bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spatial targeting of habitat creation has the potential to improve agri‐environment scheme outcomes for macro‐moths
Authors: Alison Jamie , Duffield Simon J. , van Noordwijk Catharina G. E. , Morecroft Michael D. , Marrs Rob H. , Saccheri Ilik J. , Hodgson Jenny A
Published: July 2016

Agri‐environment scheme (AES) interventions are a major avenue for habitat creation and restoration across Europe. To maximize benefits for biodiversity, AES interventions are sometimes spatially targeted relative to existing semi‐natural habitat (SNH). However, the evidence base for effective spatial targeting is deficient; studies until now have collated data across several taxa and regions, resulting in non‐specific advice that is only useful at the regional scale.

We present a field study using macro‐moths (Lepidoptera) to test (i) the impact of creating grassland habitat on arable field margins, (ii) how the impact of this type of AES intervention varies according to species specialism and (iii) the potential impact of spatially targeting AES interventions for proximity to semi‐natural chalk grassland (CG). We surveyed macro‐moths on arable fields with and without AES interventions across a range of levels of connectivity to CG. We also surveyed macro‐moths on CG habitat.

Macro‐moth abundance was highest on CG and lowest on arable field centres. The benefits of AES interventions were largest for grassland‐associated macro‐moths: abundance was ∼1·4 times higher on AES margins than on control margins for this group.

Chalk grassland‐associated macro‐moths only benefited from AES interventions that were close (<1 km) to large areas (>10 ha) of CG habitat. We estimate that clustering AES interventions around CG could lead to a ∼17% increase in CG macro‐moth abundance on arable margins across our sampled region, leading to an overall increase of 2·6% within the sampled region.

Synthesis and applications. We provide evidence that for conservation of species associated with a specific type of semi‐natural habitat (SNH), agri‐environment scheme (AES) interventions are most effectively positioned close to that habitat. Our study on macro‐moths in arable fields with and without AES interventions across a range of levels of connectivity to chalk grassland represents a template for the production of tailored spatial targeting advice. We show that optimal positioning of AES habitat creation depends on the extent of SNH in the surrounding landscape as well as the ecology and life history of species being conserved.
Plant species response to variation in soil nutrient saturation gradients in Zaraninge Forest, Tanzania
Authors: Mligo Cosmas
Published: July 2016

Zaraninge is a former forest reserve which is now included as part of the Saadani National Park in Bagamoyo District Coast Region. The influence of soil mineral nutrients (N, P, K, Mg and Na) on the pattern of plant species distributions was determined, and transect method was used for data collection. Plant species composition and abundance followed variation in soil nutrient gradients within Zaraninge Forest. Canonical correspondence analysis of soil and plant data showed that calcium, magnesium and phosphorus were the mineral nutrients that significantly influenced the distribution plant species (P < 0.05) while other nutrients had no significant effects. Data from this study provide evidence of the existing variation in soil nutrient saturation gradients to which plant species distribution responds within the forest. A successful conservation of Zaraninge Forest biodiversity requires protecting the soil which is the necessary habitat for the plant species.
Partial bivoltinism and emergence patterns in the North African endemic damselfly Calopteryx exul: conservation implications
Authors: Khelifa Rassim
Published: July 2016

Calopteryx exul is an endemic endangered damselfly that suffers considerable habitat degradation and local extinctions throughout its geographic range. Although recent studies have investigated its distribution, ecology and larval systematics, the life history of the species is still unknown. In this study, a field survey was conducted to determine larval development, temporal pattern of emergence and teneral spatial distribution of the species in the Seybouse watershed, north‐east Algeria. Larval growth was investigated in two populations: one at about 200 m (low‐elevation population) and the second at 600 m of elevation (high‐elevation population). The species showed partial bivoltine life cycle in both low‐ and high‐elevation population. The temporal pattern of emergence of the first flight season of the year at low‐elevation population was asynchronous with an emergence season lasting 46 days and half of the population emerging in 15 days. The second flight season was shorter with a most likely smaller population size. Sex ratio at emergence was slightly male biased. After ecdysis, tenerals stayed next to the water within a mean distance of 4.76 ± 4.35 m (± SD) with no significant difference between sexes. Conservation measures that should be taken into account in the elaboration of future management plans for the species are discussed.
Different Transitions: Timetable Failures in the Transition to School
Authors: Lago Lina
Published: July 2016

The aim of this article was to show how transitions are constructed, and to discuss different ways of making the transition from the preschool class to first grade. The analysis is grounded in ethnographic fieldwork. Temporality is used to understand expectations about how transition should be made. The results reveal that some children made their transitions in ways that did not follow the expected timetable. These transitions can be understood as timetable failures, and needed to be made sense of by both children and teachers. These different transitions were an important part of the overall construction of transition.
Sequence effects of combined resistance exercises with step choreography in the same session in women's oxygen uptake during and postexercise
Authors: Vilaça‐Alves José , Regado Ana , Marinho Daniel , Neves Eduardo Borba , Rosa Claudio , Saavedra Francisco , Reis Victor M.
Published: July 2016

The combination of step choreography (SC) with resistance training exercises (RE) in the same session is common in class fitness rooms populated mainly by women to increase energy expenditure. The aim of this study was to evaluate the differences in the exercise oxygen uptake and postexercise between two different combinations of resistance training exercises and step choreography, regarding the order of execution. Thirteen active women (30·31 ± 4·42 years, 62·02 ± 5·37 kg, 162·65 ± 4·40 cm, 19·14 ± 3·29% body fat) performed two combinations: step choreography before resistance training, where resistance training was divided into two blocks of analysis (10 min each); and step choreography divided into three equal blocks (10 min for each block), before, in the middle and after resistance exercise. There were significant differences (P<0·05) between the two sessions in oxygen uptake postexercise in the period of 0–5 min. A significant increase (P<0·0001) in the oxygen uptake absolute and relative in the heart rate between blocks 1 and 2 of resistance exercise in the two sessions was observed. In the step choreography in blocks, a significant (P = 0·001) decrease between blocks 2 and 3 in the step choreography before resistance exercise and a significant (P<0·05) increase in the heart rate in both sessions between blocks were observed. The combination of step choreography and resistance exercises during the same exercise session is a good strategy to promote an elevation of women's oxygen uptake during and after an exercise session, independent of the sequence used.
Circadian and ultradian patterns of epileptiform discharges differ by seizure‐onset location during long‐term ambulatory intracranial monitoring
Authors: Spencer David C. , Sun Felice T. , Brown Sarah N. , Jobst Barbara C. , Fountain Nathan B. , Wong Victoria S. S. , Mirro Emily A. , Quigg Mark
Published: July 2016

Objective

Previous studies reporting circadian patterns of epileptiform activity and seizures are limited by (1) short‐term recording in an epilepsy monitoring unit (EMU) with altered antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) and sleep, or (2) subjective seizure diary reports. We studied circadian patterns using long‐term ambulatory intracranial recordings captured by the NeuroPace RNS System.

Methods

Retrospective study of RNS System trial participants with stable detection parameters over a continuous 84‐day period. We analyzed all detections and long device–detected epileptiform events (long episodes) and defined a subset of subjects in whom long episodes represented electrographic seizures (LE‐SZ). Spectrum resampling determined the dominant frequency periodicity and cosinor analysis identified significant circadian peaks in detected activity. Chi‐square analysis was used to compare subjects grouped by region of seizure onset.

Results

In the 134 subjects, detections showed a strongly circadian and uniform pattern irrespective of region of onset that peaked during normal sleep hours. In contrast, long episodes and LE‐SZ patterns varied by region. Neocortical regions had a monophasic, nocturnally dominant rhythm, whereas limbic regions showed a more complex pattern and diurnal peak. Rhythms in some individual limbic subjects were best fit by a dual oscillator (circadian + ultradian) model.

Significance

Epileptiform activity has a strong 24 h periodicity with peak nocturnal occurrence. Limbic and neocortical epilepsy show divergent circadian influences. These findings confirm that circadian patterns of epileptiform activity vary by seizure‐onset zone, with implications for treatment and safety, including SUDEP.
Evidence of evolutionary homogenization of bird communities in urban environments across Europe
Authors: Morelli Federico , Benedetti Yanina , Ibáñez‐Álamo Juan Diego , Jokimäki Jukka , Mänd Raivo , Tryjanowski Piotr , Møller Anders Pape
Published: July 2016

Aim

The process of urbanization can lead to specialist species being replaced by generalist species in space and time, increasing similarity among bird communities. This phenomenon is termed biotic homogenization and is directly related to taxonomic and functional diversity. However, the effects of urbanization on phylogenetic diversity remain unclear. Our study addresses the effects of the process of urbanization on the evolutionary distinctiveness (a quantitative measure of the genetic or evolutionary uniqueness of species) of bird communities.

Location

Europe.

Methods

Mixed models were used to compare the effects of urbanization on the evolutionary distinctiveness of bird communities in rural and urban environments in six different European cities from different ecoregions.

Results

Our study presents unique large‐scale evidence of a negative impact of urban environments on the evolutionary uniqueness of birds. Compared with bird communities in rural environments, bird communities in urban environments have lower average evolutionary distinctiveness in all countries, independent of ecoregion, and these values are unrelated to the taxonomic diversity present in each country.

Main conclusions

Our findings provide important information on the spectrum of effects on global biodiversity of changes in land use related to the process of urbanization. Therefore, urban environments are a factor of concern for maintaining diversity across the tree of life of birds, and we suggest that urbanization planning could help buffer against extreme loss of phylogenetic diversity caused by this process.
Effect of elastic band‐based high‐speed power training on cognitive function, physical performance and muscle strength in older women with mild cognitive impairment
Authors: Yoon Dong Hyun , Kang Dongheon , Kim Hee‐jae , Kim Jin‐Soo , Song Han Sol , Song Wook
Published: July 2016

Aim

The effectiveness of resistance training in improving cognitive function in older adults is well demonstrated. In particular, unconventional high‐speed resistance training can improve muscle power development. In the present study, the effectiveness of 12 weeks of elastic band‐based high‐speed power training (HSPT) was examined.

Methods

Participants were randomly assigned into a HSPT group (n = 14, age 75.0 ± 0.9 years), a low‐speed strength training (LSST) group (n = 9, age 76.0 ± 1.3 years) and a control group (CON; n = 7, age 78.0 ± 1.0 years). A 1‐h exercise program was provided twice a week for 12 weeks for the HSPT and LSST groups, and balance and tone exercises were carried out by the CON group.

Results

Significant increases in levels of cognitive function, physical function, and muscle strength were observed in both the HSPT and LSST groups. In cognitive function, significant improvements in the Mini‐Mental State Examination and Montreal Cognitive Assessment were seen in both the HSPT and LSST groups compared with the CON group. In physical functions, Short Physical Performance Battery scores were increased significantly in the HSPT and LSST groups compared with the CON group. In the 12 weeks of elastic band‐based training, the HSPT group showed greater improvements in older women with mild cognitive impairment than the LSST group, although both regimens were effective in improving cognitive function, physical function and muscle strength.

Conclusions

We conclude that elastic band‐based HSPT, as compared with LSST, is more efficient in helping older women with mild cognitive impairment to improve cognitive function, physical performance and muscle strength. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2017; 17: 765–772.
Attitudes towards lung cancer screening in socioeconomically deprived and heavy smoking communities: informing screening communication
Authors: Quaife Samantha L. , Marlow Laura A. V. , McEwen Andy , Janes Samuel M. , Wardle Jane
Published: July 2016

Background

While discussion continues over the future implementation of lung cancer screening, low participation from higher risk groups could limit the effectiveness of any national screening programme.

Objectives

To compare smokers’ beliefs about lung cancer screening with those of former and never smokers within a low socioeconomic status (SES) sample, to explore the views of lower SES smokers and ex‐smokers in‐depth, and to provide insights into effective engagement strategies.

Design, setting and participants

Using proactive, community‐based recruitment methods, we surveyed 175 individuals from socioeconomically deprived communities with high smoking prevalence and subsequently interviewed 21 smokers and ex‐smokers. Participants were approached in community settings or responded to a mail‐out from their housing association.

Results

Interviewees were supportive of screening in principle, but many were doubtful about its ability to deliver long‐term survival benefit for their generation of “heavy smokers.” Lung cancer was perceived as an uncontrollable disease, and the survey data showed that fatalism, worry and perceived risk of lung cancer were particularly high among smokers compared with non‐smokers. Perceived blame and stigma around lung cancer as a self‐inflicted smokers’ disease were implicated by interviewees as important social deterrents of screening participation. The belief that lungs are not a treatable organ appeared to be a common lay explanation for poor survival and undermined the potential value of screening.

Conclusions

Attitudes towards screening among this high‐risk group are complex. Invitation strategies need to be carefully devised to achieve equitable participation in screening.
A systematic review of factors affecting intended and actual adherence with antiviral medication as treatment or prophylaxis in seasonal and pandemic flu
Authors: Smith Louise E. , D'Antoni Donatella , Jain Vageesh , Pearce Julia M. , Weinman John , Rubin G. James
Published: July 2016

The aim of this review was to identify factors predicting actual or intended adherence to antivirals as treatment or prophylaxis for influenza. Literature from inception to March 2015 was systematically reviewed to find studies reporting predictors of adherence to antivirals and self‐reported reasons for non‐adherence to antivirals. Twenty‐six studies were included in the review; twenty identified through the literature search and six through other means. Of these studies, 18 assessed predictors of actual adherence to antivirals, whereas eight assessed predictors of intended adherence. The most commonly found predictor of, and self‐reported reason for, non‐adherence was the occurrence of side effects. Other predictors include perceptions surrounding self‐efficacy, response efficacy and perceived personal consequences as well as social influences of others' experiences of taking antivirals. Predictors identified in this review can be used to help inform communications to increase adherence to antivirals in both seasonal and pandemic influenza.
Delivering compassionate care in intensive care units: nurses' perceptions of enablers and barriers
Authors: Jones Jenny , Winch Sarah , Strube Petra , Mitchell Marion , Henderson Amanda
Published: July 2016

Background

Compassion is core to nursing practice. Nurses' expression of compassion is a complex interaction informed by the nurse, the patient and the practice environment.

Aim

The aim of this study was to identify personal, professional and organizational factors, intensive care nurses, in a major metropolitan facility in Australia, identified as enabling or disabling them to be compassionate.

Design

Intensive care nurses (n = 171) reflected on their experiences during ‘compassion cafés’ conducted in 2015.

Method

Qualitative, reflexive methods were used to explore ICU nurses' perceptions of enablers and barriers. Nurses documented their perceptions, which were thematically analysed. Meanings were subsequently verified with participants.

Results

The findings identified multiple factors both inside and outside the workplace that constrained or enabled nurses' ability to be compassionate. Two main factors inside the workplace were culture of the team, in particular, support from colleagues and congruency in work practices and decision‐making, and connections with patients and families. Outside the workplace, nurses were influenced by their values about care and lifestyle factors such as family demands.

Conclusions

Nurses capacity to be compassionate is a complex interplay between nursing knowledge and expectations, organizational structures and lifestyle factors.

Implications

The responsibility for ‘compassionate’ care is a shared one. Nurses need to be cognizant of factors that are enabling or inhibiting their ability to be compassionate. Healthcare leaders have a responsibility to provide structural support (staffing, education and space) that assist nurses to deliver compassionate care and where appropriate cater for nurses needs so that they are better able to be compassionate.
Intra‐family stressors among adult siblings sharing caregiving for parents
Authors: Ngangana Pamela C. , Davis Bertha L. , Burns Dorothy P. , McGee Zina T. , Montgomery Arlene J.
Published: July 2016

Aim

The aim of this study was to describe a Neuman Systems Model–guided study of perceptions of family stressors experienced by adult siblings who share caregiving for their parents and the influence of these stressors on adult siblings’ relationships.

Background

The task of providing informal care for disabled parents is often shared by adult siblings. Family stressors experienced as part of caregiving may affect the sibling relationship.

Design

A mixed‐method study design was used.

Methods

Data were collected during 2013–2014 from 84 adult sibling caregivers. Seventy‐two caregivers provided quantitative data for the Lifespan Sibling Relationship Scale and the Zarit Burden Scale and 79 provided qualitative data for the open‐ended question.

Results

Adult siblings experienced mild‐to‐moderate levels of burden from family stressors when they share parental caregiving. The amount of burden from intra‐family stressors was negatively related to the adult sibling relationship. Beneficial and noxious stressors were evident in the participants’ responses to an open‐ended question.

Conclusion

The health of the parents affected the lives of adult siblings in both negative and positive ways. Although the majority of the adult siblings expressed a willingness to care for their parent(s) in an attempt to reciprocate the care, they had received from them, challenges emerged from dealing with family stressors.
Strategies for recruiting South Asian women to cancer screening research and the lessons learnt
Authors: Chan Dorothy N.S. , So Winnie K.W.
Published: July 2016

Aims

The aim of this study was to describe and discuss the recruitment strategies used in a research study of cervical cancer screening among South Asian women, the challenges encountered and the lessons learnt from the experience.

Background

Ethnic minority populations face different barriers to participating in research studies. Strategies have been developed to recruit this population to health‐related research in Western countries, but there is little information about such research in the Asian region.

Design

Discussion paper.

Data sources

The discussion is based on our previous experience. The source of this experience is the recruitment strategies used, their results and the challenges encountered during the process.

Implications for nursing

Culturally, relevant strategies and maintaining good relationships with stakeholders improved participant recruitment. Familiarity with South Asians’ traditional calendar – when cultural and religious festivals are held every year – would aid the setting up of appropriate schedules for participant recruitment, either before or after the periods when they cannot be reached, such as Ramadan. South Asian women are often busy with childcare and housework. This is their major responsibility in the family and any failure to fulfil such duties is a source of stress and may foster feelings of guilt. A better understanding of their daily routines is therefore important. Such information enables the establishment of daily meeting schedules to increase the success rate of recruitment.

Conclusion

Recruitment is a tedious process, but appropriate planning and taking account of cultural and religious practices and daily schedules will help to improve its rate of success.
The mediating role of spirituality on professional values and self‐efficacy: a study of senior nursing students
Authors: Jun Won Hee , Lee Gyungjoo
Published: July 2016

Aim

The aim of this study was to identify the significance of spirituality in enhancing self‐efficacy related to professional values in senior nursing students.

Background

Self‐efficacy can predict job satisfaction and performance as professional nurses in clinical settings. Senior nursing students should have the level of self‐efficacy that enables them to perform professional roles based on professional values, because they will enter clinical settings immediately after graduation. Spirituality may help senior nursing students during the transition to professional life to reflect on their skills, knowledge and situations to enhance self‐efficacy based on professional values.

Design

An exploratory, cross‐sectional design was used in this study.

Methods

A total of 194 senior nursing students in South Korea were recruited in 2014. They completed self‐reported questionnaires consisting of demographic questions, Spiritual Assessment Scale, Self‐Efficacy Scale and Nursing Professional Values inventory. A Sobel test was done to determine the mediating effect of spirituality on the relationship between nursing professional values and self‐efficacy.

Results

The findings showed a positive correlation between professional values, spirituality and self‐efficacy in nursing students. According to the Sobel test, spirituality had a mediating effect on the relationship between professional values and self‐efficacy in senior nursing students.

Conclusion

Spirituality can be a foundation that provides senior nursing students with higher self‐efficacy so that they are able to perform their professional roles based on their professional values. The findings can guide nursing educators to include spiritual development of nursing students to enhance the self‐efficacy of senior nursing students, the future of the nursing profession.
Nurse characteristics, leadership, safety climate, emotional labour and intention to stay for nurses: a structural equation modelling approach
Authors: Liang Hui‐Yu , Tang Fu‐In , Wang Tze‐Fang , Lin Kai‐Ching , Yu Shu
Published: July 2016

Aim

The aim of this study was to propose a theoretical model and apply it to examine the structural relationships among nurse characteristics, leadership characteristics, safety climate, emotional labour and intention to stay for hospital nurses.

Background

Global nursing shortages negatively affect the quality of care. The shortages can be reduced by retaining nurses. Few studies have independently examined the relationships among leadership, safety climate, emotional labour and nurses’ intention to stay; more comprehensive theoretical foundations for examining nurses’ intention to stay and its related factors are lacking.

Design

Cross‐sectional.

Methods

A purposive sample of 414 full‐time nurses was recruited from two regional hospitals in Taiwan. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data from November 2013–June 2014. Structural equation modelling was employed to test the theoretical models of the relationships among the constructs.

Results

Our data supported the theoretical model. Intention to stay was positively correlated with age and the safety climate, whereas working hours per week and emotional labour were negatively correlated. The nursing position and transformational leadership indirectly affected intention to stay; this effect was mediated separately by emotional labour and the safety climate.

Conclusion

Our data supported the model fit. Our findings provide practical implications for healthcare organizations and administrators to increase nurses’ intent to stay. Strategies including a safer climate, appropriate working hours and lower emotional labour can directly increase nurses’ intent to stay. Transformational leadership did not directly influence nurses’ intention to stay; however, it reduced emotional labour, thereby increasing intention to stay.
Strict Blood Pressure Control Achieved Using an ICT‐Based Home Blood Pressure Monitoring System in a Catastrophically Damaged Area After a Disaster
Authors: Nishizawa Masafumi , Hoshide Satoshi , Okawara Yukie , Matsuo Takefumi , Kario Kazuomi
Published: July 2016

At the time of the Great East Japan earthquake and tsunami (March 2011), the authors developed a web‐based information and communications technology (ICT)–based blood pressure (BP) monitoring system (the Disaster CArdiovascular Prevention [DCAP] Network) and introduced it in an area that was catastrophically damaged (Minamisanriku town) to help control the survivors' BP. Using this system, home BP (HBP) was monitored and the data were automatically transmitted to a central computer database and to the survivors' attending physicians. The study participants, 341 hypertensive patients, continued to use this system for 4 years after the disaster and all of the obtained HBP readings were analyzed. This DCAP HBP‐guided approach helped achieve a decrease in the participants' HBPs (initial average: 151.3±20.0/86.9±10.2 mm Hg to 120.2±12.1/70.8±10.2 mm Hg) over the 4 years. In addition, the amplitude of seasonal BP variation was suppressed and the duration from the summer lowest HBP values to the winter peak HBP values was gradually prolonged. This ICT‐based approach was useful to achieve strict HBP control and minimize the seasonal BP variation even in a catastrophically damaged area during a 4‐year period after the disaster, suggesting that this approach could be a routine way to monitor BP in the community.
Hypoxanthine induces cholesterol accumulation and incites atherosclerosis in apolipoprotein E‐deficient mice and cells
Authors: Ryu Hye‐Myung , Kim You‐Jin , Oh Eun‐Joo , Oh Se‐Hyun , Choi Ji‐Young , Cho Jang‐Hee , Kim Chan‐Duck , Park Sun‐Hee , Kim Yong‐Lim
Published: July 2016

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation during purine metabolism is associated with xanthine oxidase and uric acid. However, the direct effect of hypoxanthine on ROS generation and atherosclerosis has not been evaluated. Smoking and heavy drinking are associated with elevated levels of hypoxanthine. In this study, we investigated the role of hypoxanthine on cholesterol synthesis and atherosclerosis development, particularly in apolipoprotein E (APOE)‐deficient mice. The effect of hypoxanthine on the regulation of cholesterol synthesis and atherosclerosis were evaluated in Apoe knockout (KO) mice and cultured HepG2 cells. Hypoxanthine markedly increased serum cholesterol levels and the atherosclerotic plaque area in Apoe KO mice. In HepG2 cells, hypoxanthine increased intracellular ROS production. Hypoxanthine increased cholesterol accumulation and decreased APOE and ATP‐binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1) mRNA and protein expression in HepG2 cells. Furthermore, H2O2 also increased cholesterol accumulation and decreased APOE and ABCA1 expression. This effect was partially reversible by treatment with the antioxidant N‐acetyl cysteine and allopurinol. Hypoxanthine and APOE knockdown using APOE‐siRNA synergistically induced cholesterol accumulation and reduced APOE and ABCA1 expression. Hypoxanthine induces cholesterol accumulation in hepatic cells through alterations in enzymes that control lipid transport and induces atherosclerosis in APOE‐deficient cells and mice. These effects are partially mediated through ROS produced in response to hypoxanthine.
Evaluation of the adjunctive effect of platelet‐rich fibrin to enamel matrix derivative in the treatment of intrabony defects. Six‐month results of a randomized, split‐mouth, controlled clinical study
Authors: Aydemir Turkal Humerya , Demirer Serhat , Dolgun Anil , Keceli Huseyin Gencay
Published: July 2016

Aim

This study aimed to compare the results obtained with enamel matrix derivative (EMD) and EMD + platelet‐rich fibrin (PRF) in the treatment of intrabony defects (IBDs) in chronic periodontitis patients.

Materials and Methods

Using a split‐mouth design, 28 paired IBDs were randomly treated either with EMD or with EMD + PRF. Clinical and radiographic measurements including clinical attachment level (CAL), probing depth (PD), gingival recession (GR), defect depth (DD), defect width (DW) and defect angle (DA) were recorded at baseline (BL) and at six months following therapy.

Results

BL clinical and radiographic measurements were similar for EMD and EMD + PRF groups. Although postsurgical measurements revealed significant reduction for PD and CAL in both groups, no intergroup difference was detected. When EMD and EMD + PRF groups were compared, defect fill was not also statistically different.

Conclusions

Both therapies resulted in significant clinical improvement in IBD treatment. Addition of PRF did not improve the clinical and radiographic outcomes.
Nucleolin inhibitor GroA triggers reduction in epidermal growth factor receptor activation: Pharmacological implication for glial scarring after spinal cord injury
Authors: Goldshmit Yona , Schokoroy Trangle Sari , Afergan Fabian , Iram Tal , Pinkas‐Kramarski Ronit
Published: July 2016

Glial scarring, formed by reactive astrocytes, is one of the major impediments for regeneration after spinal cord injury (SCI). Reactive astrocytes become hypertrophic, proliferate and secrete chondroitin sulphate proteoglycans into the extracellular matrix (ECM). Many studies have demonstrated that epidermal growth factor receptors (EGFR) can mediate astrocyte reactivity after neurotrauma. Previously we showed that there is crosstalk between nucleolin and EGFR that leads to increased EGFR activation followed by increased cell proliferation. Treatment with the nucleolin inhibitor GroA (AS1411) prevented these effects in vitro and in vivo. In this study, we hypothesized that similar interactions may mediate astrogliosis after SCI. Our results demonstrate that nucleolin and EGFR interaction may play a pivotal role in mediating astrocyte proliferation and reactivity after SCI. Moreover, we demonstrate that treatment with GroA reduces EGFR activation, astrocyte proliferation and chondroitin sulphate proteoglycans secretion, therefore promoting axonal regeneration and sprouting into the lesion site. Our results identify, for the first time, a role for the interaction between nucleolin and EGFR in astrocytes after SCI, indicating that nucleolin inhibitor GroA may be used as a novel treatment after neurotrauma.

image

A major barrier for axonal regeneration after spinal cord injury is glial scar created by reactive and proliferating astrocytes. EGFR mediate astrocyte reactivity. We showed that inhibition of nucleolin by GroA, reduces EGFR activation, which results in attenuation of astrocyte reactivity and proliferation in vivo and in vitro. EGFR, epidermal growth factor receptor.
Unequal Englishes in the Philippines
Authors: Tupas Ruanni , Salonga Aileen
Published: July 2016

In this paper, we show how the notion of unequal Englishes can be deployed as an alternative way of accounting for the global spread of English. Through our data, we show how call‐center agents in the Philippines espouse conflicting ideologies in the workplace that invoke unequal Englishes. On the one hand, they espouse ideologies of privilege by seeing themselves as being able to exploit the resources of English in the call‐center workplace, thus celebrating themselves as proficient users of the language. On the other hand, they also espouse ideologies of delegitimization borne out of pressures to subscribe to American Standard English and the belief in the inherent superiority of ‘native speaker’ Englishes and their varieties. By mobilizing the paper towards unpacking inequalities of Englishes as invoked in the statements of call‐center agents, we hope to contribute to critically engaged discussions of the role of English in the world today.
Effect of high glucose, Porphyromonas gingivalis lipopolysaccharide and advanced glycation end‐products on production of interleukin‐6/‐8 by gingival fibroblasts
Authors: Chiu H‐C. , Fu M. M‐J. , Yang T‐S. , Fu E. , Chiang C‐Y. , Tu H‐P. , Chin Y‐T. , Lin F‐G. , Shih K‐C.
Published: July 2016

Background and Objective

It is known that chronic periodontal infection can magnify the cytokine responses in patients with diabetes. Hyperglycemia increases the proinflammatory status, including the levels of advanced glycation end‐products (AGEs), in patients with periodontitis. However, whether AGEs have additional effects on the production of those proinflammatory cytokines in diabetic patients with periodontitis is still unknown. To examine in vitro the effect of hyperglycemia and AGEs on the amounts of interleukin (IL)‐6 and IL‐8 produced in periodontally infected gingiva, human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs) were stimulated with glucose, AGE‐modified bovine serum albumin (AGE‐BSA) and Porphyromonas gingivalis LPS in the present study.

Material and Methods

Primary culture of HGFs was incubated with various concentrations of AGE‐BSA (0, 50, 100 and 200 μg/mL) and LPS (0, 10, 100 or 1000 ng/mL) at two different glucose concentrations – normal glucose (5 mm) and high glucose (25 mm). The amounts of IL‐6 and IL‐8 produced by HGFs were evaluated using ELISA. Expression of the AGE receptor on HGFs was determined by flow cytometry.

Results

High glucose stimulated a significant increase in the production of IL‐6 and IL‐8 by HGFs compared with normal glucose. This enhanced production of IL‐6 and IL‐8 could also be observed in the presence of LPS and/or AGE‐BSA. When both LPS and AGE‐BSA were present, especially at high concentrations (≥ 500 μg/mL of LPS and ≥ 25 μg/mL of AGE‐BSA), a synergistic effect on IL‐8 production was found in the high‐glucose condition.

Conclusions

A synergistic effect of the production of IL‐8 could be induced in HGFs with the combination of high glucose, LPS and AGEs.
Phytoplankton phenotype plasticity induced by phosphorus starvation may play a significant role in marine microbial ecology and biogeochemistry
Authors: Brandsma Joost
Published: July 2016

This article is a commentary on Shemi et al., 211: 886–898.
Spiritual care as a response to an exaptation: how evolutionary psychology informs the debate
Authors: Kevern Peter
Published: July 2016

This article has its origins in a 2013 proposal by the author that the concept of ‘spiritual care’ in clinical settings might fruitfully be grounded in the findings of the Cognitive Science of Religion (CSR). In a recent paper, John Paley rejects the central arguments and asserts his conviction that a model for ‘spiritual care’ cannot be derived from the insights of evolutionary psychology. In this article, the author employs a modified form of Fichtean dialectic to examine the contrasting positions and, via a process of analysis and synthesis, identify the key areas for further exploration and research. He concludes, first, that CSR in itself does not provide a sufficient theoretical justification for the notion and practice of ‘spiritual care’; secondly, that any attempt to develop a general theory of spiritual care would need to pay closer attention to the role of historically situated religious communities; and finally, that these objections nevertheless do not amount to an argument against the attempt to provide spiritual care as part of person‐centred care. Instead, a revised model is proposed which has the potential to provide testable predictions in this field.
Personalized and targeted therapy of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma: an update
Authors: Liu Yongjing , Xiong Zhaohui , Beasley Andrea , D'Amico Thomas , Chen Xiaoxin Luke
Published: July 2016

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is a deadly disease that requires extensive research. In this review, we update recent progress in the research area of targeted therapy for ESCC. SOX2 and its associated proteins (e.g., ΔNP63α), which regulate lineage survival of ESCC cells, are proposed as therapeutic targets. It is believed that targeting the lineage‐survival mechanism may be more effective than targeting other mechanisms. With the advent of a new era of personalized targeted therapy, there is a need to move from the tumor‐centric model into an organismic model.
Is the Norm on Belief Evaluative? A Response to McHugh
Authors: Greenberg Alexander , Cowie Christopher
Published: July 2016

We respond to Conor McHugh's claim that an evaluative account of the normative relation between belief and truth is preferable to a prescriptive account. We claim that his arguments fail to establish this. We then draw a more general sceptical conclusion: we take our arguments to put pressure on any attempt to show that an evaluative account will fare better than a prescriptive account. We briefly express scepticism about whether McHugh's more recent ‘fitting attitude’ account fares better.
Commonly Employed African Neonatal Skin Care Products Compromise Epidermal Function in Mice
Authors: Man Mao‐Qiang , Sun Richard , Man George , Lee Dale , Hill Zelee , Elias Peter M.
Published: July 2016

Background

Neonatal mortality is much higher in the developing world than in developed countries. Infections are a major cause of neonatal death, particularly in preterm infants, in whom defective epidermal permeability barrier function facilitates transcutaneous pathogen invasion. The objective was to determine whether neonatal skin care products commonly used in Africa benefit or compromise epidermal functions in murine skin.

Methods

After twice‐daily treatment of 6‐ to 8‐week‐old hairless mice with each skin care product for 3 days, epidermal permeability barrier function, skin surface pH, stratum corneum hydration, and barrier recovery were measured using a multiprobe adapter system physiology monitor. For products showing some benefits in these initial tests, the epidermal permeability barrier homeostasis was assessed 1 and 5 hours after a single application to acutely disrupted skin.

Results

All of the skin care products compromised basal permeability barrier function and barrier repair kinetics. Moreover, after 3 days of treatment, most of the products also reduced stratum corneum hydration while elevating skin surface pH to abnormal levels.

Conclusion

Some neonatal skin care products that are widely used in Africa perturb important epidermal functions, including permeability barrier homeostasis in mice. Should these products have similar effects on newborn human skin, they could cause a defective epidermal permeability barrier, which can increase body fluid loss, impair thermoregulation, and contribute to the high rates of neonatal morbidity and mortality seen in Africa. Accordingly, alternative products that enhance permeability barrier function should be identified, particularly for use in preterm infants.
Sézary Syndrome in a 17‐Year‐Old Boy: Clinicopathologic Features and Genomic Profile
Authors: Alberti‐Violetti Silvia , Vezzoli Pamela , Corti Laura , Fanoni Daniele , Merlo Valentina , Venegoni Luigia , Reseghetti Alberto , Berti Emilio
Published: July 2016

We describe the case of a 17‐year‐old Hispanic boy who had had erythroderma and diffuse lymphadenopathy for approximately 6 months. A diagnosis of Sézary syndrome was made on the basis of the histologic features of the skin; the presence of the same T‐cell clone on the skin, blood, and bone marrow; and the high CD4+ lymphocyte count with an aberrant phenotype in peripheral blood; bone marrow involvement was also present. The patient was treated with systemic gemcitabine and achieved partial remission.
Evidence of a shallow magma intrusion beneath the NE Rift system of Mt. Etna during 2013
Authors: Bruno Valentina , Ferlito Carmelo , Mattia Mario , Monaco Carmelo , Rossi Massimo , Scandura Danila
Published: July 2016

Continuous GPS (CGPS) data, collected at Mt. Etna between April 2012 and October 2013, clearly define inflation/deflation processes typically observed before/after an eruption onset. During the inflationary process from May to October 2013, a particular deformation pattern localised in the upper North Eastern sector of the volcano suggests that a magma intrusion had occurred a few km away from the axis of the summit craters, beneath the NE Rift system. This is the first time that this pattern has been recorded by CGPS data at Mt. Etna. We believe that this inflation process might have taken place periodically at Mt. Etna and might be associated with the intrusion of batches of magma that are separate from the main feeding system. We provide a model to explain this unusual behaviour and the eruptive regime of this rift zone, which is characterised by long periods of quiescence followed by often dangerous eruptions in which vents can open at low elevation and thus threaten the villages in this sector of the volcano.
Border Effects Before and After 9/11: Panel Data Evidence Across Industries
Authors: Chen Zhiqi , Rus Horatiu A. , Sen Anindya
Published: July 2016

The paper builds a unique industry‐level panel data set to estimate the border effects associated with US–Canada trade for each year from 1992 to 2005. We first establish the theoretical foundation of our empirical model as a multisector version of Anderson and van Wincoop. Estimates from data aggregated at the province/state level yield border effects that increase slightly in the early 1990s, then decline after the implementation of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), but then increase significantly after 2001. Results based on three‐digit NAICS level data reveal higher border effects in the early 1990s and substantial heterogeneity across industries. The results are robust to a variety of specifications and models, and they suggest that the security measures adopted in the aftermath of the tragic events of 11 September 2001 had considerable adverse effects on US–Canada trade.
Perioperative Management and Outcome of Bilateral Adrenalectomy in 9 Dogs
Authors: Oblak Michelle L. , Bacon Nicholas J. , Covey Jennifer L.
Published: July 2016

Objective

To report perioperative care, postoperative management, and long‐term outcomes in dogs undergoing bilateral adrenalectomy.

Study Design

Retrospective case series.

Animals

Dogs undergoing bilateral adrenalectomy from 2008 to 2013 (n=9).

Methods:Data retrieved from the record, when available, included signalment, preoperative clinical signs, laboratory data, diagnostic imaging, blood pressure measurement, preoperative treatment for adrenal gland disease, intraoperative procedures, treatments and complications, postoperative treatment and diagnostics during hospitalization, diagnostics and management following discharge, histopathologic diagnosis, and survival.

Results

Seven dogs underwent concurrent bilateral adrenalectomy and 2 dogs had staged adrenalectomy. Surgery was uncomplicated in most cases. All dogs received IV dexamethasone SP intraoperatively. Eight dogs received intramuscular desoxycorticosterone pivalate intraoperatively. Histopathology revealed adrenocortical adenoma (7 dogs), adrenocortical carcinoma (4), pheochromocytoma (6), and adrenocortical atrophy (1). One dog died perioperatively and the remainder died due to unrelated causes. Postoperative management of hypoadrenocorticism included oral prednisone and intramuscular desoxycorticosterone pivalate (6 dogs), oral prednisone and fludrocortisone (1), and oral fludrocortisone alone (1). The median survival time in dogs surviving to hospital discharge was 525 days (range 67–966 days). No dogs developed metastatic disease or died due to signs of hypoadrenocorticism.

Conclusion

Based on the cases reported here, the perioperative mortality in dogs undergoing bilateral adrenalectomy may be lower than previously reported. Management of postoperative hypoadrenocorticism is both achievable and straightforward.