bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluating Callous‐Unemotional Traits as a Personality Construct
Authors: Frick Paul J. , Ray James V.
Published: July 2014

We evaluate the importance of callous‐unemotional (CU) traits as a personality construct in isolation from other facets of psychopathy. Specifically, we review research suggesting that these traits are useful for designating a subgroup of youth with serious conduct problems who differ from other antisocial youth on important biological, emotional, cognitive, and social characteristics. In addition, the temperamental features related to CU traits are risk factors for impairments in conscience development in young children. Thus, these traits could advance theoretical models explaining the development of severe antisocial behavior and psychopathy. CU traits also have important clinical utility because they designate a particularly severe and impaired subgroup of antisocial youth, leading to their inclusion in the DSM‐5. As a result of this inclusion in diagnostic classification, there has been an increased focus on how to best assess CU traits, and we discuss several key issues in their assessment, highlighting several limitations in existing measures. Finally, the increased use of CU traits, separately from other facets of psychopathy, makes it important to determine how these traits relate to other personality constructs. Thus, we examine how measures of CU traits relate to the broader construct of psychopathy and to other basic personality dimensions.
The effectiveness of quarter turn from prone in maintaining respiratory function in premature infants
Authors: Montgomery Karly , Choy Nancy L , Steele Michael , Hough Judith
Published: July 2014

Aim

The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of quarter turn from prone compared with supine and prone positioning in maintaining respiratory function in premature infants managed in a neonatal intensive care unit.

Methods

The study was a prospective, randomised, cross‐over trial with concealed allocation and intention to treat analysis. Fifty‐four infants ≤32 weeks gestation were randomly allocated to the order of the positions supine, prone and quarter turn from prone. Distribution of ventilation was assessed by measurement of regional impedance amplitude, global inhomogeneity index and phase angle analysis using electrical impedance tomography 30 min after each position change. Physiological characteristics of heart rate, respiratory rate (RR), oxygen saturation and inspired oxygen were also measured.

Results

There was a significant difference between positions for RR with the RR in quarter turn from prone significantly lower than for supine (mean difference 6.53 breaths/min; 2.04–11.02), but not compared with the prone position. No significant differences between positions were found for any of the other outcomes measured.

Conclusion

This study demonstrated that quarter turn from prone had an immediate positive positional effect on the RR of premature infants. The position of quarter turn from prone was comparable with prone in the maintenance of lung function and had a superior effect over supine on RR. These findings support the view that a quarter turn from prone can be confidently used in neonatal nurseries to manage premature infants.
Metered‐dose inhaler ipratropium bromide in moderate acute asthma in children: A single‐blinded randomised controlled trial
Authors: Wyatt Emma L , Borland Meredith L , Doyle Sarah K , Geelhoed Gary C
Published: July 2014

Aim

To determine if the addition of ipratropium bromide (IB) by metered‐dose inhaler in moderate acute asthma in children affects hospital admission rates when compared with inhaled salbutamol and oral prednisolone alone.

Methods

A prospective, single‐blinded, randomised, controlled, equivalence trial in a tertiary paediatric emergency department. Patients aged 2–15 years with acute, moderate asthma were randomised to two groups, one receiving salbutamol, prednisolone and IB, the other receiving only salbutamol and prednisolone. The managing doctor was blinded to treatment. Admission rates were compared, and less than 15% difference was accepted as statistically equivalent.

Results

Recruitment ran from June 2007 until January 2011. Three hundred forty‐seven subjects were analysed. The admission rate in the IB group was 70.1% (122/174) compared with 64.2% (111/173) in the non‐IB group. The absolute difference of +5.9% (95% confidence interval −4.0% to 15.8%) is not statistically equivalent but does not show a statistically significant decrease in admission rates when IB was given. Adverse effects were more prevalent in the IB group, at 13.2% (23/174), compared with 4.6% (8/173) in the non‐IB group, a relative risk of 2.86 (95% confidence interval 1.31–6.21).

Conclusion

In children with acute asthma of moderate severity who are treated with adequate doses of salbutamol and prednisolone, the addition of IB is not significantly associated with a reduction in admission rates. There is a significantly higher rate of adverse effects if IB is given. IB should be reserved for children with severe asthma exacerbations.
First Detection of Root Rot and Foliar Blight on Pittosporum (Pittosporum tenuifolium) Caused by Pythium irregulare in Italy
Authors: Guarnaccia Vladimiro , Hansen Zachariah R. , Aiello Dalia , Smart Christine D. , Polizzi Giancarlo
Published: July 2014

During 2013, a new root rot and leaf blight was detected on potted Pittosporum tenuifolium cv. ‘Silver Queen’ plants in a nursery located in the Catania province (eastern Sicily, Italy). On the basis of morphological and cultural features as well as internal transcribed spacer sequence data, the causal agent was identified as Pythium irregulare. Koch's postulates were fulfilled by pathogenicity tests carried out on potted P. tenuifolium cv. ‘Silver Queen’ plants. To our knowledge, this is the first detection of P. irregulare root rot and foliar blight disease on P. tenuifolium in Europe, and it is the first detection using molecular methods for this oomycete pathogen in Italy.
Increased aqueous solubility and proapoptotic activity of potassium koetjapate against human colorectal cancer cells
Authors: Jafari Seyedeh Fatemeh , Khadeer Ahamed Mohamed B , Iqbal Muhammad Adnan , Al Suede Fouad Saleih R , Khalid Syed Haroon , Haque Rosenani A , Nassar Zeyad D , Umar Muhammad Ihtisham , Abdul Majid Amin Malik Shah
Published: July 2014

Objectives

Recently, we have isolated koetjapic acid (KA) from Sandoricum koetjape and identified its selective anticancer potentiality against colorectal carcinoma. KA is quite likely to be useful as a systemic anticancer agent against colorectal malignancy. However, with extremely low solubility, KA has to be converted into a biocompatible solubilized form without compromising the bioefficacy. Objective of this study is to enhance solubility of KA and to evaluate anticancer efficacy of potassium koetjapate in human colorectal cancer cells.

Methods

(2-Hydroxypropyl)-β-cyclodextrin inclusion complex and solid dispersions (carboxymethyl cellulose, polyvinylpyrrolidone and sodium lauryl sulphate) of KA were prepared. In addition, a salt of KA, potassium koetjapate was synthesized.

Key findings

Potassium koetjapate demonstrated higher solubility than the other tested formulations with enhanced cytotoxicity against HCT 116 cells. The enhanced efficacy of potassium koetjapate is attributed to apoptotic induction of nuclear condensation and disruption of mitochondrial membrane potential in the cells. Interestingly, potassium koetjapate was found to be safe in rats after oral administration (LD50 > 2000 mg/kg).

Conclusions

The salt formulation of KA appears to modulate the capability of the parent compound by enhancing its solubility and improves its bioefficacy against colon cancer cells, suggesting attractive roles for its applications in medicine.
Integrating the R&D and Patent Functions: Implications for New Product Performance
Authors: Ernst Holger , Fischer Martin
Published: July 2014

This paper examines the impact of cross‐functional integration between the research and development (R&D) and the patent functions on new product development (NPD) performance. The attitudinal (collaboration) and the behavioral (contributions of the patent function to NPD) dimension of cross‐functional integration between the R&D and the patent functions are distinguished. It is also investigated if the level of innovativeness moderates the relationship between the attitudinal and the behavioral dimension of cross‐functional integration between the R&D and the patent department and NPD performance.

The four hypotheses are tested based on a multi‐informant sample of 101 NPD projects which are nested within 72 technology‐based firms or strategic business units from multiple industries in Germany.

The results show that the attitudinal and the behavioral dimensions of cross‐functional integration between the R&D and the patent functions have a significant and positive impact on NPD performance. This lends empirical support for the notion expressed in the literature that certain managerial capabilities are important for understanding the effect of patenting on appropriability outcomes such as value creation and performance. The level of cross‐functional integration between the patent and the R&D functions appears to be one of these critical patent management capabilities that affect the returns from investments into patents.

There is support for the hypothesis that the context matters for the effect of cross‐functional integration between the R&D and the patent functions on NPD performance. In line with the initial hypothesis, the level of innovativeness positively moderates the impact of the behavioral dimension of cross‐functional integration between the R&D and the patent department on NPD performance. In contrast to the initial hypothesis, the findings reveal no moderating effect of the level of innovativeness on the link between the attitudinal dimension of cross‐functional integration between the R&D and the patent department and NPD performance. This implies that joint objectives and an open and trustful working relationship between the R&D and the patent functions are not sufficient for achieving higher NPD performance if firms aim to develop very innovative products. In the case of highly innovative products, the actual behavior, that is, the specific contributions of the patent department to the NPD project, matters.

Overall, these findings have important implications for improving performance by means of effectively integrating the patent and the R&D functions during NPD.
Technology Exploitation Paths: Combining Technological and Complementary Resources in New Product Development and Licensing
Authors: Bianchi Mattia , Frattini Federico , Lejarraga José , Di Minin Alberto
Published: July 2014

Technological resources in the form of patents, trade secrets, and know‐how have become key assets for modern enterprises. This paper addresses a critical issue in technology and innovation management, namely, the commercial exploitation of technological resources resulting from research and development (R&D) investments. Extracting economic value from these resources by maximizing the benefits for shareholders is an extremely challenging task because technological resources are intangible, idiosyncratic, uncertain, predominantly tacit, and with poorly defined property rights.

In their attempt to extract the maximum value from their technological resources, firms increasingly combine their internal exploitation through new product development (NPD) with external exploitation through licensing. However, most existing studies onNPDand technology licensing have treated the two exploitation paths independently and in isolation, which has resulted in two separate research streams using different theories and addressing different managerial challenges.

The purpose of this paper is to contribute to filling this gap by developing and testing a comprehensive conceptual framework that simultaneously considers the antecedents affecting the successful implementation ofNPDand licensing strategies as well as their consequences on firm profitability. The paper in particular investigates the effects of the interplay between technological resources and three types of complementary resources, marketing, manufacturing, and relational.

We test the model using structural equation modeling on a sample of 733Spanish manufacturing firms observed from 2003 to 2007. The data provide support for the existence of different paths to market firm technologies: an internal path, whereby the ownership of technological resources fully explainsNPDperformance, and an external path, whereby high intensity of marketing and relational resources reinforces the positive effect of technological resources on licensing performance. This sustains the relevance of the resource‐based value‐enhancing effects of complementary resources in licensing, as opposed to the motivation‐reducing effects advanced by transaction cost‐based literature.

Moreover, the empirical analysis shows a substitution effect betweenNPDand licensing, whereby their simultaneous pursuit at intense levels is associated with lower profit margins. This provides evidence of the much theorized, but seldom tested, rent dissipation effect.

These findings offer several contributions to research on licensing,NPD, open innovation, and the resource‐based view of the firm. On a managerial level, they suggest that achieving maximum value from proprietary technologies may not entail exploiting them both through external and internal paths. Managers are also informed that the resource combinations that enhance licensing performance include marketing and relational resources.
Chitosan and its oligosaccharide derivatives (chito‐oligosaccharides) as feed supplements in poultry and swine nutrition
Authors: Swiatkiewicz S. , Swiatkiewicz M. , Arczewska‐Wlosek A. , Jozefiak D.
Published: July 2014

Chitosan is a non‐toxic polyglucosamine, widespread in nature, which is deacetylated to varying degrees form of chitin, a component of exoskeleton of shrimps, crabs and insects. Because chitosan contains reactive functional groups, that is, amino acids and hydroxyl groups, it is characterised by antimicrobial, anti‐inflammatory, anti‐oxidative, antitumor, immunostimulatory and hypocholesterolemic properties when fed as dietary additive for farm animals. This article reviews and discusses the results of studies on the effects of dietary chitosan and its oligosaccharide derivatives on performance and metabolic response in poultry and pigs, that is, haematological, biochemical and immunological blood characteristics, microbiological profile of intestines, intestinal morphology and digestibility of nutrients, as well as on the quality of meat and eggs. The results of most of the experiments presented in this review indicate that chitosan used as a feed additive for poultry and pigs has some beneficial, biological effects, including immunomodulatory, anti‐oxidative, antimicrobial and hypocholesterolemic properties. These properties of chitosan, unlike many other kinds of feed additives, were often reflected in improved growth performance (body weight gain and/or feed conversion ratio) of young animals, that is, broiler chickens and weaned pigs.
Effects of supplementation level and particle size of alfalfa hay on growth characteristics and rumen development in dairy calves
Authors: Mirzaei M. , Khorvash M. , Ghorbani G. R. , Kazemi‐Bonchenari M. , Riasi A. , Nabipour A. , van den Borne J. J. G. C.
Published: July 2014

The aim of this study was to assess the effects of particle size (PS) of alfalfa hay on growth characteristics and rumen development in dairy calves at two levels of alfalfa supplementation. Fifty newborn dairy calves (42.7 ± 2.2 kg BW) were used in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement with the factors supplementation level (low, 8%; or high, 16% on DM basis) and PS (medium, 2.92 mm; or long, 5.04 mm as geometrical means) of alfalfa hay. In addition, a control group without alfalfa hay was used. Hence, treatments were: control (C); low level with medium PS (LM); low level with long PS (LL); high level with medium PS (HM) or high level with long PS (HL). Growth performance of alfalfa‐fed calves did not differ from control calves, but alfalfa supplementation decreased corneum thickness of the rumen wall. In alfalfa‐fed calves, post‐weaning starter intake was greater for LL calves than for LM calves. During the entire rearing period, starter intake was 26–32% higher for LL and HM calves than for LM calves. Pre‐weaning average daily gain was higher for LL and HM calves than for HL calves, but this effect was not persistent over the entire rearing period. Final body weight decreased from 86 to 79 kg when the level of long PS alfalfa hay increased from 8 to 16%, but increased from 78 to 87 kg when the level of medium PS alfalfa increased from 8 to 16%. Regardless of PS and level, morphometric characteristics of rumen wall were generally similar among alfalfa feeding groups, but corneum thickness decreased from 8.7 to 6.1 μm with greater PS at the low level. These results indicate that adequate, but not excessive, physical stimulation is required for appropriate rumen development and growth performance of dairy calves.
Quantifying oral inflammatory load: oral neutrophil counts in periodontal health and disease
Authors: Landzberg M. , Doering H. , Aboodi G. M. , Tenenbaum H. C. , Glogauer M.
Published: July 2014

Background and Objective

Neutrophils are the primary white blood cells that are recruited to fight the initial phases of microbial infections. While healthy norms have been determined for circulating blood neutrophil counts in order to identify patients with suspected systemic infections, the levels of oral neutrophils (oPMNs) in oral health and in the presence of periodontal diseases have not been described. It is important to address this deficiency in our knowledge as neutrophils are the primary immune cell present in the crevicular fluid and oral environment and previous work has suggested that they may be good indicators of overall oral inflammation and periodontal disease severity. The objective of this study was to measure oPMN counts obtained in a standardized oral rinse from healthy patients and from those with chronic periodontal disease in order to determine if oPMN levels have clinical relevance as markers of periodontal inflammation. A parallel goal of this investigation was to introduce the concept of ‘oral inflammatory load’, which constitutes the inflammatory burden experienced by the body as a consequence of oral inflammatory disease.

Material and Methods

Periodontal examinations of patients with a healthy periodontium and chronic periodontal disease were performed (n = 124). Two standardized consecutive saline rinses of 30 s each were collected before patient examination and instrumentation. Neutrophils were quantified in the rinse samples and correlated with the clinical parameters and periodontal diagnosis.

Results

Average oPMN counts were determined for healthy patients and for those with mild, moderate and severe chronic periodontal diseases. A statistically significant correlation was found between oPMN counts and deep periodontal probing, sites with bleeding on probing and overall severity of periodontal disease.

Conclusions

oPMN counts obtained through a 30‐s oral rinse are a good marker of oral inflammatory load and correlate with measures of periodontal disease severity.
Hepatocellular carcinoma risk in HBeAg‐negative chronic hepatitis B patients with or without cirrhosis treated with entecavir: HepNet.Greece cohort
Authors: Papatheodoridis G. V. , Manolakopoulos S. , Touloumi G. , Nikolopoulou G. , Raptopoulou‐Gigi M. , Gogos C. , Vafiadis‐Zouboulis I. , Karamanolis D. , Chouta A. , Ilias A. , Drakoulis C. , Mimidis K. , Ketikoglou I. , Manesis E. , Mela M. , Hatzis G. , Dalekos G. N. ,   the HepNet.Greece Study Group
Published: July 2014

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) may still develop in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients treated with lamivudine. Whether HCC rates are comparable in patients treated with the current first‐line antivirals remains uncertain. We estimated the incidence and evaluated predictors of HCC in a large nationwide prospective cohort (HepNet.Greece) of HBeAg‐negative CHB patients treated with entecavir. HBeAg‐negative CHB patients from the same cohort who were initially treated with lamivudine were used as controls. We included 321 patients treated with entecavir for a median of 40 months and 818 patients treated initially with lamivudine for a median of 60 months. In the entecavir group, HCC developed in 4 of 321 (1.2%) patients at a median of 1.5 (range: 1.0–4.5) years, while the cumulative HCC incidence was significantly higher in cirrhotics than noncirrhotics (1, 3, 5 years: 0%, 3%, 9% vs 1%, 1%, 1%; P = 0.024) and in older patients (P = 0.026). Entecavir compared with lamivudine group patients had lower HCC incidence (1, 3, 5 years: 0.3%, 1.2%, 2.8% vs 0.7%, 3.8%, 5.6%; P = 0.024). However, in multivariable Cox regression analysis, the HCC risk was independently associated with older age (P < 0.001), male gender (P = 0.011) and cirrhosis (P = 0.025), but not with the initial agent. In conclusion, our large nationwide study indicates that the HCC risk remains increased in entecavir‐treated HBeAg‐negative CHB patients with cirrhosis, particularly of older age, at least for the first 5 years. The HCC risk does not seem to be significantly reduced with entecavir compared with antiviral therapy starting with lamivudine.
A Grey System Theory‐Based Default Prediction Model for Construction Firms
Authors: Tserng Hui Ping , Ngo Thanh Long , Chen Po Cheng , Quyen Tran Le
Published: July 2014

As the prediction of construction firm failure is of great importance for owners, contractors, investors, banks, insurance firms, and creditors, previous studies have developed several models for predicting the probability of construction firm default based on financial ratio analysis. However, to be applied, these models require a considerable quantity of data, including normally distributed data, and the models cannot tolerate too many changing factors. Furthermore, most of the approaches produce sample selection biases. To avoid these disadvantages, this study is the first to integrate the grey system theory with all available firm‐year samples during the sample period to provide a new method for predicting the probability of construction firm default. This method not only offers an improved rate of prediction accuracy, but it also offers simpler and clearer procedures as a reference for examining firm default probability and ranks all financial ratios in terms of their level of importance. The research collects and analyzes the financial reports of 92 construction firms in the United States. The proposed model includes only eight ranked variables (financial ratios), and it achieves an 84.8% level of accuracy for predicting construction firm default probability. As a result, practitioners may directly use the model as a means of quickly and conveniently examining their firm default probability with the simple procedures.
NilD CRISPR RNA contributes to Xenorhabdus nematophila colonization of symbiotic host nematodes
Authors: Veesenmeyer Jeff L. , Andersen Aaron W. , Lu Xiaojun , Hussa Elizabeth A. , Murfin Kristen E. , Chaston John M. , Dillman Adler R. , Wassarman Karen M. , Sternberg Paul W. , Goodrich‐Blair Heidi
Published: July 2014

The bacterium Xenorhabdus nematophila is a mutualist of entomopathogenic Steinernema carpocapsae nematodes and facilitates infection of insect hosts. X. nematophila colonizes the intestine of S. carpocapsae which carries it between insects. In the X. nematophila colonization‐defective mutant nilD6::Tn5, the transposon is inserted in a region lacking obvious coding potential. We demonstrate that the transposon disrupts expression of a single CRISPR RNA, NilD RNA. A variant NilD RNA also is expressed by X. nematophila strains from S. anatoliense and S. websteri nematodes. Only nilD from the S. carpocapsae strain of X. nematophila rescued the colonization defect of the nilD6::Tn5 mutant, and this mutant was defective in colonizing all three nematode host species. NilD expression depends on the presence of the associated Cas6e but not Cas3, components of the Type I‐E CRISPR‐associated machinery. While cas6e deletion in the complemented strain abolished nematode colonization, its disruption in the wild‐type parent did not. Likewise, nilD deletion in the parental strain did not impact colonization of the nematode, revealing that the requirement for NilD is evident only in certain genetic backgrounds. Our data demonstrate that NilD RNA is conditionally necessary for mutualistic host colonization and suggest that it functions to regulate endogenous gene expression.
Exposition of dermatophyte Trichophyton mentagrophytes to L‐cystine induces expression and activation of cysteine dioxygenase
Authors: Kasperova Alena , Cahlikova Romana , Kunert Jiri , Sebela Marek , Novak Zdenek , Raska Milan
Published: July 2014

Cysteine dioxygenase (CDO) is involved in regulation of intracellular cysteine levels by catabolising the cysteine to sulphite and sulphate. In keratinolytic fungi, sulphite is actively excreted to reduce disulphide bridges in keratin before its enzymatic degradation. The pathogenicity role of CDO was confirmed in cysteine‐hypersensitive and growth‐defective ΔCdo mutant of Arthroderma benhamiae on hair and nails. We analysed the CDO expression regulation in T. mentagrophytes (anamorph of A. benhamiae) mycelia by determining the Cdo mRNA and CDO protein levels and by analysing the proportion of two molecular forms of CDO in response to l‐cystine exposure. Cdo mRNA levels in mycelia lysates were detected by reverse‐transcription real‐time polymerase chain reaction and CDO protein by western blot using mouse CDO‐specific hyperimmune serum. The Cdo mRNA level increased gradually 2.5–4.5 h after exposure of the mycelium to l‐cystine. The CDO protein, detected as two bands of different mobility, appeared earlier in comparison to mRNA (1 h) and culminated after 24 h. More mobile form prevailed after 4.5 h. The comparison of the dynamics in the Cdo mRNA and CDO protein levels indicates that T. mentagrophytes responds to l‐cystine by increased transcription and apparently decreased degradation of the CDO and by changing towards higher mobility molecular form, similar to previous reports describing mammalian analogue.
Negotiated Exits from Organized Crime? Building Peace in Conflict and Crime‐affected Contexts
Authors: Wennmann Achim
Published: July 2014

This article contributes to a growing discussion in peace mediation and peacebuilding circles about the issue of dialogue and negotiation with organized crime groups. The article seeks to demystify this issue by exploring the range of practice from confrontation to accommodation and transformation. The article argues that there is nothing unusual about engaging in dialogue and negotiation with organized crime groups and that those strategies have been used for decades in crime and violence reduction efforts in urban and civil war settings. In their quest to resolve conflict in violent and fragile contexts, mediators and negotiators can adapt existing peacebuilding practice to help structure dialogue processes with organized crime groups.
Strategic Display of Anger and Happiness in Negotiation: The Moderating Role of Perceived Authenticity
Authors: Tng Han‐Ying , Au Al K. C.
Published: July 2014

Emotional display is often used as a strategy in negotiation to manipulate one's counterpart's behavior. Previous research has examined the interpersonal effects of emotions in negotiation, but the evidence so far has largely focused on the perspective of the negotiator displaying the emotion with little attention paid to the impact of the emotional display on that negotiator's counterparts. In this study, we conducted two experiments to examine whether a negotiator's perceptions about the authenticity of his or her counterpart's displayed emotions of anger and happiness moderate the impact of those emotions on the negotiator. In Experiment One, we manipulated the perceived authenticity of the counterpart's anger as a between‐subjects factor (authentic versus inauthentic). Negotiators who perceived their counterpart's anger as inauthentic conceded less than did negotiators who perceived it as authentic. In Experiment Two, we corroborated this finding with a two‐variable (counterpart's emotion: anger versus happiness) times three‐variable (perceived authenticity of counterpart's displayed emotion: authentic versus ambiguous versus inauthentic) between‐subjects design. Negotiators conceded more to an angry counterpart than to a happy one when they perceived their counterpart's emotion as authentic, but we found the reverse pattern among negotiators who perceived their counterparts' emotions as inauthentic. Negotiators who perceived their counterparts' emotions as ambiguous in authenticity did not differ in concessions whether the counterpart displayed anger or happiness. We discuss the theoretical and practical implications of these findings.
Circular muscle contraction in the mice rectum plays a key role in morphine‐induced constipation
Authors: Ono H. , Nakamura A. , Matsumoto K. , Horie S. , Sakaguchi G. , Kanemasa T.
Published: July 2014

Background

Although opioids induce intestinal muscle contraction and provoke constipation, the intestinal region(s) that contribute to the constipation have remained unclear. We report here a region‐specific response of intestinal muscle contraction to morphine and its correlation with in vivo constipation.

Methods

Regions of mice small and large intestines were dissected histologically and circular muscle contractile responses were measured using isometric transducers. Bead expulsion assays were performed to assess in vivo constipation.

Key Results

The strongest contraction in response to morphine was detected in the rectum. The distal and transverse colon also showed strong contractions, whereas weak responses were detected in the proximal colon, jejunum, and ileum. Regarding the sustainability of muscle contractions during morphine exposure, prolonged waves were detected only in the rectum, while the waves diminished gradually in other regions. To identify the mechanism(s) underlying this difference, we focused on nitric oxide synthase (NOS). In the distal colon, decreased contraction during morphine exposure was recovered by application of a NOS inhibitor (L‐NAME), while a NOS substrate (L‐arginine) enhanced contractile degradation. In contrast L‐NAME and L‐arginine modestly affected the sustained contraction in the rectum. To confirm the correlation with constipation, beads were inserted into the transverse colon, distal colon, or rectum after morphine administration and expulsion times were examined. Beads tended to stop at the rectum even when inserted in the deeper colonic regions.

Conclusions & Inferences

The rectum showed the greatest response to morphine in both in vitro and in vivo analyses, therefore it may play a key role for opioid‐induced constipation.
Evolutionary ecology of resprouting and seeding in fire‐prone ecosystems
Authors: Pausas Juli G. , Keeley Jon E.
Published: July 2014

There are two broad mechanisms by which plant populations persist under recurrent disturbances: resprouting from surviving tissues, and seedling recruitment. Species can have one of these mechanisms or both. However, a coherent framework explaining the differential evolutionary pressures driving these regeneration mechanisms is lacking. We propose a bottom‐up approach in addressing this question that considers the relative survivorship of adults and juveniles in an evolutionary context, based on two assumptions. First, resprouting and seeding can be interpreted by analogy with annual versus perennial life histories; that is, if we consider disturbance cycles to be analogous to annual cycles, then resprouting species are analogous to the perennial life history with iteroparous reproduction, and obligate seeding species that survive disturbances solely through seed banks are analogous to the annual life history with semelparous reproduction. Secondly, changes in the selective regimes differentially modify the survival rates of adults and juveniles and thus the relative costs and benefits of resprouting versus seeding. Our approach provides a framework for understanding temporal and spatial variation in resprouting and seeding under crown‐fire regimes. It accounts for patterns of coexistence and environmental changes that contribute to the evolution of seeding from resprouting ancestors.
Inducible chemical defences in animals
Authors: Hettyey Attila , Tóth Zoltán , Van Buskirk Josh
Published: July 2014

Phenotypic plasticity is extremely widespread in the behaviour, morphology and life‐history of animals. However, inducible changes in the production of defensive chemicals are described mostly in plants and surprisingly little is known about similar plasticity in chemical defences of animals. Inducible chemical defences may be common in animals because many are known to produce toxins, the synthesis of toxins is likely to be costly, and there are a few known cases of animals adjusting their toxin production to changes in environmental conditions. We outline what is known about the occurrence of inducible chemical defences in animals and argue that there is immense potential for progress in this field. Possible directions include surveying diverse taxa to explore how general its occurrence may be and testing for selection acting on inducible chemical defences. Data on inducible chemical defences would provide insight into life‐history tradeoffs by enabling novel tests of how time‐costs and resource‐costs affect life‐history. If the synthesis of toxic compounds by animals proves accessible to manipulation, as it is in plants and fungi, this will open the way to refined estimates of the fitness costs of defence, ultimately providing a clearer picture of how plasticity evolves and is maintained in nature.

Synthesis

Inducible changes in the behaviour, morphology, and life‐history of animals are extremely widespread, but surprisingly little is known about similar changes in the production of defensive chemicals. We outline what is known about the occurrence of inducible chemical defences in animals and argue that there is immense potential for progress in this field. Possible directions include surveying diverse taxa to explore how general its occurrence may be and testing for selection acting on inducible chemical defences. Data on inducible chemical defences would provide insight into life‐history tradeoffs by enabling novel tests of how time‐costs and resource‐costs affect life‐history. If the synthesis of toxic compounds by animals proves accessible to manipulation, we will be able to estimate the fitness costs of defence more precisely, and ultimately provide a clearer picture of how plasticity evolves and is maintained in nature.
Clinical anatomy of the maxillary nerve block in pediatric patients
Authors: Prigge Lané , van Schoor Albert‐Neels , Bosman Marius C. , Bosenberg Adrian T.
Published: July 2014

Background

Anatomical landmarks in children are mostly extrapolated from studies in adults. Despite this, complex regional anesthetic procedures are frequently performed on pediatric patients. Sophisticated imaging techniques are available but the exact position, course and/or relationships of the structures are best understood with appropriate anatomical dissections. Maxillary nerve blocks are being used for peri‐operative analgesia after cleft palate repair in infants. However, the best approach for blocking the maxillary nerve in pediatric patients has yet to be established.

Objective

To determine the best approach for blocking the maxillary nerve within the pterygopalatine fossa.

Methods

In an attempt to define an optimal approach for maxillary nerve block in this age group three approaches were simulated and compared on 10 dried pediatric skulls as well as 30 dissected pediatric cadavers. The needle course, including depth and angles, to block the maxillary nerve, as it exits the skull at the foramen rotundum within the pterygopalatine fossa, was measured and compared. Two groups were studied: Group 1 consisted of skulls and cadavers of neonates (0–28 days after birth) and Group 2 consisted of skulls and cadavers from 28 days to 1 year after birth.

Results

No statistically significant difference (P > 0.05) was found between the left and right side of each skull or cadaver. Only technique B, the suprazygomatic approach from the frontozygomatic angle towards the pterygopalatine fossa, exhibited no statistical significance (P > 0.05) when other measurements made on the skulls and cadavers were compared. Technique A, a suprazygomatic approach from the midpoint on the lateral border of the orbit, as well as technique C, an infrazygomatic approach with an entry at a point on a vertical line extending along the lateral orbit wall, showed statistical significant differences when measurements of the skulls and cadavers were compared.

Conclusions

On the basis of these findings technique B produces the most consistent data for age groups 1 and 2 and supports the clinical findings recently reported.
The relative position of femoral artery and vein in children under general anesthesia – an ultrasound‐guided observational study
Authors: Bhatia Nandlal , Sivaprakasam Jai , Allford Mark , Guruswamy Velupandian
Published: July 2014

Background

Femoral artery overlaps femoral vein by varying degrees distal to the inguinal ligament, which may result in difficult venous access and also increases the risk of arterial puncture.

Objective

To study the size of femoral vessels and the degree of overlap in children undergoing anesthesia using ultrasound at 1 and 3 cm distal to inguinal ligament.

Methods

A prospective observational study, 84 children aged <7 years were recruited in six different age groups. An experienced anesthetist identified the femoral vessels and their overlap using ultrasound at two fixed points distal to the inguinal ligament. We also evaluated the correlation of skin puncture site marked as per Advanced Paediatric Life support (APLS) guidance using landmark technique with the ultrasound location of femoral vein beneath the same site.

Results

The percentage of children with overlap of femoral vein by femoral artery increases from 5% to 60% as we move distal to the inguinal ligament. At 3 cm distal to inguinal ligament, the incidence of any degree of overlap was statistically significant (P < 0.05) in children <5 years. In 80% of children, the femoral vein was located by ultrasound beneath the skin puncture site as recommended by APLS guidelines.

Conclusion

A significant increase in femoral vein overlap occurs as we move distal to the inguinal ligament. There is one in five chance of failure to locate femoral vein by landmark technique. In children <2 years, a high approach to femoral vein cannulation under ultrasound guidance is recommended.
Endotracheal intubation in the pediatric emergency department
Authors: Long Elliot , Sabato Stefan , Babl Franz E.
Published: July 2014

Background and Objectives

Prospective safety data on emergency department (ED) intubation in children are limited. We aimed to describe the practice and adverse events associated with endotracheal intubation in a large urban pediatric ED.

Methods

Prospective observational study at a tertiary pediatric ED with an annual census of 82 000. The primary outcome measure was the adverse event rate. Secondary outcome measures were incidence of difficult laryngoscopy and first pass success rate without desaturation or hypotension.

Results

Over a 12‐month period in 2013, there were 71 intubations in 66 patients (9/10 000 ED visits). Median age was 3 years, with 25% in infants <1 year of age. Indications were as follows: trauma (21%) and medical conditions (79%); most frequently status epileptics (31%). Forty‐four percent had cardiovascular compromise, 87% had respiratory compromise, and 70% had a GCS <9 prior to intubation. Adverse events occurred in 39%, the most common being hypotension (21%) and desaturation (14%). One anticipated and one unanticipated difficult laryngoscopy were encountered (both Cormack and Lehane grade 3). Overall first pass success rate was 78%, although first pass success without desaturation or hypotension was only 49%. Seven percent required more than two attempts for successful intubation.

Conclusion

Intubation of children in the ED is a low‐frequency, high‐risk procedure. The incidence of adverse events, particularly desaturation and hypotension, is high. The incidence of difficult laryngoscopy is low. First pass success rate without desaturation or hypotension is low. Strategies to avoid desaturation and hypotension in the peri‐intubation setting should be prioritized.
The Efficacy of Propofol vs. Subcutaneous Sumatriptan for Treatment of Acute Migraine Headaches in the Emergency Department: A Double‐Blinded Clinical Trial
Authors: Moshtaghion Hossein , Heiranizadeh Najmeh , Rahimdel Abolghasem , Esmaeili Alireza , Hashemian Hamidreza , Hekmatimoghaddam Seyedhossein
Published: July 2014

Background

In this double‐blinded, randomized trial, we hypothesized that propofol is as effective as sumatriptan in treating acute migraine headaches, with better control of nausea and vomiting, and fewer side effects.

Methods

Ninety cases of acute migraine attack admitted to the emergency department were randomly allocated into two treatment groups: (1) 6 mg of sumatriptan subcutaneously or (2) propofol injected intravenously in 30 to 40 mg boluses, followed by 10 to 20 mg intermittent bolus doses to sedate the patients to Ramsey score of 3 to 4. Headache severity was assessed using an 11‐point visual analog scale before treatment and 30 minutes, 1 hour, and 2 hours after treatment. Accompanying symptoms, improvement in headache, and the need for anti‐emetic therapy were also assessed.

Results

A total of 91 patients were enrolled in this study. One patient in the sumatriptan group was excluded due to severe chest tightness, and 90 patients were included in the final analysis. Pain intensity was significantly lower in the propofol group 30 minutes after treatment (P = 0.001); however, after 1 and 2 hours, there were no significant differences between the groups. The need for anti‐emetic therapy and the recurrence of symptoms were significantly lower in the propofol group (P = 0.045 and P = 0.001, respectively).

Conclusion

Propofol is equally suitable as sumatriptan for the acute treatment of migraine headaches in an emergency department setting. Moreover, the use of propofol avoids some of the adverse side effects of sumatriptan while providing better control of nausea and vomiting.
Involvement of chlororespiration in chilling stress in the tropical species Spathiphyllum wallisii
Authors: SEGURA MARÍA V. , QUILES MARÍA J.
Published: July 2014

Spathiphyllum wallisii plants were used to study the effect of chilling stress under high illumination on photosynthesis and chlororespiration. Leaves showed different responses that depended on root temperature. When stem, but not root, was chilled, photosystem II (PSII) was strongly photoinhibited. However, when the whole plant was chilled, the maximal quantum yield of PSII decreased only slightly below the normal values and cyclic electron transport was stimulated. Changes were also observed in the chlororespiration enzymes and PGR5. In whole plants chilled under high illumination, the amounts of NADH dehydrogenase (NDH) complex and plastid terminal oxidase (PTOX) remained similar to control and increased when only stem was chilled. In contrast, the amount of PGR5 polypeptide was higher in plants when both root and stem were chilled than in plants in which only stem was chilled. The results indicated that the contribution of chlororespiration to regulating photosynthetic electron flow is not relevant when the whole plant is chilled under high light, and that another pathway, such as cyclic electron flow involving PGR5 polypeptide, may be more important. However, when PSII activity is strongly photoinhibited in plants in which only stem is chilled, chlororespiration, together with other routes of electron input to the electron transfer chain, is probably essential.
Coordination between water transport capacity, biomass growth, metabolic scaling and species stature in co‐occurring shrub and tree species
Authors: SMITH DUNCAN D. , SPERRY JOHN S.
Published: July 2014

The significance of xylem function and metabolic scaling theory begins from the idea that water transport is strongly coupled to growth rate. At the same time, coordination of water transport and growth seemingly should differ between plant functional types. We evaluated the relationships between water transport, growth and species stature in six species of co‐occurring trees and shrubs. Within species, a strong proportionality between plant hydraulic conductance (K), sap flow (Q) and shoot biomass growth (G) was generally supported. Across species, however, trees grew more for a given K or Q than shrubs, indicating greater growth‐based water‐use efficiency (WUE) in trees. Trees also showed slower decline in relative growth rate (RGR) than shrubs, equivalent to a steeper G by mass (M) scaling exponent in trees (0.77–0.98). The K and Q by M scaling exponents were common across all species (0.80, 0.82), suggesting that the steeper G scaling in trees reflects a size‐dependent increase in their growth‐based WUE. The common K and Q by M exponents were statistically consistent with the 0.75 of ideal scaling theory. A model based upon xylem anatomy and branching architecture consistently predicted the observed K by M scaling exponents but only when deviations from ideal symmetric branching were incorporated.
Capillary Malformation–Arteriovenous Malformation Syndrome with Spinal Involvement
Authors: Yiş Uluç , Kurul Semra H. , Güleryüz Handan , Men Süleyman
Published: July 2014

Capillary malformation–arteriovenous malformation (CM‐AVM) is a recently identified autosomal dominant disorder. Arteriovenous lesions have been reported in the brain, limbs, and face. We report a 7‐year‐old patient with CM‐AVM with spinal AVM, which is a rarely reported association.
Characterization of Alternaria species associated with potato foliar diseases in China
Authors: Zheng H. H. , Zhao J. , Wang T. Y. , Wu X. H.
Published: July 2014

The population structure of Alternaria species associated with potato foliar diseases in China has not been previously examined thoroughly. Between 2010 and 2013, a total of 511 Alternaria isolates were obtained from diseased potato leaves sampled in 16 provinces, autonomous regions or municipalities of China. Based on morphological traits and molecular characteristics, all the isolates were identified as Alternaria tenuissima, A. alternata or A. solani. Of the three species, A. tenuissima was the most prevalent (75·5%), followed by A. alternata (18·6%) and A. solani (5·9%). Phylogenetic analysis based on sequences of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of ribosomal DNA (rDNA) of representative Alternaria isolates showed that A. solani was distinct from the two small‐spored Alternaria species. Phylogenetic analysis of the partial coding sequence of the histone 3 gene divided the same collection of isolates into three main clades representing A. tenuissima, A. alternata and A. solani, respectively. The pathogenicity of the isolates on detached leaves of potato cv. Favorite did not differ significantly between the three species or between isolates from different geographical origins. The results indicate that the population structure of Alternaria species associated with potato foliar diseases differs from that reported previously in China. This is the first report of A. tenuissima causing potato foliar diseases in China.