bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The core‐peripheral structure of international knowledge flows: evidence from patent citation data
Authors: Chen Zifeng , Guan Jiancheng
Published: January 2015

The importance of knowledge diffusion and external knowledge is generally acknowledged for their vital role to innovation. The purpose of this study is to investigate the international knowledge diffusion structure and its evolution using patent citation networks for three periods. The analyses are carried out from overall, active cluster as well as individual connection perspectives with the help of measures from social network analysis. Results show an obvious core‐peripheral structure of international knowledge diffusion. Most of the flows happen within core group. Knowledge flows between core and peripheral numbers also widely exist but not strong, while the flows among peripheral numbers are both sparse and weak. Significant improvements widely exist among Asian countries and regions according to their knowledge absorption and influence capacities, and Chinese Taiwan and South Korea are the most outstanding new stars among them with worthwhile experiences for other catch‐ups. It also suggests that BRICS and South–South knowledge linkages play an increased role in developing and emerging economy innovation systems as they gain momentum.
Coping with work and family: How do dual‐earners interact?
Authors: Matias Marisa , Fontaine Anne Marie
Published: January 2015

Juggling the demands of both work and family has become increasingly difficult, especially for dual‐earner households; nevertheless, families have developed strategies to deal with work‐family challenges. This paper uses couple level analyses (APIM models) with 100 dual‐earner couples to provide insight about partners' mutual influence on the use of work‐family coping strategies. The results show that women's use of coping strategies is more associated with work‐family conflict and work‐family enrichment than men's coping. In addition, using partner coping, having a positive attitude towards multiple roles, using planning and management skills and avoiding having to cut back on professional responsibilities is associated with better outcomes (more enrichment and less conflict). Surprisingly, the use of childcare facilities is associated with women's conflict and partner effects were only found concerning the use of management and planning skills. These skills, however, have distinct effects for men and women's outcomes: their use by men reduces their own conflict but increases their wives', while their use by women decreases their own conflict and increases their own and their partner's enrichment. These results point to the fact that gender roles continue to be a hallmark of work‐family issues. Our design and results point out the need for new interventions that take couple interdependences into account.
HLA‐C*07:02:60, a variant of HLA‐C*07 found in an unrelated volunteer stem cell donor
Authors: Testi M. , Andreani M. , Galluccio T. , Guagnano A. , Paladini E.
Published: January 2015

The allele HLA‐C*07:02:60 differs from HLA‐C*07:02:01:01 by a silent nucleotide substitution in exon 4.
Cultivating a Sense of Place in Religious Studies
Authors: Jensen Molly Hadley
Published: January 2015

This essay analyzes student learning through place‐based pedagogies in an American Religions course. In the course, students analyzed cultural meanings and practices of regional religious communities and participated in sensory awareness and ecological learning in a campus garden. Embodied learning increased student understanding and appreciation of land‐based religious practices and epistemologies, and promoted multiple student literacies. In Religious Studies, place‐based learning is vital to the examination of the rich dimensions and expressions of religious experience. Across disciplines, place‐based pedagogies can expand and deepen text‐based learning, cultivate recognition of various ways of knowing, foster affective connections to the local community, and develop critical skills for addressing patterns of displacement and ecological denigration.
“Oh Events” for the Professor: Studies and Stories of Religious Studies Abroad
Authors: Barbour John D.
Published: January 2015

This response explains three ways in which the preceding essays are a significant contribution to the study of study abroad, explores three additional issues, and makes three suggestions for future work on religious studies and study abroad. This response is published alongside of six other essays, comprising a special section of the journal (see Teaching Theology and Religion 18:1, January 2015).
Tuberculosis and diabetes mellitus in the Republic of Kiribati: a case–control study
Authors: Viney K. , Cavanaugh J. , Kienene T. , Harley D. , Kelly P. M. , Sleigh A. , O'Connor J. , Mase S.
Published: January 2015

Objectives

To better inform local management of TB–diabetes collaborative activities, we aimed to determine the prevalence of diabetes among persons with and without TB and to determine the association between TB and diabetes in Kiribati, a Pacific Island nation.

Methods

We compared consecutively enrolled TB cases to a group of randomly selected community controls without evidence of TB. Diabetes was diagnosed by HbA1c, and clinical and demographic data were collected. A tuberculin skin test was administered to controls. The chi‐square test was used to assess significance in differences between cases and controls. We also calculated an odds ratio, with 95% confidence intervals, for the odds of diabetes among cases relative to controls. Unweighted multivariate logistic regression was performed to adjust for the effects of age and sex.

Results

A total of 275 TB cases and 499 controls were enrolled. The diabetes prevalence in cases (101, 37%) was significantly greater than in controls (94, 19%) (adjusted odds ratio: 2.8; 95% CI 2.0–4.1). Fifty‐five percent (108) of all diabetic diagnoses were new; this proportion was higher among controls (64.8%) than cases (46.5%). Five patients with TB were screened to detect one patient with diabetes.

Conclusions

There is a strong association between TB and diabetes in Kiribati and bidirectional screening should be conducted in this setting.
The GI–CDF module of Arabidopsis affects freezing tolerance and growth as well as flowering
Authors: Fornara Fabio , de Montaigu Amaury , Sánchez‐Villarreal Alfredo , Takahashi Yasuyuki , Ver Loren van Themaat Emiel , Huettel Bruno , Davis Seth J. , Coupland George
Published: January 2015

Plants monitor and integrate temperature, photoperiod and light quality signals to respond to continuous changes in their environment. The GIGANTEA (GI) protein is central in diverse signaling pathways, including photoperiodic, sugar and light signaling pathways, stress responses and circadian clock regulation. Previously, GI was shown to activate expression of the key floral regulators CONSTANS (CO) and FLOWERING LOCUS T (FT) by facilitating degradation of a family of CYCLING DOF FACTOR (CDF) transcriptional repressors. However, whether CDFs are implicated in other processes affected by GI remains unclear. We investigated the contribution of the GI–CDF module to traits that depend on GI. Transcriptome profiling indicated that mutations in GI and the CDF genes have antagonistic effects on expression of a wider set of genes than CO and FT, whilst other genes are regulated by GI independently of the CDFs. Detailed expression studies followed by phenotypic assays showed that the CDFs function downstream of GI, influencing responses to freezing temperatures and growth, but are not necessary for proper clock function. Thus GI‐mediated regulation of CDFs contributes to several processes in addition to flowering, but is not implicated in all of the traits influenced by GI.
An Empirical Investigation on Ownership Characteristics, Activities of the Audit Committee, and Audit Fees in Companies Listed on Indonesia Stock Exchange
Authors: Oktorina Megawati , Wedari Linda Kusumaning
Published: January 2015

This study examines the effect of ownership characteristics and activities of the audit committee to audit fee. This study also uses control variables which include free cash flow, liquidity ratios, profitability ratios, solvency ratios, firm size, market -to-book value of equity, and audits quality of manufacture companies in Indonesia Stock Exchange in the year 2010 - 2012 are used as the population in this study. Data collection method used was purposive sampling. The statistical methods used to analyze the data are the multiple linear regression and results obtained indicate that managerial ownership, audit committee activity, firm size, liquidity ratios, profitability ratios affect audit fees. Meanwhile, institutional ownership, free cash flow, solvency ratio, and market -to-book value of equity do not affect the audit fees significantly.
Moderators of Maintained Increase in Aerobic Exercise Among Aging Men and Women in a 4-Year Randomized Controlled Trial: The DR’s EXTRA Study
Authors: Hakola Leena , Savonen Kai , Komulainen Pirjo , Hassinen Maija , Rauramaa Rainer , Lakka Timo A.
Published: January 2015

Background:

Little is known about factors that modify the effectiveness of exercise interventions in increasing exercise. We aimed to identify moderators of the effectiveness of aerobic exercise intervention in maintaining increased aerobic exercise among older individuals.

Methods:

The participants of a 4-year randomized controlled trial were a population sample of 1410 men and women aged 57 to 78 years. The aerobic exercise group included 185 individuals and the control group included 169 individuals who reported low aerobic exercise at baseline. Maintained increase in aerobic exercise was defined as at least 60-minute increase in moderate-to-heavy aerobic exercise per week from baseline to 2- and 4-year assessments.

Results:

Individuals in the aerobic exercise group were 2.5 (95% CI 1.5 to 3.9) times more likely to maintain increased aerobic exercise than those in the control group. Individuals aged < 68.5 years but not older individuals succeeded in maintaining increased aerobic exercise in the intervention group (P = .02 for interaction). Individuals who were past smokers (P = .02 for interaction), were working (P = .05 for interaction), or had symptoms of depression (P = .05 for interaction) succeeded better in maintaining increased aerobic exercise in the intervention group than other individuals.

Conclusions:

These findings help in more precise targeting of future exercise interventions among older individuals.
Reduced Infectivity in Cattle for an Outer Membrane Protein Mutant of Anaplasma marginale
Authors: Crosby Francy L. , Brayton Kelly A. , Magunda Forgivemore , Munderloh Ulrike G. , Kelley Karen L. , Barbet Anthony F.
Published: January 2015

Anaplasma marginale
is the causative agent of anaplasmosis in cattle. Transposon mutagenesis of this pathogen using the
Himar1
system resulted in the isolation of an
omp10
operon insertional mutant referred to as the
omp10
::
himar1
mutant. The work presented here evaluated if this mutant had morphological and/or growth rate defects compared to wild-type
A. marginale
. Results showed that the morphology, developmental cycle, and growth in tick and mammalian cell cultures are similar for the mutant and the wild type. Tick transmission experiments established that tick infection levels with the mutant were similar to those with wild-type
A. marginale
and that infected ticks successfully infected cattle. However, this mutant exhibited reduced infectivity and growth in cattle. The possibility of transforming
A. marginale
by transposon mutagenesis coupled with
in vitro
and
in vivo
assessment of altered phenotypes can aid in the identification of genes associated with virulence. The isolation of deliberately attenuated organisms that can be evaluated in their natural biological system is an important advance for the rational design of vaccines against this species.
Rhizosphere Microbial Community Composition Affects Cadmium and Zinc Uptake by the Metal-Hyperaccumulating Plant Arabidopsis halleri
Authors: Muehe E. Marie , Weigold Pascal , Adaktylou Irini J. , Planer-Friedrich Britta , Kraemer Ute , Kappler Andreas , Behrens Sebastian
Published: January 2015

The remediation of metal-contaminated soils by phytoextraction depends on plant growth and plant metal accessibility. Soil microorganisms can affect the accumulation of metals by plants either by directly or indirectly stimulating plant growth and activity or by (im)mobilizing and/or complexing metals. Understanding the intricate interplay of metal-accumulating plants with their rhizosphere microbiome is an important step toward the application and optimization of phytoremediation. We compared the effects of a “native” and a strongly disturbed (gamma-irradiated) soil microbial communities on cadmium and zinc accumulation by the plant
Arabidopsis halleri
in soil microcosm experiments.
A. halleri
accumulated 100% more cadmium and 15% more zinc when grown on the untreated than on the gamma-irradiated soil. Gamma irradiation affected neither plant growth nor the 1 M HCl-extractable metal content of the soil. However, it strongly altered the soil microbial community composition and overall cell numbers. Pyrosequencing of 16S rRNA gene amplicons of DNA extracted from rhizosphere samples of
A. halleri
identified microbial taxa (
Lysobacter
,
Streptomyces
,
Agromyces
,
Nitrospira
, “
Candidatus
Chloracidobacterium”) of higher relative sequence abundance in the rhizospheres of
A. halleri
plants grown on untreated than on gamma-irradiated soil, leading to hypotheses on their potential effect on plant metal uptake. However, further experimental evidence is required, and wherefore we discuss different mechanisms of interaction of
A. halleri
with its rhizosphere microbiome that might have directly or indirectly affected plant metal accumulation. Deciphering the complex interactions between
A. halleri
and individual microbial taxa will help to further develop soil metal phytoextraction as an efficient and sustainable remediation strategy.
Improved Production of Propionic Acid in Propionibacterium jensenii via Combinational Overexpression of Glycerol Dehydrogenase and Malate Dehydrogenase from Klebsiella pneumoniae
Authors: Liu Long , Zhuge Xin , Shin Hyun-dong , Chen Rachel R. , Li Jianghua , Du Guocheng , Chen Jian
Published: January 2015

Microbial production of propionic acid (PA), an important chemical building block used as a preservative and chemical intermediate, has gained increasing attention for its environmental friendliness over traditional petrochemical processes. In previous studies, we constructed a shuttle vector as a useful tool for engineering
Propionibacterium jensenii
, a potential candidate for efficient PA synthesis. In this study, we identified the key metabolites for PA synthesis in
P. jensenii
by examining the influence of metabolic intermediate addition on PA synthesis with glycerol as a carbon source under anaerobic conditions. We also further improved PA production via the overexpression of the identified corresponding enzymes, namely, glycerol dehydrogenase (GDH), malate dehydrogenase (MDH), and fumarate hydratase (FUM). Compared to those in wild-type
P. jensenii
, the activities of these enzymes in the engineered strains were 2.91- ± 0.17- to 8.12- ± 0.37-fold higher. The transcription levels of the corresponding enzymes in the engineered strains were 2.85- ± 0.19- to 8.07- ± 0.63-fold higher than those in the wild type. The coexpression of GDH and MDH increased the PA titer from 26.95 ± 1.21 g/liter in wild-type
P. jensenii
to 39.43 ± 1.90 g/liter in the engineered strains. This study identified the key metabolic nodes limiting PA overproduction in
P. jensenii
and further improved PA titers via the coexpression of GDH and MDH, making the engineered
P. jensenii
strain a potential industrial producer of PA.
Reduction of the Temperature Sensitivity of Halomonas hydrothermalis by Iron Starvation Combined with Microaerobic Conditions
Authors: Harrison Jesse P. , Hallsworth John E. , Cockell Charles S.
Published: January 2015

The limits to biological processes on Earth are determined by physicochemical parameters, such as extremes of temperature and low water availability. Research into microbial extremophiles has enhanced our understanding of the biophysical boundaries which define the biosphere. However, there remains a paucity of information on the degree to which rates of microbial multiplication within extreme environments are determined by the availability of specific chemical elements. Here, we show that iron availability and the composition of the gaseous phase (aerobic versus microaerobic) determine the susceptibility of a marine bacterium,Halomonas hydrothermalis, to suboptimal and elevated temperature and salinity by impacting rates of cell division (but not viability). In particular, iron starvation combined with microaerobic conditions (5% [vol/vol] O2, 10% [vol/vol] CO2, reduced pH) reduced sensitivity to temperature across the 13°C range tested. These data demonstrate that nutrient limitation interacts with physicochemical parameters to determine biological permissiveness for extreme environments. The interplay between resource availability and stress tolerance, therefore, may shape the distribution and ecology of microorganisms within Earth's biosphere.
Profiling Microbial Communities in Manganese Remediation Systems Treating Coal Mine Drainage
Authors: Chaput Dominique L. , Hansel Colleen M. , Burgos William D. , Santelli Cara M.
Published: January 2015

Water discharging from abandoned coal mines can contain extremely high manganese levels. Removing this metal is an ongoing challenge. Passive Mn(II) removal beds (MRBs) contain microorganisms that oxidize soluble Mn(II) to insoluble Mn(III/IV) minerals, but system performance is unpredictable. Using amplicon pyrosequencing, we profiled the bacterial, fungal, algal, and archaeal communities in four MRBs, performing at different levels, in Pennsylvania to determine whether they differed among MRBs and from surrounding soil and to establish the relative abundance of known Mn(II) oxidizers. Archaea were not detected; PCRs with archaeal primers returned only nontarget bacterial sequences. Fungal taxonomic profiles differed starkly between sites that remove the majority of influent Mn and those that do not, with the former being dominated by
Ascomycota
(mostly
Dothideomycetes
) and the latter by
Basidiomycota
(almost entirely
Agaricomycetes
). Taxonomic profiles for the other groups did not differ significantly between MRBs, but operational taxonomic unit-based analyses showed significant clustering by MRB with all three groups (
P
< 0.05). Soil samples clustered separately from MRBs in all groups except fungi, whose soil samples clustered loosely with their respective MRB. Known Mn(II) oxidizers accounted for a minor proportion of bacterial sequences (up to 0.20%) but a greater proportion of fungal sequences (up to 14.78%). MRB communities are more diverse than previously thought, and more organisms may be capable of Mn(II) oxidation than are currently known.
Effective Trapping of Fruit Flies with Cultures of Metabolically Modified Acetic Acid Bacteria
Authors: Ishii Yuri , Akasaka Naoki , Goda Itsuko , Sakoda Hisao , Fujiwara Shinsuke
Published: January 2015

Acetoin in vinegar is an attractant to fruit flies when combined with acetic acid. To make vinegar more effective in attracting fruit flies with increased acetoin production,
Komagataeibacter europaeus
KGMA0119 was modified by specific gene disruption of the acetohydroxyacid isomeroreductase gene (
ilvC
). A previously constructed mutant lacking the putative ligand-sensing region in the leucine-responsive regulatory protein (
Ke
Lrp, encoded by
Kelrp
) was also used. The
ilvC
and
Kelrp
disruptants (KGMA5511 and KGMA7203, respectively) produced greater amounts of acetoin (KGMA5511, 0.11%; KGMA7203, 0.13%) than the wild-type strain KGMA0119 (0.069%). KGMA7203 produced a trace amount of isobutyric acid (0.007%), but the other strains did not. These strains produced approximately equal amounts of acetic acid (0.7%). The efficiency of fruit fly attraction was investigated with cultured
Drosophila melanogaster
.
D. melanogaster
flies (approximately 1,500) were released inside a cage (2.5 m by 2.5 m by 1.5 m) and were trapped with a device containing vinegar and a sticky sheet. The flies trapped on the sticky sheet were counted. The cell-free supernatant from KGMA7203 culture captured significantly more flies (19.36 to 36.96% of released flies) than did KGMA0119 (3.25 to 11.40%) and KGMA5511 (6.87 to 21.50%) cultures. Contrastingly, a 0.7% acetic acid solution containing acetoin (0.13%) and isobutyric acid (0.007%), which mimicked the KGMA7203 supernatant, captured significantly fewer flies (0.88 to 4.57%). Furthermore, the KGMA0119 supernatant with additional acetoin (0.13%) and isobutyric acid (0.007%) captured slightly more flies than the original KGMA0119 supernatant but fewer than the KGMA7203 supernatant, suggesting that the synergistic effects of acetic acid, acetoin, isobutyric acid, and unidentified metabolites achieved the efficient fly trapping of the KGMA7203 supernatant.
Elizabethkingia anophelis: Molecular Manipulation and Interactions with Mosquito Hosts
Authors: Chen Shicheng , Bagdasarian Michael , Walker Edward D.
Published: January 2015

Flavobacteria (members of the family
Flavobacteriaceae
) dominate the bacterial community in the
Anopheles
mosquito midgut. One such commensal,
Elizabethkingia anophelis
, is closely associated with
Anopheles
mosquitoes through transstadial persistence (i.e., from one life stage to the next); these and other properties favor its development for paratransgenic applications in control of malaria parasite transmission. However, the physiological requirements of
E. anophelis
have not been investigated, nor has its capacity to perpetuate despite digestion pressure in the gut been quantified. To this end, we first developed techniques for genetic manipulation of
E. anophelis
, including selectable markers, reporter systems (green fluorescent protein [GFP] and NanoLuc), and transposons that function in
E. anophelis
. A flavobacterial expression system based on the promoter P
ompA
was integrated into the
E. anophelis
chromosome and showed strong promoter activity to drive GFP and NanoLuc reporter production. Introduced, GFP-tagged
E. anophelis
associated with mosquitoes at successive developmental stages and propagated in
Anopheles gambiae
and
Anopheles stephensi
but not in
Aedes triseriatus
mosquitoes. Feeding NanoLuc-tagged cells to
A. gambiae
and
A. stephensi
in the larval stage led to infection rates of 71% and 82%, respectively. In contrast, a very low infection rate (3%) was detected in
Aedes triseriatus
mosquitoes under the same conditions. Of the initial
E. anophelis
cells provided to larvae, 23%, 71%, and 85% were digested in
A. stephensi
,
A. gambiae
, and
Aedes triseriatus
, respectively, demonstrating that
E. anophelis
adapted to various mosquito midgut environments differently. Bacterial cell growth increased up to 3-fold when arginine was supplemented in the defined medium. Furthermore, the number of NanoLuc-tagged cells in
A. stephensi
significantly increased when arginine was added to a sugar diet, showing it to be an important amino acid for
E. anophelis
. Animal erythrocytes promoted
E. anophelis
growth
in vivo
and
in vitro
, indicating that this bacterium could obtain nutrients by participating in erythrocyte lysis in the mosquito midgut.
Randomised Controlled Trial on the Use of Acupuncture in Adults with Chronic, Non-Responding Anxiety Symptoms
Authors: Errington-Evans Nick
Published: January 2015

Background

A group of adults can be identified with chronic non-responding anxiety symptoms who have repeatedly accessed treatments through their GP, such as cognitive behaviour therapy, bibliotherapy and medication, but with no effect. These patients make heavy use of health service resources with no beneficial outcome. This study aims to test the effect of an acupuncture formula of three specific acupuncture points, suggested in a previous pilot study.

Method

40 participants from a psychiatry waiting list were randomised into one of two groups: group 1 (n=25) received 10 weeks of acupuncture at PC6, HT7 and LR3, and group 2 was a waiting list control group. The waiting list group (n=15) then received acupuncture. Both groups were followed up for 10 weeks after treatment. The outcome measure was the State and Trait Anxiety Inventory.

Results

36 patients completed the study, with two dropouts in each group. State anxiety scores in the acupuncture group decreased from 57.7 (SD 13.1) to 38.8 (12.0); scores in the waiting list control group decreased from 61.5 (11.6) to 60.6 (11.7). The difference was highly significant (p<0.0001). Similar changes were seen for trait anxiety scores. The control group showed similar statistically significant improvements when they received acupuncture. The improvements were maintained after 10 weeks of follow-up in each group.

Conclusions

Acupuncture is a promising intervention for patients with chronic anxiety symptoms that have proven resistant to other forms of treatment.
Kinesio taping in musculoskeletal pain and disability that lasts for more than 4 weeks: is it time to peel off the tape and throw it out with the sweat? A systematic review with meta-analysis focused on pain and also methods of tape application
Authors: Lim Edwin Choon Wyn , Tay Mathew Guo Xiang
Published: January 2015

Introduction

In recent years, Kinesio tape has been used to support injured muscle and joints, and relieve pain. We compared the pain and disability in individuals with chronic musculoskeletal pain who were treated with Kinesio taping with those using minimal or other treatment approaches.

Methods

Searches of eight major electronic databases were conducted. Data for pain and disability scores were extracted. Meta-analyses (wherever possible) with either a fixed or random effect(s) model, standardised mean differences (SMDs) and tests of heterogeneity were performed.

Results

Seventeen clinical-controlled trials were identified and included in the meta-analyses. When compared to minimal intervention, Kinesio taping provided superior pain relief (pooled SMD=−0.36, 95% CI −0.64 to −0.09, p=0.009) but the pooled disability scores were not significantly different (pooled SMD=−0.41, 95% CI −0.83 to 0.01, p=0.05). No significant differences were found when comparing Kinesio taping to other treatment approaches for pain (pooled SMD=−0.44, 95% CI −1.69 to 0.82, p=0.49) and disability (pooled SMD=0.08, 95% CI −0.27 to 0.43, p=0.65).

Discussion

Kinesio taping is superior to minimal intervention for pain relief. Existing evidence does not establish the superiority of Kinesio taping to other treatment approaches to reduce pain and disability for individuals with chronic musculoskeletal pain.
The association between daily physical activity and plasma B-type natriuretic peptide in patients with glucose intolerance: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Hamasaki Hidetaka , Yanai Hidekatsu , Kakei Masafumi , Noda Mitsuhiko , Ezaki Osamu
Published: January 2015

Objectives

In spite of accumulating evidences suggesting an inverse association between insulin resistance and plasma B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels, the effect of daily physical activity on plasma BNP in individuals with glucose intolerance remains unknown. We investigated the association of physical activity level (PAL) with plasma BNP in patients with impaired fasting glucose, impaired glucose tolerance and type 2 diabetes.

Design

Cross-sectional study.

Setting

Outpatients visiting the National Center for Global Health and Medicine Kohnodai Hospital.

Participants

A total of 60 patients with glucose intolerance who did not take any hypoglycaemic agents, cholesterol-lowering agents and antihypertensive agents were recruited. Patients who were diagnosed as having heart failure and renal impairment, engaged in sports-like exercise and resistance training were excluded.

Primary outcome measures

PAL was objectively measured by a triaxial accelerometer. The association between PAL and plasma BNP levels was assessed by multiple regression analysis.

Results

PAL was positively correlated with plasma BNP levels (r=0.296, p=0.021). PAL was still significantly correlated with plasma BNP levels after adjustment for age (β=0.290, p=0.014), and adjustment for age and body mass index (β=0.282, p=0.018). Plasma BNP levels were inversely correlated with serum insulin levels (r=−0.350, p=0.006) and homeostasis model assessment-estimated insulin resistance (HOMA-IR; r=−0.363, p=0.004). Serum insulin levels (mean±SD, 8.1±6.4 μU/mL) and HOMA-IR (2.4±1.9) in the high-BNP group were significantly lower than those (11.2±7.4 μU/mL and 3.7±3.0, respectively) in the low-BNP group.

Conclusions

Our findings propose the possibility that plasma BNP may be increased by daily physical activity and BNP is associated with insulin resistance.
The efficacy of activated protein C for the treatment of sepsis: incorporating observational evidence with a Bayesian approach
Authors: Zhang Zhongheng
Published: January 2015

Objective

The present study aimed to combine observational evidence with randomised controlled trials (RCTs) by using the Bayesian approach.

Data sources

Electronic databases, including PubMed, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), ISI Web of Science, EMBASE and EBSCO were searched from inception to January 2014.

Study eligibility

RCTs and observational studies (OS) investigating the effectiveness of activated protein C (aPC) on mortality reduction were included for analysis.

Participants

Patients with sepsis.

Intervention

aPC.

Synthesis methods

Observational evidence was incorporated into the analysis by using power transformed priors in a Bayesian. Trial sequential analysis was performed to examine changes over time and whether further studies need to be conducted.

Main results

a total of 7 RCTs and 12 OS were included for the analysis. There was moderate heterogeneity among included RCTs (I2=48.6%, p=0.07). The pooled OR for mortality from RCTs was 1.00 (95% CI 0.84 to 1.19). In OS, there was potential publication bias as indicated by the funnel plot and the pooled OR for mortality with the use of aPC was 0.67 (95% CI 0.62 to 0.72). The pooled effect sizes of RCTs were changed by using different power transform priors derived from observational evidence. When observational evidence was used at its ‘face value’, the treatment effect of aPC was statistically significant in reducing mortality.

Conclusions

while RCT evidence showed no beneficial effect of aPC on sepsis, observational evidence showed a significant treatment effect of aPC. By using power transform priors in Bayesian model, we explicitly demonstrated how RCT evidence could be changed by observational evidence.

Trial registration number

The protocol for the current study was registered in PROSPERO (registration number: CRD42014009562).
Computerised physician order entry-related medication errors: analysis of reported errors and vulnerability testing of current systems
Authors: Schiff G D , Amato M G , Eguale T , Boehne J J , Wright A , Koppel R , Rashidee A H , Elson R B , Whitney D L , Thach T-T , Bates D W , Seger A C
Published: January 2015

Importance

Medication computerised provider order entry (CPOE) has been shown to decrease errors and is being widely adopted. However, CPOE also has potential for introducing or contributing to errors.

Objectives

The objectives of this study are to (a) analyse medication error reports where CPOE was reported as a ‘contributing cause’ and (b) develop ‘use cases’ based on these reports to test vulnerability of current CPOE systems to these errors.

Methods

A review of medication errors reported to United States Pharmacopeia MEDMARX reporting system was made, and a taxonomy was developed for CPOE-related errors. For each error we evaluatedwhatwent wrong andwhyand identified potentialpreventionstrategies and recurring error scenarios. These scenarios were then used to test vulnerability of leading CPOE systems, asking typical users to enter these erroneous orders to assess the degree to which these problematic orders could be entered.

Results

Between 2003 and 2010, 1.04 million medication errors were reported to MEDMARX, of which 63 040 were reported as CPOE related. A review of 10 060 CPOE-related cases was used to derive 101 codes describingwhatwent wrong, 67 codes describing reasonswhyerrors occurred, 73 codes describing potentialpreventionstrategies and 21 codes describing recurring error scenarios. Ability to enter these erroneous order scenarios was tested on 13 CPOE systems at 16 sites. Overall, 298 (79.5%) of the erroneous orders were able to be entered including 100 (28.0%) being ‘easily’ placed, another 101 (28.3%) with only minor workarounds and no warnings.

Conclusions and relevance

Medication error reports provide valuable information for understanding CPOE-related errors. Reports were useful for developing taxonomy and identifying recurring errors to which current CPOE systems are vulnerable. Enhanced monitoring, reporting and testing of CPOE systems are important to improve CPOE safety.
Reducing pre-operative length of stay for enterocutaneous fistula repair with a multi-disciplinary approach
Authors: Chamberlain Mark , Dwyer Rebecca
Published: January 2015

Pre-operative assessment of complex surgical patients can be a lengthy process, albeit essential to minimise complication rates. In a tertiary referral unit specialising in the surgical repair of entercutaneous fistulas, a baseline audit revealed an average in-patient length of stay of 30.1 days, mainly caused by poor co-ordination between specialities. After the introduction of a weekly multi-disciplinary team meeting and the formalisation of a patient pathway, this admission length was reduced to 5.7 days (p<0.01), resulting in significant savings to the department.
Expression of proliferation markers Ki67, cyclin A, geminin and aurora-kinase A in primary breast carcinomas and corresponding distant metastases
Authors: Tökés Anna-Mária , Szász A Marcell , Geszti Franciska , Lukács Lilla V , Kenessey István , Turányi Eszter , Meggyesházi Nóra , Molnár István A , Fillinger János , Soltész Ibolya , Bálint Katalin , Hanzély Zoltán , Arató Gabriella , Szendröi Miklós , Kulka Janina
Published: January 2015

Aims

To assess the expression of the following cell cycle regulatory proteins in primary metastatic breast carcinomas (MBCs) and on availability in matched distant metastases (DMs): Ki67, cyclin A, geminin and aurora-kinase A (aurkA); and to compare the expression of these markers in early MBC (EMBC) and late MBC separated into groups according to median time point on metastatic event occurred (28 months).

Methods

The expression of the above mentioned markers was analysed in a total of 47 primary MBCs and 59 DMs (out of which 37 were pairs) by immunohistochemistry. Fourteen breast carcinomas with no relapse over a 10-year follow-up period were utilised as control cases (CBC).

Results

Among the MBCs, 22 metastasised to the bone, 4 to the lung and 21 to the central nervous system (CNS). Geminin (p<0.001) and Ki67 (p=0.001) were increased in the MBCs while aurkA and cyclin A showed no difference when compared with CBCs. There were no differences between aurkA, cyclin A and geminin expression in MBCs and DMs in general. Expression of Ki67 was, however, elevated (p=0.027) in DMs. In CNS metastases all markers showed elevated expression as compared to MBCs. In bone metastases, geminin was lower (p<0.001) compared with primary MBCs. In the metastases of the lung, the evaluated markers did not show different expression. According to the median follow-up until the metastatic event, Ki67 was found to be significantly elevated in EMBC (p=0.018).

Conclusions

Ki67 index and geminin distinguish a fraction of MBC with worse prognosis, showing increased levels in the latter in comparison to CBC being tumour-free over a 10-year follow-up period. Ki67 could possibly identify a group of MBCs that develop early DMs.
Endometrial stromal tumours revisited: an update based on the 2014 WHO classification
Authors: Ali Rola H , Rouzbahman Marjan
Published: January 2015

Endometrial stromal tumours (EST) are rare tumours of endometrial stromal origin that account for less than 2% of all uterine tumours. Recent cytogenetic and molecular advances in this area have improved our understanding of ESTs and helped refine their classification into more meaningful categories. Accordingly, the newly released 2014 WHO classification system recognises four categories: endometrial stromal nodule (ESN), low-grade endometrial stromal sarcoma (LGESS), high-grade endometrial stromal sarcoma (HGESS) and undifferentiated uterine sarcoma (UUS). At the molecular level, these tumours may demonstrate a relatively simple karyotype with a defining chromosomal rearrangement (as in the majority of ESNs, LGESSs andYWHAE-rearranged HGESS) or demonstrate complex cytogenetic aberrations lacking specific rearrangements (as in UUSs). Herein we provide an update on this topic aimed at the practicing pathologist.
Estimating occupancy and detection probability of juvenile bull trout using backpack electrofishing gear in a west-central Alberta watershed
Authors: Rodtka Mike C. , Judd Chad S. , Aku Peter K.M. , Fitzsimmons Kevin M.
Published: January 2015

Occupancy modeling is well suited to quantitative assessment of bull trout (Salvelinus confluentus) distribution at multiple scales. We used models to estimate occupancy of juvenile bull trout (≤150 mm fork length) in a west-central Alberta watershed. Based on a backpack electrofishing survey of 92 sites, we assessed the relative importance of stream habitat characteristics on detection probability (p) and potential for false absences to bias occupancy estimates. Median distance to first bull trout detection was 16 m (range 0–289 m). Models including ambient water conductivity as a covariate of detection probability were most supported with an 85 μS·cm−1increase resulting in over a tenfold increase in detection. Conditional detection probability using backpack electrofishing gear approached 95% in the first 200 m of effort in streams with a conductivity around 200 μS·cm−1. The potential for false absences in our study area was relatively low. Modeled site ([Formula: see text] = 0.53; SE = 0.13) and patch-scale ([Formula: see text] = 0.47; SE = 0.12) occupancy closely corresponded to naive (i.e., assuming p = 1) estimates (0.47 and 0.43, respectively). Our results highlight the potential efficiencies of an occupancy modeling approach when assessing fish distribution, but careful consideration of model assumptions is necessary.
Nonstationary temporal response of mountain hemlock growth to climatic variability in the North Cascade Range, Washington, USA
Authors: Marcinkowski Kailey , Peterson David L. , Ettl Gregory J.
Published: January 2015

A stationary response of tree radial growth to climatic variables is assumed as a basis for climatic reconstructions and future growth projections in response to climate change. Mountain hemlock (Tsuga mertensiana (Bong.) Carrière) trees on the western slopes of the North Cascade Range (Washington, USA) were examined for stability in growth response to climatic influences at a small spatial scale. Moving correlation functions demonstrate that climate–growth interactions are nonstationary over time, alternating between periods of significant and nonsignificant responses. Correlations between growth and winter precipitation have weakened, becoming statistically insignificant in the last decade, but correlations with spring temperature and previous-year summer temperature have strengthened, becoming statistically significant. The Pacific Decadal Oscillation influences patterns in climate–growth correlations but does not seem to account for the most recent changes in correlation strength. At an interannual scale, growth differs between El Niño Southern Oscillation phases, specifically between El Niño and La Niña years and between La Niña and neutral phase years. The variability in growth response to climate at interannual and interdecadal time frames, especially with the climate changes emerging in recent decades, will challenge the reliability and accuracy of reconstruction and predictive models.
Effects of measurement error on Monte Carlo integration estimators of tree volume: sample diameters measured at random upper-stem heights
Authors: Lynch Thomas B.
Published: January 2015

A study of the effects of measurement error was conducted on importance sampling and control variate sampling estimators of tree stem volume in which sample diameters are measured at randomly selected upper-stem heights. It was found that these estimators were unbiased in the presence of additive mean zero and multiplicative mean one measurement error applied to random samples of upper-stem diameter squared. However, biases due to measurement error are present if additive or multiplicative error is applied to upper-stem diameter rather than to upper-stem diameter squared. This is significant, as it appears that most of the previous studies on the magnitude of upper-stem diameter measurement error implicitly assume that the mean error is centered around the diameter rather than about the square of the diameter. Application of typical upper-stem measurement error obtained from previous studies to bias formulae derived here indicates that the bias could be a concern for small trees and with additive measurement error within ranges found in previous studies. Formulae for the variances of importance sampling and control variate sampling are derived, which include the contribution of both measurement error and sampling error. Results from previous studies of Monte Carlo integration estimator sampling error are combined with results from studies of upper-stem measurement error to obtain estimates of the typical magnitude of the contribution of measurement error to total estimator variability. Increases in upper-stem sample size may be warranted due to the impact of measurement error if precise estimates of stem volume at the individual-tree level are desired.
Hyperbolic L-space knots and exceptional Dehn surgeries
Authors: Motegi Kimihiko , Tohki Kazushige
Published: January 2015

A knot in the 3-sphere is called an L-space knot if it admits a nontrivial Dehn surgery yielding an L-space. Like torus knots and Berge knots, many known L-space knots admit a Seifert fibered L-space surgery. We give a concrete example of a hyperbolic L-space knot which has no exceptional surgeries, in particular, no Seifert fibered surgeries.
Developmental Dyslexia
Authors: Peterson Robin L. , Pennington Bruce F.
Published: January 2015

This review uses a levels-of-analysis framework to summarize the current understanding of developmental dyslexia's etiology, brain bases, neuropsychology, and social context. Dyslexia is caused by multiple genetic and environmental risk factors as well as their interplay. Several candidate genes have been identified in the past decade. At the brain level, dyslexia is associated with aberrant structure and function, particularly in left hemisphere reading/language networks. The neurocognitive influences on dyslexia are also multifactorial and involve phonological processing deficits as well as weaknesses in other oral language skills and processing speed. We address contextual issues such as how dyslexia manifests across languages and social classes as well as what treatments are best supported. Throughout the review, we highlight exciting new research that cuts across levels of analysis. Such work promises eventually to provide a comprehensive explanation of the disorder as well as its prevention and remediation.
The Elusiveness of Population-Wide High Blood Pressure Control
Authors: Whelton Paul K.
Published: January 2015

High blood pressure (hypertension) is a leading risk factor for cardiovascular disease. It is highly prevalent in the US general population, especially in those who are old, African American, or socially disadvantaged. Prevalence is also high and increasing worldwide. Awareness, treatment, and control of hypertension have improved over time, but there is still considerable room for improvement. The optimal solution to this health challenge varies by country. Several nonpharmacologic and pharmacologic interventions are well proven as effective means to prevent hypertension and improve control rates in those with established hypertension. Better prevention and control of hypertension will yield substantial general population health benefits and remain high priorities in public health.
Long-term hypoxia increases calcium affinity of BK channels in ovine fetal and adult cerebral artery smooth muscle
Authors: Tao Xiaoxiao , Lin Mike T. , Thorington Glyne U. , Wilson Sean M. , Longo Lawrence D. , Hessinger David A.
Published: January 2015

Acclimatization to high-altitude, long-term hypoxia (LTH) reportedly alters cerebral artery contraction-relaxation responses associated with changes in K+channel activity. We hypothesized that to maintain oxygenation during LTH, basilar arteries (BA) in the ovine adult and near-term fetus would show increased large-conductance Ca2+activated potassium (BK) channel activity. We measured BK channel activity, expression, and cell surface distribution by use of patch-clamp electrophysiology, flow cytometry, and confocal microscopy, respectively, in myocytes from normoxic control and LTH adult and near-term fetus BA. Electrophysiological data showed that BK channels in LTH myocytes exhibited 1) lowered Ca2+set points, 2) left-shifted activation voltages, and 3) longer dwell times. BK channels in LTH myocytes also appeared to be more dephosphorylated. These differences collectively make LTH BK channels more sensitive to activation. Studies using flow cytometry showed that the LTH fetus exhibited increased BK β1subunit surface expression. In addition, in both fetal groups confocal microscopy revealed increased BK channel clustering and colocalization to myocyte lipid rafts. We conclude that increased BK channel activity in LTH BA occurred in association with increased channel affinity for Ca2+and left-shifted voltage activation. Increased cerebrovascular BK channel activity may be a mechanism by which LTH adult and near-term fetal sheep can acclimatize to long-term high altitude hypoxia. Our findings suggest that increasing BK channel activity in cerebral myocytes may be a therapeutic target to ameliorate the adverse effects of high altitude in adults or of intrauterine hypoxia in the fetus.
The impact of vitamin D on fetal and neonatal lung maturation. A systematic review
Authors: Lykkedegn Sine , Sorensen Grith Lykke , Beck-Nielsen Signe Sparre , Christesen Henrik Thybo
Published: January 2015

Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) and bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) are major complications to preterm birth. Hypovitaminosis D is prevalent in pregnancy. We systematically reviewed the evidence of the impact of vitamin D on lung development, surfactant synthesis, RDS, and BPD searching PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane databases with the terms vitamin D AND (surfactant OR lung maturation OR lung development OR respiratory distress syndrome OR fetal lung OR prematurity OR bronchopulmonary dysplasia). Three human studies, ten animal studies, two laboratory studies, and one combined animal and laboratory study were included. Human evidence was sparse, allowing no conclusions. BPD was not associated with vitamin D receptor polymorphism in a fully adjusted analysis. Animal and laboratory studies showed substantial positive effects of vitamin D on the alveolar type II cell, fibroblast proliferation, surfactant synthesis, and alveolarization. These data support the hypothesis of hypovitaminosis D as a frequent, modifiable risk factor of RDS and BPD, which should be tested in randomized controlled trials on pregnant women, those with threatening preterm delivery, or in the preterm neonates. Future experimental and human studies should aim to identify optimal time windows, vitamin D doses, and cut-off levels for 25-hydroxyvitamin D in interventions against RDS, BPD, and later adverse respiratory outcomes.