bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The linkage between infant negative temperament and parenting self‐efficacy: The role of resilience against negative performance feedback
Authors: Verhage Marije L. , Oosterman Mirjam , Schuengel Carlo
Published: August 2015

Caring for infants with negative reactive temperament may tax parents' confidence in their caregiving ability, or parenting self‐efficacy (PSE). This may happen in particular in parents who interpret these signals as negative feedback on their performance. To test this hypothesis, 179 first‐time pregnant women were presented a caregiving simulation that provided positive and negative feedback on their attempts to comfort a crying baby. According to their PSE resilience to negative feedback during the task, they were grouped in a high resilient and low resilient group. PSE was followed up at 32 weeks of pregnancy and 3 and 12 months after birth, while perceived temperament of the child was assessed at 3 and 12 months after birth. Results showed that among women with low resilience against negative feedback, perceived negative temperament was negatively associated with PSE at 3 months, whereas no such association was observed among women with high resilience against negative feedback. Implications of the concept of resilience for the study of PSE are discussed.
Implications of human value shift and persistence for biodiversity conservation
Authors: Manfredo Michael J. , Teel Tara L. , Dietsch Alia M.
Published: August 2015

Large‐scale change in human values and associated behavior change is believed by some to be the ultimate solution to achieve global biodiversity conservation. Yet little is known about the dynamics of values. We contribute to this area of inquiry by examining the trajectory of values affecting views of wildlife in North America. Using data from a 19‐state study in the United States and global data from the Schwartz Value Survey, we explored questions of value persistence and change and the nature of attitudinal responses regarding wildlife conservation issues. We found support, based on subjects’ ancestry, for the supposition that domination is a prevalent American value orientation toward wildlife that has origins in European Judeo‐Christian traditions. Independent of that effect, we also found indications of change. Modernization is contributing to a shift from domination to mutualism value orientations, which is fostering attitudes less centered on human interests and seemingly more consistent with a biocentric philosophy. Our findings suggest that if value shift could be achieved in a purposeful way, then significant and widespread behavior change believed necessary for long‐term conservation success may indeed be possible. In particular, greater emphasis on mutualism values may help provide the context for more collaborative approaches to support future conservation efforts. However, given the societal forces at play, it is not at all clear that human‐engineered value shift is tenable. Instead of developing strategies aimed at altering values, it may be more productive to create strategies that recognize and work within the boundaries of existing values. Whereas values appear to be in a period of flux, it will be difficult to predict future trends without a better understanding of value formation and shift, particularly under conditions of rapid social‐ecological change.
Aktuelle Diagnostik und Behandlung des Basalzellkarzinoms
Authors: Alter Mareike , Hillen Uwe , Leiter Ulrike , Sachse Michael , Gutzmer Ralf
Published: August 2015

Das Basalzellkarzinom ist der häufigste Tumor des hellhäutigen Menschen, altersstandardisiert liegt die Inzidenz bei 63 (Frauen) bzw. 80 (Männer) pro 100 000 Einwohner pro Jahr in Deutschland. Frühe Läsionen können klinisch eine diagnostische Herausforderung darstellen, hier können nichtinvasive Diagnoseverfahren wie die optische Kohärenztomographie und die konfokale Laserscanmikroskopie hilfreich sein. Die klinische Verdachtsdiagnose wird in der Regel mittels Gewebeuntersuchung histologisch bestätigt. Die Standardtherapie besteht in einer histologisch gesicherten, kompletten Resektion, wahlweise mittels mikrographisch Schnittrand‐kontrollierter Chirurgie oder entsprechend der Tumorgröße, ‐lokalisation und Infiltration mit 3–5 und mehr Millimetern Sicherheitsabstand, um das Rezidivrisiko zu mindern. Therapeutisch können insbesondere multiple Basalzellkarzinome (wie beim Gorlin‐Goltz‐Syndrom) oder lokal fortgeschrittene bzw. selten auch metastasierende Basalzellkarzinome ein Problem darstellen. Bei oberflächlichen Basalzellkarzinomen können nichtoperative Verfahren wie die photodynamische Therapie oder topische Medikamente erwogen werden. Bei lokal inoperablen oder metastasierenden Basalzellkarzinomen sollten in einer interdisziplinären Tumorkonferenz Therapieempfehlungen ausgesprochen werden, zu den Optionen zählen in dieser Situation eine Strahlentherapie oder eine Systemtherapie miteinem Hedgehog‐Inhibitor.
Medical error analysis in dermatology according to the reports of the North Rhine Medical Association from 2004–2013
Authors: Lehmann Lion , Wesselmann Ulrich , Weber Beate , Smentkowski Ulrich
Published: August 2015

Background

Patient safety is a central issue of health care provision. There are various approaches geared towards improving health care provision and patient safety. By conducting a systematic retrospective error analysis, the present article aims to identify the most common complaints brought forth within the field of dermatology over a period of ten years.

Methods

The reports of the Expert Committee for Medical Malpractice Claims of the North Rhine Medical Association (from 2004 to 2013) on dermatological procedures were analyzed (n =  247 reports in the field of dermatology).

Results

Expert medical assessments in the field of dermatology are most frequently commissioned for nonsurgical therapies (e.g. laser therapy, phototherapy). While suspected diagnostic errors constitute the second most common reason for complaints, presumed dermatosurgery‐related errors represent the least common reason for commissioning expert medical assessments.

Conclusions

The most common and easily avoidable sources of medical errors include failure to take a biopsy despite suspicious clinical findings, or incorrect clinicopathological correlations resulting in deleterious effects for the patient. Furthermore, given the potential for incorrect indications and the inadequate selection of devices to be used as well as their parameter settings, laser and phototherapies harbor an increased risk in the treatment of dermatological patients. The fourth major source of error leading to complaints relates to incorrect indications as well as incorrect dosage and administration of drugs. Analysis of expert medical assessment reports on treatment errors in dermatology as well as other medical specialties is helpful and provides an opportunity to identify common sources of error and error‐prone structures.
Methotrexat für die topische Applikation in magistraler Rezeptur
Authors: Wohlrab Johannes , Neubert Reinhard H.H. , Michael Julia , Naumann Sandy
Published: August 2015

Hintergrund

Der Folsäureantagonist Methotrexat wird in der Systemtherapie von onkologischen und chronisch‐entzündlichen Erkrankungen routinemäßig eingesetzt. Die erfolgreiche topische Applikation der Substanz ist in individuellen Heilversuchen, Fallserien und kleineren Studien, insbesondere in den Indikationen Mycosis fungoides (Ekzemstadium) und lymphomatoide Papulose, beschrieben. Bisher steht für den klinischen Einsatz in ausgewählten Behandlungssituationen keine qualitätsgesicherte Präparation oder Magistralrezeptur zur Verfügung.

Material und Methodik

Es wurden zwei Hochleistungsflüssigkeitschromatografie (HPLC)‐Methoden erarbeitet, die zum Nachweis des Wirkstoffs in einem galenischen System oder in Extrakten aus biologischen Materialien geeignet sind. Für die epikutane Applikation wurden geeignete Vehikelsysteme entwickelt, die präklinisch hinsichtlich der Wirkstoffstabilität, ‐freigabe und Pharmakokinetik charakterisiert und deren Sicherheit bewertet wurde.

Ergebnisse

Die Ergebnisse der Untersuchungen zeigen, dass Methotrexat in einer Konzentration bis 0,5 % in Basiscreme DAC galenisch stabil und unproblematisch eingearbeitet werden kann. Die magistrale Rezeptur setzt ausreichend Wirkstoff frei, der nach epikutaner Applikation in den Zielkompartimenten der Haut eine relevante Bioverfügbarkeit erreicht. Bei Anwendung auf einem begrenzen Areal der Hautoberfläche zeichnet sich keine relevante systemische Bioverfügbarkeit und damit kein besonderes Sicherheitsrisiko für den Patienten ab.

Schlussfolgerungen

Insgesamt lässt sich feststellen, dass die verschreibungspflichtige, qualitätsgesicherte Magistralrezeptur den Anforderungen der Apothekenbetriebsordnung (§ 7 ApBetrO) entspricht und die vorliegenden Daten deren Stabilität und pharmazeutische Qualität belegen.
Analyse ärztlicher Fehler in der Dermatologie anhand von Gutachten der Ärztekammer Nordrhein von 2004–2013
Authors: Lehmann Lion , Wesselmann Ulrich , Weber Beate , Smentkowski Ulrich
Published: August 2015

Hintergrund

Patientensicherheit ist ein zentraler Inhalt der Gesundheitsversorgung. Zur Verbesserung der Gesundheitsversorgung und der Patientensicherheit gibt es verschiedene Ansätze. Die vorliegende Arbeit hat das Ziel, mit Hilfe einer systematischen retrospektiven Fehleranalyse die häufigsten Beanstandungen innerhalb des Fachbereiches Dermatologie in einem Zeitraum von zehn Jahren zu identifizieren.

Methodik

Die Gutachten der Gutachterkommission für ärztliche Behandlungsfehler bei der Ärztekammer Nordrhein zu Verfahren in der Dermatologie aus dem Zeitraum zwischen 2004 und 2013 wurden ausgewertet (n = 247 Gutachten im Fachgebiet Dermatologie).

Ergebnisse

Gutachtenanforderungen zur Prüfung vermeintlicher Behandlungsfehler erfolgen in der Dermatologie am häufigsten aufgrund nichtoperativer Therapien (z. B. Lasertherapie, Lichttherapie). Vermutete Diagnosefehler sind der zweithäufigste Grund für Gutachtenanforderungen. Am seltensten kommt es zu Gutachtenanforderungen wegen vermuteter Fehler durch dermatologische Operationen.

Schlussfolgerungen

Die häufigsten, einfach zu vermeidenden Fehlerquellen umfassen nicht durchgeführte Biopsien trotz verdächtiger klinischer Befunde oder unkorrekte klinisch‐histopathologische Korrelationen, die zum Schaden des Patienten führten. Weiterhin bergen Lasertherapien und Lichttherapien aufgrund falscher Indikationen, Gerätewahl oder Parametereinstellung erhöhte Risiken bei der Behandlung dermatologischer Patienten. Als vierte Hauptfehlerquelle kommt eine falsche Indikationsstellung, Dosierung und Applikation bei der Medikation hinzu. Die Analyse medizinischer Gutachten zu Behandlungsfehlern in der Dermatologie aber auch anderer Fachrichtungen ist hilfreich und eine Möglichkeit, um häufige Fehlerquellen und eventuell fehleranfällige Strukturen zu identifizieren.
Wind dispersal results in a gradient of dispersal limitation and environmental match among discrete aquatic habitats
Authors: Horváth Zsófia , Vad Csaba F. , Ptacnik Robert
Published: August 2015

Directional dispersal by wind and other dispersal agents may generate spatial patterns in passively dispersing metacommunities which cannot be detected by classical eigenvector methods based on Euclidean distances. We analysed zooplankton communities (Rotifera, Cladocera, Copepoda) in a cluster of soda pans distributed over a short spatial scale of 18 km and tested explicitly for directional signals in their spatial configuration. The study area is exposed to a prevailing northwestern wind direction. By applying asymmetric eigenvector maps (AEM), we were able to identify corresponding directionality in the spatial structure of communities. Furthermore, the match between community composition and environmental conditions exhibited a spatial pattern consistent with the prevailing wind corridor, with best match found downwind the dominant wind direction. We also found that classical eigenvector methods based on Euclidean distances underestimated the role of spatial processes in our data. Our study furthermore shows that dispersal limitation may constrain community assembly in highly mobile organisms even at spatial scales below 5 km.
Climate drives temporal replacement and nested‐resultant richness patterns of Scottish coastal vegetation
Authors: Lewis Rob J. , Marrs Rob H. , Pakeman Robin J. , Milligan Gregg , Lennon Jack J.
Published: August 2015

Beta diversity quantifies spatial and/or temporal variation in species composition. It is comprised of two distinct components, species replacement and nestedness, which derive from opposing ecological processes. Using Scotland as a case study and a β‐diversity partitioning framework, we investigate temporal replacement and nestedness patterns of coastal grassland species over a 34‐yr time period. We aim to 1) understand the influence of two potentially pivotal processes (climate and land‐use changes) on landscape‐scale (5 × 5 km) temporal replacement and nestedness patterns, and 2) investigate whether patterns from one β‐diversity component can mask observable patterns in the other.

We summarised key aspects of climate driven macro‐ecological variation as measures of variance, long‐term trends, between‐year similarity and extremes, for three important climatic predictors (minimum temperature, water‐balance and growing degree‐days). Shifts in landscape‐scale heterogeneity, a proxy of land‐use change, was summarised as a spatial multiple‐site dissimilarity measure. Together, these climatic and spatial predictors were used in a multi‐model inference framework to gauge the relative contribution of each on temporal replacement and nestedness patterns.

Temporal β‐diversity patterns were reasonably well explained by climate change but weakly explained by changes in landscape‐scale heterogeneity. Climate was shown to have a greater influence on temporal nestedness than replacement patterns over our study period, linking nestedness patterns, as a result of imbalanced gains and losses, to climatic warming and extremes respectively. Important climatic predictors (i.e. growing degree‐days) of temporal β‐diversity were also identified, and contrasting patterns between the two β‐diversity components revealed.

Results suggest climate influences plant species recruitment and establishment processes of Scotland's coastal grasslands, and while species extinctions take time, they are likely to be facilitated by climatic perturbations. Our findings also highlight the importance of distinguishing between different components of β‐diversity, disentangling contrasting patterns than can mask one another.
Corrected stress intensity factor solution for a British standard single edge notched tension (SENT) specimen
Authors: Zhu X.‐K.
Published: August 2015

This paper revisits a complicated analytical solution of the stress intensity factor K adopted in a newly published British standard BS 8571:2014 for clamped single edge notched tension (SENT) specimens. Comparison with existing numerical results of K shows that the analytical K solution in BS 8571 is correct only for the crack length to specimen width ratio a/W ≤ 0.6, but incorrect for a/W > 0.6. A reinvestigation is thus performed using the crack compliance method, and a corrected K solution is obtained for the BS 8571 clamped SENT specimens over the full range of a/W. On this basis, a simple closed‐form solution of K is obtained using the best curve fitting with an accuracy within 1% for crack sizes up to a/W = 0.98. Results show that the proposed closed‐form solution of K agrees well with the numerical results of K for the clamped SENT specimens.
Alteration of forest succession and carbon cycling under elevated CO2
Authors: Miller Adam D. , Dietze Michael C. , DeLucia Evan H. , Anderson‐Teixeira Kristina J.
Published: August 2015

Regenerating forests influence the global carbon (C) cycle, and understanding how climate change will affect patterns of regeneration and C storage is necessary to predict the rate of atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) increase in future decades. While experimental elevation of CO2 has revealed that young forests respond with increased productivity, there remains considerable uncertainty as to how the long‐term dynamics of forest regrowth are shaped by elevated CO2 (eCO2). Here, we use the mechanistic size‐ and age‐ structured Ecosystem Demography model to investigate the effects of CO2 enrichment on forest regeneration, using data from the Duke Forest Free‐Air Carbon dioxide Enrichment (FACE) experiment, a forest chronosequence, and an eddy‐covariance tower for model parameterization and evaluation. We find that the dynamics of forest regeneration are accelerated, and stands consistently hit a variety of developmental benchmarks earlier under eCO2. Because responses to eCO2 varied by plant functional type, successional pathways, and mature forest composition differed under eCO2, with mid‐ and late‐successional hardwood functional types experiencing greater increases in biomass compared to early‐successional functional types and the pine canopy. Over the simulation period, eCO2 led to an increase in total ecosystem C storage of 9.7 Mg C ha‐1. Model predictions of mature forest biomass and ecosystem–atmosphere exchange of CO2 and H2O were sensitive to assumptions about nitrogen limitation; both the magnitude and persistence of the ecosystem response to eCO2 were reduced under N limitation. In summary, our simulations demonstrate that eCO2 can result in a general acceleration of forest regeneration while altering the course of successional change and having a lasting impact on forest ecosystems.
The role of previously untreated patient studies in understanding the development of FVIII inhibitors
Authors: Carcao M. , Re W. , Ewenstein B.
Published: August 2015

Development of inhibitors against factor VIII (FVIII), the major complication of haemophilia A treatment today, is influenced by multiple factors. Genetic (F8 mutation, family history, ethnicity, polymorphisms in immune modulating genes) and non‐genetic (intensive exposure to FVIII, presence of pro‐inflammatory signals as might occur with large bleeds, infections, surgery, or other immune stimulants [e.g. vaccines]) risk factors as well as their complex inter‐relationships contribute to the inhibitor risk profile of haemophilia patients, particularly in the previously untreated patient (PUP) population. Studies in PUPs have been fundamental to furthering the understanding of FVIII inhibitor development, as well as discovering previously unappreciated risk factors. The multi‐factorial nature of inhibitor development makes it difficult to ascertain the contribution of FVIII products in inhibitor development through individual PUP studies. Sufficiently powered studies of large cohorts may overcome these limitations but interpretations should be conducted cautiously. Proper design and implementation of PUP safety studies will become even more important with the introduction of new molecules, such as extended half‐life or human cell‐line derived FVIII that propose reduced immunogenicity. Despite these difficulties, carefully performed clinical studies in PUPs may provide important insights into the natural history of the immune response to FVIII and may suggest targets for intervention to reduce immunogenicity.
Investigating client perception and attitude to decentralization of HIV/AIDS treatment services to primary health centres in three Nigerian states
Authors: Onwujekwe Obinna , Chikezie Ifeanyi , Mbachu Chinyere , Chiegil Robert , Torpey Kwasi , Uzochukwu Benjamin
Published: August 2015

Background

The opinions of consumers in decentralization provide insights into possible levels of improvement in access and uptake of services.

Objectives

The study examined clients' perception and attitude towards decentralization of antiretroviral treatment services from central hospitals to primary health centres (PHCs).

Methodology

A cross‐sectional survey was undertaken in three states in Nigeria. A total of 1265 exit interviews were conducted with HIV/AIDS clients in nine health facilities.

Findings

About a third of all the respondents were not comfortable with receiving ART services in a PHC facility close to where they live. The reasons given by 385 respondents who would not want their treatment centres near were as follows: fear of disclosure, 299 (80.4%); fear of being discriminated against, 278 (74.3%); and satisfaction with care received at current facility, 278 (74.3%). However, more than 90% of respondents in all three states felt that decentralization of ART services to PHCs would be beneficial in controlling HIV/AIDS in Nigeria; the difference in respondents' perception across the three state was found to be statistically significant (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

The findings imply that scaling‐up of treatment services to PHCs would be widely accepted, and probably result in increased uptake. However, this must be accompanied by targeted behaviour change interventions for clients who for the fear of disclosure and stigma would still not access care from proximate facilities.
Assessing Magnitude: Tasmanian Aboriginal Population, Resistance and the Significance of Musquito in the Black War
Authors: Powell Michael
Published: August 2015

In August 1824, there was a fierce attack by 200 Tasmanian Aboriginal men on James Hobbs's property at Eastern Marshes, near Oatlands in Van Diemen's Land. Hobbs's stockmen fired to deter the approaching Aborigines, but having discharged their weapons, they were overwhelmed before they could reload, and one man, James Doyle, was beaten to a pulp. The rest fled in terror to Hobart, refusing to return.

The influence of Musquito, the renegade Sydney Aborigine was suspected. His campaign of terror that began about 1824 alarmed the colony, but what was more frightening was the fact “that no Natives [were]…observed on any part of the coast” having moved into the interior and “lately formed themselves into one formidable body.” It appeared the coastal Oyster Bay tribe had formed an alliance with the interior Big River mob.

There was strong suspicion that “Musquito and other blacks” brought up among Europeans were behind these new attacks, but it was difficult to pin responsibility on Musquito. Aborigines came from a considerable “distance to place themselves under [his] command”, but he tended to manipulate forces obliquely. Musquito “kept the tethers”: “He would lurk about, gain information, lay his plans in a skilful manner and then from his retreat, dispatch his band to carry on the warfare.”

He was by all accounts a formidable, charismatic figure who “had high notions of his own worth.” He would “stalk into the cottages of the settlers” and “seat himself with great dignity,” while his followers, upwards of several hundreds, would patiently await “his signal to approach.” According to John West, as his influence “enlarged, it became more pernicious” and influenced not only his immediate followers “but propagated his spirit” and deeds “of great enormity were committed at his direction; several by his own hand.”
Lynn White Jr.'s ‘The Historical Roots of Our Ecologic Crisis’ After 50 Years
Authors: Whitney Elspeth
Published: August 2015

Over the past half‐century, Lynn White Jr.'s ‘The Historical Roots of Our Ecologic Crisis’ has stimulated examination of the relationship between religion, particularly Christianity, and attitudes toward nature in the U.S. and elsewhere. The article contrasts critiques of the Lynn White thesis as expressed in White's scholarly work (Medieval Technology and Religion, Medieval Technology and Social Change) with the far broader response to ‘Roots’ by not only medieval historians but also scholars in the fields of environmental philosophy and ethics, Religion and Ecology, and modern history. The bifurcated response to White reveals how the White thesis became a flashpoint for discussion of environmental issues outside and beyond medieval studies, a discussion that until recently took place largely independently of continuing work in medieval environmental history itself. Only within the last decade or so have the main lines of criticism of the White thesis by medieval historians begun to be integrated into a more unified consensus, leaving as White's legacy the fundamental point that religion is an important, if not the only, factor in how human societies relate to the natural world.
Evaluation of a newly established nurse‐led urodynamics clinic: Has it added value?
Authors: Townsend Jacinta
Published: August 2015

The objective of this study was to evaluate patient experience of a newly established nurse‐led urodynamics clinic, in comparison to the established consultant‐led urodynamics clinic. The secondary aim was to analyse the impact upon waiting times, cost reduction and creating more consultant time, to enable a greater capacity for more complex patients to be seen. A retrospective cross‐sectional mixed method postal survey was utilized and sent to all patients who attended a urodynamics outpatient appointment between July 2013 and July 2014. The survey was posted to all patients who attended either the nurse‐led clinic or the consultant clinic. This totalled of 97 patients. A text reminder was sent 3 weeks later, with a final repeat postal survey sent 6 weeks later inviting patients to participate, and thanking those who had already. The response rate was 57·7%. The median age was 69 years. Whilst the sample demographics for ethnicity were equal across both groups, the nurse‐led clinic saw more females. Overall, 87·5% of patients who responded were male. The secondary aim regarding the impact upon waiting time revealed a median reduction in waiting time of 50 d, resulting in improved access to the procedure. Survey measurable outcomes included communication, patient experience, involvement in care and patient safety and quality of life. The development of the nurse‐led urodynamics clinic has proven to be as effective as a consultant clinic measured by patient experience, whilst also reducing waiting times significantly and remaining cost‐effective. This evaluation has enabled the identification of areas in the service delivery that can benefit from further refinement. In summary, collaborative practice and supported development of nursing practice is essential not only for the future of nursing but also as a way to address the growing demand for service provision in a financially intelligent way.
Signed Language Community‐Researcher Collaboration inViệtNam: Challenging Language Ideologies, Creating Social Change
Authors: Cooper Audrey C. , Nguyễn Trần Thủy Tiên
Published: August 2015

Examining linguistic practices and description involved in signed language community‐ researcher collaboration inViệtNam, this article contributes a case supporting analytic efforts to study the ways “people take up literacy for their own purposes” (Bialostok andWhitman 2006:390). Emerging at the juncture of national speech‐basedDeaf education, one signed language–based education project, andDeaf community organizing, these collaborations coalesced in a political climate in which “signs” were construed as a compensatory system for “real” language (Woodward, Nguyễn, and Nguyễn 2004) and as “backward” relative to Vietnamese grammatical structure (Cooper 2014). Using original ethnographic data, microanalysis of two texts reveals that the ways presenters mobilize stances toward linguistic description and one another accrues legitimacy and authority forDeaf sociolinguistic knowledge andDeaf agency while implicitly challenging prevailing language ideologies and hierarchies. Discussion centers on processes of legitimation ofDeaf social voices, language invention/disinvention, interpretation/translation, and the significance of ethnography to the present analysis.
Who Is Responsible for Saving the Language? Performing Generation in the Face of Language Shift
Authors: Henne‐Ochoa Richard , Bauman Richard
Published: August 2015

In the literature on language shift and revitalization, generations are defined a priori as existing social categories that are mapped onto sociolinguistic features. In contrast, we take a performance‐based perspective and develop a view of generations as discursively constructed frameworks that are aligned with sociolinguistic and moral features that attend language retention and associated factors. Using this perspective and empirical data from a high school speech contest held in a language‐shifting Lakota community where revitalization efforts are underway, we show how contestants and participants perceive and experience language loss and renewal.
Development of glutathione-conjugated asiatic acid-loaded bovine serum albumin nanoparticles for brain-targeted drug delivery
Authors: Raval Nisith , Mistry Tejas , Acharya Niyati , Acharya Sanjeev
Published: August 2015

Objective

Asiatic acid, a well-known plant-based neuroprotective pentacyclic triterpenoid, has major limitation for its bioavailability in the brain. The objective of this study is to develop novel bovine serum albumin (BSA) nanoparticles coupled with glutathione (natural tripeptide) to enhance drug delivery to brain.

Methods

Asiatic acid-loaded BSA nanoparticles were prepared by using modified desolvation technique. Conjugation of glutathione with asiatic acid-loaded BSA nanoparticle was done by carbodiimide reaction using 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl) carbodiimide (EDAC). In-vivo biodistribution study of asiatic acid solution, and conjugated and unconjugated asiatic acid-loaded BSA nanoparticles, at the dose equivalent to 75 mg/kg was evaluated, through intravenous administration to Wistar rats. Asiatic acid has very weak chromophore so high-pressure liquid chromatography-based novel pre-derivatization method was developed using p-toluidine as a coupling agent to improve sensitivity.

Key findings

The results showed 10-fold more bioavailability of asiatic acid in the brain after 5 h with glutathione-conjugated asiatic acid-loaded BSA nanoparticles as compared with asiatic acid solution with 627.21% drug targeting efficiency to the brain.

Conclusion

The present investigation demonstrated enhanced delivery of asiatic acid using glutathione and hence served as a potential ligand to improve brain targeting efficiency.
HBx triggers either cellular senescence or cell proliferation depending on cellular phenotype
Authors: Idrissi M. E. , Hachem H. , Koering C. , Merle P. , Thénoz M. , Mortreux F. , Wattel E.
Published: August 2015

Replicative senescence is a hallmark of chronic liver diseases including chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, whereas HBV‐encoded oncoproteins HBx and preS2 have been found to overcome senescence. HBx possesses a C‐terminal truncation mainly in hepatocellular carcinomas but also in noncancerous liver tissues. Here, by cell counting, BrdU incorporation, MTT proliferation assay, cell cycle analysis, SA‐βgal staining and Western blotting in primary and malignant cells, we investigated the effect of HBx C‐terminal mutants on cellular senescence. HBx C‐terminal mutants were found to trigger cellular senescence in primary MRC5 cells, and malignant liver cells Huh7, and SK‐Hep1. In contrast, these mutants promoted the proliferation of HepG2 malignant liver cells. The pro‐senescent effect of HBx relied on an increased p16INK4a and p21Waf1/Cip1 expression, and a decreased phosphorylation of Rb. Together, these results suggest that the two main variants of HBx present in HBV‐infected liver possess opposite effects on cellular senescence that depend on the phenotype of infected cells.
Palaeodiversity and formation counts: redundancy or bias?
Authors: Benton Michael J.
Published: August 2015

A key question in palaeontology is whether the fossil record taken at face value is adequate to represent true patterns of diversity through time. Some methods of assessing data quality have depended on the commonly observed covariation of palaeodiversity and fossiliferous formation counts through time, based on the assumption that the count of formations containing fossils, to a greater or lesser extent, drives diversity; but what if diversity drives formations? Close study of two fossil records, early tetrapods (Devonian–Jurassic) and dinosaurs, shows how the relationship between new taxa and new fossiliferous formations varies through research time. Initially, each new find represents a new fossiliferous formation and discovery follows the ‘bonanza’ model (fossils drive formations). In unexplored parts of the world, new taxa are identified frequently in new regions/formations. Only after time, in well‐explored continents such as Europe and North America, does collecting style switch to a mix of exploration for new formations and re‐sampling of known fossiliferous formations. Data are most striking for dinosaurs, where the Triassic–Jurassic record largely comprises finds from Europe and North America, where new formation discoveries reached their half‐life in 1914. This contrasts with the Cretaceous, which is dominated by rapidly rising discoveries from regions outside Europe and North America and the formation half‐life for these ‘new’ lands is 1986, showing that 50% of new Cretaceous dinosaur‐bearing formations were identified only in the past 30 years. The relationship between dinosaur‐bearing formations and palaeodiversity then combines three signals in variable amounts, reflecting the original diversity (relative abundances of particular taxa in different formations), redundancy (new fossiliferous formations accruing because of new fossil finds) and sampling (intensity of exploration for new fossiliferous formations, and of search within already‐sampled formations). For fossil vertebrates at least, formation counts of various kinds are poor predictors of sampling, missing, for example, the bonanza samples of Lagerstätten such as the Yixian Formation in China: thousands of specimens, dozens of species, but counted as one formation. These observations suggest that formation count cannot be regarded as an unbiased metric of sampling.
Renal‐limited necrotizing granulomatous vasculitis in a pediatric patient
Authors: Odaka Jun , Kanai Takahiro , Ito Takane , Saito Takashi , Aoyagi Jun , Ueda Yoshihiko , Yamagata Takanori
Published: August 2015

A 10‐year‐old girl presented with mild proteinuria and hypertension. Laboratory data indicated slightly elevated serum creatinine (0.67 mg/dL) and elevated serum IgG (2111 mg/dL). On renal arteriography mild stenosis over the entire length of the right renal artery and irregular stenosis of the interlobar arteries in the right kidney were seen. She was diagnosed with renovascular hypertension, and received conventional anti‐hypertensive therapy, but did not respond to them. The right kidney had atrophy and dysfunction on technetium‐99m‐labeled dimercaptosuccinic acid renal scintigraphy, and was therefore resected. Histopathology of the kidney indicated severe necrotizing granulomatous vasculitis affecting the arteries from the renal hilus to the interlobar area. After nephrectomy plus steroid pulse therapy, blood pressure and urinary protein returned to normal. To our knowledge, this is the first report of necrotizing granulomatous vasculitis limited to the medium‐sized renal arteries.
Differing phenotypes of Moyamoya disease in a familial case involving heterozygous c.14429G > A variant in RNF213
Authors: Inoue Takeshi , Murakami Nobuyuki , Sakadume Satoru , Kido Yasuhiro , Kikuchi Astuo , Ichinoi Natsuko , Suzuki Kensuke , Kure Shigeo , Sakuta Ryoichi
Published: August 2015

Moyamoya disease (MMD) is a chronic steno‐occlusive arteriopathy involving the development of abnormal collateral vessels. Ring finger protein (RNF213) on the 17q25.3 locus was identified as an MMD‐susceptibility gene in East Asian populations. We report a 5‐year‐old Japanese boy diagnosed with cerebral infarction and unilateral MMD. Magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) showed severe stenosis of the left internal carotid artery (ICA), terminal portion of the left ICA, and left origin of the posterior cerebral artery. Genetic testing indicated a heterozygous c.14429G > A (formerly described as c.14576G > A) variant in RNF213. The boy's mother had no neurological symptoms, but sequencing of RNF213 showed the same variant, and MRA indicated stenosis of the terminal bilateral ICA. This is the first report, to our knowledge, of different MMD phenotypes in a familial case involving the same heterozygous c.14429G > A variant in RNF213. Genetic testing for RNF213 is suggested for family member screening.
Public Health Nurses' Experiences in Caring for the Fukushima Community in the Wake of the 2011 Fukushima Nuclear Accident
Authors: Kawasaki Chie , Omori Junko , Ono Wakanako , Konishi Emiko , Asahara Kiyomi
Published: August 2015

Objective

This study described public health nurses' (PHNs) experiences in caring for people in their communities during the recovery stage of the Fukushima nuclear accident.

Design and Sample

Forty‐four PHNs responded to an open‐ended questionnaire administered before a radiation protection workshop and participated in interviews after the workshop. Data were qualitatively analyzed.

Results

Two major themes were identified: (1) profound powerlessness and (2) compelling sense of mission. The participants cared for people driven by their compelling sense of mission, despite not having the correct information or sufficient knowledge. They spoke of being heart‐broken and barely able to face the reality of the impact of the accident.

Conclusions

PHNs supported people because of a compelling sense of mission yet it was a great burden. Education about radiation and radiation protection for nursing students and PHNs, two‐way communication between PHNs and radiation specialists, long‐term support by specialists, and the opportunity for PHNs to share their feelings and experiences is necessary.
Overexpression and gene amplification of both ERBB2 and EGFR in an esophageal squamous cell carcinoma revealed by fluorescence in situ hybridization, multiplex ligation‐dependent probe amplification and immunohistochemistry
Authors: Oyama Takeru , Okamoto Koichi , Nakamura Ritsuko , Tajiri Ryosuke , Ikeda Hiroko , Ninomiya Itasu , Ooi Akishi
Published: August 2015

EGFR and ERBB2 belong to the EGFR gene family. In esophageal squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs), amplification of EGFR or ERBB2 is usually mutually exclusive. EGFR amplification occurs in approximately 15% of SCCs, ERBB2 occurs in less than 5%. Here, we report the co‐amplification of EGFR and ERBB2 in an ulcerative and infiltrating‐type SCC that measured approximately 4.2 × 2.7 × 1.2 cm with a superficial lesion occurring in the thoracic esophagus of a 72‐year‐old man. Multiplex ligation‐dependent probe amplification using representative tumor sections showed gain of CCND1 and coincident amplification of ERBB2 or EGFR or neither. Immunohistochemistry and fluorescence in situ hybridization revealed that the tumor comprised three cancer‐cell populations: well‐differentiated SCC with high‐level ERBB2 amplification and ERBB2 overexpression, more infiltrative poorly‐differentiated SCC with high‐level EGFR amplification and EGFR overexpression, and poorly‐differentiated SCC lacking any ERBB2 or EGFR abnormality. These three populations each had low‐level CCND1 amplification and nuclear cyclin D1 overexpression. This histological topology and gene amplification combinations suggested that genetic instability first produced CCND1 amplification, and then ERBB2 or EGFR gene amplification occurred. It is further speculated that during cancer progression and clonal selection indecisive predominance of either clone caused the rare co‐amplification of ERBB2 and EGFR in a single chimeric tumor.
Effects of carbohydrate dose and frequency on metabolism, gastrointestinal discomfort, and cross‐country skiing performance
Authors: Stocks B. , Betts J. A. , McGawley K.
Published: August 2015

This study investigated carbohydrate ingestion of varied doses and frequencies during a simulated cross‐country skiing time trial. Ten men and three women (age: 30 ± 7 years; : 59.6 ± 5.7 mL/kg/min) completed four, 30‐km classic technique roller skiing time trials on a treadmill. A 1:1 maltodextrin‐fructose carbohydrate solution was provided at high (2.4 g/min; HC) and moderate (1.2 g/min; MC) ingestion rates, each at high (six feeds; HF) and low (two feeds; LF) frequencies. In the LF trials, blood glucose was elevated following carbohydrate ingestion (at 4 and 19 km) but was reduced at 14 and 29 km compared with HF strategies (P ≤ 0.05). Gastrointestinal discomfort was higher in HC‐LF compared with all other trials (P ≤ 0.05). Whole‐body lipid oxidation was lower and carbohydrate oxidation was higher in LF compared with HF trials (P ≤ 0.05). While performance time was not significantly different between trials (140:11 ± 15:31, 140:43 ± 17:40, 139:12 ± 15:32 and 140:33 ± 17:46 min:s in HC‐HF, HC‐LF, MC‐HF, and MC‐LF, respectively; P > 0.05), it was improved with trial order (P < 0.001). There was no effect of order on any other variable (P > 0.05). Altering carbohydrate dose or frequency does not affect cross‐country ski performance. However, low‐frequency carbohydrate ingestion resulted in poorer maintenance of euglycemia, reduced lipid oxidation, and increased gastrointestinal discomfort.
Nutritional analysis and microbiological evaluation of commercially available enteral diets for cats
Authors: Prantil Lori R. , Markovich Jessica E. , Heinze Cailin R. , Linder Deborah E. , Tams Todd R. , Freeman Lisa M.
Published: August 2015

Objective

To determine the prevalence of nutrients less than or greater than accepted standards in commercially available enteral diets for cats, and to identify contamination incidence in enteral diets for cats.

Design

Prospective cross‐sectional study.

Setting

University teaching hospital.

Samples

Seven commercial enteral diets for cats.

Interventions

Labels were evaluated to determine if diets were intended to be nutritionally complete and balanced. One diet under storage techniques partially representative of clinical conditions was sampled on days 0, 1, 3, 5, and 7 of storage for aerobic bacterial culture.

Measurements and Main Results

All 7 diets were analyzed for key nutrients and results were compared to Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) Nutrient Profiles for Adult Cats for maintenance and National Research Council recommended allowance (NRC‐RA). From label information, 4 diets were classified as complete and balanced and 3 diets were classified as not complete and balanced. All 7 diets had at least 1 nutrient less than the AAFCO minimums and the NRC‐RA. The total number of nutrients less than AAFCO minimums ranged from 3 to 9 (median = 4), with iron, potassium, and manganese being the most common. Concentrations of some nutrients were undetectable. None of the samples tested had a positive aerobic culture at baseline (day 0) or on subsequent samples from days 1, 3, 5, and 7 under any storage condition.

Conclusions

None of the diets analyzed met all of the minimum nutrient concentrations. While short‐term feeding may not be of concern for an individual patient, clinicians should be aware of potential nutritional limitations when feeding enteral diets to ill or injured cats.
Preliminary results of a prospective study of inter‐ and intra‐user variability of the Royal Veterinary College corneal clarity score (RVC‐CCS) for use in veterinary practice.
Authors: Sanchez Rick F. , Dawson Charlotte , Matas Riera Màrian , Escanilla Natàlia
Published: August 2015

Objective

To introduce a new corneal clarity score for use in small animals and describe its inter‐ and intra‐user variability.

Animals studied

Twelve dogs and two cats with corneal abnormalities and five dogs with healthy corneas.

Materials and Methods

Four examiners scored every patient twice and never consecutively, focusing on the central cornea. The peripheral cornea was scored separately. The following scoring system was used to describe corneal clarity:

G0: no fundus reflection is visible on retroillumination (RI) using a head‐mounted indirect ophthalmoscope.

G1: a fundus reflection is visible with RI.

G2: a 0.1‐mm diameter light beam is visible on the anterior surface of the iris and/or lens.

G3: gross fundic features are visible when viewed with indirect ophthalmoscopy (IO) using a head‐mounted indirect ophthalmoscope and a hand‐held 30D lens, although fine details are not clear.

G4: fine details of the fundic features are clearly visible with IO.

The minimum grades given were analyzed for inter‐ and intra‐user variability with kappa analysis.

Results

Intra‐ and interuser variability of the central corneal clarity ranged from 0.78 to 0.96, showing substantial to almost perfect reproducibility, and from 0.66 to 0.91, showing substantial to almost perfect reliability, respectively. Intra‐ and interuser variability of the peripheral cornea ranged from 0.83 to 0.95, showing almost perfect agreement, and from 0.53 to 0.91, showing moderate to almost perfect agreement.

Conclusions

The RVC‐CCS is well suited to assess and monitor central corneal clarity in small animals and to compare outcomes between studies and different surgeons.
Foreign Trade Policy in Realisation of Economic and Political Interests
Authors: Puślecki Zdzisław W.
Published: August 2015

In this research work, author focuses on the analysis of the theory of foreign trade policy and important political and economic interests. Realistic point is important trends in the trade regime. The decisions taken by the representatives of the governments participating in the World Trade Organisation (WTO) are, to a significant degree, influenced by various lobbies, such as organisations and unions of food producers or other non-governmental organisations, including trade unions. The main objective of the research task is to give a comprehensive analysis of the international trade policy. The particularly main concern the political economy models of foreign trade policy, protectionistic pressures in different political system, the level of protectionistic pressures, food producer pressures, international trade liberalization and environmental protection, bilateral tendencies in the foreign trade policy. It must be emphasis that on a theoretical level, understanding the choice of trade policies between liberalizm and protectionisme is very important. Despite the undeniable benefits of the multilateral WTO forum for trade liberalisation, the rapid increase of North-South bilateral and multilateral Free Trade Areas (FTAs) begs a systematic explanation for why some forums are prioritized relative to others.
The Effects of a Web-Based Alcohol Prevention Program on Social Norms, Expectancies, and Intentions to Prevent Harm among College Student-Athletes
Authors: Fearnow-Kenney Melodie , Wyrick David L. , Milroy Jeffrey J. , Reifsteck Erin J. , Day Timothy , Kelly Samantha E.
Published: August 2015

College athletes are at risk for heavy alcohol use, which jeopardizes their general health, academic standing, and athletic performance. Effective prevention programming reduces these risks by targeting theory-based intermediate factors that predict alcohol use while tailoring content to student-athletes. The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of the myPlaybook online prevention program on student-athletes’ social norms, negative alcohol expectancies, and intentions to use alcohol-related harm prevention strategies. NCAA Division II student-athletes were recruited from 60 institutions across the United States to complete myPlaybook and pretest/posttest surveys measuring demographics and targeted outcome variables. Participants were randomly assigned to the treatment group (pretest-program-posttest; final n = 647) or the delayed treatment “control” group (pretest-posttest-program; final n = 709). Results revealed significant program effects on social norms (p < .01) and intentions to use harm prevention strategies (p < .01), while the effect on negative alcohol expectancies was nonsignificant (p = .14). Implications for future research and practice are discussed.