bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Incidence of Herpes Zoster and Persistent Post-Zoster Pain in Adults With or Without Diabetes in the United States
Authors: Suaya Jose A. , Chen Shih-Yin , Li Qian , Burstin Stuart J. , Levin Myron J.
Published: July 2014

Background.  This study was designed to assess the association between diabetes and herpes zoster (HZ) and persistent post-zoster pain (PPZP).

Methods.  We used a United States-based, 2005–2009 retrospective observational study of medical and pharmacy claims from adults in 3 large national databases. Incidence rate ratios were used to compare HZ incidence by diabetes status. Multivariate regressions assessed the age and sex-adjusted risk of diabetes on HZ and PPZP as a function of immune competence. National projections of HZ and PPZP cases were obtained.

Results.  Among 51 million enrollees (∼88 million person-years [PYs] at risk), we identified 420 515 HZ cases. Patients with diabetes represented 8.7% of the PYs analyzed but accounted for 14.5% of the HZ cases and 20.3% of the PPZP cases. The crude incidence of HZ was 78% higher (7.96 vs 4.48 cases/1000 PY; P < .01) and the rate of PPZP was 50% higher (5.97% vs 3.93%; P < .01) in individuals with diabetes than without. Individuals with diabetes had 45% higher adjusted risk of HZ (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.45; 95% confidence intervals [CIs], 1.43–1.46) and 18% higher adjusted odds of PPZP (odds ratio = 1.18; 95% CI, 1.13–1.24). The risk of HZ associated with diabetes among immune-compromised individuals was weaker (HR = 1.10; 95% CI, 1.07–1.14) and the risk of PPZP was no longer significant. Every year, approximately 1.2 million HZ cases occur in US adults, 13% of these occur in individuals with diabetes.

Conclusions.  Diabetes is a risk factor for HZ and PPZP in the US adult population. This association is stronger in immune-competent individuals.
Lacihabitans soyangensis gen. nov., sp. nov., a new member of the family Cytophagaceae, isolated from a freshwater reservoir
Authors: Joung Yochan , Kim Haneul , Kang Heeyoung , Lee Beom-Il , Ahn Tae-Seok , Joh Kiseong
Published: July 2014

A Gram-staining-negative, non-motile and orange-pigmented bacterium, designated strain HME6675T, was isolated from freshwater of a reservoir in Korea. The major fatty acids of strain HME6675T were iso-C15 : 0 (33.4 %) and summed feature 3 (comprising C16 : 1ω6c and/or C16 : 1ω7c; 31.3 %). The major respiratory quinone was MK-7. The polar lipids were phosphatidylethanolamine, one unidentified aminolipid, one unidentified aminophospholipid and three unidentified polar lipids. The DNA G+C content of strain HME6675T was 37.7 mol%. A phylogenetic tree based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain HME6675T formed a lineage within the family

Cytophagaceae

and was related to

Leadbetterella byssophila

4M15T (93.0 % sequence similarity),

Fluviimonas pallidilutea

TQQ6T (90.6 %) and

Emticicia oligotrophica

GPTSA100-15T (89.1 %). On the basis of the evidence presented in this study, strain HME6675T represents a novel genus and species of the family

Cytophagaceae

, for which the name Lacihabitans soyangensis gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain of Lacihabitans soyangensis is HME6675T ( = KCTC 23259T = CECT 7826T).
Flavihumibacter cheonanensis sp. nov., isolated from sediment of a shallow stream
Authors: Kim Wan-Hoe , Lee Siwon , Ahn Tae-Young
Published: July 2014

A Gram-reaction-positive, rod-shaped, strictly aerobic and non-motile bacterial strain, designated WS16T, was isolated from the sediment of a shallow stream located in Cheonan, Korea. The strain grew optimally at 28 °C, at pH 7.0 and in the absence of NaCl. Phylogenetic trees based on 16S rRNA gene sequences suggested that the isolate belonged to the genus

Flavihumibacter

of the phylum

Bacteroidetes

. Comparative 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis showed that strain WS16T was related most closely to

Flavihumibacter petaseus

T41T (96.8 % similarity). The isolate contained MK-7 as the predominant menaquinone and iso-C15 : 0, iso-C15 : 1 and iso-C17 : 0 3-OH as the major fatty acids. The genomic DNA G+C content of the isolate was 45.9 mol%. The results of a polyphasic taxonomic approach indicated that strain WS16T represents a novel species of the genus

Flavihumibacter

, for which the name Flavihumibacter cheonanensis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is WS16T ( = KACC 17467T = JCM 19322T).
Streptomyces pluripotens sp. nov., a bacteriocin-producing streptomycete that inhibits meticillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Lee Learn-Han , Zainal Nurullhudda , Azman Adzzie-Shazleen , Eng Shu-Kee , Ab Mutalib Nurul-Syakima , Yin Wai-Fong , Chan Kok-Gan
Published: July 2014

Two novel actinobacteria, strains MUSC 135T and MUSC 137, were isolated from mangrove soil at Tanjung Lumpur, Malaysia. The 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity and DNA–DNA relatedness between strains MUSC 135T and MUSC 137 were 100 % and 83±3.2 %, confirming that these two strains should be classified in the same species. Strain MUSC 135T exhibited a broad-spectrum bacteriocin against the pathogens meticillin-resistant

Staphylococcus aureus

(MRSA) strain ATCC BAA-44,

Salmonella typhi

ATCC 19430T and

Aeromonas hydrophila

ATCC 7966T. A polyphasic approach was used to study the taxonomy of MUSC 135T, and it showed a range of phylogenetic and chemotaxonomic properties consistent with those of the genus

Streptomyces

. The diamino acid of the cell-wall peptidoglycan was ll-diaminopimelic acid. The predominant menaquinones were MK-9(H6), MK-9(H4) and MK-9(H8). Polar lipids detected were a lipid, an aminolipid, a phospholipid, phosphatidylinositol, phosphatidylethanolamine and two glycolipids. The predominant cellular fatty acids (>10.0 %) were anteiso-C15 : 0 (20.8 %), iso-C16 : 0 (18.0 %), iso-C15 : 0 (12.2 %) and anteiso-C17 : 0 (11.6 %). The whole-cell sugars were ribose, glucose and mannose. These results suggested that MUSC 135T should be placed within the genus

Streptomyces

. Phylogenetic analysis based on the 16S rRNA gene sequence exhibited that the most closely related strains were

Streptomyces cinereospinus

NBRC 15397T (99.18 % similarity),

Streptomyces mexicanus

NBRC 100915T (99.17 %) and

Streptomyces coeruleofuscus

NBRC 12757T (98.97 %). DNA–DNA relatedness between MUSC 135T and closely related type strains ranged from 26.3±2.1 to 49.6±2.5 %. BOX-PCR fingerprint comparisons showed that MUSC 135T exhibited a unique DNA profile. The DNA G+C content determined was 70.7±0.3 mol%. Based on our polyphasic study of MUSC 135T, the strain merits assignment to a novel species, for which the name Streptomyces pluripotens sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is MUSC 135T ( = MCCC 1K00252T = DSM 42140T).
Sequencing of the human IG light chain loci from a hydatidiform mole BAC library reveals locus-specific signatures of genetic diversity
Authors: Watson Corey T. , Steinberg Karyn Meltz , Graves Tina A. , Warren Rene L. , Malig Maika , Schein Jacqueline , Wilson Richard K. , Holt Robert A. , Eichler Evan E. , Breden Felix
Published: July 2014

Germline variation at immunoglobulin gene (IG) loci is critical for pathogen-mediated immunity, but establishing complete reference sequences in these regions is problematic because of segmental duplications and somatically rearranged source DNA. We sequenced BAC clones from the essentially haploid hydatidiform mole, CHM1, across the light chain IG loci, kappa (IGK) and lambda (IGL), creating single haplotype representations of these regions. The IGL haplotype is 1.25Mb of contiguous sequence with four novel V gene and one novel C gene alleles and an 11.9kbp insertion. The IGK haplotype consists of two 644kbp proximal and 466kbp distal contigs separated by a gap also present in the reference genome sequence. Our effort added an additional 49kbp of unique sequence extending into this gap. The IGK haplotype contains six novel V gene and one novel J gene alleles and a 16.7kbp region with increased sequence identity between the two IGK contigs, exhibiting signatures of interlocus gene conversion. Our data facilitated the first comparison of nucleotide diversity between the light and IG heavy (IGH) chain haplotypes within a single genome, revealing a three to six fold enrichment in the IGH locus, supporting the theory that the heavy chain may be more important in determining antigenic specificity.
4-Methyl-N-{2-[(E)-3-oxo-3-phenylprop-1-en-1-yl]phenyl}benzenesulfonamide
Authors: Kim Sung-Gon
Published: July 2014

In the title compound, C22H19NO3S, the terminal phenyl and methylphenyl rings are twisted by 37.35 (12) and 49.08 (13)°, respectively, to the central benzene ring. In the crystal, molecules are linked by classical N—H...O hydrogen bonds and weak C—H...O hydrogen bonds into a three-dimensional supramolecular network.
Territoriality and home‐range dynamics in meerkats, Suricata suricatta: a mechanistic modelling approach
Authors: Bateman Andrew W. , Lewis Mark A. , Gall Gabriella , Manser Marta B. , Clutton‐Brock Tim H.
Published: July 2014

Multiple approaches exist to model patterns of space use across species, among them resource selection analysis, statistical home‐range modelling and mechanistic movement modelling. Mechanistic home‐range models combine the benefits of these approaches, describing emergent territorial patterns based on fine‐scale individual‐ or group‐movement rules and incorporating interactions with neighbours and the environment. These models have not, to date, been extended to dynamic contexts.

Using mechanistic home‐range models, we explore meerkat (Suricata suricatta) territorial patterns, considering scent marking, direct group interactions and habitat selection. We also extend the models to accommodate dynamic aspects of meerkat territoriality (territory development and territory shift).

We fit models, representing multiple working hypotheses, to data from a long‐term meerkat study in South Africa, and we compare models using Akaike's and Bayesian Information Criteria.

Our results identify important features of meerkat territorial patterns. Notably, larger groups do not seem to control larger territories, and groups apparently prefer dune edges along a dry river bed.

Our model extensions capture instances in which 1) a newly formed group interacts more strongly with its parent groups over time and 2) a group moves its territory core out of aversive habitat. This extends our mechanistic modelling framework in previously unexplored directions.
The Emerging Post-Crisis Financial Architecture: The Path-Dependency of Ideational Adverse Selection
Authors: Underhill Geoffrey R. D.
Published: July 2014

Research Highlights and Abstract

This article

Contributes to the debate on policy change and economic ideas after the crisis, finding ideas and material interests to be closely aligned and introducing the notion of ‘ideational adverse selection’. Establishes that pre-crisis financial governance failed to provide financial stability yet provided benefits to precisely those whose advocacy underpinned its emergence. Argues that despite the adoption of a ‘macroprudential approach’, the post-crisis reform of financial governance promulgated by the Basel Commitee and IOSCO does not (yet) admit of a ‘paradigm shift’. Concludes that if ideational change and a shift in policy approach is to take place, the nature of the policy community as ‘input’ must also change.

This article focuses on two cases of transnational financial governance that confirm that ideas and material interests are closely aligned in the construction of regulatory institutions at the international level: the Basel-II/III international capital adequacy standards and the IOSCO-based regulatory processes that underpin cross-border securities markets. The article first establishes that the pre-crisis system of financial regulation and supervision left public authorities dependent on private sector expertise and information provision such that policy idea-sets became increasingly aligned with private sector preferences. Secondly, this market-based system of financial governance provided benefits to precisely those whose advocacy underpinned its emergence while facilitating neither financial stability nor resolving the weaknesses of national-level governance in a context of cross-border integration. Lastly, it remains unclear if either pre-crisis alternatives or the lessons of the crisis itself have been applied properly to the reforms. The reform debate continues to pursue an essentially market-based approach to the problem of financial governance at the national, regional and global levels. Policy failure endogenous to a pre-crisis regulatory coalition has so far failed to disturb the tenacity of material interests and inertia of institutional path dependency.
Community Leadership and the Construction of Political Legitimacy: Unpacking Bourdieu's ‘Political Capital’ in Post‐Apartheid Johannesburg
Authors: Bénit‐Gbaffou Claire , Katsaura Obvious
Published: July 2014

Apart from local monographs and normative texts on community participation, research on community leadership constitutes a blind spot in urban leadership, urban politics, social movements and urban studies. This article, based on case studies in post‐apartheid Johannesburg, contributes to theorizing community leadership, or informal local political leadership, by exploring Bourdieu's concepts of ‘political capital’ and ‘double dealings’. Considering community leaders as brokers between local residents and various institutions (in South Africa, the state and the party), we examine how leaders construct their political legitimacy, both towards ‘the bottom’ (building and maintaining their constituencies), and towards ‘the top’ (seeking and sustaining recognition from fractions of the party and the state). These legitimation processes are often in tension, pulling community leaders in contradictory directions, usefully understood under Bourdieu's concept of ‘double dealings’. Community leaders are required, more than formally elected political leaders, to constantly reassert their legitimacy in multiple local public arenas due to the informal nature of their mandate and the high level of political competition between them — with destructive consequences for local polity but also the potential for increased accountability to their followers. We finally reflect on the relevance of this theoretical framework, inspired by Bourdieu, beyond South African urban politics.
Effects of various whey proteins on the physicochemical and textural properties of set type nonfat yoghurt
Authors: Delikanli Berrak , Ozcan Tulay
Published: July 2014

In this study, the changes during storage in the physicochemical, textural and sensory properties of nonfat yoghurts fortified with whey proteins, namely whey protein concentrates (WPC), whey protein isolates and whey protein hydrolysates, were investigated. Enrichment of nonfat yoghurt with the whey protein additives (1% w/v) had a noticeable effect on pH, titratable acidity, syneresis, water‐holding capacity, protein contents and colour values on the 14th day of storage (P < 0.01). The addition of whey proteins to the yoghurt milk led to increases in the hardness, cohesiveness and elasticity values, resulting in improved textural properties. The addition of WPC improved the texture of set‐type nonfat yoghurt with greater sizes in the gel network as well as lower syneresis and higher water holding capacity. This study suggests that the addition of whey protein additives used for fortification of yoghurt gave the best textural and sensory properties that were maintained constant during the shelf life.
Protocol for CT in the position of discomfort: Preoperative assessment of femoroacetabular impingement – how we do it and what the surgeon wants to know
Authors: Grabinski Rafal , Ou Daniel , Saunder Kate , Rotstein Andrew , Singh Parminder , Pritchard Michael , O'Donnell John
Published: July 2014

Introduction

The use of computed tomography of the hip in a position of discomfort (CT‐POD) in combination with 2D and 3D surface rendering is a technique increasingly used to aid in the assessment and confirmation of femoral and acetabular bony abnormalities related to femoroacetabular impingement. The purpose of this article is to describe this dynamic method of assessment.

Methods

Patients referred by orthopaedic surgeons for assessment of femoroacetabular impingement as part of preoperative planning and patients who required postoperative assessment of residual bony abnormalities were selected.

Results

This article describes the CT‐POD technique and the information required by the referring surgeon.

Conclusion

CT‐POD is a new technique that provides valuable preoperative and postoperative information to the surgeon.
Two missense mutations in melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R) are strongly associated with dark ventral coat color in reindeer (Rangifer tarandus)
Authors: Våge D. I. , Nieminen M. , Anderson D. G. , Røed K. H.
Published: July 2014

The protein‐coding region of melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R) was sequenced to identify potential variation affecting coat color in reindeer (Rangifer tarandus). A T→C sequence variation at nucleotide position 218 (c.218T>C) causing an amino acid (aa) change from methionine to threonine at aa position 73 (p.Met73Thr) was identified. In addition, a T→G sequence variation was found at nucleotide position 839 (c.839T>G), causing phenylalanine to be exchanged by cysteine at aa position 280 (p.Phe280Cys). The two sequence variants (c.218C and c.839G) were found to be closely associated with a darker belly coat compared with animals not having any of these two variants. The aa acid change p.Met73Thr affects the same position as p.Met73Lys previously reported to give constitutive activation of MC1R in black sheep (Ovis aries), whereas p.Phe280Cys is identical to one of two variants previously reported to be associated with dark coat color in Arctic fox (Alopex lagopus), supporting that the two variants found in reindeer are functional. The complete absence of Thr73 and Cys280 among the 51 wild reindeer analyzed provides some evidence that these variants are more common in the domestic herds.
Late‐onset cerebellar abiotrophy in a Labrador Retriever
Authors: Bertalan A , Glass EN , Kent M , De LaHunta A , Bradley C
Published: July 2014

Case report

A 5‐year‐old female spayed Labrador Retriever was examined for a hindlimb gait abnormality. Initial neurological examination was consistent with vestibular dysfunction. Over the course of 1 year, signs progressed to reflect cerebellar ataxia, vertical nystagmus and delayed postural reactions in all limbs. At the initial examination, subjective evaluation of magnetic resonance imaging scan of the brain was considered normal. Repeat imaging at 1 year after initial examination revealed a reduction in the size of the cerebellum. Retrospectively, the size of the cerebellum on the initial MRI was small when assessed using an objective measurement algorithm. Postmortem histopathological evaluation of the brain showed diffuse degeneration of Purkinje cell neurones with secondary granule cell loss in the cerebellum, in addition to pigment inclusions in brainstem neurones.

Conclusion

The clinical history and clinicopathological data are consistent with late‐onset cerebellar abiotrophy, which has not previously been described in this breed.
Modified renal function in pregnancy: impact on emtricitabine pharmacokinetics
Authors: Valade Elodie , Tréluyer Jean‐Marc , Dabis François , Arrivé Elise , Pannier Emmanuelle , Benaboud Sihem , Fauchet Floris , Bouazza Naïm , Foissac Frantz , Urien Saïk , Hirt Déborah
Published: July 2014

Aims

The aims were to describe emtricitabine (FTC) pharmacokinetics in a large population of pregnant women during the different trimesters of pregnancy, and to explain FTC pharmacokinetic variability during pregnancy.

Methods

FTC plasma concentrations were measured in 103 non‐pregnant and 83 pregnant women, including women in the different trimesters of pregnancy and on the day of delivery. A total of 457 plasma concentrations were available for analysis. A population pharmacokinetic model was developed with Monolix 4.1.3.

Results

FTC pharmacokinetics was best described by a two compartment model. The effect of creatinine clearance on apparent elimination clearance (CL/F) was significant. CL/F in pregnant women was significantly higher compared with non‐pregnant women (geometric mean 24.1 vs 20.5 l h−1, P < 0.001), reflecting a modified renal function. FTC daily exposures (AUC) during pregnancy were lower than AUC in non‐pregnant women, regardless of the trimester of pregnancy. FTC AUC geometric means were 8.38 mg l−1 h in the second trimester of pregnancy, 8.16 mg l−1 h in the third trimester of pregnancy, 8.30 mg l−1 h on the day of delivery and 9.77 mg l−1 h in non‐pregnant women. FTC concentrations 24 h after administration were lower in pregnant women compared with non‐pregnant women (0.054 vs. 0.079 mg l−1, P < 0.001) but still above the inhibitory concentration 50%.

Conclusions

FTC CL/F was increased by 18% during pregnancy, reflecting a modified renal function with 50% increase in estimated glomerular filtration rate. However, the impact of this modified renal function on FTC pharmacokinetics was not sufficiently large to consider dose adjustments during pregnancy.
Trends and Factors Associated with Self‐Reported Receipt of Preconception Care: PRAMS, 2004–2010
Authors: Oza‐Frank Reena , Gilson Elizabeth , Keim Sarah A. , Lynch Courtney D. , Klebanoff Mark A.
Published: July 2014

Background

Preconception care (PCC) is a form of primary prevention for promoting health, assessing risk, and intervening to modify risk factors to try to improve maternal and infant outcomes. Clinical provision of preconception care before and after the release of recommendations has not been evaluated. Our objective was to determine trends in self‐reported receipt of PCC from 2004 to 2010, and factors associated with self‐reported receipt of PCC.

Methods

Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS) data from 12 states were used to determine trends in PCC. Weighted multivariable logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with self‐reported receipt of PCC.

Results

The sample consisted of n = 64,084 women, with 30.8 percent reporting receipt of PCC. PCC increased from 30.3 percent in 2004 to 32.6 percent in 2010 (p = 0.08 for trend). Women who were younger, with lower household income, or with a preterm birth were less likely to report PCC. Women with lower levels of education, who were non‐Hispanic black, intending pregnancy, without previous children, or with prepregnancy government insurance were more likely to report PCC.

Conclusions

Only one‐third of women with a recent live birth report receipt of any PCC. There is a need to increase PCC receipt, especially among populations that demonstrate lower levels.
The Case for Early Intervention to Reduce the Impact of Intimate Partner Abuse on Child Outcomes: Results of an Australian Cohort of First‐Time Mothers
Authors: Gartland Deirdre , Woolhouse Hannah , Mensah Fiona K. , Hegarty Kelsey , Hiscock Harriet , Brown Stephanie J.
Published: July 2014

Background

Intimate partner abuse is a major contributor to death, disability, and illness in women of childbearing age, but little is known about population level impact on children.

Method

Prospective pregnancy cohort of 1,507 first‐time mothers recruited from six public hospitals in Melbourne, Australia. Follow‐up included validated measures of intimate partner abuse at 1 and 4 years (Composite Abuse Scale) and child emotional and behavioral difficulties at 4 years (Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire).

Results

Twenty‐nine percent of mothers reported partner abuse in the first 4 years postpartum: 20 percent reported abuse in the first year and 21 percent at 4 years; 12 percent of mothers reported abuse at both time points. Children of mothers reporting abuse at both times were more likely to experience emotional and/or behavioral difficulties at age 4, compared to children of mothers not reporting abuse, after adjusting for maternal depressive symptoms, relationship transitions and other social characteristics (Adj. OR 2.6 [95% CI 1.2–5.5]).

Conclusions

Intimate partner abuse impacted the lives of one in four children. Children of mothers reporting abuse at both time points were at most risk of emotional/behavioral difficulties. The case for early intervention to reduce the impact of intimate partner abuse on women's and children's lives is compelling.
Endoscopic assessment of the dacryocystorhinostomy ostium after powered endoscopic surgery: behaviour beyond 4 weeks
Authors: Ali Mohammad J , Psaltis Alkis J , Ali Md H , Wormald Peter J
Published: July 2014

Background

This study aims to assess the shrinkage of dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) ostium beyond 4 weeks.

Design

Prospective series in a University setting.

Participants

Sixty consecutive patients.

Methods

Prospectively collected data of 60 consecutive powered endoscopic DCRs performed in 57 patients over a period of 10 years from 2002 to 2011. All patients had regular follow‐up of 2 years post‐surgery. The ostium size at 4 weeks, 6 months, 1 year and 2 years were evaluated. Analysis of variance was used to compare the differences.

Main Outcome Measure

Changes in ostium measurements.

Results

The ostium measured 11.25 mm (standard deviation [SD] = 1.7; 95% confidence intervals [CI] = 10.80–11.69) × 7.07 (SD = 1.4; 95% CI = 6.71–7.42) at 4 weeks. It measured 10.48 mm (SD = 1.6; 95% CI = 10.06–10.90) × 6.65 mm (SD = 1.2; 95% CI = 6.34–6.95) at 6 months, 10.22 mm (SD = 1.5; 95% CI = 9.81–10.61) × 6.52 mm (SD = 1.2; 95% CI = 6.20–6.80) at 1 year and 10.15 mm (SD = 1.5; 95% CI = 9.76–10.53) × 6.45 mm (SD = 1.2; 95% CI = 6.14–6.75). There was no statistically significant decrease in either the ostium size or the area up to 2 years following surgery.

Conclusion

The ostium achieved using the powered endoscopic DCR technique remains stable in size from 4 weeks to 2 years post‐surgery. This likely reflects the advantages of this technique which facilitates healing by primary intention.
Evaluation of the chorioretinal thickness changes in Alzheimer's disease using spectral‐domain optical coherence tomography
Authors: Bayhan Hasan Ali , Aslan Bayhan Seray , Celikbilek Asuman , Tanık Nermin , Gürdal Canan
Published: July 2014

Background

To assess the chorioretinal thickness changes using spectral‐domain optical coherence tomography (SD‐OCT) and to evaluate the association between these structural changes and cognitive impairment in Alzheimer's disease (AD).

Design

Prospective, cross‐sectional study

Participants

Thirty‐one eyes of 31 consecutive patients with AD and 30 eyes of 30 cognitively healthy age‐matched control subjects were recruited

Methods

SD‐OCT (RTVue‐100) was used to measure the macular ganglion cell complex thickness (mGCC), outer retinal thickness (ORL), and the choroidal thickness (CT). Cognitive function was evaluated by Mini‐Mental State examination (MMSE) on the same day of the optical examination.

Main Outcome Measures

Chorioretinal thickness.

Results

The mGCC average, mGCC superior and mGCC inferior thicknesses of the AD group were significantly thinner than those of the controls (all, P < 0.05). No significant difference was found in the ORL thickness measurements between the two groups. Compared with control subjects, the CT measurements at all regions were significantly thinner in patients with AD than controls except CT measurement at 3.0 mm temporal to the fovea (P = 0.067). Significant correlations between the mGCC thickness measurements of the AD group and MMSE scores were observed. There was no significant correlation between the MMSE scores and the CT measurements (P > 0.05).

Conclusions

Patients with AD had chorioretinal structural alterations. Retinal structural alterations were seen only in the inner layers. The reduction in mGCC thickness parameters were related to the severity of cognitive impairment in AD.
Judgments About Fact and Fiction by Children From Religious and Nonreligious Backgrounds
Authors: Corriveau Kathleen H. , Chen Eva E. , Harris Paul L.
Published: July 2014

In two studies, 5‐ and 6‐year‐old children were questioned about the status of the protagonist embedded in three different types of stories. In realistic stories that only included ordinary events, all children, irrespective of family background and schooling, claimed that the protagonist was a real person. In religious stories that included ordinarily impossible events brought about by divine intervention, claims about the status of the protagonist varied sharply with exposure to religion. Children who went to church or were enrolled in a parochial school, or both, judged the protagonist in religious stories to be a real person, whereas secular children with no such exposure to religion judged the protagonist in religious stories to be fictional. Children's upbringing was also related to their judgment about the protagonist in fantastical stories that included ordinarily impossible events whether brought about by magic (Study 1) or without reference to magic (Study 2). Secular children were more likely than religious children to judge the protagonist in such fantastical stories to be fictional. The results suggest that exposure to religious ideas has a powerful impact on children's differentiation between reality and fiction, not just for religious stories but also for fantastical stories.
Evaluation of discomfort during colonoscopy with conventional and ultrathin colonoscopes in ulcerative colitis patients
Authors: Ogawa Tomohiro , Ohda Yoshio , Nagase Kazuko , Kono Tomoaki , Tozawa Katsuyuki , Tomita Toshihiko , Iimuro Masaki , Hida Nobuyuki , Oshima Tadayuki , Fukui Hirokazu , Hori Kazutoshi , Watari Jiro , Nakamura Shiro , Miwa Hiroto
Published: July 2014

Background and Aim

In patients with ulcerative colitis (UC), colonoscopy is an essential procedure for evaluating mucosal damage, and treatment outcomes. A new flexible ultrathin colonoscope (PCF‐PQ260) has been developed to readily pass through tortuous and narrow lesions of the colon and cause minimum patient discomfort. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the comfort and performance of this new type of scope in UC patients who underwent colonoscopy for estimation of mucosal inflammation, basically without sedation.

Methods

In a prospective, single‐center setting, among 107 UC patients who were to undergo colonoscopy, 84 eligible cases were randomly assigned to the new ultrathin flexible colonoscope, PCF‐PQ260 (n = 42) or to a conventional colonoscope, PCF‐Q260A (n = 42). Main outcome measure was patient pain level determined by visual analogue scale (VAS) with 0 = none, and 100 = extremely painful. Other outcomes were cecal intubation time, rate of complete intubation (to reach the cecum) and rate of procedural complications.

Results

VAS score was significantly lower in the new‐scope group as compared with the conventional‐scope group: mean ± SD, median (range): 19.3 ± 16.9, 14 (0–62) vs 32.0 ± 21.6, 31.8 (0–100, P = 0.005). However, cecal intubation rate (97.6%) and time (4 min) were similar in the two groups. There was no procedure‐related serious complication in either group.

Conclusion

The findings indicated that the flexible ultrathin colonoscope PCF‐PQ260 has significantly better tolerability in UC patients compared to a conventional colonoscope.
Echocardiography Detects Elevated Left Ventricular Filling Pressures in Heart Transplant Recipients
Authors: Bech‐Hanssen Odd , Al‐Habeeb Waleed , Ahmed Waqas , Di Salvo Giovanni , Pergola Valeria , Al‐Admawi Mohammed , Al‐Amri Mohammed , Al‐Shahid Maie , Al‐Buraiki Jehad , Fadel Bahaa M.
Published: July 2014

Diastolic dysfunction is a recognized complication in heart transplant (HTx) recipients that limits exercise capacity and is a risk factor for mortality. We investigated the ability of echocardiography to detect elevated pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (mean PCWP>15 mmHg) in HTx recipients. This retrospective study comprised HTx recipients with echocardiography and right heart catheterization within 24 hours (n = 100, 113 investigations). Echocardiographic assessment was performed using mitral inflow (E/A ratio, deceleration time [DT], isovolumic relaxation time [IVRT]), tissue Doppler (E/E′ lateral) parameters, and the Doppler‐estimated pulmonary artery systolic pressure (Doppler PASP). The right atrial pressure (RAP) was estimated based on size and the effect of respiration or sniffing on the inferior vena cava diameter. Cutoff values were determined from a derivation group (n = 57, receiver operator characteristic curve analysis) and evaluated in a test group (n = 56). Elevated PCWP were found in 38%. The RAP and PCWP were both normal in 58 investigations and elevated in 39 investigations (concordance rate of 86.6%). The presence of signs of increased RAP by echocardiography or with three of five parameters (E/A, DT, IVRT, E/E′ lateral, and Doppler PASP) reaching the cutoff values ruled in elevated PCWP with positive likelihood ratios ranging from 15.3 to 9. With normal RAP by echocardiography or none of the other parameters reaching cutoff values elevated PCWP can be ruled out with negative likelihood ratios ranging from 0.07 to 0.19. In conclusion, elevated PCWP in HTx recipients can be assessed using echocardiography.
Deficits in motor performance after pedunculopontine lesions in rats – impairment depends on demands of task
Authors: MacLaren Duncan A. A. , Santini Joseph A. , Russell Ashley L. , Markovic Tamara , Clark Stewart D.
Published: July 2014

Anatomically and functionally located between basal ganglia and brainstem circuitry, the pedunculopontine tegmental nucleus (PPTg) is in a pivotal position to contribute to motor behavior. Studies in primates have reported akinesia and postural instability following destruction of the PPTg. In humans, the PPTg partially degenerates in Parkinson's disease and stimulation of this region is under investigation as a possible therapeutic. Studies in rats report no crude motor impairment following PPTg lesion, although a detailed assessment of the role of the PPTg in rat motor function has not been reported. Our studies applied motor tests generally used in rodent models of Parkinson's disease to rats bearing either excitotoxic damage to all neuronal populations within PPTg, or selective destruction of the cholinergic subpopulation created with the toxin Dtx‐UII. Neither lesion type altered baseline locomotion. On the rotarod, excitotoxic lesions produced a persistent impairment on the accelerating, but not fixed speed, conditions. In the vermicelli handling task (a quantitative measure of fine motor control and effective behavioral sequencing) excitotoxic lesions produced no single impairment, but globally increased the number of normal and abnormal behaviors. In contrast, depletion of cholinergic PPTg neurons produced impairment on the accelerating rotarod but no changes in vermicelli handling. Together, these results show that while PPTg lesions produce no impairment in the execution of individual motor actions, impairments emerge when the demands of the task increase. Results are discussed in terms of PPTg acting as part of a rapid action selection system, which integrates sensory information into motor output.
What is the position of apathy in Parkinson's disease?
Authors: Benoit M.
Published: July 2014

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Hydropatriarchies and landesque capital: a local gender contract analysis of two smallholder irrigation systems inEastAfrica
Authors: Caretta Martina Angela
Published: July 2014

Water is a natural resource whose control for productive purposes is often in the hands of men. Societies grounded on such unequal gender relations have been defined ‘hydropatriarchies’. Against this background, this paper presents a gender analysis of landscape investments, conceptualised as landesque capital in smallholder irrigation farming inEastAfrica. Based on the analysis of how local gender contracts are negotiated,Iargue that as processes of landesque capital formation are often explicitly gendered, attentiveness to gender dynamics is required to fully understand such practices. Moreover, as investments in landesque capital, for example, irrigation, terracing and drainage systems, have primarily been conceptualised as the result of men's systematic work, this study highlights women's contributions to the creation of landesque capital, taking smallholder irrigation as an example. Findings show that a distinction between ‘incremental’ and ‘systematic’ change (Doolittle 1984;Annals of theAssociation ofAmericanGeographers74 124–37) is central to understanding the gender dynamics of landesque capital investment, but it is not sufficient. As women's work processes are typically not systematic, possibly promoting incremental change, they contribute to the production of landesque capital by supporting and facilitating men's work. However, the work of women is, as a rule, homogenised and stereotypically rendered as reproductive and secondary, due to the underlying cultural norms that limit, control or exploit women. This conceptualisation, or rather lack of,Iargue, risks leading to a gender‐blind analysis of land use intensification processes. Building on the gendered and symbolic nature of landesque capital,Ipropose a local gender contract analysis that integrates the cultural, symbolic and physical dimensions of the local gender division of labour into agricultural work and landscape change processes.
Value of Egy‐Score in diagnosis of significant, advanced hepatic fibrosis and cirrhosis compared to aspartate aminotransferase‐to‐platelet ratio index, FIB‐4 and Forns' index in chronic hepatitis C virus
Authors: Alboraie Mohamed , Khairy Marwa , Elsharkawy Marwa , Asem Noha , Elsharkawy Aisha , Esmat Gamal
Published: July 2014

Aim

Serum markers and developed scores are of rising importance in non‐invasive diagnosis of hepatic fibrosis. Aspartate aminotransferase‐to‐platelet ratio index (APRI), FIB‐4 and Forns' index are validated scores used for diagnosis of liver fibrosis. The Egy‐Score is a newly developed score for detection of hepatic fibrosis with promising results. We aimed to assess the accuracy of the Egy‐Score in the diagnosis of significant fibrosis, advanced fibrosis and cirrhosis compared to APRI, FIB‐4 and Forns' in chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) patients.

Methods

A retrospective study including 100 chronic hepatitis C naïve Egyptian patients was performed. Patients were classified according to stages of fibrosis into three groups: significant fibrosis (≥ F2), advanced fibrosis (≥ F3) and cirrhosis (F4). Egy‐Score, APRI, FIB‐4 and Forns' index were calculated. Regression analysis and receiver–operator curves were plotted to assess the sensitivity, specificity and predictive values for the significant scores with the best cut‐off for diagnosis.

Results

An Egy‐Score of 3.28 or more was superior to APRI, FIB‐4 and Forns' index for detecting advanced fibrosis with a sensitivity of 91% and specificity of 78%. An Egy‐Score of 3.67 or more was superior to APRI, FIB‐4 and Forns' index for detecting cirrhosis with a sensitivity of 82% and specificity of 87%. Forns' index was superior to Egy‐Score, FIB‐4 and APRI for detecting significant fibrosis.

Conclusion

The Egy‐Score is a promising, accurate, easily calculated, cost‐effective score in the prediction of hepatic fibrosis in chronic HCV patients with superiority over APRI, FIB‐4 and Forns' index in advanced hepatic fibrosis and cirrhosis.
Medication and the patient–doctor relationship: a qualitative study with patients suffering from fibromyalgia
Authors: Durif‐Bruckert Christine , Roux Pauline , Rousset Hugues
Published: July 2014

Background

Fibromyalgia is characterized by a diffuse and predominantly axial and chronic pain, for which there is no explicit rationale for treatment options.

Objective

This qualitative study aims to understand the medication experience of patients with fibromyalgia and their relationship with the doctors derived from treatment negotiation.

Design

A qualitative approach was used, based on interviews with patients.

Setting and participants

Semi‐structured interviews were held in a public hospital, with 35 patients diagnosed with fibromyalgia. Qualitative content analysis was performed.

Results

The first axis is centred on the unsuccessful quest for an effective treatment for pain and the feeling of dismissal of patients, who are in search of validation and recognition. The second part of the accounts explains the medication adjustments and the search for collaboration. Developing a model of partnership with the doctor enables the patients to shape their own illness, through the medication.

Discussion

It is by mediating their relationship with medication that patients gain access to this state of co‐expertise and that they put sense into the collaboration they develop with their doctors. Through this collaboration, useful drugs are identified and adjusted to treat the pain.
Water sustainability: environmental attitude, drought attitude and motivation
Authors: Dascher Erin D. , Kang Jiyun , Hustvedt Gwendolyn
Published: July 2014

One impact of climate change being felt by households is the increasing unpredictability of the availability and quality of water supplies. Given the critical circumstance and timely needs created by droughts, this research aimed to explore the relationships among US consumers' perceptions of drought severity, perceived importance of water conservation drivers, participation in water/energy conscious consumption and perceived consumer effectiveness (PCE) in general environmental issues as well as specifically in drought. A survey of 273 consumers in the US state of Texas was conducted during the most severe single‐year drought in the region's history. Exploratory factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modelling were used for data analysis. The results of this study support the importance of PCE in sustainable consumer behaviour and suggest that PCE for a specific issue has a more direct impact on relevant consumer behaviour than PCE for a generalized issue. Further, the results of this study lead to the suggestion that policy makers focus upon water restrictions and educational campaigns as part of their demand side management of water resources, as opposed to providing incentives for water conservation technologies. Lastly, the exploratory variable used to measure water/energy conscious consumption has been validated in this study and suggests that at least a partial percentage of consumers are consciously making water/energy purchase decisions within a larger framework of reduced resource availability.
Method to Stop Geopolymer Reaction
Authors: Chen Xu , Meawad Amr , Struble Leslie J.
Published: July 2014

The objective of this study was to develop a method to stop geopolymer reaction at early ages so that the molecular structure can be determined and its link to setting behavior probed. Solvent extraction, using a mixture of alcohol and acetone to remove water, was seen to suspend reaction up to at least 53 h, allowing enough time for nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) tests to determine structure. However, this method caused precipitation of soluble species present at early ages, confounding interpretation of the spectra and thus making it suitable only for mature geopolymers. A combination of water treatment to extract soluble species and solvent treatment to extract water was seen to stop the geopolymer reaction long enough (> 1 week) forNMRtests in specimens with and without calcium.
Silicon Carbide Oxidation in Steam up to 2 MPa
Authors: Terrani Kurt A. , Pint Bruce A. , Parish Chad M. , Silva Chinthaka M. , Snead Lance L. , Katoh Yutai
Published: July 2014

Growth and microstructure of a protective or nonprotective SiO2 scale and the subsequent volatilization of scale formed on high‐purity chemical vapor deposited (CVD) SiC and nuclear‐grade SiC/SiC composites have been studied during high‐temperature 100% steam exposure. The environmental parameters of interest were temperature from 1200°C to 1700°C, pressure of 0.1 to 2 MPa and flow velocities of 0.23 to 145 cm/s. Scale microstructure was characterized via electron microscopy and X‐ray diffractometry. The Arrhenius dependence of the parabolic oxidation and linear volatilization rate constants were determined. The linear volatilization rate exhibited a strong dependence on steam partial pressure with a weaker dependence on flow velocity. At high steam pressures, the oxide scale developed substantial porosity, which significantly accelerated material recession. The dominant oxide phase for the conditions studied was cristobalite. The oxidation behavior of SiC/SiC composite was strongly dependent on the state of the surface, specifically whether steam could find easy entry into the material via surface‐exposed interface layers. For the case where these as‐machined interfaces were surface coated with matrix CVD SiC, composite recession was found to be essentially that of high‐purity CVD SiC.
Interpreting chronic disorders of consciousness: medical science and family experience
Authors: Edgar Andrew , Kitzinger Celia , Kitzinger Jenny
Published: July 2014

Rationale, aims and objectives

Chronic disorders of consciousness (CDoC) pose significant problems of understanding for both medical professionals and the relatives and friends of the patient. This paper explores the tensions between the different interpretative resources that are drawn upon by lay people and professionals in their response to CDoC.

Methods

A philosophical analysis of data from 51 interviews with people who have relatives who are (or have been) in a vegetative or minimally conscious state.

Results

The medical specialist and the lay person tend to draw on two different interpretative frameworks: a medical science framework, which tends to construct the patient in terms of measurable physical parameters, and an interpretative framework that encompasses the uniqueness of the patient and the relative's relationship to them as a social being.

Conclusions

These differences potentially lead to ruptures in communication between medical professionals and relatives such that that an increased self‐consciousness of the framing assumptions being made will facilitate communication and enrich understanding of CDoCs.
Picoeukaryote Plankton Composition off West Spitsbergen at the Entrance to the Arctic Ocean
Authors: Kilias Estelle S. , Nöthig Eva‐Maria , Wolf Christian , Metfies Katja
Published: July 2014

Investigation of marine eukaryotic picoplankton composition is limited by missing morphological features for appropriate identification. Consequently, molecular methods are required. In this study, we used 454‐pyrosequencing to study picoplankton communities at four stations in the West Spitsbergen Current (WSC; Fram Strait). High abundances of Micromonas pusilla were detected in the station situated closest to Spitsbergen, as seen in surveys of picoplankton assemblages in the Beaufort Sea. At the other three stations, other phylotypes, affiliating with Phaeocystis pouchetii and Syndiniales in the phylogenetic tree, were present in high numbers, dominating most of them. The picoplankton community structures at three of the stations, all with similar salinity and temperature, were alike. At the fourth station, the influence of the East Spitsbergen Current, transporting cold water from the Barents Sea around Spitsbergen, causes different abiotic parameters that result in a significantly different picoeukaryote community composition, which is dominated by M. pusilla. This observation is particularly interesting with regard to ongoing environmental changes in the Arctic. Ongoing warming of the WSC could convey a new picoplankton assemblage into the Arctic Ocean, which may come to affect the dominance of M. pusilla.