bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Framing the detection of financial elder abuse as bystander intervention: decision cues, pathways to detection and barriers to action
Authors: Gilhooly Mary L.M. , Cairns Deborah , Davies Miranda , Harries Priscilla , Gilhooly Kenneth J. , Notley Elizabeth
Published: March 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the detection and prevention of elder financial abuse through the lens of a “professional bystander intervention model”. The authors were interested in the decision cues that raise suspicions of financial abuse, how such abuse comes to the attention of professionals who do not have a statutory responsibility for safeguarding older adults, and the barriers to intervention.

Design/methodology/approach

In‐depth interviews were conducted using the critical incident technique. Thematic analysis was carried out on transcribed interviews. In total, 20 banking and 20 health professionals were recruited. Participants were asked to discuss real cases which they had dealt with personally.

Findings

The cases described indicated that a variety of cues were used in coming to a decision that financial abuse was very likely taking place. Common to these cases was a discrepancy between what is normal and expected and what is abnormal or unexpected. There was a marked difference in the type of abuse noticed by banking and health professionals, drawing attention to the ways in which context influences the likelihood that financial abuse will be detected. The study revealed that even if professionals suspect abuse, there are barriers which prevent them acting.

Originality/value

The originality of this study lies in its use of the bystander intervention model to study the decision‐making processes of professionals who are not explicitly charged with adult safeguarding. The study was also unique because real cases were under consideration. Hence, what the professionals actually do, rather than what they might do, was under investigation.
Content of clinical supervision sessions for nurses and allied health professionals
Authors: Pearce Philippa , Phillips Bev , Dawson Margaret , Leggat Sandra G.
Published: March 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the current evidence regarding the content of clinical supervision for nursing and allied health professionals.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors searched CINAHL, Medline, PsychINFO and Cochrane Database. Studies were included if the participants involved were nursing, medical or allied health practitioners, but not students, and if the studies contained discussion regarding the content of clinical supervision. Critical analysis of the articles was carried out by two independent researchers to ensure consistency and thematic analysis was applied.

Findings

Twenty included articles were in three main categories: cross‐sectional studies (n=9), including interview, survey and focus group methods of data collection; literature reviews (n=2); and nine published opinion pieces. Themes related to the content of clinical supervision that were identified were reflective practice; task oriented content; diversity of content; and stress management. The results indicated that current research into the content of clinical supervision for nursing and allied health practitioners is limited and of low quality and that further research is needed to determine what content in clinical supervision is associated with better quality and safety, particularly for health professions other than nursing and psychology.

Originality/value

This is the first review of the current evidence for what constitutes the most appropriate content of clinical supervision for health professionals. Clinical supervision is an important component of quality assurance and clinical governance frameworks and it is essential that health care organizations are assured that effective clinical supervision is in place.
Immigration and food insecurity: social and nutritional issues for recent immigrants in Montreal, Canada
Authors: Girard Alain , Sercia Pierre
Published: March 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to measure changes in food habits of first‐generation immigrants in Montreal (Quebec, Canada), as well as their self‐declared state of health and physical activity level. A subset of the sample was found to be in a state of food insecurity (FI).

Design/methodology/approach

A supervised questionnaire was administered to 506 adult allophone immigrants attending French‐language courses, autumn 2011. A FI indicator was developed and applied to this sample. The authors discuss the concept of FI and issues about measurements of FI.

Findings

In total, 10 per cent of the sample was found to suffer from FI, which has a negative impact on fruit, vegetables, dairy product, fish and red meat consumption, and diet quality in general. FI shows a positive correlation with changes in state of health and lifestyle and the development of chronic disease such as type 2 diabetes and coronary heart disease. Results also show that certain groups are more at risk, that FI prevalence decreases with the years of residence and that FI is a deep source of anxiety.

Originality/value

FI should be monitored in a more systematic manner in recent immigrant populations and be specifically addressed in immigrant integration policies. The authors also stress that problems occurring because of FI are rooted in the incapacity and the failure of the social programs to protect very low income families from harmful consequences of poverty.
Fast‐growing pioneer tree stands as a rapid and effective strategy for bracken elimination in the Neotropics
Authors: Douterlungne David , Thomas Evert , Levy‐Tacher Samuel I.
Published: March 2013

Large areas of agricultural land around the world are degraded as a consequence of dominance by bracken fern (Pteridium spp.). Tropical production systems based on shifting cultivation and cattle breeding are particularly vulnerable to invasion of this species. In spite of this, effective methods for tropical bracken control are limited.

Fast‐growing tree species have been used successfully to out‐compete aggressively colonizing heliophytes and trigger natural succession. Drawing on a traditional Mayan management technique, we evaluate the potential of the pioneer tree balsa (Ochroma pyramidale) to control Pteridium caudatum in Chiapas, Mexico. We tested different bracken cutting frequencies and balsa propagation methods in a factorial randomized block experiment. Eighteen months later, we quantified bracken biomass under the young balsa canopy.

Living bracken rhizome biomass correlated significantly with balsa basal area, leaf litter biomass and understorey light intensity. While bracken rhizomes persisted in control plots, it was completely eradicated in plots with a minimum balsa basal area of 11 m2 ha−1. This threshold value was reached in less than 18 months with any of the tested propagation methods (seed broadcasting, direct sowing or nursery seedlings), on the condition of at least monthly bracken cutting during the first six months.

The ability of fast‐growing broad‐leaved pioneer trees like balsa to quickly out‐compete bracken fern offers opportunities for large‐scale application in tropical rural areas where economic and technical resources are scarce.

Synthesis and applications. Mayan subsistence farmers traditionally use balsa to out‐compete invasive weeds, including bracken fern. Here, we highlight the usefulness of this method for quick and effective bracken control in southern Mexico. This approach, in combination with balsa's short rotation cycle, creates opportunities to rapidly convert bracken land into forest stands with commercial potential, thus providing local income and increasing the likelihood of adoption by rural people. We encourage further research to test the potential of balsa and other fast‐growing pioneer trees species for controlling bracken and similar weeds.
Long‐term effects of rotational prescribed burning and low‐intensity sheep grazing on blanket‐bog plant communities
Authors: Lee Hyohyemi , Alday Josu G. , Rose Rob J. , O'Reilly John , Marrs Rob H.
Published: March 2013

The importance of peatlands is being increasingly recognized internationally for both the conservation of biodiversity and the provision of ecosystem services; strategies are being developed world‐wide to help maintain their integrity. Prescribed burning has been highlighted as a threat with considerable debate over its use as it is perceived to produce a Calluna vulgaris monoculture and a decline in preferred peat‐forming species.

 We investigated the impact of prescribed burning on vegetation composition and diversity in a long‐term experiment at Moor House NNR in northern England. The study comprised a comparison between no‐burn reference plots last burned in ca. 1924 and an experiment where all plots were burned in 1954/5. Within the experiment, the effects of very light sheep grazing vs. no grazing and three burning rotations (no‐burn since 1954/5, repeat‐burning at 10‐ and 20‐year intervals) were tested.

 Calluna vulgaris and Hypnum jutlandicum cover and bryophyte species richness increased in the least‐disturbed, no‐burn reference plots, but bryophyte cover did not. Lichen diversity declined.

 Within the formal experiment, low‐intensity sheep grazing had little impact but there were substantive changes produced by the different burning rotations. There was divergence between the burning rotation treatments with the least‐disturbed, no‐burn treatment changing towards a C. vulgaris–H. jutlandicum community, whereas the most‐disturbed 10‐year rotation had a much greater abundance of both Eriophorum and Sphagnum spp.

 Synthesis and applications. Our findings suggest that blanket‐bog vegetation on peat responds to prescribed burning in a complex manner. Where burn return interval is long (>20 years), C. vulgaris becomes dominant and there was no evidence that preferred peat‐forming species (Eriophorum/Sphagnum) increased. Where burn return interval is short (10 years), E. vaginatum/Sphagnum abundance increased. We found no evidence to suggest that prescribed burning was deleterious to the abundance of peat‐forming species; indeed, it was found to favour them. These results inform conservation management policy for blanket bogs in the UK and more generally for future wildfire‐mitigation strategies on dwarf‐shrub‐dominated peatlands elsewhere. Some lessons for the management of long‐term experimental studies are also discussed.
Involvement of two type 2C protein phosphatases BcPtc1 and BcPtc3 in the regulation of multiple stress tolerance and virulence of Botrytis cinerea
Authors: Yang Qianqian , Jiang Jinhua , Mayr Christiane , Hahn Matthias , Ma Zhonghua
Published: March 2013

Type 2C Ser/Thr phosphatases (PP2Cs) are involved in various cellular processes in many eukaryotes, but little has been known about their functions in filamentous fungi. Botrytis cinerea contains four putative PP2C genes, named BcPTC1, ‐3, ‐5, and ‐6. Biological functions of these genes were analysed by gene deletion and complementation. While no phenotypes aberrant from the wild type were observed with mutants of BcPTC5 and BcPTC6, mutants of BcPTC1 and BcPTC3 had reduced hyphal growth, increased conidiation, and impaired sclerotium development. Additionally, BcPTC1 and BcPTC3 mutants exhibited increased sensitivity to osmotic and oxidative stresses, and to cell wall degrading enzymes. Both mutants exhibited dramatically decreased virulence on host plant tissues. All of the defects were restored by genetic complementation of the mutants with wild‐type BcPTC1 and BcPTC3 respectively. Different from what is known in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, BcPtc3, but not BcPtc1, negatively regulates phosphorylation of BcSak1 (the homologue of S. cerevisiae Hog1) in B. cinerea, although both BcPTC1 and BcPTC3 were able to rescue the growth defects of a yeast PTC1 deletion mutant under various stress conditions. These results demonstrated that BcPtc1 and BcPtc3 play important roles in the regulation of multiple stress tolerance and virulence of B. cinerea.
Lead Theft—A Study of the “Uniqueness” of Lead from Church Roofs
Authors: Bond John W. , Hainsworth Sarah V. , Lau Tien L.
Published: March 2013

In the United Kingdom, theft of lead is common, particularly from churches and other public buildings with lead roofs. To assess the potential to distinguish lead from different sources, 41 samples of lead from 24 church roofs in Northamptonshire, U.K, have been analyzed for relative abundance of trace elements and isotopes of lead using X‐ray fluorescence (XRF) and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, respectively. XRF revealed the overall presence of 12 trace elements with the four most abundant, calcium, phosphorus, silicon, and sulfur, showing a large weight percentage standard error of the mean of all samples suggesting variation in the weight percentage of these elements between different church roofs. Multiple samples from the same roofs, but different lead sheets, showed much lower weight percentage standard errors of the mean suggesting similar trace element concentrations. Lead isotope ratios were similar for all samples. Factors likely to affect the occurrence of these trace elements are discussed.
Finding the missing pieces: working to solve the fisheries bycatch puzzle
Authors: Lewison R. L.
Published: March 2013

Read the Feature Paper: Estimates of seabird incidental catch by pelagic longline fisheries in the South Atlantic Ocean

Other Commentaries on this paper: Next step for reducing seabird bycatch; Requisite improvements to the estimation of seabird by‐catch in pelagic longline fisheries

Response from the authors: Incidental catch of seabirds: strengthening observer programs and increasing cooperation
Requisite improvements to the estimation of seabird by‐catch in pelagic longline fisheries
Authors: Phillips R. A.
Published: March 2013

Read the Feature Paper: Estimates of seabird incidental catch by pelagic longline fisheries in the South Atlantic Ocean

Other Commentaries on this paper: Finding the missing pieces: working to solve the fisheries bycatch puzzle; Next step for reducing seabird bycatch.

Response from the authors: Incidental catch of seabirds: strengthening observer programs and increasing cooperation
Yield and species composition of a mesic grassland savanna in South Africa are influenced by long‐term nutrient addition
Authors: Tsvuura Zivanai , Kirkman Kevin P.
Published: March 2013

Species composition and productivity of natural grasslands are influenced by soil nutrient status. With high resource availability, productivity is expected to increase, and competition is assumed to gain prominence with predicted exclusion of species of lower competitive ability. During 2010 and 2011 we used the dry weight rank method to measure above‐ground phytomass production of herbage in 96 plots (9 m × 2.7 m) fertilized for 60 years with two forms of nitrogen (N as limestone ammonium nitrate or ammonium sulphate at four levels: 0, 7.1, 14.1, 21.2 g m−2), phosphorus (P as superphosphate at two levels: 0, 33.6 g m−2), and lime (two levels: 0, 225 g m−2). Light attenuation was measured as the proportion of photosynthetically active radiation reaching the lower leaf layers of the grasses and the ground surface. Light conditions beneath the grass layer were reduced by nutrient addition to 30% of full sunlight but remained above 60% in non‐fertilized plots. Grass total above‐ground phytomass production increased with nutrient addition. The strongest yield responses were attained with N plus P addition. Species responses showed that Themeda triandra and Hyparrhenia hirta decreased in above‐ground phytomass production with nutrient addition while Panicum maximum, Eragrostis curvula and E. plana increased. These findings are discussed in terms of competitive interactions among species, their position in the grass canopy and their physiological tolerances to high nitrogen environments.
Habitat filtering influences the phylogenetic structure of avian communities across a coastal gradient in southern Brazil
Authors: Gianuca Andros Tarouco , Dias Rafael Antunes , Debastiani Vanderlei Júlio , Duarte Leandro D. S.
Published: March 2013

The evolution of a particular trait or combination of traits within lineages may affect subsequent evolutionary outcomes, leading closely related species to exhibit higher phenotypic similarity than expected under a simple Brownian‐motion evolutionary model. Niche theory postulates that phenotypes determine species distribution across environmental gradients, leading to a phylogenetic signature in the community assembly. Thus, the incorporation of species phylogeny in the analysis of community ecology structure allows one to link broader environmental, spatial and temporal factors to local, small‐scale ecological processes, thus enabling understanding of community assembly patterns in a broader context. We used the net relatedness index to assess phylogenetic structure within avian communities across a harshness gradient in coastal habitats in southern Brazil. We also evaluated phylogenetic beta diversity, to test whether closely related species exploit habitats with similar environmental conditions. In order to do so, we scaled up phylogenetic information from the species to site level using phylogenetic fuzzy weighting. We found a pattern of phylogenetic clustering in less‐vegetated habitats, namely sandy beach and dunes, which are subject to harsher conditions because of proximity to the ocean. Basal lineages were associated with the more structurally homogeneous sandy beach, while late‐divergence clades occurred in more complex habitats, which were positively related to vegetation cover and height. The observed pattern of phylogenetic clustering suggested the importance of harsh conditions in constraining the distribution of avian lineages. Furthermore, contrasting environmental features between habitats influenced phylogenetic variation, demonstrating the prevalence of phylogenetic habitat filtering. From an applied point of view, such as planning and management of biological reserves, we showed that the full array of habitat patches embedded within coastal ecological gradients must be included in order to preserve distinct evolutionary lineages.
Generalization of Variants Identified by Genome‐Wide Association Studies for Electrocardiographic Traits in African Americans
Authors: Jeff Janina M. , Ritchie Marylyn D. , Denny Joshua C. , Kho Abel N. , Ramirez Andrea H. , Crosslin David , Armstrong Loren , Basford Melissa A. , Wolf Wendy A. , Pacheco Jennifer A. , Chisholm Rex L. , Roden Dan M. , Hayes M. Geoffrey , Crawford Dana C.
Published: March 2013

Electrocardiographic (ECG) measurements vary by ancestry. Genome‐wide association studies (GWAS) have identified loci that contribute to ECG measurements; however, most are performed in Europeans collected from population‐based cohorts or surveys. The strongest associations reported are in NOS1AP with QT interval and SCN10A with PR and QRS durations. The extent to which these associations can be generalized to African Americans has yet to be determined. Using electronic medical records, PR and QT intervals, QRS duration, and heart rate were determined in 455 African Americans as part of the Vanderbilt Genome‐Electronic Records Project and Northwestern University NUgene Project. We tested for an association between these ECG traits and >930K SNPs. We identified a total 36 novel associations with PR interval, QRS duration, QT interval, and heart rate at p < 1.0 × 10−6. Using published GWAS data, we compared our results with those previously identified in other populations. Five associations originally identified in other populations generalized with respect to statistical significance and direction of effect. A total of 43 associations have a consistent direction of effect with European and/or Asian populations. This work provides a catalogue of generalized versus nongeneralized associations, a necessary step in prioritizing GWAS‐identified regions for further fine‐mapping in diverse populations.
How to Improve Cognitive Control in Development During Childhood: Potentials and Limits of Cognitive Interventions
Authors: Kray Jutta , Ferdinand Nicola K.
Published: March 2013

Cognitive control refers to the ability to control one's own processing along external and internal goals. Working memory, inhibition, and switching processes are key components of cognitive control that increase throughout childhood and are closely related to the maturation of the prefrontal lobes. Given the role of cognitive control in school success, searching for effective cognitive interventions is important. Such interventions may help induce positive change, especially earlier in children's development, as the prefrontal lobes are not fully developed and are sensitive to environmental demands. In this article, we highlight two ways to enhance cognitive control through different interventions: One uses language as a mediator for behavioral regulation, whereas the other involves the practice and training of cognitive control processes. We discuss ways these approaches might be used, limits to their use, and theoretical and practical implications.
Predicting vitamin D deficiency in older Australian adults
Authors: Tran Bich , Armstrong Bruce K. , McGeechan Kevin , Ebeling Peter R. , English Dallas R. , Kimlin Michael G. , Lucas Robyn , van der Pols Jolieke C. , Venn Alison , Gebski Val , Whiteman David C. , Webb Penelope M. , Neale Rachel E.
Published: March 2013

Objective

There has been a dramatic increase in vitamin D testing in Australia in recent years, prompting calls for targeted testing. We sought to develop a model to identify people most at risk of vitamin D deficiency.

Design and Participants

This is a cross‐sectional study of 644 60‐ to 84‐year‐old participants, 95% of whom were Caucasian, who took part in a pilot randomized controlled trial of vitamin D supplementation.

Measurements

Baseline 25(OH)D was measured using the Diasorin Liaison platform. Vitamin D insufficiency and deficiency were defined using 50 and 25 nmol/l as cut‐points, respectively. A questionnaire was used to obtain information on demographic characteristics and lifestyle factors. We used multivariate logistic regression to predict low vitamin D and calculated the net benefit of using the model compared with ‘test‐all’ and ‘test‐none’ strategies.

Results

The mean serum 25(OH)D was 42 (SD 14) nmol/1. Seventy‐five per cent of participants were vitamin D insufficient and 10% deficient. Serum 25(OH)D was positively correlated with time outdoors, physical activity, vitamin D intake and ambient UVR, and inversely correlated with age, BMI and poor self‐reported health status. These predictors explained approximately 21% of the variance in serum 25(OH)D. The area under the ROC curve predicting vitamin D deficiency was 0·82. Net benefit for the prediction model was higher than that for the ‘test‐all’ strategy at all probability thresholds and higher than the ‘test‐none’ strategy for probabilities up to 60%.

Conclusion

Our model could predict vitamin D deficiency with reasonable accuracy, but it needs to be validated in other populations before being implemented.
Political Segregation of the Metropolis: Spatial Sorting by Partisan Voting in Metropolitan Minneapolis–St Paul
Authors: Walker Kyle E.
Published: March 2013

Recent electoral research has claimed that individuals in the United States are self–segregating along political lines. In this paper, I use the Twin Cities, Minnesota, metropolitan area as a case study to test for the presence of political segregation through statistical and spatial analyses of electoral data from 1992 to 2012. I find that while segregation by partisan voting at the individual level is comparatively low, it has increased during the study period, and there exists substantial spatial clustering in voting patterns at aggregate levels. These distinct electoral divides between central city and exurb suggest spatial sorting of the electorate in the metropolitan area.
The button graft technique for perforations affecting less than 25% of the tympanic membrane: a non‐randomised comparison of a new modification to cartilage tympanoplasty with underlay and overlay grafts
Authors: Abdelghany A.M.
Published: March 2013

Objectives

To evaluate a new composite cartilage–perichondrium graft (button graft) for repair of small‐sized tympanic membrane perforations and to compare its success rate with that of the underlay and overlay techniques with temporal fascia or tragal perichondrium.

Design

Prospective, sequential allocation of surgical technique study.

Setting

Tertiary care university hospital.

Patients

One hundred 95 patients aged 14–42 years with central, uncomplicated tympanic membrane perforations with completely visualised margins affecting less than 25% of the tympanic membrane, distributed in three groups: 1 (underlay), 2 (overlay) and 3 (button graft).

Interventions

Patients were allocated in sequence to: 1 underlay graft, 2 overlay graft and 3 cartilage tympanoplasty with button graft technique. Patients were operated on under local anaesthesia.

Main outcome measures

Postoperative status of the tympanic membrane, hearing improvement, duration of surgery and incidence of complications at 12 months postoperative.

Results

Group 1 (underlay) had 66 patients; group 2 (overlay), 65; and group 3 (cartilage), 66. Success was defined as the complete closure of the tympanic membrane one year after the operation. The success rates were 98.5% (65 of 66), 97% (63 of 65) and 98.5% (65 of 66) cases, and the mean air–bone gap gains were 10.18 (±5.4) dB, 8.5 (+6.5) dB and 9.1 (+5.1) dB for groups 1, 2 and 3, respectively. No bone conduction threshold or speech discrimination score worsening was noted. The mean durations of the operative procedure were 35 ± 8.4 (range 22,63), 42 ± 6.8 (range 33,75) and 23 ± 6.3 (range 15,41) min for groups 1, 2 and 3, respectively (P = 0.02). Tympanic membrane retraction occurred in three cases in underlay group 1, and tympanic membrane cholesteatoma pearls occurred in two cases in overlay group 2.

Conclusions

The button graft technique is an effective and fast alternative for the repair of small tympanic membrane perforations if complete visualisation of the margin is possible. The shorter time taken with the button grafts is mainly due to the non‐requirement for a skin incision. The results are comparable to those of the underlay and overlay techniques.
DO CHINESE UNIONS HAVE “REAL” EFFECTS ON EMPLOYEE COMPENSATION?
Authors: GE YING
Published: March 2013

In this article, we use enterprise population‐level data to investigate the effectiveness of Chinese unions in improving employee wage and nonwage compensation. We show that the effectiveness of Chinese unions stems from a “collective voice” face rather than from a “monopoly” face. The empirical findings on the effectiveness of unions are remarkable: unions in the workplace significantly improve employee wage and nonwage compensation, along with employee training. Moreover, the presence of unions within the same region and industry generates positive spillovers for employee compensation. The unions in China do have “real” effects. (JEL J30, J50, J51, K31)
Charcot neuroarthropathy triggered and complicated by osteomyelitis. How limb salvage can be achieved
Authors: Aragón‐Sánchez J. , Lázaro‐Martínez J. L. , Quintana‐Marrero Y. , Álvaro‐Afonso F. J. , Hernández‐Herrero M. J.
Published: March 2013

Background

Charcot neuroarthropathy is a severe complication in the feet of patients with diabetes, which can lead to a major amputation. Osteomyelitis and surgery for osteomyelitis have been reported as trigger mechanisms of developing Charcot neuroarthropathy. However, the development of acute Charcot neuroarthropathy triggered by osteomyelitis during conservative antibiotic treatment is not well outlined in the medical literature.

Case reports

Two patients apparently developed mid and rear foot Charcot neuroarthropathy, which was clinically suspected while being treated with antibiotics for osteomyelitis. One of them presented osteomyelitis of the navicular bone and subsequently developed acute Charcot neuroarthropathy of the tarsometatarsal joints. The other presented calcaneal osteomyelitis with pathological fracture and developed Charcot neuroarthropathy of the transverse tarsal joint. No offloading had been implemented in either case. A major amputation had been indicated in both cases in their teaching hospitals. Limb salvage was achieved in both cases by means of surgery, culture‐guided post‐operative antibiotics, intraosseus instillation of super‐oxidized solution, bed rest before placing a total contact cast and stabilization of the unstable foot with a total contact cast with an opening for checking the healing course and to detect any complications. The mechanisms of the development of acute Charcot neuroarthropathy in a patient with osteomyelitis are discussed.

Conclusions

Osteomyelitis in the feet of patients with diabetes and neuropathy may trigger the development of acute Charcot neuroarthropathy. Fractures and dislocated joints may subsequently become infected from the index focus, producing a severe infected and unstable foot that may require a major amputation. Limb salvage can be achieved in specialized departments.
Horizontal transmission of the microbial symbionts Enterobacter cloacae and Mycotypha microspora to their firebrat host
Authors: Woodbury Nathan , Moore Margo , Gries Gerhard
Published: March 2013

The firebrat, Thermobia domestica (Packard) (Thysanura: Lepismatidae), aggregates in response to the faeces of conspecifics. This aggregation response is mediated by two microbial symbionts, the bacterium Enterobacter cloacae (Jordan) Hormaeche & Edwards (Enterobacteriaceae) and the fungus Mycotypha microspora Fenner (Mucorales). Our objective was to determine how these microbes are transmitted between firebrats. We produced fluorescently labelled E. cloacae and M. microspora and presented them to firebrats. Firebrats consumed large quantities of these labelled microbes and deposited them with their faeces where they proliferated rapidly. Firebrats did not harbour E. cloacae or M. microspora within their ovarioles or eggs, and thus cannot transmit them transovarially. Instead, firebrats acquired them horizontally whenever they fed on microbe‐contaminated material, such as faeces, faeces‐contaminated paper, or egg surfaces. Firebrats moult throughout their life, and with each moult they shed the cuticular lining of their digestive tract and likely any microbes residing therein. Because firebrats remain in close contact and live in groups of mixed age and gender, newly moulted individuals can readily re‐acquire E. cloacae or M. microspora from group members. This ensures the perpetuation of their microbial aggregation and arrestment signal.
The fate of soyabean photosynthetic carbon varies in Mollisols differing in organic carbon
Authors: Jin J. , Wang G. H. , Liu J. D. , Yu Z. H. , Liu X. B. , Herbert S. J.
Published: March 2013

The fate of photosynthetically‐fixed carbon (C) in the plant–soil–microbe continuum has received much interest because of its relevance to soil C and the global C cycle. However, information on the flow of this plant C below ground and its contribution to soil C sequestration in soils with contrasting organic C (Corg) is limited. In this study, soyabean (Glycine max L. Merr.) was grown in three Mollisols with low (1.04%), medium (2.90%) and high (5.05%) Corg, respectively. Plants were labelled with 13CO2 to trace the photosynthetic C dynamics in the plant–soil system for up to 288 hours. The total amount of net fixed 13C by plants ranged from 66 to 78 mg pot−1, and there was no difference between soils. The amount of 13C in soil organic matter (SOM) increased from 1.9 to 6.1 mg pot−1 over time in the high‐Corg soil, while it showed a non‐significant change with 2.2 mg pot−1 (on average) in the medium‐Corg soil, and decreased from 2.9 to 0.1 mg pot−1 in the low‐Corg soil. In the low‐Corg soil, the amount of 13C in soil microbes decreased markedly over time, showing a fast turnover, and had a significant correlation (P ≤ 0.01) with 13C in the SOM pool. However, such a relationship was not significant in the soil with high or medium Corg. These results indicate that most of the root‐derived C in the low‐Corg soil is degraded quickly by microbial activity, while the greater input of the photosynthetic C to SOM in the high‐ and/or medium‐Corg soil can probably be attributed to physical sorption of root‐derived C by SOM and minerals, thus protecting it against microbial decomposition.
Mesenchymal stem cell therapy in skin: why and what for?
Authors: Khosrotehrani Kiarash
Published: March 2013

In recent years, few stem cells have gained as much clinical notoriety as mesenchymal stem cells. Indeed, MSCs are already in use for a range of systemic inflammatory and autoimmune conditions that also affect the skin, such as acute and chronic graft versus host disease or lupus erythematosus. Most interestingly, these cells are able to improve skin wound healing in multiple preclinical models and few patient series. An additional potential of these cells is the delivery of missing structural elements in skin inherited disorders. However, we here contend that MSCs are not appropriate for cell replacement therapies in the context of wound healing. Indeed, engraftment of cells in the dermis is poor in the absence of irradiation and the observed effects seem mainly due to paracrine factors. In this viewpoint, we favour the hypothesis of a replete niche and competition with resident mesenchymal populations in the dermis not allowing the engraftment of newly delivered MSCs. Consequently, we propose that the benefit of MSCs may be at least in part reproduced by the growth factors or immunomodulatory molecules that they produce. In any case, the rapid progress in this field has allowed the emergence of important questions in skin biology that need to be addressed in parallel with the predictable future use of MSCs in the clinic.
Interactions between angiotensin AT1 receptor antagonists and second‐generation antiepileptic drugs in the test of maximal electroshock
Authors: Łukawski Krzysztof , Janowska Agnieszka , Jakubus Tomasz , Czuczwar Stanisław J.
Published: March 2013

The anticonvulsant activity of angiotensin AT1 receptor antagonists, losartan (2‐n‐butyl‐4‐chloro‐5‐hydroxymethyl‐1‐[(2′(1H‐tetrazol‐5‐yl)‐biphenil‐4‐yl)methyl]imidazole) and telmisartan (49‐[(1,49‐dimethyl‐29‐propyl[2,69‐bi‐1H‐benzimidazo]‐19‐yl)methyl]‐[1,19‐biphenyl]‐2‐carboxylic acid), has been reported recently. It is suggested that AT1 receptor antagonists may affect the protective action of antiepileptic drugs. The aim of this study was to determine the influence of losartan and telmisartan on the anticonvulsant activity of some second‐generation antiepileptics (lamotrigine – LTG, oxcarbazepine – OXC, and topiramate – TPM). For this purpose, the maximal electroshock seizure (MES) test in mice was used. Additionally, the drug combinations were checked for adverse effects in the passive avoidance and chimney tests. In the MES test, losartan at the doses of 30 and 50 mg/kg, administered intraperitoneally (i.p.), potentiated the protective action of LTG (P < 0.01). This interaction was not accompanied by a significant change of LTG level either in plasma or in the brain. Telmisartan at the dose of 30 mg/kg i.p. enhanced the anticonvulsant action of TPM (P < 0.01). However, this interaction was pharmacokinetic in nature, as telmisartan significantly increased plasma and total brain concentrations of TPM (P < 0.001). The combinations of AT1 receptor antagonists with antiepileptic drugs did not affect retention in the passive avoidance test or motor coordination in the chimney test. The potentiation of the anticonvulsant action of LTG by losartan probably on account of pharmacodynamic interactions, make this combination important for further experimental and clinical studies. The combination of telmisartan and TPM is less beneficial due to pharmacokinetic interactions.
Nitrogen and carbon contents and δ15N and δ13C signatures in six bryophyte species: assessment of long‐term deposition changes (1980–2010) in Spanish beech forests
Authors: Delgado Verónica , Ederra Alicia , Santamaría Jesús Miguel
Published: March 2013

In this study we used recent (2010) and herbarium material (1980) of six bryophyte species to assess long‐term atmospheric deposition in natural forested areas in northern Spain. For this purpose, tissue nitrogen and carbon content, as well as δ13C and δ15N signatures of samples of Hypnum cupressiforme, Polytrichastrum formosum, Leucobryum juniperoideum, Rhytidiadelphus loreus, Homalothecium lutescens and Diplophyllum albicans were analysed and comparisons made between years and species. In addition, the usefulness of each of the six species was evaluated. The range of values observed was similar to that in other studies carried out in rural areas. Significantly lower values were found in 2010 for N (H. cupressiforme), δ15N (R. loreus and D. albicans), C (R. loreus) and δ13C (all except L. juniperoideum). Our natural areas are thus now less influenced by atmospheric pollutants than they were, most probably due to changes in some traditional local activities. Differences were observed between species for all the four parameters studied, so different species must not be analysed together. Finally, R. loreus and H. lutescens seem to be good bioindicators, sensitive even with a few samples, although further studies are needed to corroborate their usefulness.
Frey's syndrome: diagnosis in geriatric dentistry
Authors: de Carvalho Liana Rodrigues T. , Nina Crislanne S.R. , Fernandes Maria Helena L. , Parro Yeda M. , Macedo Sergio B. , Lia Erica N.
Published: March 2013

Frey's syndrome, is characterized by warmth, flushing and sweating of the face, most of time in the preauricular region, initiated by any gustatory stimulus. It is frequently related to parotid surgery. A case of Frey's syndrome in a 81‐year‐old female whose long‐delayed clinical onset post‐parotidectomy is presented.
Geodynamic processes in the NW Bohemian swarm earthquake region, Czech Republic, identified by continuous gas monitoring
Authors: Weinlich F. H. , Stejskal V. , Teschner M. , Poggenburg J.
Published: March 2013

The time series of two continuously operating gas monitoring stations at Oldřišská and Nový Kostel located along seismoactive faults in the epicentral area of the NW Bohemian swarm earthquakes (Czech Republic) are compared with water level fluctuations in two boreholes positioned along these faults and with gas flux variations of a mofette at the Soos mofette field at 9 km distance. The seasonal trend of the monitored CO2 concentration with a maximum in November and a minimum in March/April is governed by groundwater temperatures, superimposed in spring by soil temperatures. CO2 concentration variations identified at Oldřišská are also reflected in gas flux variations in the Soos mofette and/or water level fluctuations of two boreholes. Variations in the gas monitoring recordings of station at Nový Kostel are also linked with variations at Oldřišská. In all data sets, diurnal variations generated by earth tides occur, reflecting a daily stress – fault permeability cycle. Additional stress interferes with this cycle. Significant, abrupt changes are attributed to geodynamic processes linked with seismic events, as revealed by local seismicity or by the transient of waves of a strong remote earthquake. Simultaneous variations of the gas concentrations in the Nový Kostel area and in the gas flux in the Soos point to an interconnected hydraulic conductive fault systems present in the northern part of the Cheb Basin. Sharp falls in gas concentration, during or subsequent to, earthquake swarms may reflect fault compression associated with impeded gas migration. However, gas variations also occur in periods without seismic activity, indicating changes in fault permeability were caused by local aseismic fault movements, as revealed by events with opposite trends in the gas recordings at Oldřišská, Nový Kostel and the Soos. Therefore, a mathematical approach to establish a correlation between seismicity and gas geochemical variations is not possible.
Treatment for life for severe haemophilia A– A cost‐utility model for prophylaxis vs. on‐demand treatment
Authors: Farrugia A. , Cassar J. , Kimber M. C. , Bansal M. , Fischer K. , Auserswald G. , O'Mahony B. , Tolley K. , Noone D. , Balboni S.
Published: March 2013

Prophylaxis has been established as the treatment of choice in children with haemophilia and its continuation into the adult years has been shown to decrease morbidity throughout life. The cost of factor therapy has made the option questionable in cost‐effectiveness studies. The role of prophylaxis in pharmacokinetic dosage and tolerization against inhibitor formation were used to model the cost utility of prophylaxis vs. on‐demand (OD) therapy over a lifetime horizon in severe haemophilia A. The model was applied to a single provider national health system exemplified by the United Kingdom's National Health Service and a third party provider in the United States. The incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio (ICER) was estimated and compared to threshold values used by payer agencies to guide reimbursement decisions. A cost per quality‐adjusted life year (QALY) was also estimated for Sweden. Prophylaxis was dominant over OD treatment in the UK. The model resulted in an ICER – $68 000 – within the range of treatments reimbursed in the USA. In Sweden, a cost/QALY of SEK 1.1 million was also within the range of reimbursed treatments in that country. Dosage‐ and treatment‐induced inhibitor incidence were the most important variables in the model. Subject to continuing clinical evidence of the effectiveness of pharmacokinetic dosage and the role of prophylaxis in decreasing inhibitor incidence, treatment for life with prophylaxis is a cost‐effective therapy, using current criteria for the reimbursement of health care technologies in a number of countries.
Combination therapy of natural human interferon‐beta and ribavirin for chronic hepatitis C patients with injection drug use
Authors: Morikawa Hiroyasu , Kozuka Ritsuzo , Fujii Hideki , Iwai Shuji , Enomoto Masaru , Tamori Akihiro , Saito Shinobu , Kawada Norifumi
Published: March 2013

Aim

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of combination therapy using natural human interferon‐β and ribavirin (IFN‐β/RBV) for chronic hepatitis C patients who were injection drug users (IDU) and resident in the Airin district of Osaka, containing the biggest slums in Japan.

Methods

Twenty‐nine IDU with chronic hepatitis C received combination therapy of IFN‐β/RBV. The psychiatrist in charge evaluated the scores of the Zung Self‐rating Depression Scale (SDS), a self‐rating scale based on 20 questions. Univariate logistic regression analyses were used to determine the factors that significantly contributed to complete treatment and a sustained virological response (SVR).

Results

Thirteen of the 29 patients achieved SVR according to the intention to treat analysis. All patients with a rapid virological response achieved SVR. No patient required a reduced dose of RBV because of a decrease in their hemoglobin level, or of IFN‐β because of a low level of white blood cells and platelet count. Two patients had psychological side‐effects and stopped the therapy early in the treatment; one patient had depression and the other had anxious depression. Univariate logistic regression analyses indicated that the stage of fibrosis was the only factor that contributed to SVR, and that the SDS test and past drug abuse contributed to completion of the treatment.

Conclusion

IFN‐β/RBV combination therapy is useful for treating IDU.
Risk factors for recurrence after curative resection of hepatitis C‐related hepatocellular carcinoma in patients without postoperative interferon therapy
Authors: Yamashita Yo‐ichi , Shirabe Ken , Toshima Takeo , Tsuijita Eiji , Takeishi Kazuki , Harimoto Norifumi , Ikegami Toru , Yoshizumi Tomoharu , Ikeda Tetsuo , Soejima Yuji , Maehara Yoshihiko
Published: March 2013

Aim

Hepatitis C (HC)‐related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC; HC‐HCC) is highly recurrent.

Methods

From 1995–2007, 183 curative hepatic resections for primary solitary HC‐HCC without postoperative interferon therapy were included in this study. The patients were divided into three groups: (i) 2 cm or less (n = 56); (ii) more than 2 cm to less than 5 cm (n = 79); and (iii) 5 cm or more (n = 48). Independent risk factors for HC‐HCC recurrence for each group were determined.

Results

Independent risk factors for recurrence were aspartate aminotransferase or alanine aminotransferase (AST/ALT) of 80 IU/L or more (hazard ratio [HR], 2.1; P = 0.02) in patients with HCC of 2 cm or less, des‐γ‐carboxy prothrombin of 100 mAU/mL or more (HR, 2.5; P = 0.02) and AST/ALT of 80 IU/L or more (HR, 2.1; P = 0.04) in patients with HCC of more than 2 cm to less than 5 cm, and the presence of macroscopic portal vein tumor thrombus (HR, 2.8; P = 0.02) and AST/ALT of 80 IU/L or more (HR, 2.1; P = 0.04) in patients with HCC of 5 cm or more. All 13 late recurrences of 1 year or more after hepatic resection (27.1%) in patients with HCC of 5 cm or more were accompanied by AST/ALT of 80 IU/L or more.

Conclusion

AST/ALT of 80 IU/L or more is an independent risk factor for the recurrence of primary solitary HC‐HCC after curative resection irrespective of the primary HC‐HCC size.
Effects of ivermectin residues on dung invertebrate communities in a UK farmland habitat
Authors: Sutton Gemma , Bennett James , Bateman Mark
Published: March 2013

Ivermectin is a broad‐spectrum antiparasitic drug, routinely administered to livestock worldwide, and concerns have been raised about its impacts on non‐target dung fauna and pasture systems. This study reports the effect of sward structure (long sward, short sward, or bare ground) on ivermectin persistence and cowpat colonisation by invertebrates, during an on‐farm experiment in the United Kingdom.

The levels of ivermectin in cowpats were high [21 899 μg kg−1 (dry weight) 1 day after treatment with a pour‐on formulation] and remained detectable throughout the 47‐day trial. Residue breakdown occurred, but levels persisted above those lethal to some invertebrates. Sward structure had no significant effect on ivermectin levels.

Ivermectin residues affected cowpat colonisation. Diptera were present in significantly lower numbers in treated cowpats. Coprophagous Coleoptera were less affected by ivermectin residues, although some species were present in significantly higher numbers in treated cowpats in the long sward environments.

The non‐target effects of pesticides are currently of concern to policy makers. The results of this research add further weight to these concerns, particularly with regard to the duration for which ivermectin persists in situ in UK pasture, and because of the preferential attraction to treated cowpats exhibited by coprophagous Coleoptera.