bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An English Source of German Romanticism: Herder's Cudworth Inspired Revision of Spinoza from ‘Plastik’ to ‘Kraft’
Authors: Hampton Alexander J. B.
Published: July 2015

This examination considers the influence of the seventeenth century Cambridge Platonist Cudworth upon the thought of the late eighteenth century German thinker Herder. It focuses upon Herder's use of Cudworth's philosophy to create a revised version of Spinoza's metaphysics. Both Cudworth and Herder were concerned with the problem of determinism. Cudworth outlined a number of difficulties relating to this problem in the thought of Spinoza and proposed amendments, particularly the introduction of the middle principle of plastik, which would mediate between the Ideas of transcendent reason and mechanical materialism. We find these amendments to Spinoza's philosophy also employed in Herder's contribution to the Pantheism Controversy, in which he too offers a revised Spinozism and introduces his own middle principle of Kraft. This demonstrates an important but under‐explored English contribution to a key development in German intellectual history. The Pantheism Controversy was an epoch‐making event, helping to bring an end to the German Enlightenment and to inaugurate the Romantic movement. Herder's version of Spinoza's thought revived the philosopher's fortunes, and Herder's notion of Kraft became central to Romantic aesthetics. Finally, Herder's use of Cudworth demonstrates the important but overlooked source of Platonic realism in German Romantic thought.
Apical periodontitis and cardiovascular diseases: previous findings and ongoing research
Authors: Cotti E. , Mercuro G.
Published: July 2015

Aim

(i) To discuss the possibility that dental infections in general, and endodontic infections (apical periodontitis) more specifically, may affect cardiovascular health, (ii) which preventive measures should be adopted during the treatment of endodontic infections for infective endocarditis (IE), and (iii) What should be the priorities for future research, in the light of the literature available.

Methodology

A literature review was performed.

Results and Conclusions

(i) Poor oral health and endodontic infections are associated with cardiovascular diseases, and endodontic infection appears to be associated with initial endothelial damage, (ii) preventive measures for IE should be adopted during endodontic treatment of patients at risk for cardiovascular events according to the American and European available official guidelines, and (iii) more research focused on apical periodontitis and systemic diseases is needed.
Endodontic medicine: connections between apical periodontitis and systemic diseases
Authors: Segura‐Egea J. J. , Martín‐González J. , Castellanos‐Cosano L.
Published: July 2015

The prevalence of apical periodontitis (AP) in Europe has been reported to affect 61% of individuals and 14% of teeth, and increase with age. Likewise, the prevalence of root canal treatment (RCT) in Europe is estimated to be around 30–50% of individuals and 2–9% of teeth with radiographic evidence of chronic persistent AP in 30–65% of root filled teeth (RFT). AP is not only a local phenomenon and for some time the medical and dental scientific community have analysed the possible connection between apical periodontits and systemic health. Endodontic medicine has developed, with increasing numbers of reports describing the association between periapical inflammation and systemic diseases. The results of studies carried out both in animal models and humans are not conclusive, but suggest an association between endodontic variables, that is AP and RCT, and diabetes mellitus (DM), tobacco smoking, coronary heart disease and other systemic diseases. Several studies have reported a higher prevalence of periapical lesions, delayed periapical repair, greater size of osteolityc lesions, greater likelihood of asymptomatic infections and poorer prognosis for RFT in diabetic patients. On the other hand, recent studies have found that a poorer periapical status correlates with higher HbA1c levels and poor glycaemic control in type 2 diabetic patients. However, there is no scientific evidence supporting a causal effect of periapical inflammation on diabetes metabolic control. The possible association between smoking habits and endodontic infection has also been investigated, with controversial results. The aim of this paper was to review the literature on the association between endodontic variables and systemic health (especially DM and smoking habits).
Metabolic and structural bone disturbances induced by hyperlipidic diet in mice treated with simvastatin
Authors: Soares Evelise Aline , Novaes Rômulo Dias , Nakagaki Wilson Romero , Fernandes Geraldo José Medeiros , Garcia José Antônio Dias , Camilli José Angelo
Published: July 2015

Simvastatin can modulate lipid and bone metabolism. However, information related to the interaction between diet and simvastatin on bone structure and biomechanics is scarce. Thus, this study evaluated the effects of simvastatin on femoral biomechanics and cortical/trabecular bone structure in wild‐type mice nourished with a hyperlipidic diet. Three‐month‐old male wild‐type mice (C57BL6 strain) were divided into four groups: (1) group W, nourished with a standard diet; (2) group WH, fed a hyperlipidic diet; (3) group WS, nourished with a standard diet plus oral simvastatin (20 mg/kg/day); and (4) group WHS, fed a hyperlipidic diet plus oral simvastatin (20 mg/kg/day). All animals received only their specific diet and water for 60 days. Blood samples were collected for the analysis of calcium, triglycerides, total cholesterol (TC) and fraction serum levels. Diet manipulation was able to induce a dyslipidaemic status in mice, characterized by triglyceride and TC rise in WH animals. Simvastatin prevented hypercholesterolaemia and reduced TC and LDL serum levels, but did not prevent hypertriglyceridaemia and HDL serum levels in the WHS group. In the WH mice the hyperlipidaemia was associated with reduction in trabecular bone thickness, femur structural and material property alterations. Simvastatin prevented these morphological alterations and minimized femur biomechanical changes in WHS mice. Taken together, the results indicated that the hyperlipidic diet intake acts as a risk factor for bone integrity, generating bones with reduced resistance and more susceptible to fractures, an effect attenuated by simvastatin that is potentially related to the modulatory action of this drug on lipid and bone metabolism.
Video‐urodynamic effects of mirabegron, a β3‐adrenoceptor agonist, in patients with low‐compliance bladder
Authors: Kamei Jun , Furuta Akira , Akiyama Yoshiyuki , Niimi Aya , Ichihara Koji , Fujimura Tetsuya , Fukuhara Hiroshi , Kume Haruki , Homma Yukio , Igawa Yasuhiko
Published: July 2015

Objectives

To investigate video‐urodynamic effects of mirabegron, a β3‐adrenoceptor agonist, on low‐compliance bladder.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed nine patients (three men, six women, age 17–68 years) who had been diagnosed with lower urinary tract dysfunction with low‐compliance bladder, and who underwent video‐urodynamic study before and during administration of mirabegron 50 mg once daily. Urodynamic parameters were compared before and after treatment.

Results

Mirabegron treatment significantly increased first desire to void and cystometric capacity with an average increment of 80 mL (P = 0.027) and 123 mL (P = 0.005), respectively. Bladder compliance also significantly increased (mean value 8.1 mL/cmH2O before, 18.2 mL/cmH2O after, P = 0.024). In the six patients who had been taking anticholinergic agents at baseline video‐urodynamic study and then switched to mirabegron, mean cystometric capacity and bladder compliance were also increased significantly from 208.3 to 346.8 mL (P = 0.015) and from 7.2 to 17.5 mL/cmH2O (P = 0.047), respectively. Vesicoureteral reflux grade was improved in three of the four patients who had shown vesicoureteral reflux on cystography before treatment.

Conclusions

Mirabegron improves cystometric capacity and bladder compliance, and it lowers vesicoureteral reflux grade in patients with low‐compliance bladder. Thus, mirabegron might represent a good alternative drug for low‐compliance bladder refractory to anticholinergic treatment.
Microwave Sol–Gel Synthesis of CaGd2(MoO4)4:Er3+/Yb3+ Phosphors and Their Upconversion Photoluminescence Properties
Authors: Lim Chang Sung , Atuchin Victor , Aleksandrovsky Aleksandr , Molokeev Maxim , Oreshonkov Aleksandr
Published: July 2015

CaGd2(MoO4)4:Er3+/Yb3+ phosphors with the doping concentrations of Er3+ and Yb3+ (x = Er3+ + Yb3+, Er3+ = 0.05, 0.1, 0.2, and Yb3+ = 0.2, 0.45) have been successfully synthesized by the microwave sol–gel method, and the crystal structure refinement and upconversion photoluminescence properties have been investigated. The synthesized particles, being formed after heat‐treatment at 900°C for 16 h, showed a well‐crystallized morphology. Under the excitation at 980 nm, CaGd2(MoO4)4:Er3+/Yb3+ particles exhibited strong 525 and 550‐nm emission bands in the green region and a weak 655‐nm emission band in the red region. The Raman spectrum of undoped CaGd2(MoO4)4 revealed about 15 narrow lines. The strongest band observed at 903 cm−1 was assigned to the ν1 symmetric stretching vibration of MoO4 tetrahedrons. The spectra of the samples doped with Er and Yb obtained under 514.5 nm excitation were dominated by Er3+ luminescence preventing the recording Raman spectra of these samples. Concentration quenching of the erbium luminescence at 2H11/2→4I15/2 and 4S3/2→4I15/2 transitions in the CaGd2(MoO4)4:Er3+/Yb3+ crystal structure was established to be approximately at the 10 at.% doping level.
Conditional Persistence of Earnings Components and Accounting Anomalies
Authors: Amir Eli , Kama Itay , Levi Shai
Published: July 2015

We suggest that the failure of investors to distinguish between an earnings component's autocorrelation coefficient (unconditional persistence) and the marginal contribution of that component's persistence to the persistence of earnings (conditional persistence) provides a partial explanation of post‐earnings‐announcement drift, post‐revenue‐announcement drift, and the accrual anomaly. When the conditional persistence of revenue surprises is high (low) relative to its unconditional persistence, both the post‐earnings‐announcement drift and the post‐revenue‐announcement drift are high (low), because investors’ under‐reaction to revenues and earnings is stronger when the persistence of revenue surprises is more strongly associated with the persistence of earnings surprises. Also, the mispricing of accruals decreases substantially when the conditional persistence of accruals is high relative to its unconditional persistence, because investors’ over‐reaction to accruals is mitigated when the persistence of accruals is indeed more strongly associated with the persistence of earnings. Our findings also suggest that financial analysts’ failure to distinguish between unconditional and conditional persistence of revenues and accruals results in more biased revenue and earnings predictions.
Peri‐implantitis: a complex condition with non‐linear characteristics
Authors: Papantonopoulos Georgios , Gogos Christos , Housos Efthymios , Bountis Tassos , Loos Bruno G.
Published: July 2015

Aim

To cluster peri‐implantitis patients and explore non‐linear patterns in peri‐implant bone levels.

Materials and Methods

Clinical and radiographic variables were retrieved from 94 implant‐treated patients (340 implants, mean 7.1 ± 4.1 years in function). Kernel probability density estimations on patient mean peri‐implant bone levels were used to identify patient clusters. Inter‐relationships of all variables were evaluated by principal component analysis; a k‐nearest neighbours method was performed for supervised prediction of implant bone levels at the patient level. Self‐similar patterns of mean bone level per implant from different jaw bone sites were examined and their associated fractal dimensions were estimated.

Results

Two clusters of implant‐treated patients were identified, one at patient mean bone levels of 1.7 mm and another at 4.0 mm. Five of thirteen available variables (number of teeth, age, gender, periodontitis severity, years of implant service), were predictive for peri‐implant bone levels. A high jaw bone fractal dimension was associated with less severe peri‐implantitis.

Conclusions

Non‐linearity of peri‐implantitis was evidenced by finding different peri‐implant bone levels between two main clusters of implant‐treated patients and among six different jaw bone sites. The patient mean peri‐implant bone levels were predicted from five variables and confirmed complexity for peri‐implantitis.
Callous‐unemotional traits and impulsivity: distinct longitudinal relations with mind‐mindedness and understanding of others
Authors: Centifanti Luna C.M. , Meins Elizabeth , Fernyhough Charles
Published: July 2015

Background

Problems in understanding other people's mental states may relate to distinct personality traits that are associated with early externalizing behavior. A distinction between theory of mind (ToM) and empathy has proven important in shedding light on the problems in understanding other minds encountered by children high on callous‐unemotional (CU) traits and exhibiting impulsivity. The aim of this study was to investigate whether children's early ToM and emotion understanding abilities predicted CU traits and impulsivity at age 10. A further aim was to explore whether the quality of the parent–child relationship very early in the development indirectly or directly predicted the children's CU traits and impulsivity.

Method

We examined whether ToM and empathy skills might differentially relate to personality traits associated with externalizing behaviors (i.e., impulsivity and CU traits). We examined these relations over time in a longitudinal cohort of 96 boys and girls using follow‐back analyses, incorporating measures of maternal mind‐mindedness (appropriate mind‐related talk) to examine the possible role of parent–child interaction quality.

Results

Appropriate mind‐related talk indirectly predicted CU traits (at age 10 years) via its effect on children's emotion understanding. ToM predicted impulsive/irresponsible traits, but ceased to be significant when controlling for externalizing behaviors.

Conclusion

The present findings demonstrate that parents who remark appropriately on their infant's mental states may help the child to understand emotions and may mold an empathic understanding of others, thereby preventing CU traits.
The Ultra‐Structural Similarities between Cryptosporidium parvum and the Gregarines
Authors: Aldeyarbi Hebatalla M. , Karanis Panagiotis
Published: July 2015

Using a transmission electron microscopy‐based approach, this study details the striking similarities between Cryptosporidium parvum and the gregarines during in vitro axenic development at high ultra‐structural resolution. C. parvum zoites displayed three unusual regions within uninucleated parasites: epimerite‐like, protomerite‐like, and the cell body; these regions exhibited a high degree of morphological similarity to gregarine‐like trophozoites. The presence of a mucron‐like bulging structure at the side of the free ovoid gregarine‐like zoites was observed after 2 h of cultivation. An irregular pattern of epicytic‐like folds were found to cover the surface of the parasites 24 h postcultivation. Some extracellular stages were paired in laterocaudal or side‐side syzygy, with the presence of a fusion zone between some of these zoites. The present findings are in agreement with phylogenetic studies that have proposed a sister relationship with gregarines. Cryptosporidium appears to exhibit tremendous variety in cell structure depending on the surrounding environment, thereby mimicking the “primitive” gregarines in terms of the co‐evolution strategy between the parasites and their environments. Given this degree of similarity, different aspects of the evolutionary biology of Cryptosporidium need to be examined, considering the knowledge gained from the study of gregarines.
Dissemination of Evidence‐Based Antipsychotic Prescribing Guidelines to Nursing Homes: A Cluster Randomized Trial
Authors: Tjia Jennifer , Field Terry , Mazor Kathleen , Lemay Celeste A. , Kanaan Abir O. , Donovan Jennifer L. , Briesacher Becky A. , Peterson Daniel , Pandolfi Michelle , Spenard Ann , Gurwitz Jerry H.
Published: July 2015

Objectives

To evaluate the effectiveness of efforts to translate and disseminate evidence‐based guidelines about atypical antipsychotic use to nursing homes (NHs).

Design

Three‐arm, cluster randomized trial.

Setting

NHs.

Participants

NHs in the state of Connecticut.

Measurements

Evidence‐based guidelines for atypical antipsychotic prescribing were translated into a toolkit targeting NH stakeholders, and 42 NHs were recruited and randomized to one of three toolkit dissemination strategies: mailed toolkit delivery (minimal intensity); mailed toolkit delivery with quarterly audit and feedback reports about facility‐level antipsychotic prescribing (moderate intensity); and in‐person toolkit delivery with academic detailing, on‐site behavioral management training, and quarterly audit and feedback reports (high intensity). Outcomes were evaluated using the Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, Maintenance (RE‐AIM) framework.

Results

Toolkit awareness of 30% (7/23) of leadership of low‐intensity NHs, 54% (19/35) of moderate‐intensity NHs, and 82% (18/22) of high‐intensity NHs reflected adoption and implementation of the intervention. Highest levels of use and knowledge among direct care staff were reported in high‐intensity NHs. Antipsychotic prescribing levels declined during the study period, but there were no statistically significant differences between study arms or from secular trends.

Conclusion

RE‐AIM indicators suggest some success in disseminating the toolkit and differences in reach, adoption, and implementation according to dissemination strategy but no measurable effect on antipsychotic prescribing trends. Further dissemination to external stakeholders such as psychiatry consultants and hospitals may be needed to influence antipsychotic prescribing for NH residents.
Normal Weight with Central Obesity, Physical Activity, and Functional Decline: Data from the Osteoarthritis Initiative
Authors: Batsis John A. , Zbehlik Alicia J. , Scherer Emily A. , Barre Laura K. , Bartels Stephen J.
Published: July 2015

Objectives

To identify the risks of the combination of normal body mass index (BMI) and central obesity (normal weight and central obesity (NWCO)) on physical activity and function.

Design

Longitudinal Osteoarthritis Initiative Study.

Setting

Community based.

Participants

Adults aged 60 and older at risk of osteoarthritis (N = 2,210; mean age 68, range 67.1–69.0) were grouped according to BMI (normal 18.5–24.9 kg/m2, overweight 25.0–29.9 kg/m2, obese ≥30.0 kg/m2). High waist circumference (WC) was defined as greater than 88 cm for women and greater than 102 cm for men. Subjects were subcategorized according to WC (five categories). Subjects with normal BMI and a large WC were considered to have NWCO (n = 280, 12.7%).

Measurements

Six‐year changes in the Physical Component Summary of the Medical Outcomes Study 12‐item Short Form Survey (PCS), Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly (PASE), and Late‐Life Function and Disability Index (LL‐FDI) were examined. The association between BMI and WC over 6 years was assessed (reference normal BMI, normal WC). Stratified analyses were performed according to age (60–69; ≥70).

Results

Physical component scores, PASE, and LL‐FDI declined with time. Mean PASE scores at 6 years differed between the NWCO group and the group with normal BMI and WC (117.7 vs 141.5), but rate of change from baseline to 6 years was not significantly different (P = .35). In adjusted models, those with NWCO had greater decline in PCS over time, particularly those aged 70 and older than those with normal BMI and WC (time interaction β = −0.37, 95% confidence interval = −0.68 to −0.06).

Conclusion

Normal weight and central obesity in older adults at risk of osteoarthritis may be a risk factor for declining function and physical activity, particularly in those aged 70 and older, suggesting the value of targeting those with NWCO who would otherwise be labeled as low risk.
Retracted: Insulin receptor A and Sirtuin 1 synergistically improve learning and spatial memory following chronic salidroside treatment during hypoxia
Authors: Barhwal Kalpana , Das Saroj K. , Kumar Ashish , Hota Sunil K. , Srivastava Ravi B.
Published: July 2015

Hypoxia has been reported to cause hippocampal neurodegeneration resulting in learning and memory deficits. In the present study, we investigated the potential of salidroside, a glucoside derivative of tyrosol, in ameliorating hypoxia‐induced neurodegeneration and memory impairment. Morris water maze test showed improvement in learning and spatial memory of salidroside‐treated hypoxic rats correlating with increased dendritic intersections and arborization. Salidroside administration increased phosphorylation of insulin receptor subunit A (IRA) at Y972, Y1162/63, and Y1146 sites and subsequent activation of AMP‐activated protein kinase (AMPK) α subunit isoforms pAMPKα1 and pAMPKα2 resulting in mitochondrial biogenesis. Contrarily, silencing of IRA in salidroside‐supplemented hypoxic hippocampal cells could not improve cell viability or alter pAMPKα1 and pAMPKα2 expression. Rats administered with salidroside showed elevated expression of phosphorylated cAMP response element‐binding protein in the hippocampus. Salidroside administration also resulted in increased sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) activity through a cytochrome P4502E1 (CYP2E1)‐regulated mechanism that was independent of pIRA. Taken together, these findings suggest a synergistic role of pIRA and SIRT1 in salidroside‐mediated neuroprotection, mitochondrial biogenesis, and cognitive improvement during hypoxia.

image

We propose a novel mechanism for salidroside‐mediated neuroprotection in hypoxia. Salidroside phosphorylates and activates Insulin Receptor A subunit which in turn leads to phosphorylation of Akt and ERK and subsequent activation of AMPK (AMP‐activated protein kinase). Salidroside also increases Sirt1 activity which along with pAMPK mediates mitochondrial biogenesis.
Laminin promotes metalloproteinase‐mediated dystroglycan processing to regulate oligodendrocyte progenitor cell proliferation
Authors: Leiton Cindy V. , Aranmolate Azeez , Eyermann Christopher , Menezes Michael J. , Escobar‐Hoyos Luisa F. , Husain Solomon , Winder Steve J. , Colognato Holly
Published: July 2015

The cell surface receptor dystroglycan mediates interactions between oligodendroglia and laminin‐211, an extracellular matrix protein that regulates timely oligodendroglial development. However, dystroglycan's precise role in oligodendroglial development and the potential mechanisms to regulate laminin–dystroglycan interactions remain unknown. Here we report that oligodendroglial dystroglycan is cleaved by metalloproteinases, thereby uncoupling oligodendroglia from laminin binding. Dystroglycan cleavage is selectively stimulated by oligodendrocyte progenitor cell attachment to laminin‐211, but not laminin‐111 or poly‐d‐lysine. In addition, dystroglycan cleavage occurs most prominently in oligodendrocyte progenitor cells, with limited dystroglycan cleavage observed in differentiating oligodendrocytes. When dystroglycan cleavage is blocked by metalloproteinase inhibitors, oligodendrocyte progenitor cell proliferation is substantially decreased. Conversely, expression of the intracellular portion of cleaved dystroglycan results in increased oligodendrocyte progenitor cell proliferation, suggesting that endogenous dystroglycan cleavage may promote oligodendrocyte progenitor cell cycle progression. Intriguingly, while matrix metalloproteinase‐2 and/or ‐9 have been reported to be responsible for dystroglycan cleavage, we find that these two metalloproteinases are neither necessary nor sufficient for cleavage of oligodendroglial dystroglycan. In summary, laminin‐211 stimulates metalloproteinase‐mediated dystroglycan cleavage in oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (but not in differentiated oligodendrocytes), which in turn promotes oligodendrocyte progenitor cell proliferation. This novel regulation of oligodendroglial laminin–dystroglycan interactions may have important consequences for oligodendroglial differentiation, both during development and during disease when metalloproteinase levels become elevated.

image

A subset of dystroglycan expressed in oligodendrocyte progenitors is cleaved by (1) a metalloproteinase, and, predicted, (2) by a γ‐secretase to generate an intracellular β−dystroglycan fragment. Cleavage occurs preferentially following attachment to the dystroglycan extracellular ligand, laminin‐211. The intracellular portion of cleaved dystroglycan then promotes oligodendrocyte progenitor proliferation, providing a novel reciprocal mechanism by which laminin–dystroglycan interactions influence oligodendroglial development. MMP, matrix metalloproteinase.
On the distribution of information from muscle spindles in the spinal cord; how much does it depend on random factors?
Authors: Jankowska E.
Published: July 2015

Information forwarded by individual muscle spindles is modulated by the dynamic and static gamma motoneurons in a differentiated way, depending on the coupling between the fusimotor neurons and the various intrafusal muscle fibres. Further modulation of this information at the level of spinal neurons is also differentiated because connections between individual muscle spindles and their spinal target cells are quite variable. This review illustrates this variability with respect to the spinal trajectory of muscle spindle primary afferents and the distribution of their synaptic contacts on motoneurons and other spinal neurons. It also discusses some of the consequences of this variability for the processing of information from proprioceptors.
Nurse‐led telephone follow‐up after total knee arthroplasty – content and the patients’ views
Authors: Szöts Kirsten , Konradsen Hanne , Solgaard Søren , Bogø Stina , Østergaard Birte
Published: July 2015

Aim and objectives

To generate information on how telephone follow‐up consultations, structured by nursing status according to the VIPS‐model, functioned after total knee arthroplasty. The objectives were to unfold the content of the telephone follow‐ups according to the structure for nursing status and to explore the patients’ views of the telephone follow‐ups.

Background

The length of stay in hospital following total knee arthroplasty has fallen markedly, and patients now have to be responsible for their recovery from a very early stage. After discharge, patients may experience a variety of health problems. A clinical trial was conducted to evaluate the effect of telephone follow‐up, and information on how the telephone follow‐ups functioned is relevant for implementation into clinical practice.

Design

A qualitative design was used.

Method

One hundred and four case reports from telephone follow‐up consultations and individual interviews with 10 patients formed the data material. Content analysis was used for the analysis.

Results

The content of the telephone follow‐ups included dialogues relating to all key subjects for nursing status except ‘culture/spirituality’. The structured Telephone follow‐up was valued by total knee arthroplasties patients as representing a holistic approach and providing adequate information, counselling and support after discharge to home. Three categories were identified with regard to the patients’ views: ‘A means for reflection and provision of adequate information and counselling’, ‘Supportive’ and ‘Not the only resource for support and counselling’.

Conclusion

Nursing status according to the VIPS model is a comprehensive structure to identify the need for counselling, information and support after total knee arthroplasty. The structured telephone follow‐ups were valued for representing a holistic approach and providing adequate information, counselling and support after discharge to home. Conducting telephone follow‐up with a holistic approach demands specialised and broad nursing experience.

Relevance to clinical practice

Postdischarge follow‐up is important.
Nurses’ knowledge of foot care in the context of home care: a cross‐sectional correlational survey study
Authors: Stolt Minna , Suhonen Riitta , Puukka Pauli , Viitanen Matti , Voutilainen Päivi , Leino‐Kilpi Helena
Published: July 2015

Aims and objectives

This study aimed to explore nurses’ knowledge of foot care and related factors in home care nursing.

Background

Nurses caring for older people are increasingly confronted with clients who have multiple foot problems and need support with their foot health. The role of nurses in promoting foot health, caring for existing foot problems and supporting older people in foot self‐care is especially important in the home care context. However, this entails up‐to‐date foot care knowledge and practices.

Design

A cross‐sectional correlational survey study design.

Methods

Nurses’ knowledge of foot care was evaluated using the Nurses’ Foot Care Knowledge Test developed for this study. The data were analysed with descriptive and inferential statistics.

Results

Nurses (registered nurses, public health nurses and licensed practical nurses) from public home care (n = 322, response rate 50%) participated the study. Nurses’ knowledge in foot care varied. The knowledge scores were highest for skin and nail care and lowest for the identification and care of foot structural deformities. Longer working experience in the current work place and participation in continuing education explained higher Nurses’ Foot Care Knowledge Test scores.

Conclusions

Nurses need more knowledge, and hence continuing education, in the foot care of older people to effectively prevent, recognise and care for foot problems and promote independent living in the community.

Relevance to clinical practice

Nurses’ have clinically relevant knowledge gaps. Therefore, foot care knowledge of nurses needs to be improved by continuing education in clinical settings. Adequate foot care knowledge among nurses is important to identify, prevent and care foot problems especially in older people.
Prenatal screening at 11–13+6 weeks in assisted reproductive technology singleton pregnancies and those conceived naturally
Authors: Gong Meng , Shi Hua , Zhang Yu‐guo , Ming Lei
Published: July 2015

Aim

To investigate whether assisted reproductive technology (ART) increases the risk of fetal chromosomal abnormalities.

Methods

A total of 2034 singleton pregnant women were included in this retrospective study. They were divided into ART (574 fetuses) and control groups (1460 fetuses conceived naturally). All pregnant women received screening according to the Fetal Medicine Foundation, London 2004 Kypros H. Nicolaides guidelines at 11–13+6 weeks of gestation. Accordingly, women with value at risk of chromosomal abnormalities >1:250 underwent chorionic villus sampling or amniocentesis.

Results

Mean body mass index was 22.83 ± 3.27 versus 21.29 ± 2.81 kg/m2 in the ART and control groups, respectively (P < 0.001). Mean maternal age was higher in the ART group (31.07 ± 4.30 vs 28.16 ± 3.99 years, P < 0.001). Crown–rump length (CRL) and biparietal diameter (BPD) were significantly higher in the ART group (P < 0.001), but free β‐human chorionic gonadotropin and plasma protein‐A MoM were similar between the groups. Interestingly, nuchal translucency thickness in the ART group was significantly higher than in the control group, but the difference disappeared at 13–13+6 weeks. Positive ultrasound screening rate was not significantly different. The prevalence of high risk (3.83% vs 3.83%) and that of abnormal karyotype (0.35% vs 0.21%) were similar.

Conclusions

Despite the negative factors associated with the infertile women themselves, ART did not seem to increase the risk of fetal chromosomal abnormalities. Additionally, fetus size in the ART group was bigger than that in the natural conception group.
Success, clinical performance and patient satisfaction of direct fibre‐reinforced composite fixed partial dentures – a two‐year clinical study
Authors: Malmstrom H. , Dellanzo‐Savu A. , Xiao J. , Feng C. , Jabeen A. , Romero M. , Huang J. , Ren Y. , Yunker M. A.
Published: July 2015

To evaluate the success, clinical performance and patient satisfaction of directly placed fibre‐reinforced composite (FRC) fixed partial dentures (FPDs) in 2 years. One hundred sixty‐seven FRC FPDs (120 subjects) were directly fabricated to restore a single missing tooth by six Advanced Education in General Dentistry (AEGD) residents. The FRC FPDs recipients were rando‐mised into two groups according to the fibre materials (pre‐impregnated glass or polyethylene). Clinical performance was evaluated at baseline (2 weeks), 6, 12 and 24 months by two calibrated evaluators for prosthesis adaptation, colour match, marginal discoloration, surface roughness, caries and post‐operative sensitivity using modified United State Public Health Service (USPHS) criteria. Prosthesis appearance, colour, chewing ability and overall satisfaction were evaluated by patients using a visual analogue scale (VAS). Kaplan–Meier estimation was used to estimate the prosthesis success. Ninety‐four patients with 137 FRC FPDs returned (21·67% attrition rate for study subjects, 17·94% for FRC FPDs). Seventeen FRC FPDs failed, due to one‐end (n = 4) or two‐ends (n = 4) debonding or pontic fracture (n = 9). The cumu‐lative 2‐year success rate was 84·32% and survival rate was 92·7%; there were no statistically significant differences between the groups according to different missing tooth location, retention type or fibre materials (P > 0·05). Patient satisfaction regarding prosthesis appearance, col‐our, chewing ability and overall satisfaction was rated high on the VAS (mean >80 mm) for all criteria at all time points. The FRC FPDs (restoring single tooth) fabricated by AEGD residents achieved acceptable success and survival rates in a 2‐year follow‐up.
Protective effects of paeoniflorin on alveolar bone resorption and soft‐tissue breakdown in experimental periodontitis
Authors: Ni J. , Yang D. , Song L. , Li C.
Published: July 2015

Background and Objective

Paeoniflorin is the main active ingredient in Radix Paeoniae and has been reported to exhibit obvious anti‐inflammatory and immune‐regulatory activities. This study aimed to investigate the protective effects of paeoniflorin on alveolar bone destruction and soft‐tissue breakdown in experimental periodontitis. As supplementary evidence, we evaluated the related expression of MMP‐2, MMP‐9, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2).

Material and Methods

Twenty‐eight rats were randomly placed into the following four groups: healthy group; periodontitis group; periodontitis plus 30 mg/kg of paeoniflorin (P30) group; and periodontitis plus 60 mg/kg of paeoniflorin (P60) group. Periodontitis was induced in rats by placing ligatures around the lower first molars. The body weight of each rat was measured and recorded before and after the experiment. Bone resorption was evaluated using micro‐computed tomography. Soft‐tissue destruction and collagen fiber degradation were assessed by histologic analysis and picrosirius red staining. The expression levels of MMP‐2, MMP‐9, iNOS and COX‐2 in gingiva were detected by western blotting.

Results

Periodontal tissues were intact in the healthy group. Alveolar bone level was significantly reduced, and evident inflammation of soft tissues was observed in the periodontitis group. Paeoniflorin significantly prevented alveolar bone loss and inflammatory infiltration in a dose‐dependent manner. The collagen fiber fractions were significantly higher in the P30 and P60 groups than in the periodontitis group. The results of the western blot analyses revealed that both 30 and 60 mg/kg of paeoniflorin significantly down‐regulated the levels of MMP‐2, MMP‐9, iNOS and COX‐2.

Conclusion

This study provides the first evidence that paeoniflorin significantly down‐regulates inflammatory infiltration and prevents alveolar bone loss and soft‐tissue destruction in experimental periodontitis. The anti‐inflammatory mechanism of paeoniflorin was further supported, in part, by its inhibitory effect on MMP‐2, MMP‐9, iNOS and COX‐2.
Discordance Between Patient and Clinician Experiences and Priorities in Rural Interhospital Transfer: A Mixed Methods Study
Authors: Mohr Nicholas M. , Wong Terrence S. , Faine Brett , Schlichting Adam , Noack Joseph , Ahmed Azeemuddin
Published: July 2015

Purpose

Rural emergency department (ED) patients require interhospital transfer for definitive care at nearly 6 times the national rate, yet transfer decision‐making is variable. The goal of this study was to understand patient experiences, preferences, and decision‐making in the rural interhospital transfer process, and to measure the concordance between patient opinions and provider perceptions.

Methods

Ours is a mixed methods study of patients transferred to a 711‐bed Midwestern academic medical center and the emergency physicians in community hospitals. Qualitative interviews were conducted by a single research assistant with admitted patients transferred from an ED, and a corresponding survey was distributed to community emergency physicians. Standardized scenarios were posed to both groups to understand transfer priorities.

Findings

Seventy‐nine patients and 40 physicians participated in this study. Patients and physicians cited proximity to home, medical expertise, a personal relationship with a health care provider, health insurance, privacy concerns, and patient choice as the primary factors that influenced patient transfer priorities. Compared with patient respondents, physicians overestimated the patient‐perceived importance of proximity to home (P = .015) and being cared for by a personal physician (P = .049), but they underestimated the value of receiving treatment in a comprehensive medical center (P = .002). In standardized scenarios, physicians agreed with patients in transfer preferences for conditions requiring neurosurgical consultation, but they underestimated patients’ desire for transfer for pneumonia requiring mechanical ventilation.

Conclusion

Patients and physicians recognize similar factors that influence patient preferences in interhospital ED transfer, but physicians may overestimate the value of nonmedical influences on decision‐making priorities.
Proximity to the host is an important characteristic for selection of the first support in lianas
Authors: Roeder Mareike , Slik J.W. Ferry , Harrison Rhett D. , Paudel Ekananda , Tomlinson Kyle W.
Published: July 2015

Question

Lianas depend on support to reach optimal growing conditions. They can infest trees unevenly, and host selection may depend on functional characteristics of the potential hosts, such as growth rate, bark type or tree architecture. In this context we hypothesized that (1) simple proximity to the rooting point of the liana is the overriding property predicting the probability of selection as the host; (2) the distance to the host decreases with increasing stem density in the surrounding community; (3) host distance becomes more variable with liana age (~diameter), as some larger lianas probably have already lost their first host, whereas small lianas should use the nearest available stem to climb; and (iv) liana infestation of plant families is proportional to family abundance.

Location

Montane forest in southwest China.

Methods

We surveyed lianas (≥0.5‐cm diameter) in 17 plots consisting of 153 subplots, recording the rooting point of lianas and the closest used host and nearest possible support, species identity and diameter of both liana and host.

Results

Of the analysed host–liana pairs, half of all lianas used the host that was closest to their rooting points. Distance to the nearest support was the most important predictor for host distance. Tree stem density had no major influence on liana–host distance. The variance in host distance did not increase with liana diameter. Liana infestation of plant families increased with family abundance.

Conclusion

We conclude that the proximity of a host is the most important of the tested factors determining climbing host selection in lianas, however we only considered stem, not crown, infestation.
Comparative Characterization of Enzymatic Digestion from Fish and Soybean Meal from Simulated Digestive Process of Pacific Bluefin Tuna, Thunnus orientalis
Authors: Román‐Gavilanes Ariana I. , Martínez‐Montaño Emmanuel , Viana María Teresa
Published: July 2015

The digestive process of the Pacific bluefin tuna (PBT), Thunnus orientalis, was simulated through two phases of in vitro digestion: acidic digestion with porcine pepsin, followed by alkaline digestion with pancreatic crude extract (PCE) obtained from the PBT to hydrolyze fish meal (FM) and soybean meal (SBM) as protein substrates. The crude protein from FM resulted in a lower degree of hydrolysis (73.3%) compared with SBM (79.2%). However, the resulting digested products showed that FM contained 35% more small peptides, with sizes <6.5 kDa than those from the starting material (>150 kDa). The SBM had an increase of only 1.3% in the similar peptide cut‐offs found after hydrolysis. These results suggested that FM appeared to be a better source of protein according to the amount of low‐molecular weight peptides. In addition, the proteolytic activity of PCE showed that 88.9% of its alkaline proteolytic activity corresponded to trypsin and 2.9% corresponded to chymotrypsin activity. The results shown here demonstrate that peptide sizes are important in identifying suitable protein sources for aquafeed production to reinforce the primary results obtained from the in vitro digestibility using the pH‐Stat system. These results also contribute to a better understanding of the digestibility process in aquatic organisms.
Cloning of the Ecdysone Receptor Gene from the Chinese Mitten Crab, Eriocheir sinensis, and Sexually Dimorphic Expression of Two Splice Variants
Authors: Shen Huaishun , Ma Yuanchao , Hu Yacheng , Zhou Xin
Published: July 2015

The ecdysone receptor (EcR), a member of the nuclear receptor superfamily, plays an important role in molting in crustaceans and insects. Here, we report the cloning of the full‐length cDNA of the EcR gene from Eriocheir sinensis (EsEcR). A 477 bp alternatively spliced intron was identified, with two splice variants. One, EsEcR‐L, is 2522 bp long and encodes a 577 amino acid protein. The second, EsEcR‐S, is 2045 bp long and encodes a 422 amino acid protein. Among eight different tissues, the expression of EsEcR was highest in the hepatopancreas and lowest in the heart. EsEcR was expressed during different embryonal developmental stages, and its expression reached the highest level at the original zoea stage. EsEcR‐L was specifically expressed in testis among eight examined tissues and was also the predominantly expressed form in testis, while in other tissues the predominantly expressed form was EsEcR‐S, indicating different roles of these splice variants in males and females. EsEcR‐L was also expressed in embryos. The responses of EsEcR and EsEcR‐L after eyestalk ablation (ESA) were investigated in four tissues, including hepatopancreas, muscle, testis, and ovary. The expression of EsEcR was upregulated after ESA in hepatopancreas, muscle, and ovary, while the expression of EsEcR‐L was downregulated after ESA.
Treatment of autochthonous acute hepatitis E with short‐term ribavirin: a multicenter retrospective study
Authors: Péron Jean Marie , Abravanel Florence , Guillaume Maeva , Gérolami René , Nana Jean , Anty Rodolphe , Pariente Alexandre , Renou Christophe , Bureau Christophe , Robic Marie‐Angèle , Alric Laurent , Vinel Jean pierre , Izopet Jacques , Kamar Nassim
Published: July 2015

Background & Aims

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) genotypes 3 and 4 cause sporadic cases of infection in developed countries. Being elderly and having an underlying liver disease are the main risk factors for death in this population. Chronic infection has been described in immunocompromised patients. Ribavirin is now the antiviral treatment of choice in solid‐organ‐transplant recipients with chronic HEV infection. We hypothesized that early short‐term treatment of acute HEV infection may be useful for patients with risk factors or undergoing chemotherapy.

Methods

Between July 2010 and January 2014, 21 patients diagnosed with acute HEV infection were treated with ribavirin, at 600–800 mg/day for up to 3 months. All serum samples were positive for HEV RNA.

Results

Nine patients were treated for severe hepatitis. Six patients were aged >70 years. Four patients were receiving an immunosuppressive therapy for an autoimmune disease and two patients were undergoing chemotherapy for a malignancy. Two patients received a fixed‐dose regimen. For all other patients, ribavirin was stopped when HEV became undetectable in the serum. The median duration of ribavirin treatment was 26 days. Two patients developed severe anaemia. Two patients with encephalopathy died. One patient relapsed transiently. All patients were cleared of HEV and regained normalized liver‐enzyme levels. Immunosuppressive treatment and chemotherapy could be resumed.

Conclusions

Treatment of acute HEV infection using ribavirin seems safe and effective. Short‐term treatment tailored to viraemia may be the best regimen for this indication.
Fine‐scale genetic structure reflects sex‐specific dispersal strategies in a population of sociable weavers (Philetairus socius)
Authors: van Dijk René E. , Covas Rita , Doutrelant Claire , Spottiswoode Claire N. , Hatchwell Ben J.
Published: July 2015

Dispersal is a critical driver of gene flow, with important consequences for population genetic structure, social interactions and other biological processes. Limited dispersal may result in kin‐structured populations in which kin selection may operate, but it may also increase the risk of kin competition and inbreeding. Here, we use a combination of long‐term field data and molecular genetics to examine dispersal patterns and their consequences for the population genetics of a highly social bird, the sociable weaver (Philetairus socius), which exhibits cooperation at various levels of sociality from nuclear family groups to its unique communal nests. Using 20 years of data, involving capture of 6508 birds and 3151 recaptures at 48 colonies, we found that both sexes exhibit philopatry and that any dispersal occurs over relatively short distances. Dispersal is female‐biased, with females dispersing earlier, further, and to less closely related destination colonies than males. Genotyping data from 30 colonies showed that this pattern of dispersal is reflected by fine‐scale genetic structure for both sexes, revealed by isolation by distance in terms of genetic relatedness and significant genetic variance among colonies. Both relationships were stronger among males than females. Crucially, significant relatedness extended beyond the level of the colony for both sexes. Such fine‐scale population genetic structure may have played an important role in the evolution of cooperative behaviour in this species, but it may also result in a significant inbreeding risk, against which female‐biased dispersal alone is unlikely to be an effective strategy.