bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Molten Salt Synthesis of Bismuth Ferrite Nano‐ and Microcrystals and their Structural Characterization
Authors: Zhu Xinhua , Zhou Jun , Jiang Mengchao , Xie Jun , Liang Shuang , Li Shuyi , Liu Zidong , Zhu Yingying , Zhu Jianmin , Liu Zhiguo
Published: March 2014

Bismuth ferrite nano‐ and microcrystals were prepared by a facile molten salt technique in two kinds of molten‐salt‐based systems (NaCl–KCl and NaCl–Na2SO4). In the NaCl–KCl salt system, a systematic study indicating the effects of process parameters (e.g., calcination temperature, holding time as well as the molten salt ratios) on the bismuth ferrite formation mechanism and structural characteristics is reported. The results show that almost pure phase BiFeO3 powders with minimum impurity phase of Bi2Fe4O9 were synthesized at temperatures of 700°C–800°C, whereas high calcination temperature (e.g., 900°C) resulted in the formation of almost pure phase Bi2Fe4O9 powders. The prolonged holding time increased the particle size via the Ostwald ripening mechanism; however, there was little effect on the particle morphology. Similar phenomenon occurred as increasing the molten salt ratios. In the NaCl–Na2SO4 salt systems, it is found that low NP‐9 (nonylphenyl ether, NP‐9) surfactant content (0–5 mL) led to the formation of almost pure phase BiFeO3 powders, whereas high NP‐9 surfactant content (e.g., 20 mL) resulted in pure phase Bi2Fe4O9 powders. The average particle size of the BiFeO3 powders was decreased as increasing the NP‐9 surfactant content, whereas their morphologies did not change significantly. Because of the simplicity and versatility of the approach used, it is expected that this methodology can be generalized to the large‐scale preparation of other important transitional metal oxides with controllable sizes and shapes.
Genome‐wide association study for egg production and quality in layer chickens
Authors: Wolc A. , Arango J. , Jankowski T. , Dunn I. , Settar P. , Fulton J.E. , O'Sullivan N.P. , Preisinger R. , Fernando R.L. , Garrick D.J. , Dekkers J.C.M.
Published: March 2014

Discovery of genes with large effects on economically important traits has for many years been of interest to breeders. The development of SNP panels which cover the whole genome with high density and, more importantly, that can be genotyped on large numbers of individuals at relatively low cost, has opened new opportunities for genome‐wide association studies (GWAS). The objective of this study was to find genomic regions associated with egg production and quality traits in layers using analysis methods developed for the purpose of whole genome prediction. Genotypes on over 4500 birds and phenotypes on over 13 000 hens from eight generations of a brown egg layer line were used. Birds were genotyped with a custom 42K Illumina SNP chip. Recorded traits included two egg production and 11 egg quality traits (puncture score, albumen height, yolk weight and shell colour) at early and late stages of production, as well as body weight and age at first egg. Egg weight was previously analysed by Wolc et al. (). The Bayesian whole genome prediction model – BayesB (Meuwissen et al. ) was used to locate 1 Mb regions that were most strongly associated with each trait. The posterior probability of a 1 Mb window contributing to genetic variation was used as the criterion for suggesting the presence of a quantitative trait locus (QTL) in that window. Depending upon the trait, from 1 to 7 significant (posterior probability >0.9) 1 Mb regions were found. The largest QTL, a region explaining 32% of genetic variance, was found on chr4 at 78 Mb for body weight but had pleiotropic effects on other traits. For the other traits, the largest effects were much smaller, explaining <7% of genetic variance, with regions on chromosomes 2, 12 and 17 explaining above 5% of genetic variance for albumen height, shell colour and egg production, respectively. In total, 45 of 1043 1 Mb windows were estimated to have a non‐zero effect with posterior probability > 0.9 for one or more traits.
Efficacy of glimepiride/metformin fixed‐dose combination vs metformin uptitration in type 2 diabetic patients inadequately controlled on low‐dose metformin monotherapy: A randomized, open label, parallel group, multicenter study in Korea
Authors: Kim Hye‐soon , Kim Doo‐man , Cha Bong‐soo , Park Tae Sun , Kim Kyoung‐ah , Kim Dong‐lim , Chung Choon Hee , Park Jeong‐hyun , Jang Hak Chul , Choi Dong‐seop
Published: March 2014

Aims/Introduction

To compare the efficacy and safety of early combination therapy with glimepiride/metformin to metformin uptitration in reducing glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels in Korean type 2 diabetic patients inadequately controlled on low‐dose metformin monotherapy.

Materials and Methods

In a randomized, open label, parallel group, multicenter study, 209 Korean type 2 diabetic patients (HbA1c 7.0–10.0%, on metformin 500–1,000 mg/day) received glimepiride/metformin fixed‐dose combination (G/M FDC) or metformin uptitration treatment (Met UP). The primary end‐point was the change in HbA1c from baseline to week 24.

Results

G/M FDC therapy provided significantly greater adjusted mean decreases vs Met UP therapy in HbA1c (−1.2 vs −0.8%, P < 0.0001), and fasting plasma glucose (−35.7 vs −18.6 mg/dL, P < 0.0001). A significantly greater proportion of patients with G/M FDC therapy achieved HbA1c < 7% (74.7 vs 46.6%, P < 0.0001) at the end of the study. More patients experienced hypoglycemia with G/M FDC therapy compared with Met UP therapy (41 vs 5.6%, P < 0.0001), but there was no serious hypoglycemia in any group. A modest increase in mean bodyweight occurred in the patients who were treated with G/M FDC therapy (1.0 kg), whereas a slight decrease was observed in the patients who were treated with Met UP therapy (−0.7 kg).

Conclusion

The present study showed that glimepiride/metformin fixed‐dose combination therapy was more effective in glycemic control than metformin uptitration, and was well tolerated in type 2 diabetic patients inadequately controlled by low‐dose metformin monotherapy in Korea. This trial was registered with ClinicalTrial.gov (no. NCT00612144).
Pharmacological Treatment of Postprandial Reductions in Blood Pressure: A Systematic Review
Authors: Ong Alice C. L. , Myint Phyo K. , Potter John F.
Published: March 2014

Objectives

To systematically review the current literature on the pharmacological treatment of postmeal reductions in blood pressure (BP).

Design

A systematic literature search and standardized data collection of randomized controlled trials on the pharmacological prevention of postprandial reductions in BP in adults using MEDLINE (1950–), EMBASE (1980–), and CINAHL databases was conducted up to July 2013. Bibliographies of relevant reports were also hand‐searched to identify all potentially eligible studies.

Setting

Systematic review of randomized controlled trials using PRISMA guidelines.

Measurements

Articles were assessed using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme for randomized controlled trials.

Results

Thirteen articles reporting 12 studies (1 study was reported in 2 articles) demonstrated that caffeine (5 studies); acarbose; 3,4‐DL‐threo‐dihydroxyphenylserine; guar gum (3 studies); and octreotide (2 studies) statistically attenuated the postprandial reduction in BP. One caffeine study did not show this. Most studies did not include individuals with symptomatic postprandial hypotension (PPH), so interpretation and application of these findings to this patient group should be made with caution. For symptomatic participants, there was improvement with acarbose but none with caffeine. Differences in the way the data were presented in the studies did not allow for quantification of treatment effects using meta‐analysis.

Conclusion

Drug interventions can attenuate postprandial reductions in BP, but they may not necessarily be effective in people with symptomatic PPH.
Management of Neuropsychiatric Symptoms of Dementia in Clinical Settings: Recommendations from a Multidisciplinary Expert Panel
Authors: Kales Helen C. , Gitlin Laura N. , Lyketsos Constantine G. ,   the Detroit Expert Panel on the Assessment and Management of the Neuropsychiatric Symptoms of Dementia
Published: March 2014

Noncognitive neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS) of dementia (aggression, agitation, depression, anxiety, delusions, hallucinations, apathy, disinhibition) affect individuals with dementia nearly universally across dementia stages and etiologies. NPS are associated with poor outcomes for individuals with dementia and caregivers, including excess morbidity and mortality, greater healthcare use, and earlier nursing home placement, as well as caregiver stress, depression, and difficulty with employment. Although the Food and Drug Administration has not approved pharmacotherapy for NPS, psychotropic medications are frequently used to manage these symptoms, but in the few cases of proven pharmacological efficacy, significant risk of adverse effects may offset benefits. There is evidence of efficacy and limited potential for adverse effects of nonpharmacological treatments, typically considered first line, but their uptake as preferred treatments remains inadequate in real‐world clinical settings. Thus, the field currently finds itself in a predicament in terms of management of these difficult symptoms. It was in this context that the University of Michigan Program for Positive Aging, working in collaboration with the Johns Hopkins Alzheimer's Disease Research Center and Center for Innovative Care in Aging sponsored and convened a multidisciplinary expert panel in Detroit, Michigan, in fall 2011 with three objectives: to define critical elements of care for NPS in dementia; to construct an approach describing the sequential and iterative steps of managing NPS in real‐world clinical settings that can be used as a basis for integrating nonpharmacological and pharmacological approaches; and to discuss how the approach generated could be implemented in research and clinical care.
Risk of Medication‐Associated Initiation of Oxybutynin in Elderly Men and Women
Authors: Kalisch Ellett Lisa M. , Pratt Nicole L. , Barratt John D. , Rowett Debra , Roughead Elizabeth E.
Published: March 2014

Objectives

To determine whether there is greater risk of initiation of oxybutynin to treat urinary incontinence (UI) after initiation of medicines reported to be associated with UI.

Design

Prescription sequence symmetry analysis (PSSA).

Setting

Administrative claims data from the Australian Government Department of Veterans' Affairs.

Participants

Individuals who initiated oxybutynin and a medicine reported to be associated with UI in a 12‐month period.

Measurements

Between January 1, 2001, and December 31, 2011, the distribution of incident dispensing of medicines reported to be associated with UI (prazosin, diuretics, calcium channel blockers (CCBs), angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs), angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), hormone replacement therapy (HRT), opioid analgesics, anticonvulsants, levodopa, antipsychotics, sedatives, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), venlafaxine, anticholinesterases) was assessed before and after incident dispensing of oxybutynin (to treat UI). Crude and adjusted sequence ratios (ASRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated.

Results

Significant associations between initiation of CCBs, ACEIs, ARBs, and hypnotic‐sedatives and subsequent initiation of oxybutynin were found. ASRs ranged from 1.28 (95% CI = 1.19–1.39) for ACEIs to 1.59 (95% CI = 1.29–1.96) for verapamil. In women, there was greater risk of initiation of oxybutynin after prazosin (ASR = 1.84, 95% CI = 1.29–2.63) and HRT (ASR = 1.54, 95% CI = 1.42–1.67) initiation. PSSA showed no significant association with initiation of opioids, anticonvulsants, levodopa, SSRIs, venlafaxine, or anticholinesterases and subsequent initiation of oxybutynin.

Conclusion

This study highlights the potential for initiation of commonly used medicines to be associated with subsequent initiation of oxybutynin to treat UI. Greater awareness of the potential for medicines to contribute to UI is required.
Montreal Cognitive Assessment Memory Index Score (MoCA‐MIS) as a Predictor of Conversion from Mild Cognitive Impairment to Alzheimer's Disease
Authors: Julayanont Parunyou , Brousseau Mélanie , Chertkow Howard , Phillips Natalie , Nasreddine Ziad S.
Published: March 2014

Objectives

To assess the usefulness of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) total score (MoCA‐TS) and Memory Index Score (MoCA‐MIS) in predicting conversion to Alzheimer's disease (AD) in individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI).

Design

Retrospective chart review.

Setting

Community‐based memory clinic.

Participants

Individuals meeting Petersen's MCI criteria (N = 165).

Measurements

Baseline MoCA scores at MCI diagnosis were collected from charts of eligible individuals with MCI, and MoCA‐TS, MoCA‐MIS, and a cognitive domain index score were calculated to assess their prognostic value in predicting conversion to AD.

Results

One hundred fourteen participants progressed to AD (MCI‐AD), and 51 did not (nonconverters; MCI‐NC); 90.5% of participants with MCI with a MoCA‐TS less than 20/30 and a MoCA‐MIS less than 7/15 at baseline converted to AD within the average follow‐up period of 18 months, compared with 52.7% of participants with MCI above the cutoffs on both scores. Individuals with multiple‐domain amnestic MCI had the highest AD conversion rates (73.9%).

Conclusion

Identifying individuals with MCI at high risk of conversion to AD is important clinically and for selecting appropriate subjects for therapeutic trials. Individuals with MCI with a low MoCA‐TS and a low newly devised memory index score (MoCA‐MIS) are at greater risk of short‐term conversion to AD.
Using the Past to Predict the Future: Latent Class Analysis of Patterns of Health Service Use of Older Adults in the Emergency Department
Authors: Hastings S. Nicole , Whitson Heather E. , Sloane Richard , Landerman Lawrence R. , Horney Carolyn , Johnson Kimberly S.
Published: March 2014

Objectives

To classify older adults in the emergency department (ED) according to healthcare use and to examine associations between group membership and future ED visits and hospital admissions.

Design

Secondary analysis.

Setting

Medicare Current Beneficiary Survey.

Participants

Adults aged 65 and older with at least one treat‐and‐release ED visit between January 1, 2000, and September 30, 2007 (N = 4,964).

Measurements

Measures of health service use included primary care visits, treat‐and‐release ED visits, and hospital days in the 12 months preceding the index ED visit.

Results

Five groups of individuals in the ED with distinct patterns of health service use were identified. “Primary Carederly” (39%) had low rates of ED and hospital use and a high mean number of primary care visits. “Wellderly” (34%) had fewer visits of all types than other groups. “Chronically Illderly” (14%) had the highest mean number of primary care visits and hospital days. “Acute Carederly” (9.8%) had lowest mean number of primary care visits but higher ED visits and hospital days than all other groups except the “Sickest Elderly.” Sickest Elderly (3.2%) had the highest number of ED visits; mean number of hospital days was more than four times that of any other group. Primary Carederly and Wellderly had a lower risk of hospital admission within 30 days of the index ED visit than the other groups.

Conclusion

In older adults released from an ED, group membership was associated with future health services use. Classification of individuals using readily available previous visit data may improve targeting of interventions to improve outcomes.
Physical Activity in Older Men: Longitudinal Associations with Inflammatory and Hemostatic Biomarkers, N‐Terminal Pro‐Brain Natriuretic Peptide, and Onset of Coronary Heart Disease and Mortality
Authors: Jefferis Barbara J. , Whincup Peter H. , Lennon Lucy T. , Papacosta Olia , Goya Wannamethee S.
Published: March 2014

Objectives

To examine associations between habitual physical activity (PA) and changes in PA and onset of coronary heart disease (CHD) and the pathways linking PA to CHD.

Design

British Regional Heart Study population‐based cohort; men completed questionnaires in 1996 and 1998 to 2000, attended rescreen in 1998 to 2000, and were followed up to June 2010.

Setting

Community.

Participants

Of 4,252 men recruited from primary care centers (77% of those invited and eligible) who were rescreened in 1998 to 2000, 3,320 were ambulatory and free from CHD, stroke, and heart failure and participated in the current study.

Measurements

Usual PA (regular walking and cycling, recreational activity and sport). Outcome was first fatal or nonfatal myocardial infarction.

Results

In 3,320 ambulatory men, 303 first and 184 fatal CHD events occurred during a median of 11 years of follow‐up; 9% reported no usual PA, 23% occasional PA, and 68% light or more‐intense PA. PA was inversely associated with novel risk markers C‐reactive protein, D‐dimer, von Willebrand Factor and N‐terminal pro‐brain natriuretic peptide (NT‐proBNP). Compared with no usual PA, hazard ratios (HRs) for CHD events, adjusted for age and region, were 0.52 (95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.34–0.79) for occasional PA, 0.47 (95% CI = 0.30–0.74) for light PA, 0.51 (95% CI = 0.32–0.82) for moderate PA, and 0.44 (95% CI = 0.29–0.65) for moderately vigorous or vigorous PA (P for linear trend = .004). Adjustment for established and novel risk markers somewhat attenuated HRs and abolished linear trends. Compared with men who remained inactive, men who maintained at least light PA had an HR for CHD events of 0.73 (95% CI = 0.53–1.02) and men whose PA level increased had an HR of 0.86 (95% CI = 0.55–1.35).

Conclusion

Even light PA was associated with significantly lower risk of CHD events in healthy older men, partly through inflammatory and hemostatic mechanisms and cardiac function (NT‐proBNP).
Use of electronic healthcare records in large‐scale simple randomized trials at the point of care for the documentation of value‐based medicine
Authors: van Staa T.‐P. , Klungel O. , Smeeth L.
Published: March 2014

A solid foundation of evidence of the effects of an intervention is a prerequisite of evidence‐based medicine. The best source of such evidence is considered to be randomized trials, which are able to avoid confounding. However, they may not always estimate effectiveness in clinical practice. Databases that collate anonymized electronic health records (EHRs) from different clinical centres have been widely used for many years in observational studies. Randomized point‐of‐care trials have been initiated recently to recruit and follow patients using the data from EHR databases. In this review, we describe how EHR databases can be used for conducting large‐scale simple trials and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of their use.
Epigenetic stochasticity, nuclear structure and cancer: the implications for medicine
Authors: Feinberg A. P.
Published: March 2014

The aim of this review is to summarize an evolution of thinking about the epigenetic basis of human cancer, from the earliest studies of altered DNA methylation in cancer to the modern comprehensive epigenomic era. Converging data from epigenetic studies of primary cancers and from experimental studies of chromatin in development and epithelial–mesenchymal transition suggest a role for epigenetic stochasticity as a driving force of cancer, with Darwinian selection of tumour cells at the expense of the host. This increased epigenetic stochasticity appears to be mediated by large‐scale changes in DNA methylation and chromatin in domains associated with the nuclear lamina. The implications for diagnosis include the potential to identify stochastically disrupted progenitor cells years before cancer develops, and to target drugs to epigenetic drivers of gene expression instability rather than to mean effects per se.
Pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic model of the antihypertensive interaction between telmisartan and hydrochlorothiazide in spontaneously hypertensive rats
Authors: Hao Kun , Chen Yuancheng , Zhao Xiaoping , Liu Xiaoquan
Published: March 2014

Objectives

The goal of this study was to establish an integrated indirect response pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic model between telmisartan and hydrochlorothiazide to describe the antihypertensive interaction of these two drugs in spontaneously hypertensive rats.

Methods

The blood pressure and plasma concentrations were measured by the tail-cuff test and high performance liquid chromatographyߝmass spectrometry, respectively, in spontaneously hypertensive rats. The current pharmacokinetic–pharmacodynamic model was based on the non-competitive pharmacodynamic interaction of two drugs acting on different physiological processes.

Key findings

This model was able to acquire the temporal changes in drug concentration and blood pressure after administration of telmisartan or hydrochlorothiazide. The noncompetitive pharmacodynamic interaction assumed that the decreased blood pressure was attributed to the inhibitory function of telmisartan and stimulatory function of hydrochlorothiazide after administration of these two drugs. There was no significant pharmacokinetic change of telmisartan and hydrochlorothiazide in the different groups tested. The model predicted a synergistic pharmacodynamic interaction when telmisartan was administered in combination with hydrochlorothiazide, which was notably stronger than if the effects were additive.

Conclusion

The results showed that the presented pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic model was suitable for describing the antihypertensive interaction between telmisartan and hydrochlorothiazide.
Polymorphisms in the circadian expressed genes PER3 and ARNTL2 are associated with diurnal preference and GNβ3 with sleep measures
Authors: Parsons Michael J. , Lester Kathryn J. , Barclay Nicola L. , Archer Simon N. , Nolan Patrick M. , Eley Thalia C. , Gregory Alice M.
Published: March 2014

Sleep and circadian rhythms are intrinsically linked, with several sleep traits, including sleep timing and duration, influenced by both sleep homeostasis and the circadian phase. Genetic variation in several circadian genes has been associated with diurnal preference (preference in timing of sleep), although there has been limited research on whether they are associated with other sleep measurements. We investigated whether these genetic variations were associated with diurnal preference (Morningness–Eveningness Questionnaire) and various sleep measures, including: the global Pittsburgh Sleep Quality index score; sleep duration; and sleep latency and sleep quality. We genotyped 10 polymorphisms in genes with circadian expression in participants from the G1219 sample (n = 966), a British longitudinal population sample of young adults. We conducted linear regressions using dominant, additive and recessive models of inheritance to test for associations between these polymorphisms and the sleep measures. We found a significant association between diurnal preference and a polymorphism in period homologue 3 (PER3) (P < 0.005, recessive model) and a novel nominally significant association between diurnal preference and a polymorphism in aryl hydrocarbon receptor nuclear translocator‐like 2 (ARNTL2) (P < 0.05, additive model). We found that a polymorphism in guanine nucleotide binding protein beta 3 (GNβ3) was associated significantly with global sleep quality (P < 0.005, recessive model), and that a rare polymorphism in period homologue 2 (PER2) was associated significantly with both sleep duration and quality (P < 0.0005, recessive model). These findings suggest that genes with circadian expression may play a role in regulating both the circadian clock and sleep homeostasis, and highlight the importance of further studies aimed at dissecting the specific roles that circadian genes play in these two interrelated but unique behaviours.
The deposition of Notch1 in hepatitis B virus‐associated nephropathy and its role in hepatitis B virus X protein‐induced epithelial–mesenchymal transdifferentiation and immunity disorder in renal tubular epithelial cells
Authors: Wang X. , Zhou Y. , Zhu N. , Wang L. , Gu L.‐J. , Yuan W.‐J.
Published: March 2014

Notch1 plays an important role in the regulation of immune responses and epithelial–mesenchymal transdifferentiation (EMT). Previous studies have observed inflammatory cell infiltration and tubulointerstitial fibrosis in the renal biopsies from patients with HBV‐associated glomerulonephritis (HBV‐GN). We hypothesized that Notch1 may be involved in the progression of HBV‐GN. In this study, we evaluated the distribution of Notch1 in patients with HBV‐GN. Our results showed that Notch1 was mainly distributed in renal tubules and the interstitial area, and the expression levels of Notch1 had a positive correlation with the renal tubular pathology. In this respect, we used human proximal tubular epithelial cells (HK‐2) as target cells, which were transiently transfected with the hepatitis B virus X (HBx) gene using a eukaryotic vector. HBx expression resulted in significantly increased detection of Notch1, alpha‐smooth muscle actin (α‐SMA), major histocompatibility complex‐II (MHC‐II), CD40 and interleukin‐4 (IL‐4). At the same time, E‐cadherin and interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ) expression levels were significantly inhibited. These HBx‐induced phenotypes were exacerbated by upregulation of Notch1. Knock‐down of Notch1 by specific shRNA caused decreases of α‐SMA, MHC‐II, CD40 and IL‐4, and increases of E‐cadherin and IFN‐γ. These findings suggest that Notch1 is significantly associated with renal tubular and interstitial lesions. Notch1 can mediate HBx‐induced EMT of HK‐2 cells, promote HBx‐induced increases in immune molecule expression and exacerbation of cytokine disorders, which may contribute to the progression of HBV‐GN. Inhibitors of Notch1 signalling may be useful as new therapeutics for the treatment of HBV‐GN.
Mens rea, motive and assisted suicide: does the DPP's Policy go too far?
Authors: O'Sullivan Catherine
Published: March 2014

The issue of decriminalising euthanasia and/or assisted suicide has been the subject of a number of high-profile cases, the most recent of which was the Court of Appeal decision in R (Nicklinson & Lamb) v Ministry of Justice [2013] EWCA Civ 961. This paper will focus on the offence of assisted suicide and Martin's argument that the Policy for Prosecutors in Respect of Cases of Encouraging or Assisting Suicide, issued by the DPP following the House of Lords' final judgment in R (Purdy) v DPP [2009] UKHL 45 failed to provide foreseeability where a prospective assister was not someone with an emotional connection to the requester. The success of this claim offers a fresh opportunity to examine a somewhat neglected aspect of the Policy that emanated from the Purdy case, namely its potential challenge to the oft-stated claim that motive is irrelevant to mens rea. It is my contention that the Policy has (effectively) amended s 2 of the Suicide Act 1961 by making compassion/motive a definitional element of the offence, and that this is problematic because it contravenes a limitation imposed by the maxim that supports the doctrine of parliamentary supremacy.
Distribution, feeding habits and morphology of killer whales Orcinus orca in the Caribbean Sea
Authors: Bolaños‐Jiménez Jaime , Mignucci‐Giannoni Antonio A. , Blumenthal Janice , Bogomolni Andrea , Casas José Julio , Henríquez Angiolina , Iñíguez Bessega Miguel , Khan Jalaludin , Landrau‐Giovannetti Nelmarie , Rinaldi Caroline , Rinaldi Renato , Rodríguez‐Ferrer Grisel , Sutty Lesley , Ward Nathalie , Luksenburg Jolanda Andrea
Published: March 2014

Killer whales Orcinus orca are found in all oceans of the world, but most of our knowledge on the species comes from studies conducted at higher latitudes. Studies on killer whales in the Caribbean have been scarce.

We compiled 176 records of killer whales from the Caribbean, including 95 previously unreported records and 81 records recovered from the literature, consisting of 27 capture or kill records, 4 stranding records and 145 sighting records.

Our results indicate that killer whales are widespread in the Caribbean Sea and can be found year‐round in the region. Mean group size was 3.7 animals. A diversity of prey items was recorded, including sea turtles and marine mammals and possibly fish. We cannot exclude ecotype or morphotype‐specific dietary specialization in the Caribbean population. A preliminary morphological analysis of 10 characters in 52 individuals from 21 different groups suggests that Caribbean killer whales do not represent any of the four Antarctic and subantarctic types, type 1 from the northwest Atlantic, or ‘resident’ and ‘transient’ killer whales from the northwest Pacific. Some Caribbean killer whales share a combination of characters typical of type 2 in the North Atlantic, whereas others share those typical of ‘offshore’ killer whales in the northwest Pacific. The significance of this is unclear. Comparison of Caribbean killer whales to previously described morphotypes and ecotypes is hampered by the lack of detailed, quantitative data on variation within other types, as well as by the lack of comparisons of genetic diversity.

Our study adds to the growing knowledge of the diversity of killer whales worldwide but underscores that additional research is warranted in the tropics.
Redistribution in a Neo‐Kaleckian Two‐country Model
Authors: von Arnim Rudiger , Tavani Daniele , Carvalho Laura
Published: March 2014

We investigate the interaction between demand‐driven growth and income distribution in open economies, by combining expenditure‐switching and demand spillover effects in a neo‐Kaleckian two country model. First, we specify elasticities of wage share and real exchange rate to the money wage relative to labor productivity, in order to precisely describe the distributive pass‐through from money wages to the labor share and the real exchange rate. Second, we analyze the demand effects of an increase in the money wage for given labor productivity (a redistribution towards labor) in both Home and Foreign country, as well as globally. We derive closed form results for two identical countries. These results indicate that redistribution towards labor at Home: (i) always increases growth globally if Home is wage‐led, but can lead to lower growth at Home relative to Foreign; and (ii) will always imply lower growth at Home relative to Foreign if Home is profit‐led, but can still be growth‐enhancing at Home. Thus, to the extent that countries are concerned with their relative economic performance, a fallacy of composition can emerge. Numerical simulations suggest that these fallacies could indeed occur. As a consequence, ‘returns to coordination’ over international labor policies might be substantial.
Activation and regulation of endogenous retroviral genes in the human pituitary gland and related endocrine tumours
Authors: Buslei Rolf , Strissel Pamela L. , Henke Christine , Schey Regina , Lang Nadine , Ruebner Matthias , Stolt Claus C. , Fabry Ben , Buchfelder Michael , Strick Reiner
Published: March 2014

Aims

Adenohypophysis (AH) hormone‐producing cells represent the origin of diverse groups of pituitary adenomas (PA). Deregulation of hypothalamic hormone receptors, growth factors and cAMP signalling have been implicated in the aetiology of PA. Endogenous retroviruses (ERVs) are derived from past exogenous retroviral infections and represent more than 8% of the human genome. Some ERV genes encode open reading frames and produce functional proteins, for example, the ERVW‐1 envelope gene Syncytin‐1, essential for placentogenesis, but also deregulated in human tumours. Data concerning ERV expression in the AH and related endocrine tumours are missing.

Methods

Syncytin‐1 protein was analysed in normal AH (n = 15) and compared with five PA subtypes (n = 117) by immunohistochemistry. Absolute gene expression of 20 ERV functional envelope genes and ERVW‐5 gag was measured. PA tissues were examined for Syncytin‐1 and the cAMP signalling marker phospho‐CREB‐Ser133 using immunohistochemistry. Isolated primary human PA cells were treated with different hormones. Murine embryonic and adult pituitary gland ERV expressions were compared with human AH.

Results

Syncytin‐1 protein colocalized with corticotropic cells of AH. In contrast, all PA demonstrated significant Syncytin‐1 protein overexpression, supporting deregulation. All other ERV genes showed significant up‐regulations in different PA subtypes. Phospho‐CREB‐Ser133 and Syncytin‐1 colocalized in PA cells. Cultivated primary PA cells with ACTH or CRH induced their respective receptors and ERV genes. Syncytin‐A/‐B, murine orthologues to human Syncytin‐1/‐2, localized to embryonic and adult pituitary glands demonstrating functional mammalian conservation.

Conclusions

Deregulated ERV genes may contribute to PA development via cAMP signalling.
The presence of post‐traumatic stress disorder symptoms in earthquake survivors one month after a mudslide in southwest China
Authors: Chen Hong , Chen Yanling , Au Maylan , Feng Ling , Chen Qian , Guo Hongxia , Li Yun , Yang Xiaoling
Published: March 2014

The psychological impact of a mudslide on survivors of the Wenchuan earthquake in China and the risk factors for development of disaster‐related post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) were investigated. The study design was cross‐sectional and included 1321 survivors who had endured both an earthquake and a mudslide. Participants filled out a self‐report questionnaire. One month after the mudslide, the rate of PTSD symptoms was 18.7%. Females, the elderly, those with lower educational levels, those that lacked social support, those who did not take precautionary measures, those living with children below 6 years of age, and those who had higher exposure to traumatic events experienced a higher level of PTSD symptoms. Results indicated that timely rescue, abundant material help, and mental rehabilitation after a disaster play important roles in recovery, and that there are still some high‐risk groups that need attention, care, and effective intervention from healthcare professionals and society.
Nurses' experiences of ethical preparedness for public health emergencies and healthcare disasters: A systematic review of qualitative evidence
Authors: Johnstone Megan‐Jane , Turale Sue
Published: March 2014

Little is known about nurses' direct experiences of ethical preparedness for dealing with catastrophic public health emergencies and healthcare disasters or the ethical quandaries that may arise during such events. A systematic literature review was undertaken to explore and synthesize qualitative research literature reporting nurses' direct experiences of being prepared for and managing the ethical challenges posed by catastrophic public health emergencies and healthcare disasters. Twenty‐six research studies were retrieved for detailed examination and assessed by two independent reviewers for methodological validity prior to inclusion in the review. Of these, 12 studies published between 1973 and 2011 were deemed to meet the inclusion criteria and were critically appraised. The review confirmed there is a significant gap in the literature on nurses' experiences of ethical preparedness for managing public health emergencies and healthcare disasters, and the ethical quandaries they encounter during such events. This finding highlights the need for ethical considerations in emergency planning, preparedness, and response by nurses to be given more focused attention in the interests of better informing the ethical basis of emergency disaster management.
How differently we should prepare for the next disaster?
Authors: Yamashita Mineko , Kudo Chikako
Published: March 2014

Following the Great East Japan earthquake (the Big Quake) that hit the northeastern parts of Japan on March 11, 2011, aid was dispatched from multiple levels of organizations including the Japanese Nurses Association (JNA). Evidence indicates that the JNA did not play an effective role in the aid efforts, since the professional organization had pulled out and stopped sending nursing personnel from the end of April 2011. In view of the way that things were handled in terms of aid efforts immediately, a year, or two years after the Big Quake occurred, the authors of this paper have identified issues related to nurse's role at the time of the disaster. By looking back at what happened, we have gained insights into how to prepare for future disasters.
Increased water‐use efficiency does not lead to enhanced tree growth under xeric and mesic conditions
Authors: Lévesque Mathieu , Siegwolf Rolf , Saurer Matthias , Eilmann Britta , Rigling Andreas
Published: March 2014

Higher atmospheric CO2 concentrations (ca) can under certain conditions increase tree growth by enhancing photosynthesis, resulting in an increase of intrinsic water‐use efficiency (iWUE) in trees. However, the magnitude of these effects and their interactions with changing climatic conditions are still poorly understood under xeric and mesic conditions.

We combined radial growth analysis with intra‐ and interannual δ13C and δ18O measurements to investigate growth and physiological responses of Larix decidua, Picea abies, Pinus sylvestris, Pinus nigra and Pseudotsuga menziesii in relation to rising ca and changing climate at a xeric site in the dry inner Alps and at a mesic site in the Swiss lowlands.

iWUE increased significantly over the last 50 yr by 8–29% and varied depending on species, site water availability, and seasons. Regardless of species and increased iWUE, radial growth has significantly declined under xeric conditions, whereas growth has not increased as expected under mesic conditions. Overall, drought‐induced stomatal closure has reduced transpiration at the cost of reduced carbon uptake and growth.

Our results indicate that, even under mesic conditions, the temperature‐induced drought stress has overridden the potential CO2 ‘fertilization’ on tree growth, hence challenging today's predictions of improved forest productivity of temperate forests.
Higher latitude and lower solar radiation influence on anaphylaxis in Chilean children
Authors: Hoyos‐Bachiloglu Rodrigo , S. Morales Pamela , Cerda Jaime , Talesnik Eduardo , González Gilberto , Camargo Carlos A. , Borzutzky Arturo
Published: March 2014

Background

Recent studies suggest an association between higher latitude, a proxy of vitamin D (VD) status, and allergic diseases. Chile provides an ideal setting to study this association due to its latitude span and high rates of VD deficiency in southern regions. The aim of this study is to explore the associations of latitude and solar radiation with anaphylaxis admission rates.

Methods

We reviewed anaphylaxis admissions in Chile's hospital discharge database between 2001 and 2010 and investigated associations with latitude and solar radiation.

Results

2316 anaphylaxis admissions were registered. Median age of patients was 41 yr; 53% were female. National anaphylaxis admission rate was 1.41 per 100,000 persons per year. We observed a strong north–south increasing gradient of anaphylaxis admissions (β 0.04, p = 0.01), with increasing rates south of latitude 34°S. A significant association was also observed between solar radiation and anaphylaxis admissions (β −0.11, p = 0.009). Latitude was associated with food‐induced (β 0.05, p = 0.02), but not drug‐induced (β −0.002, p = 0.27), anaphylaxis. The association between latitude and food‐induced anaphylaxis was significant in children (β 0.01, p = 0.006), but not adults (β 0.003, p = 0.16). Anaphylaxis admissions were not associated with regional sociodemographic factors like poverty, rurality, educational level, ethnicity, or physician density.

Conclusions

Anaphylaxis admission rates in Chile are highest at higher latitudes and lower solar radiation, used as proxies of VD status. The associations appear driven by food‐induced anaphylaxis. Our data support a possible role of VD deficiency as an etiological factor in the high anaphylaxis admission rates found in southern Chile.
Rhinitis as a risk factor for depressive mood in pre‐adolescents: a new approach to this relationship
Authors: Audino Palma , La Grutta Stefania , Cibella Fabio , La Grutta Sabina , Melis Mario R. , Bucchieri Salvatore , Alfano Pietro , Marcantonio Salvatore , Cuttitta Giuseppina
Published: March 2014

Background

Respiratory allergic symptoms impact on social life and school activities, influencing the patient's mood states. We evaluated the relationships between allergic respiratory diseases and depressive/anxious mood in a large sample ofItalian middle school students, using the partial directed acyclic graph (P‐DAG).

Methods

We studied 1283 subjects aged 10–13. A health respiratory questionnaire including questions relevant to socioeconomic status (HCI) and a test for depression and anxiety were administered. All subjects performed spirometry and skin prick tests.

Results

A causal role of rhinitis on depression was found: the likelihood of being depressed increased from 11.2 to 17.7%, when rhinitis was present. Moreover, a direct effect of lowHCIon depressive mood was shown (p < 0.0001) as well as the correlation between anxiety and depression (p < 0.0001). Gender was not a direct causal factor for depressive mood, but their relation was mediated through anxious mood. Anxiety appeared to have a stronger association with depression than gender. Allergic sensitization was significantly related to both asthma and rhinitis (p < 0.0001, respectively). Asthma and rhinitis were also directly associated (p < 0.0001). Conversely, asthma was not directly associated with depressive mood, but their relation was mediated through rhinitis.Body mass index (BMI) and impaired lung function (IPF) were not associated with the other variables.

Conclusions

The use of this novel approach to analyzing the dynamic relationships allowed us to find a causal role of rhinitis on depressive state. Moreover, anxious condition and low socioeconomic status contributed to induce depressive mood.
Validation of Control of Allergic Rhinitis and Asthma Test for Children (CARATKids) – a prospective multicenter study
Authors: Linhares Daniela V. B. R. , da Fonseca João Almeida L. , Borrego Luís Miguel , Matos Águeda , Pereira Ana Margarida , Sá‐Sousa Ana , Gaspar Ângela , Mendes Cândida , Moreira Carla , Gomes Eva , Rebelo Filomena F. , Cidrais Rodrigues José Carlos , Onofre José Manuel , Azevedo Luís Filipe , Alfaro Maria , Calix Maria José , Amaral Rita , Rodrigues‐Alves Rodrigo , Correia de Sousa Jaime , Morais‐Almeida Mário ,   CARATKids study group
Published: March 2014

Background

Control of Allergic Rhinitis and Asthma Test for Children (CARATKids) is the first questionnaire that assesses simultaneously allergic rhinitis and asthma control in children. It was recently developed, but redundancy of questions and its psychometric properties were not assessed. This study aimed to (i) establish the final version of the CARATKids questionnaire and (ii) evaluate its reliability, responsiveness, cross‐sectional validity, and longitudinal validity.

Methods

A prospective observational study was conducted in 11 Portuguese centers. During two visits separated by 6 wk, CARATKids, visual analog scale scales and childhood asthma control test were completed, and participant's asthma and rhinitis were evaluated by his/her physician without knowing the questionnaires’ results. Data‐driven item reduction was conducted, and internal consistency, responsiveness analysis, and associations with external measures of disease status were assessed.

Results

Of the 113 children included, 101 completed both visits. After item reduction, the final version of the questionnaire has 13 items, eight to be answered by the child and five by the caregiver. Its Cronbach's alpha was 0.80, the Guyatt's responsiveness index was −1.51, and a significant (p < 0.001) within‐patient change of CARATKids score in clinical unstable patients was observed. Regarding cross‐sectional validity, correlation coefficients of CARATKids with the external measures of control were between 0.45 and −0.69 and met the a priori predictions. In the longitudinal validity assessment, the correlation coefficients between the score changes of CARATKids and those of external measures of control ranged from 0.34 to 0.46.

Conclusion

CARATKids showed adequate psychometric properties and is ready to be used in clinical practice.
Bidirectional exchange of biogenic volatiles with vegetation: emission sources, reactions, breakdown and deposition
Authors: NIINEMETS ÜLO , FARES SILVANO , HARLEY PETER , JARDINE KOLBY J.
Published: March 2014

Biogenic volatile organic compound (BVOC) emissions are widely modelled as inputs to atmospheric chemistry simulations. However, BVOC may interact with cellular structures and neighbouring leaves in a complex manner during volatile diffusion from the sites of release to leaf boundary layer and during turbulent transport to the atmospheric boundary layer. Furthermore, recent observations demonstrate that the BVOC emissions are bidirectional, and uptake and deposition of BVOC and their oxidation products are the rule rather than the exception. This review summarizes current knowledge of within‐leaf reactions of synthesized volatiles with reactive oxygen species (ROS), uptake, deposition and storage of volatiles, and their oxidation products as driven by adsorption on leaf surface and solubilization and enzymatic detoxification inside leaves. The available evidence indicates that because of the reactions with ROS and enzymatic metabolism, the BVOC gross production rates are much larger than previously thought. The degree to which volatiles react within leaves and can be potentially taken up by vegetation depends upon compound reactivity, physicochemical characteristics, as well as upon their participation in leaf metabolism. We argue that future models should be based upon the concept of bidirectional BVOC exchange and consider modification of BVOC sink/source strengths by within‐leaf metabolism and storage.
Developmental stage specificity of transcriptional, biochemical and CO2 efflux responses of leaf dark respiration to growth of Arabidopsis thaliana at elevated [CO2]
Authors: MARKELZ R. J. CODY , VOSSELLER LAUREN N. , LEAKEY ANDREW D. B.
Published: March 2014

Plant respiration responses to elevated growth [CO2] are key uncertainties in predicting future crop and ecosystem function. In particular, the effects of elevated growth [CO2] on respiration over leaf development are poorly understood. This study tested the prediction that, due to greater whole plant photoassimilate availability and growth, elevated [CO2] induces transcriptional reprogramming and a stimulation of nighttime respiration in leaf primordia, expanding leaves and mature leaves of Arabidopsis thaliana. In primordia, elevated [CO2] altered transcript abundance, but not for genes encoding respiratory proteins. In expanding leaves, elevated [CO2] induced greater glucose content and transcript abundance for some respiratory genes, but did not alter respiratory CO2 efflux. In mature leaves, elevated [CO2] led to greater glucose, sucrose and starch content, plus greater transcript abundance for many components of the respiratory pathway, and greater respiratory CO2 efflux. Therefore, growth at elevated [CO2] stimulated dark respiration only after leaves transitioned from carbon sinks into carbon sources. This coincided with greater photoassimilate production by mature leaves under elevated [CO2] and peak respiratory transcriptional responses. It remains to be determined if biochemical and transcriptional responses to elevated [CO2] in primordial and expanding leaves are essential prerequisites for subsequent alterations of respiratory metabolism in mature leaves.