bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Managing deforestation in a tropical compact city part b: urban ecological approaches to landscape design
Authors: Hwang Yun Hye , Feng Yuanqiu , Tan Puay Yok
Published: April 2016

Purpose

This study recognizes that a number of socio-ecological impacts will result from current and future secondary forest loss in Singapore. Addressing the gap between ecological design principles and the generation of actionable design strategies, the paper draws a more explicit link between them to guide future attempts to generate design solutions to the issue of secondary forest loss.

Design/methodology/approach

The study identifies actionable and contextualized design strategies from 18 academic design studio projects dealing with threatened secondary forest sites in Singapore and examines the ecological concepts which underpin the design strategies. These design strategies were then mapped to urban ecological principles.

Findings

Fifteen actionable design strategies, aligned with 4 urban ecology principles, were identified for addressing the impacts of secondary forest loss in Singapore.

Originality/value

The paper makes an attempt to bridge theoretical principles and design action, and explicates how the two may be aligned. This helps to close a persistent gap between design projects and the science-based design principles generated in the academe. The paper also highlights the potential of academic design studios as a platform for generating ideas to emergent local problems not yet addressed by conventional practice, and offers a range of ideas to mitigate the impact of secondary forest loss in Singapore.
Did BP Atone for its Transgressions? Expanding Theory on ‘Ethical Apology’ in Crisis Communication
Authors: Diers‐Lawson Audra , Pang Augustine
Published: April 2016

Ethical communication during crisis response is often assessed by external perceptions of the organization's intentions, rather than an assessment of the organization's communicative behaviors. This can easily lead researchers to draw editorial conclusions about an organization's ethics in crisis response rather than accurately describing its communicative behaviors. The case of BP's 2010 oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico provides a prime example for the importance of accurately assessing the ethical content of an organization's crisis response because the ethics of BP's response have been discussed in news and academic sources; yet little direct examination of the ethical content in BP's response has occurred. The findings have implications for communication ethics, social media engagement, and crisis communication more generally.
Monitoring carabid indicators could reveal environmental impacts of genetically modified maize
Authors: Lee Marina S. , Albajes Ramon
Published: April 2016

Post market monitoring ofGMcrops is mandatory inEUstates where they are grown commercially. Carabid beetles are very sensitive to environmental changes and may be used as indicators to monitor impacts of transgenic crops. This study aimed to assess which, where and when carabids should be sampled for improved postmarket monitoring.

Carabids were pitfall‐trapped in maize fields, field margins, alfalfa and semi‐natural vegetation across three regions ofNE Spain, during 2 years, and three sampling dates.

Overall, 9193 carabids of 42 species were identified, aggregated into trophic groups and used for calculating community measures. The best indicator wasPseudoophonus rufipes(DeGeer), satisfying criteria of abundance, relevance, sensitivity, ease of sampling, and sufficient statistical power. The carnivore group should also be monitored as an indicator of biodiversity and invertebrate biological control.

The best sampling location was the field margin where carabids are exposed toGMmaize and are abundant enough to require smaller sample sizes to detect population changes.

Finally, sampling should concentrate around maize pollen‐shed when carabid abundance is highest.

This study provides baseline data and shows that carabids can cost effectively improve detection capacity of postmarket monitoring.
Anatomical study of prefixed versus postfixed brachial plexuses in adult human cadaver
Authors: Guday Edengenet , Bekele Asegedech , Muche Abebe
Published: April 2016

Background

The brachial plexus is usually formed by the fusion of anterior primary rami of the fifth to eighth cervical and the first thoracic spinal nerves. Variations in the formation of the brachial plexus may occur. Variations in brachial plexus anatomy are important to radiologists, surgeons and anaesthesiologists performing surgical procedures in the neck, axilla and upper limb regions. These variations may lead to deviation from the expected dermatome distribution as well as differences in the motor innervation of muscles of the upper limb. This study is aimed to describe the anatomical variations of brachial plexus in its formation among 20 Ethiopian cadavers.

Methods

Observational based study was conducted by using 20 cadavers obtained from the Department of Human Anatomy at University of Gondar, Bahir Dar, Addis Ababa, Hawasa, Hayat Medical College and St Paul Hospital Millennium Medical College. Data analysis was conducted using thematic approaches.

Results

A total of 20 cadavers examined bilaterally for the formation of brachial plexus. Of the 40 sides, 30 sides (75%) were found normal, seven sides (17.5%) prefixed, three sides (7.5%) postfixed and one side of the cadaver lacks cord formation.

Conclusion

The brachial plexus formation in most subjects is found to be normal. Among the variants, the numbers of the prefixed brachial plexuses are greater than the postfixed brachial plexuses.
Hydraulic distension of the knee: a novel treatment for arthrofibrosis after total knee replacement (case series)
Authors: Formby Peter M. , Donohue Michael A. , Cannova Christopher J. , Caulfield J. Patrick
Published: April 2016

Background

Arthrofibrosis following total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is a common problem, which can be frustrating to both the patient and treating physician and can dramatically compromise post‐operative function. Current treatment options for TKA arthrofibrosis include watchful waiting, injections, physical therapy, manipulation under anaesthesia, arthroscopic/open lysis of adhesions and revision surgery. We present a novel technique to treat acute and chronic stiffness following TKA, which we call hydraulic distension.

Methods

A retrospective pre‐ and post‐operative inpatient and outpatient record review of three patients treated with hydraulic distension for arthrofibrosis following TKA at a single institution.

Results

Three patients with a mean age of 74 years (68–78) underwent hydraulic distension of the knee at a mean of 23.4 ± 18.4 months (9 weeks to 36 months) following primary TKA. The mean pre‐distension maximum flexion was 86.7 ± 10.4°, and the mean post‐distension flexion was 110 ± 13.2° (23.3° increase). The patients maintained a mean 110 ± 20° flexion (23.3° increase) at a mean follow‐up of 11.7 months (1 week to 29 months). There were no complications.

Conclusion

We present a novel technique for managing arthrofibrosis following TKA that has not been previously reported. This is an effective, safe procedure, with our patients experiencing a mean 23° increased knee flexion at the most recent follow‐up.
Potentially avoidable issues in neurosurgical mortality cases in Australia: identification and improvements
Authors: Gupta Aashray K. , Stewart Sasha K. , Cottell Kimberley , McCulloch Glenn A. J. , Babidge Wendy , Maddern Guy J.
Published: April 2016

Background

Mortality rates are commonly used to evaluate the quality of surgical care; however, a large proportion of surgical deaths are unavoidable. Examination of the potentially avoidable issues in surgical deaths can provide a strong basis for quality improvement. Using data from a well‐established and comprehensive national surgical mortality audit, we sought to identify the most common avoidable factors in neurosurgical deaths, focusing on the lessons that can be learnt.

Methods

This study analysed data from a peer review audit of surgical deaths in Australian hospitals (excluding New South Wales) from 2009 to 2014, focusing on neurosurgery cases with identified areas for improvement in patient management. In the 6% of neurosurgical cases that had clinical incidents, there were 193 clinical events identified. These were first categorized based on the perioperative stage (pre‐, intra‐ or postoperative) followed by thematic analysis within each stage.

Results

The study found preoperative issues to be the most common (n = 107) followed by postoperative issues (n = 31) and intraoperative issues (n = 29). The most common theme was inadequate assessment (n = 65) followed by poor communication (at any stage of treatment) (n = 26).

Conclusion

Neurosurgical cases with potentially avoidable mortality constitute a small but important subset. Avoidable contributors to mortality occurred most frequently at the preoperative stage, most commonly relating to inadequate assessment and delays. These findings can inform various stakeholders to improve the quality and safety of surgical care.
4′,6‐dimethoxyisoflavone‐7‐O‐β‐D‐glucopyranoside (wistin) is a peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor γ (PPARγ) agonist that stimulates adipocyte differentiation
Authors: Sanada Matoki , Hayashi Ryuichi , Imai Yoshimasa , Nakamura Fumiya , Inoue Tomoyo , Ohta Shinji , Kawachi Hiroyuki
Published: April 2016

Peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor γ (PPARγ) is a ligand‐dependent transcription factor that directly activates the expression of adipocyte‐specific genes, and is universally accepted as the master regulator for adipocyte differentiation. Using a PPARγ luciferase reporter assay system, we showed that 4′,6‐dimethoxyisoflavone‐7‐O‐β‐D‐glucopyranoside (wistin) dose‐dependently activates PPARγ. Treatment with wistin enhanced the marker of adipocyte differentiation, such as triglyceride accumulation in 3T3‐L1 cells. Real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction showed that wistin increased the expression of PPARγ2 messenger RNA. Moreover, the addition of wistin upregulated the expression of PPARγ‐target genes, aP2 and adiponectin in 3T3‐L1 cells. To our knowledge, wistin is the first isoflavonoid O‐glycoside that exhibits PPARγ agonist activity.
Effect of feeding sweet‐potato condensed distillers solubles on intake and urinary excretion of minerals in Japanese Black steers
Authors: Kamiya Yuko , Kamiya Misturu , Hattori Ikuo , Hayashi Yoshiro , Funaba Masayuki , Matsui Tohru
Published: April 2016

Four Japanese Black steers (16 months of age) were assigned to a 4 × 4 Latin square design to investigate the effect of graded levels of sweet‐potato condensed distillers solubles (SCDS) in their diets on intake and urinary excretion of minerals. The four diets consisted of 0%, 10%, 20% and 30% (dry matter (DM) basis) SCDS, with SCDS replacing commercial concentrate (CC). Intake of K, Cl, S, P and Mg increased linearly with increasing SCDS content. Urinary pH increased linearly with increasing dietary SCDS content. SCDS feeding increased urinary K concentrations (linear and quadratic effects). Urinary concentrations of Cl increased linearly with increasing SCDS content. In contrast, urinary concentrations of Mg decreased with increasing SCDS content. Feeding of SCDS did not apparently affect urinary NH3,P, Na or Ca concentrations. These results suggest that high SCDS feeding is not a risk for crystallization of minerals leading to the formation of magnesium‐phosphate type calculi: although SCDS contains large amounts of P and Mg, high SCDS feeding decreased the Mg concentration and did not affect the P concentration in urine. Additionally, high SCDS feeding had no apparent effects on plasma concentrations of Na, K, Cl, Ca or inorganic P.
The origin of Chinese domestic horses revealed with novel mtDNA variants
Authors: Yang Yunzhou , Zhu Qiyun , Liu Shuqin , Zhao Chunjiang , Wu Changxin
Published: April 2016

The origin of domestic horses in China was a controversial issue and several hypotheses including autochthonous domestication, introduction from other areas, and multiple‐origins from both introduction and local wild horse introgression have been proposed, but none of them have been fully supported by DNA data. In the present study, mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) sequences of 714 Chinese indigenous horses were analyzed. The results showed that Chinese domestic horses harbor some novel mtDNA haplogroups and suggested that local domestication events may have occurred, but they are not the dominant haplogroups and the geographical distributions of the novel mtDNA haplogroups were rather restricted. Conclusively, our results support the hypothesis that the domestic horses in China originated from both the introduced horses from outside of China and the local wild horses' introgression into the domestic populations. Results of genetic diversity analysis suggested a possibility that the introduced horses entered China through northern regions from the Eurasian steppe.
Being human today: A digital storytelling pedagogy for transcontinental border crossing
Authors: Stewart Kristian , Gachago Daniela
Published: April 2016

This article reports the findings of a collaborative digital storytelling project titled “Being Human Today,” a multimodal curricular initiative that was implemented simultaneously in both a South African and an American university classroom in 2015. By facilitating dialogue and the sharing of digital stories by means of a closed Facebook group, instructors were able to investigate students’ critical awareness and social consciousness regarding notions of “self” and “other” across continents. Case study methodology was applied as a research framework to collect, code, and triangulate data gathered from student‐driven texts, Facebook entries, and student‐produced digital stories. Framed by Giroux's border pedagogy and set within social justice education, findings provide evidence of our students’ desire to be connected to each other, both locally and abroad, which we found to be the heart of what it means to be human today. Further, data revealed how sharing stories as cultural and personal artifacts worked to demystify notions of otherness in both local and global contexts. In particular, the comparison of personal stories shared in this space allowed for critique and a raised awareness of how students are impacted by global hegemonic discourses. Implications of practice for this study include breaking down the barriers‐both real and imagined‐as they relate to how educators conceive the use of technology in classroom spaces and student engagement across continents.
Residual disease detected by flow cytometry is an independent predictor of survival in childhood acute myeloid leukaemia; results of the NOPHO‐AML 2004 study
Authors: Tierens Anne , Bjørklund Elizabeth , Siitonen Sanna , Marquart Hanne Vibeke , Wulff ‐Juergensen Gitte , Pelliniemi Tarja‐Terttu , Forestier Erik , Hasle Henrik , Jahnukainen Kirsi , Lausen Birgitte , Jonsson Olafur G. , Palle Josefine , Zeller Bem , Fogelstrand Linda , Abrahamsson Jonas
Published: April 2016

Early response after induction is a prognostic factor for disease outcome in childhood acute myeloid leukaemia (AML). Residual disease (RD) detection by multiparameter flow cytometry (MFC) was performed at day 15 and before consolidation therapy in 101 patients enrolled in the Nordic Society of Paediatric Haemato‐Oncology AML 2004 study. A multicentre laboratory approach to RD analysis was used. Event‐free survival (EFS) and overall survival (OS) was significantly different in patients with and without RD at both time points, using a 0·1% RD cut‐off level. RD‐negative and ‐positive patients after first induction showed a 5‐year EFS of 65 ± 7% and 22 ± 7%, respectively (P < 0·001) and an OS of 77 ± 6% (P = 0·025) and 51 ± 8%. RD‐negative and ‐positive patients at start of consolidation therapy had a 5‐year EFS of 57 ± 7% and 11 ± 7%, respectively (P < 0·001) and an OS of 78 ± 6% and 28 ± 11%) (P < 0·001). In multivariate analysis only RD was significantly correlated with survival. RD before consolidation therapy was the strongest independent prognostic factor for EFS [hazard ratio (HR):5·0; 95% confidence interval (CI):1·9–13·3] and OS (HR:7·0; 95%CI:2·0–24·5). In conclusion, RD before consolidation therapy identifies patients at high risk of relapse in need of intensified treatment. In addition, RD detection can be performed in a multicentre setting and can be implemented in future trials.
No significant effect of cannabis use on the count and percentage of circulating CD4 T‐cells in HIV‐HCV co‐infected patients (ANRS CO13‐HEPAVIH French cohort)
Authors: Marcellin Fabienne , Lions Caroline , Rosenthal Eric , Roux Perrine , Sogni Philippe , Wittkop Linda , Protopopescu Camelia , Spire Bruno , Salmon‐Ceron Dominique , Dabis François , Carrieri Maria Patrizia ,   HEPAVIH ANRS CO13 Study Group*
Published: April 2016

Introduction and Aims

Despite cannabis use being very common in patients co‐infected with HIV and hepatitis C virus (HCV), its effect on these patients' immune systems remains undocumented. Documenting the potential effect of cannabis use on HIV immunological markers would help caregivers make more targeted health recommendations to co‐infected patients. We performed a longitudinal analysis of the relationship between cannabis use and peripheral blood CD4 T‐cell measures in co‐infected patients receiving antiretroviral therapy.

Design and Methods

Cannabis use was assessed using annual self‐administered questionnaires in 955 patients (2386 visits) enrolled in the ANRS CO13‐HEPAVIH cohort. The effect of cannabis use on circulating CD4 T‐cell count and percentage was estimated using multivariate linear regression models with generalised estimating equations. Sensitivity analyses were conducted after excluding visits where (i) tobacco use and (ii) smoking >=10 tobacco cigarettes/day were reported.

Results

At the first visit, 48% of patients reported cannabis use during the previous four weeks, and 58% of these patients also smoked ≥10 tobacco cigarettes/day. After multiple adjustment, cannabis use was not significantly associated with either circulating CD4 T‐cell count [model coefficient (95% confidence interval): 0.27 (−0.07; 0.62), P = 0.12] or percentage [−0.04 (−0.45; 0.36), P = 0.83]. Sensitivity analyses confirmed these results.

Discussion and Conclusions

Findings show no evidence for a negative effect of cannabis use on circulating CD4 T‐cell counts/percentages in HIV‐HCV co‐infected patients. In‐depth immunological studies are needed to document whether cannabis has a harmful effect on CD4 levels in lungs and on cells' functional properties. [Marcellin F, Lions C, Rosenthal E, Roux P, Sogni P, Wittkop L, Protopopescu C, Spire B, Salmon‐Ceron D, Dabis F, Carrieri MP, HEPAVIH ANRS CO13 Study Group. No significant effect of cannabis use on the count and percentage of circulating CD4 T‐cells in HIV‐HCV co‐infected patients (ANRSCO13‐HEPAVIH French cohort). Drug Alcohol Rev 2017;36:227–238]
Findings and lessons learnt from implementing Australia's first health service based take‐home naloxone program
Authors: Chronister Karen J. , Lintzeris Nicholas , Jackson Anthony , Ivan Mihaela , Dietze Paul M. , Lenton Simon , Kearley John , van Beek Ingrid
Published: April 2016

Introduction and Aims

Opioid overdose prevention programs providing take‐home naloxone have been expanding internationally. This paper summarises findings and lessons learnt from the Overdose Prevention and Emergency Naloxone Project which is the first take‐home naloxone program in Australia implemented in a health care setting.

Methods

The Project intervention provided education and take‐home naloxone to opioid‐using clients at Kirketon Road Centre and The Langton Centre in Sydney. The evaluation study examined uptake and acceptability of the intervention; participants' knowledge and attitudes regarding overdose and participants' experience in opioid overdose situations six months after the intervention. Participants completed baseline, post‐training and follow‐up questionnaires regarding overdose prevention and management which were analysed using repeated measures analysis of variance.

Results

Eighty‐three people participated in the intervention, with 35 (42%) completing follow‐up interviews—51% reporting using naloxone with 30 overdoses successfully reversed. There were significant improvements in knowledge and attitudes immediately following training with much retained at follow‐up, particularly regarding feeling informed enough (97%) and confident to inject naloxone (100%).

Discussion

Take‐home naloxone programs can be successfully implemented in Australian health settings. Barriers to uptake, such as lengthy processes and misperceptions around interest in overdose prevention, should be addressed in future program implementation.
‘The ones that turn up are the ones that are responsible’: Key stakeholders perspectives on liquor accords
Authors: Curtis Ashlee , Miller Peter , Droste Nicolas , McFarlane Emma , Martino Florentine , Palmer Darren
Published: April 2016

Introduction and Aims

Liquor accords were introduced as an intervention to reduce alcohol‐related harm in and around licensed venues. There have been very few evaluations of the accords, made all the more difficult given the multitude of measures that are often implemented under their banner. This study provides perspectives on the effectiveness of the liquor accords from key stakeholders who were involved in the strategy.

Design and Methods

In‐depth interviews were conducted with 97 key stakeholders as part of a larger study, of which 46 spoke about the effectiveness of liquor accords. Responses were analysed using thematic analysis.

Results

Stakeholders reported the greatest benefit of liquor accords to be their ability to improve communication. Many stakeholders recognised the need for mandatory attendance and discussed whether the accords are a waste of time of resources. Stakeholders did not generally view liquor accords as effective means of reducing alcohol‐related harm.

Discussion

There was a lack of positive feedback about liquor accords provided by stakeholders, indicating a clear need to better understand the role of liquor accords, and what they aim to achieve. Responsive regulation theory suggests that the dual roles of communication and intervention are confused, leading to some of the inherent problems with accords.

Conclusions

The role and aims of liquor accords need to be clearly defined. The findings suggest that separating the communication and regulatory functions from accords will lead to a clearer role for accords, and interventions and regulation might be better placed in the hands of regulators and enforcement. [Curtis A, Miller P, Droste N, McFarlane E, Martino F, Palmer D. ‘The ones that turn up are the ones that are responsible’: Key stakeholders perspectives on liquor accords.Drug Alcohol Rev2016;35:273–279]
Exploring Biotic and Abiotic Determinants of Nest Size in Mediterranean Great Tits (Parus major) and Blue Tits (Cyanistes caeruleus)
Authors: Lambrechts Marcel M. , Blondel Jacques , Bernard Cyril , Caro Samuel P. , Charmantier Anne , Demeyrier Virginie , Doutrelant Claire , Dubuc‐Messier Gabrielle , Fargevieille Amélie , de Franceschi Christophe , Giovannini Pablo , Grégoire Arnaud , Hurtrez‐Boussès Sylvie , Lucas Annick , Mainwaring Mark C. , Marrot Pascal , Mennerat Adèle , Perret Samuel , Perret Philippe
Published: April 2016

Standardized long‐term multi‐plot investigations of variation in nest size in free‐ranging model species are rare, despite their value for understanding how the environment influences plastic traits such as nest size. Here, we report the results of an 18‐yr descriptive study of nest size in first clutches produced by secondary‐cavity nesting great tits (Parus major) and blue tits (Cyanistes caeruleus) in the Mediterranean, whilst also taking individual (lay‐date, clutch size, age, species) and environmental characteristics (e.g. weather, oak habitat, region) into account. Nests of both species were built in relatively small standardized boxes erected in habitat patches that differed in the presence of the dominant oak species which was either summergreen deciduous or evergreen sclerophyllous. Nest size showed strong differences between species, and also in relation to environmental factors. Great tits built smaller nests than blue tits, Corsican birds had larger nests than mainland ones, nests tended to be larger in evergreen oak‐habitat, and larger nests were built during drier weather. None of the individual‐specific traits most often considered in long‐term studies (lay‐date, clutch size, and female age) were related to nest size in either species. Experimental approaches will be required to identify the underlying mechanisms that caused the observed phenotypic diversity for nest size in our study system.
The effect of seasonality upon the development of lotic biofilms and microbial biostabilisation
Authors: Schmidt Holger , Thom Moritz , King Lydia , Wieprecht Silke , Gerbersdorf Sabine U.
Published: April 2016

Fine sediments (fine sands or silts) are significantly impacted by microbial biostabilisation. This process complicates precise modelling solutions for sediment dynamics and management strategies for riverine sediment. The present publication investigates the effect of seasonality upon biostabilisation.

In total, five straight flume experiments with fluvial water were performed during spring, summer and autumn under identical boundary conditions. The extracellular polymeric substances (EPS), microbial biomass and microbial community composition of the developing biofilms were analysed. In addition, biofilm adhesiveness was measured.

Highest biostabilisation occurred during spring (up to six times greater than during autumn) and coincided with maximal EPS production – especially extracellular proteins indicating the essential role of adhesive proteins for the stability of the biofilm matrix. Furthermore, not biomass but microbial community composition significantly differed between seasons. For instance, during minimal biostabilszation in autumn, the diatom community was dominated by the motile diatoms Nitzschia fonticola and Nitzschia dissipata var. dissipata. Concurrently, the highest rates of change within the bacterial community were detected. This suggests a disruptive impact of diatom movement upon the biofilm matrix and overall biofilm stability.

These findings emphasise the importance of detailed analyses of the microbial community and demonstrate the complex interactions of distinct biofilm features influencing the functionality of the overall biofilm system.
Increase in benthic trophic reliance on methane in 14 French lakes during the Anthropocene
Authors: Belle Simon , Millet Laurent , Lami Andrea , Verneaux Valérie , Musazzi Simona , Hossann Christian , Magny Michel
Published: April 2016

Lakes play a key role in the regulation of the global carbon cycle. However, their functioning can be strongly impacted by anthropogenic pressures and climate variability. Understanding the response of the carbon cycle to environmental changes remains a crucial, elusive goal for both ecosystem managers and aquatic ecologists. In particular, the relations among lake physical and chemical properties, landscape structure and lake carbon cycling must be studied to predict future trends in lake functioning.

Sediment cores were collected from the deepest part of 14 small French lakes that differed in lake properties (elevation, conductivity, area, area of the watershed) and land‐use class (forest, wetland, agricultural land and urban area). The sampling strategy employed the top‐bottom approach (a comparison between present‐day conditions and ‘reference’ conditions at Medieval period, c. AD 1000). For each sample, the following variables were analysed: isotopic carbon composition of sedimentary organic carbon (δ13COM), δ13C of chironomid remains (δ13CHC), and sedimentary pigments (total carotenoids, TC).

Stepwise multiple regression analysis showed that the size of the catchment area may affect δ13COM values for the Medieval samples (R2 = 0.36, P < 0.05), such that the flux of terrestrial organic matter increases with the size of the watershed. However, this relation is not observed in the present‐day samples, and the influence apparently becomes largely anthropogenic. For these present‐day samples, the proportion of agricultural land in the watershed appears to be the primary driver of lake biogeochemical cycles through a direct effect on nutrient availability (R2 = 0.24, P < 0.05) and through an indirect effect on the benthic carbon cycle. The results also confirm the widespread existence of a pathway for methane‐derived carbon contribution to chironomid biomass (up to 61% of chironomid biomass) and suggest that high‐conductivity lakes are highly sensitive to the presence of this pathway (more than 75% of the lakes in our dataset have benthic food webs apparently dependent on biogenic methane; CH4).

The results may indicate that the high‐conductivity lakes (from the Jura Mountains) are more vulnerable to anthropogenic activities than low‐conductivity lakes because high‐conductivity water provides an excellent nutritive medium for the development of photoautotrophic production. Studying within‐lake CH4 dynamics and the response of the CH4 cycle in high‐conductivity lakes appear to be crucial for understanding both regional carbon budgets and lake trophic functioning.
Proposal of a predictive model for advanced fibrosis containing Wisteria floribunda agglutinin‐positive Mac‐2‐binding protein in chronic hepatitis C
Authors: Nishikawa Hiroki , Takata Ryo , Enomoto Hirayuki , Yoh Kazunori , Kishino Kyohei , Shimono Yoshihiro , Iwata Yoshinori , Hasegawa Kunihiro , Nakano Chikage , Nishimura Takashi , Aizawa Nobuhiro , Sakai Yoshiyuki , Ikeda Naoto , Takashima Tomoyuki , Ishii Akio , Iijima Hiroko , Nishiguchi Shuhei
Published: April 2016

Aim

We aimed to construct a predictive model for advanced fibrosis containing Wisteria floribunda agglutinin‐positive Mac‐2‐binding protein (WFA+‐M2BP) level in patients with chronic hepatitis C (CHC) and to validate its accuracy in an independent cohort.

Methods

A total of 386 patients with CHC were retrospectively analyzed. For the purpose of this study, we formed a training set (n = 210) and a validation set (n = 176). In the training set, we investigated variables linked to the presence of advanced fibrosis using univariate and multivariate analyses. We constructed a formula for predicting advanced fibrosis and validated its accuracy in the validation cohort. Receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis was carried out for calculating the area under the ROC (AUROC).

Results

In multivariate analyses, WFA+‐M2BP (P = 0.029) and prothrombin time (PT) (P = 0.018) were found to be significant predictive factors linked to the presence of advanced fibrosis; platelet count (P = 0.098) and hyaluronic acid (P = 0.078) showed borderline statistical significance for the presence of advanced fibrosis. Using these four variables (with the initials MPPH), we constructed the following formula: MPPH score = −3.584 − (0.275 × WFA+‐M2BP) + (0.068 × platelet count) + (0.042 × PT) − (0.005 × hyaluronic acid). In the training and validation sets, MPPH score yielded the highest AUROCs (0.87 and 0.83) for predicting advanced fibrosis among eight serum liver fibrosis markers. Similarly, in the training and validation sets, MPPH score had the highest diagnostic accuracies for predicting advanced fibrosis among eight serum variables (81.4% and 74.4%).

Conclusion

Our proposed MPPH scoring system can be useful for predicting advanced fibrosis in patients with CHC.
From Materia Medica to the Pharmacopoeia: Challenges of Writing the History of Drugs in India
Authors: Bhattacharya Nandini
Published: April 2016

Historians of indigenous medicine in colonial India have looked more closely at the changes, reinventions and reformulations of institutions of Ayurveda and Unani than at the cognitive content of the drugs themselves. The few historians who have examined the changing content of indigenous medicines have conceptualised the creation of materia medica of Indian drugs through two tropes: one of circulation (of specific drugs) through epistemological and geographic boundaries and the second, of marginalisation of certain other drugs either through a lack of textual legitimacy or the lack of the newly discovered ‘active principles’ within each drug. While these approaches have been useful, there is a case to be made for understanding the creation of formularies of Indian drugs in 19th and 20th centuries through the prism of medical praxis in India.
Technology in the British Industrial Revolution
Authors: Tomory Leslie
Published: April 2016

Technology and technological innovation has been one of the crucial features of the historiography of the Industrial Revolution. In the early nineteenth century, this focus on the “machinery question”, or the effects that machines had on the condition of labourer. Around 1900 academic historians began to explore the nature and causes of technological innovation, with Max Weber's thesis being the most influential. In the postwar period, optimistic assessment saw the technological creativity of the Industrial Revolution as crucial turning point in the history of Western economic growth. The period after 1970 has seen much broader fields of inquiry, including in product innovation, proto‐industrialization, and in industries outside the canonical group of cotton, iron, and steam engines.
‘Orientalismis a Partisan Book’: Applying Edward Said's Insights to Early Modern Travel Writing
Authors: Roddan Hector
Published: April 2016

Since its publication in 1978, Edward Said'sOrientalismhas had a significant impact on postcolonial studies in a range of fields. This paper assesses his impact on the historiography of Anglophone travel writing concerning Ottoman Empire during the early modern period. Said's analysis of the relationship between representational power and colonial authority remains relevant to our understanding of early modern travel texts.

Said's epistemology raises significant issues for historians of early modern intercultural encounters. This article summarises recent debates surrounding early modern travel narratives. It contrasts doctrinaire applications of Said's theory with more recent, particularistic studies. It provides a much‐needed survey of travel writing historiography that considers the continuing impact of Said's postcolonial thought on the study of early modern travel narratives relating to the Ottoman Middle East.

In so doing, it explores the lack of fit between early modern travel narratives and Said's methodology. I explore the methodological problems thrown up by conventional applications of Said's epistemology to precolonial travellers' texts. Based on a wide‐ranging survey of Said's oeuvre, the article demonstrates that, more than 30 years on, Said's work remains relevant to the historiographical challenges presented by early modern English travel writing about Islam.
Effects of exenatide on weight and appetite in overweight adolescents and young adults with Prader‐Willi syndrome
Authors: Salehi P. , Hsu I. , Azen C. G. , Mittelman S. D. , Geffner M. E. , Jeandron D.
Published: April 2016

Background

Prader–Willi syndrome (PWS) is associated with hyperphagia and hyperghrelinemia with major morbidity because of obesity without effective medical treatment targeting hyperphagia. Exenatide (Byetta [synthetic Exendin‐4]; AstraZeneca, Wilmington DE) is a GLP‐1 receptor agonist which reduces appetite and weight and may be an effective treatment in PWS.

Objective

The objective of this study is to determine the effect of a 6‐month trial of exenatide on appetite, weight and gut hormones in youth with PWS.

Methods

Ten overweight and obese subjects with PWS (13–25 years) were recruited for a 6‐month open‐label, non‐randomized, longitudinal study conducted at Children's Hospital Los Angeles. Exenatide was given using standard diabetes dosing without dietary modifications. Weight, body mass index (BMI), truncal fat, appetite and plasma acylated ghrelin were measured over 6 months. Mixed meal tolerance tests were performed at 0 and 6 months.

Results

Appetite scores significantly decreased from baseline (32.2 ± 8.7) after 1, 3 and 6 moths of treatment (27.5 ± 8.8, 25.4 ± 9.3, and 25.4 ± 7.2 respectively; p = 0.004). Hemoglobin A1c decreased significantly after treatment, but weight, BMI z‐score and adiposity did not. There was no significant change in ghrelin.

Conclusions

This is the first longitudinal investigation of the effects of exenatide in subjects with PWS. It was effective in decreasing appetite, without change in weight or BMI in the short term. Larger, controlled, longer‐term trials in patients with PWS are needed to confirm the efficacy and safety of exenatide and to evaluate whether its use might induce weight loss when given in conjunction with behavioural modification.
Clinical experience of surgically treating giant neurofibromatosis‐1
Authors: Chen Baoguo , Xu Minghuo , Song Huifeng , Gao Quanwen
Published: April 2016

The surgical treatment for giant neurofibromatosis‐1 (NF‐1) requires comprehensive measures. Presently, there is no systematic description of surgical treatment. Because of its high level of risk, we want to share our clinical experience. From 2011 to 2014, patients (n = 8, 5 female and 3 male patients, aging from 31 to 45 years‐old) were included in the study. The tumours were located on the trunk (n = 5) or face (n = 3). In addition to routine examination, blood storage was also prepared. Preoperative consultation from related departments was critical at first. Related artery embolisation was also carried out. In the operation, we checked thromboelastography, based on which reasonable blood component transfusion was implemented. Autologous blood transfusion was also ready. An instrument of copper needle or ring ligation was used to reduce haemorrhage before the surgery. Protruding or drooping portions of the tumours were excised. A pressurised bandage was applied when the surgery was completed. After the surgery, besides the routine monitoring of vital signs, re‐haemorrhage should be detected in time. Then, we should decide whether blood transfusion or surgery was required again. Expanders were implanted in one female patient with facial injuries before removing the tumour. Then, expanded flaps were applied to repair the secondary wound. According to the above clinical route, after an average of 1‐year follow‐up, no patients died, and other unforeseen events did not occur. Wounds healed well in all patients. The tumor was excised as much as possible. No facial nerve paralysis occurred in the facial sites. Expanded flaps necrosis WAS not encountered. It is essential to design the educational clinical route for treating NF‐1 when a giant protruding tumour is advised to be excised, which can minimise the risk of surgery and assure us of the maximum range of resection.
Myocardial protective effects of a c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase inhibitor in rats with brain death
Authors: Guo Wenzhi , Cao Shengli , Yan Bing , Zhang Gong , Li Jie , Zhao Yongfu , Zhang Shuijun
Published: April 2016

To investigate whether the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway mediates myocardial cell injuries in rats under brain death (BD), and observe the effects and mechanisms of the c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase (JNK) inhibitor SP600125 on cell death in the heart. Forty healthy male Sprague‐Dawley (SD) rats were randomized into four groups: sham group (dural external catheter with no BD); BD group (maintain the induced BD state for 6 hrs); BD + SP600125 group (intraperitoneal injection of SP600125 10 mg/kg 1 hr before inducing BD, and maintain BD for 6 hrs); and BD + Dimethyl Sulphoxide (DMSO) group (intraperitoneal injection of DMSO 1 hr before inducing BD, and maintain BD for 6 hrs). Real‐time quantitative PCR was used to evaluate mRNA levels of Cyt‐c and caspase‐3. Western blot analysis was performed to examine the levels of mitochondrial apoptosis‐related proteins p‐JNK, Bcl‐2, Bax, Cyt‐c and Caspase‐3. TUNEL assay was employed to evaluate myocardial apoptosis. Compared with the sham group, the BD group exhibited increased mitochondrial apoptosis‐related gene expression, accompanied by the elevation of p‐JNK expression and myocardial apoptosis. As the vehicle control, DMSO had no treatment effects. The BD + SP600125 group had decreased p‐JNK expression, and reduced mitochondrial apoptosis‐related gene expression. Furthermore, the apoptosis rate of myocardial cells was reduced. The JNK inhibitor SP600125 could protect myocardial cells under BD through the inhibition of mitochondrial apoptosis‐related pathways.
Phloroglucinol protects retinal pigment epithelium and photoreceptor against all‐trans‐retinal–induced toxicity and inhibits A2E formation
Authors: Cia David , Cubizolle Aurélie , Crauste Céline , Jacquemot Nathalie , Guillou Laurent , Vigor Claire , Angebault Claire , Hamel Christian P. , Vercauteren Joseph , Brabet Philippe
Published: April 2016

Among retinal macular diseases, the juvenile recessive Stargardt disease and the age‐related degenerative disease arise from carbonyl and oxidative stresses (COS). Both stresses originate from an accumulation of all‐trans‐retinal (atRAL) and are involved in bisretinoid formation by condensation of atRAL with phosphatidylethanolamine (carbonyl stress) in the photoreceptor and its transformation into lipofuscin bisretinoids (oxidative stress) in the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). As atRAL and bisretinoid accumulation contribute to RPE and photoreceptor cell death, our goal is to select powerful chemical inhibitors of COS. Here, we describe that phloroglucinol, a natural phenolic compound having anti‐COS properties, protects both rat RPE and mouse photoreceptor primary cultures from atRAL‐induced cell death and reduces hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)‐induced damage in RPE in a dose‐dependent manner. Mechanistic analyses demonstrate that the protective effect encompasses decrease in atRAL‐induced intracellular reactive oxygen species and free atRAL levels. Moreover, we show that phloroglucinol reacts with atRAL to form a chromene adduct which prevents bisretinoid A2E synthesis in vitro. Taken together, these data show that the protective effect of phloroglucinol correlates with its ability to trap atRAL and to prevent its further transformation into deleterious bisretinoids. Phloroglucinol might be a good basis to develop efficient therapeutic derivatives in the treatment of retinal macular diseases.
Impact of pregnancy and oestrogen on psoriasis and potential therapeutic use of selective oestrogen receptor modulators for psoriasis
Authors: Lin X. , Huang T.
Published: April 2016

Majority of female patients show improvement of psoriasis during pregnancy. This is demonstrated to be correlated with high levels of oestrogen. Even in male patient, oestrogen level is inversely correlated with the severity of psoriasis. However, a minority of female psoriatic patients still experience worsening during pregnancy. Oestrogen might improve psoriasis by suppressing the T‐cell immune response, reducing the keratinocyte (KC) cytokine and chemokine production, restoring the balance of redox and enhancing the skin barrier. However, it might worsen the disease by stimulating KC proliferation and promoting angiogenesis. This complex role of oestrogen in the pathogenesis of psoriasis might explain why the two opposite effects of pregnancy coexist. Data shows that the number of improving patients with psoriasis in pregnancy is double the number of the worsening patients, suggesting that oestrogen may be potentially useful in the treatment of psoriasis. However, oestrogen is not considered suitable as a long‐term treatment subject to negative side‐effects. This review discusses current studies on taking selective oestrogen receptor mediators as a novel potential therapeutic option for psoriasis.
Potamodromous migrations in the Magdalena River basin: bimodal reproductive patterns in neotropical rivers
Authors: López‐Casas S. , Jiménez‐Segura L. F. , Agostinho A. A. , Pérez C. M.
Published: April 2016

Magdalena River basin potamodromous fishes have two annual reproductive seasons: the subienda in the first half of the year and the mitaca in the second. Both upstream migrations are c. 30–45 days long; after that, with the onset of the rainy season, fishes spawn and remain in the river (resident individuals) or start a downstream movement (the bajanza) to return to the Magdalena floodplain lakes (nursery, shelter and feeding grounds). Due to their particular gonad development the bocachico Prochilodus magdalenae and probably the comelón Leporinus muyscorum are physiologically able to undertake two annual basin migrations. In the presence of dams or hydropower structures, fishes are able to find alternative migration routes. Some species should be re‐classified in their migratory behaviour.
Three‐dimensional rendering of otolith growth using phase contrast synchrotron tomography
Authors: Mapp J. J. I. , Fisher M. H. , Atwood R. C. , Bell G. D. , Greco M. K. , Songer S. , Hunter E.
Published: April 2016

A three‐dimensional computer reconstruction of a plaice Pleuronectes platessa otolith is presented from data acquired by the Diamond Light synchrotron, beamline I12, X‐ray source, a high energy (53–150 keV) source particularly well suited to the study of dense objects. The data allowed non‐destructive rendering of otolith structure, and for the first time allows otolith annuli (internal ring structures) to be analysed in X‐ray tomographic images.
Methods to Succeed in Effective Knowledge Translation in Clinical Practice
Authors: Kitson Alison L. , Harvey Gillian
Published: April 2016

Purpose

To explore the evidence around facilitation as an intervention for the successful implementation of new knowledge into clinical practice.

Organizing Construct

The revised version of the Promoting Action on Research Implementation in Health Services (PARIHS) framework, called the integrated or i‐PARIHS framework, is used as the explanatory framework. This framework posits that evidence is a multidimensional construct embedded within innovation and operationalized by clinicians (individuals and within teams), working across multiple layers of context. Facilitation is the active ingredient that promotes successful implementation.

Findings

An emerging body of evidence supports facilitation as a mechanism to getting new knowledge into clinical practice. Facilitation roles are divided into beginner, experienced, and expert facilitators. Facilitators can be internal or external to the organization they work in, and their skills and attributes complement other knowledge translation (KT) roles. Complex KT projects require facilitators who are experienced in implementation methods.

Conclusions

Facilitation is positioned as the active ingredient to effectively introduce new knowledge into a clinical setting. Levels of facilitation experience are assessed in relation to the complexity of the KT task. Three core facilitation roles are identified, and structured interventions are established taking into account the nature and novelty of the evidence, the receptiveness of the clinicians, and the context or setting where the new evidence is to be introduced.

Clinical Relevance

Roles such as novice, experienced, and expert facilitators have important and complementary parts to play in enabling the successful translation of evidence into everyday practice in order to provide effective care for patients.