bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Thyroid function and cardiovascular disease risk factors in euthyroid adults: a cross‐sectional and longitudinal study
Authors: Lee Jane J. , Pedley Alison , Marqusee Ellen , Sutherland Patrice , Hoffmann Udo , Massaro Joseph M. , Fox Caroline S.
Published: June 2016

Objective and design

We explored the cross‐sectional and longitudinal associations of thyroid function within the normal range with cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors and adiposity measures.

Patients and measurements

A total of 3483 (50·4% women) participants for the cross‐sectional CVD study and 1630 (41·2% women) participants for the cross‐sectional body composition substudy were drawn from the Framingham Third Generation Exam 1; 2912 participants (50·1% women) for the longitudinal CVD study and 713 participants (35·9% women) for the longitudinal body composition substudy were drawn from the Framingham Third Generation Exams 1–2. Thyroid function was assessed by thyrotropin [thyroid‐stimulating hormone (TSH)] and free thyroxine (fT4) concentrations within the reference range at Exam 1. The associations between thyroid function and CVD risk factors were modelled via multivariable‐adjusted regression models. Multivariable adjustment included age, sex, current smoking, postmenopausal status and BMI.

Results

Cross‐sectionally, higher TSH concentration was associated with increased odds of hypertriglyceridaemia [odds ratio (OR)=1·10], and higher BMI (β = 0·19 kg/m2), total cholesterol (β = 0·05 mmol/l), triglycerides (β = 0·0006 mmol/l) and subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) volume (β = 38·8 cm3) (all P < 0·05). Cross‐sectionally, fT4 was inversely associated with metabolic and adiposity‐related CVD risk factors, including obesity (OR = 1·17), hypertriglyceridaemia (OR = 1·09), BMI (β = 0·42 kg/m2), total cholesterol (β = 0·05 mmol/l), triglycerides (β = 0·0002 mmol/l), visceral adipose tissue (VAT) volume (β = −20·7 cm3) and attenuation (0·17 HU) and VAT/SAT ratio (β = −0·01) (all P < 0·05). However, during 6·1 years of follow‐up, baseline TSH and fT4 levels were not longitudinally associated with CVD risk factors and adiposity measures.

Conclusions

Thyroid function within the normal range is cross‐sectionally, but not longitudinally, associated with CVD risk factors and adiposity measures.
The homozygous R504C mutation in MTO1 gene is responsible for ONCE syndrome
Authors: Martín M.Á. , García‐Silva M.T. , Barcia G. , Delmiro A. , Rodríguez‐García M.E. , Blázquez A. , Francisco‐Álvarez R. , Martín‐Hernández E. , Quijada‐Fraile P. , Tejada‐Palacios P. , Arenas J. , Santos C. , Martínez‐Azorín F.
Published: June 2016

We report clinical and biochemical finding from three unrelated patients presenting ONCE (Optic Neuropathy, Cardiomyopathy and Encephalopathy with lactic acidosis and combined oxidative phosphorylation deficiency) syndrome. Whole‐exome sequencing (WES) of the three patients and the healthy sister of one of them was used to identify the carry gene. Clinical and biochemical findings were used to filter variants, and molecular, in silico and genetic studies were performed to characterize the candidate variants. Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) defects involving mutations, deletions or depletion were discarded, whereas WES uncovered a double homozygous mutation in the MTO1 gene (NM_001123226:c.1510C>T, p.R504C, and c.1669G>A, p.V557M) in two of the patients and the homozygous mutation p.R504C in the other. Therefore, our data confirm p.R504C as pathogenic mutation responsible of ONCE syndrome, and p.V557M as a rare polymorphic variant.
Bibliometric analysis of the scientific production in implantology (2009–2013)
Authors: Tarazona Beatriz , Vidal‐Infer Antonio , Alonso‐Arroyo Adolfo
Published: June 2016

Objectives

To quantify, using bibliometric indicators, the scientific productivity of researchers, organizations, and countries, publishing articles on implantology in dental journals indexed in Journal Citation Reports between 2009 and 2013.

Materials and methods

Published texts were identified by applying the truncated search term “implant*.” Document type was limited to “Article.” Records were manually refined and normalized to unify terms and to remove typographical, transcription, and/or indexing errors.

Results

A total of 6088 articles were located. A progressive increase in the rate of publication was observed, especially between 2010 and 2012. This increase was clearly linked to increased collaboration between authors, institutions, and countries. Keywords appeared at a frequency of 3.1 per document. The journals Clinical Oral Implants Research and International Journal of Oral & Maxillofacial Implants published the highest numbers of articles.

Conclusions

This study revealed a significant growth in implant dentistry literature in terms of the total number of journals, number of authors, organizations, and author collaborations. Most key bibliometric indicators demonstrated upward trends.
Towards a General Theory of Agricultural Knowledge Production: Environmental, Social, and Didactic Learning
Authors: Stone Glenn Davis
Published: June 2016

Social scientists and input producers alike have seen farmer decision making as driven by environmental learning based on experimentation and empirical observation. A more robust body of theory influenced by behavioral ecology sees a major role for social learning based on emulation of models selected on social criteria, although the relationship between these learning modes is not well understood. But a larger problem is that these perspectives ignore what is here termed didactic learning, whereby various parties bring instruction to the farm. Although not previously theorized, didactic learning is often crucial in agricultural learning and also distinct because it is driven by off‐farm interests. The outline of a general theory of farmer learning is presented, comprising an analysis of the salient characteristics of the three modalities and consideration of interaction among them. The successes of nonindustrial small farm management notwithstanding, there are serious limitations to the experimental basis of environmental learning. Agriculture is particularly suited to formal experimentation, but only because of simplifications that contradict the nature of actual decision making. Social learning is essential in agriculture but it may become maladaptive when environmental learning is particularly challenged. Among the entities involved in didactic learning are the state (with interests in monitoring and control), input developers and sellers (with interests in sales), and Non Governmental Organizations (with interests in media showing impacts of didactic learning).
Monilia (Moniliophtora roreri) and the Post‐Development of Belizean Cacao
Authors: Stanley Erik
Published: June 2016

This article explores how agro‐technical development works to change Mopan Maya relations with the natural world through a case study of the emergent fungus Monilia in the Belizean cacao industry. I show how technical development projects generate the environmental conditions that allow detrimental diseases like Monilia to become widespread, while subsequent efforts to mitigate the resultant epidemic serve as powerful vehicles for the further perpetuation of Western scientific agriculture. I argue that these interventions transform indigenous environmental paradigms from relational to mononatural, organized around human mastery over a singular, objective environment.
“The Earth Gives Us So Much”: Agroecology and Rural Women's Leadership in Uruguay
Authors: Oliver Beatriz
Published: June 2016

Created by women farmers in the late 1980s, the Calmañana herb co‐operative is a significant figure in Uruguay's agroecology movement. Technical assistance grounded in participatory feminist and agroecological perspectives aided the group to organize and establish their production and marketing system. Rather than promote specialization, the process enhanced local strategies and crop diversity that help households increase income and food security. These benefits indicate that agroecology is well suited to improve the position of small farms. Key to their achievement has been a production system focused on the women's interests, which include income diversification and family nutrition, as well as friendship and group solidarity. They have also become valued leaders in networks promoting rural women's agency, agroecology, and food sovereignty. This study confirms the importance of prioritizing gender equality in sustainable agriculture initiatives, not only for social justice but also to recognize women's crucial leadership and knowledge for agroecology.
Bridging Food Scarcity: Croatian Women's Responses to Consumer Capitalism
Authors: Hofman Nila Ginger
Published: June 2016

This study explores the livelihood strategies and food practices that Croatian women adopted during the post‐socialist era after two decades of economic and political reforms. I discuss how the decline of the nation's food production system and the emergence of neoliberal agricultural reforms impacted these household practices. I point out that the popularization of ready‐made foods led some women to choose self‐sufficient food practices, including foraging, while others embraced consumption patterns in line with the Europeanization of Croatian society. I suggest that these differences can be understood as particular responses to the declining food production industry and rising unemployment. They also reflect women's perceptions about the Europeanization of the Croatian consumer landscape and their lived experiences during socialism.
Class Conscious, Color‐Blind: Examining the Dynamics of Food Access and the Justice Potential of Farmers Markets
Authors: Lambert‐Pennington Katherine , Hicks Kathryn
Published: June 2016

Although often intended to address injustices in food access, farmers markets tend to cater to affluent communities, and to exclude on the basis of race and class. One means of addressing this is federal subsidy programs, like the Senior Farmers Market Nutritional Program (SFMNP). We explore the dynamics of the SFMNP program in Memphis’ farmers market landscape in 2011. We examine the visible barriers experienced by SFMNP patrons to market access including delays in establishing the program in a largely African‐American neighborhood, and the more subtle barriers such as perceptions of more affluent markets as white spaces. We then explore some successful efforts to make these issues visible and address them, including activism on the part of seniors and public dialog in social media. Despite this, we find that ongoing resistance to acknowledging farmers markets as spaces of racial inequality continues to challenge their food justice potential.
Intralymphatic histiocytosis comprises M2 macrophages in superficial dermal lymphatics with or without smooth muscles
Authors: Fujimoto Noriki , Nakanishi Gen , Manabe Toshiaki , Fujimura Taku , Tanaka Toshihiro
Published: June 2016

Intralymphatic histiocytosis represents a rare reactive disorder, which is characterized by the accumulation of macrophages within lymphatic vessels and observed predominantly in upper extremities. The infiltration and preferential M2 differentiation of macrophage are observed in chronic lymphedema, and lymphedema is considered a causative factor of intralymphatic histiocytosis. However, what causes accumulation of histiocytes in the lymphatic vessels remains unclear, and investigation regarding the characteristics of the macrophages has not been evaluated. We present a case of intralymphatic histiocytosis, in which immunohistochemical staining for both macrophages and lymphatic vessels was performed to evaluate the nature of macrophages within lymphatic vessels and to determine the causative factor. Aggregated macrophages were shown to be M2 macrophages positive for CD68, CD163 and CD206 but negative for inducible nitric oxide synthase. Thick lymphatic vessels positive for D2‐40 and α‐SMA in the superficial dermis were observed. We speculate that chronic lymphedema leads to hypertrophy of lymphatic vessels with smooth muscle in the superficial dermis, which may be a kind of malformation, and these lymphatic vessels produce some chemokines that induce intralymphatic aggregation of macrophages.
Mechanisms, pools, and sites of spontaneous vesicle release at synapses of rod and cone photoreceptors
Authors: Cork Karlene M. , Van Hook Matthew J. , Thoreson Wallace B.
Published: June 2016

Photoreceptors have depolarized resting potentials that stimulate calcium‐dependent release continuously from a large vesicle pool but neurons can also release vesicles without stimulation. We characterized the Ca2+ dependence, vesicle pools, and release sites involved in spontaneous release at photoreceptor ribbon synapses. In whole‐cell recordings from light‐adapted horizontal cells (HCs) of tiger salamander retina, we detected miniature excitatory post‐synaptic currents (mEPSCs) when no stimulation was applied to promote exocytosis. Blocking Ca2+ influx by lowering extracellular Ca2+, by application of Cd2+ and other agents reduced the frequency of mEPSCs but did not eliminate them, indicating that mEPSCs can occur independently of Ca2+. We also measured release presynaptically from rods and cones by examining quantal glutamate transporter anion currents. Presynaptic quantal event frequency was reduced by Cd2+ or by increased intracellular Ca2+ buffering in rods, but not in cones, that were voltage clamped at −70 mV. By inhibiting the vesicle cycle with bafilomycin, we found the frequency of mEPSCs declined more rapidly than the amplitude of evoked excitatory post‐synaptic currents (EPSCs) suggesting a possible separation between vesicle pools in evoked and spontaneous exocytosis. We mapped sites of Ca2+‐independent release using total internal reflectance fluorescence (TIRF) microscopy to visualize fusion of individual vesicles loaded with dextran‐conjugated pHrodo. Spontaneous release in rods occurred more frequently at non‐ribbon sites than evoked release events. The function of Ca2+‐independent spontaneous release at continuously active photoreceptor synapses remains unclear, but the low frequency of spontaneous quanta limits their impact on noise.
Individual neurons in the caudal fastigial oculomotor region convey information on both macro‐ and microsaccades
Authors: Sun Zongpeng , Junker Marc , Dicke Peter W. , Thier Peter
Published: June 2016

Recent studies have suggested that microsaccades, the small amplitude saccades made during fixation, are precisely controlled. Two lines of evidence suggest that the cerebellum plays a key role not only in improving the accuracy of macrosaccades but also of microsaccades. First, lesions of the fastigial oculomotor regions (FOR) cause horizontal dysmetria of both micro‐ and macrosaccades. Secondly, our previous work on Purkinje cell simple spikes in the oculomotor vermis (OV) has established qualitatively similar response preferences for these two groups of saccades. In this work, we investigated the control signals for micro‐ and macrosaccades in the FOR, the target of OV Purkinje cell axons. We found that the same FOR neurons discharged for micro‐ and macrosaccades. For both groups of saccades, FOR neurons exhibited very similar dependencies of their discharge strength on direction and amplitude and very similar burst onset time differences for ipsi‐ and contraversive saccades and, in both, response duration reflected saccade duration, at least at the population level. An intriguing characteristic of microsaccade‐related responses is that immediate pre‐saccadic firing rates decreased with distance to the target center, a pattern that strikingly parallels the eye position dependency of both microsaccade metrics and frequency, which may suggest a potential neural mechanism underlying the role of FOR in fixation. Irrespective of this specific consideration, our study supports the view that microsaccades and macrosaccades share the same cerebellar circuitry and, in general, further strengthens the notion of a microsaccade–macrosaccade continuum.
Adult microbiota‐deficient mice have distinct dendritic morphological changes: differential effects in the amygdala and hippocampus
Authors: Luczynski Pauline , Whelan Seán O. , O'Sullivan Colette , Clarke Gerard , Shanahan Fergus , Dinan Timothy G. , Cryan John F.
Published: June 2016

Increasing evidence implicates the microbiota in the regulation of brain and behaviour. Germ‐free mice (GF; microbiota deficient from birth) exhibit altered stress hormone signalling and anxiety‐like behaviours as well as deficits in social cognition. Although the mechanisms underlying the ability of the gut microbiota to influence stress responsivity and behaviour remain unknown, many lines of evidence point to the amygdala and hippocampus as likely targets. Thus, the aim of this study was to determine if the volume and dendritic morphology of the amygdala and hippocampus differ in GF versus conventionally colonized (CC) mice. Volumetric estimates revealed significant amygdalar and hippocampal expansion in GF compared to CC mice. We also studied the effect of GF status on the level of single neurons in the basolateral amygdala (BLA) and ventral hippocampus. In the BLA, the aspiny interneurons and pyramidal neurons of GF mice exhibited dendritic hypertrophy. The BLA pyramidal neurons of GF mice had more thin, stubby and mushroom spines. In contrast, the ventral hippocampal pyramidal neurons of GF mice were shorter, less branched and had less stubby and mushroom spines. When compared to controls, dentate granule cells of GF mice were less branched but did not differ in spine density. These findings suggest that the microbiota is required for the normal gross morphology and ultrastructure of the amygdala and hippocampus and that this neural remodelling may contribute to the maladaptive stress responsivity and behavioural profile observed in GF mice.
The Ex‐dividend Day Behaviour of REITs: Tax or Market Microstructure Effects
Authors: John Kose , Mateti Ravi S. , Nguyen Duong , Vasudevan Gopala
Published: June 2016

We examine the importance of the tax and microstructure theories in explaining the ex‐dividend day behaviour of US REIT stock prices in three tick size regimes − the 1/8th, 1/16th, and decimal eras. We present a new theory that shows how the tax and microstructure effects interact to produce the observed ex‐dividend day behaviour. Our theory also shows why in an era of a large tick size, as in the 1/8th era, the tax effects fail to get detected and the observed ex‐dividend day behaviour could be misinterpreted as resulting solely from the microstructure effects.
A Theoretical Model for the Term Structure of Corporate Credit based on Competitive Advantage
Authors: Rajaratnam Bala , Rajaratnam Kanshukan , Rajaratnam Myuran
Published: June 2016

We derive the term structure of corporate credit based on the competitive advantage of a firm and the tax deductibility of its interest payments. We consider the competitive advantage enjoyed by the firm as the central tenet of our model and capture its eventual demise in a probabilistic manner. We compensate the bond holder for expected losses and then provide an additional spread based on the tax deductibility of interest payments. Our simple intuitive model appears to overcome some of the well‐known shortcomings of structural credit risk models.
A comparison of the effects of a 4% modified fluid gelatin and a 6% hydroxyethyl starch on haemodilution, colloid osmotic pressure, haemostasis and renal parameters in healthy ponies
Authors: Gratwick Z. , Viljoen A. , Page P. C. , Goddard A. , Fosgate G. T. , Lyle C. H.
Published: June 2016

Reasons for performing study

Adverse effects on renal health and haemostasis have been documented in human patients administered hydroxyethyl starches (HESs). Gelatins may represent useful substitutes should similar adverse effects be identified in horses.

Objectives

To compare the effects of a 4% modified fluid gelatin (MFG) with a 6% (130/0.4)HESon haemodilution, colloid osmotic pressure (COP), haemostasis and renal parameters in healthy ponies.

Study design

Randomised crossover experiment.

Methods

Three treatments (Treatment A: 10 ml/kg bwtHES; Treatment B: 10 ml/kg bwtMFG; Treatment C: 20 ml/kg bwtMFG) were administered to 6 healthy ponies with a 1 week washout period between treatments. Haematocrit, platelet count, total serum protein,COP, thromboelastography (TEG), prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) and fibrinogen concentration were measured at baseline and at multiple time points up to 24 h post‐infusion. Serum creatinine concentration, urine specific gravity (USG), urine protein:creatinine ratio (UPC), urine γ‐glutamyltransferase:creatinine ratio (UGC) and urine sediment examination (USE) were performed before and at 24 h after each treatment, as well as at 1 week after the final treatment.

Results

All treatments resulted in significant haemodilution and increases inCOP. Treatment C had a significantly greater effect on haematocrit than the other treatments. The platelet count decreased with all treatments and was significantly lower following Treatment C compared with Treatment B. No clinically relevant differences were observed in any of theTEGparameters within or between treatments. No significant differences inPT,aPTTor fibrinogen concentration were observed among treatments. Serum creatinine concentration,UPCandUGCdid not change significantly between pre‐ and post‐study measurements.USGandUSEremained within normal limits.

Conclusions

Modified fluid gelatin could be considered as an alternative toHESfor volume expansion and oncotic support. NeitherMFGnorHESwere associated with clinically significant adverse effects on haemostasis or renal parameters.
Mapping Urban Geographies of Food and Dietary Health: A Synthesized Framework
Authors: Pettygrove Margaret , Ghose Rina
Published: June 2016

This paper develops a theoretical and conceptual framework for research on urban geographies of food and dietary health. This framework conceptualizes urban dietary health inequities as produced relationally through multiscalar social, political, economic, and biological processes intersecting in place‐specific ways. It synthesizes perspectives from spatial analytical food access research, relational health geographies, political ecologies, and critical geographic information science (GIS). Recognizing the importance of relational, dynamic conceptions of both spatial context and human health, it suggests extending current approaches by integrating critical GIS methodologies for producing alternative spatial representations and political ecology's theorization of urban spaces as produced through the intersection of multiscalar social and ecological processes. Reflecting political ecological and critical GIS perspectives, it also emphasizes that (spatial) knowledge production processes materially impact urban environments and human health.
Exploring Georeferenced Mobile Phone Datasets – A Survey and Reference Framework
Authors: Yuan Yihong , Raubal Martin
Published: June 2016

Nowadays, mobile phones and other information and communication technology (ICT) devices collect large numbers of measurements about their users. This review paper provides an overview of georeferenced mobile phone datasets by exploring and summarizing the metadata of multiple datasets based on a literature review. It also presents an abstract model to depict the connections of these datasets, serving as the basis for potential spatio‐temporal data mining and geographic knowledge discovery tasks. The summarized metadata table and proposed research topics can be applied as a reference framework to future studies in the area of mobile computing, geospatial data mining, and mobile data collection in the age of instant access.
Diabetes mellitus, hypertension and frailty: A population‐based, cross‐sectional study of Mexican older adults
Authors: Castrejón‐Pérez Roberto Carlos , Gutiérrez‐Robledo Luis Miguel , Cesari Matteo , Pérez‐Zepeda Mario Ulises
Published: June 2016

Aim

Chronic diseases are frequent in older adults, particularly hypertension and diabetes. The relationship between frailty and these two conditions is still unclear. The aim of the present analyses was to explore the association between frailty with diabetes and hypertension in Mexican older adults.

Methods

Analyses of the Mexican Health and Nutrition Survey, a cross‐sectional survey, are presented. Data on diabetes and hypertension were acquired along with associated conditions (time since diagnosis, pharmacological treatment, among others). A 36‐item frailty index was constructed and rescaled to z‐values (individual scores minus population mean divided by one standard deviation). Multiple linear regression models were carried out, adjusted for age and sex.

Results

From 7164 older adults, 54.8% were women, and their mean age was 70.6 years with a mean frailty index score of 0.175. The prevalence of diabetes was of 22.2%, and 37.3% for hypertension. An independent association between diabetes, hypertension or both conditions (coefficients 0.28, 0.4 and 0.63, respectively, P < 0.001) with frailty was found. Having any diabetic complication was significantly associated with frailty with a coefficient of 0.55 (95% CI 0.45–0.65, P < 0.001) in the adjusted model. The number of years since diagnosis was also associated with frailty for both conditions.

Conclusions

Diabetes and hypertension are associated with frailty. In addition, an incremental association was found when both conditions were present or with worse associated features (any complication, more time since diagnosis). Frailty should be of particular concern in populations with a high prevalence of these conditions. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2017; 17: 925–930.
Gremlin1 expression associates with serrated pathway and favourable prognosis in colorectal cancer
Authors: Pelli Ari , Väyrynen Juha P , Klintrup Kai , Mäkelä Jyrki , Mäkinen Markus J , Tuomisto Anne , Karttunen Tuomo J
Published: June 2016

Aims

Gremlin1 is a bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) antagonist with a suggested role in colorectal cancer (CRC) progression. We have analysed Gremlin1 protein expression in CRC and assessed its correlation with clinicopathological characteristics, including developmental pathway and prognosis.

Methods and results

Material included a non‐selected series of 148 surgically treated CRC cases. The tumour–node–metastasis (TNM) stage, histological grade and inflammatory infiltrate at the invasive margin were assessed, and tumours were classified to serrated or non‐serrated types. Immunohistochemistry was conducted to evaluate Gremlin1 expression. Prognosis (60‐month follow‐up) was analysed by Kaplan–Meier methods and Cox regression analysis. Gremlin1 expression was detected in epithelial cells both in normal mucosa and in carcinomas. Abundant expression in carcinomas associated with low TNM stage (P = 0.044), low histological grade (P = 0.044), serrated histology (P = 0.033 or P = 0.053 depending on the classification cut‐off) and intensive inflammatory infiltrate at the invasive margin (P = 0.044), and was a stage independent indicator of extended survival (P = 0.029).

Conclusions

Gremlin1 protein expression in CRC associates with low tumour stage and extended survival independently of tumour stage, suggesting that it represents a relevant prognostic indicator in CRC. High expression in carcinomas with serrated histology suggests a potential role for Gremlin1 in the serrated pathway of CRC.
Building professional competence in dental hygiene students through a community‐based practicum
Authors: Yoon MN , Compton SM
Published: June 2016

Objectives

As Canadians age, there is an increased need for oral health professionals specializing in services for this unique population. Dental hygiene students require exposure to this population to develop professional competencies. This study investigated the dimensions of professional competence that were developed through a practicum for dental hygiene students in long‐term care settings while working with older adults.

Methods

Nine dental hygiene students were recruited across two cohorts. All students completed reflective journals describing their practicum experiences. Five students also participated in an audio‐recorded focus group and completed a pre‐focus group questionnaire. Additionally, the practicum course coordinator completed an audio‐recorded interview. Transcripts and journals were coded using a constant comparative approach and themes were identified.

Results

Students described developing client‐focused skills, such as effective verbal and non‐verbal communication with older adults with dementia. Context‐based learning was also a large part of the competency development for the practicum students. Understanding the care environment within which these residents lived helped students to understand and empathize why oral health may not be prioritized. Students also developed an understanding of the work of other health professionals in the settings and improved their abilities to communicate with other healthcare providers. However, students recognized that the utility of those interprofessional skills in private practice may be limited.

Conclusion

Dental hygiene students developed personal and ethical competencies during practicum that are highly transferrable across professional settings. Exposure of students to older adult populations in long‐term care may increase the likelihood of dental hygienists working in this area.
Research misconduct: time for a re‐think?
Authors: Breen K. J.
Published: June 2016

The incidence of research misconduct appears to be increasing, drawing attention in the general media and academic literature. Concerns have been expressed about probable under‐reporting, harms arising, lack of an agreed international definition, welfare of whistleblowers and the adequacy of the investigation processes and any subsequent sanctions. A fully satisfactory approach to prevention, detection, investigation and adjudication has yet to emerge. While the definition of research misconduct contained in the Australian Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research is comprehensive, universities and other research institutions at times struggle in their task of investigating and adjudicating allegations of research misconduct. A more centralised, independent process of oversight and monitoring of this role played by the universities and institutions would help support those institutions and help maintain community confidence in the research endeavour.
Have the ‘black clouds’ cleared with new residency programme regulations?
Authors: Schissler A. J. , Einstein A. J.
Published: June 2016

For decades, residents believed to work harder have been referred to as having a ‘black cloud’. Residency training programmes recently instituted changes to improve physician wellness and achieve comparable clinical workload. All Internal Medicine residents in the internship class of 2014 at Columbia were surveyed to assess for the ongoing presence of ‘black cloud’ trainees. While some residents are still thought to have this designation, they did not have a greater workload when compared to their peers.
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: an Australian perspective
Authors: Prasad J. , Holland A. E. , Glaspole I. , Westall G.
Published: June 2016

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is a progressive interstitial lung disease of unknown aetiology with a dismal median survival of 3 years. Patients typically develop progressive dyspnoea and increasing exercise limitation. With a rising incidence and prevalence, an unpredictable disease course and limited treatment options, it is rapidly becoming an important public health concern. To date, lung transplantation has been the sole viable hope for treatment for those who qualify. However, the landscape of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis management is changing, with the recent emergence of novel pharmacotherapy shown to have a favourable influence on the natural history of this disease.
Lollipop‐induced oral lichenoid reaction in a child
Authors: Bastos Daniela B. , Santos Ingrid S. , Valente Vitor B. , Biel Antônio Carlos O. , Felipini Renata C. , Biasoli Eder R. , Miyahara Glauco I. , Bernabé Daniel G.
Published: June 2016

Background

Oral lichenoid reactions (OLRs) have been rarely reported in pediatric patients.

Case Report

This article reports an unusual case of a 15‐year‐old girl who had white plaques in tongue and buccal mucosa oral which initially were diagnosed as oral lichen planus (OLP). At first, the patient and her family denied systemic or local medication use. Biopsy was performed, and histopathological aspects were suggestive of OLP. Despite the attempt of treatment with topical corticoid, the lesions did not recede. Patient's behavior and medical history were again investigated and revealed that she had been using almost daily in her school an artificially colored and flavored lollipop. One week after removing lollipop use behavior, the oral lesions showed complete resolution and OLR diagnosis was defined.

Conclusion

The present case denotes that OLR should be considered in the differential diagnosis of oral white plates in children and artificially colored sweets can be its causal agent.
Electrophoretic Deposition Kinetics and Characterization of Ni–La1.95Ca0.05Zr2O7−δ Particulate Thin Films
Authors: Das Debasish , Islam Quazi Arif , Basu Rajendra N.
Published: June 2016

Suspensions of NiO–La1.95Ca0.05Zr2O7−δ (NiO–LCZ) composite material have been prepared in isopropanol medium using iodine and acetylacetone as dispersants. The effect of iodine concentration on suspension stability, electrical conductivity, and suspension pH are studied in detail to optimize the suspension chemistry. Electrophoretic deposition has been successfully conducted on conducting substrate (steel plate) to fabricate NiO–LCZ thin particulate films. Deposition kinetics have been studied in detail to optimize the process parameters. Good quality particulate films of such composite on steel plates are obtained at an applied voltage of 60 V for 3 min. The optimized suspension chemistry and process parameters thus obtained are then used to fabricate NiO–LCZ composite films onto nonconducting porous ceramic substrate by placing a conducting plate at the reverse side of the porous substrate. The deposited films along with the ceramic substrates are co‐fired at 1400°C for 6 h in reducing atmosphere (5% hydrogen in argon) to produce a good quality dense Ni–LCZ film of thickness ~40 μm. The hydrogen permeation flux of the developed cermet membrane has been measured and it reveals that Ni–LCZ could be used as a potential membrane for hydrogen separation at high temperature.
Controlling the Diameter of Electrospun Yttria‐Stabilized Zirconia Nanofibers
Authors: Koo Ja Yang , Hwang Sangyeon , Ahn Minwoo , Choi Mingi , Byun Doyoung , Lee Wonyoung
Published: June 2016

This work reports the precise diameter control of electrospun yttria‐stabilized zirconia (YSZ) nanofibers from 200 to 900 nm after calcination. Fabricated YSZ nanofibers showed porous nanocrystalline structures with high aspect ratios of more than 500:1 and high surface‐to‐volume ratios with a specific surface area of 43.32 m2/g. The diameter of the YSZ nanofibers increased with the viscosity of the precursor solution, which was controlled by the concentrations of either polymers (polyacrylonitrile) or ceramic precursors (YSZ). We present a modified correlation between the diameter of a nanofiber and the synthetic conditions, as the observed behavior for calcined ceramic nanofibers deviated from the expected behavior. Our results demonstrate a modified but simple approach to fabricate ceramic nanofibers with desired diameters, providing a new design guideline for many electrochemical applications.
A concept analysis of women's vulnerability during pregnancy, birth and the postnatal period
Authors: Briscoe Lesley , Lavender Tina , McGowan Linda
Published: June 2016

Aim

To report an analysis of the concept of vulnerability associated with pregnancy, birth and the postnatal period.

Background

The concept of vulnerability during childbirth is complex and the term, ‘to be vulnerable’ frequently attains a vague application. Analysis about vulnerability is needed to guide policy, practice, education and research. Clarity around the concept has the potential to improve outcomes for women.

Design

Concept analysis.

Data sources

Searches were conducted in CINAHL, EMBASE, PubMed, Psychinfo, MEDLINE, MIDIRS and ASSIA and limited to between January 2000 – June 2014. Data were collected over 12 months during 2014.

Methods

This concept analysis drew on Morse's qualitative methods.

Results

Vulnerability during pregnancy, birth and the postnatal period can be defined by three main attributes: (a) Threat; (b) Barrier; and (c) Repair. Key attributes have the potential to influence outcome for women. Inseparable sub‐attributes such as mother and baby attachment, the woman's free will and choice added a level of complexity about the concept.

Conclusion

This concept analysis has clarified how the term vulnerability is currently understood and used in relation to pregnancy, birth and the postnatal period. Vulnerability should be viewed as a complex phenomenon rather than a singular concept. A ‘vulnerability journey plan’ has the potential to identify how reparative interventions may develop the woman's capacity for resilience and influence the degree of vulnerability experienced. Methodology based around complex theory should be explored in future work about vulnerability.
Rhodiola Inhibits Atrial Arrhythmogenesis in a Heart Failure Model
Authors: LIU SHUEN‐HSIN , HSIAO YA‐WEN , CHONG ERIC , SINGHAL RAHUL , FONG MAN‐CAI , TSAI YUNG‐NAN , HSU CHIAO‐PO , CHEN YAO‐CHANG , CHEN YI‐JEN , CHIOU CHUEN‐WANG , CHIANG SHUO‐JU , CHANG SHIH‐LIN , CHEN SHIH‐ANN
Published: June 2016

Rhodiola Inhibits Atrial Arrhythmogenesis

Introduction

Rhodiola, a popular plant in Tibet, has been proven to decrease arrhythmia. The aim of this study was to elucidate the molecular mechanism and electrophysiological properties of rhodiola in the suppression of atrial fibrillation.

Methods

This study consisted of 3 groups as follows: Group 1: normal control rabbits (n = 5); Group 2: rabbits with heart failure (HF) created by coronary ligation and who received 2 weeks of water orally as a placebo (n = 5); and Group 3: rabbits with HF who received 2 weeks of a rhodiola 270 mg/kg/day treatment orally (n = 5). The monophasic action potential, histology, and real‐time polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) analysis of ionic channels and PI3K/AKT/eNOS were examined.

Results

Compared with the HF group, attenuated atrial fibrosis (35.4 ± 17.4% vs. 16.9 ± 8.4%, P = 0.05) and improved left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction (51.6 ± 3.4% vs. 68.0 ± 0.5%, P = 0.001) were observed in the rhodiola group. The rhodiola group had a shorter ERP (85.3 ± 6.8 vs. 94.3 ± 1.2, P = 0.002), APD90 (89.3 ± 1.5 vs. 112.7 ± 0.7, P < 0.001) in the left atrium (LA), and decreased AF inducibility (0.90 ± 0.04 vs. 0.42 ± 0.04, P < 0.001) compared with the HF group. The mRNA expressions of Kv1.4, Kv1.5, Kv4.3, KvLQT1, Cav1.2, and SERCA2a in the HF LA were up‐regulated after rhodiola treatment. The rhodiola‐treated HF LA demonstrated higher mRNA expression of PI3K‐AKT compared with the HF group.

Conclusions

Rhodiola reversed LA electrical remodeling, attenuated atrial fibrosis and suppressed AF in rabbits with HF. The beneficial electrophysiological effect of rhodiola may be related to upregulation of Kv1.4, Kv1.5, Kv4.3, KvLQT1, Cav1.2, SERCA2a, and activation of PI3K/AKT signaling.
THE FINANCIAL IMPACT OF LENDER‐OF‐LAST‐RESORT BORROWING FROM THE FEDERAL RESERVE DURING THE FINANCIAL CRISIS
Authors: Blau Benjamin M. , Hein Scott E. , Whitby Ryan J.
Published: June 2016

The U.S. Federal Reserve (Fed) was reluctant to release the names of firms that borrowed, and the amounts borrowed, from the emergency loan facilities during the financial crisis. We show that when the details of this information were finally made public by the Fed, there was no stock market reaction, contrary to the thought that this was valuable information. However, further investigation shows that stock returns for publicly traded borrowing institutions declined significantly and almost immediately after the Fed borrowing was initiated, although the information had not been made public by the Fed at the time. The underperformance of borrowing institutions was greatest for those that received the largest loans or had the largest amount of loans outstanding. This evidence is consistent with the idea that investors were able to trade on the information about the Fed's emergency loan program, although the Fed purposely tried to keep the information private.
SKEWNESS AND COSKEWNESS IN BOND RETURNS
Authors: Chiang I‐Hsuan Ethan
Published: June 2016

Bond skewness and coskewness (i.e., bond return comovement with market volatility) are both time varying, with cross‐sectional variation driven by maturity and credit rating. Other things being equal, longer maturity bonds have lower skewness, and lower coskewness with respect to the bond market index; lower quality bonds have lower skewness, and higher coskewness with respect to the bond market index. Three‐moment bond alphas (which account for coskewness effects) are time varying and predictable by market default spread. They are significantly different from, and often are closer to zero than, two‐moment alphas (which ignore coskewness effects).
The amyloid cascade hypothesis: are we poised for success or failure?
Authors: Karran Eric , De Strooper Bart
Published: June 2016

The first description of Alzheimer's disease (AD) was made in 1907 by Alois Alzheimer (Allgemeine Zeitschrift fur Psyciatrie und Psychisch‐Gerichtliche Medizin 64, 3, 1907), although other contemporary physicians had made similar, and rather more complete, assessments of the neuropathological changes present in the AD brain (Fischer, Monatsschr Psychiat Neurol 22, 17, 1907). Our knowledge of AD has increased dramatically and continues to accelerate. This year is 25 years after the publication of a series of papers that, in various ways, articulated the amyloid cascade hypothesis (ACH) for AD (Beyreuther and Masters, Brain Pathol 1, 241–251, 1991; Hardy and Allsop, Trends Pharmacol Sci 12, 383–388, 1991; Selkoe, Neuron 6, 487–498, 1991; Hardy and Higgins, Science 256, 184–185, 1992). This review will cover some familiar territory, but we shall also place the ACH into a wider context, compare it with other hypotheses for AD, explore the evolution of the hypothesis to encompass new findings, and determine, irrespective of the merits of the hypothesis itself, whether it has been useful for the research field, both in academia and in industry. Finally, we shall review how the ACH has led to a number of therapeutic approaches, all of which have, to date, failed to reach their primary efficacy end‐points in clinical trials and reflect upon what the future may hold.

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We review the amyloid cascade hypothesis (ACH) and compare it with other hypotheses that have been posited to explain the initiation and progression Alzheimer's disease. We document the data that support the ACH, and also reflect upon its deficiencies. We list the recent clinical failures of amyloidocentric drugs and anticipate the results that new therapeutic approaches may deliver.

This article is part of the 60th Anniversary special issue.
Predictors of coronary artery disease in middle‐aged Taiwanese women at premenopause, postmenopause and after undergoing hysterectomy
Authors: Tsai Ching‐Ching , Hsieh Ming‐Hsiung , Yang Hung‐Yu , Chan Paul , Jeng Chii
Published: June 2016

Aims and objectives

To examine the predictors of coronary artery disease among middle‐aged women at various menopausal statuses.

Background

Few studies have explored coronary artery disease predictors among middle‐aged women at various menopausal statuses, particularly with the inclusion of women who underwent a hysterectomy.

Design

A cross‐sectional design was adopted.

Methods

Two hundred and twenty‐five middle‐aged women who were waiting for catheterisation examinations because of possible coronary artery disease were selected. These patients were divided into premenopausal (n = 41), postmenopausal (n = 143) and women who had undergone a hysterectomy groups (n = 41). The differences in the risk factors for coronary artery disease between patients with coronary artery disease (catheterisation results showing stenosis of >50% in at least one major coronary artery) and those without coronary artery disease in the three groups were compared.

Results

The participants were aged 56·8 ± 5·9 years. In the premenopausal group, the odds of coronary artery disease among ever or current smokers was 8·46 times the odds of coronary artery disease for the never smokers. In the postmenopausal group, the odds of coronary artery disease among diabetes patients was 2·89 times the odds of coronary artery disease for those without diabetes. Each additional point on the Chinese Beck Depression Inventory‐II increased the risk of coronary artery disease by 5%. In the hysterectomy group, each additional increase in 1 mmHg in systolic blood pressure increased the risk of coronary artery disease by 4%.

Conclusions

Smoking, diabetes, depression and systolic blood pressure are predictors of coronary artery disease in middle‐aged women at premenopause, postmenopause and after undergoing hysterectomy respectively.

Relevance to clinical practice

These results are beneficial for middle‐aged women at various menopausal stages to effectively implement prevention of coronary artery disease. These findings were among women being evaluated for possible coronary artery disease, we suggest the need for further study in lager, longitudinal studies.
Culture, Gender, and Medical Waiting Rooms: A Kuwaiti Case Study
Authors: Figueroa Norma I.
Published: June 2016

Although the influence of the built environment in healing and the factors that contribute in creating successful healthcare facilities have been prolific research topics, little has been studied on the subject of how different cultures perceive and navigate these spaces. Through ethnographic observation and online survey, this study explores the way people in a gender–segregated culture, like Kuwait, occupy the waiting rooms at a public hospital in an urban setting. The findings indicate that people in the gender neutral rooms studied had a tendency to cluster in separate gender zones, adapting their behavior in order to meet cultural, political, and religious norms, and readjusting their spatial environment to achieve privacy and avoid interaction between strangers of the opposite sex. The implications on design include the creation of flexible spaces that would give people options of sitting by themselves, with others of the same sex, or with others of the opposite sex, without being cut off from the rest, and as they find more comfortable. With the globalization of design, professionals need to be attuned to the cultural needs and behavior of those we design for, and this paper tries to contribute in that respect.
The “Activist Identity” and Activism across Domains: A Multiple Identities Analysis
Authors: Louis Winnifred R. , Amiot Catherine E. , Thomas Emma F. , Blackwood Leda
Published: June 2016

Two correlational studies of activists examined the association between belonging to community organizations or groups and sustained activism within a particular domain. In Study 1 (N = 45) larger activist networks, controlling for activist identification and greater political knowledge, were associated with stronger activism intentions. In Study 2 (N = 155), larger Time 1 peace activism social networks were associated with more Time 2 peace activism and, via Time 2 activism, with sustained activism at Time 3. In contrast, Time 1 nationalist and party political identities were inhibiting factors of peace activism at Time 2, and indirectly at Time 3. In addition, larger peace activism networks at Time 1 were associated with greater international human rights activism and Christian activism at Time 3, but not as consistently with other forms of cross‐domain activism. The possible organizing principles for these interrelationships are discussed.