bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Physicochemical and Microstructural Characterization of Corn Starch Edible Films Obtained by a Combination of Extrusion Technology and Casting Technique
Authors: Fitch‐Vargas Perla Rosa , Aguilar‐Palazuelos Ernesto , de Jesús Zazueta‐Morales José , Vega‐García Misael Odín , Valdez‐Morales Jesús Enrique , Martínez‐Bustos Fernando , Jacobo‐Valenzuela Noelia
Published: August 2016

Starch edible films (EFs) have been widely studied due to their potential in food preservation; however, their application is limited because of their poor mechanical and barrier properties. Because of that, the aim of this work was to use the extrusion technology (ExT) as a pretreatment of casting technique to change the starch structure in order to obtain EFs with improved physicochemical properties. To this, corn starch and a mixture of plasticizers (sorbitol and glycerol, in different ratios) were processed in a twin screw extruder to generate the starch modification and subsequently casting technique was used for EFs formation. The best conditions of the ExT and plasticizers concentration were obtained using response surface methodology. All the response variables evaluated, were affected significatively by the Plasticizers Ratio (Sorbitol:Glycerol) (PR (S:G)) and Extrusion Temperature (ET), while the Screw Speed (SS) did not show significant effect on any of these variables. The optimization study showed that the appropriate conditions to obtain EFs with the best mechanical and barrier properties were ET = 89 °C, SS = 66 rpm and PR (S:G) = 79.7:20.3. Once the best conditions were obtained, the optimal treatment was characterized according to its microstructural properties (X‐ray diffraction, Scanning Electron Microscopy and Atomic Force Microscopy) to determine the damage caused in the starch during ExT and casting technique. In conclusion, with the combination of ExT and casting technique were obtained EFs with greater breaking strength and deformation, as well as lower water vapor permeability than those reported in the literature.
Assessing environmental pollution in birds: a new methodological approach for interpreting bioaccumulation of trace elements in feather shafts using geochemical sediment data
Authors: Borghesi Fabrizio , Dinelli Enrico , Migani Francesca , Béchet Arnaud , Rendón‐Martos Manuel , Amat Juan A. , Sommer Simone , Gillingham Mark A. F.
Published: August 2016

Environmental trace element composition can have an important impact on ecosystem and population health as well individual fitness. Therefore, carefully assessing bioaccumulation of trace elements is central to studies investigating the ecological impact of pollution. Colonial birds are important bioindicators since non‐invasive sampling can easily be achieved through sampling of chick feathers, which controls for some confounding factors of variability (age and environmental heterogeneity). However, an additional confounding factor, external contamination (ExCo), which remains even after washing feathers, has frequently been overlooked in the literature.

We developed a new method to reliably interpret bioaccumulation of 10 trace elements (As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Ni, Pb, Se, Sn and Zn) in feathers using chicks of a colonial species: the Greater Flamingo, Phoenicopterus roseus. First, only shafts were used to remove ExCo retained in vanes. Secondly, we applied a thorough washing procedure. Thirdly, we applied a new analytical method to control for ExCo, which assumes that ExCo is mainly due to adhered sediment particles and that the relative concentration of each trace element will be similar to the sediment geochemical composition of sampling sites. We validated this new methodology by comparing trace element composition and particle composition (by scanning electron microscopy and mass spectrometry) of washed and unwashed feathers.

The washing procedure removed >99% of K indicating that most of the ExCo from salt was removed. Scanning electron microscopy and mass spectrometry revealed that some sediment particles remained after washing, especially clays which are likely to severely bias bioaccumulation interpretation. We successfully controlled for ExCo by calculating the ratio of ExCo due to sediment using the geochemical fingerprint of sediment samples. Our methodology leads to conservative estimates of bioaccumulation for As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Ni, Pb, Se, Sn and Zn.

We have validated a new more reliable method of analysing trace element concentrations in feathers, which effectively controls for ExCo, if geochemical sediment data can be meaningfully compared to ExCo of feathers. We have demonstrated that overlooking ExCo leads to potentially erroneous conclusions, and we urge that the method applied in this study be considered in future studies.
The Consequences of Increasing the Scope of Managerial Judgement in Accounting Standards
Authors: Zhou Wei , Wu Liansheng , Wang Hong
Published: August 2016

This paper investigates the consequences of increasing the scope of managerial judgement (ISMJ) in accounting standards via a difference‐in‐differences approach in the unique setting of China. A substantial increase in accruals‐based earnings management is found after ISMJ, in addition to a decline in real activities‐based earnings management resulting from temporarily increased sales, boosted inventory, and expense deferrals. In contrast, we find a significant increase in the relevance of accounting information. Further analysis reveals significant negative cumulative abnormal returns related to the announcement of accounting standards change over the short term. We also find a larger long‐term increase in the crash risk of the stock prices of firms that engage in more accruals‐based earnings management after ISMJ. All of these effects are more pronounced in non‐state‐owned enterprises than in state‐owned enterprises.
Corporate diversification, institutional investors and internal control quality
Authors: Chen Guang‐Zheng , Keung Edmund C.
Published: August 2016

This study investigates the relationship between corporate diversification, institutional investors and internal control quality. Using a sample of firms disclosing internal control information from 1999 to 2011, the results show that corporate diversification is positively associated with the likelihood of internal control weakness. Moreover, this relationship is stronger (weaker) when firms have higher transient (dedicated) institutional ownership, indicating that transient (dedicated) institutional investors increase (mitigates) the internal control problems arising from diversification. This study contributes to the literature by providing evidence on the role of corporate diversification in the quality of internal control.
Southern Hemisphere biodiversity and global change: Data gaps and strategies
Authors: Chambers Lynda E. , Barnard Phoebe , Poloczanska Elvira S. , Hobday Alistair J. , Keatley Marie R. , Allsopp Nicky , Underhill Les G.
Published: August 2016

Long‐term datasets needed to detect the impacts of global change on southern biodiversity are still scarce and often incomplete, challenging adaptation planning and conservation management. Biological data are probably most limited in arid countries and from the oceans, where natural environmental variability (‘noise’) means that long time series are required to detect the ‘signal’ of directional change. Significant national and international investment and collaboration are needed for most southern nations to reliably track biodiversity trends and improve conservation adaptation to rapid climate change. Emerging early warning systems for biodiversity, incorporating regional environmental change drivers, citizen science and regional partnerships, can all help to compensate for existing information gaps and contribute to adaptation planning.
Policing the unstable materialities of digital‐media piracy in Brazil
Authors: DENT ALEXANDER S.
Published: August 2016

Around the world, antipiracy NGOs train police to recognize the unauthorized use of music and films and to publicly destroy illicit CDs and DVDs. For those who enforce laws governing intellectual property (IP), music and film piracy underscores how digital reproduction can be conceived of as forgetful, inconstant, and promiscuous. In Brazil, discourses about “cleaning” (limpeza) unite incitements to greater security, more active governance, and stricter IP enforcement. Understanding the global dynamics of IP policing requires analysis of ideologies of material purity and the historicity associated with them. This ethnography of antipiracy NGOs, law enforcement, and informal economies in southern Brazil brings together the anthropologies of mediation and IP, arguing that producers and consumers of digital texts are becoming increasingly anxious about how those texts circulate. [intellectual property, policing, piracy, materiality, digital media, NGOs, Brazil]

Em todo o mundo, ONGs anti‐pirataria capacitam as polícias para que estas reconheçam a utilização não autorizada de música e filmes e para que destruam publicamente CDs e DVDs ilícitos. Para aqueles que fazem cumprir as leis que regulam a propriedade intelectual (PI), a pirataria de música e filmes evidencia como a reprodução digital pode ser concebida como esquecida, inconstante e promíscua. No Brasil, discursos sobre limpeza unem incitamentos a uma maior segurança, uma governança mais activa, e um respeito mais estrito pela PI. Compreender as dinâmicas globais do policiamento da PI requer uma análise das ideologias da pureza material e da historicidade a elas associada. Esta etnografia de ONGs anti‐pirataria, cumprimento da lei e economias informais do Sul do Brasil junta as antropologias da mediação e da PI, argumentando que produtores e consumidores de textos digitais estão a ficar crescentemente ansiosos sobre a forma como esses textos circulam. [propriedade intelectual, policiamento, pirataria, materialidade, mídia digital, ONGs, Brasil]
Memory, body, and the online researcher: Following Russian street demonstrations via social media
Authors: GRAY PATTY A.
Published: August 2016

The Moscow street demonstrations of 2011–12 were the largest public gatherings in Russia since the collapse of the Soviet Union. They were also the largest‐ever gathering of Russians on social media. While using the Internet to follow such large‐scale social movements remotely, researchers experience social media as a context in which anthropology happens. They may think about “being there” in new ways that shift their focus to their own processes of memory making and sense of bodily presence. Experiencing and remembering social media in the body challenges the distinctions we might otherwise make between virtual and physical encounters. [body memory, protest, social media, digital anthropology, online research, Moscow, Russia]

Московские уличные демонстрации 2011–12 стали наиболее многочисленными в России со времен распада Советского Союза. Они также объединили наибольшее число россиян в социальных сетях. Используя Интернет для изучения крупномасштабных социальных движений в удаленном доступе, исследователи одновременно рассматривают онлайн пространство социальных сетей как новое поле антропологии. Новые способы «присутствия» побуждают исследователей обратиться к своему собственному процессу производства памяти и собственному чувству телесности. Особые опыт и память телесности в социальных средствах коммуникации заставляют нас пересмотреть границы виртуального и физического опыта. [память тела, протест, социальные медиа, цифровая антропология, онлайн исследования, Москва, Россия;]
Ethnography at its edges: Compulsory Zionism, free speech, and anthropology
Authors: GILL LESLEY
Published: August 2016

Lara Deeb and Jessica Winegar argue convincingly in Anthropology's Politics that US‐based academics face harassment and threats to their careers if they publicly reject US militarism in the Middle East and criticize the Israeli state in their teaching, research, and public speaking. Their analysis of five generations of anthropologists demonstrates that knowledge production is always political, but the thematic chapter organization—graduate school, getting hired, and handling job conflicts—does not explore the historical conjunctures in which the cohorts were formed. The authors’ assertion that the American Anthropological Association's practice of issuing public statements ignores the Middle East and criticism of US policies is clear, yet the association's history of opposition to US policies globally is uneven and episodic. Anthropology's Politics is an important and well‐researched book.
Renal function and novel urinary biomarkers in infants with neonatal encephalopathy
Authors: Sweetman Deirdre U. , Onwuneme Chike , Watson William R. , O'Neill Amanda , Murphy John F.A. , Molloy Eleanor J.
Published: August 2016

Aim

Perinatal asphyxia is associated with multi‐organ injury including acute kidney injury (AKI). New urinary biomarkers may detect more subtle renal injury.

Methods

Urinary biomarkers (albumin, beta‐2 microglobulin, cystatin‐C, epidermal growth factor, neutrophil gelatinase‐associated lipocalin, osteopontin, uromodulin) were serially measured from days 1 to 7 in term infants with perinatal asphyxia and controls and compared to ‘Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcome’ scoring of renal injury and to encephalopathy grade.

Results

A total of 255 urine samples were taken from infants exposed to perinatal asphyxia (n = 82) and term controls (n = 10). Thirty‐nine infants underwent therapeutic hypothermia, four died and 30 infants had acute kidney injury. Infants with acute kidney injury had significantly higher levels of urinary albumin (day 2), cystatin‐C (days 1, 2, 3 and 7), neutrophil gelatinase‐associated lipocalin (days 2, 3 and 7) and osteopontin (days 2, 3 and 7) and lower epidermal growth factor and uromodulin (day 1) compared to those without AKI. Day 2 cystatin‐C predicted AKI with an area under receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.89, p < 0.001, cut‐off 9.8 × 104 pg/mL. NE grade II/III infants had significantly elevated levels of urinary cystatin‐C, neutrophil gelatinase‐associated lipocalin and decreased EGF compared to grade 0/I infants.

Conclusion

Asphyxiated infants who develop acute kidney injury have significantly altered urinary biomarkers postnatally. Validation of neonatal AKI urinary biomarkers in a large prospective study is required. Long‐term follow‐up of infants post‐asphyxial insult for chronic renal injury is advised.
The Pharmacology and Toxicology of the ‘Holy Trinity’
Authors: Horsfall Joseph T. , Sprague Jon E.
Published: August 2016

Combining opioids with benzodiazepines and skeletal muscle relaxants (‘The Holy Trinity’) has been reported to potentiate the ‘high’. Through unique interactions with colocalized μ‐opioid and GABAA receptors, the combined use of these agents induces a synergistic increase in dopamine in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) and depression of respiration. The inhibition of GABA release mediated by μ1‐opioid receptor activation results in a subsequent increase in dopamine in the NAc. Benzodiazepines activate the GABAAR to suppress respiration in the medullary respiratory centres. The skeletal muscle relaxant, carisoprodol, appears to bind to a unique binding domain within the GABAAR to further enhance the respiratory depressant effects of the benzodiazepines. Therefore, the opioids, the benzodiazepines and carisoprodol alone or in combination are capable of inducing respiratory depression. Current guidelines for opioid prescribing recommend against the concomitant use of benzodiazepines but do not recognize the potential risk associated with the addition of skeletal muscle relaxants.
Unpacking religious affiliation: Exploring associations between Christian children's religious cultural context, God image, and self‐esteem across development
Authors: Smith Erin I. , Crosby Robert G.
Published: August 2016

In developmental research, religiousness is typically measured with omnibus affiliation or attendance variables that underspecify how the religious cultural contexts and experiences that affiliation represents influence developmental outcomes. This study explores associations between five aspects of a religious cultural context (family religiosity, religious schooling, church‐based relationships with peers and adults, and view of God) in 844 seven‐ to 12‐year‐old Christian children to examine how they differentially predict self‐esteem. Results of a structural equation model (SEM) analysis indicated that God image and peer church relationships directly predicted self‐esteem, whereas God image mediated the influence of adult church relationships and family religious practices on self‐esteem. A multiple group SEM analysis met the criterion for weak, but not strong, evidence that self‐esteem is more related to younger children's adult church relationships but older children's peer church relationships. God image tended to be more related to younger children's family religious practices but older children's adult church relationships. Implications for developmental researchers and practitioners are discussed.

Statement of contribution

What is already known on this subject?

Religious affiliation is an omnibus variable representing multiple contexts of development.

Self‐esteem is an important outcome variable with different influences across development.

Religious affiliation is associated with increased self‐esteem.

What does this study add?

Children's experience in the contexts of religious affiliation influences development differently.

It is not just affiliation, but specific religious contexts that influence children's self‐esteem.

The role of religious contexts in shaping children's self‐esteem shifts across development.
The information filter: how dentists use diet diary information to give patients clear and simple advice
Authors: Arheiam Arheiam , Brown Stephen L. , Higham Susan M. , Albadri Sondos , Harris Rebecca V.
Published: August 2016

Objectives

Diet diaries are recommended for dentists to monitor children's sugar consumption. Diaries provide multifaceted dietary information, but patients respond better to simpler advice. We explore how dentists integrate information from diet diaries to deliver useable advice to patients.

Methods

As part of a questionnaire study of general dental practitioners (GDPs) in Northwest England, we asked dentists to specify the advice they would give a hypothetical patient based upon a diet diary case vignette. A sequential mixed method approach was used for data analysis: an initial inductive content analysis (ICA) to develop coding system to capture the complexity of dietary assessment and delivered advice. Using these codes, a quantitative analysis was conducted to examine correspondences between identified dietary problems and advice given. From these correspondences, we inferred how dentists reduced problems to give simple advice.

Results

A total of 229 dentists' responses were analysed. ICA on 40 questionnaires identified two distinctive approaches of developing diet advice: a summative (summary of issues into an all‐encompassing message) and a selective approach (selection of a main message approach). In the quantitative analysis of all responses, raw frequencies indicated that dentists saw more problems than they advised on and provided highly specific advice on a restricted number of problems (e.g. not eating sugars before bedtime 50.7% or harmful items 42.4%, rather than simply reducing the amount of sugar 9.2%). Binary logistic regression models indicate that dentists provided specific advice that was tailored to the key problems that they identified.

Conclusion

Dentists provided specific recommendations to address what they felt were key problems, whilst not intervening to address other problems that they may have felt less pressing.
Comprehensive review of the duplication 3q syndrome and report of a patient with Currarino syndrome and de novo duplication 3q26.32‐q27.2
Authors: Dworschak G.C. , Crétolle C. , Hilger A. , Engels H. , Korsch E. , Reutter H. , Ludwig M.
Published: August 2016

Partial duplications of the long arm of chromosome 3, dup(3q), are a rare but well‐described condition, sharing features of Cornelia de Lange syndrome. Around two thirds of cases are derived from unbalanced translocations, whereas pure dup(3q) have rarely been reported. Here, we provide an extensive review of the literature on dup(3q). This search revealed several patients with caudal malformations and anomalies, suggesting that caudal malformations or anomalies represent an inherent phenotypic feature of dup(3q). In this context, we report a patient with a pure de novo duplication 3q26.32‐q27.2. The patient had the clinical diagnosis of Currarino syndrome (CS) (characterized by the triad of sacral anomalies, anorectal malformations and a presacral mass) and additional features, frequently detected in patients with a dup(3q). Mutations within the MNX1 gene were found to be causative in CS but no MNX1 mutation could be detected in our patient. Our comprehensive search for candidate genes located in the critical region of the duplication 3q syndrome, 3q26.3‐q27, revealed a so far neglected phenotypic overlap of dup(3q) and the Pierpont syndrome, associated with a mutation of the TBL1XR1 gene on 3q26.32.
Exploring the Effects of the Privacy‐Handling Management Styles of Social Networking Sites on User Satisfaction: A Conflict Management Perspective
Authors: Zhang Jie , Li Han , (Robert) Luo Xin , Warkentin Merrill
Published: August 2016

The issue of consumer information privacy, arguably the most substantial and persistent problem confronting e‐commerce companies in general and online social networking service providers in particular, often results in unsatisfied customers. Researchers have investigated privacy from various perspectives and in a multitude of settings, yet there have been few attempts to understand privacy versus satisfaction, particularly from the perspective of conflict management. Because users’ privacy can be negatively affected by social networking sites (SNSs), this study focuses on the privacy conflicts between SNSs and their users. Drawing on conflict management theory, this article investigates the effects of different conflict management styles exhibited by an SNS on users’ satisfaction with its privacy practices, which then affects their intention to disclose personal information. The SNS examined in this study is Facebook, the most popular SNS with the largest number of users. Data were collected using an online survey and were analyzed using structural equation modeling. The results suggest that the two cooperative conflict management styles demonstrated by the SNS—accommodating and problem‐solving—positively affect users’ satisfaction with the privacy practices of the SNS both directly and indirectly through perceived privacy risk control. With regard to uncooperative styles, an avoiding style negatively affects user satisfaction directly, whereas an asserting style negatively affects user satisfaction indirectly through perceived privacy risk. The results also support that satisfaction is positively related to intention; users who are satisfied with the privacy practices of SNSs are more willing to disclose personal information than unsatisfied ones.
Endoscopic management of combined malignant biliary and gastric outlet obstruction
Authors: Nakai Yousuke , Hamada Tsuyoshi , Isayama Hiroyuki , Itoi Takao , Koike Kazuhiko
Published: August 2016

Patients with periampullary cancer or gastric cancer often develop malignant biliary obstruction (MBO) and gastric outlet obstruction (GOO), and combined MBO and GOO is not rare in these patients. Combined MBO and GOO is classified by its location and sequence, and treatment strategy can be affected by this classification. Historically, palliative surgery, hepaticojejunostomy and gastrojejunostomy were carried out, but the current standard treatment is combined transpapillary stent and duodenal stent placement. Although a high technical success rate is reported, the procedure can be technically difficult and duodenobiliary reflux with subsequent cholangitis is common after double stenting. Recent development of endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)‐guided procedures enables the management of MBO as well as GOO under EUS guidance. EUS‐guided biliary drainage is now increasingly reported as an alternative to percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage in failed endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), and GOO is one of the major reasons for failed ERCP. In addition to EUS‐guided biliary drainage, the feasibility of EUS‐guided double‐balloon‐occluded gastrojejunostomy bypass for MBO was recently reported, and EUS‐guided double stenting can potentially become the treatment of choice in the future. However, as each procedure has its advantages and disadvantages, treatment strategy should be selected based on the type of obstruction and the prognosis and performance status of the patient.
Normal myocardial strain values using 2D speckle tracking echocardiography in healthy adults aged 20 to 72 years
Authors: Menting Myrthe E. , McGhie Jackie S. , Koopman Laurens P. , Vletter Wim B. , Helbing Willem A. , van den Bosch Annemien E. , Roos‐Hesselink Jolien W.
Published: August 2016

Aims

Evaluation of left ventricular (LV) myocardial deformation by speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) is useful for clinical and research purposes. However, strain measurements depend on the used software. Normative data for QLAB 10 (Philips) are scarce. Additionally, little is known about the influence of anthropometric factors. We aimed to establish normal adult STE‐derived strain and strain rate values and to evaluate associations with anthropometrics.

Methods

One hundred fifty‐five healthy subjects aged 20 to 72 years (≥28 subjects per decile) were prospectively gathered and examined with electrocardiography and two‐dimensional echocardiography. With STE, we assessed peak systolic LV global longitudinal strain (GLS), segmental longitudinal strain, and strain rate from the three standard apical views.

Results

We included 147 healthy subjects (age 44.6±13.7 years, 50% female, GLS −20.8±2.0%). Men had significantly lower GLS than women (−20.1±1.8% vs −21.5±2.0%, P<.001). GLS was significantly lower in subjects with age above 55 years (P=.029), higher blood pressure (P<.001), higher body surface area (BSA, P<.001), larger LV end‐systolic and end‐diastolic volumes (both P<.001), lower LV ejection fraction (P<.001), and some indices of diastolic function. After multivariable regression analysis, the correlation with systolic blood pressure, E‐wave, and LV end‐systolic volume remained significant. The systolic strain rates of most segments correlated with BSA.

Conclusions

Our study resulted in normative LV GLS values assessed with QLAB 10. Male sex, higher BSA, and higher blood pressure negatively influence GLS. Therefore, these factors should be taken into account for strain interpretation in clinical practice.
Exploring the interaction of avian frugivory and plant spatial heterogeneity and its effect on seed dispersal kernels using a simulation model
Authors: Pegman Andrew P. McKenzie , Perry George L. W. , Clout Mick N.
Published: August 2016

Seed dispersal by avian frugivores is one of the key processes influencing plant spatial patterns, but may fail if there is disruption of plant–frugivore mutualisms, such as decline in abundance of dispersers, fragmentation of habitat, or isolation of individual trees. We used simulation model experiments to examine the interaction between frugivore density and behaviour and the spatial arrangement of fruiting plants and its effect on seed dispersal kernels. We focussed on two New Zealand canopy tree species that produce large fruits and are dispersed predominantly by one avian frugivore (Hemiphaga novaeseelandiae). Although the mean seed dispersal distance decreased when trees became more aggregated, there were more frugivore flights between tree clusters, consequently stretching the tails of the dispersal kernels. Conversely, when trees were less aggregated in the landscape, mean dispersal distances increased because seeds were deposited over larger areas, but the kernels had shorter tails. While there were no statistically meaningful changes in kernel parameters when frugivore density changed, decreases in density did cause a proportional reduction in the total number of dispersed seeds. However, birds were forced to move further when fruit availability and fruit ripening were low. Sensitivity analysis showed that dispersal kernels were primarily influenced by the model parameters relating to disperser behaviour, especially those determining attractiveness based on distance to candidate fruiting trees. Our results suggest that the spatial arrangement of plants plays an important role in seed dispersal processes – although tree aggregation curbed the mean seed dispersal distance, it was accompanied by occasional long distance events, and tree dispersion caused an increase in mean dispersal distance, both potentially increasing the probability of seeds finding suitable habitats for germination and growth. Even though low frugivore densities did not cause dispersal failure, there were negative effects on the quantity of seed dispersal because fewer seeds were dispersed.
Seizure‐related modulation of systemic arterial blood pressure in focal epilepsy
Authors: Hampel Kevin G. , Jahanbekam Amirhossein , Elger Christian E. , Surges Rainer
Published: August 2016

Objective

Cardiorespiratory function alterations are commonly observed with epileptic seizures and may lead to syncope and sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP). Although most previous research has focused on controlling heart rate (HR) and respiration, little is known about seizure‐related regulation of systemic blood pressure (BP). Herein, we have investigated whether the periictal modulation of systemicBPandHRdepends on seizure characteristics.

Methods

Systemic arterialBP,HR, and peripheral capillary oxygen saturation (SPO2) were continuously and noninvasively monitored using the ccNexfin device in those epilepsy patients undergoing video–electroencephalography (EEG) telemetry. Data are given as mean ± standard deviation (SD).

Results

Forty‐five seizures in 37 patients were included. In focal seizures (FS, n = 35), the mean arterialBP(MAP) increased by 33 ± 35% and theHRby 53 ± 44%, whereas theSPO2remained unaltered. TheMAPandHRincreases were significantly greater inFSwith alterations in consciousness than in those without. For thoseFSthat evolved to bilateral convulsive seizures (BCS, n = 10), all of the ictal recordings were compromised by artifacts. However, 2 min after seizure cessation, theMAPwas enhanced by only 16 ± 14% and returned to a baseline slightly below preictal levels after 5 min, whereas theHRwas increased by 77 ± 33% and remained elevated throughout the postictal phase.

Significance

Periictal regulation of systemicBPandHRdisplays distinct patterns depending on the type of seizure with focal onset. These changes were unrelated to alterations inSPO2. The potential clinical implications of these findings are discussed in the article.
Activity Theory in Spanish Mixed Classrooms: Exploring Corrective Feedback as an Artifact
Authors: Valentín‐Rivera Laura
Published: August 2016

This study draws upon activity theory to better understand the implications of corrective feedback (CF) as an artifact on (1) the coconstruction of knowledge and (2) the action‐oriented decisions of 10 mixed pairs comprising a foreign language learner (FLL) and a heritage language learner (HLL) of Spanish. To this end, the dyads were divided into two experimental groups (A and B) and collaboratively completed three narrations. On their first drafts, Group A received indirect feedback (codes), while Group B's errors were amended by the instructor; both groups had to conjointly submit a second version of their stories. Participants’ interactions were transcribed and analyzed. The results suggest that indirect CF stimulated a larger number of successful scaffolding instances that promoted knowledge coconstruction and the development of various effective techniques to solve arising linguistic and nonlinguistic issues. Although the HLLs showed themselves to be grammar experts overall, the FLLs in Group A (indirect CF) contributed to resolving virtually as many lexical issues as their counterparts (e.g., HLLs) while also being somewhat involved in the resolution of grammar matters. Thus, collaboration within mixed classes may be beneficial for both linguistic populations, depending on the design of the collaborative task and its focus.
Garenoxacin pharmacokinetics in patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis
Authors: Aoyama Togo , Kamata Kouju , Kishino Satoshi
Published: August 2016

Introduction: Studies on the pharmacokinetics of the antibiotic garenoxacin (GRNX) in patients with renal insufficiency are lacking. In this study, we attempted to ascertain the appropriate dose of GRNX in patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis (MH) based on pharmacokinetic parameters and clinical outcomes.

Methods:Six male patients with infections who were undergoing MH received 200 mg GRNX once daily. Blood samples were taken before and at 1, 2, 4, 6, 12, and 24 hours after GRNX administration. Plasma GRNX concentrations were measured using high‐performance liquid chromatography.

Findings: The mean maximum plasma concentration (Cmax) was 3.00 ± 1.12 µg/mL, time to maximum plasma concentration (Tmax) was 3.0 ± 2.0 hours, and area under the curve for 24 hours (AUC0–24) was 40.7 ± 16.7 µg·h/mL. The half‐life (T1/2) of GRNX could not be calculated because plasma concentrations remained high 24 hours after administration. Cmax was strongly associated with the GRNX dose per kilogram body weight (r = 0.85, P = 0.03). Clinically, fever resolved within 3 days of GRNX administration and C‐reactive protein levels returned to normal 14 days after administration. One patient experienced temporary increases in serum transaminase levels.

Discussion: MH patients receiving 200 mg GRNX once daily for infection showed a reduced Cmax but similar AUC0–24 compared with healthy individuals. While this study evaluated the effect of GRNX treatment, further research is needed to assess the accumulation of GRNX and the impact of continuous administration on its pharmacokinetics, as well as to prevent the development of resistant mutants.
Prevalence and prognosis of hypoglycaemia in patients receiving maintenance dialysis
Authors: Cho A. , Noh J.‐W. , Kim J. K. , Yoon J.‐W. , Koo J.‐R. , Lee H. R. , Hong E.‐G. , Lee Y. K.
Published: August 2016

Background

End‐stage renal disease is a common predisposing condition for the development of hypoglycaemia.

Aim

To determine the effect of hypoglycaemia on the mortality of patients undergoing maintenance dialysis.

Methods

Retrospective and descriptive analyses were performed in five dialysis centres in the Republic of Korea between June 2002 and August 2008. We enrolled 1685 patients who had undergone dialysis for at least 1 month.

Results

We identified 453 episodes of hypoglycaemia in 256 of 1685 patients (15.2%); 189 patients (73.8%) had diabetes, whereas the other patients did not. The occurrence of hypoglycaemia in patients receiving dialysis appeared to be a life‐threatening complication because 27.0% of patients died within two days of the onset of a hypoglycaemic episode. Older age, low serum albumin levels and infections were independent risk factors for total mortality in these patients. Furthermore, the absence of diabetes, age and serum glucose levels were independent factors associated with early mortality within two days of the development of hypoglycaemia.

Conclusion

Although several factors were associated with mortality, the degree of hypoglycaemia, absence of diabetes and old age were associated with early mortality. Elderly hypoglycaemic patients, especially those without diabetes, should be closely monitored.
The Effect of Social Responsiveness on Infants' Object‐Directed Imitation
Authors: Miller Jennifer L. , Gros‐Louis Julie
Published: August 2016

Previous research has demonstrated that social interactions underlie the development of object‐directed imitation. For example, infants differentially learn object action sequences from a live social partner compared to a social partner over a video monitor; however, what is not well understood is what aspects of social interactions influence social learning. Previous studies have found variable influences of different types of caregiver responsiveness on attention, language, and cognitive development. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine how the responsive style of a social partner influenced the learning of object‐directed action sequences. Infants interacted with either a sensitive or redirective experimenter before the learning trial. Results revealed infants changed their patterns of engagement; infants interacting with a sensitive experimenter had longer periods of attentional engagement than infants interacting with a redirective experimenter. Furthermore, during the learning trial, the amount of sensitivity during interaction with the social partner predicted learning scores. These findings suggest that infants' attention is influenced by social partners' interactive style during ongoing interaction, which subsequently affects how infants learn from these social partners.
Low Levels of MicroRNA‐21 Are a Marker of Reduced Arterial Stiffness in Well‐Controlled Hypertension
Authors: Parthenakis Fragiskos , Marketou Maria , Kontaraki Joanna , Patrianakos Alexandros , Nakou Helen , Touloupaki Maria , Vernardos Michail , Kochiadakis George , Chlouverakis Gregory , Vardas Panos
Published: August 2016

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play a crucial role in myocardial and vascular remodeling and have emerged as potential diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers or as therapeutic targets. The authors aimed to investigate the expression profile of selected miRNAs in the peripheral blood of patients with well‐controlled essential hypertension in relation to arterial stiffness. Expression levels of miRNAs miRNA‐1, miRNA‐133a, miRNA‐26b, miRNA‐208b, miRNA‐499, and miRNA‐21 in peripheral blood mononuclear cells were quantified by real‐time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Carotid‐femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV) and carotid radial pulse wave velocity (crPWV) were evaluated at baseline and after 1 year of effective antihypertensive therapy. A total of 95 patients (50 men, mean age 62±9 years) with well‐controlled essential hypertension were included in the analysis. Only miRNA‐21 was independently correlated with changes in both cfPWV and crPWV, independently of blood pressure levels (r=−0.56 and r=−0.46, respectively; P<.001 for both). Low levels of miRNA‐21 are strongly associated with an improvement in arterial stiffness in patients with well‐controlled essential hypertension, independently of their blood pressure levels. These data highlight the significance of miRNA‐21 in vascular remodeling and its role as a potential prognostic marker and future therapeutic target.
Outside Earnings, Electoral Systems and Legislative Effort in the European Parliament
Authors: Staat Christian , Kuehnhanss Colin R.
Published: August 2016

Parliamentarians are often allowed to pursue other work in addition to their mandate. Using data on the 7th European Parliament (2009–14), we analyze the relationship between the outside earnings of its Members (MEPs) and their parliamentary activities. The supranational nature of the European Parliament thereby allows a novel analysis of ‘moonlighting’ free of country‐specific bias. We find outside earnings to be negatively correlated with the particularly work‐intensive production of draft reports and opinions. Utilizing the considerable freedom of Member States in organizing elections, we find this relationship to be dependent on the electoral system under which MEPs are elected. While the effect of the trade‐off between outside and parliamentary work is predominantly negative in all other systems, outside earnings of MEPs from centralized but candidate‐focused systems correlate positively with their productivity, indicating a possible benefit from selection effects.
Mesenchymal stromal cells: properties and role in management of cutaneous diseases
Authors: Kim K.H. , Blasco‐Morente G. , Cuende N. , Arias‐Santiago S.
Published: August 2016

This review describes the current understanding and the potential use of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) in cell‐based therapies for clinical management of difficult wounds and other dermatoses. MSCs have been shown to possess many advantageous properties that make them a promising therapeutic modality in dermatology still under investigation. In fact, MSCs' ability to promote wound healing through its paracrine function and pro‐angiogenic properties have generated increasing interest for treating acute and chronic wounds. There is also great interest in utilizing MSCs' immunological characteristics for therapeutic use especially for patients with debilitating systemic autoimmune and inflammatory skin conditions who have failed other therapies. Its role in aesthetics has also been explored with clinical data showing improvement of acne scars and wrinkles from photoaging. Clinical trials are underway investigating the safety and efficacy of MSCs in the treatment of different skin conditions such as acute burns, diabetic and venous stasis ulcers, epidermolysis bullosa and systemic sclerosis, among others. We anticipate that as our understanding of the characteristics and function of MSCs grow, so will its role in cell‐based treatments of dermatological conditions.
Low‐dose 5‐fluorouracil in combination with salicylic acid for the treatment of actinic keratoses on the hands and/or forearms – results of a non‐interventional study
Authors: Reinhold U. , Hadshiew I. , Melzer A. , Prechtl A.
Published: August 2016

Background

As an in situ carcinoma, actinic keratoses should be treated early. Previous studies on the efficacy of a low‐dose 0.5% 5‐fluorouracil solution in combination with 10% salicylic acid (low‐dose 5‐FU/SA) are mostly related to lesions appearing on the head and face. In contrast, actinic keratoses (AK) lesions of the upper extremities are considered to be difficult to treat.

Objective

The efficacy of low‐dose 5‐FU/SA in the treatment of actinic keratoses on the hands and/or forearms was studied for the first time in this non‐interventional study (NIS) under practical conditions in a large patient population. In addition to the clinical course during therapy and a follow‐up period, the length of application and adherence were documented.

Methods

As part of this NIS, 649 patients with AK were treated at 207 centres with low‐dose 5‐FU/SA. The data of the study were recorded at baseline, optionally during an intermediate examination, at the end of therapy and during a final assessment.

Results

The average number of AK lesions decreased during the entire observation period by 92%. Side‐effects were documented only rarely in the form of local skin reactions (2%). The attending physicians assessed the efficacy, tolerability and safety of the therapy as being predominantly very good or good (in each case ≥90%).

Conclusion

AK lesions on the hands and/or forearms were effectively treated with low‐dose 5‐FU/SA under routine conditions in dermatological practice and the treatment was well tolerated.
Effects of a Health and Social Collaborative Case Management Model on Health Outcomes of Family Caregivers of Frail Older Adults: Preliminary Data from a Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Yu Doris S. F.
Published: August 2016

Family caregiving is an important form of informal care provided to frail, community‐dwelling older adults. This article describes a health and social collaborative case management (HSC‐CM) model that aims to optimize the support given to caregivers of frail elderly adults. The model was characterized by a comprehensive assessment to identify the caregiver's needs; a case management approach to provide integrated, coordinated, continued care; and multidisciplinary group‐based education customized to the caregiver's individualized needs. A pilot study using a randomized controlled trial study design was conducted to evaluate the effects of the HSC‐CM on caregiver burden and health‐related quality of life of family caregivers of frail elderly adults. Sixty family caregivers (mean age 61.3 ± 15.5) of frail older adults recruited from a community center for elderly adults in Hong Kong were randomly assigned to receive a 16‐week HSC‐CM intervention or usual care. Case managers who conducted a comprehensive assessment of the care dyads to identify caregiver needs using a case management approach to optimize care coordination and continuity led the HSC‐CM. These case managers served as liaisons for multidisciplinary efforts to provide group‐based education according to caregiver needs. Family caregivers who participated in the HSC‐CM had significantly greater improvement on the Caregiver Burden Index (p = .03) and on the Medical Outcomes Study 36‐item Short‐Form Survey subscales, including vitality (p = .049), social role functioning (p = .047), and general well‐being (p = .049). This study provides preliminary evidence indicating that client‐centered care, a case management approach, and multidisciplinary support are crucial to an effective caregiving support initiative. A full‐scale study is required to validate these findings.
The Abuse Intervention Model: A Pragmatic Approach to Intervention for Elder Mistreatment
Authors: Mosqueda Laura , Burnight Kerry , Gironda Melanie W. , Moore Alison A. , Robinson Jehni , Olsen Bonnie
Published: August 2016

Ten percent of older adults experience elder mistreatment, and it is much more common in older adults with dementia. It is associated with higher rates of psychological distress, hospitalization, and death and, in the United States, costs billions of dollars each year. Although elder mistreatment is relatively common and costly, it is estimated that fewer than 10% of instances of elder mistreatment are reported. Given these data, there is a great need for research on interventions to mitigate elder mistreatment and for a practical model or framework to use in approaching such interventions. Although many theories have been proposed, adapted, and applied to understand elder mistreatment, there has not been a simple, coherent framework of known risk factors of the victim, perpetrator, and environment that applies to all types of abuse. This article presents a new model to examine the multidimensional and complex relationships between risk factors. Theories of elder mistreatment, research on risk factors for elder mistreatment, and 10 years of experience of faculty and staff at an Elder Abuse Forensics Center who have investigated more than 1,000 cases of elder mistreatment inform this model. It is hoped that this model, the Abuse Intervention Model, will be used to study and intervene in elder mistreatment.