bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cryosurgery of eyelid basal cell carcinomas including 781 cases treated over 30 years
Authors: Lindgren Gun , Larkö Olle
Published: June 2014

Purpose

To present the results of a 30‐year prospective study in which eyelid basal cell carcinomas were treated with cryosurgery.

Methods

Basal cell carcinomas with well‐defined borders on the eyelids or medial canthus, diagnosed by punch biopsy, were included. Cryosurgery was performed using liquid nitrogen sprayed into a cone circumscribing the tumours. The tumours were treated in a double freeze‐thaw cycles technique. The minimum thawing time of the frozen area outside the tumour margin was at least 60 seconds. During the first 20 years of the study, patients were re‐examined for up to 10 years. In the last 10 years of the study, most patients were followed up for 1 year, and if there was no visible scarring in the treated area at the 1‐year check‐up, follow‐ups were implemented at the patient's request following self‐assessment.

Results

In total, 781 tumours in 768 patients were treated. The median age of the patients at treatment was 73 years, mean 70.9 years (range 22–102 years). More women (58%) were treated than men. The median tumour size was 8 mm, mean 9.1 mm (range 2–25 mm). There were few side‐effects requiring intervention. Twelve patients underwent surgery due to ektropion during follow‐up. In 101 patients, treatment of the tumour resulted in conjunctival growth on the skin side, which required correcting operations in 28 patients. Three recurrences have occurred.

Conclusion

Cryosurgery is an effective treatment modality for eyelid basal cell carcinomas, resulting in few recurrences and good cosmetic and functional outcomes at a low cost.
Child abuse, disruptive behavior disorders, depression, and salivary cortisol levels among institutionalized and community‐residing boys in Mongolia
Authors: Kohrt Brandon A. , Hruschka Daniel J. , Kohrt Holbrook E. , Carrion Victor G. , Waldman Irwin D. , Worthman Carol M.
Published: June 2014

Introduction

Hypothalamic‐pituitary‐adrenal (HPA) axis activity is related to childhood disruptive behavior disorders and to exposure to abuse and neglect. This study explores the relationship of diurnal salivary cortisol levels with oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) and caregiver attitudes toward physical punishment among boys in Mongolia.

Methods

Salivary cortisol was collected in the home or institution 4 times daily for 4 days from 46 boys, aged 4–10 years, in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. Caregivers rated child disruptive behavior symptoms, attitudes toward physical punishment, and community violence exposures. Mixed effects models were used to estimate the association of psychopathology and caregiver attitudes with salivary cortisol levels.

Results

Boys meeting criteria for ODD displayed consistently lower diurnal salivary cortisol levels compared to boys without ODD diagnoses. Controlling for ODD diagnosis, boys with depression showed higher cortisol levels throughout the day. No other diagnosis was associated with cortisol levels. Psychiatric diagnosis accounted for 17% of between individual variations in cortisol levels unexplained by the covariates. In a separate model, caregivers’ beliefs regarding physical punishment accounted for 11% of between individual differences: boys with caregivers who stated physical punishment was necessary for discipline displayed hypocortisolism. Institutionalization did not associate with cortisol levels.

Discussion

Salivary cortisol data from a non‐Western naturalistic setting support an association of reduced basal HPA activity with disruptive behavior disorders and caregiver attitudes toward discipline. These findings suggest HPA functioning may be a reflection of or mediate disruptive behavior disorders in children across ethnic and cultural settings.
Review article: chemokines as orchestrators of autoimmune hepatitis and potential therapeutic targets
Authors: Czaja A. J.
Published: June 2014

Background

Chemokines contribute to the pathogenesis of autoimmune hepatitis by directing the migration and positioning of inflammatory and immune cells within the liver.

Aim

Describe the liver‐infiltrating effector cell populations in autoimmune hepatitis, indicate the chemokines that influence their migration, describe the role of chemokines in hepatic fibrosis and identify chemokine‐directed treatment opportunities.

Methods

Studies cited in Pub Med from 1972 to 2014 for autoimmune hepatitis, chemokines in liver disease, pathogenesis of autoimmune hepatitis and chemokine therapy were selected.

Results

T helper type 17 lymphocytes expressing CXCR3 and CCR6 are attracted to the liver by the secretion of CXCL9, CXCL10 and CXCL11. These cells recruit pro‐inflammatory T helper type 1 lymphocytes expressing CXCR3 and CCR5 by secreting CXCL10. Resident natural killer T cells expressing CXCR6 migrate in response to the local secretion of CXCL16, and they modulate the inflammatory response. T helper type 2 lymphocytes expressing CCR4 are attracted by CCL17 and CCL22, and they dampen the expansion of pro‐inflammatory cells. Regulatory T cells expressing CXCR3 are attracted by the secretion of CXCL9, and they help dampen the pro‐inflammatory responses. CCL2, CCL3, CCL5, CXCL4, CXCL10 and CXCL16 promote fibrosis by activating or attracting hepatic stellate cells, and CX3CL1 may prevent fibrosis by affecting the apoptosis of monocytes.

Conclusions

Chemokines are requisites for mobilising, directing and positioning the effector cells in immune‐mediated liver disease. They are feasible therapeutic targets in autoimmune hepatitis, and the evaluation of monoclonal antibodies that neutralise the pro‐inflammatory ligands or designer peptides that block receptor activity are investigational opportunities.
Establishment and characterization of a dairy goat mammary epithelial cell line with human telomerase (hT‐MECs)
Authors: Shi Huaiping , Shi Hengbo , Luo Jun , Wang Wei , Haile Abiel B. , Xu Huifen , Li Jun
Published: June 2014

Although research on dairy goat mammary gland have referred extensively to molecular mechanisms, research on lines of dairy goat mammary epithelial cells (MECs) are still rare. This paper sought to establish an immortalMECline by stable transfection of human telomerase.MECsfrom a lactating (45 days post‐parturition)XinongSaanendairy goat were cultured purely and subsequently transfected with a plasmid carrying the sequence of human telomerase. ImmortalizedMECsby human telomerase (hT‐MECs) exhibited a typical cobblestone morphology and activity and expression levels of telomerase resembled that ofMCF‐7 cells. hT‐MECson passage 42 grew vigorously and ‘S’ sigmoid curves of growth were observed. Moreover, hT‐MECsmaintained a normal chromosome modal number of 2n = 60, keratin 8 and epithelial membrane antigen (EMA) were evidently expressed, and beta‐casein protein was synthesized and secreted. Beta‐casein expression was enhanced by prolactin (P < 0.05). Lipid droplets were found in hT‐MECs, and messengerRNAlevels ofPPARG,SREBP,FASN,ACCandSCDin hT‐MECs(passage 40) were similar toMECs(passage 7). In conclusion, the obtained hT‐MECline retained a normal morphology, growth characteristics, cytogenetics and secretory characteristics as primaryMECs. Hence, it can be a representative model cell line, for molecular and functional analysis, of dairy goatMECsfor an extended period of time.
Cyclopamine did not affect mouse oocyte maturation in vitro but decreased early embryonic development
Authors: Liu Yang , Wei Zhuying , Huang Yafei , Bai Chunling , Zan Linsen , Li Guangpeng
Published: June 2014

Hedgehog (Hh) pathway has been studied in various animal body life procedures and is suggested to be important for the development of multiple organs. The genes involved in the Hh signaling pathway were expressed in the ovary of mice, pigs and cattle. However, the function of Hh signaling pathway on oocyte maturation and early embryonic development is still controversial. We detected the effect of sonic hedgehog (Shh) and cyclopamine on the in vitro maturation of mouse oocytes and embryo development. The results showed that the presence of Shh or cyclopamine resulted in similar oocyte maturation to control groups. Shh did not improve early embryonic development. However, the supplement of cyclopamine depressed early embryo development. The mRNA of shh, ptch1, smo and gli1 were less detected in the denuded oocytes. The expression levels of ptch1 ascended from the uncleaved zygote to blastocyst stage. Smo or gli1 were expressed on a higher level at the two‐cell or four‐cell stage in early embryonic development separately. Therefore, Shh did not affect mouse oocyte maturation and early embryo development, but cyclopamine led to inhibited development of mouse early embryo. The effects of Hh signaling on the oocyte maturation and early embryo development might be species‐specific.
A PER2‐Derived Mechanism‐Based Bisubstrate Analog for Casein Kinase 1ε
Authors: Zeringo Nicholas A. , Bellizzi John J.
Published: June 2014

Casein kinase 1ε (CK1ε) plays an important regulatory role in various cellular processes including circadian rhythms. Mutations in CK1ε or the recognition site on its substrate PER2 result in modulation of the circadian period length. In particular, the tau mutation (R178C) in the catalytic domain of CK1ε was identified as the molecular basis for a dose‐dependent heritable shortened circadian period in hamsters. However, the biochemical basis for the physiological effects of the tau mutant remains unclear. It has been reported that the tau mutation has reduced in vitro activity against some substrates but increased in vitro activity against other substrates. To better understand the effects of the CK1ε tau mutation, an ATP‐phosphopeptide conjugate was synthesized to yield a transition‐state bisubstrate analog. Kinase activity assays determined that the tau mutant has 80% reduced activity and a fourfold decrease in sensitivity to the bisubstrate analog compared to wild type. This confirms that Arg178 is important in the recognition of the preferred phosphosubstrates of CK1ε.
The Construction of Causal Schemes: Learning Mechanisms at the Knowledge Level
Authors: diSessa Andrea A.
Published: June 2014

This work uses microgenetic study of classroom learning to illuminate (1) the role of pre‐instructional student knowledge in the construction of normative scientific knowledge, and (2) the learning mechanisms that drive change. Three enactments of an instructional sequence designed to lead to a scientific understanding of thermal equilibration are used as data sources. Only data from a scaffolded student inquiry preceding introduction of a normative model were used. Hence, the study involves nearly autonomous student learning. In two classes, students developed stable and socially shared explanations (“causal schemes”) for understanding thermal equilibration. One case resulted in a near‐normative understanding, while the other resulted in a non‐normative “alternative conception.” The near‐normative case seems to be a particularly clear example wherein the constructed causal scheme is a composition of previously documented naïve conceptions. Detailed prior description of these naive elements allows a much better than usual view of the corresponding details of change during construction of the new scheme. A list of candidate mechanisms that can account for observed change is presented. The non‐normative construction seems also to be a composition, albeit of a different structural form, using a different (although similar) set of naïve elements. This article provides one of very few high‐resolution process analyses showing the productive use of naïve knowledge in learning.
Paradoxes and Innovation in Family Firms: The Role of Paradoxical Thinking
Authors: Ingram Amy E. , Lewis Marianne W. , Barton Sid , Gartner William B.
Published: June 2014

Scholars stress that family firms are inherently paradoxical, and that tensions, such as tradition versus change, family liquidity versus business growth, and founder control versus successor autonomy, can both inhibit and foster innovation. Further, theorists propose that firms led by paradoxical thinkers are more likely to manage these tensions and fuel innovative behavior. Leveraging family business and organizational paradox literatures, this multi–stage exploratory study develops measures of paradoxical tensions and paradoxical thinking in family firms, and tests these propositions. Findings indicate that paradoxical tensions may stymie innovative behavior, but that leaders’ paradoxical thinking is positively related to innovative behavior.
A proposed expert system for word sense disambiguation: deductive ambiguity resolution based on data mining and forward chaining
Authors: Fakhrahmad S.M. , Sadreddini M.H. , Zolghadri Jahromi M.
Published: June 2014

One of the major issues in the process of machine translation is the problem of choosing the proper translation for a multi‐sense word referred to as word sense disambiguation (WSD). Two commonly used approaches to this problem are statistical and example‐based methods. In statistical methods, ambiguity resolution is mostly carried out by making use of some statistics extracted from previously translated documents or dual corpora of source and target languages. Example‐based methods follow a similar approach as they also make use of bilingual corpora. However, they perform the task of matching at run‐time (i.e. online matching). In this paper, by looking at the WSD problem from a different viewpoint, we propose a system, which consists of two main parts. The first part includes a data mining algorithm, which runs offline and extracts some useful knowledge about the co‐occurrences of the words. In this algorithm, each sentence is imagined as a transaction in Market Basket Data Analysis problem, and the words included in a sentence play the role of purchased items. The second part of the system is an expert system whose knowledge base consists of the set of association rules generated by the first part. Moreover, in order to deduce the correct senses of the words, we introduce an efficient algorithm based on forward chaining in order to be used in the inference engine of the proposed expert system. The encouraging performance of the system in terms of precision and recall as well as its efficiency will be analysed and discussed through a set of experiments.
Kinetic analysis of human CYP24A1 metabolism of vitamin D via the C24‐oxidation pathway
Authors: Tieu Elaine W. , Tang Edith K. Y. , Tuckey Robert C.
Published: June 2014

CYP24A1 is the multicatalytic cytochrome P450 responsible for the catabolism of vitamin D via the C23‐ and C24‐oxidation pathways. We successfully expressed the labile human enzyme in Escherichia coli and partially purified it in an active state that permitted detailed characterization of its metabolism of 1,25‐dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1,25(OH)2D3] and the intermediates of the C24‐oxidation pathway in a phospholipid‐vesicle reconstituted system. The C24‐oxidation pathway intermediates, 1,24,25‐trihydroxyvitamin D3, 24‐oxo‐1,25‐dihydroxyvitamin D3, 24‐oxo‐1,23,25‐trihydroxyvitamin D3 and tetranor‐1,23‐dihydroxyvitamin D3, were enzymatically produced from 1,25(OH)2D3 using rat CYP24A1. Both 1,25(OH)2D3 and 1,23‐dihydroxy‐24,25,26,27‐tetranorvitamin D3 were found to partition strongly into the phospholipid bilayer when in aqueous medium. Changes to the phospholipid concentration did not affect the kinetic parameters for the metabolism of 1,25(OH)2D3 by CYP24A1, indicating that it is the concentration of substrates in the membrane phase (mol substrate·mol phospholipid−1) that determines their rate of metabolism. CYP24A1 exhibited Km values for the different C24‐intermediates ranging from 0.34 to 15 mmol·mol phospholipid−1, with 24‐oxo‐1,23,25‐trihydroxyvitamin D3 [24‐oxo‐1,23,25(OH)3D3] displaying the lowest and 1,24,25‐trihydroxyvitamin D3 [1,24,25(OH)3D3] displaying the highest. The kcat values varied by up to 3.8‐fold, with 1,24,25(OH)3D3 displaying the highest kcat (34 min−1) and 24‐oxo‐1,23,25(OH)3D3 the lowest. The data show that the cleavage of the side chain of 24‐oxo‐1,23,25(OH)3D3 occurs with the highest catalytic efficiency (kcat/Km) and produces 1‐hydroxy‐23‐oxo‐24,25,26,27‐tetranorvitamin D3 and not 1,23‐dihydroxy‐24,25,26,27‐tetranorvitamin D3, as the primary product. These kinetic analyses also show that intermediates of the C24‐oxidation pathway effectively compete with precursor substrates for binding to the active site of the enzyme, which manifests as an accumulation of intermediates, indicating that they dissociate after each catalytic step.
Phenological response to climate change in China: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Ge Quansheng , Wang Huanjiong , Rutishauser This , Dai Junhu
Published: June 2014

The change in the phenology of plants or animals reflects the response of living systems to climate change. Numerous studies have reported a consistent earlier spring phenophases in many parts of middle and high latitudes reflecting increasing temperatures with the exception of China. A systematic analysis of Chinese phenological response could complement the assessment of climate change impact for the whole Northern Hemisphere. Here, we analyze 1263 phenological time series (1960–2011, with 20+ years data) of 112 species extracted from 48 studies across 145 sites in China. Taxonomic groups include trees, shrubs, herbs, birds, amphibians and insects. Results demonstrate that 90.8% of the spring/summer phenophases time series show earlier trends and 69.0% of the autumn phenophases records show later trends. For spring/summer phenophases, the mean advance across all the taxonomic groups was 2.75 days decade−1 ranging between 2.11 and 6.11 days decade−1 for insects and amphibians, respectively. Herbs and amphibians show significantly stronger advancement than trees, shrubs and insect. The response of phenophases of different taxonomic groups in autumn is more complex: trees, shrubs, herbs and insects show a delay between 1.93 and 4.84 days decade−1, while other groups reveal an advancement ranging from 1.10 to 2.11 days decade−1. For woody plants (including trees and shrubs), the stronger shifts toward earlier spring/summer were detected from the data series starting from more recent decades (1980s–2000s). The geographic factors (latitude, longitude and altitude) could only explain 9% and 3% of the overall variance in spring/summer and autumn phenological trends, respectively. The rate of change in spring/summer phenophase of woody plants (1960s–2000s) generally matches measured local warming across 49 sites in China (R = −0.33, P < 0.05).
Measuring fluxes of trace gases and energy between ecosystems and the atmosphere – the state and future of the eddy covariance method
Authors: Baldocchi Dennis
Published: June 2014

The application of the eddy covariance flux method to measure fluxes of trace gas and energy between ecosystems and the atmosphere has exploded over the past 25 years. This opinion paper provides a perspective on the contributions and future opportunities of the eddy covariance method. First, the paper discusses the pros and cons of this method relative to other methods used to measure the exchange of trace gases between ecosystems and the atmosphere. Second, it discusses how the use of eddy covariance method has grown and evolved. Today, more than 400 flux measurement sites are operating world‐wide and the duration of the time series exceed a decade at dozens of sites. Networks of tower sites now enable scientists to ask scientific questions related to climatic and ecological gradients, disturbance, changes in land use, and management. The paper ends with discussions on where the field of flux measurement is heading. Topics discussed include role of open access data sharing and data mining, in this new era of big data, and opportunities new sensors that measure a variety of trace gases, like volatile organic carbon compounds, methane and nitrous oxide, and aerosols, may yield.
Predicted avian responses to bioenergy development scenarios in an intensive agricultural landscape
Authors: Uden Daniel R. , Allen Craig R. , Mitchell Rob B. , McCoy Tim D. , Guan Qingfeng
Published: June 2014

Conversion of native prairie to agriculture has increased food and bioenergy production but decreased wildlife habitat. However, enrollment of highly erodible cropland in conservation programs has compensated for some grassland loss. In the future, climate change and production of second‐generation perennial biofuel crops could further transform agricultural landscapes and increase or decrease grassland area. Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) is an alternative biofuel feedstock that may be economically and environmentally superior to maize (Zea mays) grain for ethanol production on marginally productive lands. Switchgrass could benefit farmers economically and increase grassland area, but there is uncertainty as to how conversions between rowcrops, switchgrass monocultures and conservation grasslands might occur and affect wildlife. To explore potential impacts on grassland birds, we developed four agricultural land‐use change scenarios for an intensively cultivated landscape, each driven by potential future climatic changes and ensuing irrigation limitations, ethanol demand, commodity prices, and continuation of a conservation program. For each scenario, we calculated changes in area for landcover classes and predicted changes in grassland bird abundances. Overall, birds responded positively to the replacement of rowcrops with switchgrass and negatively to the conversion of conservation grasslands to switchgrass or rowcrops. Landscape context and interactions between climate, crop water use, and irrigation availability could influence future land‐use, and subsequently, avian habitat quality and quantity. Switchgrass is likely to provide higher quality avian habitat than rowcrops but lower quality habitat than conservation grasslands, and therefore, may most benefit birds in heavily cultivated, irrigation dependent landscapes under warmer and drier conditions, where economic profitability may also encourage conversions to drought tolerant bioenergy feedstocks.
Direct emission of methane and nitrous oxide from switchgrass and corn stover: implications for large‐scale biomass storage
Authors: Emery Isaac , Mosier Nathan
Published: June 2014

Little is known about the contributions of biomass feedstock storage to the net greenhouse gas emissions from cellulosic biofuels. Direct emissions of methane and nitrous oxide during decomposition in storage may contribute substantially to the global warming potential of biofuels. In this study, laboratory‐scale bales of switchgrass and corn stover were stored under a range of moisture (13.0–32.9%) and temperature (5–35 °C) conditions and monitored for O2 consumption and CO2, CH4, and N2O production over 8 weeks. Gas concentrations and emissions rates were highly variable within and between experimental groups. Stover bales produced higher CO2 concentrations (P = 0.0002) and lower O2 (P < 0.0001) during storage than switchgrass bales. Methane concentrations (1.8–2100 ppm) were inversely correlated with bale moisture (P < 0.05), with emissions rates ranging from 4.4–914.9 μg kg−1 DM day−1. Nitrous oxide concentrations ranged from 0 to 31 ppm, and emissions from switchgrass bales inversely correlated with temperature and moisture (P < 0.0001). Net global warming potential from each treatment (0–2.4 gCO2e kg−1 DM) suggests that direct emission of methane and nitrous oxide from aerobically stored feedstocks have a small effect on net global warming potential of cellulosic biofuels.
Influence of soil texture and crop management on the productivity of miscanthus (Miscanthus × giganteus Greef et Deu.) in the Mediterranean
Authors: Roncucci Neri , Nassi O Di Nasso Nicoletta , Bonari Enrico , Ragaglini Giorgio
Published: June 2014

Biomass productivity is the main favorable trait of candidate bioenergy crops. Miscanthus × giganteus is a promising species, due to its high‐yield potential and positive traits including low nutrient requirements and potential for C sequestration in soils. However, miscanthus productivity appears to be mostly related to water availability in the soil. This is important, particularly in Mediterranean regions where the risk of summer droughts is high. To date, there have been no studies on miscanthus responses under different soil conditions, while only a few have investigated the role of different crop managements, such as irrigation and nitrogen fertilization, in the Mediterranean. Therefore, the effects of contrasting soil textures (i.e. silty‐clay‐loam vs. sandy‐loam) and alternative agricultural intensification regimes (i.e. rainfed vs. irrigated and 0, 50, 100 kg ha−1 nitrogen fertilization), on miscanthus productivity were evaluated at three different harvest times for two consecutive years. Our results confirmed the importance of water availability in determining satisfactory yields in Mediterranean environments, and how soil and site characteristics strongly affect biomass production. We found that the aboveground dry yields varied between 5 Mg ha−1 up to 29 Mg ha−1. Conversely, nitrogen fertilization played only a minor role on crop productivity, and high fertilization levels were relatively inefficient. Finally, a marked decrease, of up to −40%, in the aboveground yield occurred when the harvest time was delayed from autumn to winter. Overall, our results highlighted the importance of determining crop responses on a site‐by‐site basis, and that decisions on the optimal harvest time should be driven by the biomass end use and other long‐term considerations, such as yield stability and the maintenance of soil fertility.
The Geographies of the Conference: Knowledge, Performance and Protest
Authors: Craggs Ruth , Mahony Martin
Published: June 2014

Conferences are an ubiquitous and important part of political and academic life, acting as key sites of knowledge creation, public performance, legitimation and protest. Reviewing the current literature and drawing on our own work, this paper suggests that geographers are well‐placed to provide insight into conferences through the concepts of visibility, performance and space. We explore the politics of academic, climate and geopolitical conferences, focusing on their production of epistemic communities and their role as sites for the performance of ideological positions and identities. We then explore international summits as protest spaces. We draw attention to a number of scales in our analysis, suggesting the need to attend to the global, national, local and micro‐scale of conferences to ask what space and location contribute to conference outcomes and how conferences in turn act back on the landscapes in which they are embedded. We conclude with four reasons why we believe that conferences provide a fruitful – and important – focus for research in geography.
Influences on individuals’ decisions to take up the offer of a health check: a qualitative study
Authors: Burgess Caroline , Wright Alison J. , Forster Alice S. , Dodhia Hiten , Miller Jane , Fuller Frances , Cajeat Eric , Gulliford Martin C.
Published: June 2014

Background

Health checks are promoted to evaluate individuals’ risk of developing disease and to initiate health promotion and disease prevention interventions. The NHS Health Check is a cardiovascular risk assessment programme introduced in the UK aimed at preventing cardiovascular disease (CVD). Uptake of health checks is lower than anticipated. This study aimed to explore influences on people's decisions to take up the offer of a health check.

Methods

Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with people registered at four general practices in South London. The interview schedule was informed by the Theoretical Domains Framework. Data were analysed qualitatively using the Framework method using NVivo for data management.

Results

Twenty‐seven participants invited for a health check were included in the study. Seventeen received the health check while 10 either did not attend or failed to complete the check. Five themes emerging from the data included a lack of awareness of the health check programme, beliefs about susceptibility to CVD, beliefs about civic responsibility, issues concerning access to appointments, and beliefs about the consequences of having a check.

Conclusions

Health check programmes need to raise public awareness to ensure that people are informed about the objectives and nature of the programme in order to reach an informed decision about taking up the invitation. Emphasizing the benefits of prevention and early detection might encourage attendance in those who are reluctant to burden the public health‐care systems. Extending outreach initiatives and increasing ‘out of hours’ provision at local community sites could facilitate access.
‘You likes your way, we got our own way’: Gypsies and Travellers’ views on infant feeding and health professional support
Authors: Condon Louise J , Salmon Debra
Published: June 2014

Background

Gypsies and Travellers are known to have poor health status and access to health services, even in comparison with other ethnic minority groups. People from this stigmatized ethnic group are rarely consulted about their health needs or health service provision. Optimal infant feeding in the first year of life has the potential to improve lifelong health.

Objective

The aim of this study was to explore mothers and grandmothers’ views on feeding in the first year of life, including the support provided by health professionals.

Methods

Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with a purposively selected sample of 22 mothers and grandmothers of English Gypsy, Irish Traveller and Romanian Roma ethnicity between November 2011 and February 2012 in a city in south‐west England.

Results

Few women perceived themselves as requiring help from health professionals in infant feeding, as acceptable and accessible support was available from within their own communities. Roma mothers described a tradition of breast‐feeding and appropriately timed weaning, while English Gypsies and Irish Travellers customarily practised less healthy infant feeding. When mothers requested support, health service provision was often found inadequate.

Conclusion

Exploring the views of Gypsies and Travellers is important to gain insight into the provision of health services for this marginalized ethnic group. This study has implications for policy and the practice of health professionals, in indicating the customary feeding behaviours of some Gypsy and Travellers, and highlighting areas meriting culturally sensitive health promotion.
Assessment of chloroquine as a modulator of immune activation to improve CD4 recovery in immune nonresponding HIV‐infected patients receiving antiretroviral therapy
Authors: Routy J‐P , Angel JB , Patel M , Kanagaratham C , Radzioch D , Kema I , Gilmore N , Ancuta P , Singer J , Jenabian M‐A
Published: June 2014

Objectives

Chloroquine (CQ), an anti‐inflammatory drug, inhibits Toll‐like receptor (TLR) signalling in plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) and may be beneficial for HIV‐infected patients in whom immune activation persists despite effective antiretroviral therapy (ART). The effect of CQ on CD4 T‐cell recovery and immune activation in immune nonresponding patients receiving successful ART was therefore studied.

Methods

Nineteen adults on ART with CD4 counts ≤350 cells/μL and undetectable viral load (VL) orally received CQ at 250 mg/day for 24 weeks. Side effects, CD4 and CD8 T‐cell counts, VL, T‐cell activation, pDC proportion and plasma inflammatory markers were assessed at baseline, at 24 weeks, and at 12 weeks after CQ discontinuation (clinicaltrial.org registration #NCT02004314).

Results

CQ was well tolerated and all patients maintained an undetectable VL. The absolute CD4 and CD8 T‐cell counts and their percentages, the pDC proportion, T‐cell activation, D‐dimer and C‐reactive protein (CRP) plasma levels and the kynurenine/tryptophan ratio did not change with CQ treatment. Among nine cytokines/chemokines measured, only levels of interferon (IFN)‐α2 were significantly increased by CQ treatment.

Conclusions

CQ was well tolerated in patients with low CD4 T‐cell counts despite long‐term effective ART; however, 24 weeks of CQ treatment did not improved CD4 T‐cell recovery, lymphoid and myeloid immune activation or inflammatory markers.
Tamsulosin versus tamsulosin plus tadalafil as medical expulsive therapy for lower ureteric stones: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Jayant Kumar , Agrawal Rajendra , Agrawal Swati
Published: June 2014

Objectives

To compare the efficacy of tamsulosin versus tamsulosin plus tadalafil as medical expulsive therapy for lower ureteric stones.

Methods

Between January 2013 and December 2013, 244 patients presenting with distal ureteric stones (size 5–10 mm) were randomized equally to tamsulosin (group A) or tamsulosin plus tadalafil (group B). Therapy was given for a maximum of 4 weeks. Stone expulsion rate, time to stone expulsion, analgesic use, number of hospital visits for pain, follow up, endoscopic treatment and adverse effects of drugs were recorded. Statistical analyses were carried out using Student's t‐test and the χ2‐test.

Results

There was a statistically significant higher expulsion rate in group B compared with group A (83.6% vs 65.5%; P‐value = 0.031) and a shorter time to expulsion (14.9 ± 4.4 days vs 16.7 ± 4.8 days; P‐value = 0.003). Statistically significant differences were noted in terms of the number of hospital visits and analgesic requirement in favor of group B. There was no serious adverse event. An improvement in erectile function was noted in patients of group B compared with those of group A.

Conclusions

Medical expulsive therapy for distal ureteric stones using tamsulosin plus tadalafil is safe, effective and well tolerated. Furthermore, tadalafil provides the additional advantage of improving erectile dysfunction when this condition coexists with a lower ureteric stone.
High‐dose chemotherapy with autologous stem cell transplantation in relapsed or refractory germ cell tumours: outcomes and prognostic variables in a case series of 17 patients
Authors: Lewin J. , Dickinson M. , Voskoboynik M. , Collins M. , Ritchie D. , Toner G.
Published: June 2014

Background

Optimal therapy for men relapsing after initial chemotherapy for germ cell tumours (GCT) is poorly defined. Both conventional dose salvage regimens and high‐dose chemotherapy with autologous stem cell transplantation (HDCT‐ASCT) have been utilised.

Aims

To examine patients who received HDCT‐ASCT for relapsed GCT within a single Australian centre.

Methods

Records between 2000 and 2012 were analysed for baseline characteristics, treatment‐related toxicity and survival. Prognosis at the time of HDCT‐ASCT was classified according to the International Prognostic Factors Study Group (IPFSG).

Results

Seventeen patients received HDCT‐ASCT, median age 34 (21–46), with 41% having primary refractory disease and 53% with high/very high risk disease by IPFSG. The most common regimen utilised was paclitaxel/ifosfamide followed by high‐dose carboplatin/etoposide (TI‐CE; n = 12). The median duration of grade 4 (G4) neutropenia was 11 days (range 9–17) with febrile neutropenia in 90% resulting in four intensive care unit admissions (8%). Median duration of G4 thrombocytopenia was 10 days (range 8–19) requiring a median of two pooled platelets bags (range 0–33) per episode. Transplant‐related mortality occurred in one patient (veno‐occlusive disease). Twenty‐seven per cent of HDCT‐ASCT cycles were associated with grade 3 mucositis (median total parenteral nutrition days = 5 (0–23)). Two‐year progression‐free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) rates were 59% and 71%. Patients who received HDCT‐ASCT as second or subsequent relapse fared worse than those treated with HDCT‐ASCT at first relapse (hazard ratio 0.23 (95% confidence interval: 0.04, 1.37; P‐value 0.09). Three‐year OS for those who received TI‐CE at first relapse was 90%.

Conclusions

HDCT‐ASCT for relapsed GCT is effective with acceptable toxicity. There was encouraging PFS/OS, particularly in a poor‐prognosis cohort.
Crystal Structure and Elastic Properties of Hypothesized MAX Phase‐Like Compound (Cr2Hf)2Al3C3
Authors: Mo Yuxiang , Aryal Sitaram , Rulis Paul , Ching Wai‐Yim
Published: June 2014

The term “MAX phase” refers to a very interesting and important class of layered ternary transition‐metal carbides and nitrides with a novel combination of both metal and ceramic‐like properties that have made these materials highly regarded candidates for numerous technological and engineering applications. Using (Cr2Hf)2Al3C3 as an example, we demonstrate the possibility of incorporating more types of elements into a MAX phase while maintaining the crystallinity, instead of creating solid solution phases. The crystal structure and elastic properties of MAX phase‐like (Cr2Hf)2Al3C3 are studied using the Vienna ab initio Simulation Package. Unlike MAX phases with a hexagonal symmetry (P63/mmc, #194), (Cr2Hf)2Al3C3 crystallizes in the monoclinic space group of P21/m (#11) with lattice parameters of a = 5.1739 Å, b = 5.1974 Å, c = 12.8019 Å; α = β = 90°, γ = 119.8509°. Its structure is found to be energetically much more favorable with an energy (per formula unit) of −102.11 eV, significantly lower than those of the allotropic segregation (−100.05 eV) and solid solution (−100.13 eV) phases. Calculations using a stress versus strain approach and the VRH approximation for polycrystals also show that (Cr2Hf)2Al3C3 has outstanding elastic moduli.
Dielectric Relaxation and Collective Vibrational Modes of Double‐Perovskites A2SmTaO6 (A = Ba, Sr and Ca)
Authors: Ghosh Binita , Halder Saswata , Sinha Tripurari Prasad
Published: June 2014

The crystal structures of the double‐perovskite oxide A2SmTaO6 series (AST, A = Ba, Sr, Ca) synthesized by solid‐state reaction technique are determined from X‐ray powder diffraction data. Rietveld refinements of the X‐ray diffraction data of the samples show that Ba2SmTaO6 (BST) crystallizes in cubic phase and Sr2SmTaO6 (SST) and Ca2SmTaO6 (CST) crystallize in monoclinic phase. Fourier transform infrared spectra show two primary modes of the samples at around 370 and 600 cm−1. The vibrational properties of the samples are studied by Raman spectroscopy taken at 488‐nm wavelength. Group‐theoretical study is performed to assign the different vibrational modes of the samples in accordance with structural symmetry. The observed shifts of some vibrations in the SST and CST w.r.t. BST upon changing the A cation are tentatively explained. Dielectric spectroscopy is applied to investigate the ac electrical conductivity of AST in different temperatures between 303 and 673 K and in a frequency range of 42 Hz–1 MHz. The complex impedance plane plots show that the relaxation (conduction) mechanism in these materials is purely a bulk effect arising from the semiconductive grains. The relaxation mechanism of the samples is modeled by Cole–Cole equation. The frequency‐dependent conductivity spectra are found to follow the power law.
Crystal Templating with Mutually Miscible Solvents: A Simple Path to Hierarchical Porosity
Authors: Guizard Christian , Leloup Jérôme , Deville Sylvain
Published: June 2014

Ice templating, a route where ice crystals are used to template macroporosity, has been used to process a variety of materials with one level of macropores. We demonstrate here a variant of ice templating based on the solidification of mutually miscible solvents. The solidification of different phases, each defined by their own size and morphology, provides a simple one‐step processing route for materials with hierarchical porosity defined by up to three levels of macroporosity. These concepts are demonstrated with both ceramic (yttria‐stabilized zirconia) and polymer (polyvinyl alcohol) materials.
Land Use and Climate Variability Amplify Carbon, Nutrient, and Contaminant Pulses: A Review with Management Implications
Authors: Kaushal Sujay S. , Mayer Paul M. , Vidon Philippe G. , Smith Rose M. , Pennino Michael J. , Newcomer Tamara A. , Duan Shuiwang , Welty Claire , Belt Kenneth T.
Published: June 2014

Nonpoint source pollution from agriculture and urbanization is increasing globally at the same time climate extremes have increased in frequency and intensity. We review >200 studies of hydrologic and gaseous fluxes and show how the interaction between land use and climate variability alters magnitude and frequency of carbon, nutrient, and greenhouse gas pulses in watersheds. Agricultural and urban watersheds respond similarly to climate variability due to headwater alteration and loss of ecosystem services to buffer runoff and temperature changes. Organic carbon concentrations/exports increase and organic carbon quality changes with runoff. Nitrogen and phosphorus exports increase during floods (sometimes by an order of magnitude) and decrease during droughts. Relationships between annual runoff and nitrogen and phosphorus exports differ across land use. CH4 and N2O pulses in riparian zones/floodplains predominantly increase with: flooding, warming, low oxygen, nutrient enrichment, and organic carbon. CH4, N2O, and CO2 pulses in streams/rivers increase due to similar factors but effects of floods are less known compared to base flow/droughts. Emerging questions include: (1) What factors influence lag times of contaminant pulses in response to extreme events? (2) What drives resistance/resilience to hydrologic and gaseous pulses? We conclude with eight recommendations for managing watershed pulses in response to interactive effects of land use and climate change.
Field Testing the Riparian Ecosystem Management Model on a Riparian Buffer in the North CarolinaUpper Coastal Plain
Authors: Tilak Amey S. , Burchell Michael R. , Youssef Mohamed A. , Lowrance Richard R. , Williams Randy G.
Published: June 2014

The riparian ecosystem management model (REMM) was field tested using five years (2005‐2009) of measured hydrologic and water quality data on a riparian buffer located in the Tar‐Pamlico River Basin, North Carolina. The buffer site received NO3‐N loading from an agricultural field that was fertilized with inorganic fertilizer. Field results showed the buffer reduced groundwater NO3‐N concentration moving to the stream over a five‐year period. REMM was calibrated hydrologically using daily field‐measured water table depths (WTDs), and with monthly NO3‐N concentrations in groundwater wells. Results showed simulated WTDs and NO3‐N concentrations in good agreement with measured values. The mean absolute error and Willmott's index of agreement for WTDs varied from 13‐45 cm and 0.72‐0.92, respectively, while the root mean square error and Willmott's index of agreement for NO3‐N concentrations ranged from 1.04‐5.92 mg/l and 0.1‐0.86, respectively, over the five‐year period. REMM predicted plant nitrogen (N) uptake and denitrification were within ranges reported in other riparian buffer field studies. The calibrated and validated REMM was used to simulate 33 years of buffer performance at the site. Results showed that on average the buffer reduced NO3‐N concentrations from 12 mg/l at the field edge to 0.7 mg/l at the stream edge over the simulation period, while the total N and NO3‐N load reductions from the field edge to the stream were 77 and 82%, respectively.
Groundwater Nitrate Concentration Reductions in a Riparian Buffer Enrolled in the NC Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program
Authors: Wiseman Jacob D. , Burchell Michael R. , Grabow Garry L. , Osmond Deanna L. , Messer T.L.
Published: June 2014

Riparian buffers have been used for many years as a best management practice to decrease the effects of nonpoint pollution from watersheds. The NC Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (NC CREP) has established buffers to treat groundwater nitrate‐nitrogen (NO3−‐N) from agricultural sources in multiple river basins. A maturing 46 m wide riparian buffer enrolled in NC CREP was studied to determine its effectiveness in reducing groundwater NO3−‐N concentrations from a cattle pasture fertilized with poultry litter. Three monitoring blocks that included groundwater quality wells, water table wells, and soil redox probes, were established in the buffer. NO3−‐N concentrations decreased significantly across the buffer in all of the monitoring blocks with mean reductions of 76‐92%. Many biological processes, including denitrification and plant uptake, may have been responsible for the observed NO3−‐N reductions but could not be differentiated in this study. However, mean reductions in Cl− concentrations ranged from 48‐65% through the blocks, which indicated that dilution was an important factor in observed NO3−‐N reductions. These findings should be carefully considered for future buffer enrollments when assigning nitrogen removal credits.
A General Equilibrium Model of Ecosystem Services in a River Basin
Authors: Warziniack Travis
Published: June 2014

This study builds a general equilibrium model of ecosystem services, with sectors of the economy competing for use of the environment. The model recognizes that production processes in the real world require a combination of natural and human inputs, and understanding the value of these inputs and their competing uses is necessary when considering policies of resource conservation. We demonstrate the model with a numerical example of the Mississippi‐Atchafalaya river basin, in which grain production in the upper basin causes hypoxia that causes damages to the downstream fishing industry. We show that the size of damages is dependent on both environmental and economic shocks. While the potential damages to fishing are large, most of the damage occurs from economic forces rather than a more intensive use of nitrogen fertilizers. We show that these damages are exacerbated by increases in rainfall, which will likely get worse with climate change. We discuss welfare effects from a tax on nitrogen fertilizers and investments in riparian buffers. A 3% nitrogen tax would reduce the size of the hypoxic zone by 11% at a cost of 2% of Iowa's corn output. In comparison, riparian buffers are likely to be less costly and more popular politically.
Alterations of the bone dimension following immediate implant placement into extraction socket: systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Lee Chun‐Teh , Chiu Tzu‐Shan , Chuang Sung‐Kiang , Tarnow Dennis , Stoupel Janet
Published: June 2014

Aim

This systematic review was aimed at analysing bone dimensional alterations within the first year following immediate implant placement.

Materials and Methods

The electronic search was conducted using MEDLINE (PubMed), Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) and EMBASE from January 1980 to October 2013. Quality assessment of selected articles was performed using Cochrane Collaboration's tool or Newcastle‐Ottawa scale according to the design of each study. A meta‐analysis was performed to estimate bone dimensional reduction. Weighted mean differences in bone dimension between baseline and follow‐up measurement were calculated. Subgroup analysis and mete‐regression were conducted to evaluate the effects of different variables.

Results

A total of 1348 articles were identified following the search process. Six studies were included in the present review. The weighted mean buccal horizontal bone dimensional reduction (BHDr) was 1.07 mm and buccal vertical bone dimensional reduction (BVDr) was 0.78 mm. The weighted mean palatal bone dimensional reduction was 0.62 mm horizontally (PHDr) and 0.50 mm vertically (PVDr). The initial thickness of the buccal alveolar plate (TB) of the socket was the only variable significantly correlated with BHDr and BVDr in meta‐regression analysis.

Conclusions

The bone dimensions of immediate implant sites demonstrated approximately 0.5–1.0 mm reduction in vertical and horizontal aspects 4–12 months following surgery. The results should be interpreted with care because of the data heterogeneity. The correlation of the socket buccal wall thickness, and other variables, with dimensional changes of the bony ridge should be investigated further in controlled clinical trials.