bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Myoelectric manifestations of jaw elevator muscle fatigue and recovery in healthy and TMD subjects
Authors: CASTROFLORIO T. , FALLA D. , TARTAGLIA G. M. , SFORZA C. , DEREGIBUS A.
Published: April 2012

Summary  The effects of muscle pain and fatigue on the control of jaw elevator muscles are not well known. Furthermore, the myoelectric manifestations of fatigue and recovery from fatigue in the masticatory muscles are not reported in literature. The main aims of this study were (i) to evaluate the possible use of surface electromyography (sEMG) as an objective measure of fatigue of the jaw elevator muscles, (ii) to compare the myoelectric manifestations of fatigue in the temporalis anterior and masseter muscles bilaterally, (iii) to assess recovery of the investigated muscles after an endurance test and (iv) to compare fatigue and recovery of the jaw elevator muscles in healthy subjects and patients with muscle‐related temporomandibular disorders (TMD). The study was performed on twenty healthy volunteers and eighteen patients with muscle‐related TMD. An intra‐oral compressive‐force sensor was used to measure the voluntary contraction forces close to the intercuspal position and to provide visual feedback of submaximal forces to the subject. Surface EMG signals were recorded with linear electrode arrays during isometric contractions at 20%, 40%, 60% and 80% of the maximum voluntary contraction force, during an endurance test and during the recovery phase. The results showed that (i) the slope of the mean power spectral frequency (MNF) and the initial average rectified value (ARV) could be used to monitor fatigue of the jaw elevators, (ii) the temporalis anterior and masseter muscle show the same myoelectric manifestations of fatigue and recovery and (iii) the initial values of MNF and ARV were lower in patients with muscle‐related TMD. The assessment of myoelectric manifestations of fatigue in the masticatory muscles may assist in the clinical assessment of TMDs.
Tamoxifen alleviates hepatitis C virus‐induced inhibition of both toll‐like receptor 7 and JAK‐STAT signalling pathways in PBMCs of infected Egyptian females
Authors: Fawzy I. O. , Negm M. , Ahmed R. , Esmat G. , Hamdi N. , Abdelaziz A. I.
Published: April 2012

Summary.  Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a major health concern in Egypt being highly prevalent among Egyptians. The two genders experience different responses to HCV infection and show variations in response to interferon (IFN)‐based therapy that may be attributed to sex hormones. We previously demonstrated the suppressive effect of 17β‐estradiol (E2) on the expression of the IFN‐stimulated gene MxA in HCV‐infected peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). The selective oestrogen receptor (ER) modulator Tamoxifen has been shown to have an antiviral effect against HCV, but its effect on the host immune response is unknown. We investigated the effect of Tamoxifen on the IFN signalling pathways in PBMCs of HCV‐infected Egyptian females. We pooled PBMCs and treated then with exogenous interferon alpha (IFNα) or the TLR7 ligand, Imiquimod, and quantified the relative expressions of MxA using RTqPCR. Studies were performed with and without Tamoxifen pretreatment. Pretreatment with Tamoxifen reversed the suppressive effect of E2 on the JAK‐STAT pathway in IFNα‐treated PBMCs as indicated by a significant increase in MxA expression (P = 0.05*). Tamoxifen pretreatment also significantly upregulated MxA expression in Imiquimod‐treated PBMCs (P = 0.0011**), an effect not ascribed to ER blocking nor to an upregulation in TLR7 expression because Tamoxifen showed no potentiating effect on the expression of the receptor. In conclusion, our findings reveal that Tamoxifen has immunomodulatory effects whereby it enhances the host IFN signalling pathways during HCV infection.
Disentangling the genetic origins of a plant pathogen during disease spread using an original molecular epidemiology approach
Authors: XHAARD CONSTANCE , BARRÈS BENOÎT , ANDRIEUX AXELLE , BOUSSET LYDIA , HALKETT FABIEN , FREY PASCAL
Published: April 2012

The advent of molecular epidemiology has greatly improved our ability to identify the population sources and track the pathogen movement. Yet the wide spatial and temporal scales usually considered are useful only to infer historical migration pathways. In this study, Bayesian genetic assignments and a landscape epidemiology approach were combined to unravel genetic origin and annual spread during a single epidemic of a plant pathogen: the poplar rust fungus Melampsora larici‐populina. The study focused on a particular area—the Durance River valley—which enabled inoculum sources to be identified and channelled spread of the epidemic along a one‐dimensional corridor. Spatio‐temporal monitoring of disease showed that the epidemic began in the upstream part of the valley and spread out downstream. Using genetic assignment tests, individuals collected at the end of the epidemic were sorted into two genetic groups; very few hybrids were detected, although individuals from both groups coexisted locally downstream in the valley. The epidemic originated from two genetically distinct inoculum sources. Individuals of each group then dispersed southwards along the Durance River and became mixed in poplar riparian stands. These two genetic groups were found previously at a wider spatial scale and proved to result from distinct evolutionary histories on either wild or cultivated poplars. This study showed that the two groups can mix during an epidemic but do not hybridize because they then reproduce asexually. In general, the methods employed here could be useful for elucidating the genetic origin and retracing the colonization history and migration pathways of recent epidemics.
Simple models for stomatal conductance derived from a process model: cross‐validation against sap flux data
Authors: BUCKLEY THOMAS N. , TURNBULL TARRYN L. , ADAMS MARK A.
Published: April 2012

Representation of stomatal physiology in models of plant‐atmosphere gas exchange is minimal, and direct application of process‐based models is limited by difficulty of parameter estimation. We derived simple models of stomatal conductance from a recent process‐based model, and cross‐validated them against measurements of sap flux (176–365 d in length) in 36 individual trees of two age classes for two Eucalyptus species across seven sites in the mountains of southeastern Australia. The derived models – which are driven by irradiance and evaporative demand and have two to four parameters that represent sums and products of biophysical parameters in the process model – reproduced a median 83–89% of observed variance in half‐hourly and diurnally averaged sap flux, and performed similarly whether fitted using a random sample of all data or using 1 month of data from spring or autumn. Our simple models are an advance in predicting plant water use because their parameters are transparently related to reduced processes and properties, enabling easy accommodation of improved knowledge about how those parameters respond to environmental change and differ among species.
The use of trauma transfusion pathways for blood component transfusion in the civilian population: a systematic review and meta‐analysis*
Authors: Vogt K. N. , Van Koughnett J. A. , Dubois L. , Gray D. K. , Parry N. G.
Published: April 2012

This study was undertaken to determine if, amongst civilian trauma patients requiring massive transfusion (MT), the use of a formal trauma transfusion pathway (TTP), in comparison with transfusion without a TTP, is associated with a reduction in mortality, or changes in indices of coagulation, blood product utilisation and complications. A systematic review of three bibliographic databases, reference lists and conference proceedings was conducted. Studies were included if comparisons were made between patients receiving transfusion with and without a TTP. Data were extracted by two independent reviewers on population characteristics, transfusion strategies, blood product utilisation, indices of coagulation, clinical outcomes and complications. Data were pooled using a random effects model and heterogeneity explored. Seven observational studies met all eligibility criteria. Amongst 1801 patients requiring MT, TTPs were associated with a significant reduction in mortality (RR 0·69, 95% CI 0·55, 0·87). No significant increase in the mean number of PRBC transfused between TTP and control patients was seen (MD −1·17 95% CI −2·70, 0·36). When studies assessing only trauma patients were considered, TTPs were associated with a reduction in the mean number of units of plasma transfused (MD −2·63, 95% CI −4·24, −1·01). In summary, the use of TTPs appears to be associated with a reduction in mortality amongst trauma patients requiring MT without a clinically significant increase in the number of PRBC transfused and a potential reduction in plasma transfusion. Effects of TTPs on platelet transfusion, indices of coagulation and complications remain unclear. A randomised controlled trial is warranted.
Component‐resolved in vitro diagnosis of carrot allergy in three different regions of Europe
Authors: Ballmer‐Weber B. K. , Skamstrup Hansen K. , Sastre J. , Andersson K. , Bätscher I. , Östling J. , Dahl L. , Hanschmann K.‐M. , Holzhauser T. , Poulsen L. K. , Lidholm J. , Vieths S.
Published: April 2012

Background

Carrot is a frequent cause of food allergy in Europe. The objective of this study was to evaluate a panel of carrot allergens for diagnosis of carrot allergy in Spain, Switzerland and Denmark.

Methods

Forty‐nine carrot allergic patients, 71 pollen allergic but carrot‐tolerant patients and 63 nonatopic controls were included. Serum IgE to carrot extract, recombinant carrot allergens (rDau c 1.0104; rDau c 1.0201; rDau c 4; the isoflavone reductase‐like proteins rDau c IFR 1, rDau c IFR 2; the carrot cyclophilin rDau c Cyc) were analyzed by ImmunoCAP.

Results

The sensitivity of the carrot extract‐based test was 82%. Use of the recombinant allergens increased the sensitivity to 90%. The Dau c 1 isoforms were major allergens for Swiss and Danish carrot allergic patients, the profilin rDau c 4 for the Spanish patients. The rDau c IFR 1 and rDau c IFR 2 were recognized by 6% and 20% of the carrot allergics, but did not contribute to a further increase of sensitivity. Among pollen allergic controls, 34% had IgE to carrot extract, 18% to each of rDau c 1.0104, rDau c 1.0201 and rDau c 4, 8% to rDau c IFR 1 and 7% to rDau c IFR 2. Sensitization to rDau c Cyc occurred in one carrot allergic patient and one nonatopic control.

Conclusion

Component‐resolved in vitro analyses revealed a significant difference in IgE sensitization pattern between geographical regions and in the prevalence of sensitization to carrot components between carrot allergic and carrot‐tolerant but pollen sensitized patients.
Detection of anti‐HLA antibodies by solid‐phase assay in kidney transplantation: friend or foe?
Authors: Ferrari‐Lacraz S. , Tiercy J.‐M. , Villard J.
Published: April 2012

Pre‐formed and de novo anti‐human leukocyte antigen (HLA) antibodies induce antibody‐mediated rejection and are also involved in mechanisms leading to chronic graft nephropathy. The detection of anti‐HLA antibodies by solid‐phase assay (SPA) has revolutionized the management of immunized patients before and after kidney transplantation. Characterized by high sensitivity and specificity, the clinical relevance of anti‐HLA antibodies by SPA has to be clarified. The presence of donor‐specific antibody at the epitope level, their titer, and the use of different crossmatch technologies could help to determine which of the anti‐HLA antibodies are friends and which are foes in kidney transplantation. In this review, we summarize the current state of the art on this debated topic, and give clinical guidelines for the management of antibody detection pre‐ and post‐transplantation, based on these evidences and our own clinical expertise.
Assessment of fidelity and utility of the whole‐genome amplification for the clinical tests offered in a histocompatibility and immunogenetics laboratory
Authors: Khan F. , Liacini A. , Arora E. , Wang S. , Assad M. , Doulla J. , Faridi R. M. , Berka N.
Published: April 2012

Increasing emphasis on the use of molecular tests in a histocompatibility and immunogenetics laboratory (HIL) poses a potential problem of lack of sufficient DNA to perform multiple genetic analyses. In this study, we report the feasibility, fidelity and utility of multiple displacement amplification (MDA) method to perform whole‐genome amplification (WGA) to generate DNA specimens that can be analyzed by multiple molecular techniques and can be used for different clinical tests offered by an HIL. The MDA‐generated DNA when compared with the native DNA showed 100% congruency in genotyping of 37 genes/loci using multiple downstream molecular techniques: sequence‐based typing and sequence‐specific primer‐based typing for 5 human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I and II genes (HLA‐A, B, C, DRB1 and DQB1), luminex‐based sequence‐specific oligonucleotide (SSO) genotyping for a panel of 16 killer immunoglobulin‐like receptor (KIR) genes and automated fragment size analysis for a panel of 15 short tandem repeat (STR) loci and amelogenin gene. For post‐allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) chimerism analysis, MDA‐generated DNA appeared useful for enriching pre‐transplant DNA but not for enriching post‐transplant chimeric DNA. Overall, our results show that MDA‐based WGA could generate DNA of high yield and fidelity that can be used for various clinical tests and research purposes.
Transillumination‐assisted orotracheal intubation: a comparison of the Bonfils fibrescope and the lightwand (Trachlight)
Authors: SUI J.‐H. , MAO P. , LIU J.‐H. , TONG S.‐Y. , WEI L.‐X. , YANG D. , DENG X.‐M.
Published: April 2012

Background

Because the Bonfils fibrescope has a semi‐rigid optical stylet and is similar in shape to a lightwand, we aimed to evaluate and compare the efficacy of transillumination‐assisted orotracheal intubation with the Bonfils fibrescope and the TrachlightTM lightwand in patients with normal airways.

Methods

As a preliminary investigation to form a basis for later studies, therefore, we performed a randomized, single‐blind study of 300 patients with normal airways to compare the efficiency of Trachlight and transillumination‐assisted Bonfils orotracheal intubation in these patients. In both groups, orotracheal intubation was performed using a transillumination technique. The first attempt and overall success rates of tracheal intubation, the times required, and any untoward effects were recorded.

Results

Although the overall success rates were similar for Bonfils and Trachlight intubations (97.3% and 98.7%, respectively), tracheal intubation was successful on the first attempt in 87.3% of patients with the Bonfils fibrescope compared with 95.3% of patients with the Trachlight (P < 0.05). The mean intubation time for the first attempt was 15 ± 5 s with the Bonfils fibrescope and 9 ± 2 s with the Trachlight (P < 0.001). Patients intubated using the Bonfils fibrescope also experienced significantly more sore throat and hoarseness than those intubated using the Trachlight.

Conclusions

For patients with normal airways, the Trachlight is superior for orotracheal intubation with respect to reliability, rapidity, and safety compared with the Bonfils fibrescope used with the transillumination technique.
The use of indicators to improve the quality of intensive care
Authors: VAN DER VOORT P. H. J. , VAN DER VEER S. N. , DE VOS M. L. G.
Published: April 2012

In the concept of total quality management that was originally developed in industry, the use of quality indicators is essential. The implementation of quality indicators in the intensive care unit to improve the quality of care is a complex process. This process can be described in seven subsequent steps of an indicator‐based quality improvement (IBQI) cycle. With this IBQI cycle, a continuous quality improvement can be achieved with the use of indicator data in a benchmark setting. After the development of evidence‐based indicators, a sense of urgency has to be created, registration should start, raw data must be analysed, feedback must be given, and interpretation and conclusions must be made, followed by a quality improvement plan. The last step is the implementation of changes that needs a sense of urgency, and this completes the IBQI cycle. Barriers and facilitators are found in each step. They should be identified and addressed in a multifaceted quality improvement strategy.
Epidemiology ofAspergilluskeratitis at a tertiary care eye hospital in South India and antifungal susceptibilities of the causative agents
Authors: Manikandan Palanisamy , Varga János , Kocsubé Sándor , Anita Raghavan , Revathi Rajaraman , Németh Tibor Mihály , Narendran Venkatapathy , Vágvölgyi Csaba , Panneer Selvam Kanesan , Shobana Coimbatore Subramanian , Babu Singh Yendremban Randhir , Kredics László
Published: April 2012

In recent years,Aspergillusspecies are reported frequently as aetiological agents of fungal keratitis in tropical countries such as India. Our aim was to evaluate the epidemiological features ofAspergilluskeratitis cases over a 3‐year period in a tertiary eye care hospital and to determine the antifungal susceptibilities of the causative agents. This study included culture provenAspergilluskeratitis cases diagnosed between September 2005 and August 2008. Data including prevalence, predisposing factors and demography were recorded, the isolates were identified by morphological and molecular methods and the minimum inhibitory concentration values of antifungal agents towards the isolates were determined by the microdilution method. Two hundredAspergillusisolates were identified among 1737 culture proven cases. Most of the aspergilli (75%) proved to beA. flavus, followed byA. fumigatus(11.5%). Sixteen (8%) isolates belonged to species that are recently identified causative agents of mycotic keratitis. Most of the infected patients (88%) were adults ranging from 21 to 70 years of age. Co‐existing ocular disease was confirmed in 16.5% of the patients. Econazole, clotrimazole and ketoconazole were notably active againstA. flavus.Aspergilluskeratitis is a significant problem in patients with ocular lesions in South‐Indian States, warranting early diagnosis and initiation of specific antifungal therapy to improve outcome.
Detection of the linalool‐producing NES1 variant across diverse strawberry (Fragaria spp.) accessions
Authors: Chambers Alan , Whitaker Vance M. , Gibbs Brian , Plotto Anne , Folta Kevin M.
Published: April 2012

With 4 figures and 3 tables

Many volatile compounds have been shown to influence the flavour of strawberry (Fragaria spp.) fruit. A published study demonstrated that linalool, a critical flavour compound, is produced in cultivated F. × ananassa varieties owing to a truncated form of the NEROLIDOL SYNTHASE (NES) enzyme. The corresponding allele (FaNES1) features a 5′‐deletion that is detectable by PCR. Herein, we tested a broad set of strawberry genotypes to understand the origin of the allele and to identify materials that may be preferred candidates for molecular breeding. The results indicate that the FaNES1 allele (linalool+) is not present in any diploid, tetraploid or hexaploid accession tested. It is present in 112 F. × ananassa cultivars examined. The FaNES1 allele is present in all but three of 46 wild F. virginiana and F. chiloensis genotypes. Two of these three lines continue to produce linalool despite the absence of the allele. This survey suggests that the FaNES1 allele possibly arose following octoploidization and that linalool possibly is an important factor in strawberry biology, aside from its role in anthrocentric fruit quality attributes.
Combining ability, genetic diversity and heterosis in relation to F1 performance of tropically adapted shrunken (sh2) sweet corn lines
Authors: Solomon Kebede F. , Zeppa Aldo , Mulugeta Sendros D.
Published: April 2012

With 6 tables

The objectives of this study were to evaluate the importance of heterosis for agronomic and quality traits in shrunken (sh2) sweet corn, assess the usefulness of combining ability to predict the value of parents and their crosses for further genetic improvement and examine whether genetic divergence can predict heterosis or F1 performance. Ten genetically diverse shrunken (sh2) sweet corn inbred lines were used to generate 45 F1s. F1s and parents were evaluated for agronomic and quality traits across environments. Heterosis was more important for yield‐related traits than it was for ear aspects and eating quality. Heterosis for most traits was mostly dependent on dominance genetic effects of parental lines. Parents and F1per se performance were highly correlated with general combining ability effects and mid‐parent values, respectively, for most traits. Hybrid performance for flavour and plant height was significantly but weakly related to simple sequence repeat (SSR)‐based genetic distance (GD). Phenotypic distance (PD), estimated from phenotypic traits was correlated with heterosis for total soluble solids, ear length and flavour.
Caring for elders: the role of registered nurses in nursing homes
Authors: Bedin Maria Grazia , Droz‐Mendelzweig Marion , Chappuis Marianne
Published: April 2012

Gerontological care in nursing homes receives little interest from students and newly qualified nurses alike. Yet, this population does have ever‐more complex needs that call for a wide array of nursing competencies. This article highlights the essential contributions of registered nurses in the context of nursing homes and is part of a research study aimed at grasping the nature of caring for elders. The researchers used the methodology inspired from activity analysis using focus groups. Situations identified by the respondents as being disruptive have been looked at in cross‐perspective. The results show that the work carried out by the registered nurses constitutes the linchpin of institutional functioning. Their contribution consists of coordinating all the activities that take place, while striving to make them relevant to the caretakers, residents, and their relatives. This key role comprises three fields of activities: organizational and innovative activities; autonomous, person‐centered activities; and ethical tension management activities. By helping to meet the daily challenges pertaining to the care and monitoring of very old people and by dealing with situations that are often tragic, they carry out tasks that are stimulating on human, intellectual, and relational levels.
Is it proper to use non‐magnified narrow‐band imaging for esophageal neoplasia screening? Japanese single‐center, prospective study
Authors: Yokoyama Akira , Ichimasa Katsuro , Ishiguro Tomonari , Mori Yuichi , Ikeda Haruo , Hayashi Takemasa , Minami Hitomi , Hayashi Seiko , Watanabe Gen , Inoue Haruhiro , Kudo Shin‐ei
Published: April 2012

Aim:  Most screening examinations in Japanese general hospitals are carried out by high‐definition television‐incompatible (non‐HD) scopes and non‐magnifying endoscopes. We evaluated the narrow‐band imaging (NBI) real‐time diagnostic yield of esophageal neoplasia in high‐risk patients at a general hospital.

Methods:  In a single‐center, prospective, non‐randomized controlled trial, 117 consecutive screening patients with high risk for esophageal cancer received primary white‐light imaging (WLI) followed by NBI and iodine‐staining endoscopy (59 by HDTV‐compatible [HD] endoscopy and 58 by non‐HD endoscopy). The primary aim was to evaluate the diagnostic yield of non‐magnified images in diagnosing esophageal neoplasia. The secondary aim was to compare HD endoscopy and non‐HD endoscopy in terms of diagnostic performance.

Results:  Overall, the sensitivity of NBI for screening of esophageal neoplasia was superior to WLI, and equivalent to iodine staining (92% vs 42%; P < 0.05, 92% vs 100%; ns). The specificity of NBI was equivalent to WLI (89% vs 94%; ns). In HD, NBI sensitivity was equivalent to both iodine staining and WLI (100% vs 75%; ns). In non‐HD, NBI sensitivity was equivalent to iodine staining, but WLI sensitivity was significantly inferior to NBI (88% vs 100%; ns, 25% vs 88%; P < 0.05). The NBI specificity was equivalent to WLI not only in HD but also in non‐HD (90% vs 96%; ns, 88% vs 93%; ns).

Conclusion:  In both HD and non‐HD endoscopy, NBI is less likely than WLI to miss a lesion. Even with non‐HD endoscopy, NBI is suitable for esophageal standard examinations in general hospitals.
Ductal ligation in the very low‐birth weight infant: simple anesthesia or extreme art?
Authors: Wolf Andrew R.
Published: April 2012

Management of the very low‐birth weight infant in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) is geared to provide optimal outcome not only in term of survival but increasingly with a goal of limitation of long‐term neurological and pulmonary morbidities. Careful follow‐up studies have demonstrated that relatively small variations in oxygenation and gas exchange, ventilator management, and other management modalities can have long‐term consequences. Within this context, there are good data that closure of a clinically significant patent ductus arteriosus has outcome benefit, but little data on the idealized anesthetic to manage such fragile patients. Does the anesthetic management matter? Given the attention to detail within the NICU, it would seem prudent to try to choose techniques that limit changes in hemodynamics, gas exchange, and ventilation within the context of the surgery. Anesthesia for ductal ligation in the very low‐birth weight infant may need to be judged by more than simple survival and brings into question the current techniques and monitoring used.
The Necessities of Perfect Freedom
Authors: Couenhoven Jesse
Published: April 2012

This article is a reflection on Augustine's suggestion that Christians have significant theological reasons to accept that freedom need not be correlated with having choices. Following his lead, I explore questions about freedom and agency raised by the perfect freedom of the saints in heaven, Jesus' sinless earthly life and the freedom with which the triune God is eternally blessed. My thesis is that those who worship the triune God and praise the sinless perfection of Christ and the heavenly saints have reason to accept a ‘normative’ conception of freedom, according to which certain kinds of necessity are not merely compatible with perfect freedom but intrinsic to it.
Developing the pregnancy support pack for people who have a learning disability
Authors: Porter Eleanor , Kidd Gillian , Murray Nicola , Uytman Clare , Spink Allison , Anderson Bethany
Published: April 2012

Accessible summary

 There is little information about pregnancy for people with learning disabilities. This means it is hard to make good choices.

 The pregnancy support pack has easy to read information about pregnancy and birth.

 Women with a learning disability told us the pack helped them to understand information their midwife gave them.

 Midwives told us the pack helped them to work better with women with a learning disability.

The literature agrees that an increasing number of people who have a learning disability have children. This group of parents are expected to fit into existing health services and are disadvantaged when presented with complex information regarding pregnancy and birth. There is a dearth of information in relation to accessible information on antenatal care and consent to medical procedures for parents with learning disabilities, despite this being a recommendation by best practice guidelines on working with parents who have a learning disability (SCLD, 2009; Department of Health and the Department of Education and Skills (DoH DfES) 2007; Department of Health 2009). This project aims to redress this balance by developing accessible resources for a typical pregnancy. Thematic analysis is used to evaluate the accessibility and acceptability of the resources from a professional and service user perspective, and identified themes are discussed. Results suggest that adapted resources are helpful in supporting parents with learning disabilities to access essential information about their pregnancy and to make informed decisions about their care. They support the interaction between parents and maternity services, resulting in a more effective and efficient care process. Implications for further research and developments are discussed.
Positioning Theory and Intellectual Interventions
Authors: BAERT PATRICK
Published: April 2012

This article sets out the basic principles of a new theory of intellectual interventions centred round the notion of positioning. Intellectual interventions are seen as ways in which intellectuals locate themselves in the socio‐political and intellectual field, thereby also positioning others. The existing contributions to the study of intellectuals often take the self‐concepts or dispositions of intellectuals to be fixed, and they tend to focus on the causes and motivations behind intellectual interventions. Challenging this perspective, the theory proposed substitutes a vocabulary of effects for the existing vocabulary of intentions and causes: rather than speculating on the sociological determinants or purposes that underlie an intellectual intervention, this theory explores its effects for the symbolic and institutional recognition of the author(s) and for the diffusion of the ideas propagated.
Where the Sidewalk Ends: The Limits of Social Constructionism
Authors: PETERSON DAVID
Published: April 2012

The sociology of knowledge is a heterogeneous set of theories which generally focuses on the social origins of meaning. Strong arguments, epitomized by Durkheim's late work, have hypothesized that the very concepts our minds use to structure experience are constructed through social processes. This view has come under attack from theorists influenced by recent work in developmental psychology that has demonstrated some awareness of these categories in pre‐socialized infants. However, further studies have shown that the innate abilities infants display differ in systematic and theoretically significant ways from adults' explicit knowledge. This paper moves beyond the constructionist/nativist dichotomy by outlining the complex relationships between innate intelligence and explicit knowledge. I end by suggesting that there are four, distinct ways the social world influences thought‐ facilitation, division, specification, and construction.
Rainfall‐related population growth and adult sex ratio change in theCriticallyEndangeredRaso lark (Alauda razae)
Authors: Brooke M. de L. , Flower T. P. , Campbell E. M. , Mainwaring M. C. , Davies S. , Welbergen J. A.
Published: April 2012

Active conservation has often been successful in reversing or arresting population declines of endangered species. However, examples ofCriticallyEndangered species recovering in the absence of human intervention are extremely rare. We censused theRaso lark, a single‐island endemic of theCapeVerdes archipelago, annually from 2001 to 2010. Between 2004 and 2010, the world population grew from 65 to 470 individuals. This remarkable increase occurred without conservation intervention, but correlated strongly and positively with rainfall. Because of this population increase, the mean age of birds reduced and the population shifted from male skew, a consequence of higher male survival, towards one where the sexes were more equally represented. This study illustrates the dramatic effect that natural changes in climatic conditions may have on the recovery of endangered species. However, the current favourable situation may not persist, and we suggest a translocation to anotherCapeVerdean island be urgently considered. We conclude that temporal trends in the population dynamics of endangered populations need to be considered when planning and implementing species recovery plans.
Universality of categorical perception deficit in developmental dyslexia: an investigation of Mandarin Chinese tones
Authors: Zhang Yajing , Zhang Linjun , Shu Hua , Xi Jie , Wu Han , Zhang Yang , Li Ping
Published: April 2012

Background:  While previous studies have shown that children affected by dyslexia exhibit a deficit in categorical perception of segmental features in alphabetic languages, it remains unclear whether the categorical perception deficit generalizes to nonalphabetic languages at the suprasegmental level. In this study, we investigated the occurrence of categorical perception deficit in Mandarin lexical tones in Chinese children with dyslexia.

Methods:  Both behavioral and electrophysiological measures were taken to compare Chinese dyslexic children with age‐matched controls. Auditory event‐related potentials were collected with a passive listening oddball paradigm.

Results:  Behavioral data showed that dyslexic children perceived lexical tone contrasts less categorically and less precisely than age‐matched controls. Consistent with the behavioral data, the across‐category tone contrast elicited larger mismatch negativity than the within‐category distinction in the left hemisphere for the age‐matched controls but not for the dyslexic children.

Conclusion:  The behavioral and electrophysiological results demonstrate impaired categorical perception of lexical tones in Chinese children with dyslexia. Our findings support the hypothesis that children affected by dyslexia have a general deficit in categorical perception of speech, which generalizes to nonalphabetic languages at the suprasegmental level.
Selection and inertia in the evolution of holocentric chromosomes in sedges (Carex, Cyperaceae)
Authors: Escudero Marcial , Hipp Andrew L. , Hansen Thomas F. , Voje Kjetil L. , Luceño Modesto
Published: April 2012

Changes in chromosome number as a result of fission and fusion in holocentrics have direct and immediate effects on the recombination rate. We investigate the support for the classic hypothesis that environmental stability selects for increased recombination rates.

We employed a phylogenetic and cytogenetic data set from one of the most diverse angiosperm genera in the world, which has the largest nonpolyploid chromosome radiation (Carex, Cyperaceae; 2n = 12–124; 2100 spp.). We evaluated alternative Ornstein–Uhlenbeck models of chromosome number adaptation to the environment in an information‐theoretic framework.

We found moderate support for a positive influence of lateral inflorescence unit size on chromosome number, which may be selected in a stable environment in which resources for reproductive investment are larger. We found weak support for a positive influence on chromosome number of water‐saturated soils and among‐month temperature constancy, which would be expected to be negatively select for pioneering species. Chromosome number showed a strong phylogenetic signal.

We argue that our finding of small but significant effects of life history and ecology is compatible with our original hypothesis regarding selection of optima in recombination rates: low recombination rate is optimal when inmediate fitness is required. By contrast, high recombination rate is optimal when stable environments allow for evolutionary innovation.
Hybridization of Neotyphodium endophytes enhances competitive ability of the host grass
Authors: Saari S. , Faeth S. H.
Published: April 2012

Associations with microbial symbionts may lead to niche differentiation of their host. Vertically transmitted Neotyphodium endophytes of grasses often hybridize in nature. Infection by these hybrid symbionts may result in different host–plant phenotypes from those caused as a result of infection by nonhybrid symbionts. Observations of wild Arizona fescue (Festuca arizonica) populations show that hybrid Neotyphodium‐infected (H+) grasses dominate in resource‐poor environments, whereas nonhybrid endophyte‐infected (NH+) grasses dominate in environments with more resources. We studied the hypothesis that hybridization of endophytes increases stress tolerance of the host.

To test whether hybridization of Neotyphodium affects performance and competitive abilities of the host depending on resources, we conducted a glasshouse experiment where competition, nutrients and watering were manipulated.

H+ plants had greater wet biomass than NH+ and endophyte‐free plants, when grown in competition, but only in low‐water and low‐nutrient treatments. By contrast, NH+ plants did not perform better than H+ or endophyte‐free plants regardless of the treatment combination.

Our results suggest that hybridization of symbiotic Neotyphodium endophytes may increase competitive potential of the host in stressful environments and that this hybridization may be underlying niche expansion of Arizona fescue in the environments with low resources.
The prevalence of maternal near miss: a systematic review
Authors: Tunçalp Ö , Hindin MJ , Souza JP , Chou D , Say L
Published: April 2012

Please cite this paper as: Tunçalp Ö, Hindin MJ, Souza JP, Chou D, Say L. The prevalence of maternal near miss: a systematic review. BJOG 2012;119:653–661.

Background  Severe maternal morbidity or ‘near miss’ is a promising indicator to improve quality of obstetric care.

Objectives  To systematically review all available studies on ‘near miss’.

Search strategy  Following a pre‐defined protocol, our review covered articles between January 2004 and December 2010. We used a combination of the following terms: near miss morbidity, severe maternal morbidity, severe acute maternal morbidity, obstetric near‐miss, maternal near miss, obstetric near miss, emergency hysterectomy, emergency obstetric hysterectomy, maternal complications, pregnancy complications, intensive care unit.

Selection criteria  Nearly 4000 articles were screened by title and abstract, and 153 articles were retrieved for full text evaluation. There were no language restrictions.

Data collection and analysis  Data extraction was performed using an instrument that included sections on study characteristics, quality of reporting, prevalence/incidence and the definition and identification criteria. Univariate analysis and meta‐analysis for sub‐groups were performed.

Main results  A total of 82 studies from 46 countries were included. Criteria for identification of cases varied widely. Prevalence rates varied between 0.6 and 14.98% for disease‐specific criteria, between 0.04 and 4.54% for management‐based criteria and between 0.14 and 0.92% for organ‐based dysfunction based on Mantel criteria. The rates are higher in low‐income and middle‐income countries of Asia and Africa. Based on meta‐analysis, the estimate of near miss was 0.42% (95% CI 0.40–0.44%) for the Mantel (organ dysfunction) criteria and 0.039% (95% CI 0.037–0.042%) for emergency hysterectomy. Our meta‐regression results indicate that emergency hysterectomy rates have been increasing by about 8% per year.

Authors’ conclusions  There is growing interest in the application of the maternal near‐miss concept as an adjunct to maternal mortality. However, in the literature published before 2011 there was still important variation in the criteria used to identify maternal near‐miss cases. The World Health Organization recently published criteria based on markers of management and of clinical and organ dysfunction which would enable systematic data collection on near miss and development of summary estimates. Comparing the rates over time and across regions, it is clear that different approaches are needed to lower the rates of near miss and that interventions must be developed with the local context in mind.
Depot medroxyprogesterone acetate and epithelial ovarian cancer: a multicentre case–control study
Authors: Wilailak S , Vipupinyo C , Suraseranivong V , Chotivanich K , Kietpeerakool C , Tanapat Y , Therasakvichya S , Hamontri S , Linasmita V , Bunyapipat S , Chindavijak S , Ittiwisavakul K , Khemapech N , Suekwattana P , Thanapprapasr D , Lumbiganon P
Published: April 2012

Please cite this paper as: Wilailak S, Vipupinyo C, Suraseranivong V, Chotivanich K, Kietpeerakool C, Tanapat Y, Therasakvichya S, Hamontri S, Linasmita V, Bunyapipat S, Chindavijak S, Ittiwisavakul K, Khemapech N, Suekwattana P, Thanapprapasr D, Lumbiganon P. Depot medroxyprogesterone acetate and epithelial ovarian cancer: a multicentre case–control study. BJOG 2012;119:672–677.

Objective  To evaluate the effect of depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) in protecting against epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) and to evaluate factors associated with the risk of EOC.

Design  A multicentre, case–control study.

Setting  Twelve hospitals located across Thailand.

Population  Three hundred and thirty patients with EOC (‘cases’) and 982 matched controls were recruited from the 12 hospitals. Cases were newly diagnosed patients with EOC, demonstrated pathologically. Controls were age‐matched patients admitted to different wards in the same hospital.

Methods  Cases and controls were interviewed by trained interviewers using a standardised pre‐tested questionnaire. The factors associated with EOC were evaluated using univariate and multivariate analyses.

Main outcome measures  The odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI) were calculated to assess the relationship between DMPA and EOC.

Results  The use of DMPA was found to be associated with a 39% reduction in the risk of EOC with an OR of 0.61 and a 95% CI of 0.44–0.85 (P = 0.002). A significant risk reduction (83%) was observed when the duration of DMPA use was >3 years (OR 0.17; 95% CI 0.07–0.39; P < 0.001). Other factors associated with a reduced risk of EOC were the use of combined oral contraceptive pills and breastfeeding. A factor associated with an increased risk of EOC was a family history of gynaecological cancer.

Conclusions  The results suggest that DMPA may have a protective effect against EOC. If this effect is real, then it represents an important non‐contraceptive benefit of DMPA.
Homocysteine and folate concentrations in early pregnancy and the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes: the Generation R Study
Authors: Bergen NE , Jaddoe VWV , Timmermans S , Hofman A , Lindemans J , Russcher H , Raat H , Steegers‐Theunissen RPM , Steegers EAP
Published: April 2012

Please cite this paper as: Bergen N, Jaddoe V, Timmermans S, Hofman A, Lindemans J, Russcher H, Raat H, Steegers‐Theunissen R, Steegers E. Homocysteine and folate concentrations in early pregnancy and the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes: the Generation R Study. BJOG 2012;119:739–751.

Objective  To investigate associations between early pregnancy homocysteine, folate and vitamin B12 concentrations and placental weight, birthweight and adverse pregnancy outcomes.

Design  Population‐based birth cohort study.

Setting  Rotterdam, the Netherlands.

Population  Cohort of 5805 pregnant women.

Methods  To analyse homocysteine, folate and vitamin B12 concentrations, blood was drawn in early pregnancy. These concentrations were divided into quintiles. Information on birth outcomes was retrieved from medical records. Multivariate regression analyses were used.

Main outcome measures  Placental weight, birthweight, small for gestational age at birth (SGA) (<5th centile), prematurity and pre‐eclampsia.

Results  High homocysteine concentrations (highest quintile) were associated with lower placental weight (difference 30 g; P < 0.001) and birthweight (difference 110 g; P < 0.001), and increased risk of SGA [odds ratio (OR) 1.7; P = 0.006] compared with lowest quintile (reference). Low folate concentrations (lowest quintile) were associated with lower placental weight (difference 26 g; P = 0.001) and birthweight (difference 125 g; P < 0.001), and increased risks of SGA (OR 1.9; P = 0.002), prematurity (OR 2.2; P = 0.002) and pre‐eclampsia (OR 2.1; P = 0.04) compared with highest quintile (reference). The risk of developing SGA and pre‐eclampsia was substantially higher in women who had higher homocysteine and lower folate concentrations. No associations were found with vitamin B12.

Conclusions  Higher homocysteine and lower folate concentrations in early pregnancy are associated with lower placental weight and birthweight, and higher risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes. These findings suggest that high homocysteine and low folate concentrations in early pregnancy may adversely influence placentation and subsequently affect the success of pregnancy and birth outcomes.
Modelling invasive alien species distributions from digital biodiversity atlases. Model upscaling as a means of reconciling data at different scales
Authors: Marcer Arnald , Pino Joan , Pons Xavier , Brotons Lluís
Published: April 2012

Aim

There is a wealth of information on species occurrences in biodiversity data banks, albeit presence‐only, biased and scarce at fine resolutions. Moreover, fine‐resolution species maps are required in biodiversity conservation. New techniques for dealing with this kind of data have been reported to perform well. These fine‐resolution maps would be more robust if they could explain data at coarser resolutions at which species distributions are well represented. We present a new methodology for testing this hypothesis and apply it to invasive alien species (IAS).

Location

Catalonia, Spain.

Methods

We used species presence records from the Biodiversity data bank of Catalonia to model the distribution of ten IAS which, according to some recent studies, achieve their maximum distribution in the study area. To overcome problems inherent with the data, we prepared different correction treatments: three for dealing with bias and five for autocorrelation. We used the MaxEnt algorithm to generate models at 1‐km resolution for each species and treatment. Acceptable models were upscaled to 10 km and validated against independent 10 km occurrence data.

Results

Of a total of 150 models, 20 gave acceptable results at 1‐km resolution and 12 passed the cross‐scale validation test. No apparent pattern emerged, which could serve as a guide on modelling. Only four species gave models that also explained the distribution at the coarser scale.

Main conclusions

Although some techniques may apparently deliver good distribution maps for species with scarce and biased data, they need to be taken with caution. When good independent data at a coarser scale are available, cross‐scale validation can help to produce more reliable and robust maps. When no independent data are available for validation, however, new data gathering field surveys may be the only option if reliable fine‐scale resolution maps are needed.
Exercise intensity and muscle hypertrophy in blood flow–restricted limbs and non‐restricted muscles: a brief review
Authors: Abe Takashi , Loenneke Jeremy P. , Fahs Christopher A. , Rossow Lindy M. , Thiebaud Robert S. , Bemben Michael G.
Published: April 2012

Although evidence for high‐intensity resistance training–induced muscle hypertrophy has accumulated over the last several decades, the basic concept of the training can be traced back to ancient Greece: Milo of Croton lifted a bull‐calf daily until it was fully grown, which would be known today as progressive overload. Now, in the 21st century, different types of training are being tested and studied, such as low‐intensity exercise combined with arterial as well as venous blood flow restriction (BFR) to/from the working muscles. Because BFR training requires the use of a cuff that is placed at the proximal ends of the arms and/or legs, the BFR is only applicable to limb muscles. Consequently, most previous BFR training studies have focused on the physiological adaptations of BFR limb muscles. Muscle adaptations in non‐BFR muscles of the hip and trunk are lesser known. Recent studies that have reported both limb and trunk muscle adaptations following BFR exercise training suggest that low‐intensity (20–30% of 1RM) resistance training combined with BFR elicits muscle hypertrophy in both BFR limb and non‐BFR muscles. However, the combination of leg muscle BFR with walk training elicits muscle hypertrophy only in the BFR leg muscles. In contrast to resistance exercise with BFR, the exercise intensity may be too low during BFR walk training to cause muscle hypertrophy in the non‐BFR gluteus maximus and other trunk muscles. Other mechanisms including hypoxia, local and systemic growth factors and muscle cell swelling may also potentially affect the hypertrophic response of non‐BFR muscles to BFR resistance exercise.