bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effects of increased flow and fine sediment on hyporheic invertebrates and nutrients in stream mesocosms
Authors: Jones Iwan , Growns Ivor , Arnold Amanda , McCall Stephanie , Bowes Mike
Published: January 2015

River regulation and altered land use are two common anthropogenic disturbances in rivers worldwide. Alteration of the stream bed, through processes such as siltation, or of hydrology through river regulation, are likely to modify hyporheic processes or clog interstitial space and thereby affect both hyporheic invertebrates and nutrient dynamics.

We tested the separate and combined effects of increased flow and increased fine sediment on hyporheic water quality and invertebrates in flume mesocosms. Each mesocosm contained two bed sediment types: clean sediment in the upstream section and experimentally colmated (EC) sediment (10% by weight of fine sediment) in the downstream section. Two flow rates were established, a higher flow rate to create turbulent flow in six mesocosms and a lower flow rate to create a transitional flow between turbulent and laminar flows in the remaining six mesocosms. Invertebrates and physicochemistry were sampled after 30 days at three depths (5, 11 and 18 cm), and the flows in six of twelve mesocosms were switched. The experiment was concluded after sampling invertebrates and physicochemistry on day 70.

The addition of fine sediment to the mesocosm bed generally increased ammonium and decreased nitrate and soluble reactive phosphorus concentrations, decreased oxygen penetration and altered invertebrate assemblage structure. Increased flow rates generally lowered ammonium concentrations, increased soluble reactive phosphorus concentrations, increased oxygen penetration and altered invertebrate assemblage structure. Our hypothesis that higher flows would ameliorate any effects of added fine sediment was generally supported for oxygen penetration and nitrate concentration. However, we observed no differences in interaction effects of flow regime and sediment type either on other nutrient concentrations or invertebrate assemblage structure.

The rates of flow used in our mesocosms did not appear to reach the threshold required to remove fine sediment. It is generally recognised that river hyporheic restoration requires a set of objectives against which the outcomes can be measured yet this is often overlooked. Our research provides preliminary guidelines that small amounts of fine sediment can have deleterious ecological effects. However, further research is required to evaluate whether lower percentages of bed fine sediment result in ecological impairment and to determine what flow rates are required to ameliorate colmation impacts.
Future increase in temperature may stimulate litter decomposition in temperate mountain streams: evidence from a stream manipulation experiment
Authors: Ferreira Verónica , Canhoto Cristina
Published: January 2015

Small woodland streams constitute the majority of water courses in many catchments. Given their generally low water temperature, high surface : volume ratio and primarily heterotrophic nature, such streams can be strongly affected by increases in temperature. It is therefore important to assess how stream communities and processes respond to the global warming projected for this century.

We assessed the effects of a c. 3 °C experimental warming of stream water on decomposition of Quercus robur leaf litter and on the associated fungal biomass (ergosterol concentration), sporulation rates of aquatic hyphomycetes, and total macroinvertebrate and shredder abundance in spring, autumn and winter.

A mountain stream reach in central Portugal was divided longitudinally over 22 m with local stones. The study followed a before‐after control‐impact design, with both stream halves at ambient temperature during 1 year and one stream half being experimentally warmed in the second year.

Experimental warming of stream water stimulated litter decomposition only in winter, probably because at that time, the low natural temperature limited microbial activities. The effect of experimental warming did not depend on the presence of macroinvertebrates. Contrary to expectations, no significant effect of experimental warming was found on fungal biomass accrual, sporulation rate of aquatic hyphomycetes or macroinvertebrate abundance on decomposing litter.

Although the stimulation of litter decomposition in winter could lead to food depletion, this is unlikely when streams are subsidised by more recalcitrant leaves such as oak, which enter the stream in later winter and decompose slowly.
Microvessel density in hepatocellular carcinoma: Prognostic significance and review of the previous published work
Authors: Murakami Keigo , Kasajima Atsuko , Kawagishi Naoki , Ohuchi Noriaki , Sasano Hironobu
Published: January 2015

Aim

Assessment of the microvessel density (MVD) may yield important information leading to an effective antiangiogenic treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Methods

The intratumoral MVD of 136 HCC patients was retrospectively evaluated using CD34. The correlation between the MVD and clinicopathological findings was assessed. In addition, the prognostic factors influencing the 2‐year disease‐free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) were analyzed.

Results

The MVD of each tumor size group (<2, 2–5 and >5 cm) was 196 ± 51, 181 ± 63 and 147 ± 69. The MVD of each histological grade (well‐, moderately and poorly differentiated) was 200 ± 56, 184 ± 61 and 114 ± 55. The optimum cut‐off values of the MVD for the 2‐year DFS and OS were 118.3 and 112.7, respectively. For the 2‐year DFS, high tumor marker levels (α‐fetoprotein >100 ng/mL and protein induced by vitamin K absence/antagonist‐II >100 mAU/mL), poorly differentiated hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), a high Ki‐67 index (>20%), a large tumor size (>5 cm), vascular invasion, high tumor–node–metastasis (TNM) stage (III/IV) and a low MVD were the significant unfavorable prognostic factors. For the OS, a high Ki‐67 index, a large tumor size, vascular invasion, high TNM stage and a low MVD were the significant risk factors for death. By the multivariate analysis, a low MVD was identified as an independent predictor of the 2‐year DFS as well as the OS.

Conclusion

A low MVD can be used to predict an unfavorable prognosis in HCC patients.
Factors associated with the effect of interferon‐α sequential therapy in order to discontinue nucleoside/nucleotide analog treatment in patients with chronic hepatitis B
Authors: Matsumoto Akihiro , Yatsuhashi Hiroshi , Nagaoka Shinya , Suzuki Yoshiyuki , Hosaka Tetsuya , Tsuge Masataka , Chayama Kazuaki , Kanda Tatsuo , Yokosuka Osamu , Nishiguchi Shuhei , Saito Masaki , Miyase Shiho , Kang Jong‐Hon , Shinkai Noboru , Tanaka Yasuhito , Umemura Takeji , Tanaka Eiji
Published: January 2015

Aim

The factors associated with the outcome of sequential therapy with interferon‐α (IFN‐α) in order to halt nucleoside/nucleotide analog (NUC) maintenance treatment for chronic hepatitis B were analyzed.

Methods

A total of 50 patients with chronic hepatitis B who underwent IFN‐α sequential therapy for cessation of NUC were enrolled retrospectively. The subjects received NUC plus IFN‐α for 4 weeks followed by IFN‐α alone for 20 weeks. Natural IFN‐α of 6‐MU doses was administrated three times a week. A successful response to NUC/IFN‐α sequential therapy was defined as serum hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA below 4.0 log copies/mL, serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) below 30 IU/L, and hepatitis B e‐antigen negativity at 24 months after completing the treatment.

Results

Multivariate analysis revealed that hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) of 3.0 log U/mL or more (P < 0.002) and hepatitis B core‐related antigen (hepatitis B core‐related antigen [HBcrAg]) of 4.5 log U/mL or more (P < 0.003) at the start of IFN‐α administration were significant factors associated with a 24‐month non‐response. Maximal levels of ALT and HBV DNA during the follow‐up period after completing IFN‐α therapy were significantly related (P < 0.001), and receiver operating characteristic analysis showed that both maximal ALT (P < 0.001) and HBV DNA (P < 0.001) were significantly related to the final 24‐month response.

Conclusion

The combinational use of HBsAg and HBcrAg levels may be useful to predict the 24‐month outcome of NUC/IFN‐α sequential therapy. Maximal levels of ALT and HBV DNA during post‐treatment follow‐up may also help monitor responses to IFN‐α sequential therapy.
Risk factors for hepatitis B virus recurrence after living donor liver transplantation: A 17‐year experience at a single center
Authors: Bae Sung Kwan , Shimoda Shinji , Ikegami Toru , Yoshizumi Tomoharu , Harimoto Norifumi , Itoh Shinji , Soejima Yuji , Uchiyama Hideaki , Shirabe Ken , Maehara Yoshihiko
Published: January 2015

Aim

The incidence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) recurrence after liver transplantation (LT) has been reduced by prophylaxis with hepatitis B immunoglobulin (HBIG) and nucleoside analogs, but the factors associated with HBV recurrence are unclear. The aim of this study was to determine the risk factors associated with HBV recurrence after living donor LT (LDLT).

Methods

A retrospective review was performed for 45 patients (28 male and 17 female; median age, 54 years) who underwent LDLT for HBV‐related liver disease and were followed up for at least 6 months between October 1996 and June 2013. The virological data, tumor burden, antiviral therapy and immunosuppressive therapy were evaluated and compared between the HBV recurrence ad non‐recurrence groups.

Results

Seven of the 45 patients (15.6%) developed post‐LT HBV recurrence. The median interval between LDLT and HBV recurrence was 23.7 months (range, 0.8–35.9). Three of the seven patients (42.9%) developed recurrence after cessation of HBIG, and three (42.9%) were cases with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) recurrence after LDLT. The remaining case underwent transplantation from a donor with positive hepatitis B surface antigen. Based on the univariate and multivariate analyses, HBIG cessation (hazard ratio [HR], 20.17; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 2.091–194.593; P = 0.009) and HCC recurrence (HR, 30.835; 95% CI, 3.132–303.593; P = 0.003) were independent risk factors for HBV recurrence after LDLT.

Conclusion

In LDLT patients, cessation of HBIG and HCC recurrence were risk factors associated with HBV recurrence, so careful monitoring for serological HBV markers is needed in patients with these factors.
Living donor liver transplantation using a graft with periportal fibrosis
Authors: Mitsuka Yusuke , Hashimoto Takuya , Takamoto Takeshi , Inoue Kazuto , Maruyama Yoshikazu , Ogata Satoshi , Komatsu Michiharu , Ikeda Shu‐ichi , Takayama Tadatoshi , Makuuchi Masatoshi
Published: January 2015

A 57‐year‐old woman with familial amyloid polyneuropathy (FAP) was scheduled to undergo living donor liver transplantation (LDLT), but the operation was cancelled because the only potential donor had chronic alcohol‐related liver disease. One year later, FAP‐related neurological symptoms progressed rapidly, and emergency LDLT was planned. The donor's hepatic function had returned to normal range after 1 year of abstinence. The left liver graft volume was equivalent to 37.7% of the standard liver volume (SLV) of the recipient. However, a liver biopsy revealed mild fibrosis (score, F1). LDLT was successfully performed without any complications. The recipient's neurological findings returned to normal. One year after LDLT, the liver graft volume was equivalent to approximately 90% of the SLV, and the fibrosis had improved. LDLT using a graft with a fibrosis score of up to F1 may be an acceptable alternative for recipients with normal hepatic function.
Primary hyperoxaluria complicated with liver cirrhosis: A case report
Authors: Kogiso Tomomi , Tokushige Katsutoshi , Hashimoto Etsuko , Miyakata Chiharu , Taniai Makiko , Torii Nobuyuki , Omori Akiko , Kotera Yoshihito , Egawa Hiroto , Yamamoto Masakazu , Nagata Masao , Shiratori Keiko
Published: January 2015

Primary hyperoxaluria (PH) is a rare, autosomal recessive disorder characterized by overproduction of oxalate caused by a deficiency in a hepatic enzyme. The excess oxalate combines with calcium in the kidneys to form deposits of calcium oxalate, which can lead to nephrocalcinosis and renal failure. PH type 1 (PH1), the most common form of this disease, is caused by a deficiency of the liver‐specific enzyme alanine/glyoxylate aminotransferase (AGT). Liver transplantation is performed as a definitive therapy for PH to correct the enzyme defect. Usually, liver depositions are limited and liver function is normal without fibrosis. Here, we report an adult case of liver cirrhosis caused by PH1. A 28‐year‐old woman was admitted to our hospital under suspicion of PH1 and the presence of nephrocalcinosis. The patient had suffered from kidney stone recurrences from 17 years of age, and was initiated on hemodialysis due to renal failure at the age of 27 years. The serum level of oxalic acid was high, whereas the AGT level in the liver tissue was decreased. Thus, the patient was definitively diagnosed with PH1. Although she had normal liver function, surface nodularity and splenomegaly were detected by computed tomography, suggesting liver cirrhosis. The native liver showed micronodular cirrhosis and portal fibrosis. Several arterioles were filled with rhomboid and polyhedral refractile oxalate crystals and various portal tracts showed these crystals. Our case suggests that long‐term oxalosis can lead to liver cirrhosis; thus, PH should be considered one of the causes of liver cirrhosis.
Prediction of Elastic Properties for a Wound Oxide Ceramic Matrix Composite Material
Authors: Shi Yuan , Jain Neraj , Jemmali Raouf , Hofmann Severin , Koch Dietmar , Hackemann Stefan
Published: January 2015

This study presents enhanced studies of inverse approach of the classical laminate theory for prediction of the elastic properties of a wound oxide ceramic matrix composites material (CMC). Based on mechanical tests and microstructure analysis, elastic properties of virtual equivalent unidirectional layers were calculated. To adapt the analytical model to CMCs from different batches which show various fiber volume contents, porosities, and different fiber orientations, a scaling factor Ω was introduced with the help of modified mixing considering these specific properties. A good correlation between experimental and analytically calculated results showed in this study.
A Conditional Approach to Measure Mortality Reductions Due to Cancer Screening
Authors: Liu Zhihui (Amy) , Hanley James A. , Saarela Olli , Dendukuri Nandini
Published: January 2015

The prevailing lack of consensus about the comparative harms and benefits of cancer screening stems, in part, from the inappropriate calculations of the expected mortality impact of a sustained screening programme. There is an inherent, and often substantial, time lag from the time of screening until the resulting mortality reductions begin, reach their maximum and ultimately end. However, the cumulative mortality reduction reported in a randomised screening trial is typically calculated over an arbitrarily defined follow‐up period, including follow‐up time where the mortality impact is yet to realise or where it has already been exhausted. Because of this, the cumulative reduction cannot be used for projecting the mortality impact expected from a sustained screening programme. For this purpose, we propose a new measure, the time‐specific probability of being helped by screening, given that the cancer would have proven fatal otherwise. This can be decomposed into round‐specific impacts, which in turn can be parametrised and estimated from the trial data. This represents a major shift in quantifying the benefits due to a sustained screening programme, based on statistical evidence extracted from existing trial data. We illustrate our approach using data from screening trials in lung and colorectal cancers.
Evaluating Predictive Values of Various Physiological Indices for Salinity Stress Tolerance in Wheat
Authors: Zhu M. , Shabala S. , Shabala L. , Fan Y. , Zhou M. X.
Published: January 2015

Soil salinity is a worldwide issue that affects agricultural production. The understanding of mechanisms by which plants tolerate salt stress is crucial for breeding varieties for salt tolerance. In this work, a large number of wheat (Triticum aestivum and Triticum turgidum) cultivars were screened using a broad range of physiological indices. A regression analysis was then used to evaluate the relative contribution of each of these traits towards the overall salinity tolerance. In general, most of the bread wheats showed better Na+ exclusion that was associated with higher relative yield. Leaf K+/Na+ ratio and leaf and xylem K+ contents were the major factors determining salinity stress tolerance in wheat. Other important traits included high xylem K+ content, high stomatal conductance and low osmolality. Bread wheat and durum wheat showed different tolerance mechanisms, with leaf K+/Na+ content in durum wheat making no significant contributions to salt tolerance, while the important traits were leaf and xylem K+ contents. These results indicate that Na+ sequestration ability is much stronger in durum compared with bread wheat, most likely as a compensation for its lesser efficiency to exclude Na+ from transport to the shoot. We also concluded that plant survival scores under high salt stress can be used in bread wheat as a preliminary selection for Na+ exclusion gene(s).
Nanoscale Friction and Wear of Phosphate Laser Glass and BK7 Glass Against Single CeO2 Particle by AFM
Authors: Yu Jiaxin , Yuan Weifeng , Hu Hailong , Zang Hongbin , Cai Yong , Ji Fang
Published: January 2015

CeO2 (ceria) particles are considered as a type of ideal polishing particle used to polish glass substrate. The friction and wear of glass substrates caused by a single CeO2 particle is the origin of material removal in polishing, but this has not been well‐understood in previous research. In this investigation, the nanoscale friction and wear behaviors of the Nd‐doped phosphate laser glass and the BK7 optical glass were quantitatively studied against a single CeO2 particle by an atomic force microscopy in humid air. The investigations on the phosphate laser glass indicate directly that this type of glass cannot resist the wear when it rubs against the single CeO2 particle in the elastic contact in humid air. During the test, high friction coefficient and severe material removal were observed in the friction process. The chemical activity of the CeO2 particle was proved to be a cause that induces the tribochemical wear of the phosphate laser glass since the tribochemical wear cannot occur when a chemically inert diamond tip was used. On the other hand, the BK7 glass presented a much better wear‐resistance, where the friction coefficient is relatively lower and the expected tribochemical wear cannot occur in the same stress condition as compared with that for the phosphate laser glass, and the damage of the BK7 glass is more like the mechanical peeling of the asperities on the glass surface. The results provide new insights into single‐asperity friction and wear of glass materials, which would be useful in understanding the mechanisms of friction and material removal in polishing glass materials with ceria slurry.
A novel therapeutic effect of statins on nephrogenic diabetes insipidus
Authors: Bonfrate Leonilde , Procino Giuseppe , Wang David Q.‐H. , Svelto Maria , Portincasa Piero
Published: January 2015

Statins competitively inhibit hepatic 3‐hydroxy‐3‐methylglutaryl‐coenzyme A reductase, resulting in reduced plasma total and low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol levels. Recently, it has been shown that statins exert additional ‘pleiotropic’ effects by increasing expression levels of the membrane water channels aquaporin 2 (AQP2). AQP2 is localized mainly in the kidney and plays a critical role in determining cellular water content. This additional effect is independent of cholesterol homoeostasis, and depends on depletion of mevalonate‐derived intermediates of sterol synthetic pathways, i.e. farnesylpyrophosphate and geranylgeranylpyrophosphate. By up‐regulating the expression levels of AQP2, statins increase water reabsorption by the kidney, thus opening up a new avenue in treating patients with nephrogenic diabetes insipidus (NDI), a hereditary disease that yet lacks high‐powered and limited side effects therapy. Aspects related to water balance determined by AQP2 in the kidney, as well as standard and novel therapeutic strategies of NDI are discussed.
Medication supply for people evacuated during disasters
Authors: Ochi Sae , Hodgson Susan , Landeg Owen , Mayner Lidia , Murray Virginia
Published: January 2015

Medication loss is a major problem in disaster settings, and it is crucial for patients to bring their medication and healthcare items with them when they leave their homes during an evacuation. This article is based on a systematic literature review on medication loss, the objectives of which were to identify the extent and implications of medication loss, to identify the burden of prescription refill, and to make recommendations on effective preparedness. The review revealed that medication loss, prescription loss and refills, and the loss of medical aids are a significant burden on the medical relief teams. The medical aids are not limited to drugs, but include routine medications, medical/allergy records, devices for specific care and daily life, and emergency medications. One possible solution is to make a personal emergency pack and for people to carry this with them at all times. To ensure that patients are adequately prepared, stakeholders, especially health professionals, need to be actively involved in the preparation plans. Since our findings have little impact on disaster risk reduction unless shared broadly, we are now taking actions to spread our findings, such as presenting in conferences and via posters, in order to raise awareness among patients and healthcare professionals. As part of these activities, our findings were presented at the Evidence Aid Symposium on 20 September 2014, at Hyderabad, India.
Relating shading levels and distance from natural vegetation with hemipteran pests and predators occurrence on coffee
Authors: Karungi J. , Nambi N. , Ijala A. R. , Jonsson M. , Kyamanywa S. , Ekbom B.
Published: January 2015

The study was carried out to determine the effect of shading levels and/or distance from the natural alpine vegetation (NAV) on the occurrence of two insect functional groups: hemipteran herbivores and generalist predators in farmers' coffee fields in the Mt. Elgon region of Uganda. Three distance categories from the NAV, that is (i) 0–250 m; (ii) 250–1000 m and (iii) 1000–1500 m, were used to demarcate farms in the first stage of selection, and within each distance category, three levels of shading, that is (i) no shade, (ii) moderate shade and (iii) full shade, were used for final selection of coffee farms for the study. A total of 90 individually owned coffee fields were studied; 30 for each distance category, of which 10 represented each shading level. In two separate rounds, inventories of scale insects (Coccus spp.), antestia bugs (Antestiopsis spp.), root mealybugs (Planococcus spp.) and aphids (Toxoptera aurantii) on coffee plants were made for the hemipteran herbivores, whereas ants (Formicidae) and spiders (Araneae) were recorded for the predatory taxa. The results showed that the interaction between distance from the NAV and shading level consistently influenced the occurrence of the insects in both functional groups. For scale insects, root mealybugs and ants, it was closest to the NAV that shading‐level effects were most discernible and generally limiting. To the contrary, the occurrence of aphids and spiders increased with the increase in the level of shading for plants furthest from the NAV. These results indicate that if inclusion of shade trees is to be a strategy in ecological pest management, the level of shading should be determined basing on the insect taxa as well as other pertinent factors in the landscape.
Two New Species of Zoothamnium (Ciliophora, Peritrichia) from Korea, with New Observations of Z. parahentscheli Sun et al., 2009
Authors: Ji Daode , Kim Ji Hye , Shazib Shahed Uddin Ahmed , Sun Ping , Li Liqiong , Shin Mann Kyoon
Published: January 2015

Three peritrichous ciliates, Zoothamnium arcuatum n. sp., Z. grossi n. sp., and Z. parahentscheli Sun et al., 2009, were collected from an estuary of the Taehwagang River, Korea. All these species were investigated based on live observations and silver staining, and their small subunit (SSU) rRNA gene was also sequenced. Zoothamnium arcuatum can be identified by a goblet‐shaped colony, double‐layered peristomial lip, and abstomally shortened row 3 of infundibular polykinety 3 (P3). Zoothamnium grossi is morphologically characterized by an alternately branched stalk with the lowest secondary stalk diverging from the main part of colony, asymmetrically bell‐shaped zooids, and three short, parallel ciliary rows in P3. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the three Zoothamnium species described in this paper clustered with other members of the family Zoothamniidae, as expected.
Implications of High Molecular Divergence of Nuclear rRNA and Phylogenetic Structure for the Dinoflagellate Prorocentrum (Dinophyceae, Prorocentrales)
Authors: Boopathi Thangavelu , Faria Daphne Georgina , Cheon Ju‐Yong , Youn Seok Hyun , Ki Jang‐Seu
Published: January 2015

The small and large nuclear subunit molecular phylogeny of the genus Prorocentrum demonstrated that the species are dichotomized into two clades. These two clades were significantly different (one‐factor ANOVA, p < 0.01) with patterns compatible for both small and large subunit Bayesian phylogenetic trees, and for a larger taxon sampled dinoflagellate phylogeny. Evaluation of the molecular divergence levels showed that intraspecies genetic variations were significantly low (t‐test, p < 0.05), than those for interspecies variations (> 2.9% and > 26.8% dissimilarity in the small and large subunit [D1/D2], respectively). Based on the calculated molecular divergence, the genus comprises two genetically distinct groups that should be considered as two separate genera, thereby setting the pace for major systematic changes for the genus Prorocentrum sensu Dodge. Moreover, the information presented in this study would be useful for improving species identification, detection of novel clades from environmental samples.
Morphological Identities of Two Different Marine Stramenopile Environmental Sequence Clades: Bicosoeca kenaiensis (Hilliard, 1971) and Cantina marsupialis (Larsen and Patterson, 1990) gen. nov., comb. nov.
Authors: Yubuki Naoji , Pánek Tomáš , Yabuki Akinori , Čepička Ivan , Takishita Kiyotaka , Inagaki Yuji , Leander Brian S.
Published: January 2015

Although environmental DNA surveys improve our understanding of biodiversity, interpretation of unidentified lineages is limited by the absence of associated morphological traits and living cultures. Unidentified lineages of marine stramenopiles are called “MAST clades”. Twenty‐five MAST clades have been recognized: MAST‐1 through MAST‐25; seven of these have been subsequently discarded because the sequences representing those clades were found to either (1) be chimeric or (2) affiliate within previously described taxonomic groups. Eighteen MAST clades remain without a cellular identity. Moreover, the discarded “MAST‐13” has been used in different studies to refer to two different environmental sequence clades. After establishing four cultures representing two different species of heterotrophic stramenopiles and then characterizing their morphology and molecular phylogenetic positions, we determined that the two different species represented the two different MAST‐13 clades: (1) a lorica‐bearing Bicosoeca kenaiensis and (2) a microaerophilic flagellate previously named “Cafeteria marsupialis”. Both species were previously described with only light microscopy; no cultures, ultrastructural data or DNA sequences were available from these species prior to this study. The molecular phylogenetic position of three different “C. marsupialis” isolates was not closely related to the type species of Cafeteria; therefore, we established a new genus for these isolates, Cantina gen. nov.
The impact of income disparity on vulnerability and information collection: an analysis of the 2011 Thai Flood
Authors: Henry M. , Kawasaki A. , Takigawa I. , Meguro K.
Published: January 2015

The impact of income disparity on vulnerability and information collection during the 2011 Thai Flood was examined through a survey investigation. Lower‐income respondents were found to have been more likely to be inundated by the flood than higher‐income respondents because of the location of their residences, and lower‐income respondents whose residences flooded were also less likely to have evacuated. Television was widely used, regardless of income level, but lower‐income respondents tended to also utilise lower‐technology modes, such as radios and loudspeakers, in contrast to the Internet‐based modes used by higher‐income respondents. Lower‐income respondents also tended to be less aware of the government hotline; however, those that were aware of it were more likely to find it useful. Overall, while income was a good predictor of people's flood vulnerability, it was not the best predictor for media usage; other demographic characteristics, such as education level and age, should also be considered.
Groundwater flood risk mapping and management: examples from a lowland karst catchment in Ireland
Authors: Naughton O. , Johnston P.M. , McCormack T. , Gill L.W.
Published: January 2015

The complexity of groundwater flooding poses unique challenges to policy makers and flood risk management agencies. An understanding of the interactions among recharge, storage and transport mechanisms during flood conditions is a precursor to effective groundwater flood risk assessment, but is often absent due to a lack of adequate data. The example of the Gort Lowlands, a major lowland karst catchment in the Republic of Ireland, is used to elucidate key flood mechanisms which must be considered when characterising groundwater flood risk in a lowland karst setting. The combination of large quantities of allogenic recharge, a high‐capacity conduit system and deep surface depressions renders the catchment susceptible to groundwater flooding. Observed flood mechanisms include backwater flooding of sinks, overland flow caused by the overtopping of sink depressions, high water levels in turlough basins and surface ponding in local epikarst watersheds. Flood hazard maps are developed for the region using data collected during a major flood event in the winter of 2009, representing a significant contribution in the assessment and management of groundwater flood risk in Ireland. Major challenges to groundwater flood management and forecasting remain, however, and are discussed in the context of the prevailing hydrogeological and ecohydrological setting.
Ipilimumab‐induced toxicities and the gastroenterologist
Authors: Cheng Robert , Cooper Adam , Kench James , Watson Geoff , Bye William , McNeil Catriona , Shackel Nicholas
Published: January 2015

Ipilimumab has been shown to improve overall survival in patients with advanced melanoma. Ipilimumab acts through immune‐modulation, and is recognized to cause potentially severe immune‐related adverse events (irAEs) including dermatitis, colitis, thyroiditis, hypophysitis, and hepatitis. The acceptance of ipilimumab as a treatment for metastatic melanoma means patients will continue to be treated with this agent and gastroenterologists will be increasingly called upon to assist in managing severe autoimmune‐related hepatitis and colitis. To date, the recommendations for managing irAEs secondary to ipilimumab have been steroids at a moderate dose of prednisolone (1 mg/kg) as well as immunosuppressive agents such as mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) for steroid‐refractory hepatitis and infliximab in the management of corticosteroid‐refractory colitis. However, the dosing and the duration of immunosuppressive therapy have not been systematically studied in the setting of treating ipilimumab‐induced irAEs. Therefore, additional immune‐modifying agents and/or a change in dosing may be required to manage severe irAEs unresponsive to existing treatment recommendations. We describe a treatment paradigm illustrated by a series of five patients who experienced irAEs. In three cases of metastatic melanoma, ipilimumab‐induced hepatitis was successfully treated with high‐dose parenteral pulsed methylprednisolone. In two other melanoma patients with ipilimumab‐induced colitis, one patient had satisfactory resolution of his colitis with high‐dose corticosteroid therapy alone and the other patient required infliximab infusion. We have reviewed the current literature and management algorithms for ipilimumab‐induced irAEs. Treatment options and the rationale for their use are discussed, including the use of pulsed high‐dose steroids, MMF, azathioprine and calcineurin inhibitors.
Impact of IL28B and PNPLA3 polymorphisms on treatment outcomes in patients infected with genotype 6 hepatitis C virus
Authors: Wong Grace Lai‐Hung , Chan Henry Lik‐Yuen , Tse Chi‐Hang , Chan Polly Oi‐Ying , Cheng Joe Cho‐Yiu , Cheng Jackie Siu‐Woon , Lau Sharon Hoi‐Ying , Lee Elbert Kam‐Yeung , Ma Justin Ming‐Yin , Chan Anthony Wing‐Hung , Choi Paul Cheung‐Lung , Wong Vincent Wai‐Sun
Published: January 2015

Background/Aims

Interleukin‐28B (IL28B) and patatin‐like phospholipase domain containing 3 (PNPLA3) gene polymorphisms are associated with hepatitis C virus (HCV) clearance and fatty liver, respectively. We aimed to test if their polymorphisms are associated with virologic responses in Chinese chronic hepatitis C (CHC) patients.

Methods

This was a retrospective‐prospective cohort study. Consecutive patients infected by genotype 1 and 6 HCV received antiviral therapy were included. Host IL‐28B rs12979860/rs8099917 and PNPLA3 rs738409 genotype were tested. The primary outcome was sustained virologic response (sustained virologic response [SVR]: undetectable HCV RNA 24 weeks post‐treatment).

Results

From 305 patients had positive antibody to HCV, 52 and 31 patients infected by genotype 1 and 6 HCV, respectively were recruited. Mean age was 58 ± 11 years; 70% were male. Mean baseline HCV RNA was 6.8 ± 2.7 log IU/ml. The SVR for patients infected by genotype 1 and 6 HCV was 67.3% and 90.3%, respectively. The proportions of IL28B genotypes were 78%, 21%, and 1% for TT/TG/GG at rs8099917, and 81%, 18%, and 1% for CC/TC/TT at rs12979860, respectively. The proportions of PNPLA3 rs738409 genotypes were 16%, 36%, and 48% for GG/GC/CC. IL28B genotype was significantly associated with SVR in patients infected by genotype 1 but not genotype 6 HCV, with 80% versus 38% of patients infected by genotype 1 achieved SVR carried TT versus TG/GG at rs8099917, respectively (P = 0.003). PNPLA3 genotype was not associated with SVR.

Conclusions

IL28B gene with rs8099917 T allele as an independent predictor of SVR in Chinese CHC patients infected by genotype 1 but not genotype 6 HCV.
Small bowel patency assessment using the patency device and a novel targeted (limited radiation) computed tomography‐based protocol
Authors: Assadsangabi Arash , Blakeborough Anthony , Drew Kaye , Lobo Alan J , Sidhu Reena , McAlindon Mark E
Published: January 2015

Background and Aim

Excretion of the patency capsule (PC) within a certain time frame may be used to demonstrate luminal patency prior to capsule endoscopy (CE). We aimed to determine how often further radiological imaging is needed to confirm luminal patency after PC, assess radiologists' ability to locate the PC on plain abdominal films, and evaluate the outcomes of a novel computed tomography (CT) protocol for PC localization.

Methods

A study of the ability of radiologists to localize PC using plain abdominal films was performed. A novel protocol targeting a limited CT at the level of the PC identified on the “scout” film if retained 30 h post‐ingestion was prospectively evaluated in 400 consecutive patients undergoing PC.

Results

In a study of the confidence with which radiologists could localize the PC on plain films, radiologists preferred abdominal CT to localize PCs identified on plain films in 74% of cases. In a protocol based on the use of a PC and targeted, limited CT scan to confirm small bowel patency in those failing to excrete the PC 30 h post‐ingestion, the sensitivity, specificity, positive, and negative predictive value were 99.4%, 90.0%, 99.7%, and 81.0%, respectively. Crohn's disease was the only statistically significant predictor associated with higher risk of luminal stricture (P = 0.001) in post‐hoc analysis.

Conclusions

Excretion of the PC 30 h post‐ingestion reliably predicts safe CE passage. Plain abdominal radiology is unreliable and a scout film targeted, limited CT scan offers an accurate minimal radiation method of determining small bowel patency.
Frontier Nurse‐Midwives and Antepartum Emergencies, 1925 to 1939
Authors: Schminkey Donna L. , Keeling Arlene W.
Published: January 2015

This article examines how the Frontier Nursing Service (FNS) utilized nurse‐midwives to respond to antepartum emergencies such as preterm birth, eclampsia, malpresentation, and hemorrhage in the women of Appalachia in the years 1925 to 1939. Particular attention is given to the preparation that nurse‐midwives received during their midwifery education to prevent and respond to emergencies. Using traditional historical research methods and primary source material from the FNS papers in the Special Collections, University of Kentucky Libraries, Lexington, Kentucky, this article describes the nurse‐midwives’ experiences and how they implemented skills they had learned during their training in Great Britain. Working in the isolated mountainous area of Leslie County, Kentucky—for the most part without direct assistance from physicians—FNS nurse‐midwives decreased maternal and neonatal mortality rates. During their first 2000 births, they had only 2 maternal deaths, whereas the national average maternal mortality rate was approximately 7 deaths per 1000 births. The nurse‐midwives performed external cephalic versions on a routine basis. For pregnancy and birth emergencies, they administered sedation, gave general anesthesia, and performed invasive lifesaving techniques in order to protect the lives of the women in their care. During these 14 years, their cross‐cultural engagement, assessment skills, clinical judgment, and timely interventions improved maternal and child health throughout the region.
“An Instrument for Reaching Into Experience”: Progressive Film at the Rockefeller Boards, 1934–1945
Authors: Aitken Rob
Published: January 2015

The emergence of progressive filmmaking in the interwar period is often associated with John Grierson, the British documentary movement and the influence it traced abroad. This paper argues, however, that more particular attention needs to attend the specific context for progressive filmmaking in the United States. To make this argument, this paper foregrounds two strands of progressive filmmaking that were pursued alongside, and often in tension with each other at the Rockefeller Boards between 1934 and 1945. The Rockefeller Boards pursued both a version of social‐realist documentary in the Griersonian tradition as well as a project focused on “human relations” films. As this paper suggests, the human relations project contrasted with Grierson's social documentary by linking film to a particular kind of psychological interior; a self not oriented to the social world but to the internal spaces of psychological and personality development. This implies a complex process of cultural diffusion in which Grierson's model was filtered through, and ultimately displaced by, a set of concerns and preoccupations unique to the American context.
Patient Perception and Satisfaction with Implant Therapy in a Predoctoral Implant Education Program: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Lee Damian J. , Yuan Judy Chia‐Chun , Hedger Philip J. , Taylor Emily J. , Harlow Rand F. , Knoernschild Kent L. , Campbell Stephen D. , Sukotjo Cortino
Published: January 2015

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to assess the level of satisfaction and quality of life for patients receiving mandibular implant‐supported overdenture (IOD) or single‐tooth implant (STI) therapy in a predoctoral dental implant program.

Materials and Methods

Patients who received IOD and STI therapy and presented for recall visits at University of Illinois‐Chicago College of Dentistry Predoctoral Implant Program were recruited. IOD treatment included placement of two endosseous implants in the mandibular canine region, followed by two abutments for resilient attachments. STI treatment included placement of endosseous implants, abutments, and cement‐retained crowns. A modified Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP)‐14 questionnaire was given at least 6 months following insertion of implant‐supported prostheses for both groups. Patient age, gender, distribution of STI, and OHIP‐14 data were gathered and analyzed. Descriptive statistics were used to assess post‐treatment data; Mann‐Whitney U test was used to analyze the differences between groups older and younger than mean age and gender among the IOD and STI groups.

Results

Fifty‐one consecutive patients in the IOD (60.7% male, 39.2% female, mean age 63.7) and 50 consecutive patients in the STI group (58.0% female, 42.0% male, mean age 50.8) were included in this recall study. In the STI group, 69 implants were placed for 50 patients; the most common region was the maxillary posterior quadrant (49.3%). Scores from modified OHIP‐14 ranged from 0.14 to 0.78 for the IOD group and 0.02 to 0.18 for the STI group. Both IOD and STI data showed satisfaction with the treatment outcome. There was a significant difference found between men and women among the IOD group pertaining to questions regarding pronouncing words, sense of taste, meal interruption, and feeling embarrassed from OHIP‐14, but not between the age groups. Also, no significant differences were noted for gender or age group within the STI patients and OHIP‐14 scores.

Conclusion

Dental implant therapy provided in a predoctoral setting had a significant impact on the quality of life and a high level of satisfaction for patients seeking implant treatment.
Influence of Occlusal Force on Electroencephalograms in Edentulous Patients
Authors: Morokuma Masakazu , Yoneyama Yoshikazu , Matsuda Risa , Hosoi Toshio , Ohkubo Chikahiro
Published: January 2015

Purpose

This study explored the effect of improved occlusal force resulting from complete denture treatment on electroencephalogram (EEG) findings to determine if such an outcome is a factor contributing to activation of synaptic/neuronal dysfunction in the brain.

Materials and Methods

Twenty‐three individuals with complete upper and lower dentures who visited the Department of Removable Prosthodontics at Tsurumi University Dental Hospital were included in this study. The Dental Prescale Occluzer FPD‐705 system was used to perform an objective measurement of occlusal force before and after denture treatment. EEGs were recorded for 3 minutes in patients receiving complete dentures before and after denture treatment. Then, Dα values were calculated using a diagnosis method of neuronal dysfunction analysis to evaluate changes in synaptic/neuronal dysfunction of the brain. To investigate whether occlusal force affects Dα, Spearman's rank correlation coefficient (α = 0.05) was used to test the association between occlusal force (N) and Dα based on the rates of change in occlusal force and Dα calculated by dividing the measurement values after denture treatment by the measurement values before denture treatment.

Results

Medial occlusal force increased from 184.9 N before treatment to 277.2 N after treatment. A statistically significant increase in occlusal force (p < 0.05) was observed, with a total of 22 participants exhibiting increased occlusal force after denture treatment. The medial Dα value increased from 0.943 before treatment to 0.957 after treatment. A statistically significant increase in Dα (p < 0.05) was observed, and a total of 19 participants exhibited increased Dα values after denture treatment. The regression line was calculated as Y = 14.049X – 12.450. As occlusal force increased, Dα values increased as well. A significant positive correlation was observed between occlusal force and Dα (r = 0.498, p < 0.05).

Conclusions

A positive correlation was observed between improved occlusal force attained via complete denture treatment and the activation of Dα. This finding reveals occlusal force as a denture treatment outcome that contributes to the activation of synaptic/neuronal dysfunction in the brain.
Factors impacting parental burden in food‐allergic children
Authors: Allen Clare W , Bidarkar Manasee S , vanNunen Sheryl A , Campbell Dianne E
Published: January 2015

Aim

This study aims to determine factors impacting the parental burden in immunoglobulin E (IgE)‐mediated food‐allergic children (FAC), focusing on attitudes towards adrenaline autoinjectors (AAIs).

Methods

Questionnaires were sent to parents of diagnosed IgE‐mediated FAC attending follow‐up allergy clinic appointments at two Sydney hospitals in May–September 2013. The questionnaires ascertained parental attitudes, confidence and knowledge regarding AAIs and included the validated, Food Allergy Quality of Life‐Parental Burden (FAQL‐PB) questionnaire.

Results

The response rate was 68%. Of FAC, 62% were male aged 1–17 years (median 6.0). There was a high proportion of children with multiple food allergies (52% allergic to >2 foods), coexistant eczema (85%) and asthma (54%). Sixty‐three per cent reported a past history of anaphylaxis and 42% reported reactions in the last 6 months. AAI had been prescribed for 84%. FAC with a history of anaphylaxis were more likely to have had an AAI prescribed (P < 0.0001). There was no difference in FAQL‐PB mean scores with age or AAI prescription status. The PB score was greater if the parent had administered the AAI (P = 0.02) and where the child was allergic to >2 foods (P < 0.0001).The Ninety per cent of parents reported that the AAI increased or did not change the child's quality of life, the family or FACs freedom. Three per cent of parents whose FAC children were prescribed an AAI reported increased stress related to AAI prescription.

Conclusion

Severity of food allergy, number of food allergens and past anaphylaxis rather than prescription of an AAI appear to be major influences on parental burden.
A Dyadic Investigation of Collaborative Competence, Social Capital, and Performance in Buyer–Supplier Relationships
Authors: Whipple Judith M. , Wiedmer Robert , K. Boyer Kenneth
Published: January 2015

As supply chains become increasingly complex, the management of buyer–supplier relationships is essential for achieving superior performance. To enhance external collaborative relationships, many firms are investing in the development of internal relationship management skills. We propose that the development of internal collaborative process competence (CPC) is an important component for improving external collaborative relationships through the creation of social capital. Our research examines the potential for social capital, which is modeled as a second‐order factor consisting of structural, cognitive, and relational capital, to mediate the relationship between CPC and operational performance. Our findings provide insights as to whether internal competence alone is sufficient for improving the operational performance of the relationship. Based on a dyadic comparison of buyers and suppliers, we find that investment in internal CPC without building external social capital does not lead to any improvement in operational performance. However, investment in CPC is beneficial in cases where buyers and suppliers have also built a high level of social capital, which, in turn, leads to desired operational performance for the relationship.