bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Availability and access in modern obstetric care: a retrospective population‐based study
Authors: Engjom HM , Morken N‐H , Norheim OF , Klungsøyr K
Published: November 2013

Objective

To assess the availability of obstetric institutions, the risk of unplanned delivery outside an institution and maternal morbidity in a national setting in which the number of institutions declined from 95 to 51 during 30 years.

Design

Retrospective population‐based, three cohorts and two cross‐sectional analyses.

Setting

Census data, Statistics Norway. The Medical Birth Registry of Norway from 1979 to 2009.

Population

Women (15–49 years), 2000 (n = 1 050 269) and 2010 (n = 1 127 665). Women who delivered during the period 1979–2009 (n = 1 807 714).

Methods

Geographic Information Systems software for travel zone calculations. Cross‐table and multiple logistic regression analysis of change over time and regional differences. World Health Organization Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care (EmOC) indicators.

Main outcome measures

Proportion of women living outside the 1‐hour travel zone to obstetric institutions. Risk of unplanned delivery outside obstetric institutions. Maternal morbidity.

Results

The proportion of women living outside the 1‐hour zone for all obstetric institutions increased from 7.9% to 8.8% from 2000 to 2010 (relative risk, 1.1; 95% confidence interval, 1.11–1.12), and for emergency obstetric care from 11.0% to 12.1% (relative risk, 1.1; 95% confidence interval, 1.09–1.11). The risk of unplanned delivery outside institutions increased from 0.4% in 1979–83 to 0.7% in 2004–09 (adjusted odds ratio, 2.0; 95% confidence interval, 1.9–2.2). Maternal morbidity increased from 1.7% in 2000 to 2.2% in 2009 (adjusted odds ratio, 1.4; 95% confidence interval, 1.2–1.5) and the regional differences increased.

Conclusions

The availability of and access to obstetric institutions was reduced and we did not observe the expected decrease in maternal morbidity following the centralisation.
Increased risk for bone loss in women with systemic sclerosis: a comparative study with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Kilic Gamze , Kilic Erkan , Akgul Ozgur , Ozgocmen Salih
Published: November 2013

Aim

To assess bone mass in women with systemic sclerosis (SSc) in comparison to age and sex‐matched patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and to evaluate factors influencing bone mineral density (BMD).

Methods

Patients were consecutively recruited and assessed for BMD at the lumbar spine and hip by dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DEXA) using a densitometer. In SSc, the extent of skin involvement, modified Rodnan skin thickness score (mRSS) and Medsger disease severity index were assessed.

Results

Forty‐three patients with SSc and 38 age‐matched patients with RA were included. There was no difference in BMD measurements between patients with diffuse or limited SSc. Patients with SSc had similar risk factors associated with osteoporosis (OP) or low bone mass except for low body mass index (BMI) and low vitamin D levels compared to patients with RA. Lumbar spinal BMD and T score were similar between groups. Total hip and femoral neck BMD and T score at femoral neck and total hip were significantly lower in patient with SSc versus RA. There was significant association between mRSS, Medsger severity score (peripheral vascular involvement and skin) and femoral BMD.

Conclusion

There is an increased risk for bone loss in patients with SSc and the risk of OP is associated with disease severity, prolonged menopause and disease duration. The complex pathophysiology of bone metabolism as well as complex pathogenesis of the SSc pose some difficulty reaching clear‐cut conclusions on the causal relationship between SSc and bone loss.
Effects of landscape, demographic and behavioral factors on kin structure: testing ecological predictions in a mesopredator with high dispersal capability
Authors: Dharmarajan G. , Beasley J. C. , Fike J. A. , Rhodes O. E.
Published: November 2013

Kin structure, the spatial aggregation of related individuals, impacts many processes important to conservation (e.g. inbreeding), and patterns of kin structure could be impacted by human‐mediated habitat fragmentation and loss. While kin structure is expected to increase with habitat fragmentation (reduced connectivity), the effects of habitat loss (reduced resource availability) remain unclear. Disentangling the effects of habitat fragmentation and loss is challenging because they usually are spatially correlated, and because most species are negatively affected by both processes. Raccoons Procyon lotor is a model species to test how habitat loss affects kin structure because, although relatively unaffected by habitat fragmentation (because of high dispersal ability), they are negatively affected by habitat loss (forest‐related resources being important for female reproductive success). To elucidate the causes and consequences of kin structure in raccoons, we utilized genetic and demographic data collected from 998 individuals trapped from 27 spatially distinct habitat patches (local populations) situated in an agricultural ecosystem. Our results highlight an important, but often ignored fact: structural connectivity does not necessarily predict functional dispersal patterns in natural populations. Thus, in raccoons, local populations with low kin structure were associated with high landscape disturbance (i.e. high levels of habitat loss and low connectivity), and were characterized by demographic instability (i.e. high immigration, emigration and/or mortality). Alternatively, local populations exhibiting high kin structure were associated with low landscape disturbance and high demographic stability (i.e. high natality and philopatry). We propose that such increased philopatry in resource‐rich patches could lead to a functional isolation (‘isolation by resource’) exacerbating the negative effects of landscape modification because of isolation by distance and/or resistance, especially in species with low dispersal capability. Our results also indicate that high levels of genetic diversity may be associated with low (rather than high) patch quality because populations in such patches could be composed predominantly of (unrelated) immigrants.
Isotretinoin and mental health in adolescents: Australian consensus
Authors: Rowe Casey , Spelman Lynda , Oziemski Margaret , Ryan Alexander , Manoharan Shobhan , Wilson Perry , Daubney Michael , Scott James
Published: November 2013

Acne is a common condition among adolescents and has the potential to negatively impact on the psychological well‐being of those who suffer from it. In particular, depression and suicidal ideation are more common in adolescents with acne. Successful treatment of acne can improve the quality of life and reduce levels of anxiety and depression in these individuals. The current treatment of choice for severe or refractive acne is isotretinoin, a retinoid. While the possible causal association between isotretinoin and mental illness remains a controversial topic, a recent systematic review has presented evidence to support this relationship. In light of this evidence, a group of dermatologists and psychiatrists have collaborated to develop these recommendations to aid the safe prescribing of isotretinoin in adolescents. These clinical suggestions are aimed at practitioners in both disciplines to increase awareness of the current evidence in support of the association between isotretinoin and adolescent depression.
Preterm dietary study: meal frequency, regurgitation and the surprisingly high use of laxatives among formula‐fed infants following discharge
Authors: Zachariassen G , Fenger‐Gron J
Published: November 2013

Aim

To describe eating habits and possible feeding intolerance among preterm infants based on type of nutrition.

Methods

The parents of infants born below 32 weeks filled in questionnaires, before and after discharge, about type of nutrition, number of meals, regurgitation, number of stools and laxative use.

Results

A total of 769 questionnaires based on 286 very preterm infants were completed, and 753 were included. At 40 weeks of corrected age, infants fed both fortified and unfortified human milk received more daily meals (mean 7.37 and 7.57) than preterm formula‐fed infants (mean 6.79) (p < 0.05). Fortification of human milk did not seem to increase the incidence of regurgitation. Between 38.7 and 42.9% of the preterm infants were treated with laxatives from discharge to 6 months of corrected age. Infants fed preterm formula prior to discharge, at term, at 2 and 4 months of corrected age received laxatives more often than infants fed human milk, with odds ratios of 13.7, 137.5, 49.7 and 40.5, respectively (p ≤ 0.001).

Conclusion

Constipation seems to be frequent among very preterm infants. Laxative use averaged 40% across all the different feeding groups and was as high as 70–85% in formula‐fed preterm infants over the course of the study.
Serious periventricular white matter injury has a significant effect on the voiding pattern of preterm infants
Authors: Wang Ya Lun , Wen Jian Guo , Xing Lu , Zhang Qian , Zhang Yan Sha , Xu Yu Ming
Published: November 2013

Aim

To evaluate the effect of serious periventricular white matter injury (PWMI) on the voiding patterns of preterm infants.

Methods

Free voiding was continuously observed for eight hours in 19 preterm infants with serious PWMI and 16 infants without PWMI. The infants had a gestational age of 32–35 weeks and a postnatal age of 9–15 days. Voiding frequency, voided volume, postvoid residual volume, empty voiding, awake voiding and interrupted voiding were recorded and compared between the two groups of infants.

Results

The voiding frequency ((5.1 ± 1.0) vs. (7.0 ± 1.1)), awake voiding percentage ((23 ± 11)% vs. (42 ± 7)%) and empty voiding percentage (lower quartile = 16% vs. 28%, median = 20% vs. 33%, upper quartile = 28% vs. 40%) were significantly lower, while the voided volume ((19.9 ± 6.6) mL vs.(15.9 ± 5.3) mL)and postvoid residual volume (lower quartile = 1 mL. vs. 0 mL., median = 3 mL. vs. 2 mL., upper quartile = 3 mL. vs. 2 mL.) were significantly higher in the injured preterm infants, compared with the healthy infants (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Serious PWMI has a significant effect on the voiding pattern of preterm infants, and the senior nerve centre plays a role in the voiding reflex of preterm infants.
The Dark Side of Personality and Extreme Leader Behavior
Authors: Kaiser Robert B. , LeBreton James M. , Hogan Joyce
Published: November 2013

In this study, dark‐side traits are conceptualised as extreme extensions of the “bright‐side” traits of the Five‐Factor Model that often have counterproductive effects. We predict which dark‐side traits will be related to ratings of “too little” and “too much” of four leader behaviors and how low levels of Emotional Stability may accentuate the relationship between dark‐side traits and excessive leader behavior. Analyses in a sample of 320 American and European managers and executives rated by 4,906 co‐workers provided support for most predicted relationships, with medium‐sized overall multivariate effects. Support for a moderating effect for Emotional Stability was also found. Scores near the normative mean on the dark‐side traits were associated with optimal levels of the leader behaviors, whereas both high scores and, unexpectedly, low scores were associated with extreme, ineffective leader behaviors. Implications are considered for future research on the role of the dark side in leadership, re‐conceptualising the interpretation of low scores on dark‐side personality scales, and the coaching and development of managers.
When More Is Less: Contradictions of Nonprofit Work
Authors: Wright Rachel
Published: November 2013

This study uses an employee‐centric approach to investigate working conditions in nonprofit social service organizations inMemphis,Tennessee. Many entities exert control over the nonprofit labor process, muddling decision making and contributing to the overall opacity of governance. Oftentimes, nonprofits' structures appoint executive directors as the gatekeeper between employees and boards of directors, complicating paths to expressing grievances. Nonprofits' reliance on external funding to operate also imbues funders with enormous influence over daily operations. In turn, many granting agencies impose fiscal accountability systems that force nonprofits to quantify the qualitative work that they do. This relationship pits categories of employees against one another: high‐ranking “administrative” staff must track and report program information to funders; “programming” staff are responsible for implementing these systems. This dynamic widens the communication gap between the former, who are removed from direct contact with the clients and are low ranking, and the latter, who are responsible for and possess the greatest knowledge of front‐line service delivery. Furthermore, programming employees and clients often forge deep caring relationships, which collapse their options for self‐advocacy. Yet individual employees, especially at lower levels, strive daily to provide high‐quality care and bring about social change within the confines of a hierarchical and increasingly corporatized structure. In addition to these structural conditions, the nonprofit labor process co‐opts broader ideologies about gender and race that reinforce this hierarchy of power, pay, and prestige. By privileging the perspectives of employees at all levels, this study shows that program outcomes are linked to donor satisfaction rather than to client satisfaction, suggesting that nonprofits have many “uses” besides their stated missions and that striving to meet the “needs” of outside groups often comes at the cost of service delivery to clients and employee satisfaction.
A systematic review of hospitalization resulting from medicine‐related problems in adult patients
Authors: Al Hamid Abdullah , Ghaleb Maisoon , Aljadhey Hisham , Aslanpour Zoe
Published: November 2013

Aims

Medicine‐related problems (MRPs) represent a major issue leading to hospitalization, especially in adult and elderly patients. The aims of this review are to investigate the prevalence, causes and major risk factors for MRPs leading to hospitalization in adult patients and to identify the main medicine classes involved.

Methods

Studies were identified through electronic searches of Medline, Embase, Scopus and International Pharmaceutical Abstracts between January 2000 and May 2013. A systematic review was conducted of both retrospective and prospective studies. Studies included were those involving hospitalization resulting from MRPs in adults (≥18 years old), whereas studies excluded were those investigating drug misuse and abuse and studies investigating MRPs in hospitalized patients. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 20.

Results

Forty‐five studies were identified, including 21 that investigated hospitalization resulting from adverse drug reactions, six studies that investigated hospitalization due to adverse drug events and 18 studies that investigated hospitalization due to MRPs. The median prevalence rates of hospitalization resulting from adverse drug reactions, adverse drug events and MRPs were 7% (interquartile range, 2.4–14.9%), 4.6% (interquartile range, 2.85–16.6%) and 12.1% (interquartile range, 6.43–22.2%), respectively. The major causes contributing to MRPs were adverse drug reactions and noncompliance. In addition, the major risk factors associated with MRPs were old age, polypharmacy and comorbidities. Moreover, the main classes of medicines implicated were medicines used to treat cardiovascular diseases and diabetes.

Conclusions

Hospitalization due to MRPs had a high prevalence, in the range of 4.6–12.1%. Most MRPs encountered were prevalent among adult patients taking medicines for cardiovascular diseases and diabetes.
Transient receptor potential ion channels in primary sensory neurons as targets for novel analgesics
Authors: Sousa‐Valente J , Andreou A P , Urban L , Nagy I
Published: November 2013

The last decade has witnessed an explosion in novel findings relating to the molecules involved in mediating the sensation of pain in humans. Transient receptor potential (TRP) ion channels emerged as the greatest group of molecules involved in the transduction of various physical stimuli into neuronal signals in primary sensory neurons, as well as, in the development of pain. Here, we review the role of TRP ion channels in primary sensory neurons in the development of pain associated with peripheral pathologies and possible strategies to translate preclinical data into the development of effective new analgesics. Based on available evidence, we argue that nociception‐related TRP channels on primary sensory neurons provide highly valuable targets for the development of novel analgesics and that, in order to reduce possible undesirable side effects, novel analgesics should prevent the translocation from the cytoplasm to the cell membrane and the sensitization of the channels rather than blocking the channel pore or binding sites for exogenous or endogenous activators.

Linked Articles

This article is part of a themed section on the pharmacology of TRP channels. To view the other articles in this section visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/bph.2014.171.issue‐10
Properties of human brain sodium channel α‐subunits expressed in HEK293 cells and their modulation by carbamazepine, phenytoin and lamotrigine
Authors: Qiao Xin , Sun Guangchun , Clare Jeffrey J , Werkman Taco R , Wadman Wytse J
Published: November 2013

Background and purpose

Voltage‐activated Na+ channels contain one distinct α‐subunit. In the brain NaV1.1, NaV1.2, NaV1.3 and NaV1.6 are the four most abundantly expressed α‐subunits. The antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) carbamazepine, phenytoin and lamotrigine have voltage‐gated Na+ channels as their primary therapeutic targets. This study provides a systematic comparison of the biophysical properties of these four α‐subunits and characterizes their interaction with carbamazepine, phenytoin and lamotrigine.

Experimental approach

Na+ currents were recorded in voltage‐clamp mode in HEK293 cells stably expressing one of the four α‐subunits.

Key results

NaV1.2 and NaV1.3 subunits have a relatively slow recovery from inactivation, compared with the other subunits and NaV1.1 subunits generate the largest window current. Lamotrigine evokes a larger maximal shift of the steady‐state inactivation relationship than carbamazepine or phenytoin. Carbamazepine shows the highest binding rate to the α‐subunits. Lamotrigine binding to NaV1.1 subunits is faster than to the other α‐subunits. Lamotrigine unbinding from the α‐subunits is slower than that of carbamazepine and phenytoin.

Conclusions and implications

The four Na+ channel α‐subunits show subtle differences in their biophysical properties, which, in combination with their (sub)cellular expression patterns in the brain, could contribute to differences in neuronal excitability. We also observed differences in the parameters that characterize AED binding to the Na+ channel subunits. Particularly, lamotrigine binding to the four α‐subunits suggests a subunit‐specific response. Such differences will have consequences for the clinical efficacy of AEDs. Knowledge of the biophysical and binding parameters could be employed to optimize therapeutic strategies and drug development.
Vitamin D and multiple sclerosis in Asians and Caucasians: environmental and genetic aspects
Authors: Niino Masaaki , Miyazaki Yusei , Fukazawa Toshiyuki , Kikuchi Seiji
Published: November 2013

Several genetic and environmental factors are thought to be associated with an increased risk of multiple sclerosis (MS), the influence of which can differ between ethnicities. One of the most important risk factors for MS is low serum levels of vitamin D, and these levels also differ between ethnicities, probably mainly because of differences in skin pigmentation. Furthermore, genetic influences in vitamin D‐related genes might also vary between ethnicities, reflecting different genetic backgrounds. The present review article discusses the association between vitamin D and MS, with a focus on Asians and Caucasians.
Treatment of Circumferential Defects with Osseoconductive Xenografts of Different Porosities: A Histological, Histometric, Resonance Frequency Analysis, and Micro‐CT Study in Dogs
Authors: Antunes Antonio Azoubel , Grossi‐Oliveira Gustavo Augusto , Martins‐Neto Evandro Carneiro , De Almeida Adriana Luisa Gonçalves , Salata Luiz Antonio
Published: November 2013

Background

Finding the most effective method of minimizing the gap effect in alveolar crest remodeling constitutes a clinical challenge for immediate implant technique.

Purpose

To evaluate the effectiveness of osseoconductive xenografts with different porosities in the crestal bone region, with and without guided bone regeneration, over immediate implant installation.

Materials and Methods

Five bone defects (6 mm in diameter/4 mm depth) were prepared on one side of the mandibles of twelve dogs. Implants of 3.3 × 10 mm were installed on the mesial side of each defect, providing a 2.7‐mm distal gap. Defects were randomly filled with autogenous bone, coagulum, a deproteinized bovine bone mineral (DBBM) block, a DBBM sponge, or DBBM granules. The same procedures were performed on the opposite side after 8 weeks. Collagen membranes were used to cover the defects on half of the sides. The animals were sacrificed after 8 weeks. The outcomes were evaluated by histology, histomorphometric analysis, resonance frequency analysis, and micro‐CT analysis.

Results

The histomorphometry showed the DBBM sponge to provide similar bone formation to autogenous bone at 8 weeks without a membrane. The coagulum rendered better bone formation at 16 weeks (membrane) (p < .05). The DBBM block exhibited the poorest results between treatments (8 and 16 weeks, with or without membrane). Micro‐CT analysis revealed increasing bone surface values in sites with DBBM granules, followed by the DBBM sponge (8 weeks without membrane) and autogenous bone at 8 weeks with membrane (p < .05). Porosity analysis of the biomaterials showed the highest number, volume, and surface area of closed pores in DBBM granules. The DBBM block presented the highest volume of open pores, open porosity, and total porosity.

Conclusions

The high‐porosity block (DBBM block) failed to provide greater bone repair within the defect. Biomaterials with lower porosity (DBBM sponge and granules) showed similar or higher bone formation when compared with autogenous bone.
A systematic review to assess cost effectiveness of enhanced recovery after surgery programmes in colorectal surgery
Authors: Lemanu D. P. , Singh P. P. , Stowers M. D. J. , Hill A. G.
Published: November 2013

Aim

Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) programmes have been shown to reduce length of stay and peri‐operative morbidity. However, there are comparatively few data on their cost effectiveness. The object of this systematic review was to appraise the current literature to determine the cost effectiveness of ERAS and to characterize how cost is reported and evaluated.

Method

An electronic database search identified studies comparing ERAS with standard peri‐operative care in colorectal surgery where an evaluation of cost effectiveness was a primary or secondary outcome. Cost data were converted to euros to enable a more standardized comparison of the studies. There were no limits on study design.

Results

Seven articles were included in the analysis. The reporting and evaluation of cost data were inconsistent. Reported cost for ERAS ranged from €1989 to €12 805 per patient. Although not all statistically significant, all studies demonstrated cost reductions with ERAS compared with non‐ERAS although they were highly variable, ranging from €153 to €6537 per patient.

Conclusion

Although the review has shown ERAS to be cost effective, there are some important inconsistencies and deficiencies regarding the reporting of data. Authors should therefore be encouraged to report cost data to supplement the literature detailing clinical efficacy.
Fiddling in biodiversity hotspots while deserts burn? Collapse of the Sahara's megafauna
Authors: Durant S. M. , Wacher T. , Bashir S. , Woodroffe R. , De Ornellas P. , Ransom C. , Newby J. , Abáigar T. , Abdelgadir M. , El Alqamy H. , Baillie J. , Beddiaf M. , Belbachir F. , Belbachir‐Bazi A. , Berbash A. A. , Bemadjim N. E. , Beudels‐Jamar R. , Boitani L. , Breitenmoser C. , Cano M. , Chardonnet P. , Collen B. , Cornforth W. A. , Cuzin F. , Gerngross P. , Haddane B. , Hadjeloum M. , Jacobson A. , Jebali A. , Lamarque F. , Mallon D. , Minkowski K. , Monfort S. , Ndoassal B. , Niagate B. , Purchase G. , Samaïla S. , Samna A. K. , Sillero‐Zubiri C. , Soultan A. E. , Stanley Price M. R. , Pettorelli N.
Published: November 2013

Biodiversity hotspots understandably attract considerable conservation attention. However, deserts are rarely viewed as conservation priority areas, due to their relatively low productivity, yet these systems are home to unique species, adapted to harsh and highly variable environments. While global attention has been focused on hotspots, the world's largest tropical desert, the Sahara, has suffered a catastrophic decline in megafauna. Of 14 large vertebrates that have historically occurred in the region, four are now extinct in the wild, including the iconic scimitar‐horned oryx (Oryx dammah). The majority has disappeared from more than 90% of their Saharan range, including addax (Addax nasomaculatus), dama gazelle (Nanger dama) and Saharan cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus hecki) – all now on the brink of extinction. Greater conservation support and scientific attention for the region might have helped to avert these catastrophic declines. The Sahara serves as an example of a wider historical neglect of deserts and the human communities who depend on them. The scientific community can make an important contribution to conservation in deserts by establishing baseline information on biodiversity and developing new approaches to sustainable management of desert species and ecosystems. Such approaches must accommodate mobility of both people and wildlife so that they can use resources most efficiently in the face of low and unpredictable rainfall. This is needed to enable governments to deliver on their commitments to halt further degradation of deserts and to improve their status for both biodiversity conservation and human well‐being. Only by so‐doing will deserts be able to support resilient ecosystems and communities that are best able to adapt to climate change.
Attitudes towards e‐learning amongst dental students at the universities in Croatia
Authors: Brumini G. , Špalj S. , Mavrinac M. , Biočina‐Lukenda D. , Strujić M. , Brumini M.
Published: November 2013

Aim

To develop and test the psychometric characteristics of a questionnaire that measures attitudes towards e‐learning, as well as to study attitudes about e‐learning and to identify variables related to those attitudes amongst dental students.

Subject and Methods

The study was conducted from November 2010 to December 2011 at all three Croatian dental schools. A questionnaire entitled ‘Attitude Towards e‐Learning’ consisting of 12 questions about socio‐demographic data and 22 statements about attitude towards e‐learning was self‐administered by 386 students. Factorial analysis and Cronbach's alpha were used to test the psychometric characteristics of the questionnaire. Multiple regression analysis was used to identify variables related to attitudes towards e‐learning.

Results

Factorial analysis confirmed two factors: positive attitude and negative attitude, which interpret 58% of the total variance and had good internal consistency of α = 0.852 and 0.668, respectively. The average score of positive attitude was 42 ± 6, indicating a highly positive attitude towards e‐learning. The average score of negative attitude was 27 ± 6, indicating minor negative attitude. Higher age and study year, usage of the Internet in education, more frequent usage of Facebook and more attendance of e‐courses demonstrated a significant influence on positive attitude towards e‐learning (R2 = 0.304; P < 0.001). Lower year of study and less frequent attendance of e‐courses had a significant influence on negative attitude (R2 = 0.268; P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Dental students have generally positive attitudes towards e‐learning. Teachers should adopt strategies to change negative attitudes by introducing more e‐learning courses in lower study years and should encourage students to use the Internet in their education and communication with teachers and colleagues.
History of the invasive African olive tree in Australia and Hawaii: evidence for sequential bottlenecks and hybridization with the Mediterranean olive
Authors: Besnard Guillaume , Dupuy Jérémy , Larter Maximilien , Cuneo Peter , Cooke David , Chikhi Lounes
Published: November 2013

Humans have introduced plants and animals into new continents and islands with negative effects on local species. This has been the case of the olive that was introduced in Australia, New Zealand and Pacific islands where it became invasive. Two subspecies were introduced in Australia, and each successfully invaded a specific area: the African olive in New South Wales (NSW) and the Mediterranean olive in South Australia. Here, we examine their origins and spread and analyse a large sample of native and invasive accessions with chloroplast and nuclear microsatellites. African olive populations from the invaded range exhibit two South African chlorotypes hence supporting an introduction from South Africa, while populations from South Australia exhibit chlorotypes of Mediterranean cultivars. Congruently, nuclear markers support the occurrence of two lineages in Australia but demonstrate that admixture took place, attesting that they hybridized early after introduction. Furthermore, using an approximate Bayesian computation framework, we found strong support for the serial introduction of the African olive from South Africa to NSW and then from NSW to Hawaii. The taxon experienced successive bottlenecks that did not preclude invasion, meaning that rapid decisions need to be taken to avoid naturalization where it has not established a large population yet.
Evidence for linkage of migraine in Rolandic epilepsy to known 1q23 FHM2 and novel 17q22 genetic loci
Authors: Addis L. , Chiang T. , Clarke T. , Hardison H. , Kugler S. , Mandelbaum D. E. , Novotny E. , Wolf S. , Strug L. J. , Pal D. K.
Published: November 2013

Migraine headaches are a common comorbidity in Rolandic epilepsy (RE) and familial aggregation of migraine in RE families suggests a genetic basis not mediated by seizures. We performed a genome‐wide linkage analysis of the migraine phenotype in 38 families with RE to localize potential genetic contribution, with a follow‐up in an additional 21 families at linked loci. We used two‐point and multipoint LOD (logarithm of the odds) score methods for linkage, maximized over genetic models. We found evidence of linkage to migraine at chromosome 17q12‐22 [multipoint HLOD (heterogeneity LOD) 4.40, recessive, 99% penetrance], replicated in the second dataset (HLOD 2.61), and suggestive evidence at 1q23.1‐23.2, centering over the FHM2 locus (two‐point LOD 3.00 and MP HLOD 2.52). Sanger sequencing in 14 migraine‐affected individuals found no coding mutations in the FHM2 gene ATP1A2. There was no evidence of pleiotropy for migraine and either reading or speech disorder, or the electroencephalographic endophenotype of RE when the affected definition was redefined as those with migraine or the comorbid phenotype, and pedigrees were reanalyzed for linkage. In summary, we report a novel migraine susceptibility locus at 17q12‐22, and a second locus that may contribute to migraine in the general population at 1q23.1‐23.2. Comorbid migraine in RE appears genetically influenced, but we did not obtain evidence that the identified susceptibility loci are consistent with pleiotropic effects on other comorbidities in RE. Loci identified here should be fine‐mapped in individuals from RE families with migraine, and prioritized for analysis in other types of epilepsy‐associated migraine.
Freeze tolerance and physiological changes during cold acclimation of giant reed [Arundo donax (L.)]
Authors: Pompeiano A. , Vita F. , Miele S. , Guglielminetti L.
Published: November 2013

Arundo donax L. (Poaceae), giant reed, is a rhizomatous shrubby grass that is cultivated in subtropical and warm temperate regions for a multitude of uses. Recently, it has been identified as a leading sustainable, non‐food crop for lignocellulosic biofuels due to its low ecological and agronomic demands. Lack of cold hardiness may limit its diffusion into colder areas of the transition zone. The objectives of this study were to (i) quantify freeze tolerance (LT50) of cold‐acclimated and non‐acclimated Arundo donax L. plants using reproducible, controlled environment conditions, (ii) determine the effect of prolonged exposure to freeze stress on tolerance by keeping plants at a constant, sublethal temperature and (iii) study the relationship of non‐structural carbohydrates (total soluble sugars, glucose, fructose and sucrose) and proline accumulation with cold hardiness. In vitro‐propagated plants of the Honduran and Hungarian ecotypes of Arundo donax L. were chosen for this study. Cold acclimation treatment was imposed for 1 week using a controlled environment chamber set at 10°C and with a 12‐h photoperiod of 200 μmol m−2 s−1 photosynthetically active radiation. Freeze tolerance ranged from −12·8°C (Honduran) to −16·4°C (Hungarian ecotype). In all the organs analysed, total soluble sugars significantly increased during cold acclimation, with concentrations between 1·8‐ and 4·7‐fold higher than in non‐acclimated plants. The higher concentrations of sugars and proline in cold‐acclimated plants were positively associated with enhanced giant reed freeze tolerance (2·9°C lower). Our results confirm that during cold acclimation, metabolic changes related to increased freezing tolerance occur in giant reed.
Effect of feed space allowance and period of access to food on dairy cow performance
Authors: Ferris C. P. , Patterson D. C. , Mayne C. S. , O'Connell N. E.
Published: November 2013

Two experiments were conducted to examine the ‘long‐term’ effect of feed space allowance and period of access to feed on dairy cow performance. In Experiment 1, three horizontal feed space allowances (20, 40 and 60 cm cow−1) were examined over a 127‐d period (14 cows per treatment). In Experiment 2, 48 dairy cows were used in a continuous design (10‐week duration) 2 × 2 factorial design experiment comprising two horizontal feed space allowances (15 and 40 cm cow−1), and two periods of access to feed (unrestricted and restricted). With the former, uneaten feed was removed at 08·00 h, while feeding took place at 09·00 h. With the latter, uneaten feed was removed at 06·00 h, while feeding was delayed until 12·00 h. Mean total dry‐matter (DM) intakes were 19·0, 18·7 and 19·3 kg cow−1 d−1 with the 20, 40 and 60 cm cow−1 treatments in Experiment 1, and 18·1 and 18·2 kg cow−1 d−1 with the ‘restricted feeding time’ treatments, and 17·8 and 18·1 kg d−1 with the ‘unrestricted feeding time’ treatments (15 and 40 cm respectively) in Experiment 2. None of milk yield, milk composition, or end‐of‐study live weight or condition score were significantly affected by treatment in either experiment (P > 0·05), while fat + protein yield was reduced with the 15‐cm treatment in Experiment 2 (P < 0·05). When access to feed was restricted by space or time constraints, cows modified their time budgets and increased their rates of intake.
Musculoskeletal disorders amongst Greek endodontists: a national questionnaire survey
Authors: Zarra T. , Lambrianidis T.
Published: November 2013

Aim

To investigate amongst Greek endodontists the prevalence and characteristics of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) in the past 12 months, the treatment followed, their postures during practice and the adoption of ergonomic standards.

Methodology

One hundred and forty‐seven endodontists met the inclusion criteria and were invited to participate in the survey. Participants were asked for personal/professional data, prevalence, characteristics and treatment for MDSs in the past 12 months. Endodontists' postures during practice as well as ergonomic factors were also recorded. Data were analysed using chi‐square test, independent samples t‐test and logistic regression. The level of significance was set at P = 0.05.

Results

The response rate was 84%. MSDs were reported by 61% of the participants. Of them, 69% reported pain to more than one body part. The prevalence of disorders was highest in the lower back (30%) and neck (30%). Medical care was applied in 53% of the disorders. A sitting position was always used by 83% of endodontists. Awkward postures during practice (OR:4.561, 95% CI:1.341–15.512), regular stretching exercises (OR:0.032, 95% CI:0.010–0.110) and number of patients day−1 (OR:3.524, 95% CI:1.686–18.100) were significant predictors for MSDs. Properly adjusted stools, sufficient lighting and space in the operating room were reported by 71%, 96% and 93% of participants, respectively.

Conclusions

A high percentage of endodontists reported MSDs. Adoption of correct/neutral postures, regular performance of stretching exercises and reduced number of patients/day were associated with a low prevalence of disorders. The majority of endodontists had adopted ergonomic innovations/standards to control disorders.
Keratocystic odontogenic tumour arising as a periapical lesion
Authors: Santos J. N. , Carneiro Júnior B. , Alves Malaquias P. D. T. I. , Henriques Á. C. G. , Cury P. R. , Rebello I. M. C. R.
Published: November 2013

Aim

To document a case of a keratocystic odontogenic tumour (KOT) involving the apical region in the maxilla mimicking a periapical lesion of endodontic origin.

Benign and malignant tumours, including odontogenic lesions, can be erroneously diagnosed as periapical radiolucencies. KOTs mimicking periapical lesions of endodontic origin are uncommon, especially when the lesions involve the maxilla. This article describes a 55‐year‐old man with a well‐delimited, oval‐shaped, radiolucent lesion, occupying the middle and apical third of teeth 22 and 23. After 30 days, the clinical and radiographic findings remained unchanged and the patient was referred for surgical removal of the lesion. Clinical, radiographic and histopathological features are also discussed and compared with current literature.
Within‐rhythm Class Native Language Discrimination Abilities of Basque‐Spanish Monolingual and Bilingual Infants at 3.5 Months of Age
Authors: Molnar Monika , Gervain Judit , Carreiras Manuel
Published: November 2013

Language rhythm determines young infants' language discrimination abilities. However, it is unclear whether young bilingual infants exposed to rhythmically similar languages develop sensitivities to cross‐linguistic rhythm cues to discriminate their dual language input. To address this question, 3.5‐month‐old monolingual Basque, monolingual Spanish and bilingual Basque‐Spanish infants' language discrimination abilities (across low‐pass filtered speech samples of Basque and Spanish) have been tested using the visual habituation procedure. Although falling within the same rhythmic class, Basque and Spanish exhibit significant differences in their distributions of vocalic intervals (within‐rhythmic class variation). All infant groups in our study successfully discriminated between the languages, although each group exhibited a different pattern. Monolingual Spanish infants succeeded only when they heard Basque during habituation, suggesting that they were influenced by native language recognition. The bilingual and the Basque monolingual infants showed no such asymmetries and succeeded irrespective of the language of habituation. Additionally, bilingual infants exhibited longer looking times in the test phase as compared with monolinguals, reflecting that bilingual infants attend to their native languages differently than monolinguals. Overall, results suggest that bilingual infants are sensitive to within‐rhythm acoustic regularities of their native language(s) facilitating language discrimination and hence supporting early bilingual acquisition.
Human acellular dermal wound matrix: evidence and experience
Authors: Kirsner Robert S , Bohn Greg , Driver Vickie R , Mills Joseph L , Nanney Lillian B , Williams Marie L , Wu Stephanie C
Published: November 2013

A chronic wound fails to complete an orderly and timely reparative process and places patients at increased risk for wound complications that negatively impact quality of life and require greater health care expenditure. The role of extracellular matrix (ECM) is critical in normal and chronic wound repair. Not only is ECM the largest component of the dermal skin layer, but also ECM proteins provide structure and cell signalling that are necessary for successful tissue repair. Chronic wounds are characterised by their inflammatory and proteolytic environment, which degrades the ECM. Human acellular dermal matrices, which provide an ECM scaffold, therefore, are being used to treat chronic wounds. The ideal human acellular dermal wound matrix (HADWM) would support regenerative healing, providing a structure that could be repopulated by the body's cells. Experienced wound care investigators and clinicians discussed the function of ECM, the evidence related to a specific HADWM (Graftjacket® regenerative tissue matrix, Wright Medical Technology, Inc., licensed by KCI USA, Inc., San Antonio, TX), and their clinical experience with this scaffold. This article distills these discussions into an evidence‐based and practical overview for treating chronic lower extremity wounds with this HADWM.
Field and Frequency Dependence of the Dynamic Hysteresis in Lead Zirconate Titanate Solid Solutions
Authors: Chen Xuefeng , Dong Xianlin , Cao Fei , Wang Junxia , Wang Genshui
Published: November 2013

Dynamic hysteresis of Nb‐doped Pb(Zr1−xTix)O3 (PZT, 0.20 ≤ x ≤ 0.60) ceramics were studied systemically at different field (E) and frequency (f). The hysteresis loops were strongly dependent on E and f. The measured coercive fields (Ec0) were far lower than the calculated values based on the Landau–Ginzburg theory, and increased dramatically from the rhombohedral phase to the tetragonal phase while had less variation with composition in the same phase. With increasing E or f for each composition, three types of loops were observed: linear, minor, and saturated loops. The cross fields (E0), cross polarizations (P0), and hysteresis areas () showed different variation regularities with f. Similar varying curves were observed for all PZT ceramic samples by normalizing E0, P0, and  with E/Ec0, which indicated the same polarization switching for different domain structures. Further analyses revealed that the switching processes can be divided into three stages: space charge polarization, domain switching, and steady state. The first and second stage occurred at ~0.5 and ~1.5 E/Ec0, respectively. These results would be very helpful to further understand the polarization switching of ferroelectric ceramics.
Thermal Expansion of Alkaline‐Doped Lanthanum Ferrite Near the Néel Temperature
Authors: Beausoleil Geoffrey L. , Price Patrick , Thomsen David , Punnoose Alex , Ubic Rick , Misture Scott , Butt Darryl P.
Published: November 2013

The thermal expansion and magnetic behaviors of divalent, alkaline‐doped lanthanum ferrites (La0.9M0.1FeO3, M=Ca, Sr, Ba) were assessed using a combination of dilatometry, magnetometry, time‐of‐flight neutron diffraction, and high‐temperature X‐ray diffraction. Néel temperatures were determined through vibrating sample magnetometry and correlated well with changes in thermal expansion behavior observed during both dilatometry and X‐ray diffraction. The Néel temperatures observed for pure, Ca‐doped, Sr‐doped, and Ba‐doped lanthanum ferrites were 471°C, 351°C, 465°C, and 466°C, respectively. The effect of divalent substitutions on the magnetic behavior are attributed to charge compensation mechanisms and structural changes in the material.
Solid Solutions of Lead Metaniobate—Stabilization of the Ferroelectric Polymorph and the Effect on the Lattice Parameters, Dielectric, Ferroelectric, and Piezoelectric Properties
Authors: Sahini Mtabazi G. , Grande Tor , Fraygola Barbara , Biancoli Alberto , Damjanovic Dragan , Setter Nava
Published: November 2013

Ferroelectric orthorhombic lead metaniobate (PbNb2O6) is known to be metastable with respect to the thermodynamically stable nonferroelectric rhombohedral polymorph. The high‐temperature tetragonal to low temperature rhombohedral phase transition is reconstructive and thereby sluggish; ferroelectric PbNb2O6 is obtained by quenching from the stable phase field of the tetragonal polymorph. We report on the stabilization of the ferroelectric tungsten bronze polymorphs of PbNb2O6 by minor chemical substitution in the series [(1 − x) PbNb2O6–xBiTiNbO6], [(1 − x)PbNb2O6–xNa0.5Bi0.5Nb2O6], [(1 − x)PbNb2O6–xK0.5Bi0.5Nb2O6], and [(1 − x)PbNb2O6–xCaTiO3]. The high‐temperature tungsten bronze polymorph is entropy stabilized with respect to the stable rhombohedral polymorph, and we propose that the tungsten bronze is further entropy stabilized by chemical substitution, reducing the transition temperature of the rhombohedral polymorph and further disfavoring the kinetics of the undesired phase transition. Optimized solid‐state synthesis and processing to obtain dense ceramics were developed for the solid solutions, and the dielectric, ferroelectric, and piezoelectric properties of the PbNb2O6 solid solutions are reported. Curie temperature is suppressed with chemical substitution in all the systems. Lattice cell parameters display systematic variation with composition, reducing the molar volume, and the lattice parameter ratio 2b/a with increasing degree of substitution, reflecting a suppression of the polarization along the (010) direction due to chemical substitution. The piezoelectric properties improved with increasing substitution level probably due to the ease of poling of the materials with lower Tc. However, some improvements seen with 2% CaTiO3 were not accompanied by Tc decrease.
Determining the Kinetic Parameters for Isothermal Crystallization in a Lithium Disilicate (Ls2) Glass by OM and DSC
Authors: Everton Leyliane S. , Cabral Aluisio A.
Published: November 2013

It is well known that the variation in the crystallized fraction, x(t), can be determined directly by optical microscopy (OM) or indirectly by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) under isothermal conditions. In this work, the kinetic crystallization parameters E (activation energy) and n (Avrami index) of a quasi‐stoichiometric lithium disilicate glass (Li2O·2SiO2–LS2) were studied. First, bulk samples were heat treated in a vertical tube furnace between 500°C and 530°C for different periods of time, and were carefully prepared. Furthermore, the same samples were then heated in a calorimeter from room temperature to 850°C at 10°C/min. The following E and n values were obtained: (i) OM: 462.2 ± 1.23 kJ/mol and 4; and (ii) DSC: 187.5 ± 0.45 kJ/mol and 2.4. The results indicated that the activation energy was reduced due to the formation of new crystals and growing of the “preexisting crystals” during the DSC experiments, and that the predominant crystallization mechanism in the samples changed according to the chosen thermal history.