bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Novel optical coherence tomography classification of torpedo maculopathy
Authors: Wong Evan N , Fraser‐Bell Samantha , Hunyor Alex P , Chen Fred K
Published: September 2014

Background

Torpedo maculopathy is a rare condition with a twofold clinical significance. Firstly, it is a differential of atypical congenital hypertrophy of the retinal pigment epithelium. Secondly, visual field loss has been reported. We demonstrate the spectrum of structural abnormality of torpedo maculopathy as seen on optical coherence tomography, and correlate this with age of presentation, fundus autofluorescence, retinal sensitivity loss and visual field abnormality.

Design

A retrospective, observational case series.

Participants

Five Australian patients seen between 2008 and 2013.

Methods

Fundus photography, optical coherence tomography, fundus autofluorescence and visual field analysis. One patient underwent fluorescein angiography.

Main Outcome Measures

Lesion appearance on each imaging modality, and visual field analysis.

Results

We consistently observed a flat, hypopigmented lesion located in the temporal macula, with a distinctive tip pointing toward the fovea. Optical coherence tomography demonstrated variable retinochoroidal features ranging from mild outer retinal disturbance (type 1) to outer retinal cavitation (type 2). Lesion appearance on short‐wave autofluorescence showed varying degrees of hypo‐autofluorescence. Near‐infrared autofluorescence was performed in two patients and showed a well‐defined region of hypo‐autofluorescence. Microperimetry showed normal sensitivity over the lesion in one patient and a dense paracentral scotoma over the temporal portion of the lesion in another. On Humphrey field analysis, only one of two patients tested had a paracentral scotoma.

Conclusion

Two types of torpedo maculopathy lesions are described here with unique optical coherence tomography, demographic, fundus autofluorescence and retinal sensitivity features. These may represent different stages of the same disease that evolve over several decades.
Ecological genomics meets community‐level modelling of biodiversity: mapping the genomic landscape of current and future environmental adaptation
Authors: Fitzpatrick Matthew C. , Keller Stephen R.
Published: September 2014

Local adaptation is a central feature of most species occupying spatially heterogeneous environments, and may factor critically in responses to environmental change. However, most efforts to model the response of species to climate change ignore intraspecific variation due to local adaptation. Here, we present a new perspective on spatial modelling of organism–environment relationships that combines genomic data and community‐level modelling to develop scenarios regarding the geographic distribution of genomic variation in response to environmental change. Rather than modelling species within communities, we use these techniques to model large numbers of loci across genomes. Using balsam poplar (Populus balsamifera) as a case study, we demonstrate how our framework can accommodate nonlinear responses of loci to environmental gradients. We identify a threshold response to temperature in the circadian clock gene GIGANTEA‐5 (GI5), suggesting that this gene has experienced strong local adaptation to temperature. We also demonstrate how these methods can map ecological adaptation from genomic data, including the identification of predicted differences in the genetic composition of populations under current and future climates. Community‐level modelling of genomic variation represents an important advance in landscape genomics and spatial modelling of biodiversity that moves beyond species‐level assessments of climate change vulnerability.
Highly Repetitive Object Play in a Cichlid Fish (Tropheus duboisi)
Authors: Burghardt Gordon M. , Dinets Vladimir , Murphy James B.
Published: September 2014

Whether play occurs in fishes has long been a contentious issue, but recent observations document that social, object, and locomotor play can all be found in some species of teleosts. However, quantitative studies and those documenting individual differences are rare. We recorded hundreds of occurrences of an unusual behavior in three male Tropheus duboisi. The target behavior of attacking and deflecting an object that rapidly returned to its upright position not only fit the criteria for play behavior, but differed quantitatively and qualitatively among the individuals. This behavior has not been observed in other species of cichlids and other kinds of fishes. The presence or absence of food or other fish either within the aquarium or visible in an adjacent aquarium had no marked or consistent effect on the occurrence of the behavior. Various explanations for the origin and function of the behavior are discussed.
Long‐term leptin fluctuations in female donkeys
Authors: Čebulj‐Kadunc N. , Škibin A. , Kosec M.
Published: September 2014

Reasons for performing study

The interest in donkeys is growing due to their integration in the systems of ecological farming, among other reasons.

Objectives

Due to limited reports on leptin concentrations in donkeys, the aim of the present study was to examine age‐dependent and seasonal changes in the circulating leptin concentration in female donkeys (jennies) and thus contribute to knowledge about the physiological characteristics of this species.

Study design

Prospective longitudinal study.

Methods

The study was performed over a year (September 2008 to September 2009) on 20 yearling and young adult (pregnant, lactating or barren) jennies aged 1–5 years at the onset of the study; the animals were kept on pasture from May to September and stabled for the rest of the year. Blood samples were taken monthly and analysed for serum leptin concentrations by a commercial radioimmunoassay kit.

Results

Circulating leptin concentrations in studied jennies were lower than those reported for donkeys and horses. Despite the tendency for lower values in yearling vs. young adult jennies, the age range of the examined animals was insufficient to confirm any age‐related leptin variations. Significant seasonal leptin fluctuations with peak levels in late spring and the lowest levels in autumn months, correlated with photoperiod, were detected in yearling, barren as well as pregnant jennies. Therefore, it was impossible to identify any effects of gestation or lactation on leptin concentrations of jennies.

Conclusions

The results of this study cannot be used as evidence of a causal relationship between the photoperiod and seasonal circulating leptin fluctuations in donkeys, but could reflect changes induced by various external or internal factors enabling adaptations of grazing animals in variable submediterranean environments.
Grassland to shrubland state transitions enhance carbon sequestration in the northern Chihuahuan Desert
Authors: Petrie M. D. , Collins S. L. , Swann A. M. , Ford P. L. , Litvak M.E.
Published: September 2014

The replacement of native C4‐dominated grassland by C3‐dominated shrubland is considered an ecological state transition where different ecological communities can exist under similar environmental conditions. These state transitions are occurring globally, and may be exacerbated by climate change. One consequence of the global increase in woody vegetation may be enhanced ecosystem carbon sequestration, although the responses of arid and semiarid ecosystems may be highly variable. During a drier than average period from 2007 to 2011 in the northern Chihuahuan Desert, we found established shrubland to sequester 49 g C m−2 yr−1 on average, while nearby native C4 grassland was a net source of 31 g C m−2 yr−1 over this same period. Differences in C exchange between these ecosystems were pronounced – grassland had similar productivity compared to shrubland but experienced higher C efflux via ecosystem respiration, while shrubland was a consistent C sink because of a longer growing season and lower ecosystem respiration. At daily timescales, rates of carbon exchange were more sensitive to soil moisture variation in grassland than shrubland, such that grassland had a net uptake of C when wet but lost C when dry. Thus, even under unfavorable, drier than average climate conditions, the state transition from grassland to shrubland resulted in a substantial increase in terrestrial C sequestration. These results illustrate the inherent tradeoffs in quantifying ecosystem services that result from ecological state transitions, such as shrub encroachment. In this case, the deleterious changes to ecosystem services often linked to grassland to shrubland state transitions may at least be partially offset by increased ecosystem carbon sequestration.
Gender and Corruption: The Mediating Power of Institutional Logics
Authors: Stensöta Helena , Wängnerud Lena , Svensson Richard
Published: September 2014

Scholars have argued that recruiting more women to office is an effective way to curb corruption; however, the more precise mechanisms underlying why this may be the case have remained unclear. We use meso‐level theories to elaborate on the relationship and suggest that institutional logics mediate the effect of gendered experiences on corruption. We make two propositions: First, we suggest that the relationship between more women and lower levels of corruption is weaker in the state administration than in the legislative arena, because the bureaucratic administrative logic absorbs actors’ personal characteristics. Second, we refine our institutional argument by claiming that the stronger the bureaucratic principles are in the administration, the less gender matters. We validate our theory using data provided by the European Commission (EC) covering the EC countries and original data from the Quality of Government Institute Expert Surveys, covering a larger set of countries on a worldwide scale.
Melasma treatment using an erbium:YAG laser: a clinical, immunohistochemical, and ultrastructural study
Authors: Attwa Enayat , Khater Mohamed , Assaf Magda , Haleem Manal Abdel
Published: September 2014

Background

Melasma is a common pigmentary disorder that remains resistant to available therapies.

Objectives

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy of erbium:YAG lasers in the treatment of refractory melasma and investigate the histopathological and ultrastructural changes between melasma skin and adjacent control skin before and after surgery.

Methods

Fifteen Egyptian female patients with melasma unresponsive to previous therapy of bleaching creams and chemical peels were included in this study. Full‐face skin resurfacing using an erbium:YAG laser was performed. Clinical parameters included physician and patient assessment, and melasma area and severity index score were done. Adverse effects after laser resurfacing were recorded. Biopsies of lesions and adjacent healthy skin were stained using hematoxylin–eosin, immunohistochemically marked for Melan‐A, and evaluated by electron microscopy.

Results

The amount of melanin, staining intensity, and number of epidermal melanocytes are increased in melasma lesions as compared to normal skin. Electron microscopic analysis revealed an increased number of mature melanosomes in keratinocytes and melanocytes, with more marked cytoplasmic organelles in melasma skin than in biopsy specimens from normal skin, suggesting increased cell activity. After surgery, the number of melanocytes and concentration of melanin decreased in melasma skin, and the mean melasma area and severity index score decreased dramatically.

Conclusions

Erbium:YAG laser resurfacing effectively improves melasma; however, the almost universal appearance of transient postinflammatory hyperpigmentation necessitates prompt and persistent intervention.
Downregulation of involucrin in psoriatic lesions following therapy with propylthiouracil, an anti‐thyroid thioureylene: immunohistochemistry and gene expression analysis
Authors: Gnanaraj Pushpa , Dayalan Haripriya , Elango Tamilselvi , Malligarjunan Hemamalini , Raghavan Vijayashree , Rao Ramesh
Published: September 2014

Background

Propylthiouracil (PTU), an anti‐thyroid thioureylene, has been shown to be effective in chronic plaque psoriasis. Involucrin is a precursor protein that is upregulated in psoriasis.

Objectives

This study evaluated the expression of involucrin in the epidermis of skin in psoriatic plaques before and after treatment with PTU.

Methods

This was an open‐label, prospective study in which 25 psoriasis patients underwent skin biopsies prior to treatment with oral PTU 100 mg three times per day for 12 weeks. Patients were assessed at 2, 6, and 12 weeks. Skin biopsies were repeated at the same sites at 12 weeks. Pre‐ and post‐treatment specimens were subjected to immunohistochemical staining and real‐time polymerase chain reaction for involucrin.

Results

Mean ± standard deviation (SD) scores on the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index reduced significantly from 17.86 ± 9.9 at baseline to 4.63 ± 4.1 at week 12 (P < 0.001). Histomorphometric analysis revealed marked decreases in numbers of positively stained cells and intensity of staining. Staining became localized to the upper granular layers after therapy. Immunohistochemical scoring for involucrin reduced from a mean ± SD of 9.00 ± 0.67 at baseline to 3.90 ± 0.88 at week 12 (P < 0.0001).

Conclusions

In psoriasis, there is increased expression of involucrin, which leads to abnormal keratinocyte differentiation and hence to the formation of psoriatic plaques. The therapeutic effect of PTU in psoriasis may be attributable to the downregulation of involucrin. Larger trials should further elucidate the mechanism and therapeutic potential of PTU in psoriasis.
First reported case of Aspergillus nidulans eumycetoma in a sporotrichoid distribution
Authors: Verma Rajesh , Vasudevan Biju , Sahni Ajay K. , Vijendran Pragasam , Neema Shekhar , Kharayat Veena
Published: September 2014

Background

Mycetomas are chronic subcutaneous infections caused by either fungi (eumycetomas) or bacteria (actinomycetomas). Eumycetoma is commonly seen in tropical and subtropical climates, usually in males working in occupations prone to trauma. Aspergillus spp. are an uncommon cause of mycetomas.

Objectives

We describe a patient with eumycetoma attributable to Aspergillus nidulans presenting in a sporotrichoid distribution.

Case report

A 45‐year‐old man with type 2 diabetes mellitus and hypertension presented with multiple lumps over the right lower limb of four months in duration. He had initially developed a solitary lesion over the right ankle, followed by multiple similar lumps which had spread upwards to involve the right thigh. The entire lower limb was edematous. The patient denied any trauma preceding the symptoms. Biopsy revealed pseudoepitheliomatous hyperplasia with extensive granulomatous infiltrate in the dermis and subcutaneous tissue. Grocott–Gomorri staining revealed fungal elements. Culture on Sabouraud's agar revealed a whitish colony that later turned green. Aspergillus nidulans mycetoma in a sporotrichoid distribution was diagnosed. The patient was started on oral itraconazole 200 mg twice daily, which resulted in complete regression of the lesions.

Conclusions

Aspergillus spp. have emerged as important opportunistic pathogens, especially in immunosuppressed patients. Aspergillus nidulans occurs frequently in soil, decaying vegetation, and water but has very rarely been described as a cause of mycetoma. The infection responds well to treatment with itraconazole, voriconazole, and amphotericin B. The current patient represents the first demonstration of A. nidulans mycetoma presenting in a sporotrichoid distribution.
A randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled clinical trial on the efficacy and safety of 3% Rumex occidentalis cream versus 4% hydroquinone cream in the treatment of melasma among Filipinos
Authors: Mendoza Clarisse G. , Singzon Ivan A. , Handog Evangeline B.
Published: September 2014

Background

Melasma is a commonly acquired hyperpigmentation symmetrically distributed on the face, neck, and arms. The skin‐lightening properties of Rumex occidentalis make it a therapeutic alternative to the reference standard treatment of hydroquinone (HQ).

Objectives

This study was conducted to evaluate the safety and efficacy of 3% R. occidentalis cream versus 4% HQ cream in the management of epidermal and mixed melasma.

Methods

This was a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial. Forty‐five subjects with epidermal and mixed melasma were recruited to compare 3% R. occidentalis cream, 4% HQ cream, and placebo cream applied twice daily for eight weeks. Changes in pigmentation were measured every two weeks using the Melasma Area Severity Index (MASI) and a mexameter. Adverse events were noted on every visit. Patient and investigator global evaluations were performed at the end of the study.

Results

Overall mean MASI and mexameter readings in the three groups decreased from baseline to week 8. The greatest decline in score from weeks 2 to 6 was achieved by the HQ group, followed by the R. occidentalis group. By week 8, the R. occidentalis group showed a greater mean ± standard deviation decline in MASI and mexameter readings from baseline (MASI: 0.60 ± 0.86; mexameter: 50.56 ± 25.63) than the HQ group (MASI: 0.55 ± 0.62; mexameter: 45.89 ± 47.83). The efficacy of R. occidentalis cream and HQ cream were assessed as similarly favorable by both study subjects and investigators.

Conclusions

Rumex occidentalis 3% cream is a safe and effective skin‐lightening agent for melasma and is comparable in efficacy with 4% HQ cream.
Association between pre‐donation serum uric acid concentration and change in renal function after living kidney donation in women
Authors: Cho A. , Lee J. E. , Jang H. R. , Huh W. , Kim D. J. , Oh H. Y. , Kim Y.‐G.
Published: September 2014

Background

Reduction in renal mass after unilateral nephrectomy causes functional and structural changes in the remaining kidney.

Aim

We aimed to investigate the association between pre‐donation serum uric acid (SUA) concentration and the change in renal function after living kidney donation.

Methods

This retrospective study included 413 living kidney donors from a single centre. We collected medical history and laboratory findings at baseline and 6 months after donation. Renal function was assessed by calculating the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) using the Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration equation. Main outcomes were the percentage change in eGFR from before to 6 months after donation and the percentage of patients whose eGFR decreased by >25% after donation compared with the pre‐donation baseline value.

Results

Mean age was 40 ± 11 years, and eGFR was 106 ± 14 mL/min/1.73 m2. In women, the SUA concentration was linearly associated with the change in eGFR after donation independently of baseline eGFR (standardised coefficient – 0.16, P = 0.04). Multiple logistic analysis showed that a 59.5 μmol/L increase in baseline SUA concentration was associated with a 1.7‐fold higher risk of a > 25% decrease in eGFR after donor nephrectomy (95% confidence interval, 1.2–2.5; P = 0.007) in women. In contrast, SUA concentration was not an independent risk factor of decrease in eGFR after donor nephrectomy in men.

Conclusions

Pre‐donation SUA concentration is associated independently with the change in renal function after donor nephrectomy in women but not in men.
Nutritional composition of the preferred prey of insectivorous birds: popularity reflects quality
Authors: Razeng Emma , Watson David M.
Published: September 2014

Food availability is emerging as a key determinant of avian occurrence and habitat use in a variety of systems, but insectivores have received less attention than other groups and the potential influence of nutritional quality has rarely been considered. Rather than a uniform food source, arthropods vary greatly in terms of nutritional composition, but does this variation translate into differential consumption? Building on previous work that demonstrated clear preference for some arthropod groups by 13 species of ground‐foraging insectivores, we compare the nutritional composition of these arthropod groups with other groups commonly encountered but seldom consumed in the same habitat types. Using samples of arthropods collected from a eucalypt woodland in southern Australia, we found the high frequency prey groups (Coleoptera, Lepidoptera, Orthoptera and Araneae) consistently contained higher fractions of crude protein and total fat than the low frequency groups (Diptera, Hymenoptera and Odonata). Even more clear‐cut differences were noted in terms of micronutrients; high frequency prey containing significantly greater concentrations of seven elements than low frequency prey and significantly greater amounts per individual arthropod for all eleven elements measured. These results indicate that the nutritional quality plays an important role in prey selection in insectivores and suggests that micronutrients may be more important determinants of prey choice than previously recognized. Integrating these findings with previous work suggesting food limitation may constrain distribution patterns of birds in fragmented landscapes, we contend that variation in nutritional quality helps explain observed patterns in insectivore diets and occurrence. In addition to explaining why smaller and more disturbed habitats are unable to support resident insectivore populations, this bottom‐up mechanism may underlie the disproportionate sensitivity of insectivores to land‐use intensification.
Characteristics of circulating CD31+ cells from patients with coronary artery disease
Authors: Kim Moo Hyun , Guo Longzhe , Kim Han‐Soo , Kim Sung‐Whan
Published: September 2014

Recently, we reported the properties of CD31‐expressing cells in healthy individuals. However, the characteristics of CD31‐expressing cells derived from coronary artery disease (CAD) patients remain unknown. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between circulating CD31+ cells and CAD as well as their biological characteristics. Analysis with flow cytometry revealed that CD31+ cells (C‐CD31) from the peripheral blood (PB) of CAD patients exhibited low levels of T‐cell marker and high levels of macrophage marker compared with the PB‐CD31+ cells from healthy individuals (H‐CD31). In addition, the expression levels of multiple pro‐angiogenic and chemokine genes were significantly down‐regulated in C‐CD31. However, inflammatory gene IL‐1α was highly up‐regulated in C‐CD31. Patients with unstable angina (UA) had significantly more CD31+ cells in the PB than healthy control group (P < 0.001). Moreover, there were significant correlations between the number of CD31+ cells and cardiovascular (CV) disease activity (R = 0.318, P = 0.006) and the number of diseased coronaries (R = 0.312, P = 0.005). For the diagnostic category of UA, the area under curve was 0.803 (P < 0.001). In conclusion, C‐CD31 have impaired angiogenic potential and the number of circulating CD31+ cells were correlated with CV risk. These findings may contribute to the understanding of the pathogenesis of CAD.
Body mass index is negatively associated with acne lesion counts in Taiwanese women with post‐adolescent acne
Authors: Lu P. H. , Hsu C. H.
Published: September 2014

Background

Acne in adult women tends to be chronic, refractory to treatment and associated with psychosocial problems. Body mass index (BMI) has been reported to be a risk factor for acne in school children and adolescents, but not in adult women.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to demonstrate the relationship between BMI and acne lesion counts in women with post‐adolescent acne.

Methods

Hundred and four women between 25 and 45 years of age, with moderate or severe acne vulgaris were enrolled in this study. The main outcome evaluated was the number of acne lesions, which were then assessed using multiple linear regression analysis.

Results

The coefficients of multiple regression analysis with stepwise model showed that BMI (β = −0.36; p = 0.001) and family history (β = 0.21; p = 0.04) were the main predictors of the number of acne lesions.

Conclusion

Initial findings indicate that BMI is negatively associated with the number of acne lesions in Taiwanese women with moderate to severe post‐adolescent acne.
Impact of a priority system on patients in waiting lists for knee arthroplasty
Authors: Tebé Cristian , Comas Merce , Adam Paula , Solans‐Domènech Maite , Allepuz Alejandro , Espallargues Mireia
Published: September 2014

Rationale, aims and objectives

The Agency for Health Quality and Assessment of Catalonia (AQuAS) developed a system for the prioritization of patients on non‐urgent waiting lists for cataract as well as knee and hip arthroplasty. The aim was to evaluate the impact of the priority system's application for primary knee arthroplasty (PKA).

Methods

A retrospective evaluative study with data from the Data Tracking and Management Registry of the CatSalut Waiting Lists for PKA of hospitals in the public hospital network in the period 2003–2009. A description of the characteristics of patients on waiting lists was made and the association between priority scoring and waiting time and the order of operation analysed. Finally, waiting times were simulated that patients would have experienced if being operated on strictly according to a first in first out system or one of priority scoring, to compare them with real waiting times.

Results

The number of people included on waiting lists for PKA was 67 403. 67% had a priority score. The distribution of the priority score was negatively skewed with an average score of 70 points. The association with the priority score for the waiting time as well as the order of the operations performed was practically null.

Conclusions

The study concludes that, globally, the prioritization system for PKA has been implemented but had no effect on the prioritization of patients based on their severity. Nevertheless, in some centres, a moderate correlation between the order of operations performed and the priority score was identified.
Developing minimum clinical standards for physiotherapy in South African intensive care units: the nominal group technique in action
Authors: Hanekom Susan , Van Aswegen Helena , Plani Natascha , Patman Shane
Published: September 2014

Rationale, aims and objectives

Physiotherapists form an important part of the inter‐professional team that cares for critically ill patients in intensive care units (ICU). No formalized clinical practice guidelines or standards exist for the educational profile or scope of practice requirements for physiotherapy within critical care, which poses a threat to physiotherapy practice and professional credibility.

Methods

The aim of this paper was to describe the nominal group technique (NGT) used to identify the minimum standards of clinical practice needed by physiotherapists to ensure safe and independent practice in South African ICUs.

Results

Twenty‐five subjects participated in one of three forums. Sixty‐six concepts were considered in the three domains (knowledge, skills and attitudes). Not all concepts were discussed by all three focus groups. Just over half (54% n = 14) the concepts generated in the knowledge domain; a third of the concepts (35% n = 7) generated in the skills domain and only 10% (n = 2) of attitudes were consistently raised by all three groups. Almost two‐thirds of the concepts generated (62% n = 41) were considered in more than one domain. Only six concepts reached the threshold consensus level across all three focus groups, four knowledge parameters and two skills.

Conclusion

The NGT allowed for the cross‐stimulation of ideas in an engaging yet anonymous and structured manner. The importance of discussion in reaching consensus is highlighted. Going forward, it is intended to use the concepts generated through this process as the foundation for further consensus‐building activities among the wider physiotherapy and intensive care communities.
Ceftriaxone modulates uptake activity of glial glutamate transporter‐1 against global brain ischemia in rats
Authors: Hu Yu‐Yan , Xu Jing , Zhang Min , Wang Dan , Li Li , Li Wen‐Bin
Published: September 2014

Ceftriaxone(Cef) selectively increases the expression of glial glutamate transporter‐1 (GLT‐1), which was thought to be neuroprotective in some circumstances. However, the effect of Cef on glutamate uptake of GLT‐1 was mostly assayed using in vitro studies such as primary neuron/astrocyte cultures or brain slices. In addition, the effect of Cef on neurons in different ischemic models was still discrepant. Therefore, this study was undertaken to observe the effect of Cef on neurons in global brain ischemia in rats, and especially to provide direct evidence of the up‐regulation of GLT‐1 uptake for glutamate contributing to the neuronal protection of Cef against brain ischemia. Neuropathological evaluation indicated that administration of Cef, especially pre‐treatment protocols, significantly prevented delayed neuronal death in hippocampal CA1 subregion normally induced by global brain ischemia. Simultaneously, pre‐administration of Cef significantly up‐regulated the expression of GLT‐1. Particularly, GLT‐1 uptake assay with 3H‐glutamate in living cells from adult rats showed that up‐regulation in glutamate uptake accompanied up‐regulated GLT‐1 expression. Inhibition of GLT‐1 by antisense oligodeoxynucleotides or dihydrokainate significantly inhibited the Cef‐induced up‐regulation in GLT‐1 uptake and the neuroprotective effect against global ischemia. Thus, we may conclude that Cef protects neurons against global brain ischemia via up‐regulation of the expression and glutamate uptake of GLT‐1.

image

Glutamate uptake by glial glutamate transporter‐1 (GLT‐1) is the principal way to regulate extracellular glutamate homeostasis in central nervous system. Over‐accumulation of glutamate results in excitotoxicity and injures neurons after cerebral ischemia. Ceftriaxone up‐regulates GLT‐1 expression and uptake of glutamate, diminishes the excitotoxicity of glutamate and then protects neurons against global brain ischemia.
Factors influencing why nursing care is missed
Authors: Blackman Ian , Henderson Julie , Willis Eileen , Hamilton Patricia , Toffoli Luisa , Verrall Claire , Abery Elizabeth , Harvey Clare
Published: September 2014

Aims and objectives

This study explores the reasons nurses identify missed care and what factors account for this variance in nursing practice. Second, the study seeks to understand if the identified reasons behind missed care interact with one another and form a multidimensional construct.

Background

This study draws on the results of previous research conducted by Kalisch in developing the MISSCARE research survey tool and now applies it to an Australian context.

Design

This study engages a nonexperimental exploratory approach where 16 latent variables are identified and estimated using structural equation modelling to determine the capacity each of these factors has in predicting the reasons for reported missed nursing care.

Methods

Data were obtained from an electronic survey sent to nursing members of the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation of South Australia. A self‐report, Likert‐type instrument was used to capture the strength and direction of consensus derived from a sample of 289 nurses and midwives.

Results/Findings

Eight variables were identified as having direct predictor effects as to why nursing care was being missed, and included shift type, nursing resource allocation, health professional communication, workload intensity, workload predictability, the nurses' satisfaction with their current job and their intention to remain working. Additional indirect effects of other variables explained 34% of the variance of the total scores for why nursing care was reported as being missed.

Conclusion

Historically, the MISSCARE survey has identified and quantified what types of nursing care is missed. This paper takes this concept further by producing an interactional model identifying the effects different variables have on why nursing care is missed.

Relevance to clinical practice

These Australian findings not only contribute to other international studies that identify why nursing care is omitted, it provides a framework for why reported episodes of missed care can be predicted and subsequently addressed.
Intermittent midline suprasternal neck mass caused by superior herniation of the thymus
Authors: Su Siew Choo , Hess Thomas , Whybourne Annie , Chang Anne B
Published: September 2014

Neck masses in infants and children have a wide differential diagnosis. However, neck masses apparent only during raised intrathoracic pressure are rare with a limited number of causes, including superior herniation of the normal thymus, apical lung herniation, jugular phlebectasia and laryngocoele. These conditions can easily be differentiated from one another by imaging. We present an infant with intermittent suprasternal neck mass visible only during increased intrathoracic pressure, produced either by crying or straining. Diagnosis of superior herniation of the thymus into the neck was confirmed by ultrasonography with the characteristic sonographic appearances of the normal thymus as well as its shape, size and location. Ultrasonography should be the first imaging modality of choice. Management of superior herniation of the thymus into the neck should be conservative as the thymus naturally involutes with increasing age. Awareness of the differential diagnosis of neck swelling present only on Vasalva manoeuvre or increased intrathoracic pressure is important to prevent unnecessary tests, avoid radiation, biopsy and surgery.
Zinc glycine chelate absorption characteristics in Sprague Dawley rat
Authors: Yue M. , Fang S. L. , Zhuo Z. , Li D. D. , Feng J.
Published: September 2014

This study was conducted to investigate absorption characteristics of zinc glycine chelate (Zn–Gly) by evaluating tissues zinc status and the expression of zinc transporters in rats. A total of 24 male rats were randomly allocated to three treatments and administered either saline or 35 mg Zn/kg body weight from zinc sulphate (ZnSO4) or Zn–Gly by feeding tube separately. Four rats per group were slaughtered and tissues were collected at 2 and 6 h after gavage respectively. Our data showed that Zn–Gly did more effectively in increasing (p < 0.05) serum zinc levels, and the activities of serum and liver alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and liver Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase (Cu/Zn SOD) at 2 and 6 h. By 2 h after the zinc load, the mRNA and protein abundance of intestinal metallothionein1 (MT1) and zinc transporter SLC30A1 (ZnT1) were higher (p < 0.05), and zinc transporter SLC39A4 (Zip4) lower (p < 0.05) in ZnSO4 compared to other groups. Zinc transporter SLC39A5 (Zip5) mRNA expression was not zinc responsive, but Zip5 protein abundance was remarkably (p < 0.05) increased in ZnSO4 2 h later. Overall, our results indicated that in short‐term periods, Zn–Gly was more effective in improving body zinc status than ZnSO4, and ZnSO4 did more efficiently on the regulation of zinc transporters in small intestine.
Objectively‐measured sleep and its association with adiposity and physical activity in a sample of Canadian children
Authors: Mcneil Jessica , Tremblay Mark S. , Leduc Geneviève , Boyer Charles , Bélanger Priscilla , Leblanc Allana G. , Borghese Michael M. , Chaput Jean‐Philippe
Published: September 2014

Cross‐sectional associations between objectively‐measured sleep duration, sleep efficiency and sleep timing with adiposity and physical activity were examined in a cohort of 567 children from Ottawa, Canada. Five‐hundred and fifteen children (58.8% female; age: 10.0 ± 0.4 years) had valid sleep measurements and were included in the present analyses. Physical activity, sedentary time and sleep parameters were assessed over 7 days (actigraphy). Height, weight and waist circumference were measured according to standardized procedures. Percentage body fat was assessed using bioelectric impedance analysis. Light physical activity and sedentary time were greater in children with the shortest sleep durations (P < 0.0001), whereas children with the highest sleep efficiencies had lower light physical activity and more sedentary time across tertiles (P < 0.0001). In multivariable linear regression analyses, and after adjusting for a number of covariates, sleep efficiency was inversely related to all adiposity indices (P < 0.05). However, sleep duration and sleep timing were not associated with adiposity indices after controlling for covariates. Inverse associations were noted between sleep duration and light physical activity and sedentary time (P < 0.0001). Sleep efficiency (P < 0.0001), wake time and sleep timing midpoint (P < 0.05) were negatively associated with light physical activity, but positively associated with sedentary time. In conclusion, only sleep efficiency was independently correlated with adiposity in this sample of children. Participants with the shortest sleep durations or highest sleep efficiencies had greater sedentary time. More research is needed to develop better sleep recommendations in children that are based on objective measures of sleep duration, sleep efficiency and sleep timing alike.
Environmental adaptation in stomatal size independent of the effects of genome size
Authors: Jordan Gregory J. , Carpenter Raymond J. , Koutoulis Anthony , Price Aina , Brodribb Timothy J.
Published: September 2014

Cell sizes are linked across multiple tissues, including stomata, and this variation is closely correlated with genome size. These associations raise the question of whether generic changes in cell size cause suboptimal changes in stomata, requiring subsequent evolution under selection for stomatal size.

We tested the relationships among guard cell length, genome size and vegetation type using phylogenetically independent analyses on 67 species of the ecologically and structurally diverse family, Proteaceae. We also compared how genome and stomatal sizes varied at ancient (among genera) and more recent (within genus) levels.

The observed 60‐fold range in genome size in Proteaceae largely reflected the mean chromosome size. Compared with variation among genera, genome size varied much less within genera (< 6% of total variance) than stomatal size, implying evolution in stomatal size subsequent to changes in genome size. Open vegetation and closed forest had significantly different relationships between stomatal and genome sizes.

Ancient changes in genome size clearly influenced stomatal size in Proteaceae, but adaptation to habitat strongly modified the genome–stomatal size relationship. Direct adaptation to the environment in stomatal size argues that new proxies for past concentrations of atmospheric CO2 that incorporate stomatal size are superior to older models based solely on stomatal frequency.
A mutation that eliminates bundle sheath extensions reduces leaf hydraulic conductance, stomatal conductance and assimilation rates in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum)
Authors: Zsögön Agustin , Alves Negrini Ana Clarissa , Peres Lázaro Eustáquio Pereira , Nguyen Hoa Thi , Ball Marilyn C.
Published: September 2014

Bundle sheath extensions (BSEs) are key features of leaf structure whose distribution differs among species and ecosystems. The genetic control of BSE development is unknown, so BSE physiological function has not yet been studied through mutant analysis.

We screened a population of ethyl methanesulfonate (EMS)‐induced mutants in the genetic background of the tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) model Micro‐Tom and found a mutant lacking BSEs. The leaf phenotype of the mutant strongly resembled the tomato mutant obscuravenosa (obv). We confirmed that obv lacks BSEs and that it is not allelic to our induced mutant, which we named obv‐2.

Leaves lacking BSEs had lower leaf hydraulic conductance and operated with lower stomatal conductance and correspondingly lower assimilation rates than wild‐type leaves. This lower level of function occurred despite similarities in vein density, midvein vessel diameter and number, stomatal density, and leaf area between wild‐type and mutant leaves, the implication being that the lack of BSEs hindered water dispersal within mutant leaves.

Our results comparing near‐isogenic lines within a single species confirm the hypothesised role of BSEs in leaf hydraulic function. They further pave the way for a genetic model‐based analysis of a common leaf structure with deep ecological consequences.
Effect of changes to the school food environment on eating behaviours and/or body weight in children: a systematic review
Authors: Driessen C. E. , Cameron A. J. , Thornton L. E. , Lai S. K. , Barnett L. M.
Published: September 2014

Previous school obesity‐prevention reviews have included multi‐component interventions. Here, we aimed to review the evidence for the effect of isolated food environment interventions on both eating behaviours (including food purchasing) and/or body weight. Five electronic databases were searched (last updated 30 November 2013). Of the 1,002 unique papers identified, 55 reported on school food environment changes, based on a review of titles and abstracts. Thirty‐seven further papers were excluded, for not meeting the inclusion criteria. The final selection consisted of 18 papers (14 United States, 4 United Kingdom). Two studies had a body mass index (BMI) outcome, 14 assessed purchasing or eating behaviours and two studies assessed both weight and behaviour. Seventeen of 18 papers reported a positive outcome on either BMI (or change in BMI) or the healthfulness of food sold or consumed. Two studies were rated as strong quality and 11 as weak. Only three studies included a control group. A school environment supportive of healthy eating is essential to combat heavy marketing of unhealthy food. Modification of the school food environment (including high‐level policy changes at state or national level) can have a positive impact on eating behaviours. A need exists, however, for further high‐quality studies.
Assessing the relative importance of neutral stochasticity in ecological communities
Authors: Vellend Mark , Srivastava Diane S. , Anderson Kathryn M. , Brown Carissa D. , Jankowski Jill E. , Kleynhans Elizabeth J. , Kraft Nathan J. B. , Letaw Alathea D. , Macdonald A. Andrew M. , Maclean Janet E. , Myers‐Smith Isla H. , Norris Andrea R. , Xue Xinxin
Published: September 2014

A central current debate in community ecology concerns the relative importance of deterministic versus stochastic processes underlying community structure. However, the concept of stochasticity presents several profound philosophical, theoretical and empirical challenges, which we address here. The philosophical argument that nothing in nature is truly stochastic can be met with the following operational concept of neutral stochasticity in community ecology: change in the composition of a community (i.e. community dynamics) is neutrally stochastic to the degree that individual demographic events – birth, death, immigration, emigration – which cause such changes occur at random with respect to species identities. Empirical methods for identifying the stochastic component of community dynamics or structure include null models and multivariate statistics on observational species‐by‐site data (with or without environmental or trait data), and experimental manipulations of ‘stochastic’ species colonization order or relative densities and frequencies of competing species. We identify the fundamental limitations of each method with respect to its ability to allow inferences about stochastic community processes. Critical future needs include greater precision in articulating the link between results and ecological inferences, a comprehensive theoretical assessment of the interpretation of statistical analyses of observational data, and experiments focusing on community size and on natural variation in species colonization order.

Synthesis

Community structure and dynamics have often been described as being underlain by ‘stochastic’ or ‘neutral’ processes, but there is great confusion as to what exactly this means. We attempt to provide conceptual clarity by specifying precisely what focal ecological variable (e.g. species distributions, community composition, demography) is considered to be stochastic with respect to what other variables (e.g. other species' distributions, traits, environment) when using different empirical methods. We clarify what inferences can be drawn by different observational and experimental approaches, and we suggest future avenues of research to better understand the role of neutral stochasticity in community ecology.
Clonal growth and sexual reproduction: tradeoffs and environmental constraints
Authors: Herben Tomáš , Šerá Božena , Klimešová Jitka
Published: September 2014

Clonal growth confers a number of benefits on plants, but involves some costs as well. We examined whether seed reproduction is reduced in clonal plants due to these costs. Further, we investigated whether this relationship differs for species with optima at stressful or low‐productivity sites, as a possible indication that clonality acts as insurance against reduced seed reproduction in such conditions. We evaluated 472 species for which seed production per unit area had been determined, and employed this information together with data on seed mass, height at maturity, clonal traits and optimum habitat conditions (using Ellenberg indicator values). There was a strong hyperbolic relationship between seed output and seed mass, with a scaling coefficient of −1, indicative of a simple tradeoff relationship. We performed analyses both with and without taking phylogeny into account.

Reproductive output (i.e. the product of seed output and seed size) of was lower in clonal than in non‐clonal plants (in both with and without phylogeny incorporated in the analyses); within non‐clonal species, it was high in annuals and monocarpic plants relative to nonclonal perennials. Reproductive output was lower in clonal plants with extensive lateral spread. This may be due to lower mortality of such plants, which should favor reduced reproductive output, but direct resource tradeoff may also be involved. Reproductive output in all clonal and non‐clonal plants increased with the nutrient status and light level of the species’ optimum, and decreased with moisture. Because the proportion of clonal plants in vegetation is known to decrease along the same gradients, we can infer that as sexual reproduction becomes increasingly difficult in terms of these characteristics, clonal plants may capitalize on their capacity to bypass it. However, the relationships with habitat parameters disappeared in the phylogenetically corrected analysis, indicating that habitat preferences and reproductive output evolved together.
Rapid sequence induction has no use in pediatric anesthesia
Authors: Engelhardt Thomas
Published: September 2014

(Classic) rapid sequence induction and intubation (RSII) has been considered fundamental to the provision of safe anesthesia. This technique consists of a combination of drugs and techniques and is intended to prevent pulmonary aspiration of gastric content with catastrophic outcomes to the patient. This review investigates aspects of this technique and highlights dangers and frauds if this technique is transferred directly into pediatric anesthesia practice. The author recommends a controlled anesthesia induction by trained pediatric anesthesiologist with suitable equipment for the children considered at risk of pulmonary aspiration. RSSI is a dangerous technique if adopted without modification into pediatric anesthesia and has in its ‘classic’ form no use.