bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Soil functional resistance and stability are linked to different ecosystem properties
Authors: Wakelin Steven A. , Macdonald Lynne M. , O'Callaghan Maureen , Forrester Sean T. , Condron Leo M.
Published: December 2013

The functional resistance and resilience of soils from across the South Island of New Zealand were assessed. Soils were collected from under varying land‐uses (pasture, pine forest, native forest) at each of four different locations (Hokitika, Craigieburn, Eyrewell, Orton Bradley Park). Soil function was measured using carbon utilization profiles (MicroResp technique), and responses to freeze‐thaw disturbance assessed in a multivariate approach. Resistance was defined as the amount of change in functional profiles (multivariate distance) before, and then 10 h after, disturbance. Resilience was defined as the stability in ecosystem function over time (6 sample points spanning 17 days after initial freeze‐thaw disturbance). The functional resistance of soils was not linked to land‐use nor sampling location (permanova P > 0.05) but was negatively correlated with soil Olsen‐P levels (biological‐environmental matching (BIO‐ENV test); ρ = 0.604, P = 0.04). Secondary factors associated with soil organic matter status were associated with functional resistance in soil of low Olsen‐P. This was explicitly tested by repeating the experiment in soils collected from a long‐term P fertilizer management trial; functional resistance remained linked to the underlying P status of the soils (P = 0.002). The functional stability of soil (post‐disturbance) was associated with long‐term rainfall (canonical analysis on principal coordinates – CAP analysis; P = 0.039); soils from high rainfall sites were more stable after disturbance. The results show that variables linked to functional resistance and resilience in soils are different. Furthermore, resilience was not correlated with resistance, or with measures of functional diversity (e.g. evenness of substrate mineralization). Alteration of the P status of soils is likely to impact on the capacity of soils to rapidly respond to disturbance, whereas drivers of climate, such as global warming, may impact soil functional resilience.
Adverse circulatory effects of passive smoking during infancy: surprisingly strong, manifest early, easily avoided
Authors: Cohen G , Vardavas C , Patelarou E , Kogevinas M , Katz‐Salamon M
Published: December 2013

Aim

To compare blood pressure reactions (BPR) of infants to mild stress for evidence of adverse cardiovascular effects of passive exposure to tobacco smoke during pregnancy and early infancy.

Methods

An observational field study conducted in Crete. We compared 4‐ to 6‐month olds of lifelong nonsmokers minimally (controls, n = 9) or frequently exposed to tobacco smoke (passive smokers; n = 10) with those born to habitual smokers (n = 6). Smoke exposure was verified biochemically (urine cotinine each trimester and at study). We recorded beat‐to‐beat blood pressure (BP) during brief repositioning manoeuvres performed during a daytime nap and analysed BPR (% change in BP during head‐up tilt) for associations with maternal and infant cotinine.

Results

We observed a 20‐fold difference between BPR of infants of controls versus passive smokers – exceptional given number of infants (α error/confidence level <10% i.e. power >90%). The BPR declined linearly as the infant's (but not mother's) cotinine level rose (p = 0.04), indicating abnormal BPR was caused mainly by postnatal smoke exposure. Infants of active smokers differed from those of passive smokers.

Conclusion

Cardiovascular effects of passive smoking by a newborn infant manifest early on and are exceptionally strong. They can be largely avoided by keeping the home smoke rigorously free.
Tryptophan breakdown is increased in euthymic overweight individuals with bipolar disorder: a preliminary report
Authors: Reininghaus Eva Z , McIntyre Roger S , Reininghaus Bernd , Geisler Simon , Bengesser Susanne A , Lackner Nina , Hecht Karen , Birner Armin , Kattnig Fabian , Unterweger Renate , Kapfhammer Hans‐Peter , Zelzer Sieglinde , Fuchs Dietmar , Mangge Harald
Published: December 2013

Objectives

Individuals with bipolar disorder (BD) are disproportionately affected by symptoms of being overweight and metabolic syndrome when compared to the general population. The pertinence of this observation is underscored by observations that excess weight is associated with a more complex illness presentation, course, and outcome in BD. We present the first preliminary report of our BIPFAT study, which explored shared hypothesized pathophysiological pathways between being overweight and having BD.

Methods

We investigated the tryptophan–kynurenine metabolism pathway as a proxy of dysregulated inflammatory homeostasis in euthymic, overweight individuals with BD (n = 78) compared to healthy controls (n = 156).

Results

Both blood kynurenine concentrations and the kynurenine to tryptophan ratio [(Kyn:Trp); an estimate of tryptophan breakdown] were significantly higher in the total sample of euthymic patients with BD, with greater increases noted in both parameters in the subsample of overweight patients with BD. When compared to controls, peripheral neopterin concentrations were significantly lower. Within the BD group, there were also significant between‐group differences in neopterin concentrations, with higher levels in those who were overweight and in subjects with BD in the later stages of illness compared to earlier stages.

Conclusions

Increased tryptophan breakdown, as well as neopterin levels in BD, may be an indirect mediator of immune‐mediated inflammation. In BD, this may account for the high prevalence of medical comorbidities and increased mortality. The observation of increased kynurenine levels and Kyn:Trp, and altered circulating neopterin levels provides indirect evidence of increased activity of tryptophan‐degrading indoleamine 2,3‐dioxygenase in euthymic individuals with BD, underscoring the role of inflammatory mediators as a causative and/or consequent factor. More robust abnormalities in the overweight subsample underscore the additional inflammatory burden of medical comorbidity and suggest a shared pathophysiology as well as a mechanism mediating BD and cardiovascular disease.
Haemoglobinuria is associated with chronic kidney disease and its progression in patients with sickle cell anaemia
Authors: Saraf Santosh L. , Zhang Xu , Kanias Tamir , Lash James P. , Molokie Robert E. , Oza Bharvi , Lai Catherine , Rowe Julie H. , Gowhari Michel , Hassan Johara , DeSimone Joseph , Machado Roberto F. , Gladwin Mark T. , Little Jane A. , Gordeuk Victor R.
Published: December 2013

To evaluate the association between haemoglobinuria and chronic kidney disease (CKD) in sickle cell anaemia (SCA), we analysed 356 adult haemoglobin SS or Sβo thalassaemia patients from the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) and 439 from the multi‐centre Walk‐Treatment of Pulmonary Hypertension and Sickle Cell Disease with Sildenafil Therapy (Walk‐PHaSST) cohort. CKD was classified according to National Kidney Foundation Kidney Disease Outcomes Quality Initiatives guidelines. Haemoglobinuria, defined as positive haem on urine dipstick with absent red blood cells on microscopy, was confirmed by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay in a subset of patients. The prevalence of CKD was 58% in the UIC cohort and 54% in the Walk‐PHaSST cohort, and haemoglobinuria was observed in 36% and 20% of the patients, respectively. Pathway analysis in both cohorts indicated an independent association of lactate dehydrogenase with haemoglobinuria and, in turn, independent associations of haemoglobinuria and age with CKD (P < 0·0001). After a median of 32 months of follow‐up in the UIC cohort, haemoglobinuria was associated with progression of CKD [halving of estimated glomerular filtration rate or requirement for dialysis; Hazard ratio (HR) 13·9, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1·7–113·2, P = 0·0012] and increasing albuminuria (HR 3·1, 95% CI: 1·3–7·7; logrank P = 0·0035). In conclusion haemoglobinuria is common in SCA and is associated with CKD, consistent with a role for intravascular haemolysis in the pathogenesis of renal dysfunction in SCA.
El Niño, Host Plant Growth, and Migratory Butterfly Abundance in a Changing Climate
Authors: Srygley Robert B. , Dudley Robert , Oliveira Evandro G. , Riveros Andre J.
Published: December 2013

In the wet forests of Panama, El Niño typically brings a more prolonged and severe dry season. Interestingly, many trees and lianas that comprise the wet forests increase their productivity as a response to El Niño. Here, we quantify the abundance of migratingMarpesia chironbutterflies over 17 yr and the production of new leaves of their hostplants over 9 yr to test the generality of the El Niño migration syndrome,i.e., whether increased abundance of migrating insects and productivity of their food plants are associated with El Niño and La Niña events. We find that the quantity ofM. chironmigrating across the Panama Canal was directly proportional to the sea surface temperature (SST) anomaly of the Pacific Ocean, which characterizes El Niño and La Niña events. We also find that production of new leaves by its larval host trees, namelyBrosimum alicastrum,Artocarpus altilis, andFicus citrifolia, was directly proportional to theSSTanomaly, with greater leaf flushing occurring during the period of the annual butterfly migration that followed an El Niño event. Combining these and our previously published results for the migratory butterflyAphrissa statiraand its host lianas, we conclude that dry season rainfall and photosynthetically active radiation can serve as primary drivers of larval food production and insect population outbreaks in Neotropical wet forests, with drier years resulting in enhanced plant productivity and herbivore abundance. Insect populations should closely track changes in both frequency and amplitude of the El Niño Southern Oscillation with climate change.
Posttraumatic stress symptoms and structure among orphan and vulnerable children and adolescents in Zambia
Authors: Familiar Itziar , Murray Laura , Gross Alden , Skavenski Stephanie , Jere Elizabeth , Bass Judith
Published: December 2013

Background

Scant information exists on posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms and structure in youth from developing countries.

Methods

We describe the symptom profile and exposure to trauma experiences among 343 orphan and vulnerable children and adolescents from Zambia. We distinguished profiles of posttraumatic stress symptoms using latent class analysis.

Results

Average number of trauma‐related symptoms (21.6; range 0–38) was similar across sex and age. Latent class model suggested three classes varying by level of severity: low (31% of the sample), medium (45% of the sample), and high (24% of the sample) symptomatology.

Conclusions

Results suggest that PTSD is a continuously distributed latent trait.
Acute angle closure: qualitative and quantitative evaluation of the anterior segment using anterior segment optical coherence tomography
Authors: Moghimi Sasan , Zandvakil Narges , Vahedian Zakieh , Mohammadi Massood , Fakhraie Ghasem , Coleman Anne L , Lin Shan C
Published: December 2013

Background

To evaluate different mechanisms of acute angle closure and to compare it with unaffected fellow eyes and primary angle closure suspects using anterior segment optical coherence tomography.

Design

Prospective, cross‐sectional.

Participants

116 eyes (76 patients) with angle closure disease were included.

Methods

Eyes were categorized into three groups: (i) acute angle closure (40 eyes); (ii) fellow eyes of acute angle closure (40 eyes); and (iii) primary angle closure suspect (36 eyes). Complete ophthalmic examinations including gonioscopy, A‐scan biometry and anterior segment optical coherence tomography were performed.

Main Outcome Measure

Based on the anterior segment optical coherence tomography images, four mechanisms of primary angle closure including pupil block, plateau iris configuration, thick peripheral iris roll and exaggerated lens vault were evaluated among the three subtypes of angle closure disease.

Results

There was a statistically significant difference in the mechanism of angle closure disease among the three groups (P < 0.001). Although the majority of fellow and primary angle closure suspect eyes had pupil block mechanism (77.5% and 75%, respectively), only 37.5% of acute angle closure eyes had dominant pupil block mechanism. The percentage because of exaggerated lens vault was greatest in acute angle closure eyes (50%). Acute angle closure eyes had the shallowest anterior chamber depth (P < 0.001), least iris curvature (P < 0.001) and greatest lens vault (P = 0.003) compared with the other two groups.

Conclusions

A statistically significant difference in the underlying primary angle closure mechanisms among acute angle closure eyes as compared with their fellow eyes and primary angle closure suspect may exist.
The Role of Diffusion Tensor Imaging in Detecting Microstructural Changes in Prodromal Alzheimer's Disease
Authors: Zhang Bing , Xu Yun , Zhu Bin , Kantarci Kejal
Published: December 2013

The MRI technique diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) is reviewed along with microstructural changes associated with prodromal Alzheimer's disease (AD) as a potential biomarker for clinical applications. The prodromal stage of AD is characterized by mild cognitive impairment (MCI), representing a transitional state between normal aging and AD. Microstructural abnormalities on DTI are promising in vivo biomarkers of gray and white matter changes associated with the progression of AD pathology. Elevated mean diffusivity and decreased fractional anisotropy are consistently found in prodromal AD, and even in cognitively normal elderly who progress to MCI. However, quality of parameter maps may be affected by artifacts of motion, susceptibility, and eddy current‐induced distortions. The DTI maps are typically analyzed by region‐of‐interest or voxel‐based analytic techniques such as tract‐based spatial statistics. DTI‐based index of diffusivity is complementary to macrostructural gray matter changes in the hippocampus in detecting prodromal AD. Breakdown of structural connectivity measured with DTI may impact cognitive performance during early AD. Furthermore, assessment of hippocampal connections may help in understanding the cerebral organization and remodeling associated with treatment response.
Investigation of the relationship between serum hormones and pilonidal sinus disease: a cross‐sectional study
Authors: Özkan Z. , Aksoy N. , Emir S. , Kanat B. H. , Gönen A. N. , Yazar F. M. , Çimen A. R.
Published: December 2013

Aim

The aim of this cross‐sectional study was to determine whether pilonidal sinus is influenced by hormones that stimulate body hair growth. Currently, there are insufficient data on the presence of hormonal abnormalities in pilonidal sinus disease.

Method

Hormone levels (including those of thyroid‐stimulating hormone, follicular‐stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, prolactin, progesterone, oestradiol, testosterone, cortisol and dehydroepiandrosterone) were measured in 39 patients with pilonodal sinus presenting between February 2013 and March 2013. The results were compared with those of 39 volunteers without this disease.

Results

There was no statistically significant difference between men with pilonidal sinus disease (P > 0.05). The prolactin levels of women with pilonoidal sinus were significantly higher than those of women in the control group (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Raised serum prolactin levels in women may be related to the development of pilonidal sinus disease.
A study to demonstrate the use of FNA cytology rather than biopsy in the diagnosis of neonatal biliary atresia
Authors: Mokhtari M. , Kumar P. V. , Salimi A.
Published: December 2013

Objective

To study the use of fine needle aspiration (FNA) cytology in neonatal biliary atresia (BA).

Methods

Twelve female and nine male patients (age range, 3–7 months; mean age, 4.5 months) with a pre‐operative diagnosis of BA, who were scheduled for Kasia portoenterostomy and selected for intraoperative FNA, were studied.

Results

Cholestasis, bile deposits, bile infarcts, hepatitic rosettes enclosing bile plugs, feathery degeneration of hepatocytes and inflammatory cells were seen in the cytological slides. Bile infarcts, rosette formation and inflammatory cells were mainly noticed in type 3 BA. Bile infarcts and hepatitic rosettes are surrogate findings for the diagnosis of the obstructive type of cholestasis.

Conclusion

With the help of imaging studies, FNA in a multidisciplinary setting can be diagnostic of neonatal BA when cytological features suggest the obstructive nature of cholestasis, but this procedure cannot replace completely liver biopsy for this diagnosis.
A systematic approach to assess the strengths and limitations of cytomorphology in the diagnosis of the follicular variant of papillary thyroid carcinoma
Authors: Manivannan P. , Siddaraju N. , Gopalakrishnan S.
Published: December 2013

Objective

To identify the most useful cytomorphological features of follicular variant of papillary thyroid carcinoma (FVPTC).

Methods

Fine needle aspiration cytological features of seven histologically proven FVPTCs were systematically evaluated in a blinded manner for various architectural, nuclear, cytoplasmic and background features with special reference to nuclear morphology.

Results

Most smears were moderate to highly cellular with clustered and/or repetitive microfollicles, rare macrofollicles and minimal thick gummy colloid. Six of seven cases showed significant nuclear crowding/overlapping. Fairly uniform nucleomegaly (mostly three to five times the size of a mature lymphocyte) of intact neoplastic cells and enlarged naked nuclei were prominent features in all seven cases, whereas enlarged ovoid nuclei were seen in two cases. Chromatin was fine to coarsely granular and evenly distributed. Occasional nuclear grooves (NGs) and intranuclear cytoplasmic inclusions (INCIs) were seen in five and three cases, respectively. This refined approach led to a precise diagnosis of FVPTC in six cases, which were earlier interpreted as various follicular lesions. Follicular hyperplasia was excluded by the absence of significant amounts of colloid and atretic naked nuclei, whilst the possibility of follicular adenoma or follicular carcinoma was excluded by the presence of one or more features suggestive of papillary thyroid carcinoma.

Conclusions

Our study showed a high cell yield, microfollicular pattern, nuclear overcrowding/overlapping, scanty gummy colloid and enlarged naked nuclei as the most consistent features of FVPTC. Although inconsistent, features such as enlarged ovoid nuclei and syncytial clusters were complementary to the diagnosis in the absence of NGs and INCIs.
Self‐reported recent testing and diagnosis for sexually transmitted infections among regular ecstasy users in Australia, 2011–2012
Authors: Nguyen Phuong L. T. , Bruno Raimondo , Alati Rosa , Lenton Simon , Burns Lucy , Dietze Paul M.
Published: December 2013

Background

Previous studies suggest that people who consume alcohol and drugs are at increased risk of sexually transmitted infections (STI). We examined the prevalence and predictors of self‐reported STI testing and diagnosis among self‐reported regular ecstasy users (REU).

Methods

Nine hundred and fifty‐five REUs from the 2011 and 2012 Ecstasy and Related Drugs Reporting System were included in the analysis. Bivariate and multivariate Poisson regression were used to identify predictors of recent STI testing, and logistic regression was used to identify predictors of recent STI diagnosis.

Results

Forty‐four per cent of REUs reported having a recent STI test, and 5% reported a recent diagnosis. Of the 421 REUs who reported a recent test, 10% reported a recent STI diagnosis. In multivariate analysis, REUs were more likely to report a recent STI test if they were female versus male [risk ratio (RR) = 1.56; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.36−1.80], aged 25–29 years versus 16–19 years (RR = 1.34; 95% CI = 1.05−1.72), or reported ≥2 casual sex partners versus no casual partners (RR = 1.48; 95% CI = 1.01–2.14). REUs reporting cannabis use in the past six months were 0.78 times less likely to report a recent STI test (95% CI = 0.66−0.94). There were no significant predictors associated with STI diagnosis.

Conclusion

Encouragingly, REUs who reported having multiple casual partners in the past six months were more likely to report a recent test. However, younger REUs aged 16–19 years were least likely to test, suggesting health promotion needs to be directed to this age group. Further research is required to explain the lower testing among cannabis users.
Genetic correction using engineered nucleases for gene therapy applications
Authors: Lisa Li Hongmei , Nakano Takao , Hotta Akitsu
Published: December 2013

Genetic mutations in humans are associated with congenital disorders and phenotypic traits. Gene therapy holds the promise to cure such genetic disorders, although it has suffered from several technical limitations for decades. Recent progress in gene editing technology using tailor‐made nucleases, such as meganucleases (MNs), zinc finger nucleases (ZFNs), TAL effector nucleases (TALENs) and, more recently, CRISPR/Cas9, has significantly broadened our ability to precisely modify target sites in the human genome. In this review, we summarize recent progress in gene correction approaches of the human genome, with a particular emphasis on the clinical applications of gene therapy.
The Lord's Prayer in Eastern Spirituality
Authors: Dumitraşcu Nicu
Published: December 2013

This article first speaks briefly of prayer in general and its essence; and then discusses various kinds of prayer in the Orthodox Christian tradition, chief among which is personal prayer made in private, and liturgical prayer celebrated in church. There is also spontaneous prayer, less favored in Orthodoxy, where the model prayer is the Lord's Prayer. The main part of the article examines the petitions that make up the Lord's Prayer and the interpretation given to them by patristic writers. It concludes by affirming the unique character of the prayer, which can be regarded as the perfect summary of the Christian message.
“The Only Safe Guide is Love”: Models of Engaging Luther's Ethical Hermeneutic for Theological Responses to the Affirmation of Same‐Sex Sexuality
Authors: Cox Jillian
Published: December 2013

Lutheran theological discussions over the morality of same‐sex sexuality not only raise “ethical” questions, but point to deeper interpretive tensions that arise when resources of the tradition are interpreted in new contexts. Responding to these debates, in this article I propose that Luther's application of the law to challenging ethical situations provides a historically situated hermeneutic that can redirect theological discussions on same‐sex sexuality. Drawing upon feminist Lutheran and queer theological work, I consider how we may reengage with Luther in a way that is both faithful to his commitments, and also takes queer people seriously as moral subjects.
Under the aegis of the saints. Hagiography and power in early Carolingian northern Italy
Authors: Vocino Giorgia
Published: December 2013

In the transition from the Lombard to the Carolingian period, hagiography came to play a fundamental role in the strategies of legitimation and representation of the episcopal churches of the regnum Langobardorum. This article gives an overview of the features, choices, tastes and models of sanctity characteristic of Italian hagiography, against the background of local contexts and political competition. It demonstrates that in the territories under Frankish rule, hagiography represented a chief instrument in the hands of the ecclesiastical elites to shape and use the past in light of the concerns of the present.
(Global) health geography and the post‐2015 development agenda
Authors: Herrick Clare
Published: December 2013

This commentary complements and extends Brown and Moon's (2012) work on ‘geography and global health’ by starting where their piece finished – the post‐2015 development agenda. It explores three core elements of this agenda: the debate over the revised Millennium Development Goals, new Sustainable Development Goals and the inclusion of non‐communicable disease within both. It then critically reflects on the significance of this for three areas of geographical engagements with global health in particular, and health in more general terms: the (re)integration of health and the urban; shifts in global funding priorities; and the genesis and effects of what have been termed ‘industrial epidemics’.
Ca(OH)2 application modes: in vitro alkalinity and clinical effect on bacteria
Authors: Sirén E. K. , Kerosuo E. , Lavonius E. , Meurman J. H. , Haapasalo M.
Published: December 2013

Aim

To compare five calcium hydroxide (CH) products, CH‐gutta‐percha Plus points® (CHGP) and conventional CH paste, for their ability to maintain alkalinity and to assess the clinical antimicrobial effect of CHGP.

Methodology

Calcium hydroxide products were tested in the presence of standardized dentine powder or by titrating them with 1 mol HCl, expressed in mL (±SD). In a clinical trial, 21 single‐rooted teeth with primary apical periodontitis were medicated with CHGP or with conventional CH paste. Bacterial samples were taken before and after chemo‐mechanical preparation, after dressing and after leaving canals empty but sealed. To compare groups, anova with Tukey's test was used in the laboratory study and Fisher's exact test in the clinical study. Significance level was set at 5%.

Results

Pure CH with water (8.5 ± 0.1) and Calasept (9.3 ± 0.1) maintained the highest alkalinity, followed by the gel‐like products DS CaOH gel (7.3 ± 0.3) and Ultracal XS (6.8 ± 0.2) and then Biokalkki (6.3 ± 0.3) and Calxyl blue (5.1 ± 0.2). All CH paste products had higher values compared with CHGP (1.6 ± 0.1) (P < 0.05). Saturated solutions of the products were all neutralized to pH 8.6 within 24 h by dentine powder addition. Clinically, culture‐negative results were obtained in 5/10 canals in the CHGP group and 7/11 with conventional CH (P > 0.05).

Conclusions

Aqueous CH mixtures kept high pH better than viscous gel products or CHGP. Dentine powder had equal buffering effect on each product tested. CHGP and traditional CH paste both had an antimicrobial effect in the clinical setting, but there was no significant difference between the groups.
Does mechanical bowel preparation ameliorate damage from rectal injury in radical prostatectomy? Analysis of 151 rectal injury cases
Authors: Sugihara Toru , Yasunaga Hideo , Horiguchi Hiromasa , Matsuda Shinya , Fushimi Kiyohide , Kattan Michael W , Homma Yukio
Published: December 2013

Objective

To evaluate whether mechanical bowel preparation before radical prostatectomy ameliorates damage from rectal injury in radical prostatectomy.

Methods

Among 35 099 radical prostatectomy cases in the Japanese Diagnosis Procedure Combination database 2007–2012, those where a rectal injury occurred were stratified into a preoperative mechanical bowel preparation group (polyethylene glycol electrolyte, magnesium citrate solution and sodium picosulfate) and a non‐mechanical bowel preparation group. The associations between mechanical bowel preparation and rectal injury were evaluated by multivariate regression analysis for: (i) subsequent infectious complications; (ii) requirement of delayed colostomy formation after primary closure; (iii) postoperative length of stay; and (iv) total costs. Covariates were age, surgical approach, Charlson Comorbidity Index, T and N category, hospital volume, hospital academic status, and colostomy formation.

Results

Overall, 151 rectal injury cases (0.43%) were identified. Of those, 73 patients (48%) received mechanical bowel preparation. Multivariate analyses showed that all four outcomes were not statistically different between mechanical bowel preparation and non‐mechanical bowel preparation groups (infectious complication rate: 12% vs 10%, P = 0.80; delayed colostomy rate: 21% vs 31%, P = 0.34; length of stay: 28 vs 30 days, P = 0.84; and total costs: $24 665 vs $23 837, P = 0.81).

Conclusion

Our analysis did not detect a beneficial impact of mechanical bowel preparation on perioperative morbidity associated with rectal injury during radical prostatectomy. This finding suggests that mechanical bowel preparation might be safely omitted before radical prostatectomy.
Fiscal Consequences of Paying Interest on Reserves
Authors: Bassetto Marco , Messer Todd
Published: December 2013

We review the role of the central bank's balance sheet in a textbook monetary model and explore what changes if the central bank is allowed to pay interest on its liabilities. When the central bank (CB) cannot pay interest, away from the zero lower bound its (real) balance sheet is limited by the demand for money. Furthermore, if securities are not marked to market and the central bank holds its bonds to maturity, it is impossible for the CB to make losses, and it always obtains profits from being a monopoly provider of money. When the option of paying interest on liabilities is allowed, the limit on the CB's balance sheet is lifted. In this case, the CB is free to take on interest‐rate risk – for example, by buying long‐term securities and financing those purchases with short‐term debt that pays the market interest rate. This is a risky enterprise that can lead to additional profits but also to losses. To the extent that losses exceed the profits of the monopoly operations, the CB faces two options: either it is recapitalised by Treasury or it increases its monopoly profits by raising the inflation tax.
The Effect of Marriage Tax Penalties and Subsidies on Marital Status
Authors: Fisher Hayley
Published: December 2013

The United States personal income tax system treats married and unmarried couples differently, creating both penalties and subsidies for marriage. This paper examines the effect of these penalties and subsidies on the choice of marital status. Endogeneity between the marriage penalty a couple faces and its marital status is dealt with using a simulated instrument capturing variation in the tax code over time and between states. I find that a $1,000 change in the financial incentive for marriage has a 1.7 percentage point (1.9 per cent) effect on the probability of marriage. This effect is symmetric for subsidies and penalties and, whilst modest, is four times larger than previously estimated. Lower education groups and couples without children are the most responsive.
Fiscal Consolidations and Economic Growth
Authors: Hernández de Cos Pablo , Moral‐Benito Enrique
Published: December 2013

The aim of this paper is to deepen the understanding of the macroeconomic consequences of fiscal consolidations. In particular, there is evidence in the literature of fiscal consolidation episodes producing (non‐Keynesian) expansionary effects in the short run. We replicate this result for a panel of OECD countries under exogeneity of the fiscal consolidation. However, we provide some evidence that output growth might affect the fiscal tightening process so that fiscal consolidations are not exogenous to economic growth. Once we allow for feedback effects from economic growth to fiscal adjustments, we find that expansionary effects disappear and recover the typical Keynesian effect of fiscal adjustments. This finding points to the need to take these short‐term negative implications into account in the design of fiscal consolidations.
Calcium, Na, K and Mg Concentrations in Seawater by Inductively Coupled Plasma‐Atomic Emission Spectrometry: Applications to IAPSO Seawater Reference Material, Hydrothermal Fluids and Synthetic Seawater Solutions
Authors: Besson Philippe , Degboe Jefferson , Berge Benjamin , Chavagnac Valérie , Fabre Sébastien , Berger Gilles
Published: December 2013

We report a measurement procedure to determine simultaneously the major cation concentrations (Na, Ca, K and Mg) of seawater‐derived solutions by inductively coupled plasma‐atomic emission spectrometry. The best results were obtained when the IAPSO (‘standard’) seawater reference material was diluted by thirty times with Milli‐Q® water. We obtained an average reference value rK (the ratio of the mass fraction of potassium to that of chlorine, i.e., (g kg−1)/(g kg−1)) for IAPSO seawater of 0.0205 ± 0.0006 (2.9% RSD), not significantly different from 0.0206 ± 0.0005 (2.4% RSD) for seawater composition reported in the literature. The measured Na, Ca and Mg concentrations correspond to rNa, rCa and rMg values of 0.5406 ± 0.0026 (0.5% RSD), 0.02192 ± 0.00048 (2.2% RSD) and 0.06830 ± 0.00047 (0.7% RSD), respectively, in line with previous values measured by wet‐chemistry and atomic absorption spectrophotometry or wet‐chemical titration. Our measurement procedure was used successfully on synthetic seawater solutions and high‐temperature hydrothermal fluids.
Gametophytic phase of Alsophila odonelliana (Cyatheaceae)
Authors: Martínez O. G. , Tanco M. E. , Prada C. , Guerra R.
Published: December 2013

The gametophytic morphology and development of Alsophila odonelliana (Alston) Lehnert, have been studied through in vitro cultures. This species grows in southern Bolivia and northwestern Argentina. The spores are uniform in structure, but not in size; a certain percentage being smaller than the average. 16 spores per sporangium were found. The germination is of the Cyathea type. It was found that spores stored at 4°C can maintain their viability for over two years. The maximum value of germination depends on spore age. The filamentous gametophytes are 4–16 cells long. Young gametophytes have 1–2 branches that give rise to new gametophytes. Male, female, bisexual and neuter gametophytes were found. Propagules were frequently found in neuter gametophytes, and female and bisexual gametophytes were found to have chlorophyll containing scales. The antheridia are made up of five cells and produce non‐viable spermatozoids. The archegonia have necks formed by four columns with four cells each. Most of the gametophytic phase is documented with photomicrographs.
Obtaining of ZnO Nanoparticles Decorated with Bi2O3 and NiO by Modified Sol–Gel Technique
Authors: Trusova Elena A. , Vokhmintcev Kirill V.
Published: December 2013

The modified sol–gel technique was proposed to obtain ZnO nanoparticles with the sizes of 30–70 nm. The proposed method allows obtaining ultradispersed powdery composites with high chemical homogeneity, which are highly demanded raw products for the development of new functional materials of a wide destination range. Metal nitrates were used as the metal sources, and hexamethylenetetramine and monoethanolamine were used to sol stabilization. Acetylacetone was used as complexing agent to obtain ultradispersed ZnO powders. The obtained powders were characterized by use XRD, TEM, N2 adsorption–desorption, FTIR spectroscopy, and element analysis. According to the results, it can be observed that Bi2O3 or/and NiO with particle sizes of ≤5 and 8–20 nm, respectively, are dispersed uniformly on the surface of ZnO nanoparticles with sizes of 50–70 nm. The chemical nature of the decoration was confirmed by the presence of characteristic bands in the FTIR spectra, indicated the chemical interaction between all structural elements of compositions.
First Identification of Rare‐Earth Oxide Nucleation in Chalcogenide Glasses and Implications for Fabrication of Mid‐Infrared Active Fibers
Authors: Tang Zhuoqi , Furniss David , Fay Michael , Neate Nigel C. , Cheng Yin , Barney Emma , Sojka Lukasz , Sujecki Slawomir , Benson Trevor M. , Seddon Angela B.
Published: December 2013

Gallium (Ga) helps solubilize rare‐earth ions in chalcogenide glasses, but has been found to form the dominant crystallizing selenide phase in bulk glass in our previous work. Here, the crystallization behavior is compared of as‐annealed 0–3000 ppmw Dy3+‐doped Ge–As–Ga–Se glasses with different Ga levels: Ge16.5As(19−x)GaxSe64.5 (at.%), for x = 3 and 10, named Ga3 and Ga10 glass series, respectively. X‐ray diffraction and high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy are employed to examine crystals in the bulk of the as‐prepared glasses, and the crystalline phase is proved to be the same: Ge‐modified, face centered cubic α‐Ga2Se3. Light scattering of polished glass samples is monitored using Fourier transform spectroscopy. When Ga is decreased from 10 to 3 at.%, the bulk crystallization is dramatically reduced and the optical scattering loss decreases. Surface defects, with a rough topology observed for both series of as‐prepared chalcogenide glasses, are demonstrated to comprise Dy, Si, and [O]. For the first time, evidence for the proposed nucleation agent Dy2O3 is found inside the bulk of as‐prepared glass. This is an important result because rare‐earth ions bound in a high phonon–energy oxide local environment are, as a consequence, inactive mid‐infrared fluorophores because they undergo preferential nonradiative decay of excited states.
What's my line? A narrative review and synthesis of the literature on Registered Nurses' communication behaviours between shifts
Authors: Kitson Alison L. , Muntlin Athlin Åsa , Elliott Janice , Cant Megan L.
Published: December 2013

Aim

To describe, appraise and synthesize the seminal and empirical literature around Registered Nurses' communication behaviours between shifts in acute hospital settings.

Background

Effective communication between shifts (at nursing handover) is acknowledged as a prerequisite to safe and high‐quality patient‐centred care. However, gaps and inconsistencies continue to prevail.

Design

Narrative review and synthesis.

Data sources

The electronic databases PubMED, CINAHL and Scopus were used.

Review methods

English language, peer‐reviewed papers published between 1970–April 2012 were considered for review. Criteria included Registered Nurses' communication during handovers in adult hospital settings.

Results

Twenty‐nine papers were reviewed. The research lacks a clear conceptual framework to define the core purposes of Nurses' communication behaviours between shifts. Seven themes were identified: overall purpose; report givers and receivers; seeing the whole picture; teaching and education; language; patient‐centred care; and social cohesion. Two main communication processes are required – one articulating the whole picture and the other detailing information about patients.

Conclusion

This area of research is challenged by lack of consistency in terminology and methodological rigour. While recent research has confirmed the findings from the seminal work, it has not been able to elaborate on some of the key challenges to refine the knowledge base. A more integrated approach is required to understand the complex process of improving nursing communication behaviours, particularly around the nursing handover. A neglected area of study is the role of the unit lead in determining the communication standards of the whole nursing team.
Inhibition of MAPK‐mediated ACE expression by compound C66 prevents STZ‐induced diabetic nephropathy
Authors: Pan Yong , Huang Yi , Wang Zhe , Fang Qilu , Sun Yusheng , Tong Chao , Peng Kesong , Wang Yangwei , Miao Lining , Cai Lu , Zhao Yunjie , Liang Guang
Published: December 2013

A range of in vitro, experimental and clinical intervention studies have implicated an important role for hyperglycaemia‐induced activation of the renin‐angiotensin system (RAS) in the development and progression of diabetic nephropathy (DN). Blockade of RAS by angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors is an effective strategy in treating diabetic kidney diseases. However, few studies demonstrate the mechanism by which hyperglycaemia up‐regulates the expression of ACE gene. Our previous studies have identified a novel curcumin analogue, (2E,6E)‐2,6‐bis(2‐(trifluoromethyl)benzylidene)cyclohexanone (C66), which could inhibit the high glucose (HG)‐induced phosphorylation of mitogen‐activated protein kinases in mouse macrophages. In this study, we found that the renal protection of C66 in diabetic mice was associated with mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) inactivation and ACE/angiotensin II (Ang II) down‐regulation. Generally, MAPKs have been considered as a downstream signalling of Ang II and a mediator for Ang II‐induced pathophysiological actions. However, using C66 and specific inhibitors as small molecule probes, in vitro experiments demonstrate that the MAPK signalling pathway regulates ACE expression under HG stimulation, which contributes to renal Ang II activation and the development of DN. This study indicates that C66 is a potential candidate of DN therapeutic agents, and more importantly, that reduction in ACE expression by MAPKs inhibition seems to be an alternative strategy for the treatment of DN.
The role of illness beliefs and coping in the adjustment to dentine hypersensitivity
Authors: Porritt Jenny M. , Sufi Farzana , Barlow Ashley , Baker Sarah R.
Published: December 2013

Aim

Dentine hypersensitivity is a common oral health problem, however, there has been little research on how people cope with this condition. This study aimed to quantify the effects of illness beliefs and coping strategies on the health outcomes of individuals with dentine hypersensitivity.

Materials and methods

Participants were purposively sampled from students and staff in one large UK University and 101 self‐diagnosed dentine hypersensitivity sufferers participated in the longitudinal study. Participants were required to complete questionnaires which assessed health anxiety, specific illness beliefs (control, consequences, illness coherence, timeline perspectives and emotional representations), coping strategies (passive and active coping) and oral health‐related and health‐related quality of life (OHRQoL and HRQoL) at baseline and 1 month follow‐up.

Results

Over half of the participants (N = 56) experienced sensations in their teeth on a daily basis and the majority had experienced dentine hypersensitivity for at least 1 year (N = 87). Structural equation modelling indicated that predictors of OHRQoL and HRQoL impacts at follow‐up were frequency of sensations, low levels of illness coherence, negative emotional representations, greater health anxiety and use of passive coping strategies at baseline.

Conclusions

Illness beliefs and coping strategies predict oral and health‐related quality of life outcomes in people with dentine hypersensitivity.
Biobehavioral profiles of arousal and social motivation in autism spectrum disorders
Authors: Corbett Blythe A. , Swain Deanna M. , Newsom Cassandra , Wang Lily , Song Yanna , Edgerton Dale
Published: December 2013

Background

Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are impaired in social communication and interaction with peers, which may reflect diminished social motivation. Many children with ASD show enhanced stress when playing with other children. This study investigated social and stress profiles of children with ASD during play.

Methods

We utilized a peer interaction paradigm in a natural playground setting with 66 unmedicated, prepubertal, children aged 8–12 years [38 with ASD, 28 with typical development (TD)]. Salivary cortisol was collected before and after a 20‐min playground interaction that was divided into periods of free and solicited play facilitated by a confederate child. Statistical analyses included Wilcoxon rank‐sum tests, mixed effects models, and Spearman correlations to assess the between‐group differences in social and stress functioning, identify stress responders, and explore associations between variables, respectively.

Results

There were no differences between the groups during unsolicited free play; however, during solicited play by the confederate, significant differences emerged such that children with ASD engaged in fewer verbal interactions and more self‐play than the TD group. Regarding physiological arousal, children with ASD as a group showed relatively higher cortisol in response to social play; however, there was a broad range of responses. Moreover, those with the highest cortisol levels engaged in less social communication.

Conclusions

The social interaction of children with ASD can be facilitated by peer solicitation; however, it may be accompanied by increased stress. The children with ASD that have the highest level of cortisol show less social motivation; yet, it is unclear if it reflects an underlying state of heightened arousal or enhanced reactivity to social engagement, or both.
Homocysteine and other cardiovascular risk factors in patients with lichen planus
Authors: Saleh N. , Samir N. , Megahed H. , Farid E.
Published: December 2013

Background

Chronic inflammation was found to play an important role in the development of cardiovascular risk factors. Homocysteine (Hcy) and fibrinogen have been identified as a major independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Lichen planus is assumed to be closely related to dyslipidaemia. Several cytokines involved in lichen planus pathogenesis, could explain its association with dyslipidaemia. Also chronic inflammation with lichen planus has been suggested as a component of the metabolic syndrome.

Objective

The aim of this study was to detect a panel of cardiovascular risk factors in patients of lichen planus.

Patients and methods

This study was done on 40 patients of lichen planus and 40 healthy controls. All patients and controls were subjected to clinical examination. Serum levels of homocysteine, fibrinogen and high‐sensitive C‐reactive protein (hs‐CRP) were measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay technique (ELISA). Metabolic syndrome parameters including anthropometric measures, lipid profiles, blood sugar and blood pressure were studied.

Results

Patients with lichen planus showed significant association with metabolic syndrome parameters than controls (P < 0.001). Serum homocysteine, fibrinogen and hs‐CRP were significantly higher in lichen planus patients than controls (P < 0.001). Serum homocysteine correlated with both serum hs‐CRP and serum fibrinogen. However, there was no correlation between serum levels of homocysteine and fibrinogen with any metabolic syndrome criteria and related disorders except for a negative correlation of fibrinogen with high‐density lipoprotein (HDL).

Conclusion

In the present work, patients with lichen planus were found to have higher makers of both metabolic and cardiovascular risk factors in relation to controls most probably due to long standing inflammation.