bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Virus infection influences host plant interactions with non‐vector herbivores and predators
Authors: Mauck Kerry E. , Smyers Erica , De Moraes Consuelo M. , Mescher Mark C.
Published: November 2014

Viruses are widespread in both natural and agricultural plant communities and can significantly alter diverse traits of their host plants that mediate key interactions with other organisms. Yet, the impacts of plant viruses on broader community dynamics remain little studied.

Here, we explore the effects of Cucumber mosaic virus, a common non‐persistently transmitted plant virus, on short‐ and long‐term interactions of herbivorous and predatory insects with squash (Cucurbita pepo) plants in a weedy field setting, as well as virus‐induced changes in plant phenotypes that mediate these interactions. Cucumber mosaic virus has previously been shown to have numerous effects on host plants that likely influence interactions with arthropods, including reduced plant size, increased volatile emissions, and diminished plant quality and palatability for aphid vectors.

Infection reduced the likelihood of many herbivorous insects arresting and feeding on plants, as well as the apparency of plants to herbivores that base in‐flight foraging on visual cues. In particular, infection drastically reduced numbers of a specialist squash herbivore (Anasa tristis) on plants in the field – a pattern likely driven by a reduction of phagostimulatory sugar levels in leaf tissue and concurrent increase in amino acid levels, as nymphal development was not obviously impacted by infection status. Relative to effects on herbivores, virus infection had little impact on the ability of predatory insects to locate aphid prey, although an experiment examining plant visitation in the absence of aphids revealed reduced numbers of foraging Syrphidae (Diptera) and Coccinellidae (Coleoptera) on infected plants but increased visitation and oviposition by Chrysopidae (Neuroptera).

CMV infection may reduce overall herbivore pressure on infected plants through effects on palatability and apparency, yet predators appear to locate herbivorous prey that do occur on infected plants as efficiently as those on healthy plants.

Virus infection can significantly influence plant interactions with the insect community (including non‐vector as well as vector insects) with potential implications both for disease spread and for broader community dynamics.
Anisotropy signature in reverse‐time migration extended images
Authors: Sava Paul , Alkhalifah Tariq
Published: November 2014

Reverse‐time migration can accurately image complex geologic structures in anisotropic media. Extended images at selected locations in the Earth, i.e., at common‐image‐point gathers, carry rich information to characterize the angle‐dependent illumination and to provide measurements for migration velocity analysis. However, characterizing the anisotropy influence on such extended images is a challenge. Extended common‐image‐point gathers are cheap to evaluate since they sample the image at sparse locations indicated by the presence of strong reflectors. Such gathers are also sensitive to velocity error that manifests itself through moveout as a function of space and time lags. Furthermore, inaccurate anisotropy leaves a distinctive signature in common‐image‐point gathers, which can be used to evaluate anisotropy through techniques similar to the ones used in conventional wavefield tomography. It specifically admits a V‐shaped residual moveout with the slope of the “V” flanks depending on the anisotropic parameter η regardless of the complexity of the velocity model. It reflects the fourth‐order nature of the anisotropy influence on moveout as it manifests itself in this distinct signature in extended images after handling the velocity properly in the imaging process. Synthetic and real data observations support this assertion.
Riparian reserves within oil palm plantations conserve logged forest leaf litter ant communities and maintain associated scavenging rates
Authors: Gray Claudia L. , Lewis Owen T. , Chung Arthur Y. C. , Fayle Tom M.
Published: November 2014

The expansion of oil palm plantations at the expense of tropical forests is causing declines in many species and altering ecosystem functions. Maintaining forest‐dependent species and processes in these landscapes may therefore limit the negative impacts of this economically important industry. Protecting riparian vegetation may be one such opportunity; forest buffer strips are commonly protected for hydrological reasons, but can also conserve functionally important taxa and the processes they support.

We surveyed leaf litter ant communities within oil palm‐dominated landscapes in Sabah, Malaysia, using protein baits. As the scavenging activity of ants influences important ecological characteristics such as nutrient cycling and soil structure, we quantified species‐specific rates of bait removal to examine how this process may change across land uses and establish which changes in community structure underlie observed shifts in activity.

Riparian reserves had similar ant species richness, community composition and scavenging rates to nearby continuous logged forest. Reserve width and vegetation structure did not affect ant species richness significantly. However, the number of foraging individuals decreased with increasing reserve width, and scavenging rate increased with vegetation complexity.

Oil palm ant communities were characterized by significantly lower species richness than logged forest and riparian reserves and also by altered community composition and reduced scavenging rates.

Reduced scavenging activity in oil palm was not explained by a reduction in ant species richness, nor by replacement of forest ant species by those with lower per species scavenging rates. There was also no significant effect of land use on the scavenging activity of the forest species that persisted in oil palm. Rather, changes in scavenging activity were best explained by a reduction in the mean rate of bait removal per individual ant across all species in the community.

Synthesis and applications. Our results suggest that riparian reserves are comparable to areas of logged forest in terms of ant community composition and ant‐mediated scavenging. Hence, in addition to protecting large continuous areas of primary and logged forest, maintaining riparian reserves is a successful strategy for conserving leaf litter ants and their scavenging activities in tropical agricultural landscapes.
Renin and the (pro)renin receptor in the renal collecting duct: Role in the pathogenesis of hypertension
Authors: Gonzalez Alexis A , Prieto Minolfa C
Published: November 2014

The intrarenal renin–angiotensin system (RAS) plays a critical role in the pathogenesis and progression of hypertension and kidney disease. In angiotensin (Ang) II‐dependent hypertension, collecting duct renin synthesis and secretion are stimulated despite suppression of juxtaglomerular (JG) renin. This effect is mediated by the AngII type I receptor (AT1R), independent of blood pressure. Although the regulation of JG renin has been extensively studied, the mechanisms by which renin is regulated in the collecting duct remain unclear. The augmentation of renin synthesis and activity in the collecting duct may provide a pathway for additional generation of intrarenal and intratubular AngII formation due to the presence of angiotensinogen substrate and angiotensin‐converting enzyme in the nephron. The recently described (pro)renin receptor ((P)RR) binds renin or prorenin, enhancing renin activity and fully activating the biologically inactive prorenin peptide. Stimulation of (P)RR also activates intracellular pathways related to fibrosis. Renin and the (P)RR are augmented in renal tissues of AngII‐dependent hypertensive rats. However, the functional contribution of the (P)RR to enhanced renin activity in the collecting duct and its contribution to the development of hypertension and kidney disease have not been well elucidated. This review focuses on recent evidence demonstrating the mechanism of renin regulation in the collecting ducts and its interaction with the (P)RR. The data suggest that renin–(P)RR interactions may induce stimulation of intracellular pathways associated with the development of hypertension and kidney disease.
“The Cockroaches of Canada”: French‐Canada, Immigration and Nationalism, Anti‐Catholicism in English‐Canada, 1905–1929
Authors: Anderson Kevin
Published: November 2014

This article examines the central influence of anti‐Catholicism upon English‐Canadian nationalism in the first third of the twentieth century. Anti‐Catholicism provided an existing rhetorical and ideological tradition and framework within which public figures, intellectuals, Protestant church leaders and other Canadians communicated their diverse visions of an ideal Canada. The study of anti‐Catholicism problematises the rigid separation that many scholars have posited between a conservative ethnic nationalism and a progressive civic nationalism. Often times these very civic values were inextricable from a context of Britishness. In addition, anti‐Catholicism was not simply about theological differences between Protestants and Catholics. Instead this theological thread often intersected with the perceived socio‐political problems that Catholics and Catholicism posed. Hostility to Catholicism was not limited only to fraternal organisations such as the Orange Order; indeed the importance of anti‐Catholicism as a component of Canadian nationalism lies in its presence across the political and intellectual spectrum. Catholicism was perceived to inculcate values antithetical to British traditions of freedom and democracy.
To Rid the Italian Soul of One Dark Blot: Recognising Race in White Christian Religion
Authors: Evans David F.
Published: November 2014

This article describes white Christian missionary uses of racial imagery for assimilating early twentieth‐century immigrants into U.S. society. In early twentieth‐century America, white Methodist missionaries sought to convert Italian immigrants from so‐called “pagans” to “one hundred percent Americans” by distancing them from racial darkness. In their attempt to convert the objects of their evangelism, Methodists syncretised secular marketing and metaphorical images and trained their audiences in a racial conversion narrative. In spite of their effort to combat the racial limitations of perceived Italian darkness, missionaries' use of darkness and light metaphors in conversion narratives reinscribed a racial Manichean dualism in their missionary practices and publications.
Understanding teachers' perspectives of factors that influence parental involvement practices in special education in Barbados
Authors: Blackman Stacey , Mahon Erin
Published: November 2014

Parental involvement has been defined in various ways by researchers and is reported to have many advantages for children's education. The research utilises a case study strategy to investigate teachers' perspectives of parental involvement at four case sites in Barbados. In‐depth interviews were done with teachers and analysis utilised content analysis of transcripts and open and axial coding frameworks. Findings suggest that one needs to understand the layered realities that dictate and influence the nature and level of parental participation in children's education. In‐school factors such as a lack of democratisation of parent consultation processes, discontinuation of programmes, how active Parent Teacher Associations were and out‐of‐school factors such as parents' levels of collaboration and coping influenced parental involvement at the case sites. More research is needed to understand how these factors shape and influence parental involvement in special education settings in Barbados.
Status of connected wetlands of the Lake Eyre Basin, Australia
Authors: Pisanu Philip , Kingsford Richard T. , Wilson Bruce , Bonifacio Ronald
Published: November 2014

The Lake Eyre Basin, one of the world's last unregulated wild river basins, covers almost one sixth of the Australian continent, with large areas of connected wetlands (73 903 km2), including floodplains, lakes, waterholes and river channels. Few data existed and so we used literature and government biotic and abiotic data and anthropogenic impacts to assess the conservation risk of the ecosystem as Least Concern (IUCN Red List criteria for ecosystems, version 2.0). This was based on limited distributional change and low levels of degradation or anthropogenic threatening processes. The approach could be applied to ecosystem assessments of other large river basins around the world, given the Lake Eyre Basin occupies one extreme (unmodified) while the Aral Sea (collapsed), previously assessed, occupies the other extreme (highly modified). River flow analysis with available biotic data is critical for risk assessment as well as identification and tracking of long‐term threats. Assessment was possible at this large basin scale and appropriate, given the critical importance of connectivity but could also occur at finer spatial scale. Increased diversions for irrigation, mining impacts on floodplains and projected increased temperatures threaten the current status (Least Concern) of the connected wetlands of the Lake Eyre Basin ecosystem.
The Hindlimb Arterial Vessels in Lowland paca (Cuniculus paca, Linnaeus 1766)
Authors: Leal L. M. , de Freitas H. M. G. , Sasahara T. H. C. , Machado M. R. F.
Published: November 2014

This study aims to describe the origin and distribution of the hindlimb arterial vessels. Five adult lowland pacas (Cuniculus paca) were used. Stained and diluted latex was injected, caudally to the aorta. After fixation in 10% paraformaldehyde for 72 h, we dissected to visualize and identify the vessels. It was found out that the vascularization of the hindlimb in lowland paca derives from the terminal branch of the abdominal aorta. The common iliac artery divides into external iliac and internal iliac. The external iliac artery emits the deep iliac circumflex artery, the pudendal epigastric trunk, the deep femoral artery; the femoral artery originates the saphenous artery, it bifurcates into cranial and caudal saphenous arteries. Immediately after the knee joint, the femoral artery is called popliteal artery, which divides into tibial cranial and tibial caudal arteries at the level of the crural inter‐osseous space. The origin and distribution of arteries in the hindlimb of lowland paca resembles that in other wild rodents, as well as in the domestic mammals.
Intrarenal bradykinin elicits reno‐renal reflex sympatho‐excitation and renal nerve‐dependent fluid retention
Authors: Barry E. F. , Johns E. J.
Published: November 2014

Aims

The renal sensory nerves are importantly involved in the sympathetic regulation of cardiovascular and renal function. Two reno‐renal reflexes are recognized, one in which activation of renal sensory nerves elicits a renal sympatho‐inhibition, and one which causes a renal sympatho‐excitation and about which little is known. This study investigated the role of bradykinin (BK) in engaging an excitatory reno‐renal reflex.

Methods

Rats were anaesthetized (chloralose/urethane) and prepared for the measurement of renal function or renal sympathetic nerve activity (RSNA). BK was infused into the cortico‐medullary border of the ipsilateral kidney and the impact on contralateral renal function and RSNA evaluated.

Results

Intrarenal infusion of BK at 3 × 10−9 and 6 × 10−9 g L−1 had no effect on mean arterial pressure, at 104 ± 5 mmHg or glomerular filtration rate in either the ipsilateral or contralateral kidneys, at 4.31 ± 0.45 mL min−1 kg−1. At the highest dose of BK, fractional sodium excretion (FENa) was 1.47% in the ipsilateral kidney and was significantly lower, at 0.64% (P < 0.05) in the contralateral kidney but this difference did not occur following ipsilateral renal denervation. Ipsilateral intrarenal infusion of BK at 3 × 10−9, 6 × 10−9 and 1.2 × 10−8 g L−1 elicited dose‐related increases (P < 0.05) in contralateral RSNA, reaching some 78% at the highest dose, but these responses were prevented by ipsilateral renal denervation.

Conclusions

Intrarenal infusion of BK produced an excitatory reno‐renal reflex which was expressed as a renal nerve‐dependent antinatriuresis in the contralateral kidney. The findings suggest that inflammatory mediators such as BK may be important in initiating a sympatho‐excitation associated with renal and cardiovascular diseases.
Comparison of laparoscopic sigmoidectomy with and without preservation of the superior rectal artery: A single‐institution retrospective study
Authors: Wakahara Tomoyuki , Toyokawa Akihiro , Ashitani Hiroshi , Tsuchida Shinobu , Hasegawa Yasuhisa
Published: November 2014

Introduction

The inferior mesenteric artery is usually divided during the resection of sigmoid colon cancers. However, this sometimes results in an insufficient blood supply to the anastomosis, leading to anastomotic leakage. We conducted a retrospective analysis to determine the feasibility and potential benefits of preserving the superior rectal artery (SRA).

Methods

Fifty‐seven patients underwent SRA‐preserving sigmoidectomy with D2 or D3 lymph node dissection (group A) between June 2008 and May 2012. These patients were compared with 35 patients who underwent sigmoidectomy without preservation of the SRA (group B) during the same period.

Results

The amount of blood loss, the number of harvested lymph nodes, and the postoperative morbidity rate did not differ significantly between the groups. There were no cases of anastomotic leakage in group A and there was one in group B, but this difference was not significant. The 3‐year relapse‐free survival rates also did not differ significantly between the two groups, irrespective of lymph node status.

Conclusion

Sigmoidectomy with SRA preservation can be performed without compromising the quality of lymph node dissection and relapse‐free survival. No advantage of preserving the SRA could be demonstrated, but it is noteworthy that no anastomotic leakage was noted among the 57 patients in group A.
Influence of Carotino oil on in vitro rumen fermentation, metabolism and apparent biohydrogenation of fatty acids
Authors: Adeyemi Kazeem Dauda , Ebrahimi Mahdi , Samsudin Anjas Asmara , Alimon Abd Razak , Karim Roselina , Karsani Saiful Anuar , Sazili Awis Qurni
Published: November 2014

The study appraised the effects of Carotino oil on in vitro rumen fermentation, gas production, metabolism and apparent biohydrogenation of oleic, linoleic and linolenic acids. Carotino oil was added to a basal diet (50% concentrate and 50% oil palm frond) at the rate of 0, 2, 4, 6 and 8% dry matter of the diet. Rumen inoculum was obtained from three fistulated Boer bucks and incubated with 200 mg of each treatment for 24 h at 39°C. Gas production, fermentation kinetics, in vitro organic matter digestibility (IVOMD), volatile fatty acids (VFA), in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD), metabolizable energy and free fatty acids were determined. Carotino oil did not affect (P > 0.05) gas production, metabolizable energy, pH, IVOMD, IVDMD, methane, total and individual VFAs. However, Carotino oil decreased (P < 0.05) the biohydrogenation of linoleic and linolenic acids but enhanced (P < 0.05) the biohydrogenation of oleic acid. After 24 h incubation, the concentrations of stearic, palmitic, pentadecanoic, myristic, myristoleic and lauric acids decreased (P < 0.05) while the concentration of linolenic, linoleic, oleic and transvaccenic acids and conjugated linoleic acid (CLAc9t11) increased (P < 0.05) with increasing levels of Carotino oil. Carotino oil seems to enhance the accumulation of beneficial unsaturated fatty acids without disrupting rumen fermentation.
Effects of feeding polyphenol‐rich winery wastes on digestibility, nitrogen utilization, ruminal fermentation, antioxidant status and oxidative stress in wethers
Authors: Ishida Kyohei , Kishi Yosuke , Oishi Kazato , Hirooka Hiroyuki , Kumagai Hajime
Published: November 2014

Four wethers were used in a 4 × 4 Latin square design experiment to evaluate the availability of two types of winery wastes, winery sediment and grape pomace, as ruminant feeds possessing antioxidant activities. Each wether was assigned to one of the following four treatments: (i) 75 g/kg winery sediment (WS) on a dry matter (DM) basis; (ii) 166 g/kg DM winery grape pomace (WP); (iii) control diet (CD; 17 g/kg DM soybean meal);and (iv) only tall fescue hay (TFH; no additive). Winery sediment and grape pomace had high levels of polyphenols and of radical scavenging activities. Feeding with winery sediment and grape pomace did not negatively affect the intake, but it depressed crude protein (CP) digestibility compared with CD (P = 0.052 and P < 0.01 for WS and WP, respectively). Polyphenols in winery wastes decreased ruminal ammonia production (P = 0.089 and P < 0.05), likely due to their inhibitive effect on microbial activities in the rumen. The addition of winery sediment and grape pomace decreased urinary 8‐hydroxy‐2'‐deoxyguanosine (8‐OHdG; an index of oxidative damages) excretion per day (P < 0.05 and P = 0.059). The results indicated that winery sediment and grape pomace could alter nitrogen metabolism and/or act as new antioxidants for ruminants.
CXCR4 WHIM‐like frameshift and nonsense mutations promote ibrutinib resistance but do not supplant MYD88L265P‐directed survival signalling in Waldenström macroglobulinaemia cells
Authors: Cao Yang , Hunter Zachary R. , Liu Xia , Xu Lian , Yang Guang , Chen Jie , Tsakmaklis Nickolas , Kanan Sandra , Castillo Jorge J. , Treon Steven P.
Published: November 2014

CXCR4WHIM frameshift and nonsense mutations follow MYD88L265P as the most common somatic variants in Waldenström Macroglobulinaemia (WM), and impact clinical presentation and ibrutinib response. While the nonsense (CXCR4S338X) mutation has been investigated, little is known about CXCR4 frameshift (CXCR4FS) mutations. We engineered WM cells to express CXCR4FS mutations present in patients, and compared their CXCL12 (SDF‐1a) induced signalling and ibrutinib sensitivity to CXCR4wild‐type (WT) and CXCR4S338X cells. Following CXCL12 stimulation, CXCR4FS and CXCR4S338X WM cells showed impaired CXCR4 receptor internalization, and enhanced AKT1 (also termed AKT) and MAPK1 (also termed ERK) activation versus CXCRWT cells (P < 0·05), though MAPK1 activation was more prolonged in CXCR4S338X cells (P < 0·05). CXCR4FS and CXCR4S338X cells, but not CXCR4WT cells, were rescued from ibrutinib‐triggered apoptosis by CXCL12 that was reversed by AKT1, MAPK1 or CXCR4 antagonists. Treatment with an inhibitor that blocks MYD88L265P signalling triggered similar levels of apoptosis that was not abrogated by CXCL12 treatment in CXCR4WT and CXCR4WHIM cells. These studies show a functional role for CXCR4FS mutations in WM, and provide a framework for the investigation of CXCR4 antagonists with ibrutinib in CXCR4WHIM‐mutated WM patients. Direct inhibition of MYD88L265P signalling overcomes CXCL12 triggered survival effects in CXCR4WHIM‐mutated cells supporting a primary role for this survival pathway in WM.
Prediction of fruit and vegetable intake: The importance of contextualizing motivation
Authors: Evans Rachel , Kawabata Masato , Thomas Shirley
Published: November 2014

Objectives

Motivation is identified as a key antecedent of self‐regulated behaviour, such as eating fruit and vegetables. However, inaccurate measurement of this construct may lead to poor prediction of behaviour and inflate the impact of post‐motivational factors, such as planning, in models of health behaviour. This study explored the properties of a newly identified measure of motivation, termed behavioural resolve (Rhodes & Horne, 2013, Psychol. Sport Exerc., 14, 455–460), in relation to intention, planning, and fruit and vegetable intake (FVI).

Design

Prospective self‐report survey.

Method

University students living in the United Kingdom completed two online surveys. The first assessed demographic and predictor variables (intention, behavioural resolve, action planning, and coping planning). The second, completed approximately 2 weeks later, measured average daily FVI and perceived experience of obstacles to FVI. At Time 1, there were 195 respondents, with 139 providing follow‐up data.

Results

All predictor variables were significantly correlated with FVI. Two independent multiple hierarchical regression analyses revealed that both intention and behavioural resolve were significant predictors of FVI, but behavioural resolve explained greater FVI variance (40.1%) than intention (36.4%). Furthermore, action planning showed incremental predictive utility over intention, but not behavioural resolve, in predicting FVI.

Conclusions

The results indicated that motivation is an important determinant of FVI for students, with behavioural resolve demonstrating advantages over intention as a measure of this domain and a predictor of FVI behaviour.

Statement of contribution

What is already known on this subject?

Many of those who intend to increase their fruit and vegetable intake (FVI) do not succeed.

The contribution of planning to theoretical models predicting FVI may be the result of inadequate assessment of motivation.

Research is needed to establish accurate measures of the determinants of FVI and create interventions to increase suboptimal intake in student populations.

What does this study add?

This study is the first to demonstrate the additive effects of behavioural resolve upon intention in predicting FVI for UK students. Volitional planning made no contribution.
Biomineralization in bryozoans: present, past and future
Authors: Taylor Paul D. , Lombardi Chiara , Cocito Silvia
Published: November 2014

Many animal phyla have the physiological ability to produce biomineralized skeletons with functional roles that have been shaped by natural selection for more than 500 million years. Among these are bryozoans, a moderately diverse phylum of aquatic invertebrates with a rich fossil record and importance today as bioconstructors in some shallow‐water marine habitats. Biomineralizational patterns and, especially, processes are poorly understood in bryozoans but are conventionally believed to be similar to those of the related lophotrochozoan phyla Brachiopoda and Mollusca. However, bryozoan skeletons are more intricate than those of these two phyla. Calcareous skeletons have been acquired independently in two bryozoan clades – Stenolaemata in the Ordovician and Cheilostomata in the Jurassic – providing an evolutionary replicate. This review aims to highlight the importance of biomineralization in bryozoans and focuses on their skeletal ultrastructures, mineralogy and chemistry, the roles of organic components, the evolutionary history of bimineralization in bryozoans with respect to changes in seawater chemistry, and the impact of contemporary global changes, especially ocean acidification, on bryozoan skeletons. Bryozoan skeletons are constructed from three different wall types (exterior, interior and compound) differing in the presence/absence and location of organic cuticular layers. Skeletal ultrastructures can be classified into wall‐parallel (i.e. laminated) and wall‐perpendicular (i.e. prismatic) fabrics, the latter apparently found in only one of the two biomineralizing clades (Cheilostomata), which is also the only clade to biomineralize aragonite. A plethora of ultrastructural fabrics can be recognized and most occur in combination with other fabrics to constitute a fabric suite. The proportion of aragonitic and bimineralic bryozoans, as well as theMgcontent of bryozoan skeletons, show a latitudinal increase into the warmer waters of the tropics. Responses of bryozoan mineralogy and skeletal thickness to oscillations between calcite and aragonite seas through geological time are equivocal. Field and laboratory studies of living bryozoans have shown that predicted future changes inpH(ocean acidification) combined with global warming are likely to have detrimental effects on calcification, growth rate and production of polymorphic zooids for defence and reproduction, although some species exhibit reasonable levels of resilience. Some key questions about bryozoan biomineralization that need to be addressed are identified.
Variation in absorption and half‐life of hydrocortisone influence plasma cortisol concentrations
Authors: Hindmarsh Peter C. , Charmandari Evangelia
Published: November 2014

Background

Hydrocortisone therapy should be individualized in congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) patients to avoid over and under replacement. We have assessed how differences in absorption and half‐life of cortisol influence glucocorticoid exposure.

Patients and Methods

Forty‐eight patients (21 M) aged between 6·1 and 20·3 years with CAH due to CYP21A2 deficiency were studied. Each patient underwent a 24‐h plasma cortisol profile with the morning dose used to calculate absorption parameters along with an intravenous (IV) hydrocortisone (15 mg/m2 body surface area) bolus assessment of half‐life. Parameters derived were maximum plasma concentration (Cmax), time of maximum plasma concentration (tmax), time to attaining plasma cortisol concentration <100 nmol/l and half‐life of cortisol.

Results

Mean half‐life was 76·5 ± 5·2 (range 40–225·3) min, Cmax 780·7 ± 61·6 nmol/l and tmax 66·7 (range 20–118) min. Time taken to a plasma cortisol concentration less than 100 nmol/l was 289 (range 140–540) min. Those with a fast half‐life and slow tmax took longest to reach a plasma cortisol concentration less than 100 nmol/l (380 ± 34·6 min), compared to those with a slow half‐life and fast tmax (298 ± 34·8 min) and those with a fast half‐life and fast tmax (249·5 ± 14·4 min) (One‐way anovaF = 4·52; P = 0·009).

Conclusions

Both rate of absorption and half‐life of cortisol in the circulation play important roles in determining overall exposure to oral glucocorticoid. Dose regimens need to incorporate estimates of these parameters into determining the optimum dosing schedule for individuals.
Intimate Partner Violence and Social Relational Theory: Examining the Influence of Children and Important Others on Mothers' Transition Out of Violent Relationships
Authors: Neustifter Ruth , van Rhijn Tricia , Pitman Robyn
Published: November 2014

Interviews with survivors of intimate partner violence were conducted to gain information on the transition from violent relationships to new non‐violent relationships. A subset of this data was re‐analysed using Social Relational Theory to gain further insight into the roles of children and important others who were identified as impacting this transition for mothers who had exited violent relationships. This paper reviews two major themes discovered during the SRT analysis that were inherent in the women's experiences: (i) agency of children, family, peers and community and (ii) power. In addition, this paper suggests implications for research, intervention and psychotherapeutic practice.
Role of periodontal disease in bisphosphonate‐related osteonecrosis of the jaws in ovariectomized rats
Authors: Li Chun Lei , Lu Weijia William , Seneviratne Chaminda Jayampath , Leung Wai Keung , Zwahlen Roger A. , Zheng Li Wu
Published: November 2014

Objective

This study aimed to investigate the role of progressive periodontal disease in inducing bisphosphonate‐related osteonecrosis of the jaws (BRONJ) using an ovariectomized (OVX) rat model mimicking human intracortical remodeling process.

Materials and methods

Thirty 12‐week‐old Spraque–Dawly (SD) female rats were randomly assigned into two groups. All rats underwent bilateral ovariectomy. Six weeks after surgery, zoledronic acid (ZA) or vehicle control was administered intraperitoneally for 12 weeks. On the same day of injection, a cotton ligature was placed subgingivally around the first left lower molar to induce periodontitis. All animals were sacrificed 12 weeks after injection. The entire mandibles were harvested for micro‐computed tomography (micro‐CT) and histological examinations.

Results

Micro‐CT examination showed that ligature placement caused significant alveolar bone loss both in ZA (0.63 ± 0.13 vs. 0.38 ± 0.06 mm, P < 0.001) and in control (0.88 ± 0.19 vs. 0.40 ± 0.06 mm, P < 0.001) groups. Whereas in the ZA group, bone loss was attenuated compared with the control group (P < 0.01); the bone mineral density in the ZA group (1.00 ± 0.02 g/cm3) was significantly higher than that in vehicle control group (0.96 ± 0.03 g/cm3, P < 0.001). Histological examination found necrotic bone tissue with extensive, empty lacunae in two of 15 rats in ZA group, but in none of the control group.

Conclusion

Bisphosphonates inhibit alveolar bone resorption in progressive periodontal disease, which might benefit the management of periodontitis, but increase the risk of developing BRONJ.
Venous hemangioma of the anterior mediastinum
Authors: Yilmaz Adnan , Kavas Murat , Ersev Ayşe , Ekinci Gulbanu Horzum , Haciomeroglu Osman , Atinkaya Cansel , Akkaya Esen
Published: November 2014

Mediastinal hemangiomas are rare tumors, with an incidence of 0.5% or less. We herein present a case of venous hemangioma in the anterior mediastinum. A 61‐year‐old man was admitted to our hospital complaining of dyspnea. Computed tomography scan of the thorax showed a 2.5 × 3.2 × 2 cm mass in the anterior mediastinum. Using a median sternotomy approach, the tumor was completely removed. Pathological examination confirmed a venous hemangioma.
Papular mucinosis of the breast after radiation therapy
Authors: Fernandez‐Flores Angel , Barja‐Lopez Juan M. , Saeb‐Lima Marcela
Published: November 2014

Localized papular mucinosis is a type of mucinosis induced by several different causes. However, to the best of our knowledge, prior radiation therapy has not been reported to be related to papular mucinosis. We present a case of a 47‐year‐old woman who had undergone an operation for a breast carcinoma 2 years earlier and received local radiotherapy in the affected breast. Currently, she presents multiple erythematous papules that are caused by abundant dermal mucin deposits. We discuss some potential differential diagnoses.
Novel method for the management of stenosis after gastric endoscopic submucosal dissection: Mucosal incision with steroid injection contralateral to the severely contracted scar
Authors: Mori Hirohito , Kobara Hideki , Rafiq Kazi , Nishiyama Noriko , Fujihara Shintaro , Matsunaga Tae , Ayaki Maki , Yachida Tatsuo , Masaki Tsutomu
Published: November 2014

The aim of the present report was to investigate the efficacy of local steroid injection and oral administration contralateral to a severe contracted scar of large endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) for gastric cancer. Among 254 cases that underwent gastric ESD, seven patients underwent resection of more than three‐quarters of the circumference of the stomach. Two patients were excluded because they did not meet curative resection criteria of Japan Gastroenterological Endoscopy Society. Therefore, in five patients, circumferentiality, symptom appearance period, and weight loss period were examined. Effect of a contralateral normal mucosa incision for releasing the stenosis followed by local injection and oral steroids were also examined. Abdominal bloating, vomiting, and loss of appetite appeared 42 days on average after gastric ESD, whereas weight loss >5 kg was observed an average of 52.6 days after gastric ESD. Average contralateral mucosal incision length was 51 mm, whereas the average mucosal incision width was 31 mm. All patients underwent a mucosal incision and were given a local injection of 100 mg triamcinolone acetonide. Two patients received an additional 20 mg oral steroid. In cases combined with oral steroid, there was no re‐stenosis after the mucosal incision, but two to three balloon dilatations were necessary in three cases in which oral steroids were not given. This method is considered useful for stenosis after large ESD for gastric cancer.
Non‐pharmacological management of problematic sleeping in children with developmental disabilities
Authors: Spruyt Karen , Curfs Leopold M G
Published: November 2014

Aim

Sleep is important for underlying neural plasticity, and children with developmental disabilities suffer behavioural, emotional, cognitive, and sensory–motor issues that affect their wake and sleep states. Problematic sleeping can be hypothesized to have adverse effects on both of these areas in children with developmental disabilities. With this review, we aim to provide a benchmark in managing problematic sleeping in children with developmental disabilities.

Method

A literature search was conducted and data on the study descriptives, patient characteristics, study design, study‐related factors, criteria applied to operationalize sleep and developmental disability, and sleep ‘management’ were collected. Each management strategy was tabulated and analysed.

Results

We identified 90 studies involving 1460 children with developmental disabilities, of whom 61.6% were male. The highest proportion of studies, almost half, were in children with syndromes (44.4%), followed by studies in children with intellectual disabilities (18.9%). Non‐pharmacological sleep management was primarily aimed at improving sleep quality (86.7%), followed by sleep–wake schedules and, to a certain extent, sleep regularity (42.2%). About 56.7% of the studies reported more than one approach. Studies mostly focused on disorders of initiating and maintaining sleep through a diversity of strategies and relied heavily on subjective measures to identify and monitor problematic sleeping. Sleep management approaches were primarily delivered at the level of the individual in the home setting. The number of management approaches per study was unrelated to the number of sleep problems discussed.

Interpretation

Modifying sleep management strategies to meet the specific needs of children with developmental disabilities is encouraged, and studies that look beyond sleep quality or sleep quantity are required. It is also advocated that modifications to sleep hygiene, sleep regularity, and sleep ecology in a population with developmental disabilities are rigorously investigated. Finally, daytime somnolence should not be overlooked when aiming to optimize sleep in children with developmental disabilities across the ages and stages of their lives. There were several limitations in the research findings of problematic sleep in children with developmental disabilities. In general, the sleep problems and the developmental disabilities investigated were multicomponent in nature. It is likely that management approaches impacted those problems on multiple levels or through diverse ‘therapeutic’ pathways. There is a need for randomized controlled trials and more objective measures that quantify improved sleep or wake states.
Combined Circumferential and Longitudinal Left Ventricular Systolic Dysfunction in Patients with Asymptomatic Aortic Stenosis
Authors: Cioffi Giovanni , Mazzone Carmine , Barbati Giulia , Rossi Andrea , Nistri Stefano , Ognibeni Federica , Tarantini Luigi , Di Lenarda Andrea , Faggiano Pompilio , Pulignano Giovanni , Stefenelli Carlo , de Simone Giovanni , Devereux Richard B.
Published: November 2014

Background

Early detection of left ventricular (LV) systolic dysfunction is pivotal in the management of patients with aortic stenosis (AS). LV circumferential and/or longitudinal shortening may be impaired in these patients despite LV ejection fraction is preserved. We focused on prevalence and factors associated with combined impairment of circumferential and longitudinal shortening (C&L) in asymptomatic AS patients.

Methods

Echocardiographic and clinical data from 200 patients with asymptomatic AS of any degree without history of heart failure and normal LV ejection fraction were analyzed. C&L were evaluated by mid‐wall shortening (MS) and tissue Doppler mitral annular peak systolic velocity (S'), and classified low if <16.5% and if <8.5 cm/sec, respectively (10th percentiles of controls).

Results

Combined C&L dysfunction was detected in 72 patients (36%). The variables associated with this condition were higher LV mass (OR 1.02 [CI 1.01–1.04], P = 0.03), concentric LV geometry (OR 4.30 [CI 1.79–10.34], P = 0.001), increasing pulmonary artery wedge pressure (by E/e' ratio; OR 1.11 [CI 1.04–1.19], P = 0.001). The relation of MS and peak S' was linear and slightly significant in the whole population (r = 0.23; F statistic=0.001), absent in patients with C&L dysfunction (r = 0.04; F = ns), negative (linear model) in the subgroup of patients without C&L dysfunction (r = −0.22; F = 0.02).

Conclusions

C&L dysfunction is present in more than one‐third of patients with asymptomatic AS and is associated with concentric LV geometry and higher degree of diastolic dysfunction. The relation between MS and peak S' largely varies in the subgroups with different C&L function.
Putative spinal interneurons mediating postural limb reflexes provide a basis for postural control in different planes
Authors: Zelenin Pavel V. , Hsu Li‐Ju , Lyalka Vladimir F. , Orlovsky Grigori N. , Deliagina Tatiana G.
Published: November 2014

The dorsal‐side‐up trunk orientation in standing quadrupeds is maintained by the postural system driven mainly by somatosensory inputs from the limbs. Postural limb reflexes (PLRs) represent a substantial component of this system. Earlier we described spinal neurons presumably contributing to the generation of PLRs. The first aim of the present study was to reveal trends in the distribution of neurons with different parameters of PLR‐related activity across the gray matter of the spinal cord. The second aim was to estimate the contribution of PLR‐related neurons with different patterns of convergence of sensory inputs from the limbs to stabilization of body orientation in different planes. For this purpose, the head and vertebral column of the decerebrate rabbit were fixed and the hindlimbs were positioned on a platform. Activity of individual neurons from L5 to L6 was recorded during PLRs evoked by lateral tilts of the platform. In addition, the neurons were tested by tilts of the platform under only the ipsilateral or only the contralateral limb, as well as during in‐phase tilts of the platforms under both limbs. We found that, across the spinal gray matter, strength of PLR‐related neuronal activity and sensory input from the ipsilateral limb decreased in the dorsoventral direction, while strength of the input from the contralateral limb increased. A near linear summation of tilt‐related sensory inputs from different limbs was found. Functional roles were proposed for individual neurons. The obtained data present the first characterization of posture‐related spinal neurons, forming a basis for studies of postural networks impaired by injury.
Head injury, α‐synuclein genetic variability and Parkinson's disease
Authors: Lee P. C. , Bordelon Y. , Bronstein J. , Sinsheimer J. S. , Farrer M. , Ritz B.
Published: November 2014

Background and purpose

Head injury has been linked to Parkinson's disease (PD) in some but not all studies. Differences in the genetic and environmental susceptibility to PD between populations might be one explanation. The joint effects of head injuries and SNCA genetic variants were investigated.

Methods

From 2001 to 2012, 561 incident idiopathic PD cases and 721 population controls from central California were enrolled. Subjects reported on head injuries throughout their lifetime and were assessed for genetic variability in the SNCA 5′ region (D4S3481; Rep1) and 3′ untranslated region (rs356165). In unconditional logistic regression models adjusted for confounders, interactions between head injuries and genetic risk variants were investigated.

Results

Parkinson's disease risk in individuals with head injury who are carriers of at least one 263 bp allele in D4S3481 or rs356165 variants was 3–4.5‐fold higher compared with non‐carriers without head injuries. However, tests for interaction between head injury and SNCA D4S3481or rs356165 were not statistically significant.

Conclusions

Our study finds some evidence that head injury and D4S3481 or rs356165 variants jointly increase the risk of PD but little evidence of interaction.
Is high socioeconomic status a risk factor for multiple sclerosis? A systematic review
Authors: Goulden R. , Ibrahim T. , Wolfson C.
Published: November 2014

High socioeconomic status (SES) is generally associated with better health outcomes, but some research has linked it with an increased risk of multiple sclerosis (MS). The evidence for this association is inconsistent and has not previously been systematically reviewed. A systematic review of cohort and case–control studies in any language was conducted looking at the association between MS and SES. MEDLINE and EMBASE were searched for articles in all languages published up until 23 August 2013. Twenty‐one studies from 13 countries were included in the review. Heterogeneity of study settings precluded carrying out a meta‐analysis, and a qualitative synthesis was performed instead. Five studies, all from more unequal countries, reported an association between high SES and MS. Thirteen studies reported no evidence of an association, and three studies reported an association with low SES. These 16 studies largely came from more egalitarian countries. The evidence for an association between high SES and increased MS risk is inconsistent but with some indication of a stronger effect in countries and time periods with higher inequality. Firm conclusions are hampered by the failure of most studies to control for other important risk factors for MS.
Tissue‐factor‐bearing microparticles (MPs‐TF) in patients with acute ischaemic stroke: the influence of stroke treatment on MPs‐TF generation
Authors: Świtońska M. , Słomka A. , Sinkiewicz W. , Żekanowska E.
Published: November 2014

Background and purpose

Stroke is an important cause of death and disability throughout the world. Microparticles play a cardinal role in vascular hemostasis. The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the procoagulant activity of microparticles and levels of tissue‐factor‐bearing microparticles (MPs‐TF), tissue factor (TF) and tissue factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI) in patients with acute ischaemic stroke.

Methods

Seventy‐three patients with a diagnosis of acute ischaemic stroke were included. Venous blood samples were drawn on the first day and the seventh day after stroke onset. Plasma microparticles, MPs‐TF, TF and TFPI were determined by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Assessment variables were timing of blood collection, type of stroke treatment, presence or absence of diabetes mellitus and hypertension, and scores on the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale together with scores on the modified Rankin Scale.

Results

Whilst MPs‐TF and TFPI levels of stroke subjects were significantly higher (median, 1.63 vs. 0.73 pg/ml; median, 114.26 vs. 78.60 ng/ml, respectively), TF levels in the plasma of stroke patients were significantly lower (median, 82.27 vs. 97.80 pg/ml) than those of healthy individuals. Lower levels of TF were detected in patients with severe stroke in comparison with patients with mild stroke. Moreover, the data also showed that in stroke patients not treated with alteplase the activity of microparticles was significantly higher 1 week after diagnosis in comparison with the activity at the time of diagnosis.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that patients with acute ischaemic stroke have increased generation of MPs‐TF. Nevertheless, further studies are needed in order to confirm such inference.
CEO's Religious Affiliation and Managerial Conservatism
Authors: Baxamusa Mufaddal , Jalal Abu
Published: November 2014

We investigate whether managers' religious affiliations affect corporate decisions. We hand collect data on the religious affiliations of chief executive officers (CEOs) and find that firms with Catholic CEOs have less leverage, issue debt less often, increase business and geographic diversification, and invest less than firms with Protestant CEOs. We also find that the decisions of Catholic CEOs are associated with lower firm value. These corporate actions are also reflected in the CEOs’ personal decisions, such as owning fewer company stocks and playing less risky sports.