bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Allergic contact dermatitis to metal allergens in Iran
Authors: Khatami Alireza , Nassiri‐Kashani Mansour , Gorouhi Farzam , Babakoohi Shahab , Kazerouni‐Timsar Ali , Davari Parastoo , Sarraf‐Yazdy Maryam , Dowlati Yahya , Firooz Alireza
Published: March 2013

Background  Metallic allergens such as nickel are among the most common causes of allergic contact dermatitis (ACD), but frequencies of contact dermatitis to these allergens may vary in different areas.

Objectives  This study aimed to determine the frequencies of ACD caused by three common metallic allergens: nickel sulfate; potassium dichromate; and cobalt chloride.

Methods  Data for 1137 patients with clinical diagnoses of contact dermatitis and/or atopic dermatitis evaluated by patch testing in Iran during a 5‐year period were retrospectively studied to establish the frequencies of hypersensitivity to these metallic allergens.

Results  A total of 313 patients (27.5%) gave positive patch test results for at least one metallic allergen. Allergy to nickel (229 cases, 20.0%) was the most commonly observed, followed by allergy to cobalt (90 cases, 8.0%) and allergy to chromium (70 cases, 6.2%). Nickel allergy was significantly more frequent in females and in subjects aged <40 years, whereas chromium hypersensitivity was more common in males and in subjects aged >40 years. Sensitivity to nickel or chromium was a risk factor for cobalt allergy.

Conclusions  Nickel was most commonly identified as a metallic allergen in Iran and tended to affect women aged <40 years. Regulations pertaining to nickel release may decrease the frequency of nickel hypersensitivity in Iran.
Patch test reactions in patients with the additional diagnosis of vitiligo
Authors: Lee Joon‐Ho , Ahn Byung‐Jin , Noh Minsoo , Lee Ai‐Young
Published: March 2013

Background  Melanocytes involved in vitiligo may have inherent aberrations that make them vulnerable to extracellular insult. Allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) has been implicated in the development and progression of vitiligo. This study was conducted to investigate the association between ACD and vitiligo.

Methods  A total of 125 patients with vitiligo, who showed lesions in particular locations, onset at an older age, and/or pre‐existing inflammation or pruritus, were included. Patch tests were performed using a Korean standard series. In order to investigate the association between avoidance of allergen and clinical improvement, 43 vitiligo patients who showed positive reactions to the patch test completed a questionnaire administered by telephone and self‐assessed the status of their condition using a 10‐point scale.

Results  A total of 98 (78.4%) of 125 patients with vitiligo showed positive patch test reactions to at least one antigen. Although a limited number of contact allergens may have specific predilection sites, a significant association (P = 0.002, odds ratio 3.06) was found between lesions distributed on the scalp and/or hairline and a positive patch test reaction to paraphenylenediamine (PPD). A positive correlation (P = 0.03) was also detected between avoidance of allergen and improvement of vitiligo lesions.

Conclusions  Causative allergens of ACD may play a role in the development and/or aggravation of vitiligo.
Influence of sportive activity on skin barrier function: a quantitative evaluation of 60 athletes
Authors: Luebberding Stefanie , Kolbe Lea , Kerscher Martina
Published: March 2013

While sports‐related diseases are well documented in the literature, no study regarding the physiology of athlete's skin has been published yet. However, some evidence is given for impairment of the skin barrier due to sportive activity accompanied by an increase in sweating. In this explorative study, we investigated the effect of sportive activity on skin physiology, namely stratum corneum hydration, skin surface pH, and sebum content. A total of 60 healthy Caucasian volunteers (35 females, 25 males; mean 27.35 ± 4.09) were enrolled in this study. Measurements were done before and after 45 minutes of endurance cardio training at forehead, chest, forearm, and armpits. Hydration level, sebum secretion, and pH value of hydrolipid acid film were measured with worldwide‐acknowledged biophysical measuring methods. Stratum corneum hydration significantly increased after sportive activity. The increase was about 51.9% at the forearm and 31.9% at the chest. Sebum content at the forehead significantly decreased during exercising, from 87.36 μg/cm2 to 62.41 μg/cm2. At all investigated body sites, measured values for skin surface pH increased after sportive activity. Highest pH value was measured in armpits (pH 5.64–5.98) and lowest at forearm (pH 4.75–4.93). Sportive activity is accompanied by significant changes of skin physiology that could stress the barrier function of the skin. Higher skin surface pH and hyperhydration of the stratum corneum as well as increased lipid content on the skin surface are probably caused by an increased sweat production. The impaired skin barrier may also be the reason for some reported sports‐related dermatoses.
Patterns of evolution and extinction in proetid trilobites during the late Devonian mass extinction event, Canning Basin, Western Australia
Authors: FEIST RAIMUND , MCNAMARA KENNETH J.
Published: March 2013

Abstract:  In the early Late Devonian, terminal Frasnian proetid trilobites have previously only been known from Europe and North Africa. For the first time, a rich fauna of late Frasnian proetids is described from the Virgin Hills Formation, Canning Basin, Western Australia. Seventeen species in six genera are described, of which three are new: Rudybole gen. nov., Palpebralina gen. nov. and Canningbole gen. nov. A new subgenus, Chlupaciparia (Australoparia) subgen. nov. is also described. Fourteen of the species are new: Palpebralia initialis sp. nov., P. pustulata sp. nov., ?P. sp. nov. A, Rudybole depressa sp. nov., Palpebralina pseudopalpebralis sp. nov. (comprising the subspecies P. pseudopalpebralis pseudopalpebralis subsp. nov. and P. pseudopalpebralis ultima subsp. nov.), P. minor sp. nov., P. ocellifer sp. nov., Canningbole latimargo sp. nov., C. henwoodorum sp. nov., C. macromma sp. nov., Pteroparia extrema sp. nov., Chlupaciparia (Chlupaciparia) planiops sp. nov., Chlupaciparia (Australoparia) australis sp. nov. and C. (Australoparia) lata sp. nov. The subspecies Rudybole adorfensis angusta subsp. nov. is also described. The proetids range through conodont Zones 11–13b and terminate at the Upper Kellwasser Event, which marks the terminal Frasnian mass extinction event. Three of the six proetid lineages, Palpebralia, Canningbole and Pteroparia, show evolutionary trends of eye reduction. Two of the remaining lineages, Rudybole and Palpebralina, consist exclusively of blind taxa. The last, Chlupaciparia, also comprises forms with reduced eyes. The proetids show a stepped pattern of extinction during the late Frasnian, which correlate with two Kellwasser biocrises documented in European/North African Frasnian sections. The highest diversity preceded the Lower Kellwasser event that occurred at the end of conodont Zone 12 and saw the extinction of all species present in that zone. However, only one genus, Pteroparia, locally became extinct. A major higher‐level taxonomic mass extinction at the top of Zone 13b initiated the Upper Kellwasser extinction event. This included extinction at the generic level, with all five remaining genera becoming extinct, and at the family level, with the loss of the Tropidocoryphidae.
Morphology and ontogeny of the eodiscoid trilobite Sinodiscus changyangensis from the lower Cambrian of South China
Authors: DAI TAO , ZHANG XINGLIANG
Published: March 2013

Abstract: A large number of complete specimens together with numerous disarticulated sclerites of the eodiscinid trilobite Sinodiscus changyangensis Zhang inZhou et al., 1977 have been collected from the lower Cambrian Shuijingtuo Formation in Changyang, Hubei Province, South China. An ontogenetic series is established based on the immature and mature exoskeletons including the previously unknown protaspides and meraspides, in particular. No further substages can be differentiated in the protaspid specimens herein. Changes that took place during the meraspid period include the addition of postcephalic segments and prominent pygidial larval notches in early meraspid development which became progressively less distinct and disappeared in degree 2. Two holaspid stages are recognized based on the addition of a new pygidial segment, indicating that the start of the holaspid phase preceded the onset of the epimorphic phase and accordingly, its developmental mode is attributed to the protarthrous pattern. The trunk segmentation schedule of S. changyangensis is discussed, which is similar to other primitive eodiscoid trilobites, that is, as the boundary between the thorax and pygidium migrated posteriorly, there is no change in the number of the trunk segments. The processes of liberation of the thoracic segment and segment insertion into the pygidium are separated from one another, and the two different mechanisms, somitogenesis and tagmosis, progress independently during the ontogenetic development of the postcephalic region of these primitive eodiscinids.
Improving Satisfaction with Care and Reducing Length of Stay in an Obstetric Triage Unit Using a Nurse‐Midwife‐Managed Model of Care
Authors: Paul Julie , Jordan Robin , Duty Susan , Engstrom Janet L.
Published: March 2013

Introduction

A quality improvement project was initiated at a tertiary‐care center in a suburban area of the northeastern United States to determine whether length of stay and patient satisfaction in an obstetric triage unit could be improved by using a certified nurse‐midwife (CNM) to manage and organize care in the triage unit.

Methods

Patient satisfaction was measured using a previously validated instrument that consisted of 6 items using a 6‐point Likert‐type scale. The items measured patient satisfaction with: wait time for provider, information given, amount of time spent with provider, length of visit, overall care received, and overall triage experience. Patient satisfaction was measured before (n = 37) and after implementing CNM‐managed care (n = 66) in an obstetrical triage unit. Length of stay in the triage unit was measured during standard care (n = 121) and after the implementation of CNM‐managed care (n = 151) by recording the number of minutes women spent in the triage unit.

Results

Participants in the CNM‐managed care group reported increased patient satisfaction with care in 5 of the 6 aspects of satisfaction that were measured, including wait time for provider (P = .01), time spent with provider (P = .01), length of visit (P = .04), overall care received (P = .04), and overall triage experience (P = .01). The length of stay was significantly shorter for the women in the CNM‐managed group (mean = 94.7 minutes; standard deviation [SD] 50.1) than for the women in the standard care model (mean = 122 minutes; SD = 66.8; P < .01).

Discussion

The findings from this project suggest that a CNM‐managed obstetric triage unit can improve satisfaction with care during the triage experience and reduce length of stay in the triage unit.
The effects of nest size and insulation on thermal properties of tree swallow nests
Authors: Windsor Rebecca L. , Fegely Jessica L. , Ardia Daniel R.
Published: March 2013

The nest environment can have important influences on incubation behavior and nestling development in birds. Nest thermal properties, particularly nest composition and size, can have a major influence on heat loss. To examine the role of nest size and insulation on clutch cooling rates, we collected tree swallow Tachycineta bicolor nests and measured the cooling rate of eggs in a controlled thermal environment. We also examined the thermal benefits of nest feathers by comparing the cooling rates of nests with and without feathers. Nests with more feather insulation and heavier, deeper cupped nests cooled at slower rates. In addition, nests with feathers cooled at much slower rates than did the same nests without feathers. Our results show that nest insulation and size play important roles in nest cooling rates, which may ultimately affect incubation costs and thus reproductive performance.
High‐energy diets may induce a pre‐diabetic state altering testicular glycolytic metabolic profile and male reproductive parameters
Authors: Rato L. , Alves M. G. , Dias T. R. , Lopes G. , Cavaco J. E. , Socorro S. , Oliveira P. F.
Published: March 2013

Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder that may arise from diet habits and is growing to epidemic proportions. Young male diabetic patients present high infertility/subfertility prevalence resulting from impaired reproductive function and poor semen quality. We aimed to evaluate the effects of a high‐energy diet (HED) on glucose tolerance/insulin levels and correlate the observed effects on male reproductive function with overall testicular metabolism. After 1 month, HED fed rats showed increased glycaemic levels, impaired glucose tolerance and hypoinsulinaemia. Moreover, an imbalance of intratesticular and serum testosterone levels was observed, whereas those of 17β‐estradiol were not altered. High‐energy diet also affected the reproductive parameters, with HED rats exhibiting a significant increase in abnormal sperm morphology. Glycolytic metabolism was favoured in testicles of HED rats with an increased expression of both glucose transporters 1 (GLUT1) and 3 (GLUT3) and the enzyme phosphofrutokinase 1. Moreover, lactate production and the expression of metabolism‐associated genes and proteins involved in lactate production and transport were also enhanced by HED. Alanine testicular content was decreased and thus intratesticular lactate/alanine ratio in HED rats was increased, suggesting increased oxidative stress. Other energetic substrates such as acetate and creatine were not altered in testis from HED rats, but intratesticular glycine content was increased in those animals. Taken together, these results suggest that HED induces a pre‐diabetic state that may impair reproductive function by modulating overall testicular metabolism. This is the first report on testicular metabolic features and mechanisms related with the onset of a pre‐diabetic state.
Women's decision‐making regarding medication use in pregnancy for anxiety and/or depression
Authors: Stepanuk Kathleen M. , Fisher Kathleen M. , Wittmann‐Price Ruth , Posmontier Bobbie , Bhattacharya Anand
Published: March 2013

Aim

To increase understanding of women's decision‐making process concerning the medication use for anxiety and/or depression while pregnant.

Background

Anxiety and depression affects many pregnant women, yet the decision to take psychotropic medication is complex and possibly subject to social oppression.

Design

Cross‐sectional descriptive survey design.

Methods

A web‐based survey was used to collect data from a convenience sample of 143 pregnant women over 3 months beginning in early 2011. An independent t‐test was conducted to determine differences in satisfaction between women with high and low levels of emancipated decision‐making (EDM). A multiple regression analysis was conducted to determine which subscales of the emancipation scale best predict level of satisfaction with the decision.

Findings

The majority of respondents were White, between 25–34 years of age. The group with lower levels of emancipation reported lower mean satisfaction scores compared with those with higher levels of emancipation. Regression analysis showed that the three subscale emancipation model was a statistically significant predictor of satisfaction with the decision and accounted for 54% of the variance in satisfaction. The subconcept of personal knowledge was most predictive of satisfaction with decision.

Conclusions

Women may be able to overcome oppressive forces by using an EDM process. EDM allows them to make a decision that feels right for them and to feel satisfied with the decision.
Asian culture in transition: is it related to reported parenting styles and transitivity of simple choices?
Authors: Ferguson Eva Dreikurs , Hagaman Joel A. , Maurer Sarah B. , Mathews Philip , Peng Kaiping
Published: March 2013

Does culture shape reported parenting styles and cognitive processes like transitive reasoning, of choosing A over B, B over C, and then A over C (transitivity)? Asian‐American, Caucasian‐American, and Indian university students differed significantly in transitivity and in reported parental styles. India participants were more intransitive and, contrary to traditional findings in the literature, reported their parents as more laissez‐faire, individualistic, and competitive than did Caucasian‐Americans. Recent technological and industrial advances in India likely explain some of these obtained differences. Predictions from Adlerian theory and work of Kurt Lewin, that parenting styles would relate to transitivity of choices, were indirectly supported. Stronger evidence was found that culture impacts both reported parental styles and transitivity of simple choices.
Speech style and occupational status affect assessments of eyewitness testimony
Authors: Jules Sean J. , McQuiston Dawn E.
Published: March 2013

This study examined how speech style and occupational status affect mock jurors' assessments of eyewitness testimony. Mock jurors (n = 120) watched a video of a man testifying about witnessing an attempted robbery. The eyewitness exhibited either a powerless or powerful speech style and reported either a high or low (or no) status occupation during his testimony. Results indicated that high occupation status and powerful speech style led to more favorable evaluations of the eyewitness's testimony and of the case against the defendant than powerless speech style and low/no occupation status. Implications of these results on considerations of eyewitness testimony and future research are discussed.
Properties of intention: component structure and consequences for behavior, information processing, and resistance
Authors: Cooke Richard , Sheeran Paschal
Published: March 2013

Three studies tested the impact of properties of behavioral intention on intention–behavior consistency, information processing, and resistance. Principal components analysis showed that properties of intention formed distinct factors. Study 1 demonstrated that temporal stability, but not the other intention attributes, moderated intention–behavior consistency. Study 2 found that greater stability of intention was associated with improved memory performance. In Study 3, participants were confronted with a rating scale manipulation designed to alter their intention scores. Findings showed that stable intentions were able to withstand attack. Overall, the present research findings suggest that different properties of intention are not simply manifestations of a single underlying construct (“intention strength”), and that temporal stability exhibits superior resistance and impact compared to other intention attributes.
A comparison of Asians', Hispanics', and Whites' restaurant tipping
Authors: Lynn Michael
Published: March 2013

Asians and Hispanics are perceived by many restaurant servers as poor tippers. This study tests the validity of those perceptions using data from a large restaurant chain's online customer satisfaction survey. Findings partially support servers' perceptions—Hispanics but not Asians tipped less on average than Whites after controlling for bill size, the customer's own ratings of service quality, and other variables. Discussion centers around the differences between these findings and those of a previous study and on the practical implications of the findings for restaurant managers.
Neurosensory mechanotransduction through acid‐sensing ion channels
Authors: Chen Chih‐Cheng , Wong Chia‐Wen
Published: March 2013

Acid‐sensing ion channels (ASICs) are voltage‐insensitive cation channels responding to extracellular acidification. ASIC proteins have two transmembrane domains and a large extracellular domain. The molecular topology of ASICs is similar to that of the mechanosensory abnormality 4‐ or 10‐proteins expressed in touch receptor neurons and involved in neurosensory mechanotransduction in nematodes. The ASIC proteins are involved in neurosensory mechanotransduction in mammals. The ASIC isoforms are expressed in Merkel cell–neurite complexes, periodontal Ruffini endings and specialized nerve terminals of skin and muscle spindles, so they might participate in mechanosensation. In knockout mouse models, lacking an ASIC isoform produces defects in neurosensory mechanotransduction of tissue such as skin, stomach, colon, aortic arch, venoatrial junction and cochlea. The ASICs are thus implicated in touch, pain, digestive function, baroreception, blood volume control and hearing. However, the role of ASICs in mechanotransduction is still controversial, because we lack evidence that the channels are mechanically sensitive when expressed in heterologous cells. Thus, ASIC channels alone are not sufficient to reconstruct the path of transducing molecules of mechanically activated channels. The mechanotransducers associated with ASICs need further elucidation. In this review, we discuss the expression of ASICs in sensory afferents of mechanoreceptors, findings of knockout studies, technical issues concerning studies of neurosensory mechanotransduction and possible missing links. Also we propose a molecular model and a new approach to disclose the molecular mechanism underlying the neurosensory mechanotransduction.
M2 receptor activation inhibits cell cycle progression and survival in human glioblastoma cells
Authors: Ferretti Michela , Fabbiano Cinzia , Bari Maria Di , Conte Claudia , Castigli Emilia , Sciaccaluga Miriam , Ponti Donatella , Ruggieri Paola , Raco Antonino , Ricordy Ruggero , Calogero Antonella , Tata Ada Maria
Published: March 2013

Muscarinic receptors, expressed in several primary and metastatic tumours, appear to be implicated in their growth and propagation. In this work we have demonstrated that M2 muscarinic receptors are expressed in glioblastoma human specimens and in glioblastoma cell lines. Moreover, we have characterized the effects of the M2 agonist arecaidine on cell growth and survival both in two different glioblastoma cell lines (U251MG and U87MG) and in primary cultures obtained from different human biopsies. Cell growth analysis has demonstrated that the M2 agonist arecaidine strongly decreased cell proliferation in both glioma cell lines and primary cultures. This effect was dose and time dependent. FACS analysis has confirmed cell cycle arrest at G1/S and at G2/M phase in U87 cells and U251 respectively. Cell viability analysis has also shown that arecaidine induced severe apoptosis, especially in U251 cells. Chemosensitivity assays have, moreover, shown arecaidine and temozolomide similar effects on glioma cell lines, although IC50 value for arecaidine was significantly lower than temozolomide. In conclusion, we report for the first time that M2 receptor activation has a relevant role in the inhibition of glioma cell growth and survival, suggesting that M2 may be a new interesting therapeutic target to investigate for glioblastoma therapy.
Biomechanics of haemostasis and thrombosis in health and disease: from the macro‐ to molecular scale
Authors: Tran Reginald , Myers David R. , Ciciliano Jordan , Trybus Hardy Elaissa L. , Sakurai Yumiko , Ahn Byungwook , Qiu Yongzhi , Mannino Robert G. , Fay Meredith E. , Lam Wilbur A.
Published: March 2013

Although the processes of haemostasis and thrombosis have been studied extensively in the past several decades, much of the effort has been spent characterizing the biological and biochemical aspects of clotting. More recently, researchers have discovered that the function and physiology of blood cells and plasma proteins relevant in haematologic processes are mechanically, as well as biologically, regulated. This is not entirely surprising considering the extremely dynamic fluidic environment that these blood components exist in. Other cells in the body such as fibroblasts and endothelial cells have been found to biologically respond to their physical and mechanical environments, affecting aspects of cellular physiology as diverse as cytoskeletal architecture to gene expression to alterations of vital signalling pathways. In the circulation, blood cells and plasma proteins are constantly exposed to forces while they, in turn, also exert forces to regulate clot formation. These mechanical factors lead to biochemical and biomechanical changes on the macro‐ to molecular scale. Likewise, biochemical and biomechanical alterations in the microenvironment can ultimately impact the mechanical regulation of clot formation. The ways in which these factors all balance each other can be the difference between haemostasis and thrombosis. Here, we review how the biomechanics of blood cells intimately interact with the cellular and molecular biology to regulate haemostasis and thrombosis in the context of health and disease from the macro‐ to molecular scale. We will also show how these biomechanical forces in the context of haemostasis and thrombosis have been replicated or measured in vitro.
Metabolic syndrome and periodontitis in Gullah African Americans with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Sora Nicoleta D. , Marlow Nicole M. , Bandyopadhyay Dipankar , Leite Renata S. , Slate Elizabeth H. , Fernandes Jyotika K.
Published: March 2013

Aim

To assess associations of metabolic syndrome, and its individual components, with extent of severe periodontitis among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Materials & Methods

We performed a secondary data analysis (N = 283) using a cross‐sectional study population of Gullah African Americans with T2DM. Extent of severe periodontitis was assessed as total diseased tooth‐sites/person [evaluated as separate outcomes: 6+mm clinical attachment level (CAL), 5+mm periodontal probing depth (PPD)] using negative binomial regression techniques. Primary independent variables assessed in separate models included metabolic syndrome (yes/no), each metabolic syndrome component (low HDL, hypertension, high triglycerides, large waist circumference) and glycemic control (poor/good).

Results

Multivariable CAL‐model results showed a significant association for metabolic syndrome status with extent of severe periodontitis (RR = 2.77, p = 0.03). The separate multivariable CAL‐model including each metabolic syndrome component showed marginally increased rates among those with large waist circumference (RR = 2.33, p = 0.09) and those with HbA1c ≥ 7% (RR = 1.73, p = 0.06). Multivariable PPD‐models showed marginally increased rates among those with metabolic syndrome (RR = 2.18, p = 0.06).

Conclusion

Metabolic syndrome is associated with the extent of severe periodontitis in this Gullah population with T2DM.
Malnutrition in the first year of life and personality at age 40
Authors: Galler Janina R. , Bryce Cyralene P. , Zichlin Miriam L. , Waber Deborah P. , Exner Natalie , Fitzmaurice Garrett M. , Costa Paul T.
Published: March 2013

Background

Early childhood malnutrition is associated with cognitive and behavioral impairment during childhood and adolescence, but studies in adulthood are limited.

Methods

Using the NEO‐PI‐R personality inventory, we compared personality profiles at 37–43 years of age (M 40.3 years, SD 1.9) of Barbadian adults who had experienced moderate‐to‐severe protein‐energy malnutrition (PEM) in the first year of life (n = 77) with healthy controls, who were former classmates of the index cases and were matched for age, gender, and handedness in childhood (n = 57). The previously malnourished participants had been rehabilitated, with good health and nutrition documented up to 12 years of age, and study participants were followed longitudinally from childhood to 40 years. Group comparisons were adjusted for childhood and adolescent standard of living, with and without correcting for IQ.

Results

At the broad domain or factor level, previously malnourished participants had higher scores on Neuroticism and lower scores on Extraversion, Openness, Agreeableness, and Conscientiousness than did the healthy controls. At the subdomain or facet level, previously malnourished participants reported more anxiety, vulnerability, shyness and lowered sociability, less intellectual curiosity, greater suspiciousness of others, a more egocentric than altruistic orientation, and a lowered sense of efficacy or competence.

Conclusions

Malnutrition limited to the first year of life with good health and nutrition documented up to 12 years of age is associated with a significant overrepresentation of adult personality trait scores outside of the average range. This outcome has important implications for a variety of important life and mental health outcomes.
Primary localized cutaneous amyloidosis: association with atopic dermatitis
Authors: Chia B. , Tan A. , Tey H.L.
Published: March 2013

Background

Primary localized cutaneous amyloidosis (PLCA) is a chronic pruritic dermatological disorder of unknown aetiology. Genetic mutations in cases of familial PLCA have been mapped to the oncostatin‐M receptor (OSMR) β, a subunit of interleukin (IL)‐31 receptor. IL‐31 has been implicated in the pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis (AD).

Objectives

To assess if AD is more prevalent in patients with PLCA compared to patients with other conditions attending the same dermatology clinic. Secondarily, to investigate if the prevalence of AD, severity of itch, morphology and locations of PLCA differ between familial and sporadic forms.

Methods

Consecutive patients with the clinical diagnosis of PLCA visiting a dermatology clinic were evaluated by a single investigator. Data on demographics, family history, morphological types and locations of PLCA, and itch score were collected and they were screened for concomitant AD based on history and physical examination. The control population consisted of consecutive patients with diagnoses other than PLCA seen in the same clinic.

Results

A total of 44 patients with and 97 controls were evaluated. The prevalence of AD in patients with PLCA was significantly higher than in controls, at 75% and 39.2% respectively (OR = 4.66, 95% CI = 2.10 to 10.3, p < 0.0005). The prevalence of AD in sporadic cases was significantly higher than familial cases, at 84.4% and 50% respectively (OR = 5.4, 95% CI = 1.23 to 23.7). Mean itch levels, morphological types and locations of PLCA did not differ between familial and sporadic cases.

Conclusions

AD was associated with PLCA and the association was stronger with the sporadic compared to the familial cases.
Multi‐gene phylogenetic analysis of south‐east Asian pest members of the Bactrocera dorsalis species complex (Diptera: Tephritidae) does not support current taxonomy
Authors: Boykin L. M. , Schutze M. K. , Krosch M. N. , Chomič A. , Chapman T. A. , Englezou A. , Armstrong K. F. , Clarke A. R. , Hailstones D. , Cameron S. L.
Published: March 2013

Bactrocera dorsalis sensu stricto, B. papayae, B. philippinensis and B. carambolae are serious pest fruit fly species of the B. dorsalis complex that predominantly occur in south‐east Asia and the Pacific. Identifying molecular diagnostics has proven problematic for these four taxa, a situation that cofounds biosecurity and quarantine efforts and which may be the result of at least some of these taxa representing the same biological species. We therefore conducted a phylogenetic study of these four species (and closely related outgroup taxa) based on the individuals collected from a wide geographic range; sequencing six loci (cox1, nad4‐3′, CAD, period, ITS1, ITS2) for approximately 20 individuals from each of 16 sample sites. Data were analysed within maximum likelihood and Bayesian phylogenetic frameworks for individual loci and concatenated data sets for which we applied multiple monophyly and species delimitation tests. Species monophyly was measured by clade support, posterior probability or bootstrap resampling for Bayesian and likelihood analyses respectively, Rosenberg's reciprocal monophyly measure, P(AB), Rodrigo's (P(RD)) and the genealogical sorting index, gsi. We specifically tested whether there was phylogenetic support for the four ‘ingroup’ pest species using a data set of multiple individuals sampled from a number of populations. Based on our combined data set, Bactrocera carambolae emerges as a distinct monophyletic clade, whereas B. dorsalis s.s., B. papayae and B. philippinensis are unresolved. These data add to the growing body of evidence that B. dorsalis s.s., B. papayae and B. philippinensis are the same biological species, which poses consequences for quarantine, trade and pest management.
Heat Shock Protein 90 of Bonamia ostreae: Characterization and Possible Correlation with Infection of the Flat Oyster, Ostrea edulis
Authors: Prado‐Alvarez Maria , Chollet Bruno , Couraleau Yann , Morga Benjamin , Arzul Isabelle
Published: March 2013

In this study, we described the cytosolic HSP90 of Bonamia ostreae, an intracellular parasite of Ostrea edulis hemocytes. The complete open reading frame was assembled by Rapid Amplification cDNA Ends reactions on cDNA of B. ostreae‐infected hemocytes. HSP90 amplification was corroborated in infected oysters and B. ostreae purified cells. The functionality of the HSP90, studied by inhibitory assays with radicicol, suggests that this protein may play a role in hemocyte invasion. Our results inform the molecular basis that governs B. ostreae–O. edulis interactions.
Hemiodus iratapuru, a new species of Hemiodontidae from the Rio Jari, Amazon Basin, Brazil (Teleostei, Characiformes)
Authors: Langeani F. , Moreira C. R.
Published: March 2013

Hemiodus iratapuru, a new species of the Hemiodontidae from the Rio Iratapuru, a left bank tributary of the Rio Jari, Amazon Basin, Brazil, is described. The new species is diagnosed from other species of Hemiodus by modifications in the ectopterygoid, tooth form, scale counts, dorsal‐fin form and colour pattern. The new species is proposed to be related to the Hemiodus quadrimaculatus species group.
Neurotransmitter release in motor nerve terminals of a mouse model of mild spinal muscular atrophy
Authors: Ruiz Rocío , Tabares Lucía
Published: March 2013

Spinal muscular atrophy is a genetic disease which severity depends on the amount of SMN protein, the product of the genes SMN1 and SMN2. Symptomatology goes from severe neuromuscular impairment leading to early death in infants to slow progressing motor deficits during adulthood. Much of the knowledge about the pathophysiology of SMA comes from studies using genetically engineered animal models of the disease. Here we investigated one of the milder models, the homozygous A2G SMA mice, in which the level of the protein is restored to almost normal levels by the addition of a mutated transgene to the severe SMN‐deficient background. We examined neuromuscular function and found that calcium‐dependent neurotransmitter release was significantly decreased. In addition, the amplitude of spontaneous endplate potentials was decreased, the morphology of NMJ altered, and slight changes in short‐term synaptic plasticity were found. In spite of these defects, excitation contraction coupling was well preserved, possibly due to the safety factor of this synapse. These data further support that the quasi‐normal restoration of SMN levels in severe cases preserves neuromuscular function, even when neurotransmitter release is significantly decreased at motor nerve terminals. Nevertheless, this deficit could represent a greater risk of motor impairment during aging or after injuries.
The methodological quality of systematic reviews published in high‐impact nursing journals: a review of the literature
Authors: Pölkki Tarja , Kanste Outi , Kääriäinen Maria , Elo Satu , Kyngäs Helvi
Published: March 2013

Aims and objectives

To analyse systematic review articles published in the top 10 nursing journals to determine the quality of the methods employed within them.

Background

Systematic review is defined as a scientific research method that synthesises high‐quality scientific knowledge on a given topic. The number of such reviews in nursing science has increased dramatically during recent years, but their methodological quality has not previously been assessed.

Design

A review of the literature using a narrative approach.

Methods

Ranked impact factor scores for nursing journals were obtained from the Journal Citation Report database of the Institute of Scientific Information (ISI Web of Knowledge). All issues from the years 2009 and 2010 of the top 10 ranked journals were included. CINAHL and MEDLINE databases were searched to locate studies using the search terms ‘systematic review’ and ‘systematic literature review’. A total of 39 eligible studies were identified. Their methodological quality was evaluated through the specific criteria of quality assessment, description of synthesis and strengths and weaknesses reported in the included studies.

Results

Most of the eligible systematic reviews included several different designs or types of quantitative study. The majority included a quality assessment, and a total of 17 different criteria were identified. The method of synthesis was mentioned in about half of the reviews, the most common being narrative synthesis. The weaknesses of reviews were discussed, while strengths were rarely highlighted.

Conclusion

The methodological quality of the systematic reviews examined varied considerably, although they were all published in nursing journals with a high‐impact factor.

Relevance to clinical practice

Despite the fact that systematic reviews are considered the most robust source of research evidence, they vary in methodological quality. This point is important to consider in clinical practice when applying the results to patient care.
How Profit Shifting May Increase the Tax Burden of Multinationals: A Simple Model with Discrete Investment Choices
Authors: STÖWHASE SVEN
Published: March 2013

This paper models a Stackelberg tax setting game between two revenue‐maximizing countries which compete for the location of a single production plant owned by a multinational firm. We introduce the possibility of profit‐shifting activities by the multinational firm and investigate how a change in the costs of profit shifting affects equilibrium tax rates, revenue, and the tax burden of the multinational firm. We show that in most cases, tax rates of the two countries will be higher under profit shifting than without. If the costs for profit shifting are not too low, the strategic adjustment of profit tax rates will typically harm the multinational firm.
The Superiority of Environmental Federalism in the Presence of Lobbying and Prior Tax Distortions
Authors: LAI YU‐BONG
Published: March 2013

It is generally believed that environmental federalism tends to generate greater pollution emissions than centralized policymaking. This paper demonstrates that the opposite can occur in the presence of lobbying. Although the decentralized regime gives rise to a tax‐interaction effect, which induces policymakers to set lax environmental policies, it may also reduce the political pressure on enlarging allowed emissions. If the latter outweighs the former, then the decentralized regime will generate less pollution than the centralized regime. Moreover, we also show that the decentralized regime can be more efficient than the centralized regime, which provides an alternative theoretical support for the superiority of environmental federalism.
A note on non‐parametric testing for Gaussian innovations in AR–ARCH models
Authors: Neumeyer Natalie , Selk Leonie
Published: March 2013

In this paper, we consider autoregressive models with conditional autoregressive variance, including the case of homoscedastic AR models and the case of ARCH models. Our aim is to test the hypothesis of normality for the innovations in a completely non‐parametric way, that is, without imposing parametric assumptions on the conditional mean and volatility functions. To this end, the Cramér–von Mises test based on the empirical distribution function of non‐parametrically estimated residuals is shown to be asymptotically distribution‐free. We demonstrate its good performance for finite sample sizes in a small simulation study.

AMS 2010 Classification: Primary 62 M10, Secondary 62 G10
Influence of Experimentally Induced Taste Disorder on Ingestive Behavior: A Pilot Study
Authors: Hattori Yoshinori , Tanaka Yasue
Published: March 2013

This study was aimed to gain insights on how impaired taste sensation alters ingestive behavior. Gymnema sylvestre extract was applied to the tongue surface to create an experimentally induced taste disorder (EITD). The ingestive behavior and the rheological properties of the food bolus just before the first swallowing were compared between with and without EITD in six healthy volunteers who ingested a chocolate chip cookie. Although EITD made the bolus significantly less hard, less adhesive and more cohesive (Wilcoxon's rank‐sum test; P < 0.001), and make the jaw gape of the chewing cycles just before the first swallowing smaller (P < 0.05) in all participants, its effect on the number of chewing cycles until swallowing was heterogeneous. The results suggest that EITD may alter ingestive behavior not through a reduction of the perceived tastes but through a reduction in the palatability and/or the intensity of the unpalatability of a food.

Practical Applications

The results of the current study suggested that a reduction in the palatability and/or the intensity of the unpalatability of a food, i.e., the uncomfortable emotions elicited by the alteration of perceived taste of a food, may have significant effects on the ingestive behaviors of persons with experimentally induced taste disorder. The results further suggested the importance of enhancing palatability and reducing unpalatability of the food by activating the residual gustatory and/or olfactory functions to improve the affected ingestive behavior of the patients who suffer from taste disorders.
Facilitation displaces hotspots of diversity and allows communities to persist in heavily stressed and disturbed environments
Authors: Le Bagousse‐Pinguet Yoann , Xiao Sa , Brooker Rob W. , Gross Nicolas , Liancourt Pierre , Straile Dietmar , Michalet Richard
Published: March 2013

Question

What are the interacting effects of stress and disturbance on both competition and facilitation, and ultimately their impact on diversity and species ranges?

Location

Simulated data.

Method

We extended the spatially explicit model of Xiao et al. (Oikos, 118, 2009, 1343) to consider how stress and disturbance – operating alone or together – affect species distributions through varying biotic interactions.

Results

In the absence of facilitation, species ranges only occurred within the limits of a triangular zone, which can be considered equivalent to Grime's C‐S‐R triangle. Competitive species were distributed in low stress and disturbance conditions. Stress‐ and disturbance‐tolerant species occurred in more stressed and disturbed environments. Species richness followed a hump‐shaped relationship with a hotspot of diversity occurring close to the centre of the C‐S‐R triangle. In contrast, facilitation was able to dampen the negative impacts of stress and disturbance acting either solely or simultaneously, but this influence was not simply the sum of the effects of the processes operating independently on the two environmental gradients. Facilitation extended species distributions along both the stress and disturbance gradients and displaced the hotspot of diversity into the centre of the response surface.

Conclusions

Facilitation was able to promote the occurrence and persistence of communities in highly stressed and disturbed conditions, i.e. allowing a stable community to exist beyond the limits of the C‐S‐R triangle. We also showed that facilitation can be an important mechanism driving the displacement of hotspots of diversity from benign toward intermediate stressed and disturbed environments.
Rainfall variability has minimal effects on grassland recovery from repeated grazing
Authors: Koerner Sally E. , Collins Scott L. , Blair John M. , Knapp Alan K. , Smith Melinda D.
Published: March 2013

Question

Mesic grasslands experience a complex disturbance regime including frequent fire, grazing by large ungulates and strong inter‐annual climate variability. As a result of climate change, growing season precipitation regimes are predicted to become more variable, with larger event sizes and longer dry periods resulting in more temporally dynamic soil moisture regimes. Increased climate variability is likely to interact with other disturbances, such as grazing, in grassland ecosystems. We investigated the individual and combined effects of increased rainfall variability and grazing on plant community composition, structure and function in an annually burned, native tallgrass prairie. Our overarching question was: are grazing impacts modified under a more variable precipitation regime?

Location

Konza Prairie, Kansas,USA.

Methods

Plots were established within a long‐term rainfall manipulation experiment in which larger, but less frequent, rain events were imposed during the growing season without altering the total rain amount. We then simulated intense grazing pressure during one growing season by repeatedly clipping all graminoids to 5 cm and monitored recovery over 3 yr.

Results

Neither grazing nor rainfall treatments affected species richness; however, grazing decreased total and grass above‐ground net primary production (ANPP) and increased forbANPPrelative to ungrazed plots. Grass stem density recovered from intense grazing under ambient rainfall but did not fully recover, even after 2 yr in the altered rainfall treatment.

Conclusions

We found that increased rainfall variability had little effect on tallgrass prairie structure and function, while grazing had large effects. Grazing and increased rainfall variability interacted to suppress grass stem density and delayed recovery relative to controls. Although stem density was reduced, individual stem size increased, resulting in no net change inANPP. This suggests thatANPPin grazed and ungrazed North American tallgrass prairie may be relatively resilient under more temporally variable precipitation regimes.