bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of the introduction of a specialist critical care pharmacist on the level of pharmaceutical care provided to the critical care unit
Authors: Richter Anja , Bates Ian , Thacker Meera , Jani Yogini , O'Farrell Bryan , Edwards Caroline , Taylor Helen , Shulman Rob
Published: January 2016

Objectives

To evaluate the impact of a dedicated specialist critical care pharmacist service on patient care at a UK critical care unit (CCU).

Methods

Pharmacist intervention data was collected in two phases. Phase 1 was with the provision of a non-specialist pharmacist chart review service and Phase 2 was after the introduction of a specialist dedicated pharmacy service. Two CCUs with established critical care pharmacist services were used as controls. The impact of pharmacist interventions on optimising drug therapy or preventing harm from medication errors was rated on a 4-point scale.

Key findings

There was an increase in the mean daily rate of pharmacist interventions after the introduction of the specialist critical care pharmacist (5.45 versus 2.69 per day, P < 0.0005). The critical care pharmacist intervened on more medication errors preventing potential harm and optimised more medications. There was no significant change to intervention rates at the control sites. Across all study sites the majority of pharmacist interventions were graded to have at least moderate impact on patient care.

Conclusion

The introduction of a specialist critical care pharmacist resulted in an increased rate of pharmacist interventions compared to a non-specialist pharmacist service thus improving the quality of patient care.
Patterns of service utilisation within Australian hepatology clinics: high prevalence of advanced liver disease
Authors: El‐Atem N. A. , Wojcik K. , Horsfall L. , Irvine K. M. , Johnson T. , McPhail S. M. , Powell E. E.
Published: January 2016

Background

Liver diseases in Australia are estimated to affect 6 million people with a societal cost of $51 billion annually. Information about utilisation of specialist hepatology care is critical in informing policy makers about the requirements for delivery of hepatology‐related healthcare.

Aims

This study examined the aetiology and severity of liver disease seen in a tertiary hospital hepatology clinic, as well as the resource utilisation patterns.

Methods

A longitudinal cohort study included consecutive patients booked in hepatology outpatient clinics during a 3‐month period. Subsequent outpatient appointments for these patients over the following 12 months were then recorded.

Results

During the initial 3‐month period, 1471 appointments were scheduled with a hepatologist, 1136 of which were attended. Twenty‐one per cent of patients were ‘new cases’. Hepatitis B virus (HBV) was the most common disease aetiology for new cases (37%). Advanced disease at presentation varied between aetiology; only 5% of HBV cases had advanced liver disease at presentation, in contrast with HCV, NAFLD and ALD, in which advanced disease was identified at presentation in 31%, 46% and 72% of cases, respectively. Most patients (83%) attended multiple hepatology appointments, and a range of referral patterns for procedures, investigations and other specialty assessments were observed.

Conclusions

There is a high prevalence of HBV in new case referrals. Patients with HCV infection, NAFLD and ALD have a high prevalence of advanced liver disease at referral, requiring ongoing surveillance for development of decompensated liver disease and liver cancer. These findings that describe the patterns of health service utilisation among patients with liver disease provide useful information for planning sustainable health service provision for this clinical population.
Self‐efficacy theory‐based intervention in adolescents: a cluster randomized trial—focus on oral self‐care practice and oral self‐care skills
Authors: Džiaugytė Lina , Aleksejūnienė Jolanta , Brukienė Vilma , Pečiulienė Vytaute
Published: January 2016

Aim

The cluster randomized trial tested the efficacy of professional dental education for improving oral self‐care skills (OSC‐S) and oral self‐care practice (OSC‐P) in adolescents.

Design

All 15‐ to 16‐year‐old adolescents from four public schools were invited and 206 agreed to participate. Schools were randomly allocated to the intervention group and to the control group. Five sessions were given for the intervention group and one for the control group. The OSC‐S and OSC‐P outcomes were measured as % Oral Cleanliness Scores at the baseline, 6‐month, and 12‐month observations.

Results

OSC‐S and OSC‐P correlated significantly (Pearson's) at the baseline (r = 0.777, P < 0.001), at the 6‐month (r = 0.745, P < 0.001), and at the 12‐month (r = 0.780, P < 0.001) examinations. After the guided oral healthcare interventions, a significant time × group effect was observed (repeated‐measures anova, P < 0.001 for the OSC‐S (multivariate η2 = 0.355) and for the OSC‐P (multivariate η2 = 0.325).

Conclusion

(i) Oral self‐care skills and oral self‐care practice scores were significantly correlated, (ii) self‐efficacy theory‐guided intervention was superior to the conventional dental instruction to improve oral self‐care in adolescents, and (iii) varying levels of oral self‐care improvement were observed among the intervention group adolescents.
Thermal Poling of Soda‐Lime Silica Glass with Nonblocking Electrodes—Part 2: Effects on Mechanical and Mechanochemical Properties
Authors: He Hongtu , Luo Jiawei , Qian Linmao , Pantano Carlo G. , Kim Seong H.
Published: January 2016

The mechanical and mechanochemical properties of soda lime silica (SLS) glass surfaces can vary with the sodium ion (Na+) concentration in the subsurface region. Changes in these properties were studied upon modification of Na+ concentrations in the SLS glass by thermal poling. In Part‐1, it is found that the Na+‐depleted and Na+‐gradient layers could be formed at the anode and cathode sides, respectively. Here in Part‐2, we show that Na+ ions play a pivotal role in the mechanochemical wear property upon lateral shear stress. The Na+‐depleted glass wear more readily as relative humidity (RH) increases, while Na+‐gradient glass becomes resistant to wear at high RH. It is also found that the Na+‐gradient glass surface has a higher elastic modulus and hardness with very little change in fracture toughness compared to the pristine surface. The Na+‐depleted glass surface shows a lower elastic modulus and hardness; but its fracture toughness is significantly improved, which might be due to a larger densification capacity of Na+‐depleted layer.
The Effect of Relative Density on the Mechanical Properties of Hot‐Pressed Cubic Li7La3Zr2O12
Authors: Kim Yunsung , Jo Hyungyung , Allen Jan L. , Choe Heeman , Wolfenstine Jeff , Sakamoto Jeff
Published: January 2016

The effect of relative density on the hardness and fracture toughness of Al‐substituted cubic garnet Li6.19Al0.27La3Zr2O12 (LLZO) was investigated. Polycrystalline LLZO was made using solid‐state synthesis and hot‐pressing. The relative density was controlled by varying the densification time at fixed temperature (1050°C) and pressure (62 MPa). After hot‐pressing, the average grain size varied from approximately 2.7–3.7 μm for the 85% and 98% relative density samples, respectively. Examination of fracture surfaces revealed a transition from inter‐ to intragranular fracture as the relative density increased. The Vickers hardness increased with relative density up to 96%, above which the hardness was constant. At 98% relative density, the Vickers hardness was equal to the hardness measured by nanoindentation 9.1 GPa, which is estimated as the single‐crystal hardness value. An inverse correlation between relative density and fracture toughness was observed. The fracture toughness increased linearly from 0.97 to 2.37 MPa√m for the 98% and 85% relative density samples, respectively. It is suggested that crack deflection along grain boundaries can explain the increase in fracture toughness with decreasing relative density. It was also observed that the total ionic conductivity increased from 0.0094 to 0.34 mS/cm for the 85%–98% relative density samples, respectively. The results of this study suggest that the microstructure of LLZO must be optimized to maximize mechanical integrity and ionic conductivity.
Intellectual Disabilities Among Prisoners: Prevalence and Mental and Physical Health Comorbidities
Authors: Hellenbach Mike , Karatzias Thanos , Brown Michael
Published: January 2016

Background

Limited evidence suggests that people with ID (ID) are overrepresented in prisons although prevalence rates of ID among prisoners vary significantly across studies, making it difficult to identify prevalence and assess existing need.

Method

A systematic review of relevant literature was conducted, and results were organized and compared in relation to study aims, design, measures used to screen for ID, sample, limitations and key findings.

Results

Existing international data suggest a prevalence of prisoners with ID between 7 and 10%. Most frequent coexisting health issues among this population are hearing and vision impairments, obesity, diabetes and a range of mental health disorders, notably anxiety and personality and conduct disorders.

Conclusion

More research is required on prevalence rates and associated comorbidities of ID within prison settings, taking into account the heterogeneity of the population with ID.
Female collared flycatchers choose neighbouring and older extra‐pair partners from the pool of males around their nests
Authors: Edme Anais , Munclinger Pavel , Krist Milos
Published: January 2016

Extra‐pair copulation is common among passerine birds. Females might engage in this behavior to obtain direct or indirect benefits. They may choose extra‐pair males with larger ornaments, especially if they are costly to produce. Here we studied extra‐pair paternity in the collared flycatcher. Genetic analysis allowed us to identify the presence or absence of extra‐pair young in the focal nests, and to identify extra‐pair fathers. We also identified potential males available as extra‐pair sires around the nests of females who had extra‐pair young. First, we tested the relationship between paternity in own nest and ornament size (wing patch and/or forehead patch), morphological traits and age of social males and females. Second, we compared the same suite of traits among social mates, extra‐pair males and all potential extra‐pair mates. Finally, we investigated the effect of the size of ornaments on the distance between the social nest and that of nest the extra‐pair father. Contrary to our prediction, males with larger ornaments and longer wings lost more paternity in their nests. We also found that early breeders lost less paternity in their nests. Extra‐pair males were older and had longer wings than social and potential extra‐pair males. Females mainly obtained extra‐pair mates near their nests but the distance did not vary according to ornamentation. These results could potentially be explained by differences in mate guarding strategy as older males may be more experienced in guarding their mate and attract other females more easily. More data about mate guarding and prospecting are needed to increase our understanding of mechanisms underlying the extra‐pair paternity in birds.
Comparing inferences of solar geolocation data against high‐precision GPS data: annual movements of a double‐tagged black‐tailed godwit
Authors: Rakhimberdiev Eldar , Senner Nathan R. , Verhoeven Mo A. , Winkler David W. , Bouten Willem , Piersma Theunis
Published: January 2016

Annual routines of migratory birds inferred from archival solar geolocation devices have never before been confirmed using GPS technologies. A female black‐tailed godwit Limosa limosa limosa captured on the breeding grounds in the Netherlands in 2013 and recaptured in 2014 was outfitted with both an Intigeo geolocator and an UvA‐BiTS GPS‐tracker. The GPS positions show that, after its breeding season in 2013, the godwit flew 2035 km nonstop from the Netherlands to southern Spain. It then spent the entire nonbreeding season in the southern part of the Iberian Peninsula before returning to the Netherlands the following spring, stopping for 7 days in the delta of the Ebro River in Spain, and again for a day in central Belgium. To compare the geolocation and GPS data, we analysed the geolocation data with two open‐source software packages: one using a threshold method (GeoLight) and the other a template‐fit approach (FLightR). Estimates using GeoLight, on average, deviated from the individual's true position by 495.5 ± 1031.2 km (great circle distance with equinoxes excluded), while FLightR estimates deviated by 43.3 ± 51.5 km (great circle distance with equinoxes included). Arrival and departure schedules estimated by FLightR were within 12 h of those determined by the GPS tracker, whereas GeoLight's estimates were less precise. For the analysed track, FLightR represents an improvement over GeoLight; if true for other species and conditions, FLightR will hopefully help establish more precise and accurate uses of geolocation data in tracking studies. To aid future improvements in the analysis of solar geolocation data, we also provide the GPS and geolocation data files together with our R scripts as Supplementary material Appendix 1–6.
Stock Recommendations for Politically Connected Firms
Authors: Alfonso Elio
Published: January 2016

Social network connections of corporations can significantly affect operating performance and firm valuation. Political connections are one form of social networking which often manifests into improved firm profitability as a result of political favors granted by politicians. However, analysts often have greater difficulty forecasting the earnings of politically connected firms than those of non‐connected firms. This is because politicians often grant political favors to firms in an unpredictable manner making it difficult for market participants to time precisely when political benefits will translate into higher firm profitability. I examine how political connections affect analysts’ stock recommendations using a unique dataset of political contributions in the US over the period 1993–2012. I show that analysts’ recommendations are less profitable for firms with high connectedness than for firms with low (or no) connectedness. I also find that analysts are less effective in translating earnings forecasts into profitable recommendations for highly connected firms. Overall, the findings suggest that analysts do not impound all of the information concerning corporate political connections efficiently into their primary research outputs.
Noninvasive Estimation of Epicardial Dominant High‐Frequency Regions During Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: PEDRÓN‐TORRECILLA JORGE , RODRIGO MIGUEL , CLIMENT ANDREU M. , LIBEROS ALEJANDRO , PÉREZ‐DAVID ESTHER , BERMEJO JAVIER , ARENAL ÁNGEL , MILLET JOSÉ , FERNÁNDEZ‐AVILÉS FRANCISCO , BERENFELD OMER , ATIENZA FELIPE , GUILLEM MARÍA S.
Published: January 2016

Noninvasive Estimation of Fibrillation Frequencies

Introduction

Ablation of high dominant frequency (DF) sources in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) is an effective treatment option for paroxysmal AF. The aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of noninvasive estimation of DF and electrical patterns determination by solving the inverse problem of the electrocardiography.

Methods

Four representative AF patients with left‐to‐right and right‐to‐left atrial DF patterns were included in the study. For each patient, intracardiac electrograms from both atria were recorded simultaneously together with 67‐lead body surface recordings. In addition to clinical recordings, realistic mathematical models of atria and torso anatomy with different DF patterns of AF were used. For both mathematical models and clinical recordings, inverse‐computed electrograms were compared to intracardiac electrograms in terms of voltage, phase, and frequency spectrum relative errors.

Results

Comparison between intracardiac and inverse computed electrograms for AF patients showed 8.8 ± 4.4% errors for DF, 32 ± 4% for voltage, and 65 ± 4% for phase determination. These results were corroborated by mathematical simulations showing that the inverse problem solution was able to reconstruct the frequency spectrum and the DF maps with relative errors of 5.5 ± 4.1%, whereas the reconstruction of the electrograms or the instantaneous phase presented larger relative errors (i.e., 38 ± 15% and 48 ± 14 % respectively, P < 0.01).

Conclusions

Noninvasive reconstruction of atrial frequency maps can be achieved by solving the inverse problem of electrocardiography with a higher accuracy than temporal distribution patterns.
Low‐dose, continuous enzyme replacement therapy ameliorates brain pathology in the neurodegenerative lysosomal disorder mucopolysaccharidosis type IIIA
Authors: King Barbara , Hassiotis Sofia , Rozaklis Tina , Beard Helen , Trim Paul J. , Snel Marten F. , Hopwood John J. , Hemsley Kim M.
Published: January 2016

Repeated replacement of sulphamidase via cerebrospinal fluid injection is an effective treatment for pathological changes in the brain in mice and dogs with the lysosomal storage disorder, mucopolysaccharidosis type IIIA (MPS IIIA). Investigational trials of this approach are underway in children with this condition, however, infusions require attendance at a specialist medical facility. We sought to comprehensively evaluate the effectiveness of sustained‐release (osmotic pump‐delivered) enzyme replacement therapy in murine MPS IIIA as this method, if applied to humans, would require only subcutaneous administration of enzyme once the pump was installed. Six‐week‐old MPS IIIA and unaffected mice were implanted with subcutaneous mini‐osmotic pumps connected to an infusion cannula directed at the right lateral ventricle. Either recombinant human sulphamidase or vehicle were infused over the course of 7 weeks, with pumps replaced part‐way through the experimental period. We observed near‐normalisation of primarily stored substrate (heparan sulphate) in both hemispheres of the MPS IIIA brain and cervical spinal cord, as determined using tandem mass spectrometry. Immunohistochemistry indicated a reduction in secondarily stored GM3 ganglioside and neuroinflammatory markers. A bias towards the infusion side was seen in some, but not all outcomes. The recombinant enzyme appears stable under pump‐like conditions for at least 1 month. Given that infusion pumps are in clinical use in other nervous system disorders, e.g. for treatment of spasticity or brain tumours, this treatment method warrants consideration for testing in large animal models of MPS IIIA and other lysosomal storage disorders that affect the brain.

image

Clinical trials of repeated injection of replacement enzyme into CSF are underway in patients with the inherited neurodegenerative disorder mucopolysaccharidosis type IIIA. In this pre‐clinical study, we examined an alternative approach – slow, continual infusion of enzyme using pumps. We observed significant reductions in substrate accumulation and other disease‐based lesions in treated mouse brain. Thus, the strategy warrants consideration for testing in large animal models of MPS IIIA and also in other neurodegenerative lysosomal storage disorders.
Sex Differences in the Embryonic Development of the Central Oxytocin System in Mice
Authors: Tamborski S. , Mintz E. M. , Caldwell H. K.
Published: January 2016

Recent studies suggest that oxytocin (OXT) may be important for organising the neural circuitry that underlies adult social behaviour. Although most of the work exploring these effects has focused on early postnatal development, there is evidence that OXT may also be important during foetal development. However, without an understanding of how the OXT system develops, the ability to functionally link OXT in foetal life to adult behaviour is limited. To understand where and when OXT could be acting during embryonic development to affect the organisation of neural substrates, we examined the development of the mouse OXT system from embryonic day (E) 12.5 through postnatal day (PND) 2 using OXT receptor (OXTR) binding and a quantitative polymerase chain reaction. In both males and females, OXTR binding was observed by E16.5 in the ventricular and subventricular zones, as well as the developing amygdala. In males, OXT mRNA was not detectable until PND2, whereas it was detectable by E16.5 in females. OXTR mRNA was detected by E12.5 in both sexes, although females appear to have more OXTR mRNA during foetal development than males. The present study is significant because it is the first to reveal an unexpected sex difference in the development of the OXT system and supports the possibility that OXT during foetal development may contribute to sex differences in adult behaviour.
Student participation in clinical handover–an integrative review
Authors: Malone Linda , Anderson Judith , Manning Jennifer
Published: January 2016

Aim and objectives

To examine the literature exploring the current understanding of student nurse participation in clinical handover whilst they are enrolled in an undergraduate preregistration course.

Background

The importance of handing over the care of a patient to ensure continuity and safety of care is well‐recognised. Effective preparation of student nurses to competently perform this critical task requires the use of appropriate teaching strategies to support this learning, within undergraduate preregistration nursing programs.

Design

An integrative literature review.

Method

An integrative literature review was conducted to establish what is known about student nurse participation in relation to clinical handover. This resulted in 18 articles for inclusion in the literature review. An analysis was then undertaken of these 18 articles to extract key themes.

Results

Learning and teaching strategies need to address a variety of methods of the clinical handover process including verbal and written handovers. Participating in clinical handover prior to being given the responsibility of patient care prepares students for the workplace. Key themes identified within the literature included: learning strategies, limitations and challenges involved in putting theory into practice, handover structure and issues regarding confidentiality.

Conclusion

Simulation and clinical practice are commonly used to prepare students for this role during their undergraduate education. The use of simulation and structured handover techniques prior to clinical placement increases student confidence to engage in clinical handovers during their clinical placements.

Relevance to clinical practice

This article raises the awareness of both clinical staff and educators as to the need for student nurses to develop their skills in clinical handover practice and suggests strategies to prepare student nurses to conduct clinical handover competently in the clinical setting.
An examination of the prevalence of acute pain for hospitalised adult patients: a systematic review
Authors: Gregory Julie , McGowan Linda
Published: January 2016

Aims and objective

Aims of the review were to establish the prevalence of acute pain for adults in hospital, to identify the amount of severe or unacceptable pain reported and to examine the prevalence of acute pain within medical units.

Background

Acute Pain Services have been established in the United Kingdom (UK) to improve pain management within surgical settings. Acute pain is a common symptom across all hospital settings. However, medical settings have traditionally been considered low risk for acute pain and have therefore not always been included in the provision provided by APS. As a result 82% of APS surveyed in the UK felt that pain management was suboptimal on medical units.

Design and method

This review follows the process of a systematic review.

Results

Hospital‐wide pain prevalence obtained ranged from 37·7–84%, severe pain prevalence ranged from 9–36%. The papers reviewed were of variable quality and heterogeneous resulting in the wide range of pain prevalence. Higher prevalence of pain was found for surgical patients compared to medical patients, although up to 55% of medical patients’ reported pain.

Conclusion

It is difficult to determine a definite prevalence of pain for adults in hospital due to the variability of the studies examined. However, pain does remain a significant symptom with up to 35% of patients reporting severe pain and approximately 50% of medical patient reported pain.

Relevance to clinical practice

Awareness of the extent of pain as a problem for patients is the first step to improving practice. This review has demonstrated that there is a need for similar Acute Pain Teams and services for the staff and patients admitted to all areas of the hospital, including medical units to help clinicians assess and treat pain in all areas of a hospital setting.
Global, Local, or Regional? The Locus of MNE Strategies
Authors: Verbeke Alain , Asmussen Christian Geisler
Published: January 2016

This paper provides an overview of the main insights arising from the ‘regional strategy’ literature. It also develops the contours of a new, rich research agenda for future international strategy scholarship, whereby the region should be introduced as an explicit, third geographic level of analysis, in addition to the country‐level and the global level. Regional strategy analysis requires a fundamental rethink of mainstream theories in the international strategy sphere. This rethink involves, inter alia, internalization theory, with its resource‐based view and transaction cost economics components, as well as the integration (I) – national responsiveness (NR) framework.
TGFβ1‐Smad3‐Jagged1‐Notch1–Slug signaling pathway takes part in tumorigenesis and progress of tongue squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Zhang Tonghan , Liang Lizhong , Liu Xiaoling , Wu Ji‐nan , Chen Jueyao , Su Kui , Zheng Qiaoyi , Huang Hongzhang , Liao Gui‐qing
Published: January 2016

Background

TGFβ1 and Smad3 play an important role in the process of EMT. TGFβ1 regulates the expression of Jagged1 by modulating Notch signaling. Jagged1 is related to tumor invasion, metastasis, chemotherapy resistance, and tumor immune escape. The aims of this study are to examine deregulation of TGFβ1‐Smad3‐Jagged1‐Notch1‐Slug signaling in TSCC and to investigate its roles in TSCC progression.

Materials and Methods

Notch1, Smad3, Jagged1 and Slug proteins and mRNA expression were detected in specimens from 89 cases of patients. We analyzed the correlation between their expressions and histological grade, clinical stage and lymph node metastasis.

Results

Notch1, Smad3, Jagged1 and Slug mRNA expressions in TSCC were higher than normal tissue (P <0.05). The protein expression of Notch1 and Smad3 in TSCC were higher (χ2 =7.30, P <0.01 and χ2 = 5.84, P <0.05). Notch1 and Smad3 expressions were correlated with clinical stage (χ2 =18.81, P<0.01; χ2 =22.29, P<0.01), but not Jagged1 (χ2 =0.53, P>0.05). The Slug protein expression was correlated with clinical stage. The positive rate of Notch1 was higher in lymph node metastases positive cases (χ2=7.30, P<0.01). Moreover, higher expression of Jagged1 was found in lymph node positive cases (χ2 =10.82, P<0.01).

Conclusions

The key protein expression in TGFβ1‐Smad3‐Jagged1‐Notch1‐Slug signaling pathway significantly correlated with the clinicopathological features of TSCC patients. It's potential as a biomarker and a novel therapeutic target for TSCC patients at risk of metastasis. It may play an irreplaceable role in TSCC progression which may attribute to promoting EMT which enhances cell migration, invasion and metastasis.
The Role of Physical Education Lessons and Recesses in School Lifestyle of Adolescents
Authors: Frömel Karel , Svozil Zbyněk , Chmelík František , Jakubec Lukáš , Groffik Dorota
Published: January 2016

BACKGROUND

This study investigates school lifestyle among adolescents in terms of physical activity (PA) structure: (1) adolescents participating in a physical education lesson (PEL) versus (2) aggregate recess time exceeding 60 minutes.

METHODS

The research was conducted in 24 secondary schools in the Czech Republic (boys N = 208, girls N = 433). For the whole day (1‐3 days) participants wore the ActiTrainer accelerometer, which monitored PA, and heart rate. A total of 1122 school days were recorded.

RESULTS

Both boys and girls participating in a PEL reported significantly better results compared with nonparticipating individuals regarding all indicators of volume and intensity of school PA (SPA). In most SPA indicators, longer aggregate recess time (>60 minutes) had a statistically significant effect, particularly on the volume of SPA. The recommended 500 steps/hours for SPA was achieved by 83% of boys participating in PEL and 69% of girls. In contrast just 32% of nonparticipating boys and 31% of girls reached this level. With longer recess time the recommendation was met by 43% of boys (42% of girls) compared with 26% of boys (23% of girls) with shorter recess time.

CONCLUSIONS

An increase in SPA and an improved lifestyle in adolescents on school days are significantly supported more by PELs than by longer recess time.
Gymnoxanthella radiolariae gen. et sp. nov. (Dinophyceae), a dinoflagellate symbiont from solitary polycystine radiolarians
Authors: Yuasa Tomoko , Horiguchi Takeo , Mayama Shigeki , Takahashi Osamu
Published: January 2016

The symbiotic dinoflagellate Gymnoxanthella radiolariae T. Yuasa et T. Horiguchi gen. et sp. nov. isolated from polycystine radiolarians is described herein based on light, scanning and transmission electron microscopy as well as molecular phylogenetic analyses of SSU and LSU rDNA sequences. Motile cells of G. radiolariae were obtained in culture, and appeared to be unarmored. The cells were 9.1–11.4 μm long and 5.7–9.4 μm wide, and oval to elongate oval in the ventral view. They possessed an counterclockwise horseshoe‐shaped apical groove, a nuclear envelope with vesicular chambers, cingulum displacement with one cingulum width, and the nuclear fibrous connective; all of these are characteristics of Gymnodinium sensu stricto (Gymnodinium s.s.). Molecular phylogenetic analyses also indicated that G. radiolariae belongs to the clade of Gymnodinium s.s. However, in our molecular phylogenetic trees, G. radiolariae was distantly related to Gymnodinium fuscum, the type species of Gymnodinium. Based on the consistent morphological, genetic, and ecological divergence of our species with the other genera and species of Gymnodinium s.s., we considered it justified to erect a new, separate genus and species G. radiolariae gen. et sp. nov. As for the peridinioid symbiont of radiolarians, Brandtodinium has been erected as a new genus instead of Zooxanthella, but the name Zooxanthella is still valid. Brandtodinium is a junior synonym of Zooxanthella. Our results suggest that at least two dinoflagellate symbiont species, peridinioid Zooxanthella nutricula and gymnodinioid G. radiolariae, exist in radiolarians, and that they may have been mixed and reported as “Z. nutricula” since the 19th century.
Effects of MK‐467 on the antinociceptive and sedative actions and pharmacokinetics of medetomidine in dogs
Authors: Bennett R. C. , Salla K. M. , Raekallio M. R. , Hänninen L. , Rinne V. M. , Scheinin M. , Vainio O. M.
Published: January 2016

We investigated the influence of the peripherally acting α2‐adrenoceptor antagonist MK‐467 on the sedative and antinociceptive actions and plasma drug concentrations of medetomidine, an α2‐adrenoceptor agonist that is used in veterinary medicine as a sedative and analgesic agent. Eight healthy beagle dogs received intravenous medetomidine (10 μg/kg) or medetomidine with MK‐467 (250 μg/kg) in a randomized crossover design. A standardized nociceptive pressure stimulus was applied to a nail bed of a hindlimb. Times for withdrawal of the limb and for head lift were measured, and sedation was scored. EEG data were collected prior to and after stimulation. Plasma drug concentrations were measured. Co‐administration of MK‐467 significantly attenuated medetomidine analgesia, as assessed with limb withdrawal, and also shortened the duration of sedation. The apparent plasma clearance of both enantiomers of medetomidine, dexmedetomidine and levomedetomidine, was more than doubled in the presence of MK‐467. Antagonism by MK‐467 of medetomidine‐evoked vasoconstriction is seen as the mechanism behind this pharmacokinetic drug interaction. Thus, MK‐467 attenuated the antinociceptive and sedative effects of medetomidine. This can probably be explained by increased clearance and decreased concentrations of dexmedetomidine in plasma after co‐administration of MK‐467 with racemic medetomidine.
Romanticism after the Anarchist Turn
Authors: McGeough Jared
Published: January 2016

This essay serves as an introduction to a collection of essays on the topic of “Romantic Anarchism.” Along with providing a summary of the main points of each essay, the introduction undertakes a critical and historical analysis of the master narratives through which romanticism and anarchism have been historically linked, usually in order to be dismissed, such as the charge that both are theoretically confused, unscientific, too contradictory, too “aesthetic,” practically unworkable, as well as politically and emotionally immature. Looking to the dramatic resurgence of cultural and academic interest in anarchist ideas in recent years, which some critics have called an “anarchist turn” across the disciplines, the essay explores how these master narratives have begun to break down. In so doing, the essay argues that the recent anarchist turn necessitates the subsequent re‐turn of and to its roots in romantic‐era literature. The introduction then poses a series of questions in order to frame the issue's overall scope and concerns: What would it mean to locate, or generate, an anarchist turn in romanticism, and a corresponding return of romanticism for anarchism? What developments in the fields of anarchist studies and romantic literary criticism make it possible to think these two disciplines together today? And in what ways does the idea of anarchy, more broadly construed as a figure for the deconstitution of disciplinary archē, raise questions about the very identity and nature of a critical field? How might anarchism provide useful coordinates for romantic studies to navigate a post‐Marxist critical landscape?
In a rural area of Bangladesh, traditional birth attendant training improved early infant feeding practices: a pragmatic cluster randomized trial
Authors: Talukder Shamim , Farhana Dina , Vitta Bineti , Greiner Ted
Published: January 2016

In rural Bangladesh, most births take place at home. There is little evidence regarding the influence of traditional birth attendants (TBAs) or community volunteers (CVs) on early infant feeding practices. We conducted a pragmatic cluster randomized controlled trial in Panchagarh District to examine the effects of training and post‐training supervision of TBAs/CVs on early breastfeeding practices. Nine unions were randomized into three groups of three unions. We compared outcomes between mothers in a control group (CG), those living in unions where TBAs/CVs had received a 5‐day training in early feeding practices (TG) and those living in unions where TBAs/CVs were both trained and supervised (SG). A total of 1182 mothers of infants aged 0–6 months were interviewed at baseline. After 6 months of intervention, an endline survey was conducted on a different sample of 1148 mothers of infants aged 0–6 months in the same areas. In both intervention areas, TBAs/CVs made regular home visits and attended births whenever possible. Rates of early initiation of breastfeeding, avoidance of prelacteal feeds and exclusive breastfeeding were compared between groups using cluster‐controlled mixed model logistic regression. At endline, both intervention groups had significantly higher proportions of mothers who reported early initiation of breastfeeding (CG: 88%, TG: 96%, SG: 96%) and avoidance of prelacteal feeds (CG: 48%, TG: 80%, SG: 88%) compared with the control group; there were no significant differences between the two intervention groups. The endline rates of reported exclusive breastfeeding were not significantly different among groups (CG: 67%, TG: 76%, SG: 83%).
Zinc, iron and calcium are major limiting nutrients in the complementary diets of rural Kenyan children
Authors: Ferguson Elaine , Chege Peter , Kimiywe Judith , Wiesmann Doris , Hotz Christine
Published: January 2016

Poor quality infant and young child (IYC) diets contribute to chronic under‐nutrition. To design effective IYC nutrition interventions, an understanding of the extent to which realistic food‐based strategies can improve dietary adequacy is required. We collected 24‐h dietary recalls from children 6–23 months of age (n = 401) in two rural agro‐ecological zones of Kenya to assess the nutrient adequacy of their diets. Linear programming analysis (LPA) was used to identify realistic food‐based recommendations (FBRs) and to determine the extent to which they could ensure intake adequacy for 12 nutrients. Mean nutrient densities of the IYC diets were below the desired level for four to nine of the 10 nutrients analysed, depending on the age group. Mean dietary diversity scores ranged from 2.1 ± 1.0 among children 6–8 months old in Kitui County to 3.7 ± 1.1 food groups among children 12–23 months old in Vihiga County. LPA confirmed that dietary adequacy for iron, zinc and calcium will be difficult to ensure using only local foods as consumed. FBRs for breastfed children that promote the daily consumption of cows'/goats' milk (added to porridges), fortified cereals, green leafy vegetables, legumes, and meat, fish or eggs, 3–5 times per week can ensure dietary adequacy for nine and seven of 12 nutrients for children 6–11 and 12–23 months old, respectively. For these rural Kenyan children, even though dietary adequacy could be improved via realistic changes in habitual food consumption practices, alternative interventions are needed to ensure dietary adequacy at the population level.
Vulvovaginal candidosis: contemporary challenges and the future of prophylactic and therapeutic approaches
Authors: Chew Shu Yih , Than Leslie Thian Lung
Published: January 2016

Vulvovaginal candidosis (VVC) is a common gynaecological disorder that is delineated by the inflammation of vaginal wall and it is caused by the opportunistic fungal pathogen Candida species. In fact, three out of every four women will experience at least one occasion of VVC during some point in their lives. Although uncomplicated VVC is relatively harmless, the complicated VVC such as recurrent attack often creates restlessness and depression in the patients, thus greatly affects their quality of life. Managements of VVC are usually associated with the use of antimycotic suppositories, topical cream or oral agents. These antimycotic agents are either available over‐the‐counter or prescribed by the clinicians. In recent decades, the rise of clinical challenges such as the increased prevalence of resistant Candida strains, recurrent VVC infection and adverse effects of multidrug interactions have necessitated the development of novel therapeutic or prophylactic options to combat the complicated VVC in the future. In this review, we discuss the current antimycotic treatments available for Candida vaginitis and the problems that exist in these seemingly effective treatments. Besides, we attempt to contemplate some of the future and prospective strategies surrounding the development of alternative therapeutic and prophylactic options in treating and preventing complicated VVC respectively.
Salvia lagochila sp. nov. (Lamiaceae) from Yunnan, China
Authors: Wang Tao , Wang Long , Zhang Li
Published: January 2016

A new species, Salvia lagochila T. Wang & L. Wang sp. nov. (Lamiaceae) is described from Shangri‐La County in northwestern Yunnan, China. The diagnostic morphological characteristics in relation to closely similar species are discussed. Nutlet micro‐morphology was examined using scanning electron microscopy, and leaf anatomic structures were studied using light microscope. The new species is included in S. subgen. Salvia sect. Eurysphace subsect. Perennes on the basis of its perennial habit, entire upper floral lip and arcuate anther connectives.
Genome–environment association study suggests local adaptation to climate at the regional scale in Fagus sylvatica
Authors: Pluess Andrea R. , Frank Aline , Heiri Caroline , Lalagüe Hadrien , Vendramin Giovanni G. , Oddou‐Muratorio Sylvie
Published: January 2016

The evolutionary potential of long‐lived species, such as forest trees, is fundamental for their local persistence under climate change (CC). Genome–environment association (GEA) analyses reveal if species in heterogeneous environments at the regional scale are under differential selection resulting in populations with potential preadaptation to CC within this area.

In 79 natural Fagus sylvatica populations, neutral genetic patterns were characterized using 12 simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers, and genomic variation (144 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) out of 52 candidate genes) was related to 87 environmental predictors in the latent factor mixed model, logistic regressions and isolation by distance/environmental (IBD/IBE) tests.

SSR diversity revealed relatedness at up to 150 m intertree distance but an absence of large‐scale spatial genetic structure and IBE. In the GEA analyses, 16 SNPs in 10 genes responded to one or several environmental predictors and IBE, corrected for IBD, was confirmed. The GEA often reflected the proposed gene functions, including indications for adaptation to water availability and temperature.

Genomic divergence and the lack of large‐scale neutral genetic patterns suggest that gene flow allows the spread of advantageous alleles in adaptive genes. Thereby, adaptation processes are likely to take place in species occurring in heterogeneous environments, which might reduce their regional extinction risk under CC.
Pre‐birth cohort study of atopic dermatitis and severe bronchiolitis during infancy
Authors: Balekian Diana S. , Linnemann Rachel W. , Castro Victor M. , Perlis Roy , Thadhani Ravi , Camargo Carlos A.
Published: January 2016

Background

Infants hospitalized for bronchiolitis (i.e. severe bronchiolitis) are at increased risk of childhood asthma. There are many known risk factors for severe bronchiolitis, including cardiac and pulmonary diseases. Less is known about the association between atopic diseases and risk of severe bronchiolitis. We sought to further examine risk factors for severe bronchiolitis, focusing on atopic dermatitis (AD).

Methods

We conducted a nested cohort study within the Massachusetts General Hospital Obstetric Maternal Study (MOMS), a prospective cohort of pregnant women enrolled during 1998–2006. Children of mothers enrolled in MOMS were included in the analysis if they received care within our health system (n = 5407). Potential risk factors for bronchiolitis and hospitalization data were extracted from the children's electronic health records; we also examined pregnancy and perinatal risk factors collected from the underlying MOMS data.

Results

During the first year of life, 125 infants (2.3%) had severe bronchiolitis. Eighteen of these patients had AD; 11 (61%) were diagnosed with AD prior to bronchiolitis hospitalization. In unadjusted analyses, AD was associated with severe bronchiolitis (χ2 14.6; p < 0.001). In multivariable analyses adjusting for nine known risk factors for severe bronchiolitis, including demographics, birth season, disposition at birth, cardiac disease, maternal parity, and delivery mode, AD was associated with increased odds of severe bronchiolitis (odds ratio 2.72, 95% confidence interval 1.60–4.63).

Conclusions

Atopic dermatitis is significantly associated with severe bronchiolitis in infancy. The mechanism of the AD–bronchiolitis association is unclear and merits further study; this research may shed light on the pathogenesis of asthma.
Age, sex and the association between skin test responses and IgE titres with asthma
Authors: Mohammad Hasan Raza , Belgrave Danielle , Kopec Harding Kamilla , Murray Clare S. , Simpson Angela , Custovic Adnan
Published: January 2016

Background

Skin prick tests (SPTs) and allergen‐specific serum IgE (sIgE) measurements are the main diagnostic tools for confirming atopic sensitization. Results are usually reported as ‘positive’ or ‘negative’, using the same arbitrary cut‐offs (SPT>3 mm, sIgE>0.35 kUA/l) across different ages and sexes. We investigated the influence of age and sex on the interpretation of allergy test in the context of childhood asthma.

Methods

In a population‐based birth cohort (n = 1051), we ascertained the information on asthma/wheeze (validated questionnaires) and performed SPTs and sIgE measurement to inhalant allergens (dust mite, cat, dog) at follow‐ups between ages three and 11 years. We investigated the association between quantitative sensitization (sum of SPT mean wheal diameters [MWD] and sIgE titres to the three allergens) and current wheeze and asthma across ages and sexes.

Results

We observed a significant association between the SPT MWD and sIgE titres and wheeze/asthma at most ages and for both sexes. However, the strength of this association was age‐ and sex‐dependent. For SPTs, the strength of the association between MWD and asthma increased with increasing age; we observed the opposite pattern for sIgE titre. For any given SPT MWD/sIgE titre, boys were significantly more likely to express clinical symptoms, particularly in early life; this difference between males and females diminished with age and was no longer significant by age 11 years.

Conclusions

Age and sex should be taken into account when interpreting the results of skin tests and sIgE measurement, and age‐ and sex‐specific normative data are needed for these allergy tests.
Differential response in allergen‐specific IgE, IgGs, and IgA levels for predicting outcome of oral immunotherapy
Authors: Sugimoto Mayumi , Kamemura Norio , Nagao Mizuho , Irahara Makoto , Kagami Shoji , Fujisawa Takao , Kido Hiroshi
Published: January 2016

Background

Oral immunotherapy (OIT) induces desensitization and/or tolerance in patients with persistent food allergy, but the biomarkers of clinical outcomes remain obscure. Although OIT‐induced changes in serum allergen‐specific IgE and IgG4 levels have been investigated, the response of other allergen‐specific IgG subclasses and IgA during OIT remains obscure.

Methods

A pilot study was conducted to investigate egg OIT‐induced changes in allergen‐specific IgE, IgG subclasses, and IgA levels and search for possible prediction biomarkers of desensitization. We measured serum levels of egg white‐, ovomucoid‐, and ovalbumin‐specific IgE, IgA, and IgG subclasses by high‐sensitivity allergen microarray in 26 children with egg allergy who received rush OIT.

Results

Allergen‐specific IgE gradually decreased while IgG4 increased during 12‐month OIT. Serum levels of IgG1, IgG3, and IgA increased significantly after the rush phase, then decreased during the maintenance phase. IgG2 levels changed in a manner similar to that of IgG4. In particular, significantly high fold increases in egg white‐specific IgG1, relative to baseline, after the rush phase and high IgA levels before OIT were observed in responders, compared with low‐responders to OIT. Patients who could not keep desensitization showed relatively small changes in all immunoglobulin levels during OIT.

Conclusion

The response to OIT was associated with significant increases in serum allergen‐specific IgG1 levels after rush phase and high baseline IgA levels, compared with small changes in immunoglobulin response in low‐responders. The characteristic IgG1 changes and IgA levels in the responders could be potentially useful biomarkers for the prediction of positive clinical response to OIT.