bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ergonomics in dentistry: experiences of the practice by dental students
Authors: Garcia P. P. N. S. , Gottardello A. C. A. , Wajngarten D. , Presoto C. D. , Campos J. A. D. B.
Published: March 2016

Objective

The aim of this study was to qualitatively evaluate the experiences of students enrolled in the last year of dentistry school with ergonomic practice.

Methods

This is a qualitative, observational and cross‐sectional study, with a non‐probabilistic sample design. The sample comprised students enrolled in the last year of dentistry in Araraquara–UNESP (n = 29). The data were collected by means of open semi‐structured and individual interviews, captured by a digital voice recorder. The students were interviewed in their own university at a time that was previously scheduled, and care was taken to provide a private and welcoming environment to carry out the interviews. A script containing questions related to practices in ergonomics was prepared at the university. Data analysis was carried out using the qualitative–quantitative Collective Subject Discourse technique with the aid of Qualiquantisoft® software program.

Results

It was found that more than half of the students (58.6%) believe that adopting an ergonomic posture is important to prevent future problems, pain and occupational diseases, and 62.1% of the students confirm having difficulties in adopting ergonomic postures due to the types of treatment required and the regions of the mouth being treated. The main reasons stated for the fact that their colleagues do not adopt ergonomic postures are lack of attention, practice and forgetfulness (44.8%) and difficulty in visualising the operatory field or the procedure performed (27.6%).

Conclusion

It is possible to conclude that the students interviewed know ergonomic principles and their importance in occupational health. However, they found it difficult to put these principles into practice.
Withdrawal of ‘An Expression of Concern: Organization of connections of the basal and accessory basal nuclei in the monkey amygdala’
Authors: Amaral David G.
Published: March 2016

The above Comment, published in European Journal of Neuroscience in Volume 12, p. 4153 (doi: 10.1046/j.1460‐9568.2000.00330.x), has been withdrawn by agreement between the author, the journal Editors in Chief, John Foxe and Paul Bolam, and John Wiley & Sons Ltd. The original version of this Comment ‘Expression of Concern’ published by D. Amaral has been withdrawn by the Publisher in relation to the paper: ‘Organization of connections of the basal and accessory basal nuclei in the monkey amygdala’ by Eva Bonda, published in Volume 12, pp. 1971‐1992 (doi: 10.1046/j.1460‐9568.2000.00082.x). The review carried out at the University of California at Davis in December 2001 (brought to the publisher's attention in February 2016) concluded that the allegation against Eva Bonda described in the commentary ‘Expression of Concern’ by D. Amaral did not meet The Office of Research Integrity's definition of research misconduct, and was not pursued further.
Loss of the calcium channel β4 subunit impairs parallel fibre volley and Purkinje cell firing in cerebellum of adult ataxic mice
Authors: Benedetti Bruno , Benedetti Ariane , Flucher Bernhard E.
Published: March 2016

The auxiliary voltage‐gated calcium channel subunit β4 supports targeting of calcium channels to the cell membrane, modulates ionic currents and promotes synaptic release in the central nervous system. β4 is abundant in cerebellum and its loss causes ataxia. However, the type of calcium channels and cerebellar functions affected by the loss of β4 are currently unknown. We therefore studied the structure and function of Purkinje cells in acute cerebellar slices of the β4−/− ataxic (lethargic) mouse, finding that loss of β4 affected Purkinje cell input, morphology and pacemaker activity. In adult lethargic cerebellum evoked postsynaptic currents from parallel fibres were depressed, while paired‐pulse facilitation and spontaneous synaptic currents were unaffected. Because climbing fibre input was spared, the parallel fibre/climbing fibre input ratio was reduced. The dendritic arbor of adult lethargic Purkinje cells displayed fewer and shorter dendrites, but a normal spine density. Accordingly, the width of the molecular and granular layers was reduced. These defects recapitulate the impaired cerebellar maturation observed upon Cav2.1 ataxic mutations. However, unlike Cav2.1 mutations, lethargic Purkinje cells also displayed a striking decrease in pacemaker firing frequency, without loss of firing regularity. All these deficiencies appear in late development, indicating the importance of β4 for the normal differentiation and function of mature Purkinje cells networks. The observed reduction of the parallel fibre input, the altered parallel fibre/climbing fibre ratio and the reduced Purkinje cell output can contribute to the severe motor impairment caused by the loss of the calcium channel β4 subunit in lethargic mice.
Muscle imaging in inherited and acquired muscle diseases
Authors: ten Dam L. , van der Kooi A. J. , Verhamme C. , Wattjes M. P. , de Visser M.
Published: March 2016

In this review we discuss the use of conventional (computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, ultrasound) and advanced muscle imaging modalities (diffusion tensor imaging, magnetic resonance spectroscopy) in hereditary and acquired myopathies. We summarize the data on specific patterns of muscle involvement in the major categories of muscle disease and provide recommendations on how to use muscle imaging in this field of neuromuscular disorders.
Vitamin D, HLA‐DRB1 and Epstein–Barr virus antibody levels in a prospective cohort of multiple sclerosis patients
Authors: Wergeland S. , Myhr K.‐M. , Løken‐Amsrud K. I. , Beiske A. G. , Bjerve K. S. , Hovdal H. , Midgard R. , Kvistad S. S. , Holmøy T. , Riise T. , Torkildsen Ø.
Published: March 2016

Background and purpose

Our objective was to study the association between serum levels of anti Epstein–Barr virus nuclear antigen 1 (EBNA‐1) antibody and 25‐hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) in a prospective cohort of patients with relapsing−remitting multiple sclerosis.

Method

The study comprised 90 patients with relapsing−remitting multiple sclerosis, all participants in a randomized clinical trial of ω‐3 fatty acids (the OFAMS study). Repeated, paired measurements of serum 25(OH)D and serum EBNA‐1 immunoglobulin G (IgG) levels were obtained at baseline and every 6 months for 24 months. The association between serum EBNA‐1 IgG and serum 25(OH)D levels was analysed using generalized linear models for hierarchical data.

Results

There was a significant variation in EBNA‐1 IgG antibody level between sampling months (Fdf 11 = 1.8, P = 0.043, one‐way anova). There was a negative association between EBNA‐1 IgG and 25(OH)D [B = −0.230, 95% confidence interval (CI) (−0.440, −0.023), P = 0.030] and a positive association between EBNA‐1 IgG and HLA‐DRB1*15 positive status [B = 94.7, 95% CI (2.423, 186.9), P = 0.044]. The association between 25(OH)D and EBNA‐1 IgG remained significant after adjusting for the patient's age, gender, HLA‐DRB1*15, retinol levels and interferon β‐1a treatment.

Conclusion

Our study demonstrates monthly differences in EBNA‐1 IgG levels and an association between EBNA‐1 IgG, 25(OH)D levels and HLA‐DRB1*15. These results indicate that EBNA‐1 IgG serum levels are affected by genetic and environmental factors that also modulate multiple sclerosis risk.
Melanin fate in the human epidermis: a reassessment of how best to detect and analyse histologically
Authors: Joly‐Tonetti Nicolas , Wibawa Judata I. D. , Bell Mike , Tobin Desmond
Published: March 2016

Melanin is the predominant pigment responsible for skin colour and is synthesized by the melanocyte in the basal layer of the epidermis and then transferred to surrounding keratinocytes. Despite its optical properties, melanin is barely detectable in unstained sections of human epidermis. However, identification and localization of melanin is of importance for the study of skin pigmentation in health and disease. Current methods for the histologic quantification of melanin are suboptimal and are associated with significant risk of misinterpretation. The aim of this study was to reassess the existing literature and to develop a more effective histological method of melanin quantification in human skin. Moreover, we confirm that Warthin‐Starry (WS) stain provides a much more sensitive and more specific melanin detection method than the commonplace Fontana‐Masson (FM) stain. For example, WS staining sensitivity allowed the visualization of melanin even in very pale Caucasian skin that was missed by FM or Von Kossa (VK) stains. From our reassessment of the histology‐related literature, we conclude that so‐called melanin dust is most likely an artifact of discoloration due to non‐specific silver deposition in the stratum corneum. Unlike FM and VK, WS was not associated with this non‐specific stratum corneum darkening, misinterpreted previously as ‘degraded’ melanin. Finally, WS melanin particle counts were largely similar to previously reported manual counts by transmission electron microscopy, in contrast to both FM and VK. Together these findings allow us to propose a new histology/Image J‐informed method for the accurate and precise quantification of epidermal melanin in skin.
Family Relations, Stress, and Vulnerability: Biobehavioral Implications for Prevention and Practice
Authors: Ha Thao , Granger Douglas A.
Published: March 2016

Developmental psychobiology research supports the hypothesis that individual differences in biological stress systems that are sensitive to environmental experiences are associated with individual adjustment problems. Negative social experiences, especially in family contexts, contribute to the dysregulation of set‐points and thresholds of biological stress reactivity that affects long‐term adaptation and adjustment. The goal of this review is to discuss the current findings on how negative parent–child relationships affect the biological stress system. The authors also highlight the importance of family‐based prevention and intervention to decouple links between the psychobiology of the stress response and adjustment problems. They discuss how including indicators of the biological stress system, such as cortisol and salivary alpha amylase, can be useful for family practitioners and researchers.
Potential Evolutionary, Neurophysiological, and Developmental Origins of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome and Inconsolable Crying (Colic): Is It About Controlling Breath?
Authors: McKenna James J. , Middlemiss Wendy , Tarsha Mary S.
Published: March 2016

The authors develop a conceptual, testable model suggesting lack of developmental synchrony between cortical and subcortical neural tracts necessary for breathing control underlying human vocalization (speech breathing), potentially leaving infants vulnerable to inconsolable crying. They propose that this lack of developmental synchrony also helps explain the human susceptibility to sudden infant death syndrome. Beginning around 1 month, during sleep and awake periods, infants gradually learn to shift between volitional and autonomic breathing control based on developing functional interconnections between cortical and subcortical neural networks. The existence of sudden infant death syndrome and inconsolable crying may reflect adaptive failures exacerbated by prolonged parent–infant separation, whether night or day, due to one or the other subsystem of neural networks and/or their functioning nuclei not being equally mature or able to sufficiently send, detect, or respond to signals provided by the other. Implications of these proposed models for family practice and family science research are examined.
The Influence of Family Characteristics on Problem Behaviors in a Sample of High‐Risk Caribbean Adolescents
Authors: Maguire Edward R. , Fishbein Diana H.
Published: March 2016

Drawing on the social development model, the authors examine family risk and protective factors thought to influence problem behaviors among adolescents. They estimate the impact of family risk and protective factors on a variety of antisocial and health risk behaviors. Data are drawn from a sample of nearly 2,500 adolescents attending high‐risk schools in Trinidad and Tobago, a developing nation in the eastern Caribbean. The findings show that certain family risk factors play a more consistent role in shaping adolescent problem behaviors than others. In particular, adult history of antisocial behavior and parental attitudes favorable toward antisocial behavior and substance use emerge as the most robust risk factors. In accordance with previous research, family protective factors exerted only a minimal influence on behavioral outcomes. This finding confirms the need for additional theory and research on the protective factors that help reduce problem behavior among adolescents, particularly in developing nations.
Stress and Pediatric Obesity: Neurobiology and Behavior
Authors: Pervanidou Panagiota , Chrousos George P.
Published: March 2016

Pediatric and adolescent obesity commonly coexist with stress‐related symptoms and disorders. Stress, the state of threatened homeostasis, is associated with the acute activation of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis and the sympathetic nervous system. However, the chronic activation of hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal and sympathetic nervous system axes during chronic or intense stress can lead to a variety of psychopathological and physical conditions. Behavioral and neurobiological mechanisms link chronic stress with pediatric obesity, in a bidirectional relation. Chronically stressed individuals are characterized by low adherence to a healthy lifestyle and by disturbed eating behaviors, whereas alterations in the secretion of stress hormones might also contribute to obesity and obesity‐related complications. Obesity could lead to increased social distress, low self‐esteem, and anxiety, thereby contributing to a vicious cycle between distress and obesity and increasing further the risk of cardiometabolic morbidity. This review article summarizes recent research findings and discusses mechanisms linking stress with pediatric obesity.
Child Care and Cortisol Across Infancy and Toddlerhood: Poverty, Peers, and Developmental Timing
Authors: Berry Daniel , Blair Clancy , Granger Douglas A. ,   The Family Life Project Key Investigators
Published: March 2016

Evidence suggests that relations between child care and children's development—behaviorally and physiologically—likely differ between children from high‐ versus low‐risk contexts. Using data from the Family Life Project (N = 1,155), the authors tested (a) whether within‐ and between‐child differences in children's child care experiences (i.e., quantity, type, caregiver responsivity, and peer exposure) were predictive of their cortisol levels across infancy and toddlerhood and (b) whether these relations differed for children experiencing different levels of environmental risk. They found some evidence of such interactive effects. For children from high‐risk contexts, within‐child increases in child care hours were predictive of cortisol decreases. The inverse was evident for children from low‐risk contexts. This relation grew across toddlerhood. Whereas a history of greater center‐based child care was predictive of heightened cortisol levels for low‐risk families, this was not the case for children from high‐risk families. Irrespective of risk, greater peer exposure (between children) was associated with lower cortisol levels.
The nutritional status of Methanosarcina acetivorans regulates glycogen metabolism and gluconeogenesis and glycolysis fluxes
Authors: Santiago‐Martínez Michel Geovanni , Encalada Rusely , Lira‐Silva Elizabeth , Pineda Erika , Gallardo‐Pérez Juan Carlos , Reyes‐García Marco Antonio , Saavedra Emma , Moreno‐Sánchez Rafael , Marín‐Hernández Alvaro , Jasso‐Chávez Ricardo
Published: March 2016

Gluconeogenesis is an essential pathway in methanogens because they are unable to use exogenous hexoses as carbon source for cell growth. With the aim of understanding the regulatory mechanisms of central carbon metabolism in Methanosarcina acetivorans, the present study investigated gene expression, the activities and metabolic regulation of key enzymes, metabolite contents and fluxes of gluconeogenesis, as well as glycolysis and glycogen synthesis/degradation pathways. Cells were grown with methanol as a carbon source. Key enzymes were kinetically characterized at physiological pH/temperature. Active consumption of methanol during exponential cell growth correlated with significant methanogenesis, gluconeogenic flux and steady glycogen synthesis. After methanol exhaustion, cells reached the stationary growth phase, which correlated with the rise in glycogen consumption and glycolytic flux, decreased methanogenesis, negligible acetate production and an absence of gluconeogenesis. Elevated activities of carbon monoxide dehydrogenase/acetyl‐CoA synthetase complex and pyruvate: ferredoxin oxidoreductase suggested the generation of acetyl‐CoA and pyruvate for glycogen synthesis. In the early stationary growth phase, the transcript contents and activities of pyruvate phosphate dikinase, fructose 1,6‐bisphosphatase and glycogen synthase decreased, whereas those of glycogen phosphorylase, ADP‐phosphofructokinase and pyruvate kinase increased. Therefore, glycogen and gluconeogenic metabolites were synthesized when an external carbon source was provided. Once such a carbon source became depleted, glycolysis and methanogenesis fed by glycogen degradation provided the ATP supply. Weak inhibition of key enzymes by metabolites suggested that the pathways evaluated were mainly transcriptionally regulated. Because glycogen metabolism and glycolysis/gluconeogenesis are not present in all methanogens, the overall data suggest that glycogen storage might represent an environmental advantage for methanosarcinales when carbon sources are scarce. Also, the understanding of the central carbohydrate metabolism in methanosarcinales may help to optimize methane production.
Cyclic loading of an idealized clay‐filled fault: comparing hydraulic flow in two clay gouges
Authors: Cuss R. J. , Graham C. C. , Wiseall A. C. , Harrington J. F.
Published: March 2016

The flow of water along discontinuities, such as fractures or faults, is of paramount importance in understanding the hydrogeology of many geological settings. An experimental study was undertaken comprising two experiments on a 30° slip‐plane filled with kaolinite or Ball Clay gouge using a bespoke Angled Shear Rig (ASR). The gouge was initially loaded in equal step changes in vertical stress, followed by unloading of the sample in similar equal steps. This was followed by reloading to a new maximum stress, followed by unloading; the test history was therefore load‐unload‐reload‐unload (LURU). The transmissivity of the kaolinite and Ball Clay gouge showed a power‐law relationship with vertical stress. The LURU history showed considerable hysteresis, with flow effectively unchanged during unloading, even when vertical stress was close to zero. Reloading resulted in flow similar to that seen during unloading suggesting that the unloading‐reloading path is similar to the rebound‐reconsolidation line in classic soil mechanics. These observations show the importance of stress history on fracture flow; consideration of just the current stress acting upon a fracture may result in inaccuracies of predicted hydraulic flow. Once a new stress maximum was achieved the transmissivity of the fracture continued to reduce. No significant variation was seen in the flow response of kaolinite and Ball Clay gouge suggesting that the inclusion of illite and quartz did not have a significant influence on the form of the relationship between stress and flow, i.e. both described by a power‐law.
SLUG expression is an indicator of tumour recurrence in high‐grade endometrial carcinomas
Authors: Kihara Atsushi , Wakana Kimio , Kubota Toshiro , Kitagawa Masanobu
Published: March 2016

Aims

To investigate how SNAIL and SLUG were involved in the nature of high‐grade endometrial carcinomas (grade 3 endometrioid carcinoma, serous carcinoma and clear cell carcinoma), we analysed the correlation of their expression status with clinicopathological characteristics and evaluated their prognostic significance.

Methods and results

We performed immunohistochemical staining in 52 high‐grade endometrial carcinomas. Expression status of SNAIL and SLUG was classified into a high expression (positive in more than 50% of the tumour cells) and a low expression. Thirteen cases (25%) showed a high expression of SLUG, whereas all 52 cases showed a low expression of SNAIL. High expression of SLUG was correlated significantly with tumour recurrence (P = 0.0203) and aberrant p53 expression (P = 0.000559). Overall survival was worse in patients with high SLUG expression at all stages (P = 0.0327) and in those who underwent adjuvant therapy (P = 0.00963). Among the patients with complete tumour resection, high SLUG expression was associated with worse recurrence‐free survival (RFS) in the patients at all stages (P = 0.00264), at stages III/IV (P = 0.0146), and who underwent adjuvant therapy (P = 0.000743). SLUG expression was identified as an independent factor of RFS by multivariate analysis (hazard ratio 5.938, 95% confidence interval 1.251–28.18, P = 0.025).

Conclusions

SLUG expression could be correlated with TP53 mutational status and could be involved in therapeutic resistance resulting in tumour recurrence. A high expression level of SLUG can be an indicator of recurrence and a therapeutic target for long‐term remission in high‐grade endometrial carcinomas.
Contribution of written languaging to enhancing the efficiency of written corrective feedback
Authors: Moradian Mahmood Reza , Miri Mowla , Hossein Nasab Mojgan
Published: March 2016

This study delved into the impact of written languaging (WL) on grammatical accuracy of writing. To this aim, two intact classes of Iranian EFL learners were randomly assigned to two groups. As the pre‐test, both groups wrote a composition on the same prompt. One (n = 19) received only direct written corrective feedback (DWCF) on their original drafts while the other group (n = 19) received DWCF and was required to write about the reasons behind their errors (i.e. language about the errors). For the post‐test, both groups revised their original writings. Results of the study revealed that both groups made significant gains in grammatical accuracy of their compositions. However, producing written languaging proved to be more effective than mere DWCF. Findings are discussed in the light of Vygotskyian sociocultural theory.
Suboptimal identification of patient‐specific risk factors for poor wound healing can be improved by simple interventions
Authors: Harris Lauren S , Luck Joshua E , Atherton Rachel R
Published: March 2016

Poor wound healing is an important surgical complication. At‐risk wounds must be identified early and monitored appropriately. Wound surveillance is frequently inadequate, leading to increased rates of surgical site infections (SSIs). Although the literature demonstrates that risk factor identification reduces SSI rates, no studies have focused on wound management at a junior level. Our study assesses documentation rates of patient‐specific risk factors for poor wound healing at a large district general hospital in the UK. It critically evaluates the efficacy of interventions designed to promote surveillance of high‐risk wounds. We conducted a full‐cycle clinical audit examining medical records of patients undergoing elective surgery over 5 days. Interventions included education of the multidisciplinary team and addition of a Wound Healing Risk Assessment (WHRA) checklist to surgical admissions booklets. This checklist provided a simple stratification tool for at‐risk wounds and recommendations for escalation. Prior to interventions, the documentation of patient‐specific risk factors ranged from 0·0% to 91·7% (mean 42·6%). Following interventions, this increased to 86·4–95·5% (mean 92·5%), a statistically significant increase of 117·1% (P < 0·01). This study demonstrates that documentation of patient‐specific risk factors for poor wound healing is inadequate. We have shown the benefit of introducing interventions to increase risk factor awareness.
High‐Hardness Diamond Composite Consolidated by Spark Plasma Sintering
Authors: He Zhenhua , Katsui Hirokazu , Goto Takashi
Published: March 2016

A high‐hardness diamond‐based composite was synthesized by spark plasma sintering (SPS) under 100 MPa, using SiC‐coated diamond powder prepared via chemical vapor deposition (CVD). SiC layers 20–40 nm were uniformly deposited on diamond powders by a rotary CVD technique. The SiC‐coated diamond powder was consolidated with SiO powder by SPS at the sintering temperature of 1873 K, resulting in the formation of fully compacted mosaic microstructure with the Vickers hardness of 36 GPa.
Direct Ink Writing of a Preceramic Polymer and Fillers to Produce Hardystonite (Ca2ZnSi2O7) Bioceramic Scaffolds
Authors: Zocca Andrea , Franchin Giorgia , Elsayed Hamada , Gioffredi Emilia , Bernardo Enrico , Colombo Paolo
Published: March 2016

The direct ink writing of an ink composed of a preceramic polymer and fillers was used to produce hardystonite (Ca2ZnSi2O7) bioceramic scaffolds. Suitable formulations were developed for the extrusion of fine filaments (350 μm diameter) through a nozzle. The preceramic polymer was employed with the double purpose of contributing to the rheology of the ink by increasing its viscosity and of forming the hardystonite phase upon heat treatment by reacting with the fillers. A control of the rheology is essential when spanning features have to be produced, and therefore the main rheological characteristics of the inks were measured (flow curves, dynamic oscillation tests, viscosity recovery tests) and compared to models reported in the literature. Highly porous scaffolds (up to 80% total porosity) were produced and heat treated in air or in nitrogen atmosphere. The influence of the heat‐treatment atmosphere on the morphology, crystalline phase assemblage, and compressive strength of the scaffolds was investigated.
Porous, Sintered Glass‐Ceramics from Inorganic Polymers Based on Fayalite Slag
Authors: Marangoni Mauro , Arnout Lukas , Machiels Lieven , Pandelaers Lieven , Bernardo Enrico , Colombo Paolo , Pontikes Yiannis
Published: March 2016

The present paper deals with the synthesis of porous, sintered glass‐ceramics obtained at temperatures below 1150°C, originating from inorganic polymers based on fayalite slag. Firing led to the evaporation of water, dehydroxylation, and oxidation of Fe2+ above 345°C. For heating >700°C, the Si–O stretching band shifted from the 1160 and 750 cm−1 to the 1255 and 830 cm−1 region, due to a structural reorganization of the amorphous phase, whereas Fe–O bands appeared at 550 cm−1. The final microstructure consisted predominantly of an amorphous phase, hematite, and franklinite. The open porosity and compressive strength decreased and increased, respectively, as the firing temperature increased. The final values suggest properties comparable to that of structural lightweight concrete, still, the materials synthesized herein, are lighter, and made primarily from secondary resources.
Host plant associations and geographical factors in the diversification of the Macaronesian Rhopalomesites beetles (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)
Authors: Hernández‐Teixidor David , López Heriberto , Pons Joan , Juan Carlos , Oromí Pedro
Published: March 2016

Aim

To obtain nuclear and mitochondrial phylogenies of Macaronesian Rhopalomesites weevils and test the monophyly and time of origin of two species groups feeding on Euphorbiaceae and other plants. Additionally, to investigate the population structure within species, and its associations with geographical isolation versus trophic selection.

Location

Macaronesian Islands and the British Isles.

Methods

Maximum likelihood and Bayesian phylogenetic analyses were undertaken using mitochondrial (cox1 and cytb) and nuclear (ITS‐2 and 28S RNA) genomic sequences. Ancestral Rhopalomesites host plant associations and divergence times were inferred from Bayesian analyses and population data.

Results

Evidence was found for two Rhopalomesites clades. One was associated with Euphorbia host plants, having vicariant species in the Madeira and Canary archipelagos. In this lineage, an ancestral association with Euphorbia mellifera in the two island groups was deduced, which has subsequently undergone shifts to related host plant species in marginal areas. The second clade was found to be an ecological generalist, exploiting decaying wood from the Lauraceae or other forest trees – is also present on such islands along with the Azores and parts of Atlantic Western Europe.

Main conclusions

The results point to a quasi‐parallel colonization by the two ecologically distinct lineages in Macaronesia, dating to the early Pliocene, followed by allopatric isolation according to the presence of suitable habitats on particular islands in more recent times.
Can school counselors deliver cognitive‐behavioral treatment for social anxiety effectively? A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Masia Warner Carrie , Colognori Daniela , Brice Chad , Herzig Kathleen , Mufson Laura , Lynch Chelsea , Reiss Philip T. , Petkova Eva , Fox Jeremy , Moceri Dominic C. , Ryan Julie , Klein Rachel G.
Published: March 2016

Background

Social anxiety disorder (SAD) typically onsets in adolescence and is associated with multiple impairments. Despite promising clinical interventions, most socially anxious adolescents remain untreated. To address this clinical neglect, we developed a school‐based, 12‐week group intervention for youth with SAD, Skills for Academic and Social Success (SASS). When implemented by psychologists, SASS has been found effective. To promote dissemination and optimize treatment access, we tested whether school counselors could be effective treatment providers.

Method

We randomized 138, ninth through 11th graders with SAD to one of three conditions: (a) SASS delivered by school counselors (C‐SASS), (b) SASS delivered by psychologists (P‐SASS), or (c) a control condition, Skills for Life (SFL), a nonspecific counseling program. Blind, independent, evaluations were conducted with parents and adolescents at baseline, post‐intervention, and 5 months beyond treatment completion. We hypothesized that C‐SASS and P‐SASS would be superior to the control, immediately after treatment and at follow‐up. No prediction was made about the relative efficacy of C‐SASS and P‐SASS.

Results

Compared to controls, adolescents treated with C‐SASS or P‐SASS experienced significantly greater improvement and reductions of anxiety at the end of treatment and follow‐up. There were no significant differences between SASS delivered by school counselors and psychologists.

Conclusion

With training, school counselors are effective treatment providers to adolescents with social anxiety, yielding benefits comparable to those obtained by specialized psychologists. Questions remain regarding means to maintain counselors’ practice standards without external support.
Persistence and resistance as complementary bacterial adaptations to antibiotics
Authors: Vogwill T. , Comfort A. C. , Furió V. , MacLean R. C.
Published: March 2016

Bacterial persistence represents a simple of phenotypic heterogeneity, whereby a proportion of cells in an isogenic bacterial population can survive exposure to lethal stresses such as antibiotics. In contrast, genetically based antibiotic resistance allows for continued growth in the presence of antibiotics. It is unclear, however, whether resistance and persistence are complementary or alternative evolutionary adaptations to antibiotics. Here, we investigate the co‐evolution of resistance and persistence across the genus Pseudomonas using comparative methods that correct for phylogenetic nonindependence. We find that strains of Pseudomonas vary extensively in both their intrinsic resistance to antibiotics (ciprofloxacin and rifampicin) and persistence following exposure to these antibiotics. Crucially, we find that persistence correlates positively to antibiotic resistance across strains. However, we find that different genes control resistance and persistence implying that they are independent traits. Specifically, we find that the number of type II toxin–antitoxin systems (TAs) in the genome of a strain is correlated to persistence, but not resistance. Our study shows that persistence and antibiotic resistance are complementary, but independent, evolutionary adaptations to stress and it highlights the key role played by TAs in the evolution of persistence.
Is specialization an evolutionary dead end? Testing for differences in speciation, extinction and trait transition rates across diverse phylogenies of specialists and generalists
Authors: Day E. H. , Hua X. , Bromham L.
Published: March 2016

Specialization has often been claimed to be an evolutionary dead end, with specialist lineages having a reduced capacity to persist or diversify. In a phylogenetic comparative framework, an evolutionary dead end may be detectable from the phylogenetic distribution of specialists, if specialists rarely give rise to large, diverse clades. Previous phylogenetic studies of the influence of specialization on macroevolutionary processes have demonstrated a range of patterns, including examples where specialists have both higher and lower diversification rates than generalists, as well as examples where the rates of evolutionary transitions from generalists to specialists are higher, lower or equal to transitions from specialists to generalists. Here, we wish to ask whether these varied answers are due to the differences in macroevolutionary processes in different clades, or partly due to differences in methodology. We analysed ten phylogenies containing multiple independent origins of specialization and quantified the phylogenetic distribution of specialists by applying a common set of metrics to all datasets. We compared the tip branch lengths of specialists to generalists, the size of specialist clades arising from each evolutionary origin of a specialized trait and whether specialists tend to be clustered or scattered on phylogenies. For each of these measures, we compared the observed values to expectations under null models of trait evolution and expected outcomes under alternative macroevolutionary scenarios. We found that specialization is sometimes an evolutionary dead end: in two of the ten case studies (pollinator‐specific plants and host‐specific flies), specialization is associated with a reduced rate of diversification or trait persistence. However, in the majority of studies, we could not distinguish the observed phylogenetic distribution of specialists from null models in which specialization has no effect on diversification or trait persistence.
When Does Aftermarket Monopolization Soften Foremarket Competition?
Authors: Fong Yuk‐fai , Li Jin , Liu Ke
Published: March 2016

This paper investigates firms' abilities to tacitly collude when they each monopolize a proprietary aftermarket. When firms' aftermarkets are completely isolated from foremarket competition, they cannot tacitly collude more easily than single‐product firms. However, when their aftermarket power is contested by foremarket competition as equipment owners view new equipment as a substitute for their incumbent firm's aftermarket product, profitable tacit collusion is sustainable among a larger number of firms. Conditions under which introduction of aftermarket competition hinders firms' ability to tacitly collude are characterized.
Prevalence and factors associated with potentially inappropriate prescriptions among older patients at hospital discharge
Authors: Hudhra Klejda , Beçi Eni , Petrela Elizana , Xhafaj Delina , García‐Caballos Marta , Bueno‐Cavanillas Aurora
Published: March 2016

Rationale, aims and objectives

Explicit criteria have been used worldwide to identify suboptimal prescribing such as potentially inappropriate prescriptions (PIPs). The objective of our study was to determine prevalence, types and factors associated with PIPs in older people discharged from an Albanian hospital.

Method

Retrospective, cross‐sectional study conducted among patients aged 60 years and more discharged from the Cardiology and Internal Medicine departments of the University Hospital Center ‘Mother Theresa’ Tirana during 2013. PIPs were identified by using Beers (2012 update) and STOPP criteria (2008 and 2014 versions). Chi‐square analysis and Student Test were performed. Crude and adjusted odds ratios with their 95% confidence intervals were estimated by logistic regression analysis.

Results

Medical files for 319 patients were assessed. The median number of drugs prescribed was 7.8 (SD 2.2). PIPs prevalence at hospital discharge was 34.5% (95% CI 27.5–42.2%; 110 patients) according to both Beers and STOPP version 1 criteria. STOPP version 2 identified 201 (63.0%) patients with at least one PIP (95% CI 55.2–70.2%; 312 PIPs). The drugs more frequently involved in PIPs were aspirin, spironolactone, benzodiazepines, digoxin and methyldopa. The odds of having a PIP were higher in patients discharged from Internal Medicine (P < 0.005). The PIP index was 0.056%, 0.054% and 0.125% respectively for Beers, STOPP 2008 and STOPP 2014 criteria. A significant positive correlation was found between the number of prescribed drugs and PIP occurrence.

Conclusions

Our study found that between one and two out of three older patients has at least one PIP among the treatment prescribed at hospital discharge, depending on the tool used for detection. The high frequency of PIPs suggests the urgent need for interventions to reduce them.
Identification and expression analysis of the sting gene, a sensor of viral DNA, in common carp Cyprinus carpio
Authors: Cao X. L. , Chen J. J. , Cao Y. , Nie G. X. , Su J. G.
Published: March 2016

Stimulator of interferon gene (sting) was identified and characterized from common carp Cyprinus carpio. The sting messenger (m)RNA encoded a polypeptide of 402 amino acids with a calculated molecular mass of 46·184 kDa and an isoelectronic point of 6·08. The deduced protein of sting contained a signal peptide, three transmembrane motifs in the N‐terminal region and four putative motifs (RXR) found in resident endoplasmic reticulum proteins. mRNA expression of sting was present in twelve investigated tissues, and was up‐regulated by koi herpesvirus (KHV) in vivo and in vitro. The transcription of sting was altered by poly(I:C) and poly(dT:dA) stimulation in vitro. The findings suggested that sting is an inducible gene involved in innate immunity against DNA‐ and RNA‐derived pathogens. To investigate defence mechanisms in C. carpio development, sting level in embryos, larvae and juvenile fish was monitored following KHV challenge. The sting message was negligible in embryos prior to hatching, but observed at higher transcriptional levels throughout larval and juvenile stages. Investigation showed the mRNA expression profiles of genes encoding for proteins promoting various functions in the interferon pathway, from pattern recognition receptors to antiviral genes, to be significantly induced in all examined organs by in vivo infection with KHV. Following KHV infection, the ifn message was significantly downregulated in spleen, head kidney, brain and hepatopancreas but notably up‐regulated in gill, intestine and skin, suggesting that ifn induction might be related to the mucosal immune system and virus anti‐ifn mechanisms. These results provided the basis for further research into the role and mechanisms of sting in fishes.
Starch–Cellulose Ether Films: Microstructure and Water Resistance
Authors: Arik Kibar E. Aytunga , Us Ferhunde
Published: March 2016

In this study, composite films of corn starch, methylcellulose and carboxymethylcellulose plasticized by glycerol or polyethylene glycol (PEG) were prepared and the effects of blending level as well as the plasticizer type on the microstructure, water vapor permeability (WVP), opacity and solubility properties were investigated. Scanning electron Microscopy (SEM) observations showed homogeneous matrix of glycerol plasticized films and it was taken as an indicator of structural integrity. PEG plasticized films exhibited discontinuous surface, and this was attributed to phase separation. WVP of the films was found between 1.5 × 10−11 and 13.3 × 10−11 g/s m Pa and composite films were more resistant to water than starch film. However, WVP values were significantly higher than many of the synthetic films; as a result, one of the potential applications for presented films might be utility as a hydrophilic polymer layer in active food packaging applications. Among the factors studied, the plasticizer type was the most effective factor on the opacity of the films. Besides, differences in solubility were attributed to the differences in their structural integrity.

Practical Applications

Starch films have good barrier properties to oxygen, carbon dioxide and lipids; however, they have limited mechanical properties and water vapor resistance. In the presented study, this problem is overcome by blending with cellulose ethers and water resistance is improved up to six folds. The developed films are in hydrophilic character when compared to conventional synthetic films such as PE and PP. Therefore, the developed films are quite appropriate to be used as a carrier polymer matrix for active hydrophilic and/or volatile compounds in active food packaging applications. Another potential applications of those films presented in this study is utilization as edible film layer where mechanical and permeability resistance needed.
Effect of Sodium Chloride on the Reduction of Bacillus Cereus in Shrimp Jeotgal During Refrigerated Storage
Authors: Kim Minhui , Young Park Shin , Jung Park Tae , Ha Sang‐Do
Published: March 2016

Salted shrimp Jeotgal, a favorite in Korea, is raw fermented fish containing 20–30% NaCl, which serves to inhibit its decay for a certain period. However, Bacillus cereus has been detected in commercial salted–fermented shrimp. Therefore, the goal of the present study was to examine the effect of 5–15% NaCl on the inactivation of B. cereus in various salted shrimp stored for two weeks. We determined whether NaCl could affect lactic acid bacteria and pH in salted shrimp during storage. B. cereus significantly (P < 0.05) decreased with increasing NaCl concentration and storage time at 10C. The average B. cereus count steadily and rapidly reduced before and after a 7‐day storage period, respectively. Moreover, there was no significant change in the population of lactic acid bacteria and the Hunter color (P > 0.05) during storage periods at 10C.

Practical Applications

This study indicates that the use of NaCl at doses of 5–15% could be an effective way to control B. cereus contamination in salted shrimp during storage at 10C. The color measurement degenerated with stepwise decrease in NaCl concentration from 7 days of storage. Therefore, we suggest that salted shrimp containing 5–15% NaCl should be consumed within 7 days.
Influence of Respiration on Predictive Microbial Growth of Aerobic Mesophilic Bacteria and Enterobacteriaceae in Fresh‐Cut Apples Packaged Under Modified Atmosphere
Authors: Putnik Predrag , Bursać Kovačević Danijela , Herceg Korina , Levaj Branka
Published: March 2016

Objectives in this study were to model/predict simultaneous influences of apple O2‐consumption/CO2‐production rates
and modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) (from volumetric concentrations of O2/CO2
on microbial growth (Aerobic mesophilic bacteria, AMB; Enterobacteriaceae, EBac) in 2 fresh‐cut apple cultivars treated with five anti‐browning treatments and stored in refrigerator. Growth of both microorganisms was best predicted by length of shelf‐life,
With AMB/EBac growth, cultivar's
decreased together with
in packaging. Similarly, with microbial growth
dropped, while simultaneously
increase was observed in package. Regression coefficients ratios for AMB‐respiration models were similar to ratios for stoichiometric coefficients for respiration equation with malic acid as main substrate. Hence, presented models likely captured natural relations between predictors, and gave good estimate of AMB growth and its association with respiration in MAP. Apple browning had weak or no association with bacterial growth. Obtained models may be utilized to optimize industrial parameters with least AMB/EBac growth, hence facilitate extension of fresh‐cut apple shelf‐life.

Practical Applications

Relationships between fresh‐cut apples O2‐consumption/CO2‐production rates, volumetric concentrations of O2/CO2 in modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) and microbial growth (Aerobic mesophilic bacteria, AMB; Enterobacteriaceae EBac) were established and yielded mathematical models which may be utilized to optimize industrial parameters with least AMB/EBac growth, hence facilitate extension of fresh‐cut apple shelf‐life. All equations and models are publicly accessible at apple.pbf.hr or 31.147.204.87, and can be used to calculate almost every parameter relevant for apple respiration and apple browning (only for permeable systems). Additionally, users can choose their own production settings (size of package, initial volumetric concentration of gases, apple mass), and calculate optimal values (with least browning) for their fresh‐cut processes (taking into account their own packaging film and others). Therefore, results presented in this paper will likely be useful to the fresh‐cut industry.
Religious Involvement and Adaptation in Female Family Caregivers
Authors: Koenig Harold G. , Nelson Bruce , Shaw Sally F. , Saxena Salil , Cohen Harvey Jay
Published: March 2016

Objectives

To examine the relationship between religious involvement (RI) and adaptation of women caring for family members with severe physical or neurological disability.

Design

Two‐site cross‐sectional study.

Setting

Community.

Participants

A convenience sample of 251 caregivers was recruited. RI and caregiver adaptation (assessed by perceived stress, caregiver burden, and depressive symptoms) were measured using standard scales, along with caregiver characteristics, social support, and health behaviors. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to identify relationships and mediating and moderating factors.

Results

Religious involvement (RI) was associated with better caregiver adaptation independent of age, race, education, caregiver health, care recipient's health, social support, and health behaviors (B = −0.09, standard error = 0.04, t = −2.08, P = .04). This association was strongest in caregivers aged 58–75 and spouses and for perceived stress in blacks.

Conclusion

Religious involvement (RI) in female caregivers is associated with better caregiver adaptation, especially for those who are older, spouses of the care recipients, and blacks. These results are relevant to the development of future interventions that provide support to family caregivers.