bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Itch and brain
Authors: Mochizuki Hideki , Kakigi Ryusuke
Published: June 2015

Itch is an unpleasant somatic sensation that evokes the urge to scratch. Chronic itch is a severe problem that diminishes quality of life. There are many patients suffering from chronic itch across the world. The brain is the final terminal to receive itch‐related signals from the body and plays an important role in perceiving the itch sensation. Thus, to understand the cerebral mechanism of itch perception and how this mechanism differs between healthy subjects and chronic itch patients is important for advancing our understanding on the pathophysiology of chronic itch. Itch is suppressed by scratching or applying painful stimuli. The pleasurable sensation evoked by scratching an itch increases the urge to scratch. Viewing others in itch or imagining the itch sensation may evoke real itch sensations and the scratching response. To understand the mechanisms responsible for these phenomena may provide useful information for the development of treatment of itch and advance our understanding of the cerebral mechanism of itch and scratch. Several functional brain imaging studies have addressed these issues and reported interesting findings. In this review article, the authors discussed the findings of previous studies and how they have advanced our understanding of the central mechanisms of itch, scratch and chronic itch.
Inflammatory epidermolysis bullosa acquisita in a 4‐year‐old girl
Authors: Lazić‐Mosler Elvira , Jukić Ines Lakoš , Murat‐Sušić Slobodna , Husar Karmela , Skerlev Mihael , Bukvić Mokos Zrinka , Ishii Norito , Hashimoto Takashi , Marinović Branka
Published: June 2015

This study presents a case of linear immunoglobulin A dermatosis‐like epidermolysis bullosa acquisita in a 4‐year‐old girl showing rapid, widespread and inflammatory skin lesions. The diagnosis was confirmed by histopathology, direct and indirect immunofluorescence, various immunoblotting analyses and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays. Despite the severe clinical manifestations, the disease was successfully controlled by combination therapy of oral prednisolone and dapsone.
Transient improvement of urticaria induces poor adherence as assessed by Morisky Medication Adherence Scale‐8
Authors: Kaneko Sakae , Masuda Koji , Hiragun Takaaki , Inomata Naoko , Furue Masutaka , Onozuka Daisuke , Takeuchi Satoshi , Murota Hiroyuki , Sugaya Makoto , Saeki Hidehisa , Shintani Yoichi , Tsunemi Yuichiro , Abe Shinya , Kobayashi Miwa , Kitami Yuki , Tanioka Miki , Imafuku Shinichi , Abe Masatoshi , Hagihara Akihito , Morisky Donald E. , Katoh Norito
Published: June 2015

Poor adherence to medication is a major public health challenge. Here, we aimed to determine the adherence to oral and topical medications and to analyze underlying associated factors using the translated Japanese version of Morisky Medication Adherence Scale‐8 regarding urticaria treatment. Web‐based questionnaires were performed for 3096 registered dermatological patients, along with a subanalysis of 751 registered urticaria patients in this study. The adherence to oral medication was significantly associated with the frequency of hospital visits. Variables that affected the adherence to topical medication included age and experience of drug effectiveness. The rate of responses that “It felt like the symptoms had improved” varied significantly among the dermatological diseases treated with oral medications. Dermatologists should be aware that adherence to the treatment of urticaria is quite low. Regular visits and active education for patients with urticaria are mandatory in order to achieve a good therapeutic outcome by increasing the adherence.
Conceptual and operational perspectives on ecosystem restoration options in the European Union and elsewhere: a response to Kotiaho & Moilanen
Authors: Egoh Benis N. , Paracchini Maria Luisa , Zulian Grazia , Schägner Jan Philipp , Bidoglio Giovanni
Published: June 2015

Kotiaho & Moilanen (2015) highlighted what they call a conceptual flaw in our study (Egoh et al. 2014) and some operational flaws. Here, we respond to these.

According to Kotiaho & Moilanen (2015), the conceptual flaw is that we supposedly neglect both the magnitude of degradation and the magnitude of improvement of the ecosystem condition expected due to restoration in the original paper (Egoh et al. 2014). However, we took magnitude of degradation into account in the paper (Egoh et al. 2014) by not including areas with habitats and species in favourable conservation status and also excluding artificial surfaces such as urban areas.

We argue that the operational flaws, the authors cite (specifically with respect to the inclusion of restoration cost), were taken out of context and the calculations on the effective area requiring restoration within a grid cell were not well understood by the authors.

In the original paper (Egoh et al. 2014), restoration cost was only included in one analysis to investigate the effects of including different criteria on the area selected. Also, each grid cell selected contained only areas defined as restorable in our analysis.

Synthesis and applications. The points raised by Kotiaho & Moilanen (2015) are surely relevant and pertinent to the general discussion on restoration efforts, but when applied to our study, these points are out of context. Areas identified for restoration should consider magnitude of degradation as in our study. However, the inclusion of cost should be carefully considered; in our case, we used a proxy for cost only to understand the implication of including many criteria in identifying priority areas.
Anatomy and ultrastructure of the floral nectary of Tontelea micrantha (Celastraceae: Salacioideae)
Authors: Mercadante‐Simões Maria Olívia , Paiva Elder Antônio Sousa
Published: June 2015

Among several native species of the Brazilian cerrado, a shrub, Tontelea micrantha, is exploited by traditional communities for the valuable oil extracted from its seeds, which has anti‐inflammatory properties. There have been no studies on the anatomy of its flower, and so the aim of this study is to describe the anatomy and ultrastructure of its floral nectary. Flower buds and flowers in anthesis were collected, fixed and processed for light and electron microscopy. The discoid floral nectary is composed of epidermis and a secretory parenchyma. Secretory cells are rich in plastids with starch grains and mitochondria. The nectar, sucrose dominant, is just sufficient to form a thin film on the nectary. The secretory cells show starch and oil droplets; however, during nectar production there is no evidence of hydrolysis of starch and some lipid reserves remain unchanged. Our results suggest a reduction in the amount of oil in the secretory cells during the secretory phase but this does not appear to imply a release of oil as a nectar component. In addition to maintaining part of the reserves, the lower frequency of organelles involved in nectar synthesis reinforces the hypothesis that phloem sap is the origin of nectar sugars. The tiny nectar film, released through modified stomata, is attractive to small insects such as flies. Considering the importance and intensity of use of T. micrantha in the Brazilian cerrado, we think that these data about its floral nectary can help to better explain its reproductive biology with positive impacts on its management and conservation.
A Panel Data Analysis of the Demand for Electricity in Canada
Authors: Latif Ehsan
Published: June 2015

The article uses panel data from the Statistics Canada (1983–2010) to examine the determinants of electricity consumption in Canada. The estimations from the Fully Modified Ordinary Least square (OLS) and DynamicOLSmodels suggest thatpercapita realGross Domestic Production (GDP)has a significant positive while electricity price has a negative, but insignificant impact onpercapita electricity consumption. The study uses Panel Vector Error Correction Model (VECM) to examine long and short run causality among the variables. The PanelVECMresults suggest that there is a long run causal relationship among electricity consumption, realGDPand electricity price. The PanelVECMresults further suggest that unidirectional short run causality runs frompercapita realGDPtopercapita electricity consumption.
Epinephrine adjuvant reduced epidural blood vessel penetration incidence in a randomized, double‐blinded trial
Authors: Denny J. T. , Cohen S. , Stein M. H. , Banerjee T. , Naftalovich R. , Hunter‐Fratzola C. W.
Published: June 2015

Background

Accidental intravascular injection is a significant and potentially devastating risk of epidural block, particularly in parturients whose epidural veins are engorged and hence more easily pierced. This prospective randomized, double‐blinded study determined whether the addition of epinephrine to epidural ropivacaine administered by gravity before catheter insertion was associated with fewer epidural catheter blood vessel penetrations.

Method

Four hundred and two parturient patients receiving epidural block for elective C/S were randomly allocated to two groups; group I (n = 201) received only ropivacaine 0.75% with fentanyl 5 μg/mL, whereas group II (n = 200) also received epinephrine 5 μg/mL. Both groups received a total of 21 mL anesthetic solution in four increment doses of 3,5,5,5 mL by gravity into the needle through a 22 inch extension tubing before insertion of the closed‐end tip catheter. An additional 3 mL of the anesthetic solution was then administered through the catheter.

Results

Epidural epinephrine adjuvant was associated with fewer epidural vessel penetrations (4% vs. 16.5%, P < 0.0001). The addition of epinephrine also significantly reduced catheter insertion problems (12% vs. 23.5%, P‐value 0.0024) including the need for catheter readjustment (4.5% vs. 16%, P‐value 0.0002) or reinsertion (2.5% vs. 9%, P‐value 0.0054). The addition of epinephrine significantly reduced incidence and severity of sedation and had faster onset of surgical block. Sensory level and overall satisfaction did not differ significantly among the groups.

Conclusion

The addition of epinephrine to ropivacaine improves the safety and quality of epidural anesthesia when administered by gravity flow via the Hustead needle for cesarean sections.
Women's use of herbal and alternative medicines for preconception care
Authors: Charaf Safa , Wardle Jonathan L. , Sibbritt David W. , Lal Sara , Callaway Leonie K.
Published: June 2015

Background

Use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), particularly herbal and alternative medicine supplements, for preconception care and fertility management is becoming increasingly common.

Aims

To determine the factors associated with the use of CAMs by women for preconception care.

Materials and Methods

412 women who had visited an antenatal ‘first visit’ clinic situated at a Brisbane obstetric hospital or had visited a private ultrasound clinic in the same city for the purposes of a routinely indicated ultrasound scan in the first trimester were recruited into the study. Data were collected via a cross‐sectional questionnaire.

Results

Complementary and alternative medicines (not including multivitamins) were used during preconception by 8.3% of women attending for obstetric care. Approximately half (55.8%) of women taking herbal and alternative medicines ceased these medications on discovery of their pregnancy, though fewer (17.4%) ceased taking multivitamin supplements. Baseline characteristics (age, education and income) are not significantly different between CAM users and those who did not take CAMs preconception. The results of statistical analyses showed that only visiting a practitioner to check for health (OR = 2.00; 95% CI: 1.33, 3.00) and trying to lose weight prior to pregnancy (OR = 1.53; 95% CI: 1.00, 2.36) were the key predictors for women using CAM during preconception.

Conclusions

Women do consume CAMs to enhance preconception care to a certain extent, though CAM users remain in the minority. CAM users also tend to cease use once pregnant.
Concordance of maternal and paternal decision‐making and its effect on choice for vaginal birth after caesarean section
Authors: Robson Stephen , Campbell Beth , Pell Gabrielle , Wilson Anne , Tyson Kate , de Costa Caroline , Permezel Michael , Woods Cindy
Published: June 2015

Background

The proportion of women who plan for a repeat elective caesarean section (CS) is one of the major determinants of the overall rate of CS, and programs aiming to reduce the rate of CS have not been greatly successful. To date, there appear to have been no large studies directly addressing paternal influences on decision‐making regarding vaginal birth after caesarean (VBAC). This study aimed to compare the reactions of fathers and mothers to the prospect of VBAC.

Methods

Couples were recruited from three Australian hospitals and were eligible with a singleton pregnancy, a normal morphology ultrasound, and where there was no condition in the new pregnancy that would preclude a vaginal birth. Questionnaires were scheduled for 20 weeks' gestation, 32–36 weeks' gestation and six weeks postnatal and were sent separately to each partner.

Results

Seventy‐five couples completed the full sets of questionnaires during the study period. In total, 31 women (41%) ultimately attempted vaginal delivery, and 44 (59%) were delivered by planned CS. When the paternal rating of risk fell between the second and third trimesters, the couple were likely to attempt VBAC (P < 0.05). Where the maternal rating of importance was 3 or less, 92% had a planned CS compared to 63% for the same paternal scores (P = 0.02).

Conclusion

This study suggests that interventions that improve the paternal perceptions of risk during a pregnancy might increase the chance that a couple will attempt VBAC.
Usefulness of elastography in predicting the outcome of Foley catheter labour induction
Authors: Wozniak Slawomir , Czuczwar Piotr , Szkodziak Piotr , Paszkowski Tomasz
Published: June 2015

Background

Incorrect selection of women for labour induction may increase the risk of caesarean section and other postpartum and neonatal complications. It has been recently shown that elastography of the uterine cervix holds the potential to predict the outcome of pharmacological labour induction. There are no data on the usefulness of elastography in predicting the outcome of mechanical induction of labour.

Aim

To assess the usefulness of elastographic cervical assessment in predicting the success of Foley catheter labour induction.

Materials and Methods

This prospective observational study included 39 pregnant women at term with an unfavourable cervix (Bishop score ≤ 6) suitable for Foley catheter labour induction. Before labour induction the following data were recorded: Bishop score, cervical length (measured by ultrasound) and the stiffness of cervical internal os, canal and external os assessed by elastography (elastography index – EI). Statistical relationships between pre‐interventional assessment of the cervix and outcome of Foley catheter labour induction (successful induction, time to delivery and route of delivery) were analysed.

Results

EI's of internal cervical os and cervical canal were significantly lower (softer) in women with successful labour induction and vaginal delivery, while EI's of the external cervical os, Bishop score and cervix length were not significantly different. Time to vaginal delivery was significantly correlated with the EI's of internal cervical os, cervical canal and Bishop score, but not with EI's of the external cervical os and cervix length.

Conclusion

Elastography has the potential to predict the outcome of Foley catheter labour induction.
Association between cerebral palsy and microscopically verified placental infarction in extremely preterm infants
Authors: Vinnars Marie‐Therese , Vollmer Brigitte , Nasiell Josefine , Papadogiannakis Nikos , Westgren Magnus
Published: June 2015

Introduction

Previously, cerebral palsy has been associated with placental infarctions diagnosed macroscopically by midwifes. However, the risk of misclassification of infarctionsis is high without a histological verification. Therefore, the objective of this study was to study placental histopathology in relation to developmental outcome at 2.5 years corrected age in a population born extremely preterm.

Material and methods

A prospective cohort study was carried out at Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden on a population of 139 live born infants delivered <27 gestational weeks during 2004–2007. A senior perinatal pathologist, who was blinded to outcome data, evaluated all placental slides microscopically. Neuromotor and sensory functions of the children were evaluated. Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development‐III (Bayley‐III) were used to assess development at corrected age 2.5 years. The outcome data were evaluated without reference to obstetrical and pathology data. The primary outcome measure was neurological and developmental status at 2.5 years of corrected age. This was measured as diagnosis of cerebral palsy, visual impairment, hearing impairment as well as performance on Bayley‐III scales evaluating cognitive, language and motor functions.

Results

Two out of seven children with placental infarction were diagnosed with cerebral palsy compared with one child of 51 without placental infarction (p = 0.036). For developmental outcome according to Bayley‐III at 2.5 years no statistically significant associations with placental pathology were found.

Conclusion

A possible association between placental infarction, verified by microscopic examination, and cerebral palsy has been identified in this extremely preterm population.
Which somatic symptoms are associated with an unfavorable course in Chinese patients with major depressive disorder?
Authors: Novick Diego , Montgomery William S. , Aguado Jaume , Peng Xiaomei , Brugnoli Roberto , Haro Josep Maria
Published: June 2015

Introduction

This was an analysis of the impact of somatic symptoms on the severity and course of depression in Chinese patients treated for an acute episode of major depressive disorder (MDD).

Methods

Data were extracted from a 3‐month prospective observational study which enrolled 909 patients with MDD in psychiatric care settings; this analysis focused on the Chinese patients (n = 300). Depression severity was assessed using the Clinical Global Impression of Severity (CGI‐S) and 17‐item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD‐17); somatic symptoms were assessed using the patient‐rated 28‐item Somatic Symptom Inventory (SSI). Cluster analysis using baseline SSI scores grouped patients into three clusters with no/mild, moderate, or severe somatic symptoms. Four SSI factors (pain, autonomic symptoms, energy, and central nervous system) were defined, and regression analyses identified which factors were associated with remission at 3 months.

Results

More than 70% of the patients had moderate or severe somatic symptoms. Baseline depression severity (HAMD‐17 and CGI‐S scores) was associated with more severe somatic symptoms. Remission rates differed between clusters of patients: 84.1%, 72.0%, and 55.3% for no/mild, moderate, and severe somatic symptoms, respectively (P = 0.0034). Pain symptoms were the somatic symptoms more strongly associated with lower remission rates at 3 months.

Discussion

Somatic symptoms are associated with greater clinical severity and lower remission rates. Among somatic symptoms, pain symptoms have the greatest prognostic value and should be taken into account when treating patients with depression.
Hirumi, Atsusi ed (2013) Online and hybrid learning design fundamentalsiste (Washington & Eurospan, London) isbn978‐1‐56484‐335‐7 200 pp £31.50 http://www.iste.org/resources/product?id=2800
Authors: Dettori Giuliana
Published: June 2015

This interesting book on the systematic design of rich, engaging and effective e‐learning experiences can make an extremely useful guide for beginning educators and instructional designers working with school education. This is thanks to its very practical approach, precise description of methods, high number of meaningful examples, and practical guiding tools. If this review makes you feel that Hirumi's book is very likely to be relevant, borrow a copy to see if purchase is worthwhile.

Giuliana Dettori
Pedler, Mike & Abbott, Christine (2013) Facilitating action learningMcGraw‐Hill (Maidenhead & New York) isbn978‐033524597‐0 204 pp £19.99 http://www.mheducation.co.uk/9780335245970‐emea‐facilitating‐action‐learning‐a‐practitioners‐guide
Authors: El‐Farargy Nancy
Published: June 2015

This most helpful book supports action learning practitioners in organising collaborative working and knowledge generation and implementation. The case studies help inspire and motivate readers to take action, and the book as a whole leans towards practical guidance rather than being loaded with theory. It's a readable text for aspiring action learning practitioners aiming to drive forward and implement such ideas, and to share learning at system‐wide scale. It also serves as a quick reference guide for the personal libraries of more seasoned practitioners and other leaders and developers. If the content of this book is likely to be relevant to you, I recommend that you buy a copy for your own use.

Nancy El‐Farargy
Perry, Fred L & Nichols, Joe D (2015) Understanding research in educationRoutledge (New York & London) isbn978‐1‐138‐77642‐5 243 pp £34.99 http://www.routledge.com/books/details/9781138776425/
Authors: Cowan John
Published: June 2015

Ostensibly, this textbook was written for those who want and need to be consumers of educational research. It serves that readership extremely well. Equally, however, I would warmly recommend it to those preparing their first educational submissions for publication; they'll find splendid advice here about what to do—and what not to do. If this book is very likely to be relevant to your work, I strongly suggest that you buy a copy.

John Cowan
Ridden, Phil & Heldsinger, Sandy (2014) What teachers need to know about assessment and reportingacer Press (Victoria & Eurospan, London) isbn978‐1‐74286‐111‐1 160 pp £25.95 http://www.isbs.com/collections/acer‐press/products/9781742861111
Authors: García Laborda Jesús
Published: June 2015

Teachers involved in literacy and numeracy testing will find in this book a valuable support to understand the why, how and what to assess. It is an informative volume that will give you practical information, guidance and deep understanding of what is behind a test. A must for Australian teachers, it is a great help for general practitioners and a valuable tool for the international audience. I suggest you borrow a copy if this book seems relevant.

Jesús García Laborda
Gene therapy for monogenic disorders of the bone marrow
Authors: Ghosh Sujal , Thrasher Adrian J. , Gaspar H. Bobby
Published: June 2015

Ex‐vivo gene transfer of autologous haematopoietic stem cells in patients with monogenic diseases of the bone marrow has emerged as a new therapeutic approach, mainly in patients lacking a suitable donor for transplant. The encouraging results of initial clinical trials of gene therapy for primary immunodeficiencies were tempered by the occurrence of genotoxicity in a number of patients. Over the last decade, safer viral vectors have been developed to overcome the risk of insertional mutagenesis and have led to impressive clinical outcomes with considerably improved safety. We review the efforts in specific immunodeficiencies including adenosine deaminase deficiency, X‐linked severe combined immunodeficiency, chronic granulomatous disease and Wiskott Aldrich syndrome. Major recent progress has also been made in haemoglobinopathies, such as beta‐thalassaemia, sickle cell disease and Fanconi anaemia, and also specific lysosomal storage diseases, which, although not strictly bone marrow specific conditions, have been effectively treated by bone marrow‐based treatment. The success of these recent studies and the advent of new technologies, such as gene editing, suggest that gene therapy could become a more generally applied treatment modality for a number of haematopoietic disorders.
Survival of childhood acute lymphoid leukaemia in Yorkshire by clinical trial era, 1990–2011
Authors: van Laar Marlous , Kinsey Sally E. , Feltbower Richard G.
Published: June 2015

Gender‐specific differences in survival by clinical trial era in Yorkshire were assessed for children with acute lymphoid leukaemia (ALL) enrolled onto UKALLXI, ALL97/99 or UKALL2003 (n = 630; 1990–2011). For males, there was a non‐significant improvement in survival for ALL97/99 [hazard ratio (HR) = 0·77; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0·43–1·42) and a significant improvement for UKALL2003 (HR = 0·50; 95%CI 0·25–0·99) compared to UKALLXI. For females, survival was significantly improved for ALL97/99 (HR = 0·33; 95%CI 0·14–0·78), and non‐significantly improved for UKALL2003 (HR = 0·51; 95%CI 0·25–1·08) compared to UKALLXI. Modest overall survival improvements masked clinically important gender‐specific changes over time by trial era, requiring confirmation in larger population‐based studies.
Immunological and clinical factors associated with adverse systemic reactions during the build‐up phase of honeybee venom immunotherapy
Authors: Korošec P. , Žiberna K. , Šilar M. , Dežman M. , Čelesnik Smodiš N. , Rijavec M. , Kopač P. , Eržen R. , Lalek N. , Bajrović N. , Košnik M. , Zidarn M.
Published: June 2015

Background

Adverse systemic reactions (SRs) are more common in honeybee venom immunotherapy (VIT) than in wasp VIT. Factors that might be associated with SRs during the honeybee VIT are poorly understood.

Objective

Our aim was to evaluate risk factors for SRs during the build‐up phase of honeybee venom immunotherapy.

Methods

We included 93 patients who underwent ultra‐rush honeybee VIT. The adverse SRs and their severity was compared to various immunological (sIgE, tIgE, basophil CD63 response, baseline tryptase, and skin tests), patient‐specific (age, sex, cardiovascular conditions and medications, and other allergic diseases), and sting‐specific factors (anaphylaxis severity, time interval to onset of symptoms, and absence of cutaneous symptoms).

Results

Twenty‐three patients (24.7%) experienced mild SRs and 13 patients (14%) severe SRs. In five patients with severe SRs, the build‐up was stopped. High basophil allergen sensitivity, evaluated as dose–response curve metrics of EC15, EC50, CD‐sens, AUC, or the response to submaximal 0.01 μg/mL of venom concentration, was the most significant risk factor and only independent predictor of severe SRs and/or build‐up stop. Time interval of <5 min after sting to onset of symptoms and lower specific IgEs to rApi m1 was also associated with severe SRs. There was no difference in other immunological, patient‐specific, or sting‐specific factors, including the baseline tryptase. None of the studied factors was associated with mild SRs.

Conclusion and Clinical Relevance

High basophil allergen CD63 sensitivity phenotype was a major indicator of severe adverse SRs during the build‐up phase of honeybee VIT. Possibly role was also showed for short latency to filed sting reaction and low sIgE to rApi m1. Before honeybee VIT, measurement of basophil allergen sensitivity should be used to identify patients with a high risk for severe side‐effects.
Antimicrobial Effect of a Single Dose of Amoxicillin on the Oral Microbiota
Authors: Larsson Wexell Cecilia , Ryberg Henrik , Sjöberg Andersson Wivi‐Anne , Blomqvist Susanne , Colin Pieter , Van Bocxlaer Jan , Dahlén Gunnar
Published: June 2015

Purpose

Amoxicillin is commonly used in oral surgery for antimicrobial prophylaxis against surgical‐site infection and bacteremia because of its effect on oral streptococci. The aim of this study was to determine whether amoxicillin reaches the break‐point concentrations in saliva and has any effect on the salivary microbiota, colonizing bacteria on mucosal membranes and on the gingival crevice after a single dose of amoxicillin.

Material and Methods

Twenty subjects received 2 g of amoxicillin, per os. The facultative and strictly anaerobic microflora, as well as the streptococcal microflora specifically, were followed from baseline and after 1, 4, and 24 hours. Samples were taken for microbial analysis from saliva, the dorsum of the tongue, and the gingival crevice, and were inoculated and cultured. Plasma samples and saliva samples were analyzed for amoxicillin concentrations (free and protein bound) using liquid chromatography and mass‐spectrometry.

Results

Amoxicillin was detected in concentrations over the break‐point (>2 μg/mL) of amoxicillin in plasma after 1 and 4 hours but not after 24 hours. The dose had a significant effect on the streptococci in the gingival crevice.

Conclusion

A single dose given as prophylaxis to prevent a surgical‐site infection results in a significant reducing effect on the oral streptococcal microflora in the gingival crevice and may have an impact on bacteria spreading into tissues and the bacteremia of streptococci.
Three‐dimensional high‐resolution anorectal manometry: does it allow automated analysis of sphincter defects?
Authors: Benezech A. , Behr M. , Bouvier M. , Grimaud J.‐C. , Vitton V.
Published: June 2015

Aim

Anorectal manometry is the most common test used to explore anorectal disorders. The recent three‐dimensional high‐resolution anorectal manometry (3D‐HRAM) technique appears to be able to provide new topographic information. Our objective was to develop an automated analysis of 3D‐HRAM images to diagnose anal sphincter defects and compare the results with those of endoanal ultrasonography (EUS), which is considered to be the gold standard.

Method

All patients being tested in our department for faecal incontinence or dyschezia by 3D‐HRAM and EUS were eligible for the study. 3D‐HRAM was used to record resting and squeeze pressure, reflecting internal and external anal sphincter function, respectively. A software platform was designed to automatically analyse the 3D‐HRAM images and calculate a diagnostic score for any anal sphincter defect compared with EUS.

Results

A total of 206 (91% female) patients of mean age of 54 years were included in the study. A sphincter defect was diagnosed by EUS in 130 (63%). The diagnostic scores from the 3D‐HRAM automated analysis for an internal anal sphincter defect showed a sensitivity of 65% and a specificity of 65%. For an external anal sphincter defect, the sensitivity was 43% and the specificity 87%.

Conclusion

Our study developed a method based on 3D‐HRAM to automatically diagnose sphincter defects, allowing a systematic and comprehensive analysis of the test recordings. Compared with EUS, the 3D‐HRAM image analysis procedure revealed poor sensitivity and specificity.
Discrepancies in recommended criteria for grading of carotid stenosis with ultrasound
Authors: Jogestrand Tomas , Fredén‐Lindqvist Johan , Lindqvist Madeleine , Lundgren Susanne , Tillman Ann‐Sofie , Zachrisson Helene
Published: June 2015

The accuracy of duplex ultrasound for grading of internal carotid artery stenosis has been widely tested and shown to be high. However, different methods for measurement of the degree of carotid stenosis with the golden standard conventional angiography have been used in the different studies. This, together with other factors, has led to some confusion regarding the relation between the ultrasonographically measured flow velocity and the angiographically measured degree of stenosis. The ultrasound criteria that are used in Sweden (and in Germany) differ in an important way from the criteria recommended in North America and the United Kingdom for the same degree of angiographic stenoses. Possible reasons for the discrepancies are discussed in this article. The authors recommend absolute agreement locally whether ECST or NASCET criteria shall be used in the communication between radiologists, clinical physiologists, vascular surgeons, neurologists and other physicians involved in patient management decisions. Angle‐dependent ultrasound criteria should be used and flow velocity measurements with ultrasound should be combined with assessment of plaque burden on 2D picture.
Validation of a single‐stage fixed‐rate step test for the prediction of maximal oxygen uptake in healthy adults
Authors: Hansen Dominique , Jacobs Nele , Thijs Herbert , Dendale Paul , Claes Neree
Published: June 2015

Healthcare professionals with limited access to ergospirometry remain in need of valid and simple submaximal exercise tests to predict maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max). Despite previous validation studies concerning fixed‐rate step tests, accurate equations for the estimation of VO2max remain to be formulated from a large sample of healthy adults between age 18–75 years (n > 100). The aim of this study was to develop a valid equation to estimate VO2max from a fixed‐rate step test in a larger sample of healthy adults. A maximal ergospirometry test, with assessment of cardiopulmonary parameters and VO2max, and a 5‐min fixed‐rate single‐stage step test were executed in 112 healthy adults (age 18–75 years). During the step test and subsequent recovery, heart rate was monitored continuously. By linear regression analysis, an equation to predict VO2max from the step test was formulated. This equation was assessed for level of agreement by displaying Bland–Altman plots and calculation of intraclass correlations with measured VO2max. Validity further was assessed by employing a Jackknife procedure. The linear regression analysis generated the following equation to predict VO2max (l min−1) from the step test: 0·054(BMI)+0·612(gender)+3·359(body height in m)+0·019(fitness index)−0·012(HRmax)−0·011(age)−3·475. This equation explained 78% of the variance in measured VO2max (F = 66·15, P<0·001). The level of agreement and intraclass correlation was high (ICC = 0·94, P<0·001) between measured and predicted VO2max. From this study, a valid fixed‐rate single‐stage step test equation has been developed to estimate VO2max in healthy adults. This tool could be employed by healthcare professionals with limited access to ergospirometry.
Controlled Rewarming after Hypothermia: Adding a New Principle to Renal Preservation
Authors: Schopp Ina , Reissberg Elmo , Lüer Bastian , Efferz Patrik , Minor Thomas
Published: June 2015

Early graft dysfunction due to preservation/reperfusion injury still represents a notable issue after kidney transplantation, affecting long term prognosis of graft viability. One trigger of postischemic cell dysfunction could be recognized in the abrupt temperature shift from hypo‐ to normothermia, leading to mitochondrial dysfunction and proapoptotic signal transduction.

Here we propose a technique to cope with this “rewarming injury” by interposing a period of gentle warming up by hypo‐ to subnormothermic machine perfusion of the isolated graft prior to warm reperfusion. Porcine kidneys were subjected either to 18 hours of hypothermic machine preservation (HMP) or 18 hours static cold storage + 3 hours of gentle, machine controlled oxygenated rewarming (COR). Functional integrity was evaluated in both groups by subsequent normothermic reperfusion in vitro.

The functional benefit of COR was documented by an approximately twofold increase in renal clearances of creatinine as well as urea upon warm reperfusion, compared to controls. This was accompanied with a notable mitigation of postischemic mitochondrial dys‐homeostasis. COR significantly improved renal oxygen consumption and maintained total NAD tissue content upon reperfusion. Mitochondrial initiation of cellular apoptosis, as evidenced by activation of caspase 9 was also largely prevented after COR but not in controls.

The concept of gentle regenerative graft rewarming could become a valuable adjunct in renal transplantation.
European Migration, National Origin and Long‐term Economic Development in the United States
Authors: Rodríguez‐Pose Andrés , von Berlepsch Viola
Published: June 2015

Have Irish, German, or Italian settlers arriving in the United States at the turn of the twentieth century left a trace that determines differences in economic development to this day? Does the national origin of migrants matter for long‐term development? This article explores whether the distinct geographic settlement patterns of European migrants according to national origin affected economic development across U.S. counties. It uses microdata from the 1880 and 1910 censuses in order to identify where migrants from different nationalities settled and then regresses current levels of economic development on settlement patterns according to national origin, using both ordinary least squares and instrumental variable approaches. The analysis controls for a number of factors that would have determined the attractiveness of different U.S. counties at the time of migration as well as current levels of development. The results indicate that while there is a strong and positive impact associated with overall migration, differences in the quality of the institutions of the countries of origin of the migrant are not necessarily a good predictor for current levels of economic development of U.S. counties.
Fitness trade‐offs in pest management and intercropping with colour: an evolutionary framework and potential application
Authors: Farkas Timothy E.
Published: June 2015

An important modern goal of plant science research is to develop tools for agriculturalists effective at curbing yield losses to insect herbivores, but resistance evolution continuously threatens the efficacy of pest management strategies. The high‐dose/refuge strategy has been employed with some success to curb pest adaptation, and has been shown to be most effective when fitness costs (fitness trade‐offs) of resistance are high. Here, I use eco‐evolutionary reasoning to demonstrate the general importance of fitness trade‐offs for pest control, showing that strong fitness trade‐offs mitigate the threat of pest adaptation, even if adaptation were to occur. I argue that novel pest management strategies evoking strong fitness trade‐offs are the most likely to persist in the face of unbridled pest adaptation, and offer the manipulation of crop colours as a worked example of one potentially effective strategy against insect herbivores.
Linear models for cost‐sensitive classification
Authors: Pendharkar Parag C.
Published: June 2015

In this paper, we investigate the performance of statistical, mathematical programming and heuristic linear models for cost‐sensitive classification. In particular, we use five cost‐sensitive techniques including Fisher's discriminant analysis (DA), asymmetric misclassification cost mixed integer programming (AMC‐MIP), cost‐sensitive support vector machine (CS‐SVM), a hybrid support vector machine and mixed integer programming (SVMIP) and heuristic cost‐sensitive genetic algorithm (CGA) techniques. Using simulated datasets of varying group overlaps, data distributions and class biases, and real‐world datasets from financial and medical domains, we compare the performances of our five techniques based on overall holdout sample misclassification cost. The results of our experiments on simulated datasets indicate that when group overlap is low and data distribution is exponential, DA appears to provide superior performance. For all other situations with simulated datasets, CS‐SVM provides superior performance. In case of real‐world datasets from financial domain, CGA and AMC‐MIP hold a slight edge over the two SVM‐based classifiers. However, for medical domains with mixed continuous and discrete attributes, SVM classifiers perform better than heuristic (CGA) and AMC‐MIP classifiers. The SVMIP model is the most computationally inefficient model and poor performing model.
Impact of Coping Resources on the Well‐Being of Custodial Grandmothers and Grandchildren
Authors: Smith Gregory C. , Cichy Kelly E. , Montoro‐Rodriguez Julian
Published: June 2015

The authors blended elements from the Stress Process Model and the Family Stress Model to investigate the direct and indirect effects of custodial grandmothers' (CGMs') coping resources (i.e., active strategies, passive strategies, and social support) on their psychological distress, their parenting practices, and their grandchild's internalizing and externalizing symptoms. Participants included African American and White CGMs (N = 733, Mage = 56) who provided full‐time care to a grandchild (Mage = 9.8). Structural equation modeling revealed that social support and active coping were related to lower CGM distress and less ineffective parenting, whereas passive coping was associated with increased distress and more ineffective parenting. Ineffective parenting had direct effects on grandchildren's outcomes, whereas CGM coping resources had direct effects on ineffective parenting and indirect effects (through ineffective parenting) on grandchildren's externalizing and internalizing difficulties. The authors conclude that CGM coping resources affect the psychological well‐being of both generations.
Promoting Resilience Following Traumatic Brain Injury: Application of an Interdisciplinary, Evidence‐Based Model for Intervention
Authors: Godwin Emilie E. , Lukow Herman R. , Lichiello Stephanie
Published: June 2015

With an increasing instance of traumatic brain injury and little advancement over recent decades in the rehabilitation of brain injury survivors and their family members, focus has shifted toward the establishment of effective whole‐family resilience promotion interventions. Using the Brain Injury Family Intervention as a model, clinicians constructed two curriculum‐based interventions grounded in resilience theory and drawing from the interdisciplinary approaches of neuropsychology and marriage and family therapy: (a) the Resilience and Adjustment Intervention, for individual survivors of traumatic brain jury, and (b) the Therapeutic Couples Intervention, designed to increase relational satisfaction in couples following a traumatic brain injury. The present study outlines the need for the integration of resilience tenets into rehabilitation techniques, summarizes the empirical justification for the use of an interdisciplinary approach, and offers an overview with implementation specifics regarding these two newly designed interventions.
Microbial physiology and soil CO2 efflux after 9 years of soil warming in a temperate forest – no indications for thermal adaptations
Authors: Schindlbacher Andreas , Schnecker Jörg , Takriti Mounir , Borken Werner , Wanek Wolfgang
Published: June 2015

Thermal adaptations of soil microorganisms could mitigate or facilitate global warming effects on soil organic matter (SOM) decomposition and soil CO2 efflux. We incubated soil from warmed and control subplots of a forest soil warming experiment to assess whether 9 years of soil warming affected the rates and the temperature sensitivity of the soil CO2 efflux, extracellular enzyme activities, microbial efficiency, and gross N mineralization. Mineral soil (0–10 cm depth) was incubated at temperatures ranging from 3 to 23 °C. No adaptations to long‐term warming were observed regarding the heterotrophic soil CO2 efflux (R10 warmed: 2.31 ± 0.15 μmol m−2 s−1, control: 2.34 ± 0.29 μmol m−2 s−1; Q10 warmed: 2.45 ± 0.06, control: 2.45 ± 0.04). Potential enzyme activities increased with incubation temperature, but the temperature sensitivity of the enzymes did not differ between the warmed and the control soils. The ratio of C : N acquiring enzyme activities was significantly higher in the warmed soil. Microbial biomass‐specific respiration rates increased with incubation temperature, but the rates and the temperature sensitivity (Q10 warmed: 2.54 ± 0.23, control 2.75 ± 0.17) did not differ between warmed and control soils. Microbial substrate use efficiency (SUE) declined with increasing incubation temperature in both, warmed and control, soils. SUE and its temperature sensitivity (Q10 warmed: 0.84 ± 0.03, control: 0.88 ± 0.01) did not differ between warmed and control soils either. Gross N mineralization was invariant to incubation temperature and was not affected by long‐term soil warming. Our results indicate that thermal adaptations of the microbial decomposer community are unlikely to occur in C‐rich calcareous temperate forest soils.
How anthropogenic noise affects foraging
Authors: Luo Jinhong , Siemers Björn M. , Koselj Klemen
Published: June 2015

The influence of human activity on the biosphere is increasing. While direct damage (e.g. habitat destruction) is relatively well understood, many activities affect wildlife in less apparent ways. Here, we investigate how anthropogenic noise impairs foraging, which has direct consequences for animal survival and reproductive success. Noise can disturb foraging via several mechanisms that may operate simultaneously, and thus, their effects could not be disentangled hitherto. We developed a diagnostic framework that can be applied to identify the potential mechanisms of disturbance in any species capable of detecting the noise. We tested this framework using Daubenton's bats, which find prey by echolocation. We found that traffic noise reduced foraging efficiency in most bats. Unexpectedly, this effect was present even if the playback noise did not overlap in frequency with the prey echoes. Neither overlapping noise nor nonoverlapping noise influenced the search effort required for a successful prey capture. Hence, noise did not mask prey echoes or reduce the attention of bats. Instead, noise acted as an aversive stimulus that caused avoidance response, thereby reducing foraging efficiency. We conclude that conservation policies may seriously underestimate numbers of species affected and the multilevel effects on animal fitness, if the mechanisms of disturbance are not considered.
Disinclination/Appropriation/Poetization: Hugo von Hofmannsthal's Evolving Engagement with Poland and Polish Galicia before, during, and after the Great War
Authors: Pizer John D.
Published: June 2015

Hugovon Hofmannsthal's attitude toward Polish Galicia and Congress Poland underwent an evolution during the years immediately before, during, and after the FirstWorldWar. While in Galicia in 1896 and 1898 for military service, he found conditions squalid and depressing. During the war, Hofmannsthal served as military correspondent and reported from the Forest Carpathians. His reports reflect an appropriative attitude toward the region. Hofmannsthal argues that Galicia, and even parts of Congress Poland, belong to Austria‐Hungary by virtue of the blood his compatriots shed there and because of Austrian “elasticity” in managing such territories. After the war, Hofmannsthal nostalgically poeticizes the region in his comedies, Der Schwierige and Der Unbestechliche. In Der Turm, adapted from Calderón's La vidaes sueño, the former Kingdom of Poland becomes the locus of poetic reflections on the First World War, and Hofmannsthal foresees a space in which even greater calamities soon befall Austria.
The Haarmann Case: Remapping the Weimar Republic
Authors: Kavaloski Joshua
Published: June 2015

Since Germany's reunification, there has been a modest yet distinct resurgence of interest in the serial murderer from the 1920s, Fritz Haarmann, and recent works about him unsettle entrenched narratives about the Weimar Republic. After all, in both historiography and popular culture, the city of Berlin, as well as the lives of artists, intellectuals, and politicians tend to be privileged. Writers about Haarmann, on the other hand, shift attention to the provincial urban space of Hannover, highlight the experiences of lower‐middle class German citizens, and foreground the often‐overlooked years of hunger during the early years of socioeconomic instability following the First World War. With their German‐language graphic novel, Haarmann (2010), Peer Meter and Isabel Kreitz offer a counter‐narrative to inherited discourse, especially with their inclusion of conspicuously fictitious events, which encourage critical reflection about the Weimar period.