bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Do incompatible arguments cause extensive processing in the evaluation of arguments? The role of congruence between argument compatibility and argument quality
Authors: Liu Cheng‐Hong , Lee Hung‐Wei , Huang Po‐Sheng , Chen Hsueh‐Chih , Sommers Scott
Published: May 2015

Previous studies have demonstrated that arguments incompatible with prior beliefs are subjected to more extensive refutational processing, scrutinized longer, and judged to be weaker than arguments compatible with prior beliefs. However, this study suggests whether extensive processing is implemented when evaluating arguments is not decided by argument compatibility, but by congruence between two evaluating tendencies elicited by both argument compatibility and argument quality. Consistent with this perspective, the results of two experiments show that relative to congruent arguments, participants judged arguments eliciting incongruent evaluating tendencies as less extreme in strength, spent more time, and felt more hesitant generating strength judgments for them. The results also show that it is mainly incongruent arguments, not congruent arguments, whose strength ratings were more closely associated with the perceived personal importance of the issue, which intensified the tendency to evaluate arguments depending on argument compatibility. These results suggest that it is the incongruity between argument compatibility and argument quality, and not simply the argument compatibility, that plays a more important role in activating an extensive processing in the evaluation of arguments.
Significance of the Immunohistochemical Expression of Bone Morphogenetic Protein‐4 in Bone Maturation after Maxillary Sinus Grafting in Humans
Authors: Torrecillas‐Martínez Laura , Galindo‐Moreno Pablo , Ávila‐Ortiz Gustavo , Ortega‐Oller Inmaculada , Monje Alberto , Hernández‐Cortés Pedro , Aguilar David , O'Valle Francisco
Published: May 2015

Background

Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) are members of the transforming growth factor‐β (TGFβ) protein superfamily and are known to be involved in bone and cartilage formation. Within this family, BMP‐4 is one of the most studied members. It has been shown to induce osteogenic differentiation of osteoblasts and osteoprogenitor cells in vitro, but the intimate processes in which this protein promotes and regulates osseous repair still remains unclear.

Purpose

To assess whether the native cellular immunohistochemical expression of BMP‐4 correlates with the maturation of bone samples obtained at 6 months after maxillary sinus augmentation.

Materials and Methods

Histopathological and histomorphometrical analyses were performed in all the samples, which were obtained from a total of 58 patients. Immunohistochemical expression of BMP‐4 was analyzed in 30 core biopsies obtained from maxillary sinuses grafted with a combination of anorganic bovine bone and autogenous cortical bone [1:1] (AB‐group), and 18 biopsies from maxillary sinuses grafted solely with a cortico‐cancellous particulate allograft (M‐group), all of them after a 6‐month healing period. Also, 10 biopsies of native pristine bone were obtained and used as control group (C‐group).

Results

Mild to moderate immunohistochemical expression of native granular BMP‐4 was present in 56.8% (31.0% AB‐group, 22.4% M‐group, and 3.4% C‐group) (p = 0.000, chi‐square) of the specimens analyzed. BMP‐4 expression was primarily located in the cytoplasm of osteoblasts, osteoclasts, and epithelial cells of the schneiderian membrane. Whereas significant differences were observed in the proportion of mineralized tissue and cellularity between sinuses grafted with anorganic bovine bone, allograft, or nongrafted sinuses, there were no statistically significant differences in the cellular expression of BMP‐4 among groups.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that the native expression of BMP‐4 appears to be associated with normal bone homeostasis and reparation in grafted and nongrafted maxillary sites.
Anatomical Considerations on the Alveolar Antral Artery as Related to the Sinus Augmentation Surgical Procedure
Authors: Valente Nicola Alberto
Published: May 2015

Background

The alveolar antral artery (AAA) is a vascular structure that often passes through the area of lateral window opening during sinus augmentation and can reach dimensions that, if the vessel is severed, can represent a serious complication of the surgical procedure.

Purpose

With this narrative review, we aimed at summarizing the results obtained from all the studies that analyzed the variability in anatomical position and dimension of the AAA in order to give the clinician a reference when planning for a sinus augmentation surgery.

Materials and Methods

A search of available literature was conducted using electronic databases (PubMed and Medline) and manual searching.

Results

Detection rate of AAA on cone beam computerized tomography (CBCT) is variable and may depend upon the experience of the clinician. The course of the vessel is most frequently intraosseous, and its diameter, despite being smaller than 1 mm in most of the cases, can have a high incidence of diameters between 1 mm and 2 mm. Mean distances of the AAA from alveolar crest and sinus floor range from 11.25 mm to 26.90 mm and 5.80 mm to 10.40 mm.

Conclusions

Anatomical variants of the AAA that may increase the risk of severe intraoperatory bleeding are frequent and must be detected by the clinician implementing the use of the CBCT.
Collective Contexts in Conversation: Grounding by Proxy
Authors: Eshghi Arash , Healey Patrick G. T.
Published: May 2015

Anecdotal evidence suggests that participants in conversation can sometimes act as a coalition. This implies a level of conversational organization in which groups of individuals form a coherent unit. This paper investigates the implications of this phenomenon for psycholinguistic and semantic models of shared context in dialog. We present a corpus study of multiparty dialog which shows that, in certain circumstances, people with different levels of overt involvement in a conversation, that is, one responding and one not, can nonetheless access the same shared context. We argue that contemporary models of shared context need to be adapted to capture this situation. To address this, we propose “grounding by proxy,” in which one person can respond on behalf of another, as a simple mechanism by which shared context can accumulate for a coalition as a whole. We explore this hypothesis experimentally by investigating how people in a task‐oriented coalition respond when their shared context appears to be weakened. The results provide evidence that, by default, coalition members act on each other's behalf, and when this fails they work to compensate. We conclude that this points to the need for a new concept of collective grounding acts and a corresponding concept of collective contexts in psycholinguistic and semantic models of dialog.
Low‐dose methotrexate may preserve a stronger antileukemic effect than that of cyclosporine after modified donor lymphocyte infusion in unmanipulated haploidentical HSCT
Authors: Yan Chen‐Hua , Xu Lan‐Ping , Liu Dai‐hong , Chen Huan , Wang Yu , Wang Jing‐zhi , Wang Feng‐rong , Han Wei , Liu Kai‐Yan , Huang Xiao‐Jun
Published: May 2015

To compare the impacts of low‐dose methotrexate (MTX) with cyclosporine (CSA) on graft‐versus‐host disease (GVHD) and graft‐versus‐leukemia (GVL) effect after haploidentical modified donor lymphocyte infusion (DLI). Fifty‐five consecutive patients who had relapsed acute leukemia after haploidentical hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) and received modified DLI were retrospectively studied. Forty‐one patients received CSA and 14 received low‐dose MTX after DLI to prevent DLI‐associated GVHD. The incidence of acute GVHD and grade 2–4 acute GVHD in MTX group showed a trend toward being higher than in CSA group (61.0% vs. 37.3%, p = 0.198 and 61.0% vs. 35.5%, p = 0.155). However, no significant difference in the incidence of grade 3–4 acute GVHD between two groups (p = 0.982) was observed. Moreover, compared with CSA, patients treated with MTX had lower re‐relapse rate (38.1% vs. 80.8%, p = 0.029), better disease‐free survival (DFS) (51.9% vs. 15.6%, p = 0.06), and higher absolute lymphocyte counts at 30, 45, 60, and 90 d after modified DLI (p < 0.05). This study suggested that after haploidentical modified DLI, low‐dose MTX is at least as effective as CSA in the prevention of DLI‐associated GVHD and probably allowed stronger GVL effect than CSA. This phenomenon was probably due to a direct antitumor effect and a better reconstitution of lymphocytes after modified DLI induced by low‐dose MTX.
Cost‐effectiveness of continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion versus multiple daily injections of insulin in Type 1 diabetes: a systematic review
Authors: Roze S. , Smith‐Palmer J. , Valentine W. , de Portu S. , Nørgaard K. , Pickup J. C.
Published: May 2015

Aim

Continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) is increasingly used in clinical practice for the management of selected patients with Type 1 diabetes. Several cost‐effectiveness studies comparing CSII vs. multiple insulin injections (MDI) have been reported. The aim was systematically to review these analyses and test the hypothesis that CSII is a cost‐effective use of healthcare resources across settings.

Methods

A literature review was performed using MEDLINE, Cochrane Library and other databases. No time limit or language restrictions were applied. After two rounds of screening, 11 cost‐effectiveness analyses were included in the final review, of which nine used the CORE Diabetes Model. A narrative synthesis was conducted and mean cost effectiveness calculated.

Results

CSII was considered cost‐effective vs. MDI in Type 1 diabetes in all 11 studies in 8 countries, with a mean (95% CI) incremental cost effectiveness ratio of €30 862 (17 997–43 727), US$40 143 (23 409–56 876) per quality‐adjusted life year (QALY) gained. CSII was associated with improved life expectancy and quality‐adjusted life expectancy (0.4–1.1 QALYs in adults), driven by lower HbA1c and lower frequency of hypoglycaemic events vs. MDI. CSII was associated with higher lifetime direct costs due to higher treatment costs but this was partially offset by cost‐savings from reduced diabetes‐related complications.

Conclusions

Published cost‐effectiveness analyses show that in Type 1 diabetes CSII is cost‐effective vs. MDI across a number of settings for patients who have poor glycaemic control and/or problematic hypoglycaemia on MDI, with cost‐effectiveness highly sensitive to the reduction in HbA1c and hypoglycaemia frequency associated with CSII.
Diabetes, trekking and high altitude: recognizing and preparing for the risks
Authors: Mohajeri S. , Perkins B. A. , Brubaker P. L. , Riddell M. C.
Published: May 2015

Although regular physical activity is encouraged for individuals with diabetes, exercise at high altitude increases risk for a number of potential complications. This review highlights our current understanding of the key physiological and clinical issues that accompany high‐altitude travel and proposes basic clinical strategies to help overcome obstacles faced by trekkers with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes. Although individuals with diabetes have adaptations to the hypoxia of high altitude (increased ventilation, heart rate, blood pressure and hormonal responses), elevated counter‐regulatory hormones can impair glycaemic control, particularly if mountain sickness occurs. Moreover, high‐altitude‐induced anorexia and increased energy expenditure can predispose individuals to dysglycaemia unless careful adjustments in medication are performed. Frequent blood glucose monitoring is imperative, and results must be interpreted with caution because capillary blood glucose meter results may be less accurate at high elevations and low temperatures. It is also important to undergo pre‐travel screening to rule out possible contraindications owing to chronic diabetes complications and make well‐informed decisions about risks. Despite the risks, healthy, physically fit and well‐prepared individuals with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes who are capable of advanced self‐management can be encouraged to participate in these activities and attain their summit goals. Moreover, trekking at high altitude can serve as an effective means to engage in physical activity and to increase confidence with fundamental diabetes self‐management skills.
Quality of life and functioning in first‐episode psychosis Chinese patients with different antipsychotic medications
Authors: Lee Edwin H.M. , Hui Christy L.M. , Lin Jessie J.X. , Ching Elaine Y.N. , Chang W.C. , Chan Sherry K.W. , Chen Eric Y.H.
Published: May 2015

Aim

This study compared the quality of life and functioning of 285 first‐episode psychosis Chinese patients with different antipsychotic medications in Hong Kong.

Method

Under the Jockey Club Early Psychosis project, a total of 285 patients were recruited from all inpatient and outpatient psychiatric units in Hong Kong between 2009 and 2011. In addition to the medication information, patients were assessed with the Scale for the Assessment of Positive Symptoms, the Scale for the Assessment of Negative Symptoms, the Udvalg for Kliniske Undersøgelser (UKU), Barnes Akathisia Rating Scale (BARS), the Social and Occupational Functioning Assessment Scale (SOFAS), the Role Functioning Scale, and the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form 12‐Item Health Survey (SF‐12) after stabilization of mental condition. Differences between individual antipsychotic medications were compared using anova and multinomial regression model.

Results

The results demonstrated significant differences between different antipsychotic medications in the mean of UKU neurological subscore, BARS total score, SOFAS score and SF‐12 Mental Component Summary (MCS) score. Patients with haloperidol had higher mean UKU neurological subscore than patients with olanzapine or amisulpride. Risperidone was associated with higher mean BARS total score than olanzapine, amisulpride or sulpiride. Higher mean MCS was found in patients with amisulpride than patients with risperidone.

Conclusions

The findings suggest that antipsychotics have differential associations with the quality of life and functioning in patients with first‐episode psychosis. Future prospective study is warranted to investigate if patients with first‐episode psychosis will benefit specific type of antipsychotics more than the others.
Antipsychotic‐induced weight gain in first‐episode psychosis patients: a meta‐analysis of differential effects of antipsychotic medications
Authors: Tek Cenk , Kucukgoncu Suat , Guloksuz Sinan , Woods Scott W. , Srihari Vinod H. , Annamalai Aniyizhai
Published: May 2015

Aim

The first‐episode psychosis (FEP) represents a critical period to prevent cardiovascular and metabolic morbidity decades later. Antipsychotic (AP)‐induced weight gain is one modifiable factor in this period. The purpose of this study is to conduct a meta‐analysis of AP‐induced weight and body mass index (BMI) change in FEP.

Methods

A comprehensive literature search identified 28 articles that reported data on AP‐specific weight or BMI change in FEP. We conducted a meta‐analysis of short‐ and long‐term mean weight and BMI differences between placebo and AP medications. We also performed subgroup and meta‐regression analysis to examine weight, BMI outcomes and their relationship with location (Asian vs. Western), sponsorship and baseline weight and BMIs.

Results

Compared to placebo, AP‐caused mean weight gain was 3.22 kg and 1.4 points BMI in the short‐term, and 5.30 kg and 1.86 points BMI in the long term. Clinically significant weight gain risk increased about twofold with AP use. Weight gain was associated with duration of AP use. AP medications were associated with more weight gain in Western samples as opposed to Asian samples. Most AP medications were associated with significant body weight gain and BMI increase in FEP patients, except for ziprasidone. Olanzapine and clozapine caused the highest weight gain compared to placebo.

Conclusion

Except for ziprasidone, most AP medications were associated with body weight gain and BMI increase in FEP patients. Early and continuing effects of various AP medications on weight gain and BMI increase should be taken into consideration by clinicians.
Linking canopy leaf area and light environments with tree size distributions to explain Amazon forest demography
Authors: Stark Scott C. , Enquist Brian J. , Saleska Scott R. , Leitold Veronika , Schietti Juliana , Longo Marcos , Alves Luciana F. , Camargo Plinio B. , Oliveira Raimundo C.
Published: May 2015

Forest biophysical structure – the arrangement and frequency of leaves and stems – emerges from growth, mortality and space filling dynamics, and may also influence those dynamics by structuring light environments. To investigate this interaction, we developed models that could use LiDAR remote sensing to link leaf area profiles with tree size distributions, comparing models which did not (metabolic scaling theory) and did allow light to influence this link. We found that a light environment‐to‐structure link was necessary to accurately simulate tree size distributions and canopy structure in two contrasting Amazon forests. Partitioning leaf area profiles into size‐class components, we found that demographic rates were related to variation in light absorption, with mortality increasing relative to growth in higher light, consistent with a light environment feedback to size distributions. Combining LiDAR with models linking forest structure and demography offers a high‐throughput approach to advance theory and investigate climate‐relevant tropical forest change.
Closing the Gap: Confronting the Problem of Hotels as Venues for Child Sexual Exploitation
Authors: HUGHES‐JONES LINDA , ROBERTS SUSAN
Published: May 2015

Child sexual exploitation (CSE) is a hidden and growing problem. Here, we consider the extent to which hotel environments present opportunities to sexually exploit children and young people; and the challenges which might be encountered in attempts to address this and disrupt offenders. There is a dearth of research on this topic and during the course of our discussion we reflect on data which emerged from a small‐scale, exploratory study in which we sought the views of hotel staff and professionals working in the safeguarding field. We conclude by examining the implications of our work for safeguarding policy and practice.
Observations concerning the sampling of Sciomyzidae (Diptera) in High Nature Value wet grassland habitats: caveats to consider
Authors: Carey John G. J. , LeRoy Maxime , Williams Christopher D. , Gormally Michael J.
Published: May 2015

High Nature Value (HNV) farmland is increasingly important within Europe and effective sampling strategies that collect invertebrates in agricultural wet grassland are vital to gauge the biodiversity in these pockets of high species richness.

One group of potential bioindicators of HNV farmland particularly suited to wet grasslands are the marsh or snail‐killing flies (Diptera: Sciomyzidae). Their relatively sedentary adult habit and terrestrial – aquatic habitats make them ideal for fine‐grain resolution of biodiversity within farms.

In this short communication, we demonstrate that using Malaise trapping, emergence trapping and sweep‐netting in isolation can result in incomplete species lists in addition to which we relate capture efficacies of the methods employed with reference to previous studies and the biology of the species concerned.

Furthermore, we demonstrate that sweep‐net captures are more effective at crepuscular periods (dawn and dusk) than during the middle of the day.
Development of influenza A(H7N9) candidate vaccine viruses with improved hemagglutinin antigen yield in eggs
Authors: Ridenour Callie , Johnson Adam , Winne Emily , Hossain Jaber , Mateu‐Petit Guaniri , Balish Amanda , Santana Wanda , Kim Taejoong , Davis Charles , Cox Nancy J. , Barr John R. , Donis Ruben O. , Villanueva Julie , Williams Tracie L. , Chen Li‐Mei
Published: May 2015

Background

The emergence of avian influenza A(H7N9) virus in poultry causing zoonotic human infections was reported on March 31, 2013. Development of A(H7N9) candidate vaccine viruses (CVV) for pandemic preparedness purposes was initiated without delay. Candidate vaccine viruses were derived by reverse genetics using the internal genes of A/Puerto/Rico/8/34 (PR8). The resulting A(H7N9) CVVs needed improvement because they had titers and antigen yields that were suboptimal for vaccine manufacturing in eggs, especially in a pandemic situation.

Methods

Two CVVs derived by reverse genetics were serially passaged in embryonated eggs to improve the hemagglutinin (HA) antigen yield. The total viral protein and HA antigen yields of six egg‐passaged CVVs were determined by the BCA assay and isotope dilution mass spectrometry (IDMS) analysis, respectively. CVVs were antigenically characterized by hemagglutination inhibition (HI) assays with ferret antisera.

Results

Improvement of total viral protein yield was observed for the six egg‐passaged CVVs; HA quantification by IDMS indicated approximately a twofold increase in yield of several egg‐passaged viruses as compared to that of the parental CVV. Several different amino acid substitutions were identified in the HA of all viruses after serial passage. However, HI tests indicated that the antigenic properties of two CVVs remained unchanged.

Conclusions

If influenza A(H7N9) viruses were to acquire sustained human‐to‐human transmissibility, the improved HA yield of the egg‐passaged CVVs generated in this study could expedite vaccine manufacturing for pandemic mitigation.
Nomenclature updates resulting from the evolution of avian influenza A(H5) virus clades 2.1.3.2a, 2.2.1, and 2.3.4 during 2013–2014
Authors: Smith Gavin J. D. , Donis Ruben O. ,   World Health Organization/World Organisation for Animal Health/Food and Agriculture Organization (WHO/OIE/FAO) H5 Evolution Working Group
Published: May 2015

Aim

The A/goose/Guangdong/1/96‐like hemagglutinin (HA) genes of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A(H5) viruses have continued to rapidly evolve since the most recent update to the H5 clade nomenclature by the WHO/OIE/FAO H5N1 Evolution Working Group. New clades diverging beyond established boundaries need to be identified and designated accordingly.

Method

Hemagglutinin sequences deposited in publicly accessible databases up to December 31, 2014, were analyzed by phylogenetic and average pairwise distance methods to identify new clades that merit nomenclature changes.

Results

Three new clade designations were recommended based on division of clade 2·1·3·2a (Indonesia), 2·2·1 (Egypt), and 2·3·4 (widespread detection in Asia, Europe, and North America) that includes newly emergent HPAI virus subtypes H5N2, H5N3, H5N5, H5N6, and H5N8.

Conclusion

Continued global surveillance for HPAI A(H5) viruses in all host species and timely reporting of sequence data will be critical to quickly identify new clades and assess their potential impact on human and animal health.
Mediating International Conflicts: The European Union as an Effective Peacemaker?
Authors: Bergmann Julian , Niemann Arne
Published: May 2015

This article examines how the EU's effectiveness as a mediator in peace negotiations can be appropriately conceptualized and analysed. Mediator effectiveness is analysed along two dimensions: goal‐attainment and conflict settlement. Investigation of the conditions of mediator effectiveness is structured around four key sets of variables: mediator leverage, mediation strategy, coherence and the conflict's context. In our empirical analysis of EU mediation between Serbia and Kosovo (Belgrade–Pristina dialogue) we find that the medium degree of EU effectiveness (both in terms of goal‐attainment and conflict settlement) can be explained by its great leverage vis‐à‐vis the conflict parties due to their EU membership aspirations and its strategy of a mix of manipulation and formulation that draws on this leverage to move parties toward agreement through the use of positive incentives. A limited degree of EU coherence and spoiler problems in Northern Kosovo seem to have had a constraining influence on EU effectiveness.
Dysmorphic erythrocytes are superior to hematuria for indicating non‐diabetic renal disease in type 2 diabetics
Authors: Dong Zhe‐yi , Wang Yuan‐da , Qiu Qiang , Hou Kai , Zhang Li , Wu Jie , Zhu Han‐yu , Cai Guang‐yan , Sun Xue‐feng , Zhang Xue‐guang , Liu Mo‐yan , Kou Jia , Chen Xiang‐mei
Published: May 2015

Aims/Introduction

There are sparse and limited studies on erythrocyte morphology in renal biopsy identifying nephropathic patients among type 2 diabetics. The present study sought to clarify the predictive value of dysmorphic erythrocytes in type 2 diabetics with non‐diabetic renal disease and influences on hematuria.

Materials and Methods

We examined 198 patients with type 2 diabetes who underwent kidney biopsies between 2012 and 2013. Hematuria was defined as >3 or >10 red blood cells per high‐power field (RBCs/hpf) in urine sediment. If >80% of the erythrocytes were dysmorphic, glomerular hematuria was diagnosed. Clinical findings and predictive value of dysmorphic erythrocytes were compared between patients with hematuria (n = 19) and those without (n = 61). The potential risk factors for hematuria among diabetic nephropathy patients were also screened.

Results

There was a statistically significant difference between the diabetic nephropathy group and the non‐diabetic renal disease group (6.6 vs 16.8%; P = 0.04) when the demarcation point of hematuria was 10 RBCs/hpf. When the definition of hematuria was based on an examination of urinary erythrocyte morphology, a marked difference was seen (3.3 vs 24.8%; P < 0.001). Glomerular hematuria showed high specificity and a positive predictive value (0.97 and 0.94, respectively) in non‐diabetic renal disease. A multivariate analysis showed that nephrotic syndrome was significantly associated with hematuria (odds ratio 3.636; P = 0.034).

Conclusions

Dysmorphic erythrocytes were superior to hematuria for indicating non‐diabetic renal disease in type 2 diabetics. Nephrotic syndrome was an independent risk factor for hematuria.
Efficacy and safety of insulin degludec in Japanese patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes: 24‐week results from the observational study in routine clinical practice
Authors: Kobuke Kazuhiro , Yoneda Masayasu , Nakanishi Shuhei , Ohno Haruya , Maeda Shusaku , Egusa Genshi
Published: May 2015

Aims/Introduction

Insulin degludec, a new long‐acting insulin analog, showed its better glycemic control and reduced risk of hypoglycemia. This is the first prospective observational study that evaluated the efficacy and safety of insulin degludec in routine clinical practice.

Materials and Methods

Japanese patients with type 1 or type 2 diabetes mellitus receiving basal–bolus insulin therapy were switched their basal insulin to degludec, and prospectively observed over a 24‐week course. The Diabetes Therapy‐Related Quality of Life questionnaire was administered before and 12 weeks after switching.

Results

The participants were 80 diabetes patients = (type 1, 44; type 2, 36). In the type 1 group, there was no difference in glycated hemoglobin levels between the pre‐switching and 24‐week measurements (from 62 to 62 mmol/mol, P = 0.768), whereas the daily insulin dose (per kg of bodyweight) decreased significantly (basal, from 0.25 to 0.20 U/kg, P < 0.001; bolus, from 0.40 to 0.37 U/kg, P = 0.001). In the type 2 group, glycated hemoglobin levels decreased after switching (from 60 to 58 mmol/mol, P = 0.028). In the type 1 group, the frequency of hypoglycemia decreased significantly after switching, but not significantly in the type 2 group. Patient satisfaction with the control of hypoglycemia tended to improve in the type 1 group.

Conclusions

Compared with existing long‐acting insulin, degludec can maintain glycemic control at a lower insulin dose and frequency of hypoglycemia in type 1 diabetes, while it can improve glycemic control at an equal insulin dose in type 2 diabetes.
Investigating the social value of the Ripon rivers flood alleviation scheme
Authors: Fitton S.L. , Moncaster A. , Guthrie P.
Published: May 2015

This paper argues for an approach to flood alleviation design that considers the need not only for technical knowledge, but also a social perspective. It is predicted that more intense rainfall and rising sea levels will result in a greater number of people vulnerable to flood events. Flood alleviation design in the UK is often focused upon technical and cost‐effective solutions, and consideration of social impact is seen as secondary. This paper examines how the social value of a UK flood alleviation scheme is perceived and discussed, by the local community and by those responsible for the design of the scheme, and exposes differences in perceptions both between and within these two groups. It recommends a future approach in which an understanding of the social value of a flood alleviation scheme is first co‐produced with the community affected, enabling the design of a socially acceptable and successful project.
Flood risk management in the coastal city of Lagos, Nigeria
Authors: Adelekan Ibidun O.
Published: May 2015

An increasingly important threat to the high population and large concentration of residential, industrial, commercial and urban infrastructure systems in Africa's coastal megacity of Lagos is flooding. Over the past decade, flooding in Lagos has increased significantly, drawing increasing attention to the need for flood risk management. The paper examines the current approach to flood risk management by public and private agents in the city in the context of international flood risk management practices. The implications of existing flood management for future flood risks are also discussed.
Application of the design variable method to estimate coastal flood risk
Authors: Zheng F. , Leonard M. , Westra S.
Published: May 2015

Coastal floods can result from multiple forcing variables, such as rainfall and storm tides, that are simultaneously extreme. In these situations, flood risk estimation methods must account for the joint dependence between the forcing variables. The design variable method is a statistically rigorous, flexible and efficient approach for evaluating the joint probability distribution. However, in practice, a number of factors need to be considered in order to produce accurate estimates of flood risk; these include data selection and pairing, temporal variability of dependence, dependence parameter inference and bias, the estimation of confidence intervals, and the incorporation of possible time‐varying changes to each of the forcing variables due to climate change. This paper addresses these factors using a case study from Perth, Western Australia, to show how the design variable method can be applied to coastal flood risk under historical and future climates.
Microbiological Investigation of O‐Serogroups, Virulence Factors and Antimicrobial Resistance Properties of Shiga Toxin‐Producing Escherichia Coli Isolated from Ostrich, Turkey and Quail Meats
Authors: Hemmatinezhad Behsan , Khamesipour Faham , Mohammadi Milad , Safarpoor Dehkordi Farhad , Mashak Zohreh
Published: May 2015

From clinical and microbiological perspectives, it is important to know which serogroups, virulence, and antibiotic resistance genes and antibiotic resistance patterns are present in Shiga toxin‐producing Escherichia coli strains in poultry meats from turkey, quail and ostrich that have recently been added to the cart households. These were investigated in the present study. Five‐hundred poultry meat samples were collected from the supermarkets of Isfahan province, Iran. Samples were cultured immediately and those that were E. coli‐positive were analyzed for the presence of serogroups, antibiotic resistance genes and bacterial virulence factors. Antimicrobial susceptibility was performed using disk diffusion method. The prevalence rates of E. coli in ostrich, turkey and quail meat samples were 9.33, 23.52 and 27.77%, respectively. All of the enterohemorrhagic E. coli subtypes were positive for stx1, eae and ehly genes. The prevalence rate of stx1 gene in all attaching and effacing E. coli isolates was 100%. A significant difference was found between the frequency of AEEC (enteroadherent E. coli) and EHEC (enterohemorrhagic E. coli) subtypes (P < 0.05). Among all serogroups studied, O26 and O157 had the highest prevalence. The most commonly detected antibiotic resistance genes in various poultry meat samples were tetA, CITM and aac(3)‐IV. The highest level of antibiotic resistance was observed against tetracycline, ampicillin and gentamicin. Resistance against sulfamethoxazole and enrofloxacin was intermediate. Our findings should raise awareness about antibiotic resistance in poultry meats in Iran. It seems that sanitary conditions were not observed in Iranian poultry farms, slaughterhouses and supermarkets.

Practical Applications

Recognition of the new epidemiological aspects of Shiga toxigenic Escherichia coli helps us to know the exact routes of transmission and decisive origin of this bacterium. Consumption of ostrich, quail and turkey meats is popular among Iranian people, but there is no accurate inspection on their meats and carcasses. Quail and turkey meat samples were the most commonly contaminated, suggesting that they may be the reservoir of E. coli. High prevalence of virulence factors, antibiotic resistance genes and antibiotic resistance has also been reported. Due to the lower levels of antibiotic resistance, prescription of streptomycin, cephalothin and trimethoprim has been suggested for the treatment of food poisoning due to the Shiga toxigenic E. coli strains of bird meat.
Heterospecific SNP diversity in humans and rhesus macaque (Macaca mulatta)
Authors: Ng Jillian , Trask Jessica Satkoski , Smith David Glenn , Kanthaswamy Sree
Published: May 2015

Background

Conservation of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) between human and other primates (i.e., heterospecific SNPs) in candidate genes can be used to assess the utility of those organisms as models for human biomedical research.

Methods

A total of 59,691 heterospecific SNPs in 22 rhesus macaques and 20 humans were analyzed for human trait associations and 4207 heterospecific SNPs biallelic in both taxa were compared for genetic variation.

Results

Variation comparisons at the 4207 SNPs showed that humans were more genetically diverse than rhesus macaques with observed and expected heterozygosities of 0.337 and 0.323 vs. 0.119 and 0.102, and minor allele frequencies of 0.239 and 0.063, respectively. In total, 431 of the 59,691 heterospecific SNPs are reportedly associated with human‐specific traits.

Conclusion

While comparisons between human and rhesus macaque genomes are plausible, functional studies of heterospecific SNPs are necessary to determine whether rhesus macaque alleles are associated with the same phenotypes as their corresponding human alleles.
Ca2+ handling in isolated brain mitochondria and cultured neurons derived from the YAC128 mouse model of Huntington's disease
Authors: Pellman Jessica J. , Hamilton James , Brustovetsky Tatiana , Brustovetsky Nickolay
Published: May 2015

We investigated Ca2+ handling in isolated brain synaptic and non‐synaptic mitochondria and in cultured striatal neurons from the YAC128 mouse model of Huntington's disease. Both synaptic and non‐synaptic mitochondria from 2‐ and 12‐month‐old YAC128 mice had larger Ca2+ uptake capacity than mitochondria from YAC18 and wild‐type FVB/NJ mice. Synaptic mitochondria from 12‐month‐old YAC128 mice had further augmented Ca2+ capacity compared with mitochondria from 2‐month‐old YAC128 mice and age‐matched YAC18 and FVB/NJ mice. This increase in Ca2+ uptake capacity correlated with an increase in the amount of mutant huntingtin protein (mHtt) associated with mitochondria from 12‐month‐old YAC128 mice. We speculate that this may happen because of mHtt‐mediated sequestration of free fatty acids thereby increasing resistance of mitochondria to Ca2+‐induced damage. In experiments with striatal neurons from YAC128 and FVB/NJ mice, brief exposure to 25 or 100 μM glutamate produced transient elevations in cytosolic Ca2+ followed by recovery to near resting levels. Following recovery of cytosolic Ca2+, mitochondrial depolarization with FCCP produced comparable elevations in cytosolic Ca2+, suggesting similar Ca2+ release and, consequently, Ca2+ loads in neuronal mitochondria from YAC128 and FVB/NJ mice. Together, our data argue against a detrimental effect of mHtt on Ca2+ handling in brain mitochondria of YAC128 mice.

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We demonstrate that mutant huntingtin (mHtt) binds to brain synaptic and nonsynaptic mitochondria and the amount of mitochondria‐bound mHtt correlates with increased mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake capacity. We propose that this may happen due to mHtt‐mediated sequestration of free fatty acids thereby increasing resistance of mitochondria to Ca2+‐induced damage.
Gay and Lesbian Adults' Relationship With Parents in Germany
Authors: Hank Karsten , Salzburger Veronika
Published: May 2015

Despite a rapid expansion of research on gay and lesbian family issues, a comprehensive account of intergenerational family relationships for a population‐based sample of adult homosexual children is still lacking. Using more than 7,500 baseline interviews from the German Family Panel (pairfam), this study aimed to fill this gap. The authors analyzed nationally representative data for 2 cohorts (born in 1971–1973 and 1981–1983, respectively) with regard to 5 outcome variables: (a) emotional closeness, (b) contacts, (c) geographic proximity, (d) conflicts, and (e) ambivalence. They found indications of modestly lower levels of emotional closeness to both parents as well as evidence for less frequent contacts of homosexual children with their fathers. Overall, however, the results suggest that adult gay and lesbian children's relations to parents do not differ substantially from those observed among their heterosexual counterparts. The article concludes with a discussion of limitations and potentials for future research.
The Socioeconomic Pathways Leading to Romantic Relationship Outcomes: A Genetically Informed Early Life Course Investigation
Authors: Wickrama Kandauda (K.A.S.) , O'Neal Catherine W.
Published: May 2015

The present study tests a multilevel comprehensive model incorporating both life course processes and genetic influences leading to young adults' romantic relationship quality using data from 1,560 adolescents over 13 years in the nationally representative Add Health sample. Results provided evidence of a socioeconomic mediating pathway linking early family and community contexts to young adults' romantic relationship quality, and novel evidence for both direct and interactive genetic associations that relate to these mediating pathways. A cumulative genetic index showed (a) direct associations with young adults' socioeconomic attainment and (b) interactions with community adversity and mothers' marital stability on young adults' achieved socioeconomic context and relationship quality.
Accuracy of Testosterone Concentrations in Compounded Testosterone Products
Authors: Grober Ethan D. , Garbens Alaina , Božović Andrea , Kulasingam Vathany , Fanipour Majid , Diamandis Eleftherios P.
Published: May 2015

Objective

This study aims to evaluate the accuracy of the testosterone concentrations within testosterone gels and creams manufactured by compounding pharmacies.

Methods

Ten compounding pharmacies within Toronto area were included. Pharmacies were blinded as to the nature of the study. A standardized prescription for 50 mg of compounded testosterone gel/cream applied once daily was presented to each pharmacy. Two independently compounded batches were analyzed from each pharmacy 1 month apart. Testosterone concentrations in a 5-g sachet of Androgel® 1% (Abbott) and 5-g tube of Testim®1% (Auxilium) were evaluated as controls. Samples were analyzed independently and in a blinded fashion by the Laboratory Medicine Program at the University Health Network. Measurement of testosterone concentration was performed using a modified liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry validated for serum testosterone.

Results

Compounded formulations included seven gels and three creams with a volume/daily dose ranging from 0.2 mL to 1.25 mL. Product cost ranged from $57.32 to $160.71 for a 30-day supply. There was significant variability both within and between pharmacies with respect to the measured concentration of testosterone in the compounded products. In contrast, the concentration of testosterone within Androgel and Testim was consistent and accurate. Collectively, only 50% (batch 1) and 30% (batch 2) of the compounding pharmacies provided a product with a testosterone concentration within ±20% of the prescribed dose. Two pharmacies compounded products with >20% of the prescribed dose. One pharmacy compounded a product with essentially no testosterone.

Conclusions

Testosterone concentrations in compounded testosterone products can be variable and potentially compromise the efficacy and safety of treatment.
Unmyelinated Tactile Cutaneous Nerves Signal Erotic Sensations
Authors: Jönsson Emma H. , Backlund Wasling Helena , Wagnbeck Vicktoria , Dimitriadis Menelaos , Georgiadis Janniko R. , Olausson Håkan , Croy Ilona
Published: May 2015

Introduction

Intrapersonal touch is a powerful tool for communicating emotions and can among many things evoke feelings of eroticism and sexual arousal. The peripheral neural mechanisms of erotic touch signaling have been less studied. C tactile afferents (unmyelinated low-threshold mechanoreceptors), known to underpin pleasant aspects of touch processing, have been posited to play an important role.

Method

In two studies, we investigated the relationship between C tactile activation and the perception of erotic and pleasant touch, using tactile brushing stimulation. In total, 66 healthy subjects (37 women, age range 19–51 years) were examined. In study 1 (n = 20), five different stroking velocities were applied to the forearm and the inner thigh. The participants answered questions about partnership, mood, and touch. In study 2 (n = 46), the same five stroking velocities were applied to the forearm. The participants answered questions about partnership, touch, and sexuality.

Results

Both touch eroticism and pleasantness were rated significantly higher for C tactile optimal velocities compared with suboptimal velocities. No difference was found between the ratings of the thigh and the forearm. The velocity-dependent rating curves of pleasantness, intensity, and eroticism differed from each other. Pleasantness was best explained by a quadratic fit, intensity by a linear fit, and eroticism by both. A linear transformation of pleasantness and intensity predicted the observed eroticism ratings reliably. Eroticism ratings were negatively correlated with length of relationship.

Conclusion

Touch was rated most erotic when perceived as pleasant and weak. In human hairy skin, perception of pleasantness is correlated with the firing rate of C tactile afferents, and perception of intensity is correlated with the firing rate of Aβ afferents. Accordingly, eroticism may be perceived most readily for touch stimuli that induce high activity in C tactile fibers and low activity in Aβ fibers.
Changes in Autonomic Nervous System Activity are Associated with Changes in Sexual Function in Women with a History of Childhood Sexual Abuse
Authors: Lorenz Tierney K. , Harte Christopher B. , Meston Cindy M.
Published: May 2015

Introduction

Women with histories of childhood sexual abuse (CSA) have higher rates of sexual difficulties, as well as high sympathetic nervous system response to sexual stimuli.

Aim

The study aims to examine whether treatment-related changes in autonomic balance, as indexed by heart rate variability (HRV), were associated with changes in sexual arousal and orgasm function.

Methods

In study 1, we measured HRV while writing a sexual essay in 42 healthy, sexually functional women without any history of sexual trauma. These data, along with demographics, were used to develop HRV norms equations. In study 2, 136 women with a history of CSA were randomized to one of three active expressive writing treatments that focused on their trauma, sexuality, or daily life (control condition). We recorded HRV while writing a sexual essay at pretreatment, posttreatment, and 2-week, and 1- and 6-month follow-ups; we also calculated the expected HRV for each participant based on the norms equations from study 1.

Main Outcome Measures

The main outcome measures used were HRV, Female Sexual Function Index, Sexual Satisfaction Scale—Women.

Results

The difference between expected and observed HRV decreased over time, indicating that, posttreatment, CSA survivors displayed HRV closer to the expected HRV of a demographics-matched woman with no history of sexual trauma. Also, over time, participants whose HRV became less dysregulated showed the biggest gains in sexual arousal and orgasm function. These effects were consistent across condition.

Conclusions

Treatments that reduce autonomic imbalance may improve sexual well-being among CSA populations.
Sibling perceptions of living with a young person with Down syndrome or autism spectrum disorder: An integrated review
Authors: Mandleco Barbara , Webb Ann Elisabeth Mason
Published: May 2015

Purpose

This integrative review synthesized current information from 28 research articles meeting inclusion criteria that examined sibling experiences when living with a young person with Down syndrome or autism spectrum disorder.

Conclusions

Five themes emerged related to sibling experiences: their knowledge of the condition, relationships with others, perceptions of the condition, emotional reactions to the situation, and behavioral/personality outcomes.

Practice Implications

Nurses caring for families raising youth with Down syndrome or autism spectrum disorder can enhance sibling development by providing individual interventions reflecting siblings' perceptions of the experience.
Influence of Quinoa Flour on Quality Characteristics of Cookie, Bread and Chinese Steamed Bread
Authors: Wang Sunan , Opassathavorn Akarin , Zhu Fan
Published: May 2015

Quinoa has unique physicochemical and nutritional properties among diverse food grains. Quinoa flour (QF) was blended into wheat flour (WF) at weight ratios of 85/15, 70/30, 55/45, 40/60, 25/75 and 10/90 to formulate composite flour for the production of cookie, bread and Chinese steamed bread (CSB). Physicochemical properties of quinoa–wheat composite flour (QWCF) and quality characteristics of the bakery products were characterized. The feasibility of using QF in CSB making was explored for the first time.

Compared with products of WF, the resulting products from QWCF had reduced specific volume, and increased density, hardness and chewiness of the texture, darkness, redness, and yellowness of the color. The mold‐free shelf life of bread and CSB increased as a function of QF level. The influence of QF addition on the physicochemical properties of bakery products is product‐type sensitive.

Practical Applications

Addition of quinoa flour diversifies wheat flour products with certain modification on physicochemical and nutritional qualities, and thus could expand both flours in overall food applications. These findings could provide some insights for industrial research and development using quinoa grain for novel bakery products.