bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improving nutritional care: innovation and good practice
Authors: Chapman Carol , Barker Mary , Lawrence Wendy
Published: November 2014

Aims

This paper presents examples of good practice in nutritional screening and care and identifies methods used to overcome contextual constraints and discusses the implications for nursing practice in hospitals.

Background

Nutritional screening is an important step in identifying those at risk of malnutrition, but does not produce improved nutritional care unless it results in a care plan that is acted on. The importance of nutrition and implications for clinical care make it imperative to improve practice.

Design

Qualitative investigation.

Methods

Between January 2011–February 2012, focus groups were held using a semi‐structured discussion guide with nine groups of health professionals (n = 80) from one hospital: four with nurses, three with doctors and two with dietitians. Discussions were audio‐recorded, transcribed and coded into themes and sub‐themes, which were then depicted in a thematic map and illustrated with verbatim quotes.

Findings

Three strategies for sustaining effective nutritional practice emerged: establishing routines to ensure screening was undertaken; re‐organizing aspects of care to promote good practice; developing innovative approaches. Issues to be addressed were the perceived disconnection between mandatory screening and the delivery of effective care, a requirement for nutrition education, organizational constraints of a large university hospital and the complexities of multidisciplinary working.

Conclusion

Professionals seeking to improve nutritional care in hospitals need to understand the interaction of system and person to facilitate change. Nursing staff need to be able to exercise autonomy and the hospital system must offer enough flexibility to allow wards to organize nutritional screening and care in a way that meets the needs of individual patients.
Spatial extent of biotic interactions affects species distribution and abundance in river networks: the freshwater pearl mussel and its hosts
Authors: Lois Sabela , Cowley David E. , Outeiro Adolfo , San Miguel Eduardo , Amaro Rafaela , Ondina Paz
Published: November 2014

Aim

At what spatial extent are biotic interactions discernible influences on the distribution and abundance of species in river networks? We address this question with analyses of data from river networks for Margaritifera margaritifera, a freshwater mussel that passes its larval stage attached to a host fish.

Location

Twenty river networks in Galicia, north‐western Spain.

Methods

A maximum‐entropy approach was implemented to model the species’ distribution. Geostatistical mixed models were used to analyse the mussel's abundance in dendritic river networks. Predictor variables included the abundance and biomass of host fish (biotic interactions) and abiotic predictors for climate, geology and land‐form.

Results

Maxent models of species distribution were improved by 4.5% in terms of the area under the receiver‐operating characteristic curve (AUC) by the inclusion of biotic interactions. Host‐fish predictors contributed 63% of the Maxent model prediction of mussel presence. A geostatistical mixed model explained 52% of the variance in mussel abundance when including all the mussel abundance sites in the study area; abiotic predictors had no significance and salmonid biomass and resident trout population density were the only significant biotic predictors, together explaining 2.4% of the variance. An autocovariate representing biotic interactions between mussels and fish explained 11.7% of the variance. Using only sites where migratory host fish were present (n = 149), a mixed model explained more variance (78%) and the contribution from the autocovariate for parasite–host interactions was about three times larger than for the model including all sites (n = 419). The spatial autocorrelation from mussel–fish interactions had a spatial extent (geostatistical range) greater than 15 km.

Main conclusions

Interactions between mussels and their larval hosts in river networks are manifested in spatial patterns of species distribution and abundance in this region, encompassing 20 river networks. The directional topology of dendritic river networks strongly supports the upstream dispersal of mussels by parasitized host fish as a component of spatial autocorrelation in mussel abundance.
Euroscepticism and the Anglosphere: Traditions and Dilemmas in Contemporary English Nationalism
Authors: Wellings Ben , Baxendale Helen
Published: November 2014

British participation in the historical process of European integration has been persistently framed as a policy dilemma of the highest order. This dilemma was itself coloured by the existence of policy traditions that oriented Britain away from Europe and towards political communities tied to a historical interpretation of British nationality. Euroscepticism is symptomatic of these traditions and dilemmas while at the same time sustaining them. But Eurosceptics face a dilemma of their own. What serious alternative do they propose? The notion of the ‘Anglosphere’ was adopted on the Eurosceptic right of British politics as an alternative to European integration. As a politics of disengagement by the Cameron government played out in Europe, a policy of re‐engagement began with Britain's former Dominions. Here was a response to a political dilemma that not only used historical consciousness and political tradition as its point of departure, but as its place of destination too.
Assessment of glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus treated with metformin–sulfonylurea combination: Results of a multicenter, cross‐sectional, observational study in Korea
Authors: Kim Sin Gon , Hahm Jong Ryeal , Kim Duk Kyu , Cho Sung Rae , Choi Dong Seop
Published: November 2014

Aims/Introduction

To assess the current status of glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes treated with a combination of metformin and sulfonylurea for >3 months, as measured by glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c).

Materials and Methods

Data on patient demographics, diabetic complications, HbA1c, fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and type of treatment were collected in this multicenter, cross‐sectional, non‐interventional study.

Results

From April 2008 to February 2009, 5,628 patients were recruited from 299 centers in Korea. Patients characteristics (mean ± SD) were as follows: age 58.4 ± 10.8 years, duration of diabetes 6.1 ± 4.7 years, body mass index 24.7 ± 2.9 kg/m2, HbA1c 7.77 ± 1.22%, FBG 147.4 ± 46.5 mmol/L and FPG 164.0 ± 54.3 mmol/L. The most common diabetic complication was neuropathy (22.5%), followed by retinopathy (18.3%) and microalbuminuria (16.1%). Just 1,524 (27.1%) patients achieved HbA1c ≤7%. A higher number of patients (32.6%) treated by endocrinologists achieved HbA1c ≤7% than those treated by internists (24.4%) and primary care physicians (23.2%). In multivariate analyses, diabetic retinopathy (odds ratio 0.455, 95% confidence interval 0.341–0.606), nephropathy (odds ratio 0.639, 95% confidence interval 0.43–0.949), diabetes for ≥5 years (odds ratio 0.493, 95% confidence interval 0.4–0.606) and older age added by 1 year (odds ratio 1.019, 95% confidence interval 1.01–1.029) was significantly associated with achieving target HbA1c. In addition, treatment by endocrinologists rather than internists significantly increased chances of achieving target HbA1c (odds ratio 1.417, 95% confidence interval 1.146–1.751).

Conclusions

The majority of patients with type 2 diabetes in Korea had inadequate glycemic control, despite receiving a combination of metformin and sulfonylurea.
Evaluating the post‐copulatory sexual selection hypothesis for genital evolution reveals evidence for pleiotropic harm exerted by the male genital spines ofDrosophila ananassae
Authors: Grieshop K. , Polak M.
Published: November 2014

The contemporary explanation for the rapid evolutionary diversification of animal genitalia is that such traits evolve by post‐copulatory sexual selection. Here, we test the hypothesis that the male genital spines ofDrosophila ananassaeplay an adaptive role in post‐copulatory sexual selection. Whereas previous work on twoDrosophilaspecies shows that these spines function inprecopulatory sexual selection to initiate genital coupling and promote male competitive copulation success, further research is needed to evaluate the potential forDrosophilagenital spines to have a post‐copulatory function. Using a precision micron‐scale laser surgery technique, we test the effect of spine length reduction on copulation duration, male competitive fertilization success, female fecundity and female remating behaviour. We find no evidence that male genital spines in this species have a post‐copulatory adaptive function. Instead, females mated to males with surgically reduced/blunted genital spines exhibited comparatively greater short‐term fecundity relative to those mated by control males, indicating that the natural (i.e. unaltered) form of the trait may be harmful to females. In the absence of an effect of genital spine reduction on measured components of post‐copulatory fitness, the harm seems to be a pleiotropic side effect rather than adaptive. Results are discussed in the context of sexual conflict mediating the evolution of male genital spines in this species and likely otherDrosophila.
Do evolutionary constraints on thermal performance manifest at different organizational scales?
Authors: Phillips B. L. , Llewelyn J. , Hatcher A. , Macdonald S. , Moritz C.
Published: November 2014

The two foremost hypotheses on the evolutionary constraints on an organism's thermal sensitivity – the hotter‐is‐better expectation, and the specialist–generalist trade‐off – have received mixed support from empirical studies testing for their existence. Could these conflicting results reflect confusion regarding the organizational level (i.e. species > population > individual) at which these constraints should manifest? We propose that these evolutionary constraints should manifest at different organizational levels because of differences in their underlying causes and requirements. The hotter‐is‐better expectation should only manifest across separate evolutionary units (e.g. species, populations), and not within populations. The specialist–generalist trade‐off, by contrast, should manifest within as well as between separate evolutionary units. We measured the thermal sensitivity of sprint performance for 440 rainforest sun skinks (Lampropholis coggeri) representing 10 populations, and used the resulting performance curves to test for evidence for the hypothesized constraints at two organizational levels: (i) across populations and (ii) within populations. As predicted, the hotter‐is‐better expectation was evident only at the across‐population level, whereas the specialist–generalist trade‐off was evident within, as well as across, populations. Our results suggest that, depending on the processes that drive them, evolutionary constraints can manifest at different organizational levels. Consideration of these underlying processes, and the organizational level at which a constraint should manifest, may help resolve conflicting empirical results.
Connecting thermal performance curve variation to the genotype: a multivariate QTL approach
Authors: Latimer C. A. L. , Foley B. R. , Chenoweth S. F.
Published: November 2014

Thermal performance curves (TPCs) are continuous reaction norms that describe the relationship between organismal performance and temperature and are useful for understanding trade‐offs involved in thermal adaptation. Although thermal trade‐offs such as those between generalists and specialists or between hot‐ and cold‐adapted phenotypes are known to be genetically variable and evolve during thermal adaptation, little is known of the genetic basis toTPCs – specifically, the loci involved and the directionality of their effects across different temperatures. To address this, we took a multivariate approach, mapping quantitative trait loci (QTL) for locomotor activityTPCs in the fly,Drosophila serrata,using a panel of 76 recombinant inbred lines. The distribution of additive genetic (co)variance in the mapping population was remarkably similar to the distribution of mutational (co)variance for these traits. We detected 11TPC QTLin females and 4 in males. MultivariateQTLeffects were closely aligned with the major axes genetic (co)variation between temperatures; mostQTLeffects corresponded to variation for either overall increases or decreases in activity with a smaller number indicating possible trade‐offs between activity at high and low temperatures.QTLrepresenting changes in curve shape such as the ‘generalist–specialist’ trade‐off, thought key to thermal adaptation, were poorly represented in the data. We discuss these results in the light of genetic constraints on thermal adaptation.
Why get big in the cold? Size–fecundity relationships explain the temperature‐size rule in a pulmonate snail (Physa)
Authors: Arendt J.
Published: November 2014

Most ectotherms follow a pattern of size plasticity known as the temperature‐size rule where individuals reared in cold environments are larger at maturation than those reared in warm environments. This pattern seems maladaptive because growth is slower in the cold so it takes longer to reach a large size. However, it may be adaptive if reaching a large size has a greater benefit in a cold than in a warm environment such as when size‐dependent mortality or size‐dependent fecundity depends on temperature. I present a theoretical model showing how a correlation between temperature and the size–fecundity relationship affects optimal size at maturation. I parameterize the model using data from a freshwater pulmonate snail from the genus Physa. Nine families were reared from hatching in one of three temperature regimes (daytime temperature of 22, 25 or 28 °C, night‐time temperature of 22 °C, under a 12L : 12D light cycle). Eight of the nine families followed the temperature‐size rule indicating genetic variation for this plasticity. As predicted, the size–fecundity relationship depended upon temperature; fecundity increases steeply with size in the coldest treatment, less steeply in the intermediate treatment, and shows no relationship with size in the warmest treatment. Thus, following the temperature‐size rule is adaptive for this species. Although rarely measured under multiple conditions, size–fecundity relationships seem to be sensitive to a number of environmental conditions in addition to temperature including local productivity, competition and predation. If this form of plasticity is as widespread as it appears to be, this model shows that such plasticity has the potential to greatly modify current life‐history theory.
Bacterial Counts and Oxidative Properties of Chicken Breast Inoculated with Salmonella Typhimurium Exposed to Gaseous Ozone
Authors: Muhlisin  , Cho Youngjae , Choi Ji Hye , Hahn Tae‐Wook , Lee Sung Ki
Published: November 2014

Poultry meats are highly perishable due to bacterial contamination; thus, elimination of bacterial contaminants is a challenge for food safety industry. This study was designed to evaluate the bacterial counts and oxidative properties of chicken breast contaminated with Salmonella Typhimurium (ST) exposed to gaseous ozone during refrigerated storage. Slices of chicken breast were inoculated with ST by immersing them in peptone water containing 1.0 × 107 cfu of ST per milliliter peptone water. Samples were placed in a container with normal air (no ozone) or in a container equipped with an ozone generator that produce a continuous flux of ozone (10 × 10−6 kg O3/m3/h) and negative ions. Gaseous ozone exposure significantly reduced ST and the total aerobic and anaerobic bacterial counts during storage compared with the nontreatment group (P < 0.05). Gaseous ozone exposure significantly reduced CIE L* and increased CIE b* surface color values after 3 and 2 days of storage, respectively (P < 0.05). Gaseous ozone exposure significantly inhibited catalase and glutathione peroxidase activity after 3 days (P < 0.05). A higher TBARS (2‐thiobarbituric acid reactive substances) value (P < 0.05) was found in chicken breast subjected to ozone exposure after 3 days of storage. In conclusion, gaseous ozone exposure reduced the bacterial counts in chicken breast from the beginning of the study and affected the oxidative properties on the last day of the study.

Practical Applications

This study shows that gaseous ozone exposure can be used as an antimicrobial agent for refrigerated meat. This information will be useful in the development of an effective ozone generator inside a refrigerator. Further studies regarding the appropriate ozone concentrations are needed.
Hot Water Shrinkage as a Post‐Lethal Intervention against Listeria Monocytogenes: Preliminary Assessment in a Turkey‐Based Virginia Ham Model
Authors: Delgado Suárez Enrique Jesús , Chairéz Espinosa Aldebarán , Sierra Gómez pedroso Luz Del Carmen , Rodas Suárez Oscar , Quiñones Ramírez Elsa Irma , Rubio Lozano María Salud
Published: November 2014

This preliminary laboratory trial evaluated the potential of hot water shrinkage to reduce post‐lethal surface contamination by Listeria monocytogenes (Lm) in a turkey‐based Virginia ham model. We inoculated triplicate of ham slices (10 cm2, 2‐cm thick) with 105 cfu/cm2 of Lm (ATCC 19114). Subsequently, they were vacuum‐packaged and placed in a thermostated water bath at 75, 80, 85 and 90C for 0, 20, 25 and 30 s. Treatment at 75–85C for up to 30 s did not affect Lm survival, while nearly 4‐log reduction was observed at 90C for 30 s. The strong correlation (r = 0.9685–0.9891) between results and estimated lethalities (from previous inactivation data) highlights the potential of the 90C/30 s regimen as an effective post‐lethal intervention. However, these results should be used with caution as they may vary under different industry conditions. Further research is needed to develop an appropriate pathogen reduction model for this process.

Practical Applications

Hot water shrinkage has a promising application in controlling post‐lethal surface contamination by Listeria monocytogenes in some deli meats. This intervention is likely to be cheaper than regular post‐package pasteurization. It is also feasible, from a productivity standpoint, in many medium‐sized companies. The latter may work only for products with a smooth surface and a composition similar to that of the turkey‐based Virginia ham tested in this study.
Electron microscopy of quantum dots
Authors: WALTHER T.
Published: November 2014

This brief review describes the different types of semiconductor quantum dot systems, their main applications and which types of microscopy methods are used to characterize them. Emphasis is put on the need for a comprehensive investigation of their size distribution, microstructure, chemical composition, strain state and electronic properties, all of which influence the optical properties and can be measured by different types of imaging, diffraction and spectroscopy methods in an electron microscope.
Post‐traumatic stress symptoms in Guillain–Barré syndrome patients after prolonged mechanical ventilation in ICU: a preliminary report
Authors: Le Guennec Loïc , Brisset Marion , Viala Karine , Essardy Fatiha , Maisonobe Thierry , Rohaut Benjamin , Demeret Sophie , Bolgert Francis , Weiss Nicolas
Published: November 2014

Thirty percent of Guillain–Barré syndrome (GBS) patients require mechanical ventilation (MV) in intensive care unit (ICU). Post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is found in ICU survivors, and the traumatic aspects of intubation and MV have been previously reported as risk factors for PTSD after ICU. Our objective was to determine long‐term PTSD or post‐traumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) in GBS patients after prolonged MV in ICU. We assessed GBS patients who had MV for more than 2 months. PTSD was assessed using Horowitz Impact of Event Scale (IES), IES‐Revisited (IES‐R), and the Post‐traumatic CheckList Scale; functional outcome using Rankin and Barthel scales; quality of life (QoL) using Nottingham Health Profile (NHP) and 36‐Item Short Form Health Survey (SF‐36) and depression using Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HAD) and Beck questionnaire. Thirteen patients could be identified and analyzed. They had only mild disability. They were neither anxious nor depressed with an anxiety HAD at 5 (4–11.5), a depression HAD at 1 (0–3.5) and a Beck at 1 (0–5). QoL was mildly decreased in our population with a NHP at 78.5 (12.8–178.8) and mild decreased SF‐36. Compared with the French population, the SF‐36 sub‐categories were, however, not statistically different. Twenty‐two percentage of our 13 patients had PTSD and PTSS with a Horowitz IES at 12 (2–29), and an IES‐R at 16 (2–34.5). Although severe GBS patients requiring prolonged MV had good functional recovery and no difference in QoL, they had a high incidence of PTSS.
Tax Principles and Tariff‐Tax Reforms under International Oligopoly
Authors: FUJIWARA KENJI
Published: November 2014

In a two‐country duopoly model, this paper compares destination‐ and origin‐based commodity taxes adjusted to tariff reductions so that the world price and foreign welfare remain unaltered. We first find that this tariff‐tax reform reduces domestic welfare under the destination principle while the opposite holds under the origin principle. Then, it is shown that this ranking is reversed if exports are taxed. In short, which is preferable between destination and origin taxes depends on the tax principle and which between imports and exports are taxed.
Effect of yeast with bacteriocin from rumen bacteria on laying performance, blood biochemistry, faecal microbiota and egg quality of laying hens
Authors: Wang H. T. , Shih W. Y. , Chen S. W. , Wang S. Y.
Published: November 2014

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of yeast with bacteriocin from Ruminococcus albus 7 (albusin B) on physiological state and production performance of laying hens. One hundred and twenty 26‐week‐old Single Comb White Leghorn (Hyline) laying hens were assigned into five groups including: (i) control group, (ii) yeast control (YC), (iii) 0.125% yeast with bacteriocin (0.125B), (iv) 0.25% yeast with bacteriocin (0.25B) and (v) 0.5% yeast with bacteriocin (0.5B). All supplements were added to the experimental diets of the hens from 26 to 46 weeks of age. Samples were collected every 4 weeks. Blood samples were collected from the wing vein for blood biochemical parameters assay, and faecal samples were collected by swab for the microbiota test. The egg production performance was recorded daily, and fresh eggs were collected for quality test. The blood biochemical assay results indicated that the addition of yeast with bacteriocin decreased the AST (aspartate aminotransferase) activity and it also affects the lactate concentration in laying hen blood. The result of egg quality indicated that yeast with bacteriocin supplementation had no effect on the mass of yolk and the strength of eggshell, but it had positive effect on the laying performance under hot environment. Low concentration bacteriocin (0.125B) supplementation could decrease total yolk cholesterol. The faecal microbiota result indicated that the supplementation of bacteriocin increased the lactobacilli counts. The yeast with bacteriocin supplementation significantly decreased the clostridia counts under hot environment condition, especially in hens receiving 0.25B. Combining the data from clinic chemistry, faecal microbiota, egg production and egg quality, the 0.25B supplementation may result in the best physiological parameter and egg production performance of laying hen.
Intentional misuse of veterinary medications in human suicide
Authors: Perrin A. J.
Published: November 2014

Many veterinary medications can be lethal in human overdose. This review aims to educate practicing veterinarians about the most common medications used by humans in intentional overdose. Strategies to mitigate the risk posed by these medications are discussed, and the risk factors that predispose a person to suicide are reviewed. Synthesis of the published cases will allow veterinarians to easily identify high‐risk medications and to take steps to prevent their misuse by at‐risk patients or staff.
Survey and Risk Factors for Lower Urinary Tract Storage Symptoms in Middle‐Aged and Older Stroke Patients in Urban China
Authors: TIAN Yudong , GUAN Yanbin , WEN Jianguo , SHANG Xiaoping , LI Jinsheng , WANG Yan
Published: November 2014

Objectives

To evaluate the prevalence and associated risk factors of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in people with stroke. This was the first study that systematically surveyed the risk factors for LUTS in people with various lengths of stroke history in urban Chinese communities.

Methods

A community‐based, cross‐sectional study was performed on 1404 residents aged over 40 years, randomly selected in the urban area of Zhengzhou, China. A questionnaire including the subjects' general health information, sociodemographic background, medical history, and the overactive bladder symptom score (OABSS) was filled by the subjects on site.

Results

Data from 706 (63.8.9 ± 8.9 years old) stroke subjects and 698 non‐stroke subjects were analyzed. The prevalence of LUTS in stroke subjects was 62.6%, significantly higher than non‐stroke subjects. The prevalence in men was higher than women (P < 0.01). The stroke subjects with diabetes mellitus had higher odds for LUTS than those without diabetes (P < 0.05). The prevalence of LUTS was also significantly correlated with increasing age, high educational level, living alone, snoring, hypertension and coronary heart diseases (P < 0.01).

Conclusions

Our study identified not only putative risk factors for LUTS in middle‐aged and elderly stroke patients, but genuine factors including snoring, living environment and educational background that increased the odds of storage symptoms as well. We identified that regular exercise and living with their children were protective factors for storage symptoms in stroke patients.
Population structure over a broad spatial scale driven by nonanthropogenic factors in a wide‐ranging migratory mammal, Alaskan caribou
Authors: Mager Karen H. , Colson Kevin E. , Groves Pam , Hundertmark Kris J.
Published: November 2014

Wide‐ranging mammals face significant conservation threats, and knowledge of the spatial scale of population structure and its drivers is needed to understand processes that maintain diversity in these species. We analysed DNA from 655 Alaskan caribou (Rangifer tarandus granti) from 20 herds that vary in population size, used 19 microsatellite loci to document genetic diversity and differentiation in Alaskan caribou, and examined the extent to which genetic differentiation was associated with hypothesized drivers of population subdivision including landscape features, population size and ecotype. We found that Alaskan caribou are subdivided into two hierarchically structured clusters: one group on the Alaska Peninsula containing discrete herds and one large group on the Mainland lacking differentiation between many herds. Population size, geographic distance, migratory ecotype and the Kvichak River at the nexus of the Alaska Peninsula were associated with genetic differentiation. Contrary to previous hypotheses, small Mainland herds were often differentiated genetically from large interconnected herds nearby, and genetic drift coupled with reduced gene flow may explain this pattern. Our results raise the possibility that behaviour helps to maintain genetic differentiation between some herds of different ecotypes. Alaskan caribou show remarkably high diversity and low differentiation over a broad geographic scale. These results increase information for the conservation of caribou and other migratory mammals threatened by population reductions and landscape barriers and may be broadly applicable to understanding the spatial scale and ecological drivers of population structure in widespread species.
Structure‐Based Algorithms for Microvessel Classification
Authors: Smith Amy F. , Secomb Timothy W. , Pries Axel R. , Smith Nicolas P. , Shipley Rebecca J.
Published: November 2014

Objective

Recent developments in high‐resolution imaging techniques have enabled digital reconstruction of three‐dimensional sections of microvascular networks down to the capillary scale. To better interpret these large data sets, our goal is to distinguish branching trees of arterioles and venules from capillaries.

Methods

Two novel algorithms are presented for classifying vessels in microvascular anatomical data sets without requiring flow information. The algorithms are compared with a classification based on observed flow directions (considered the gold standard), and with an existing resistance‐based method that relies only on structural data.

Results

The first algorithm, developed for networks with one arteriolar and one venular tree, performs well in identifying arterioles and venules and is robust to parameter changes, but incorrectly labels a significant number of capillaries as arterioles or venules. The second algorithm, developed for networks with multiple inlets and outlets, correctly identifies more arterioles and venules, but is more sensitive to parameter changes.

Conclusions

The algorithms presented here can be used to classify microvessels in large microvascular data sets lacking flow information. This provides a basis for analyzing the distinct geometrical properties and modelling the functional behavior of arterioles, capillaries, and venules.
Haemodynamics during dialysis and cognitive performance
Authors: Wolfgram Dawn F. , Sunio Lily , Vogt Elisabeth , Smith Heather M. , Visotcky Alexis , Laud Purushottam , Whittle Jeff
Published: November 2014

Background and Aims

Persons receiving haemodialysis (HD) are at increased risk of cognitive impairment (CI). Since blood pressure (BP) fluctuations during HD may affect cerebral perfusion – and subsequently cognitive function – we examined the relationship between dialytic BP fluctuation and cognitive outcomes.

Methods

We included HD patients without diagnosed dementia who were 50 years or older. Using established methods, we classified participants' in CI categories (none to mild and moderate to severe) based on results of a neurocognitive battery. We collected demographic and laboratory data from dialysis unit records, as well as all BP measurements from 12 dialysis sessions. We tested the association between CI and BP fluctuation, adjusting for demographic and laboratory variables.

Results

Our study enrolled 39 patients; 25 had moderate to severe CI. The normal to mild CI group and the moderate to severe patients had similar degrees of BP fluctuation (average minimum systolic BP (SBP): 107.6 ± 18.7 vs 110.2 ± 18.6 mmHg, maximum drop in SBP: 32.6 ± 10.2 vs 35.4 ± 15.0 mmHg; proportion of sessions with SBP < 90 mmHg: 0.2 ± 0.3 vs 0.2 ± 0.3; average change in SBP, pre to post HD: 10.2 ± 12.4 vs 11.8 ± 16.4 mmHg, all P > 0.55). There was no association between BP variables and performance on individual cognitive tests. Multivariable analysis showed that older age and non‐Caucasian race were associated with a reduction in cognitive scores.

Conclusions

There was no cross‐sectional association between dialytic BP changes and cognitive performance.
Early withdrawal of calcineurin inhibitor from a sirolimus‐based immunosuppression stabilizes fibrosis and the transforming growth factor‐β signalling pathway in kidney transplant
Authors: Rivelli Regiane F , Gonçalves Renato T , Leite Maurilo , Santos Marcos André R , Delgado Alvimar G , Cardoso Lucio R , Takiya Christina M
Published: November 2014

Aim

The focus in renal transplantation is to increase long‐term allograft survival. One of the limiting factors is calcineurin inhibitor (CNI)‐induced fibrosis. This study attempted to examine the histological aspect of interstitial fibrosis and the modulation of the transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β) canonical signalling pathway following early withdrawal of CNI from sirolimus‐based immunosuppressive therapy.

Methods

Forty‐five kidney transplant recipients with low‐medium immunologic risk were randomized and underwent protocol biopsies obtained at the time of transplantation and at 3 and 12 months thereafter. The recipients were taking tacrolimus, sirolimus and prednisone. After the 3rd month, patients were randomized into two groups: sirolimus (SRL) (removed CNI and increased sirolimus) and tacrolimus (TAC) (maintained CNI). Renal biopsies were analyzed according to Banff's 2007 criteria. The sum of Banff's ct and ci constituted the chronicity index. Fibrosis was evaluated by the histomorphometrical analysis of the total collagen and myofibroblast deposition. Immunohistochemical characterization and quantification of TGF‐β, TGF‐β receptor 1 (TGF‐β‐R1), receptor 2 (TGF‐β‐R2) and phospho‐Smad2/3 (p‐Smad2/3) were performed.

Results

Maintenance of CNI was associated with the increase of the surface density of collagen and α‐smooth muscle actin (α‐SMA), (P = 0.001). Furthermore, increased TGF‐β (P = 0.02), TGF‐β‐R1 (P = 0.02), p‐Smad2/3 (P = 0.03) and stabilized TGF‐β‐R2. On the other hand, the removal of CNI with increase in the dose of sirolimus limited the enhancement of the chronicity index at 12 m (SRL, 2.18 vs TAC, 3.12, P = 0.0007), diminished the deposition of fibrosis and promoted the stabilization of TGF‐β, TGF‐β‐R2, p‐Smad2/3 and myofibroblasts as well as the reduction of TGF‐β‐R1 (P = 0.01).

Conclusion

The early withdrawal of CNI limited the fibrosis progression through the stabilization of chronicity index and of the canonical TGF‐β signalling pathway.
An improved sensor for precision detection ofin situstem water content using a frequency domain fringing capacitor
Authors: Zhou Haiyang , Sun Yurui , Tyree Melvin T. , Sheng Wenyi , Cheng Qiang , Xue Xuzhang , Schumann Henrik , Schulze Lammers Peter
Published: November 2014

One role of stems is that of water storage. The water content of stems increases and decreases as xylem water potential increases and decreases, respectively. Hence, a nondestructive method to measure stem water content (StWC) = (volume of water) : (volume of stem), could be useful in monitoring the drought stress status of plants.

We introduce a frequency domain inner fringing capacitor‐sensor for measuring StWCwhich operates at 100MHz frequency. The capacitor‐sensor consists of two wave guides (5‐mm‐wide braided metal) that snugly fit around the surface of a stem with a spacing of 4–5 mm between guides.

Laboratory measurements on analog stems reveals that theDCsignal output responds linearly to the relative dielectric constant of the analog stem, is most sensitive to water content between the waveguides to a depth ofc. 3 mm from the stem surface, and calibrations based on the gravimetric water loss of excised stems of plants revealed a resolution in StWCof < ± 0.001 v/ v.

The sensor performed very well on whole plants with a 100‐fold increased resolution compared with previous frequency domain and time domain reflectometry methods and, hence, may be very useful for future research requiring nondestructive measurements of whole plants.
Sapogenin content variation in Medicago inter‐specific hybrid derivatives highlights some aspects of saponin synthesis and control
Authors: Carelli Maria , Biazzi Elisa , Tava Aldo , Losini Ilaria , Abbruscato Pamela , Depedro Claudia , Scotti Carla
Published: November 2014

In the Medicago genus, saponins are a complex mixture of triterpene glycosides showing a broad spectrum of biological properties. Here we analyzed the variation in the sapogenin content and composition of inter‐specific hybrid Medicago sativa × Medicago arborea derivatives to highlight the pattern of this variation in plant organs (leaves/roots) and the possible mechanisms underlying it.

In Sativa Arborea Cross (SAC) leaves and roots, saponins and sapogenins were evaluated using chromatographic methods. Phenotypic correlations between sapogenin content and bio‐agronomic traits were examined. Expression studies on β‐amyrin synthase and four cytochromes P450 (CYPs) involved in sapogenin biosynthesis and sequence analysis of the key gene of the hemolytic sapogenin pathway (CYP716A12) were performed.

Chromatographic analyses revealed a different pattern of among‐family variation for hemolytic and nonhemolytic sapogenins and saponins and for the two organs/tissues. Different correlation patterns of gene expression in roots and leaves were found. Diachronic analysis revealed a relationship between sapogenin content and gene transcriptional levels in the early stages of the productive cycle.

The results suggest that there are different control mechanisms acting on sapogenin biosynthesis for leaves and roots, which are discussed. A key role for medicagenic acid in the control of sapogenin content in both the tissues is proposed and discussed.
Alveolar bone preservation subsequent to miniscrew implant placement in a canine model
Authors: Melsen B. , Huja S. S. , Chien H.‐H. , Dalstra M.
Published: November 2014

Structured Abstract

Objective

To assess the effects of transcortical screws on alveolar (bone) ridge preservation following extraction.

Design

Four adult beagle dogs had mandibular premolars extracted bilaterally. After 6 weeks, using a split‐mouth design, two transcortical screws were inserted unilaterally below the alveolar crest on the experimental side in the region of the extraction. The dogs were killed after 12 weeks. The bone at the extraction sites was analyzed using μCT and 3D analysis. A cylindrical core was placed around the actual and a virtual screw placed in the identical location on the control side. The bone volume within the cylinders was quantified. An insertion of a dental implant was simulated bilaterally at the insertion site. The height of the clinical crown and the alveolar crest were determined on both sides. The bone turnover was assessed histomorphometrically on un‐decalcified bucco‐lingual sections stained with basic fuchsine and toluidine blue.

Results

Comparison of the two sides revealed a significant difference both with regard to the bone volume and morphology. The transcortical screw caused an increase in bone density and less ridge atrophy. When simulating a dental implant placement on both sides, the bone preservation on the experimental side led to a need for a shorter clinical crown compared to the control side. A higher activity level of the bone in the experimental side was demonstrated histologically.

Conclusion

In this dog model the insertion of a mini‐implant across the healing alveolar process results in increased density not only adjacent to the screws, but also in the region where a potential dental implant would be inserted. In humans, the insertion of transcortical screws may maintain bone when for various reasons insertion of a permanent dental implant has to be postponed.
Additive and non‐additive effects of birch genotypic diversity on arthropod herbivory in a long‐term field experiment
Authors: Barton Kasey E. , Valkama Elena , Vehviläinen Harri , Ruohomäki Kai , Knight Tiffany M. , Koricheva Julia
Published: November 2014

Herbivores are important drivers of plant population dynamics and community composition in natural and managed systems. Intraspecific genetic diversity of long‐lived plants like trees might shape patterns of herbivory by different guilds of herbivores that trees experience through time. However, previous studies on plant genetic diversity effects on herbivores have been largely short‐term. We investigated how tree genotypic variation and diversity influence herbivory of silver birchBetula pendulain a long‐term field experiment. Using clones of eight genotypes, we constructed experimental plots consisting of one, two, four or eight genotypes, and measured damage by five guilds of arthropod herbivores twice a year over three different years (four, six and nine years after the experiment was established). Genotypes varied significantly for most types of herbivore damage, but genotype resistance rankings often shifted over time, and none of the clones was more resistant than all others to all types of herbivores. At the plot level, birch genotypic diversity had significant positive additive effect on leaf rollers and negative non‐additive effects on chewing herbivores and gall makers. In contrast, leaf‐mining and leaf‐tying damage was not influenced by birch genotypic diversity. Within diverse plots, the direction of genotypic diversity effects varied depending on birch genotype, some having lower and some having higher herbivory in mixed stands. This research highlights the importance of long‐term studies including different feeding guilds of herbivores to understand the effects of plant genetic diversity on arthropod communities. Different responses of various feeding guilds to genotypic diversity and shifts in resistance of individual genotypes over time indicate that genotypic mixtures are unlikely to result in overall reduction in herbivory over time.
Thermal specialization across large geographical scales predicts the resilience of mangrove crab populations to global warming
Authors: Fusi Marco , Giomi Folco , Babbini Simone , Daffonchio Daniele , McQuaid Christopher D. , Porri Francesca , Cannicci Stefano
Published: November 2014

The broad prediction that ectotherms will be more vulnerable to climate change in the tropics than in temperate regions includes assumptions about centre/edge population effects that can only be tested by within‐species comparisons across wide latitudinal gradients. Here, we investigated the thermal vulnerability of two mangrove crab species, comparing populations at the centre (Kenya) and edge (South Africa) of their distributions. At the same time, we investigated the role of respiratory mode (water‐ versus air‐breathing) in determining the thermal tolerance in amphibious organisms. To do this, we compared the vulnerability to acute temperature fluctuations of two sympatric species with two different lifestyle adaptations: the free living Perisesarma guttatum and the burrowing Uca urvillei, both pivotal to the ecosystem functioning of mangroves. The results revealed the air‐breathing U. urvillei to be a thermal generalist with much higher thermal tolerances than P. guttatum. Importantly, however, we found that, while U. urvillei showed little difference between edge and centre populations, P. guttatum showed adaptation to local conditions. Equatorial populations had elevated tolerances to acute heat stress and mechanisms of partial thermoregulation, which make them less vulnerable to global warming than temperate conspecifics. The results reveal both the importance of respiratory mode to thermal tolerance and the unexpected potential for low latitude populations/species to endure a warming climate. The results also contribute to a conceptual model on the latitudinal thermal tolerance of these key species. This highlights the need for an integrated population‐level approach to predict the consequences of climate change.
Effect of Pain Induction or Pain Reduction on Conditioned Pain Modulation in Adults: A Systematic Review
Authors: Goubert Dorien , Danneels Lieven , Cagnie Barbara , Van Oosterwijck Jessica , Kolba Kim , Noyez Heleen , Meeus Mira
Published: November 2014

Objective

Pain facilitation as well as pain inhibition might be present in chronic pain patients. A decreased efficacy of pain inhibition can be measured by conditioned pain modulation (CPM). The use of the CPM paradigm in scientific research has boosted over the last few years and is recognized for its high clinical relevance in chronic pain patients. It is, however, unclear whether the presence of pain and possible modulations of pain influences the efficacy of endogenous pain inhibition, measured by CPM. This systematic literature study aimed to provide an overview of the effects of clinical pain and experimental pain induction or pain reduction on CPM in adults.

Methods

A systematic literature search was conducted in the databases “Pubmed” and “Web of Science”. Only full texts of original studies regarding the effect of clinical pain and experimentally induced pain and pain reduction on CPM in adults were included. The included articles were scored on methodological quality and through a CPM paradigm.

Results

Twelve articles of good to moderate quality were included in this review. Some pain inhibitory medication and oral contraceptives inhibit the CPM mechanism. Removing chronic pain by surgery results in an improved CPM response. This effect is not observed when removing acute pain.

Conclusion

Analgesic medication and oral contraceptives might inhibit the CPM response, whereas there is limited evidence that pain‐relieving surgery improves CPM in chronic pain patients. However, the results merely suggest that decreased CPM values (as in chronic pain patients) can improve after elimination of pain.
Clinical Approaches to Skin Cleansing of the Diaper Area: Practice and Challenges
Authors: Coughlin Carrie C. , Frieden Ilona J. , Eichenfield Lawrence F.
Published: November 2014

Cleansing and care of the diaper area require special consideration to maintain barrier function of the skin in this area and repair the barrier when it is compromised. Diaper dermatitis occurs commonly; understanding and modification of predisposing factors are imperative for caregivers. In this paper, we review important factors in diaper area care, including skin pH, the local microbiome, irritant and allergic potential of contactants, and application of topical agents.
Diaper Dermatitis: Clinical Characteristics and Differential Diagnosis
Authors: Coughlin Carrie C. , Eichenfield Lawrence F. , Frieden Ilona J.
Published: November 2014

A diverse group of diseases can cause skin conditions in the diaper area including those which are directly caused by diapers or the diaper environment, some which are not directly due to, but are worsened by, the wearing of diapers, and those which are independent of the presence of the diaper or its resulting environment. Many of these conditions are limited to this area of the skin, but others extend to skin outside this area, and some are signs of systemic disease. We review many of the important causes of eruptions in the diaper area and emphasize key points in the differential diagnosis.
KL‐6 as a biomarker of respiratory complications in severely disabled children
Authors: Ochi Fumihiro , Fukuda Mitsumasa , Ohmori Hiromitsu , Yano Yoshiaki , Wakamoto Hiroyuki , Suzuki Yuka , Ishii Eiichi
Published: November 2014

Background

The aim of this study was to assess the importance of KL‐6 level in evaluating the status of stabilized chronic pneumonia in children in the severe motor and intellectual disabilities–medical care‐dependent (SMID‐MCD) category.

Methods

A total of 20 SMID‐MCD children were enrolled in this study. Serum KL‐6, white blood cell count, C‐reactive protein, chest computed tomography (CT) and other factors related to respiratory complications were analyzed in all children under stable respiratory conditions.

Results

Mean age was 5.8 ± 1.0 years (mean ± SE). Serum KL‐6 was significantly higher in those SMID‐MCD children with abnormal CT than in those with normal CT: 316 ± 39 U/mL versus 190 ± 11, respectively (P = 0.0075).

Conclusions

Measures of serum KL‐6 level provide valuable information for determining the respiratory management of SMID‐MCD children with occult chronic pneumonia.