arthur , Higgs Peter , Cogger Shelley , Jamieson Lisa , Burns Lucinda , Dietze Paul
Published: March 2015

Objectives

People who inject drugs (PWID) have poor oral health. However, their oral health‐related quality of life (OHRQoL) is unknown. Our study was designed to measure the OHRQoL of PWID.

Methods

The Oral Health Impact Profile‐14 (OHIP‐14) was administered to 794 PWID recruited in Australian capital cities as part of the 2013 Illicit Drug Reporting System (IDRS). Three OHIP‐14 summary indicators were examined: “Prevalence” (proportion reporting ≥1 item at least “fairly often”), “severity” (mean total OHIP‐14 score), and “extent” (number of impacts reported at least “fairly often”). Associations between “prevalence” and “extent” and variables drawn from the health, drug use, and social domains were investigated.

Results

All OHIP‐14 summary indicators among IDRS participants were significantly higher than in the general Australian population. In multivariate analysis, the “prevalence” indicator was significantly and positively associated with female gender [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 1.75, 95% CI 1.27‐2.38], those born in Australia (AOR = 2, 95% CI 1.25‐3.23), not completing Year 10 compared with those who had completed Year 12 or a higher qualification (AOR = 1.59, 95% CI 1.03‐2.44), and methadone treatment (AOR = 1.61, 95% CI 1.14‐2.29). The “extent” indicator was significantly and positively associated with female gender [adjusted incidence rate ratio (AIRR) = 1.56, 95% CI 1.19‐2.08], unemployment (AIRR = 1.59, 95% CI 1.01‐2.44), and having an injecting career of 10‐20 years (AIRR = 1.76, 95% CI 1.03‐3.01).

Conclusions

PWID have poorer OHRQoL than the Australian general population. Poor OHRQoL was particularly common in female PWID and those with longer injecting careers. Interventions to improve the oral health of PWID may improve their OHRQoL.
Narrative therapy with an emotional approach for people with depression: Improved symptom and cognitive‐emotional outcomes
Authors: Seo M. , Kang H. S. , Lee Y. J. , Chae S. M.
Published: March 2015

Accessible summary

Narrative therapy is a useful approach in the treatment of depression that allows that person to ‘re‐author’ his/her life stories by focusing on positive interpretations, and such focus on positive emotions is a crucial component of treatment for depression.

This paper evaluates narrative therapy with an emotional approach (NTEA) as a therapeutic modality that could be used by nurses for persons with depression.

A nurse‐administered NTEA intervention for people with depression appears effective in increasing cognitive‐emotional outcomes, such as hope, positive emotions and decreasing symptoms of depression. Thus, NTEA can be a useful nursing intervention strategy for people with depression.

Narrative therapy, which allows a person to ‘re‐author’ his/her life stories by focusing on positive interpretations, and emotion‐focused therapy, which enables the person to realize his/her emotions, are useful approaches in the treatment of depression. Narrative therapy with an emotional approach (NTEA) aims to create new positive life narratives that focus on alternative stories instead of negative stories. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of the NTEA programme on people with depression utilizing a quasi‐experimental design. A total of 50 patients (experimental 24, control 26) participated in the study. The experimental group completed eight sessions of the NTEA programme. The effects of the programme were measured using a self‐awareness scale, the Nowotny Hope Scale, the Positive Affect and Negative Affect Scale, and the Center for Epidemiological Studies‐Depression Scale. The two groups were homogeneous. There were significant differences in hope, positive and negative emotions, and depression between the experimental and control group. The results established that NTEA can be a useful nursing intervention strategy for people with depression by focusing on positive experiences and by helping depressed patients develop a positive identity through authoring affirmative life stories.
Formalized classification of species‐poor vegetation: a proposal of a consistent protocol for aquatic vegetation
Authors: Landucci Flavia , Tichý Lubomír , Šumberová Kateřina , Chytrý Milan
Published: March 2015

Aims

Most vegetation classification systems developed for large areas include various inconsistencies. Therefore, we (1) propose a new consistent Cocktail‐based approach to redefine the traditional phytosociological classification of species‐poor vegetation; (2) apply it to create a classification protocol for aquatic vegetation; (3) implement this protocol in a computer expert system; and (4) test it with a data set previously classified using an older version of the Cocktail method.

Methods

The new approach uses formal logic to provide formal definitions of vegetation units. In the classification protocol for aquatic vegetation we defined consistent criteria for delimitation of associations according to the concepts that are predominantly used in phytosociology, based on species cover, dominance patterns and functional species groups. We applied these criteria in a computer expert system running in the JUICE 7.0 program, and applied them to a test data set of 12 171 vegetation plots from the Czech Republic containing at least one aquatic species. The new classification was compared with (1) the previous national Cocktail classification based on species cover values and in few cases on sociological species groups, and (2) a non‐formalized expert‐based classification.

Results

Thirteen functional species groups were created to build logical formulas of 64 aquatic associations and 5297 (44% of the total data set) vegetation plots were assigned to these associations, i.e. by 4% and 12% more than in the previous Cocktail and expert‐based classifications, respectively. There was 94% and 83% classification agreement with the previous Cocktail and expert‐based classification.

Conclusions

The new approach produces a formal, consistent and unequivocal classification of species‐poor vegetation with several advantages over similar approaches. It provides not only a set of formal definitions of vegetation units, but also a set of rules for building such definitions. All associations with common characteristics are defined by structurally identical formulas, ensuring consistency of the classification. While similar approaches for species‐rich vegetation use sociological species groups, which are not applicable to species‐poor vegetation, the new approach introduces the use of functional species groups, which reflect vegetation physiognomy and spatial structure and, in combination with species dominance, enable the classification of species‐poor vegetation in a similar manner as in traditional phytosociology.
Temperature‐dependent lipid metabolism in the blow fly Lucilia sericata
Authors: MUNTZER A. , MONTAGNE C. , ELLSE L. , WALL R.
Published: March 2015

An understanding of how arthropods use energy is fundamental to explaining their diverse life histories and adaptation to specific environments. It is also of importance when attempting to predict the impacts of environmental change on patterns of development and phenology. Here, lipid use by the economically important agent of ovine myiasis, Lucilia sericata (Diptera: Calliphoridae), was quantified at a range of temperatures. During pupation, at temperatures above the minimum temperature required for development (9 °C), pupae depleted an average of 30% of their total lipid over the course of pupation regardless of temperature. There was no detectable loss of lipid during pupation at temperatures below 9 °C. In general, larger individuals had the same relative amounts of lipid as smaller individuals. Newly emerged adults metabolized about 16% of the lipid reserves with which they emerged in the first 24 h during flight‐related activity. Starved adults, with access to water but without sucrose or protein, depleted their lipid reserves and died within about 4 days of emergence. However, adults with access to protein and/or carbohydrate were able to maintain a stored lipid content of about 2.38% of their total body mass for at least 14 days after emergence, irrespective of sex. This finding is similar to that in field‐caught individuals, in which lipid content was found to be a mean of 3% of body mass. The data suggest that warmer environmental conditions, within the temperature limits tested here, although shortening the time required for development and altering the patterns of seasonal abundance of L. sericata, are unlikely to impact on fly survival because of greater metabolic demands during non‐feeding stages of the lifecycle.
Epidemiology of chronic fungal rhinosinusitis in rural India
Authors: Chakrabarti Arunaloke , Rudramurthy Shivaprakash M. , Panda Naresh , Das Ashim , Singh Amarjeet
Published: March 2015

A descriptive epidemiological study of fungal rhinosinusitis (FRS) was conducted in rural north India in the form of house‐to‐house survey of villages of two districts each of Punjab and Haryana provinces using a clinical case definition of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). The suspected cases were investigated further in the laboratory to confirm FRS. Air and environment were sampled in different seasons to find Aspergillus spore count. The prevalence of chronic FRS cases was at 0.11% of the population and Aspergillus flavus was the predominant (97.6%) agent of all types of chronic FRS. The chronic FRS patients were classified as allergic FRS 41 (56.1%), chronic granulomatous FRS 13 (17.8%), eosinophilic FRS 11 (15.0%), fungal ball 7 (9.5%) and chronic invasive FRS 1 (1.3%). Aspergillus spores were present in large numbers (~20%) in air with significantly higher counts of A. flavus during winter months in the wheat‐thrashing areas of Punjab as compared to Haryana (P = 0.0079). The present study identified high prevalence (27.5% of CRS cases) of chronic FRS cases in rural north India and its possible association with wheat harvesting seasons.
Efficient strategies to find diagnostic test accuracy studies in kidney journals
Authors: Rogerson Thomas E , Ladhani Maleeka , Mitchell Ruth , Craig Jonathan C , Webster Angela C
Published: March 2015

Aim

Nephrologists looking for quick answers to diagnostic clinical questions in MEDLINE can use a range of published search strategies or Clinical Query limits to improve the precision of their searches. We aimed to evaluate existing search strategies for finding diagnostic test accuracy studies in nephrology journals.

Methods

We assessed the accuracy of 14 search strategies for retrieving diagnostic test accuracy studies from three nephrology journals indexed in MEDLINE. Two investigators hand searched the same journals to create a reference set of diagnostic test accuracy studies to compare search strategy results against.

Results

We identified 103 diagnostic test accuracy studies, accounting for 2.1% of all studies published. The most specific search strategy was the Narrow Clinical Queries limit (sensitivity: 0.20, 95% CI 0.13–0.29; specificity: 0.99, 95% CI 0.99–0.99). Using the Narrow Clinical Queries limit, a searcher would need to screen three (95% CI 2–6) articles to find one diagnostic study. The most sensitive search strategy was van der Weijden 1999 Extended (sensitivity: 0.95; 95% CI 0.89–0.98; specificity 0.55, 95% CI 0.53–0.56) but required a searcher to screen 24 (95% CI 23–26) articles to find one diagnostic study. Bachmann 2002 was the best balanced search strategy, which was sensitive (0.88, 95% CI 0.81–0.94), but also specific (0.74, 95% CI 0.73–0.75), with a number needed to screen of 15 (95% CI 14–17).

Conclusion

Diagnostic studies are infrequently published in nephrology journals. The addition of a strategy for diagnostic studies to a subject search strategy in MEDLINE may reduce the records needed to screen while preserving adequate search sensitivity for routine clinical use.
Local adaptation in migrated interior Douglas‐fir seedlings is mediated by ectomycorrhizas and other soil factors
Authors: Pickles Brian J. , Twieg Brendan D. , O'Neill Gregory A. , Mohn William W. , Simard Suzanne W.
Published: March 2015

Separating edaphic impacts on tree distributions from those of climate and geography is notoriously difficult. Aboveground and belowground factors play important roles, and determining their relative contribution to tree success will greatly assist in refining predictive models and forestry strategies in a changing climate.

In a common glasshouse, seedlings of interior Douglas‐fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii var. glauca) from multiple populations were grown in multiple forest soils. Fungicide was applied to half of the seedlings to separate soil fungal and nonfungal impacts on seedling performance. Soils of varying geographic and climatic distance from seed origin were compared, using a transfer function approach.

Seedling height and biomass were optimized following seed transfer into drier soils, whereas survival was optimized when elevation transfer was minimised. Fungicide application reduced ectomycorrhizal root colonization by c. 50%, with treated seedlings exhibiting greater survival but reduced biomass.

Local adaptation of Douglas‐fir populations to soils was mediated by soil fungi to some extent in 56% of soil origin by response variable combinations. Mediation by edaphic factors in general occurred in 81% of combinations. Soil biota, hitherto unaccounted for in climate models, interacts with biogeography to influence plant ranges in a changing climate.
Ultrasonic emissions during ice nucleation and propagation in plant xylem
Authors: Charrier Guillaume , Pramsohler Manuel , Charra‐Vaskou Katline , Saudreau Marc , Améglio Thierry , Neuner Gilbert , Mayr Stefan
Published: March 2015

Ultrasonic acoustic emission analysis enables nondestructive monitoring of damage in dehydrating or freezing plant xylem.

We studied acoustic emissions (AE) in freezing stems during ice nucleation and propagation, by combining acoustic and infrared thermography techniques and controlling the ice nucleation point.

Ultrasonic activity in freezing samples of Picea abies showed two distinct phases: the first on ice nucleation and propagation (up to 50 AE s−1; reversely proportional to the distance to ice nucleation point), and the second (up to 2.5 AE s−1) after dissipation of the exothermal heat. Identical patterns were observed in other conifer and angiosperm species.

The complex AE patterns are explained by the low water potential of ice at the ice–liquid interface, which induced numerous and strong signals. Ice propagation velocities were estimated via AE (during the first phase) and infrared thermography. Acoustic activity ceased before the second phase probably because the exothermal heating and the volume expansion of ice caused decreasing tensions. Results indicate cavitation events at the ice front leading to AE. Ultrasonic emission analysis enabled new insights into the complex process of xylem freezing and might be used to monitor ice propagation in natura.
Electricity consumption and economic growth in OPEC countries: a cointegrated panel analysis
Authors: Abdoli Ghahreman , Gudarzi Farahani Yazdan , Dastan Seyedmasood
Published: March 2015

This paper uses empirical evidence to examine the causality relationship between electricity consumption and economic growth in OPEC countries by using annual data (1980–2011); this paper also utilises the panel cointegration and panel‐based error correction approach models and framework. To the best of the authors' knowledge, most of the studies in this field have applied the error correction models, auto regressive distributed lag and panel data based on fixed‐effect model in which coefficients obtained by these models cannot be deemed as a general finding applicable for other countries. The superiority of our article is in applying full modified ordinary least square estimation method for heterogeneous panels; our study also has stable and consistent coefficients and is also a dynamic model. Moreover, with regard to previous studies, our paper includes more countries which increase the reliability of the results. The results indicate that a long‐run relationship exists between real gross domestic product (GDP), electricity consumption and trade activities that involve export and import (control variable). The short‐run results also indicate the importance of electricity consumption to economic growth and vice versa, supporting the feedback hypothesis which asserts that energy policies oriented towards improvements in electricity consumption efficiency would not adversely affect real GDP. It also apears that policies for energy efficiency have no statistically significant impact on economic growth in long run.
Anticoagulation after Catheter Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation Guided by Implantable Cardiac Monitors
Authors: ZUERN CHRISTINE S. , KILIAS ANTONIOS , BERLITZ PATRICK , SEIZER PETER , GRAMLICH MICHAEL , MÜLLER KARIN , DUCKHEIM MARTIN , GAWAZ MEINRAD , SCHREIECK JÜRGEN
Published: March 2015

Background

Discontinuation of oral anticoagulation (OAC) after catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF) is not recommended in patients with elevated CHADS2 scores. However, a low incidence of thromboembolic events is reported when OAC is stopped in these patients. We introduce an algorithm for discontinuation of OAC after ablation based on the AF burden documented by implantable cardiac monitors (ICM).

Methods

Sixty‐five patients with CHADS2 scores 1–3 free from AF 3 months after ablation (AF ablation [n = 49] or ablation of possible AF triggers [n = 16]) were included. One day after implantation of the ICM, OAC was stopped. Patients performed a daily interrogation of the ICM which was programmed to alarm the patient if daily AF burden exceeded 1 hour. Study end point was the first recurrence of a daily AF burden ≥1 hour or a thromboembolic event, which both triggered reinitiation of OAC.

Results

During a follow‐up time of 32 ± 12 months (126 patient‐years), 41 of the 65 patients (63%) had an AF burden <1 h/day and were able to stay off OAC. Twenty‐one patients (32%) had to reinitiate OAC due to an AF burden ≥1 hour and three patients due to other reasons. No stroke, transitory ischemic attack, or other thromboembolic event was observed during follow‐up.

Conclusions

Rhythm monitoring by ICM in patients who have stopped OAC after catheter ablation of AF or ablation of possible AF triggers seems to be a safe and promising method to monitor for AF recurrence. Within 1.3 years after ablation, about two‐thirds of patients were able to stay off OAC.
Plasma concentrations of levobupivacaine associated with two different intermittent wound infusion regimens following surgical ductus ligation in preterm infants
Authors: Anell‐Olofsson Marie , Lönnqvist Per‐Arne , Bitkover Catarina , Lundeberg Stefan , Larsson Björn A. , Eksborg Staffan , Bartocci Marco
Published: March 2015

Background

Administration of local anesthetics by a surgically placed wound catheter has recently been shown to reduce the need for postoperative morphine administration in extremely preterm infants undergoing ductus ligation. The primary aim of this randomized safety study was to define the plasma levels of levobupivacaine (LB) following two different intermittent infusion regimens.

Methods

Eighteen preterm infants 23–27 gestational weeks, median birthweight 721 g scheduled for ductus ligation were included in the study. All patients were anesthetized according to a standardized protocol based on high‐dose fentanyl (25–50 μg·kg−1). Before skin closure, a subcutaneous catheter was inserted into the wound. The patients were randomized to receive one of the two intermittent infusion regimens: Group BII: Initial bolus plus early start of the intermittent infusion or Group DII: No bolus plus delayed start (8 h) of the intermittent infusion. Blood samples for determination of LB plasma concentrations were obtained on six occasions during the 24‐h postoperative observation period, as well as hourly postoperative pain assessments using the Echelle Douleur Inconfort Noveau (EDIN) pain scale.

Results

Plasma concentrations of LB ranged from 0.094 to 1.682 μg·ml−1 and 0 to 0.549 μg·ml−1 in group BII and DII, respectively. Both regimens were associated with low postoperative EDIN pain scores (24 h median of 0 and 1 in group BII and DII, respectively). No signs of systemic local anesthetic toxicity were noted.

Conclusions

The two studied intermittent infusion regimens were associated with plasma levels below potentially toxic levels and were both associated with adequate postoperative pain scores.
Metabolic engineering of oilseed crops to produce high levels of novel acetyl glyceride oils with reduced viscosity, freezing point and calorific value
Authors: Liu Jinjie , Rice Adam , McGlew Kathleen , Shaw Vincent , Park Hyunwoo , Clemente Tom , Pollard Mike , Ohlrogge John , Durrett Timothy P.
Published: March 2015

Seed oils have proved recalcitrant to modification for the production of industrially useful lipids. Here, we demonstrate the successful metabolic engineering and subsequent field production of an oilseed crop with the highest accumulation of unusual oil achieved so far in transgenic plants. Previously, expression of the Euonymus alatus diacylglycerol acetyltransferase (EaDAcT) gene in wild‐type Arabidopsis seeds resulted in the accumulation of 45 mol% of unusual 3‐acetyl‐1,2‐diacyl‐sn‐glycerols (acetyl‐TAGs) in the seed oil (Durrett et al., 2010 PNAS 107:9464). Expression of EaDAcT in dgat1 mutants compromised in their ability to synthesize regular triacylglycerols increased acetyl‐TAGs to 65 mol%. Camelina and soybean transformed with the EaDAcT gene accumulate acetyl‐triacylglycerols (acetyl‐TAGs) at up to 70 mol% of seed oil. A similar strategy of coexpression of EaDAcT together with RNAi suppression of DGAT1 increased acetyl‐TAG levels to up to 85 mol% in field‐grown transgenic Camelina. Additionally, total moles of triacylglycerol (TAG) per seed increased 20%. Analysis of the acetyl‐TAG fraction revealed a twofold reduction in very long chain fatty acids (VLCFA), consistent with their displacement from the sn‐3 position by acetate. Seed germination remained high, and seedlings were able to metabolize the stored acetyl‐TAGs as rapidly as regular triacylglycerols. Viscosity, freezing point and caloric content of the Camelina acetyl‐TAG oils were reduced, enabling use of this oil in several nonfood and food applications.
Tetrapyrrole‐based drought stress signalling
Authors: Nagahatenna Dilrukshi S. K. , Langridge Peter , Whitford Ryan
Published: March 2015

Tetrapyrroles such as chlorophyll and heme play a vital role in primary plant metabolic processes such as photosynthesis and respiration. Over the past decades, extensive genetic and molecular analyses have provided valuable insights into the complex regulatory network of the tetrapyrrole biosynthesis. However, tetrapyrroles are also implicated in abiotic stress tolerance, although the mechanisms are largely unknown. With recent reports demonstrating that modified tetrapyrrole biosynthesis in plants confers wilting avoidance, a component physiological trait to drought tolerance, it is now timely that this pathway be reviewed in the context of drought stress signalling. In this review, the significance of tetrapyrrole biosynthesis under drought stress is addressed, with particular emphasis on the inter‐relationships with major stress signalling cascades driven by reactive oxygen species (ROS) and organellar retrograde signalling. We propose that unlike the chlorophyll branch, the heme branch of the pathway plays a key role in mediating intracellular drought stress signalling and stimulating ROS detoxification under drought stress. Determining how the tetrapyrrole biosynthetic pathway is involved in stress signalling provides an opportunity to identify gene targets for engineering drought‐tolerant crops.
A Plantingian Pickle for a Darwinian Dilemma: Evolutionary Arguments Against Atheism and Normative Realism
Authors: Crow Daniel
Published: March 2015

Two of the most prominent evolutionary debunking arguments are Sharon Street's Darwinian Dilemma for Normative Realism and Alvin Plantinga's Evolutionary Argument against Atheism. In the former, Street appeals to evolutionary considerations to debunk normative realism. In the latter, Plantinga appeals to similar considerations to debunk atheism. By a careful comparison of these two arguments, I develop a new strategy to help normative realists resist Street's debunking attempt. In her Darwinian Dilemma, Street makes epistemological commitments that ultimately support Plantinga's structurally similar argument. If Street succeeds in debunking normative realism, I argue, then she also succeeds in debunking atheism. But atheism is a suppressed premise of the Darwinian Dilemma as well as a commitment of almost all normative anti‐realists. If Street's argument entails theism, then the Darwinian Dilemma is internally incoherent and should be abandoned by almost everyone.
Cancer survivors’ experiences of humour while navigating through challenging landscapes – a socio‐narrative approach
Authors: Roaldsen Bente Lisbet , Sørlie Tore , Lorem Geir F.
Published: March 2015

Aim

Humour is seen as a health‐promoting coping strategy when dealing with life stress. The aim is to elucidate how adult cancer survivors experience and evaluate the significance of humour in daily life, from diagnosis through their entire illness trajectory, and to gain a broader understanding of humour as part of stress‐coping processes during the experience of cancer as a life‐threatening illness.

Method

A socio‐narrative approach was chosen to study the humorous stories and their use in everyday contexts. Fourteen participants aged 23–83 with a variety of experiences across diagnoses, times since diagnosis, prognoses and life situations were interviewed.

Findings

Participants described humour as helpful and utilised its capacity to deal with difficult situations or related distress, although fluctuations in the course of the illness coincided with two extremes: humour that disappeared and humour that returned. Their use of humour was related to three key themes: facing a life‐threatening situation, togetherness and communication, and living with the situation.

Conclusion

Depending on the aim, humour contributes variously through the stress‐coping process within the distinctions of emotion‐, problem‐ and meaning‐focused coping. Humour served to relieve the anxiety burden, enhance problem‐solving ability, safeguard important relationships, communicate difficult topics, regain identity and help significant others to cope, even enabling the richness of life to help living with the risk. Humour should be considered as a significant engaging coping strategy by which the cancer survivors seek to manage their situation throughout the illness trajectory.
Nutritional status of care‐dependent people with dementia in shared‐housing arrangements – a one‐year follow‐up
Authors: Meyer Saskia , Gräske Johannes , Worch Andreas , Wolf‐Ostermann Karin
Published: March 2015

Background

Malnutrition in the elderly is an important nursing challenge. Persons with dementia disease are often affected by malnutrition. During recent years, shared‐housing arrangements (SHA) for older care‐dependent people, frequently with dementia disease, have evolved in Germany. SHA can be an alternative to traditional residential care in nursing homes. The prevalence of malnutrition in SHA is compared to the prevalence in community dwellings and lower than the prevalence of malnutrition in nursing homes. There are no scientific data about the development of the nutritional status of older care‐dependent people in SHA over one year. The aim of this study is to describe the nutritional status of care‐dependent people with dementia disease living in SHA and to investigate changes over a period of one year.

Method

A longitudinal study with a one‐year follow‐up was performed. Standardised interviews with nurses were conducted concerning nutritional status (Mini Nutritional Assessment – MNA), cognitive capacities (Mini Mental State Examination – MMSE), activities of daily living (Extended Barthel‐Index – EBI) and socio‐demographic characteristics. Nutritional data were available for 45 residents at baseline and 36 residents at follow‐up.

Results

At baseline, 45 residents with an average age of 78.4 years living in SHA in the state of Berlin, Germany, were included in the study. Predominantly, residents were female (73.3%) and diagnosed with dementia (88.9%), with a moderate to severe cognitive impairment (MMSE: 10.8) and low daily living abilities (EBI: 33.7). Most residents (80.6%) have a risk of malnutrition regarding the MNA. The average MNA score did decline slightly within one year (t0 = 20.8 vs. t1 = 19.7).

Conclusion

Regular screenings for malnutrition using validated standardised assessments, which are easy to apply, should be implemented in SHA to avoid nutritional and health‐related problems arising from malnutrition. Flexible structures for care, as in SHA, can facilitate coping with nutritional problems.
Delivering Home Hemodialysis: Is There Still a Role for Real‐Time Treatment Monitoring?
Authors: Marshall Mark R. , Pierratos Andreas , Pauly Robert P.
Published: March 2015

Remote real‐time treatment monitoring for home hemodialysis (HHD) was driven by concerns over patient safety in the early era of HHD. However, decades of clinical experience supported by objective data suggest that HHD is very safe and that remote monitoring is unlikely to avert serious adverse events. As a result, such remote monitoring is not routinely offered in the current era and is generally considered an unnecessary expense. However, a one‐size‐fits‐all approach to abandon remote monitoring may overlook potential opportunities: to improve the clinical care of patients dialyzing at home; and to give patients the confidence to perform HHD in an unsupervised setting.
Children's Interpretations of Ambiguous Provocation From Their Siblings: Comparisons With Peers and Links to Relationship Quality
Authors: Recchia Holly E. , Rajput Amandeep , Peccia Stephanie
Published: March 2015

This study investigated how six‐ to eight‐year‐old children interpret ambiguous provocation from their siblings. In particular, we examined how children's attributions of their siblings' intent (1) differed from those for their peers, (2) varied as a function of the structural features of the sibling relationship, and (3) were associated with the affective qualities of the sibling relationship. A total of 121 children were presented with ambiguous provocation scenarios in which three groups of agemates were described as the perpetrators of harm (siblings, friends, and disliked peers). Scenarios were designed to assess children's attributions of hostile, instrumental, and accidental intent. Children attributed more hostile intent to disliked peers than to siblings and less hostile intent to friends than to siblings. Accidental and instrumental intent attributions were equally likely for friends and siblings but less common for disliked peers. Children attributed more hostile intent to older siblings, and more instrumental intent to laterborn siblings who were chronologically younger. Children's attributions of siblings' intent were related to both parents' and children's reports of the affective features of siblings' interactions. Results provide new insight into how children's construals of others' actions are grounded in the unique features of their relationships with particular interaction partners.