bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chilean universities and institutional quality assurance processes
Authors: López Daniel A. , Rojas Maria J. , López Boris A. , López Daniel C.
Published: March 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to conduct a quantitative analysis of the university accreditation processes in Chilean universities. The aim is to determine the effects of the different variables, especially the type of institutions (state- and privately owned, with and without state financial support) on the results obtained.

Design/methodology/approach

– Univariate and multivariate statistical analysis of official data.

Findings

– Results indicate consistency in the accreditation processes in Chilean universities, as those variables directly associated with the processes accounted for approximately 70 per cent of the variation in the length of accreditation periods (between 0 and seven years), these variables being the ones that defined the type of universities. High dispersion was found in six state-owned universities that behaved as if they were private universities and in two private universities that behaved as if they were state universities. However, a high percentage of the universities included in the analysis maintained their affiliation to their corresponding legal group, when their performance in accreditation processes was analyzed.

Originality/value

– The results of the university accreditation processes in Chile have been the focus of a intense debate due to the legal and economic conflicts between the different types of universities. This study constitutes the first scientific analysis of the results of these processes, especially in terms of the performance of the different types of universities, thus enabling a better interpretation of the results. This information is useful not only in the terms of the legal reforms that are being carried out in Chile, but they also help the understanding of the processes of accreditation of higher education in other Latin American countries.
Biotic inactivation of the Pseudomonas aeruginosa quinolone signal molecule
Authors: Soh Eliza Ye‐Chen , Chhabra Siri R. , Halliday Nigel , Heeb Stephan , Müller Christine , Birmes Franziska S. , Fetzner Susanne , Cámara Miguel , Chan Kok‐Gan , Williams Paul
Published: March 2015

In Pseudomonas aeruginosa, quorum sensing (QS) regulates the production of secondary metabolites, many of which are antimicrobials that impact on polymicrobial community composition. Consequently, quenching QS modulates the environmental impact of P. aeruginosa. To identify bacteria capable of inactivating the QS signal molecule 2‐heptyl‐3‐hydroxy‐4(1H)‐quinolone (PQS), a minimal medium containing PQS as the sole carbon source was used to enrich a Malaysian rainforest soil sample. This yielded an Achromobacter xylosoxidans strain (Q19) that inactivated PQS, yielding a new fluorescent compound (I‐PQS) confirmed as PQS‐derived using deuterated PQS. The I‐PQS structure was elucidated using mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy as 2‐heptyl‐2‐hydroxy‐1,2‐dihydroquinoline‐3,4‐dione (HHQD). Achromobacter xylosoxidans Q19 oxidized PQS congeners with alkyl chains ranging from C1 to C5 and also N‐methyl PQS, yielding the corresponding 2‐hydroxy‐1,2‐dihydroquinoline‐3,4‐diones, but was unable to inactivate the PQS precursor HHQ. This indicates that the hydroxyl group at position 3 in PQS is essential and that A. xylosoxidans inactivates PQS via a pathway involving the incorporation of oxygen at C2 of the heterocyclic ring. The conversion of PQS to HHQD also occurred on incubation with 12/17 A. xylosoxidans strains recovered from cystic fibrosis patients, with P. aeruginosa and with Arthrobacter, suggesting that formation of hydroxylated PQS may be a common mechanism of inactivation.
Field experimental evidence that stochastic processes predominate in the initial assembly of bacterial communities
Authors: Hao Yi‐Qi , Zhao Xin‐Feng , Zhang Da‐Yong
Published: March 2015

To assess the relative importance of environmental selection, dispersal and stochastic processes in structuring ecological communities, we conducted a bacterial community assembly experiment using microcosms filled with sterile liquid medium under field conditions in the Inner Mongolian grasslands. Multiple replicate microcosms containing different carbon substrates were placed at nine locations across three spatial scales (10, 300 and 10 000 m distance between locations) in such a way that the environment of microcosms varies independently of the geographical distance. The operational taxonomic units within the experimental communities were assessed via the terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism techniques on the 10th and 17th days after the onset of the experiment. We found no evidence of distance decay in community similarity, and communities within a given location were more similar to each other regardless of environment than communities at other locations within the same spatial scale. Variance partitioning indicated that location explained more compositional variation in microbial communities than environment, particularly on the 17th day, despite that environment and location in combination could only explain less than half of the total variation. These results suggest that bacterial dispersal is not limited by distance in this experiment, and community assembly in microcosms is not environmentally determined but governed by stochastic processes.
Demons, voices and virtual realities in adolescence–an exploration of zeitgeist, culture and cultural complexes
Authors: Rytovaara Marica
Published: March 2015

This paper contrasts two aspects of the adolescent's sojourn in the metaphorical landscape of the borderland. Either this ‘dance with death’ can prove life‐affirming and serve individuation as the intensity of being poised on the cusp between life and death negates numbing dissociation, or it can spiral into madness and suicide when the adolescent gets trapped in a mimetic hall of mirrors. This paper considers both the oscillations between mimesis and alterity, and how culture and cultural complexes may define expressions of distress. It concludes with the question of whether one can–and whether one should–make sense of the demons from the other side; and whether they are psychotic, pseudo‐psychotic or dissociative manifestations as they emerge during the course of therapy.
The bark and bite of the logically negative soul: further reflections on Rilke's dog of ‘divine inseeing’
Authors: Mogenson Greg
Published: March 2015

Following on the approach taken in the previous essay, this article critically reflects Rilke's account of his having imaginatively entered into the interior of a passing dog more deeply into itself. In doing so, it illustrates the concepts of logical negativity and absolute negative interiorization, which are core concepts of the speculative turn within analytical psychology that is known by the name ‘psychology as the discipline of interiority’. Just as analytical psychology often thinks in terms of the alchemical figure of ‘the stone that is not a stone’, so in this article the bark and bite of a logically negative ‘dog that is not a dog’ is grappled with. Further insights into what is meant by the author's phrase, ‘the Archimedean‐less interiority of the soul’, are imparted.
Disablist bullying in schools: giving a voice to student teachers
Authors: Purdy Noel , Mc Guckin Conor
Published: March 2015

This paper reports in detail on the qualitative findings from a study which aimed to critically examine the experiences and confidence of student teachers in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland in relation to disablist bullying. This paper focuses in particular on the voice of student teachers from six focus group interviews (n = 29) carried out among final year teacher education students in both jurisdictions. Students were asked about their experiences of dealing with bullying incidents during school placement, and in particular incidents involving children with special educational needs and disabilities. The study highlights the lack of preparation of the student teachers as a result of the absence of any focus on disablist bullying in initial teacher education courses, and a subsequent lack of confidence in dealing with such incidents which were found to be often challenging and complex. Students reported that they often resorted to ad hoc, instinct‐led responses or overlooked incidents entirely, with few basing their responses on prior learning in initial teacher education. Implications are discussed and a policy and practice update is provided since the completion of the study in 2011.
Modelling seed retention curves for eight weed species on clothing
Authors: Ansong Michael , Pickering Catherine , Arthur James Michael
Published: March 2015

Humans can unintentionally disperse plant propagules (herein referred to as seeds) including weed seeds from clothing when hiking. There is limited experimental or observational information, however, about unintended human‐mediated seed dispersal, particularly from different types of clothing. We experimentally assessed the probability of seed detaching from socks and trousers along a 5 km standardized route for eight common environmental weeds: Bidens pilosa L., Chloris gayana Kunth., Conyza canadensis L., Cynodon dactylon L., Drymaria cordata (L.) Willd. ex Schult., Poa annua L., Paspalum urvillei Steud. and Sporobolus elongatus R.Br. Seed detachment varied among species on both types of clothing, but seeds more easily detached from trousers than socks. When different models were fitted to the data, a three‐parameter generalized exponential model with curves provided the best fit. The curves were leptokurtic, with peak close to the seed source and a long flat tail, which indicates that most seeds dispersed from clothing fall close (within 5 m) to the point of attachment with only a small proportion of seeds dispersed over long distances. Combining attachment and detachment data for the same species, we estimated the actual numbers of seeds potentially dispersed over a hike of 5 km. The study indicates that most seeds are likely to be dispersed at the start of walks, although the actual number of seeds will vary depending on several factors such as the behaviour of the hiker and the amount of weed seeds present at the start of the walk. Those few seeds dispersed much further may, however, be more important in terms of plant invasions. Covering socks with gaiters and avoiding walking through weedy areas such as road edges and car parks before starting walks could minimize the risk of seeds attaching to clothing and hence being dispersed.
Real‐world outcomes in patients with depression treated with duloxetine or a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor in East Asia
Authors: Hong Jihyung , Novick Diego , Montgomery William , Moneta Maria Victoria , Dueñas Héctor , Peng Xiaomei , Haro Josep Maria
Published: March 2015

Introduction

This study compared treatment outcomes in patients with major depressive disorder treated with either duloxetine with a daily dose of ≤60 mg or a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) as monotherapy for up to 6 months in a naturalistic setting in East Asia. In addition, this study examined the impact of painful physical symptoms (PPS) on the effects of these treatments.

Methods

This post‐hoc analysis of data from a 6‐month prospective observational study involving 1,549 major depressive disorder patients without sexual dysfunction focused on a subgroup of patients from East Asia (n = 587). Depression severity was measured using the Clinical Global Impression of Severity and the 16‐item Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology Self‐Report (QIDS‐SR16), whereas quality of life (QoL) was measured using EuroQoL instruments. PPS were rated using the modified Somatic Symptom Inventory. Multiple regression analyses were performed to compare the treatment outcomes.

Results

Duloxetine‐treated patients had higher odds of achieving remission (odds ratio = 2.578, P < 0.001) and response (odds ratio = 2.704, P < 0.001) during follow‐up, compared with SSRI‐treated patients. They also had lower levels of disease severity and higher levels of QoL during follow‐up. A similar pattern was observed in each subgroup of patients with and without PPS at baseline, but the effects of duloxetine relative to SSRIs were in general greater in patients with PPS.

Discussion

Patients treated with duloxetine had better treatment outcomes in terms of remission, response, depressive symptoms, and QoL, compared with SSRIs. Treatment with duloxetine may have additional advantages for patients with concurrent PPS.
Psychometric properties of the revised Malay version Medical Outcome Study Social Support Survey using confirmatory factor analysis among postpartum mothers
Authors: Norhayati Mohd Noor , Aniza Abd Aziz , Nik Hazlina Nik Hussain , Azman Mohd Yacob
Published: March 2015

Introduction

Social support is an essential component for the physical and emotional well‐being of postpartum mothers. The objective of this study is to determine the psychometric properties of the revised Malay version Medical Outcome Study (MOS) Social Support Survey using a confirmatory validity approach.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study was conducted involving 144 postpartum mothers attending Obstetric and Gynecology Clinic, Universiti Sains Malaysia Hospital. Construct validity and internal consistency assessment was performed after the translation, content validity and face validity process. The data were analyzed using SPSS 20.0 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA) and AMOS 20.0 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA).

Results

The original questionnaire consists of four domains (emotional/informational support, tangible support, affectionate support and positive social interaction) and 19 items. Affectionate support domain with three items only was treated as a separate construct and was not included in the factor analysis. The final confirmatory model with three constructs and 13 items demonstrated acceptable factor loadings, domain to domain correlation and best fit; (χ2[df] = 1.665 [61]; P‐value = 0.001; Tucker–Lewis Index = 0.944; comparative fit index = 0.956; root mean square error of approximation = 0.068). Composite reliability, average variance extracted and Cronbach's α of the domains ranged from 0.649 to 0.903; 0.390 to 0.699; 0.616 to 0.902, respectively.

Conclusion

The study suggested that the four‐factor model with 16 items (including one separate factor of affectionate) of the revised Malay version MOS Social Support Survey was acceptable to be used to measure social support after childbirth because it is valid, reliable and simple.
Budget Forecast Deviations in Municipal Governments: Determinants and Implications
Authors: Benito Bernardino , Guillamón María‐Dolores , Bastida Francisco
Published: March 2015

This paper analyses the determinants of municipalities’ budget forecast quality, showing opportunistic behaviour influenced by the electoral cycle. Incumbents overestimate revenue to spend more and underestimate expenditure in the quest for popularity and electoral support. Our results suggest that the budget forecast procedure should be made transparent and externally audited or monitored.
Neutrophil functions in morbidly obese subjects
Authors: Brotfain E , Hadad N , Shapira Y , Avinoah E , Zlotnik A , Raichel L , Levy R
Published: March 2015

The present study aimed to determine different peripheral blood neutrophil functions in 18 morbidly obese subjects with body mass index (BMI) ranging between 35 and 69 kg/m2 in parallel with age- and gender-matched lean controls. Peripheral blood neutrophil functions of obese subjects and matched lean controls were determined. Neutrophils of obese subjects showed significant elevation of the release of basal superoxides (P < 0·0001), formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (fMLP)-stimulated superoxides (P < 0·0001) and opsonized zymosan (OZ)-stimulated superoxides (P < 0·045) compared with lean controls. Interestingly, there were no differences in phorbol myristate acetate (PMA)-stimulated superoxide production by neutrophils of the obese subjects and controls. There was also a significant elevation of chemotactic (P < 0·0003) and random (P < 0·0001) migration of neutrophils from obese subjects compared with lean controls. Phagocytosis, CD11b surface expression and adherence of neutrophils from obese subjects were not significantly different from those of the lean controls. The elevated superoxide production and chemotactic activity, together with the normal phagocytosis and adherence, suggest that neutrophils from obese subjects are primed and have the capability to combat infections. However, neutrophils in the priming state may participate in the pathogenesis of obesity-related diseases.
Delineation of clinical features in Wiedemann–Steiner syndrome caused by KMT2A mutations
Authors: Miyake N. , Tsurusaki Y. , Koshimizu E. , Okamoto N. , Kosho T. , Brown N.J. , Tan T.Y. , Yap P.J.J. , Suzumura H. , Tanaka T. , Nagai T. , Nakashima M. , Saitsu H. , Niikawa N. , Matsumoto N.
Published: March 2015

Wiedemann–Steiner syndrome (WSS) is an autosomal dominant congenital anomaly syndrome characterized by hairy elbows, dysmorphic facial appearances (hypertelorism, thick eyebrows, downslanted and vertically narrow palpebral fissures), pre‐ and post‐natal growth deficiency, and psychomotor delay. WSS is caused by heterozygous mutations in KMT2A (also known as MLL), a gene encoding a histone methyltransferase. Here, we identify six novel KMT2A mutations in six WSS patients, with four mutations occurring de novo. Interestingly, some of the patients were initially diagnosed with atypical Kabuki syndrome, which is caused by mutations in KMT2D or KDM6A, genes also involved in histone methylation. KMT2A mutations and clinical features are summarized in our six patients together with eight previously reported patients. Furthermore, clinical comparison of the two syndromes is discussed in detail.
Prognostic implications of pathologically determined tumour volume in glottic carcinomas treated by transoral laser microsurgery
Authors: Wilkie M.D. , Lightbody K.A. , Pinto R. , Tandon S. , Jones T.M. , Lancaster J.
Published: March 2015

Objectives

The TNM classification system for squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the head and neck neglects to incorporate volumetric analysis of the primary tumour. Tumour volume (TV) has been implicated prognostically in laryngeal SCC treated by primary radiotherapy (RT), but data for patients treated surgically are lacking. We evaluated such for glottic SCCs resected by transoral laser microsurgery (TLM).

Design

Retrospective cohort study utilising TVs calculated as the product of tumour resection dimensions and time‐to‐event analyses using the Kaplan–Meier method. The prognostic ability of variables was estimated using log‐rank statistics, univariate Cox regression and receiver‐operating characteristics analysis where appropriate.

Setting

Tertiary referral head and neck cancer centre.

Participants

Patients undergoing primary TLM for glottic SCC with curative intent (2007–2011) with at least 12 months follow‐up data.

Main outcome measures

Prognostic impact of TV on local control (LC), overall survival (OS) and disease‐specific survival (DSS).

Results

Eligible patients (n = 129) had a median follow‐up of 40 months (range 14–79 months). Median TV for all cases was 300 mm3 (range 2–19800 mm3). Three‐year LC, OS and DSS were 92%, 92% and 98%, respectively. Tumour volume was not a significant predictor of any oncological outcome measure. Otherwise, a significant influence of pT stage on DSS was observed and of age on OS.

Conclusions

In contrast to laryngeal SCC treated by RT, TV does not appear to portend oncological outcome in glottic SCC managed specifically by TLM and consequently does not warrant incorporation into current prognostic models for such patients.
Decrease in the rate of sensitization and clinical allergy to natural rubber latex
Authors: Blaabjerg Michelle S. B. , Andersen Klaus E. , Bindslev‐Jensen Carsten , Mortz Charlotte G.
Published: March 2015

Background

In the 1980s, a striking increase in natural rubber latex (NRL) allergy was seen. Since then, many measures have been taken to prevent NRL allergy.

Objectives

To investigate changes in the prevalence of NRL sensitization/clinical NRL allergy over time from 2002 to 2013.

Methods

All patients prick tested for NRL at the Department of Dermatology and Allergy Centre, Odense University Hospital were included in this study (n = 8580). In NRL‐sensitized patients, the clinical relevance was evaluated for NRL. Furthermore, concomitant positive prick test results for birch pollen were recorded, together with food‐related symptoms and sensitization in a subgroup of patients.

Results

The prevalence of NRL sensitization declined from 6.1% in 2002–2005 to 1.9% in 2006–2009, and then to 1.2% in 2010–2013 (p < 0.0001). The prevalence of clinical NRL allergy declined from 1.3% in 2002–2005 to 0.5–0.6% in 2006–2013 (p < 0.004). Among the NRL‐sensitized patients, 64% had a concomitant positive prick test reaction to birch pollen, and 52% had a history of reaction to oral intake of related fruits or vegetables.

Conclusion

Our study showed a statistically significant decline in the number of patients sensitized/clinically allergic to NRL. Many of the NRL‐sensitized patients without clinical allergy to NRL had concomitant birch pollen sensitization, and reported food‐related symptoms.
Management of acute sigmoid volvulus: short‐ and long‐term results
Authors: Bruzzi M. , Lefèvre J. H. , Desaint B. , Nion‐Larmurier I. , Bennis M. , Chafai N. , Tiret E. , Parc Y.
Published: March 2015

Aim

The best form of prophylactic management of a decompressed sigmoid volvulus (SV) is controversial especially in the elderly. We have studied our experience with this condition to assess the short‐ and long‐term results of SV management.

Method

All patients treated for SV in our department between 2003 and 2013 were retrospectively included. Emergency decompression was attempted in all patients in whom there was no sign of peritonitis. Planned surgical resection was the procedure of choice in young patients. Percutaneous endoscopic colopexy (PEC) was used in high surgical risk patients.

Results

There were 65 patients (45 males) of median age 71.5 (24–99) years. Non‐surgical reduction was performed in 62 with a success rate of 95% (59/62). Recurrence after initial decompression was 67% at a median follow‐up of 5 (1–14) years. A prophylactic surgical resection was performed with primary anastomosis in 33 patients. There were no deaths and the major morbidity rate was 6%. At a mean follow‐up of 62 months, only 1 (3%) patient had had a recurrence (at 130 months). PEC was performed in six patients of median age 90 (84–99) years and with a median American Society of Anesthesiologists score of 4. Complications included local site infection (n = 2), pain (n = 1) and abdominal wall bleeding (n = 1). After a median follow‐up of 2 (1–4) years, three patients died from medical causes and one recurrence occurred 13 months after removal of the PEC tube.

Conclusion

Prophylactic treatment after initial decompression of SV results in a low rate of recurrence. Planned sigmoid resection is safe and effective. In frail elderly patients, PEC is satisfactory.
Biosimilars: Ein systematischer Review zu publizierten und laufenden klinischen Studien zu Antipsoriatika bei chronisch inflammatorischen Erkrankungen
Authors: Nast Alexander , Rosumeck Stefanie , Seidenschnur Karin
Published: March 2015

Gegenwärtig werden Biosimilars für die Behandlung von Psoriasis entwickelt. Hierbei stellt der Vergleich ihrer Wirksamkeit und Sicherheit eine Herausforderung dar. Für ihre Zulassung hält die Europäische Arzneimittel Agentur (EMA) indirekte Evidenz von anderen Erkrankungen (bspw. rheumatoide Arthritis) für ausreichend.

Systematischer Review zu Biosimilars bei Psoriasis und anderen Indikationen, Review laufender Studien in klinischen Studienregistern.

Systematische Recherche nach randomisierten kontrollierten Studien (RCT, englisch: randomized controlled trial) zu Biosimilars für Adalimumab, Etanercept, Infliximab und Ustekinumab im Vergleich zu ihren Referenzmedikamenten: (1) Publikationen in Medline, Medline In‐Process, Embase, Cochrane Library (Wirksamkeit, Sicherheit, Immunogenität) und (2) laufende Studien in klinischen Studienregistern.

Es wurden keine Studien zu Biosimilars bei Psoriasis‐Patienten gefunden. Bezüglich des Infliximab‐Biosimilars existieren Daten für Patienten mit ankylosierender Spondylitis und rheumatoider Arthritis, die jedoch keine klinisch relevanten Unterschiede in puncto Wirksamkeit und Sicherheit aufzeigen. Aktuell sind zwei Studien zu einem Adalimumab‐Biosimilar sowie zu einem Biosimilar für Etanercept bei Psoriasis‐Patienten registriert. Weitere, aktuell durchgeführte Studien zu Biosimilars für Adalimumab, Etanercept und Infliximab bei Patienten mit rheumatoider Arthritis konnten identifieziert werden.

Derzeit gibt es nur begrenzt Daten von RCTs mit Biosimilars. Daher ist die Erhebung weiterer klinischer Daten sowie die Aufnahme von Patienten in Patientenregistern wichtig.
Local population structure of Hymenoscyphus fraxineus surveyed by an enlarged set of microsatellite markers
Authors: Haňáčková Z. , Koukol O. , Havrdová L. , Gross A.
Published: March 2015

The population structure of Hymenoscyphus fraxineus, the causal agent of ash dieback, was assessed at four closely located sites in the Czech Republic. To analyse the genetic variation, one Swiss and one Norwegian population with known population structures were selected as reference points. The analysis was performed using 16 previously published and five newly developed microsatellite markers. The quality of the new markers was assessed by sequencing the flanking region, identifying the type of the mutation and analysing the inheritance and linkage between all pairs of loci. In addition, markers were tested on 45 Japanese strains to confirm their usability on native H. fraxineus populations in Asia. One of the new markers was monomorphic in all European populations and one marker exhibited a high percentage of null alleles in the Japanese samples. Twenty markers in the four Czech populations showed lower average gene diversity than in the other two European populations. One Czech population significantly differed from all the others, with a pairwise GST of approximately 0.2, the lowest allelic richness and very low average gene diversity, likely resulting from a founder effect. The amount of genetic differentiation between the four neighbouring Czech populations exceeds the expected value from previous Europe‐wide population studies and suggests that local population dynamics can affect the population structure of H. fraxineus.
Primary osteomyelofibrosis and an XX‐male genotype
Authors: Schanz Julie , Haase Detlef , Steuernagel Peter , Shirneshan Katayoo , Bäsecke Jörg
Published: March 2015

A 62‐yr‐old man with two healthy daughters was diagnosed with osteomyelofibrosis. To our surprise, a female XX‐karyotype was observed in bone marrow and confirmed in PHA‐stimulated T‐lymphocytes from peripheral blood. Further molecular genetic investigation revealed a submicroscopic translocation between the short arm of X and Y, which leads to an XX‐male genotype based on an unbalanced translocation X;Y. This rare coincidence was further accentuated as the USP9Y gene, suspected to be to be involved in sperm cell production, was absent, but no azoospermia was present. In general, routine cytogenetics may result in findings that need to be further delineated and, as here, lead to a rare observation.
Migraine and risk of ischaemic heart disease: a systematic review and meta‐analysis of observational studies
Authors: Sacco S. , Ornello R. , Ripa P. , Tiseo C. , Degan D. , Pistoia F. , Carolei A.
Published: March 2015

Background and purpose

Several studies have assessed the risk of ischaemic heart diseases in migraineurs, drawing different conclusions. To define and update the issue, a systematic review and meta‐analysis of the available observational studies was performed.

Methods

PubMed and EMBASE were systematically searched up to April 2014 for observational studies dealing with the risk of any form of ischaemic heart disease in migraineurs. Studies assessing migraine as exposure and several types of ischaemic heart disease as outcomes were included in the analysis. A random effects model was used to pool the effect sizes.

Results

Out of 3348 records, 15 studies (one case−control, one cross‐sectional and 13 cohort studies) were identified and were included in the meta‐analysis. The pooled analysis indicated an increased risk of myocardial infarction (pooled adjusted effect estimate 1.33, 95% confidence interval 1.08–1.64; P = 0.007) and of angina (pooled adjusted effect estimate 1.29, 95% confidence interval 1.17–1.43; P < 0.0001) in migraineurs compared to non‐migraineurs.

Conclusions

Based on our data indicating an association of migraine with myocardial infarction and angina and on previous data showing an association of migraine, and particularly migraine with aura, with an increased risk for stroke, migraine can be appropriately considered an overall risk factor for cardiovascular diseases.
Head and pelvic movement asymmetry during lungeing in horses with symmetrical movement on the straight
Authors: Rhodin M. , Roepstorff L. , French A. , Keegan K. G. , Pfau T. , Egenvall A.
Published: March 2015

Reasons for performing study

Lungeing is commonly used as part of standard lameness examinations in horses. Knowledge of how lungeing influences motion symmetry in sound horses is needed.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to objectively evaluate the symmetry of vertical head and pelvic motion during lungeing in a large number of horses with symmetric motion during straight line evaluation.

Study design

Cross‐sectional prospective study.

Methods

A pool of 201 riding horses, all functioning well and considered sound by their owners, were evaluated in trot on a straight line and during lungeing to the left and right. From this pool, horses with symmetric vertical head and pelvic movement during the straight line trot (n = 94) were retained for analysis. Vertical head and pelvic movements were measured with body mounted uniaxial accelerometers. Differences between vertical maximum and minimum head (HDmax,HDmin) and pelvic (PDmax,PDmin) heights between left and right forelimb and hindlimb stances were compared between straight line trot and lungeing in either direction.

Results

Vertical head and pelvic movements during lungeing were more asymmetric than during trot on a straight line. Common asymmetric patterns seen in the head were more upward movement during push‐off of the outside forelimb and less downward movement during impact of the inside limb. Common asymmetric patterns seen in the pelvis were less upward movement during push‐off of the outside hindlimb and less downward movement of the pelvis during impact of the inside hindlimb. Asymmetric patterns in one lunge direction were frequently not the same as in the opposite direction.

Conclusions

Lungeing induces systematic asymmetries in vertical head and pelvic motion patterns in horses that may not be the same in both directions. These asymmetries may mask or mimic fore‐ or hindlimb lameness.
Two novel 5′ promoter sequences of the MHC class I‐related chain A gene
Authors: Laza‐Briviesca R. , Saudemont A. , Madrigal J. A. , Cox S. T.
Published: March 2015

In this study, we have characterized two novel polymorphism of the 5′ promoter sequence of MICA gene, MICA‐P13 and MICA‐P14, by sequence‐based typing and cloning.
The Impact of Social Capital on Men's Mental Health from the Perspective of Social Support Theory
Authors: Bae Jihey
Published: March 2015

This study examines the effects of social capital as it affects men's mental health in the context of work–family balance. Multivariate analyses of data from National Family Research of Japan 2008 have revealed the following. First, the social capital that men receive from their spouses was found to have a direct effect on their distress. The effect of social capital from family other than a spouse does not have a direct effect on men's mental health. Second, only social capital from a spouse was observed to provide a buffering effect. This result implies that, in contemporary Japan, social capital derived from the spouse functions satisfactorily as a bulwark to mitigate the negative effects that the experience of role conflict between work and family has on men's mental health. Finally, the study examines the effect of social capital with reference to social support theory. Subsequent research might usefully focus on varieties of social capital other than those covered in the current study, which will leverage the unique potential of social capital by examining techniques and units of analysis.
Influence of Lipid Content and Blanching on Capelin (Mallotus villosus) Drying Rate and Lipid Oxidation under Low Temperature Drying
Authors: Cyprian Odoli , Van Nguyen Minh , Sveinsdottir Kolbrun , Jonsson Asbjorn , Thorkelsson Gudjon , Arason Sigurjon
Published: March 2015

The drying characteristics and lipid oxidation in brined and blanched whole capelin were studied during controlled low temperature drying to establish the influence of lipid content and blanching. Drying characteristics (moisture content, drying rate and water activity) and lipid oxidation indicators (PV, TBARS and color) were determined. Drying was influenced by blanching as well as the lipid level. Moisture content at equilibrium for brined and blanched high lipid dried capelin was 20 and 13% (aw, 0.69 and 0.62), whereas counterpart low lipid groups had 19 and 11% (Aw, 0.67 and 0.59) accordingly after 184 h of drying. Changes in PV, TBARS and color were observed as drying progressed with brined capelin exhibiting more stability in the attributes than blanched capelin. Blanched and low lipid capelin dried faster; however, blanching resulted to increased yellowness color making it unpopular for capelin drying.

Practical Applications

Capelin is one of the important pelagic fisheries in northern hemisphere with sustained catch stock; nonetheless, small quantities are used fresh, dried or salted for human food. In this paper, effects of lipid content and blanching on capelin drying characteristics and lipid oxidation are assessed. The study shows that lipid content affected drying characteristics as capelin with low lipid recorded reduced moisture at equilibrium. Blanching as practiced prior to drying of other small fish products in the intended markets for dried capelin affected capelin muscle water holding thereby enhancing drying but led to undesirable yellowness color and oxidation. It was recommended that dried brined capelin with low lipid content is tested for consumer acceptability prior to commercialization.
Regulation of peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptors (PPAR) α and ‐γ of rat brain astrocytes in the course of activation by toll‐like receptor agonists
Authors: Chistyakov Dmitry V. , Aleshin Stepan E. , Astakhova Alina A. , Sergeeva Marina G. , Reiser Georg
Published: March 2015

Peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptors (PPAR)‐α and ‐γ in astrocytes play important roles in inflammatory brain pathologies. Understanding the regulation of both activity and expression levels of PPARs is an important neuroscience issue. Toll‐like receptor (TLR) agonists are inflammatory stimuli that could modulate PPAR, but the mechanisms of their control in astrocytes are poorly understood. In the present study, we report that lipopolysaccharide, peptidoglycan, and flagellin, which are agonists of TLR4, TLR1/2, and TLR5, respectively, exert time‐ and nuclear factor kappa‐light‐chain‐enhancer of activated B cells‐dependent suppression of mRNA, protein and activity of PPARα and PPARγ. In naïve astrocytes, PPARα and PPARγ mRNA have short turnover time (half‐life about 30 min for PPARα, 75 min for PPARγ) with a nearly two‐fold stabilization after TLR‐activation. p38 inhibition abolished TLR‐induced stabilization. The levels of PPARα and PPARγ mRNA, and protein and DNA‐binding activity could be modified using c‐Jun N‐terminal Kinase and p38 inhibitors. In addition, the expression levels of both PPARα and PPARγ isotypes were induced after inhibition of protein synthesis. This induction signifies participation of additional regulatory proteins with short life‐time. They are p38‐sensitive for PPARα and c‐Jun N‐terminal Kinase‐sensitive for PPARγ. Thus, PPARα and PPARγ are regulated in astrocytes on mRNA and protein levels, mRNA stability, and DNA‐binding activity during TLR‐mediated responses.

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Astrocytes have the triad of PPARα, PPARβ/δ, and PPARγ in regulation of proinflammatory responses. Activation of Toll‐like receptors (TLR) leads to PPARβ/δ overexpression, PPARα and PPARγ suppression via TLR/NF‐κB pathway on mRNA, protein and activity levels. Mitogen‐activated protein kinases (MAPK) p38 and JNK are involved in regulation of PPAR expression. p38 MAPK plays a special role in stabilization of PPAR mRNA.
Registered Nurses With Disabilities: Legal Rights and Responsibilities
Authors: Neal‐Boylan Leslie , Miller Michelle D.
Published: March 2015

Purpose

The purpose of this legal case review and analysis was to determine what kinds of cases involving nurses with disabilities are typically brought to attorneys, which cases tend to be successful, and how and when a nurse with a disability should pursue legal action.

Design

The review used the standard legal case analysis method to analyze legal cases that have been brought by registered nurses (RNs) with physical or sensory disabilities from 1995 to 2013. The cases span the period following the enactment of the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 through the ADA Amendments Act (ADAAA) of 2008.

Methods

A nurse attorney reviewed the background material to find every case involving an RN with a disability, excluding those with mental health disabilities or substance abuse issues. Case analysis was conducted using standard legal case analysis procedures. Fifty‐six cases were analyzed.

Findings

The cases were categorized into five types of legal claims: (a) disability discrimination (84%); (b) failure to accommodate (46%); (c) retaliation (12.5%); (d) association (3.6%); and (e) hostile work environment (7%). The cases were largely unsuccessful, particularly those brought under the ADA instead of the ADAAA.

Conclusions

The case analysis revealed that several cases brought by RNs with disabilities using the ADA might have been successful under the ADAAA. In addition, the case analysis has provided vital information for administrators, leaders, and clinical nurses regarding when a case is appropriate for legal action. These findings from this review will help nurses recognize when they are being treated in a discriminatory way in the workplace, what their legal rights and responsibilities are, and at what point they should pursue legal action.

Clinical Relevance

This review has relevance to all RNs working in clinical and academic settings who may have a congenital or acquired physical or sensory disability.
Attitudes towards rotating shift work in clinical nurses: a Q‐methodology study
Authors: Ha Eun‐Ho
Published: March 2015

Aims and objectives

To identify clinical nurses’ attitudes towards rotating shift work.

Background

Many hospitals worldwide employ rotating shift work patterns to staff their facilities. Attitudes of clinical nurses towards rotating shift work vary.

Design

To understand clinical nurses’ attitudes towards rotating shift work, Q‐methodology, a method for the analysis of subjective viewpoints with the strengths of both qualitative and quantitative methods, was used.

Methods

Forty‐six selected Q‐statements from each of the 39 participants were classified into a normal distribution using an 11‐point bipolar scale. The collected data were analysed using pc‐QUANL program.

Results

Three discrete factors emerged as follows: factor I (rotating shift work is frustrating: objectionable perspective), factor II (rotating shift work is satisfactory: constructive perspective) and factor III (rotating shift work is problematic, but necessary: ambivalent perspective).

Conclusions

The subjective viewpoints of the three identified factors can be applied in developing various roster designs for nurses engaging in rotating shift work.

Relevance to clinical practice

The findings provide the baseline for nurse leaders in helping nurses adjust and deal with rotating shift work.
A metagenome for lacustrine Cladophora (Cladophorales) reveals remarkable diversity of eukaryotic epibionts and genes relevant to materials cycling
Authors: Graham Linda E. , Knack Jennifer J. , Graham Melissa E. , Graham James M. , Zulkifly Shahrizim
Published: March 2015

Periphyton dominated by the cellulose‐rich filamentous green alga Cladophora forms conspicuous growths along rocky marine and freshwater shorelines worldwide, providing habitat for diverse epibionts. Bacterial epibionts have been inferred to display diverse functions of biogeochemical significance: N‐fixation and other redox reactions, phosphorus accumulation, and organic degradation. Here, we report taxonomic diversity of eukaryotic and prokaryotic epibionts and diversity of genes associated with materials cycling in a Cladophora metagenome sampled from Lake Mendota, Dane Co., WI, USA, during the growing season of 2012. A total of 1,060 distinct 16S, 173 18S, and 351 28S rRNA operational taxonomic units, from which >220 genera or species of bacteria (~60), protists (~80), fungi (6), and microscopic metazoa (~80), were distinguished with the use of reference databases. We inferred the presence of several algal taxa generally associated with marine systems and detected Jaoa, a freshwater periphytic ulvophyte previously thought endemic to China. We identified six distinct nifH gene sequences marking nitrogen fixation, >25 bacterial and eukaryotic cellulases relevant to sedimentary C‐cycling and technological applications, and genes encoding enzymes in aerobic and anaerobic pathways for vitamin B12 biosynthesis. These results emphasize the importance of Cladophora in providing habitat for microscopic metazoa, fungi, protists, and bacteria that are often inconspicuous, yet play important roles in ecosystem biogeochemistry.
Indirect and direct effects of salinity on the quantity and quality of total amino acids in Ulva ohnoi (Chlorophyta)
Authors: Angell Alex R. , Mata Leonardo , de Nys Rocky , Paul Nicholas A.
Published: March 2015

Salinity can affect the quantity and quality of total amino acids (TAAs) in seaweeds indirectly by altering growth rates and thereby diluting or concentrating the amino acid content of the biomass, or directly by altering the synthesis of specific amino acids and osmolytes. This study attempted to partition the indirect and direct effects of salinity on the quantity and quality of TAAs in the green seaweed Ulva ohnoi by culturing it under a range of salinities without nutrient limitation. Both the quantity and quality of TAAs varied across the salinity treatments. Quantity was most strongly related to the growth rate of the seaweed and was highest in the slowest growing seaweed. In contrast, the quality of TAAs (individual amino acids as a proportion of total content) was most strongly related to salinity for all amino acids, although this varied substantially among individual amino acids. Increases in salinity were positively correlated with the proportion of proline (46% increase), tyrosine (36% increase), and histidine (26% increase), whereas there was a negative correlation with alanine (29% decrease). The proportion of methionine, with strong links to the synthesis of the osmolyte dimethylsulfoniopropionate, did not correlate linearly with salinity and instead was moderately higher at the optimal salinities for growth. These results show that salinity simultaneously affects the quantity and quality of TAAs in seaweed through both indirect and direct mechanisms, with growth rates playing the overarching role in determining the quantity of TAAs.
Relation between chemotaxis and consumption of amino acids in bacteria
Authors: Yang Yiling , M. Pollard Abiola , Höfler Carolin , Poschet Gernot , Wirtz Markus , Hell Rüdiger , Sourjik Victor
Published: March 2015

Chemotaxis enables bacteria to navigate chemical gradients in their environment, accumulating toward high concentrations of attractants and avoiding high concentrations of repellents. Although finding nutrients is likely to be an important function of bacterial chemotaxis, not all characterized attractants are nutrients. Moreover, even for potential nutrients, the exact relation between the metabolic value of chemicals and their efficiency as chemoattractants has not been systematically explored. Here we compare the chemotactic response of amino acids with their use by bacteria for two well‐established models of chemotactic behavior, Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis. We demonstrate that in E. coli chemotaxis toward amino acids indeed strongly correlates with their utilization. However, no such correlation is observed for B. subtilis, suggesting that in this case, the amino acids are not followed because of their nutritional value but rather as environmental cues.
Conodonts from the Early Triassic microbialite of Guangxi (South China): implications for the definition of the base of the Triassic System
Authors: Brosse Morgane , Bucher Hugo , Bagherpour Borhan , Baud Aymon , Frisk Åsa M. , Guodun Kuang , Goudemand Nicolas
Published: March 2015

We describe a new Early Triassic (Griesbachian) succession of conodont faunas from a high‐resolution sampling of the basal Early Triassic microbial limestone and the base of the overlying unit at the Wuzhuan section (Nanpanjiang Basin, Guangxi, South China). The microbial limestone records the earliest phase of the Early Triassic biotic recovery after the end‐Permian mass extinction. For the first time, rich conodont faunas are reported from within the microbialite. The faunas from Wuzhuan are largely dominated by anchignathodontids, including several Isarcicella species, which were previously documented only from strata above the microbialite. A total of 14 conodont species assigned to three genera is recorded from the Wuzhuan section. Starting from the base of the microbialite upwards, several species are sequentially added to the conodont assemblage. The alpha diversity peaks at the top of the microbialite. The conodont record in the considered microbialite interval at Wuzhuan is presumably unaffected by local ecological changes. It therefore more likely represents an evolutionary rather than an ecological pattern. We compare the Wuzhuan's conodont record with a well‐supported phylogenetic model and suggest that the sequence of first occurrences at Wuzhuan is the closest to the ‘true’ sequence of evolutionary events that took place during this Griesbachian radiation of anchignathodontids. Based on comparisons with the GSSP section at Meishan, we suggest further that the first occurrence of Hindeodus parvus in Meishan does not correspond to its first appearance datum.
A New Look at Intergenerational Mobility in Germany Compared to the U.S
Authors: Schnitzlein Daniel D.
Published: March 2015

Motivated by contradictory evidence on intergenerational mobility in Germany, I present a cross‐country comparison of Germany and the U.S., reassessing the question of whether intergenerational mobility is higher in Germany than in the U.S. I can reproduce the standard result from the literature, which states that the German intergenerational elasticity estimates are lower than those for the U.S. However, based on highly comparable data, even a reasonable degree of variation in the sampling rules leads to similar estimates in both countries. I find no evidence for non‐linearities along the fathers' earnings distribution. In contrast, the analysis shows that mobility is higher for the sons at the lowest quartile of the sons' earnings distribution in both countries. In Germany this result is mainly driven by a high downward mobility of sons with fathers in the upper middle part of the earnings distribution. The corresponding pattern is clearly less pronounced in the U.S.