bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Long‐Term Effects of Atrial Ganglionated Plexi Ablation on Function and Structure of Sinoatrial and Atrioventricular Node in Canine
Authors: ZHANG MING , WANG XIMIN , XIE XINXING , WANG ZHONGSU , LIU XIAOYAN , GUAN JUAN , WANG WEIZONG , LI ZHAN , WANG JIANGRONG , GAO MEI , HOU YINGLONG
Published: July 2015

Background

Long‐term effects of ganglionated plexi (GP) ablation on sinoatrial node (SAN) and atrioventricular node (AVN) remain unclear. This study is to investigate the long‐term effects of ablation of cardiac anterior right GP (ARGP) and inferior right GP (IRGP) on function and structure of SAN and AVN in canine.

Methods

Thirty‐two dogs were randomly divided into an operated group (n = 24) and sham‐operated group (n = 8). ARGP and IRGP were ablated in operated group which was randomly divided into three subgroups according to the period of evaluation after operation (1 month, 6 months, 12 months). The functional and histological characteristics of SAN and AVN, as well as the expression of connexin (Cx) 43 and Cx 45 in SAN and AVN, were evaluated before and after ablation.

Results

Resting heart rate was increased and AVN effective refractory period was prolonged and sinus node recovery time (SNRT) and corrected SNRT were shortened immediately after ablation. These changes were reverted to preablation level after 1 month. At 1 month, ventricular rate during atrial fibrillation was slowed, atria‐His intervals were prolonged, and Cx43 and Cx45 expression in SAN and AVN were downregulated. At 6 months, all changes were reverted to preablation level. The histological characteristics of SAN and AVN did not change.

Conclusion

Ablation of ARGP and IRGP has short‐term effects on function and structure of SAN and AVN rather than long‐term effects, which suggests that ablation of ARGP and IRGP is safe. Atrioventricular conduction dysfunction after ablation may be related to downregulated Cx43 and Cx45 expression in AVN.
Can Pulmonary Vascular Resistance Predict Response to Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy in Patients with Heart Failure?
Authors: XU ZHOUTAO , ZHANG HANG , PAN CHANG , ZHANG JUAN , HU ZUOYING
Published: July 2015

Background

To evaluate if pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) calculated by echocardiography can be a novel criterion to predict the response to cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT).

Methods

Forty‐five patients with heart failure who underwent CRT were retrospectively analyzed. Based on CRT response, which was defined by a decrease of left ventricular end‐systolic volume by at least 15% after 6 months, the patients were assigned to the responder or nonresponder groups. The peak tricuspid regurgitant velocity (TRV) and time velocity integral of the right ventricular outflow tract (TVIRVOT) were obtained. The relation between TRV, PVR, and CRT response were analyzed using univariate and multivariate analyses.

Results

Twenty‐seven patients (60%) were responders and 18 patients (40%) were nonresponders to CRT. At baseline, responders had lower PVR (3.57±1.65 vs 2.32 ± 1.28 wood; P = 0.01), or lower PVR1 (3.26 ± 1.32 vs 1.83 ± 0.79 wood; P = 0.01) compared with nonresponders. Multivariate analysis has shown that PVR and PVR1 were independent factors for CRT response. The optimal cutoff point of PVR to predict nonresponse to CRT was 2.39 wood, with a sensitivity of 0.78 and a specificity of 0.81 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 53.4–88.2). The optimal cutoff point of PVR1 calculated by the other model was 3.55 wood, determined at a sensitivity of 0.72 and a specificity of 0.82 (95%CI: 56.7–90.7). In nonresponders, patients demonstrated higher PVR, TVIA, and TVIRVOT, and decreased TRV.

Conclusions

PVR could be used to predict response to CRT after 6 months as a novel criterion, and higher PVR may indicate nonresponse.
Number of Beats in the Transition Zone With Fixed SA Interval during Right Ventricular Overdrive Pacing Determines Accessory Pathway Location in Orthodromic Reentrant Tachycardia
Authors: AKERSTRÖM FINN , PACHÓN MARTA , GARCÍA‐FERNÁNDEZ FRANCISCO JAVIER , SALVADOR‐MONTAÑÉS ÓSCAR , JENSEN‐URSTAD MATS , PUCHOL ALBERTO , PEINADO RAFAEL , SALGADO RICARDO , INSULANDER PER , RODRÍGUEZ‐PADIAL LUIS , ARIAS MIGUEL A.
Published: July 2015

Background

Ventricular overdrive pacing (VOP) produces reset during the transition zone (TZ) of QRS fusion in orthodromic reentrant tachycardia (ORT) and after the TZ in atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia (AVNRT), and this represents a simple diagnostic maneuver to differentiate the two tachycardia mechanisms.

Objective

The purpose of this study was to determine whether the number of beats with reset in the TZ predicts accessory pathway (AP) location in ORT.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed 57 patients with ORT (21 left‐sided AP, 20 septal AP, and 16 right‐sided AP) and 20 patients with AVNRT (19 typical AVNRT and one atypical AVNRT) who underwent VOP from the right ventricular apex. We analyzed the number of beats with reset during or after the TZ, demonstrated by fixed ventricular stimulus‐atrial (SA) interval during VOP.

Results

The overall mean tachycardia cycle length [CL] minus VOP CL was 22.6 ± 7.5 ms with no statistical difference between the groups (P = 0.480). The mean number of beats in the TZ with fixed SA interval was 2.5 ± 1.4 for the whole ORT group, 1.1 ± 0.4 for left‐sided AP (range 1–2), 2.8  ±  0.9 for septal AP (range 1–5), and 4.0 ± 0.9 for right‐sided AP (range 3–6) (P < 0.001). Using a cutoff >2 beats distinguished right‐ versus left‐sided AP in all cases.

Conclusion

Assessing the number of beats in the TZ with fixed SA interval during VOP helps to determine AP location in ORT and adds valuable information to an established simple diagnostic pacing maneuver, especially when a two‐catheter simplified approach is employed.
PUBLIC SERVICE MOTIVATION AND POLITICS: BEHAVIOURAL CONSEQUENCES AMONG LOCAL COUNCILLORS IN SWITZERLAND
Authors: RITZ ADRIAN
Published: July 2015

This study expands our knowledge about public service motivation in the context of politics as a concept defined by self‐interested and other‐interested motives. Current research shows the importance of other‐interested public interest as a person–environment fit variable. We test the assumption that self‐interested motives differ in regard to behavioural outcomes of local councillors when compared to other‐interested motives. Using a dataset of 8,111 local government councillors in Switzerland, our analysis reveals that self‐ and other‐interested motives have different behavioural outcomes, and that the rational motive of attraction to policy‐making acts solely as a moderator between resistance within council and seeking re‐election. The utility of these findings for the further development of theory on public service motivation and implications for future research are also discussed.
Endoskeletal structure inCheirolepis(Osteichthyes,Actinopterygii), An early ray‐finned fish
Authors: Giles Sam , Coates Michael I. , Garwood Russell J. , Brazeau Martin D. , Atwood Robert , Johanson Zerina , Friedman Matt
Published: July 2015

As the sister lineage of all other actinopterygians, theMiddle toLateDevonian (Eifelian–Frasnian)Cheirolepisoccupies a pivotal position in vertebrate phylogeny. Although the dermal skeleton of this taxon has been exhaustively described, very little of its endoskeleton is known, leaving questions of neurocranial and fin evolution in early ray‐finned fishes unresolved. The model for early actinopterygian anatomy has instead been based largely on theLateDevonian (Frasnian)Mimipiscis, preserved in stunning detail from theGogoFormation ofAustralia. Here, we present re‐examinations of existing museum specimens through the use of high‐resolution laboratory‐ and synchrotron‐based computed tomography scanning, revealing new details of the neuro‐cranium, hyomandibula and pectoral fin endoskeleton for theEifelianCheirolepis trailli. These new data highlight traits considered uncharacteristic of early actinopterygians, including an uninvested dorsal aorta and imperforate propterygium, and corroborate the early divergence ofCheirolepiswithin actinopterygian phylogeny. These traits represent conspicuous differences between the endoskeletal structure ofCheirolepisandMimipiscis. Additionally, we describe new aspects of the parasphenoid, vomer and scales, most notably that the scales display peg‐and‐socket articulation and a distinct neck. Collectively, these new data help clarify primitive conditions within ray‐finned fishes, which in turn have important implications for understanding features likely present in the last common ancestor of living osteichthyans.
Truthmaking and Fundamentality
Authors: Fisher A. R. J.
Published: July 2015

I apply the notion of truthmaking to the topic of fundamentality by articulating a truthmaker theory of fundamentality according to which some truths are truth‐grounded in certain entities while the ones that don't stand in a metaphysical‐semantic relation to the truths that do. I motivate this view by critically discussing two problems with Ross Cameron's truthmaker theory of fundamentality. I then defend this view against Theodore Sider's objection that the truthmaking approach to fundamentality violates thepurity constraint. Truthmaker theorists can have a trouble‐free theory of fundamentality.
Sense of self and anorexia nervosa: A grounded theory
Authors: Williams Karen , King Jane , Fox John R. E.
Published: July 2015

Objectives

The aim of this study was to explore the nature of the relationship between the self and the eating disorder in individuals with a lifetime history of anorexia nervosa (AN).

Design

A qualitative design was used, given the exploratory nature of the study and the need to gain rich and in‐depth data regarding the topic under investigation.

Method

Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with 11 women with a lifetime history ofAN. Interview transcripts were analysed using constructivist grounded theory methodology.

Results

A theoretical framework of the nature of the relationship between the self andANwas developed, which included five related categories:ANtaking over the self,ANprotecting the self, sharing the self withAN, being no one withoutAN, and discovering the real me (accepting the fear).

Conclusion

Participants described a process of the self being taken over byANto the point where it was shared with the eating disorder. This led participants to fear being no one withoutANand to be unable to let go of the disorder, appreciatingAN's ability to protect the self. To recover fromAN, participants had to discover the real self, by accepting the fear of the unknown and separating the self fromAN. The findings have important implications for the target of therapeutic interventions to improve recovery rates.

Practitioner points

The self is shared with the eating disorder inAN, and separating the self fromANis crucial to recover from the disorder.

Therapeutic interventions forANneed to target the enmeshed relationship between the self and the eating disorder, as opposed to focusing exclusively on weight and shape concerns.
Bulk production of the antiviral lectin griffithsin
Authors: Fuqua Joshua L. , Hamorsky Krystal , Khalsa Guruatma , Matoba Nobuyuki , Palmer Kenneth E.
Published: July 2015

Application of plant‐based protein expression systems for bulk production of recombinant protein pharmaceuticals is building momentum. There are considerable regulatory challenges to consider in commercialization of plant‐made pharmaceuticals (PMPs), some of which are inherent to plant‐production systems and others that are common with other production systems, but are new to PMPs because of the youth of the industry. In this review, we discuss our recent and ongoing experience with bulk production of the HIV microbicide candidate, griffithsin (GRFT), utilizing plant‐based transient protein expression, with specific focus on areas relevant to commercial manufacturing of bulk GRFT active pharmaceutical ingredient (API). Analytical programs have been developed for the qualification and monitoring of both the expression vector system and the API detailing our experience and plans for each. Monitoring postpurification protein modifications are discussed in relation to stability and safety programs. Expression, processing and analytics programs are associated with increased manufacturing costs in current good manufacturing practice (cGMP) production because of the required qualification testing. The impact of these costs on the overall cost of goods is particularly relevant to GRFT manufacturing because GRFT, as an HIV microbicide, is most needed in populations at high risk for HIV exposure in resource‐poor countries. Consequently, GRFT for microbicide applications is a very cost‐sensitive recombinant PMP. We have therefore emphasized maintaining a low cost of goods. We provide a review of the literature on the economics of PMPs with various expression systems and how they may impact production costs and complexity.
Diffuse neurofibrillary tangles with calcification (Kosaka–Shibayama disease) in Japan
Authors: Ukai Katsuyuki , Kosaka Kenji
Published: July 2015

Diffuse neurofibrillary tangles with calcification (DNTC) is a rare, pre‐senile type of dementia. The term ‘DNTC’ was initially proposed by Kosaka in 1994. Although 26 autopsies and 21 clinical patients with DNTC have been described in Japan to date, DNTC has rarely been reported in the European and North American published work. We speculate that DNTC has been overlooked in other countries. Herein, we review all known reports of DNTC in Japan and propose clinical diagnostic criteria for DNTC.
Mass–size relationships, starvation and recovery in an engorging feeder
Authors: Trumbo Stephen T. , Xhihani Ervis
Published: July 2015

The relationships of larval nutritional resources with adult body size, starvation resistance and reproductive decisions are not always clear. Burying beetle larvae with inadequate nutrition are hypothesized to develop into relatively large adults that are able to contest for breeding resources. The trade‐off is that the emerging adult has minimal energy reserves and is more susceptible to starvation, and must gain proportionately more weight after emerging. These hypotheses are investigated in Nicrophorus orbicollis Say. In addition, sex differences in size–mass ratios as well as starvation and recovery in reproductively mature females are examined. The larval mass to adult size ratio is similar in male and female N. Orbicollis and, contrary to prediction, small larvae do not result in adults that are relatively large in size for their mass. Emerging adults of lesser mass resist starvation less well, as expected. Emerging adults of smaller pronotal size gain more relative mass but less absolute mass than larger adults. In reproductively mature adult females, recovery from food deprivation is rapid, with most if not all the weight that is lost during a 9–10‐day starvation period being re‐gained within 1 day of engorging. The ability to gain weight rapidly and regulate body mass provides a nutritional framework for understanding the larva to adult transition and the reproductive and parenting decisions of burying beetles that otherwise would appear to be of too high risk.
Nonvisual Opsins and the Regulation of Peripheral Clocks by Light and Hormones
Authors: Poletini Maristela O. , Ramos Bruno C. , Moraes Maria Nathalia , Castrucci Ana Maria L.
Published: July 2015

The molecular clock machinery is conserved throughout evolution. However, how environmental cues are perceived has evolved in such a way that peripheral clocks in mammals require a variety of signals, including hormones. On the other hand, in nonmammalian cells able to directly detect light, light seems to play a major role in the synchronization of the clock. The interaction between perception of circadian light by nonvisual opsins and hormones will be discussed under the perspective of clock synchronization at the molecular level.
Accumulation pattern of endogenous cytokinins and phenolics in different organs of 1‐year‐old cytokinin pre‐incubated plants: implications for conservation
Authors: Aremu A. O. , Plačková L. , Gruz J. , Bíba O. , Šubrtová M. , Novák O. , Doležal K. , Van Staden J.
Published: July 2015

A better understanding of phytohormone physiology can provide an essential basis to coherently achieve a conservation drive/strategy for valuable plant species. We evaluated the distribution pattern of cytokinins (CKs) and phenolic compounds in different organs of 1‐year‐old greenhouse‐grown Tulbaghia simmleri pre‐treated (during micropropagation) with three aromatic CKs (benzyladenine = BA, meta‐topolin = mT, meta‐topolin riboside = mTR). The test species is highly valuable due to its medicinal and ornamental uses. Based on UHPLC‐MS/MS quantification, mT and mTR pre‐treated plants had the highest total CK, mostly resulting from the isoprenoid CK‐type, which occurred at highest concentrations in the roots. Although occurring in much lower concentrations when compared to isoprenoid CKs, aromatic CKs were several‐fold more abundant in the root of mT pre‐treated plants than with other treatments. Possibly related to the enhanced aromatic CKs, free bases and ribonucleotides, plants pre‐treated with mT generally displayed better morphology than the other treatments. A total of 12 bioactive phenolic compounds, including four hydroxybenzoic acids, five hydroxycinnamic acids and three flavonoids at varying concentrations, were quantified in T. simmleri. The occurrence, distribution and levels of these phenolic compounds were strongly influenced by the CK pre‐treatments, thereby confirming the importance of CKs in phenolic biosynthesis pathways.
The role of hand of error and stimulus orientation in the relationship between worry and error‐related brain activity: Implications for theory and practice
Authors: Lin Yanli , Moran Tim P. , Schroder Hans S. , Moser Jason S.
Published: July 2015

Anxious apprehension/worry is associated with exaggerated error monitoring; however, the precise mechanisms underlying this relationship remain unclear. The current study tested the hypothesis that the worry‐error monitoring relationship involves left‐lateralized linguistic brain activity by examining the relationship between worry and error monitoring, indexed by the error‐related negativity (ERN), as a function of hand of error (Experiment 1) and stimulus orientation (Experiment 2). Results revealed that worry was exclusively related to the ERN on right‐handed errors committed by the linguistically dominant left hemisphere. Moreover, the right‐hand ERN‐worry relationship emerged only when stimuli were presented horizontally (known to activate verbal processes) but not vertically. Together, these findings suggest that the worry‐ERN relationship involves left hemisphere verbal processing, elucidating a potential mechanism to explain error monitoring abnormalities in anxiety. Implications for theory and practice are discussed.
Determinants of successful establishment and post‐translocation dispersal of a new population of the critically endangered St. Croix ground lizard (Ameiva polops)
Authors: Fitzgerald Lee A. , Treglia Michael L. , Angeli Nicole , Hibbitts Toby J. , Leavitt Daniel J. , Subalusky Amanda L. , Lundgren Ian , Hillis‐Starr Zandy
Published: July 2015

Translocation to areas free of exotic predators, habitat degradation, or disease may be the most viable restoration option for many endangered species. We report on a successful translocation of the critically endangered St. Croix ground lizard, Ameiva polops, extirpated from St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands, Caribbean, by predation from introduced mongooses (Herpestes auropunctatus). We translocated 57 adult A. polops from Green Cay to Buck Island in May 2008. We placed 4 females and 3 males each in eight, 100 m2, enclosures on Buck Island for 71 days, then the enclosures were opened. During the enclosure period, 20 individuals were identified and 32 others were seen. The average number sighted per survey was only 5.28 (range = 2–10). One hatchling was sighted in an enclosure, indicating a translocated female successfully nested. Body condition of the translocated individuals increased significantly by the end of the enclosure period. Population monitoring surveys at 61 sites across Buck Island showed that 5 years after the initial translocation in June 2013, the new population had grown to an estimated 1,473 individuals and occupied 58.9% of the island. We attribute eradication of mongoose, life history of the species, large propagule size, condition of habitat, soft‐release, use of adults, interagency collaboration, and systematic assessment as primary factors that facilitated this successful translocation. Our findings provide meaningful insights on factors that enhance the potential for successful translocations, and point to new strategies aimed at restoring populations of endangered reptiles in their native ranges.
Biodiesel exhaust: The need for a systematic approach to health effects research
Authors: Larcombe Alexander N. , Kicic Anthony , Mullins Benjamin J. , Knothe Gerhard
Published: July 2015

Biodiesel is a generic term for fuel that can be made from virtually any plant or animal oil via transesterification of triglycerides with an alcohol (and usually a catalyst). Biodiesel has received considerable scientific attention in recent years, as it is a renewable resource that is directly able to replace mineral diesel in many engines. Additionally, some countries have mandated a minimum biodiesel content in all diesel fuel sold on environmental grounds. When combusted, biodiesel produces exhaust emissions containing particulate matter, adsorbed chemicals and a range of gases. In many cases, absolute amounts of these pollutants are lower in biodiesel exhaust compared with mineral diesel exhaust, leading to speculation that biodiesel exhaust may be less harmful to health. Additionally, engine performance studies show that the concentrations of these pollutants vary significantly depending on the renewable oil used to make the biodiesel and the ratio of biodiesel to mineral diesel in the fuel mix. Given the strategic and legislative push towards the use of biodiesel in many countries, a concerning possibility is that certain biodiesels may produce exhaust emissions that are more harmful to health than others. This variation suggests that a comprehensive, systematic and comparative approach to assessing the potential for a range of different biodiesel exhausts to affect health is urgently required. Such an assessment could inform biodiesel production priorities, drive research and development into new exhaust treatment technologies, and ultimately minimize the health impacts of biodiesel exhaust exposure.
Effect of N‐acetylcysteine supplementation on oxidative stress status and alveolar inflammation in people exposed to asbestos: A double‐blind, randomized clinical trial
Authors: Alfonso Helman , Franklin Peter , Ching Simon , Croft Kevin , Burcham Phil , Olsen Nola , Reid Alison , Joyce David , de Klerk Nick , Musk AW (Bill)
Published: July 2015

Background and objective

Many of the pathological consequences in the lung following inhalation of asbestos fibres arise as a consequence of persistent oxidative stress and inflammation. Inflammatory responses can be observed in asymptomatic asbestos‐exposed individuals. There are currently no interventions to reduce inflammatory or oxidative responses to asbestos before disease develops. We investigated the effects of oral N‐acetylcysteine (NAC) on indicators of inflammation or oxidative stress in asymptomatic people previously exposed to asbestos.

Methods

A double‐blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled study was conducted to assess the effectiveness and safety of 1800 mg of NAC given orally over a period of 4 months. This was a proof of principle study. Effectiveness was assessed using indicators of inflammation or oxidation as primary end–points. Serum levels of total combined thiols (cysteine, cysteinylglycine, glutathione and homocysteine) were used to monitor the NAC supplementation.

Results

Thirty‐four subjects were randomly allocated to NAC and 32 to placebo. Serum levels of total combined thiols were similar between the groups after intervention. There were no differences in levels of inflammatory or oxidative stress end–points between the groups. No adverse effects were identified.

Conclusions

No evidence was found that NAC supplementation replenishes total combined thiols in the blood of healthy subjects with a history of asbestos exposure. There was also no evidence of reduced indicators of inflammation or oxidative stress. Further studies should determine the conditions required to increase levels of total anti‐oxidant capacity in the blood and in the lungs of subjects with either asbestos‐related diseases or subclinical lung inflammation.
Modeling Correlated Discrete Uncertainties in Event Trees with Copulas
Authors: Wang Tianyang , Dyer James S. , Butler John C.
Published: July 2015

Modeling the dependence between uncertainties in decision and risk analyses is an important part of the problem structuring process. We focus on situations where correlated uncertainties are discrete, and extend the concept of the copula‐based approach for modeling correlated continuous uncertainties to the representation of correlated discrete uncertainties. This approach reduces the required number of probability assessments significantly compared to approaches requiring direct estimates of conditional probabilities. It also allows the use of multiple dependence measures, including product moment correlation, rank order correlation and tail dependence, and parametric families of copulas such as normal copulas, t‐copulas, and Archimedean copulas. This approach can be extended to model the dependence between discrete and continuous uncertainties in the same event tree.
Application of a QMRA Framework to Inform Selection of Drinking Water Interventions in the Developing Context
Authors: Petterson S. R.
Published: July 2015

The aim of this study was to develop a modified quantitative microbial risk assessment (QMRA) framework that could be applied as a decision support tool to choose between alternative drinking water interventions in the developing context. The impact of different household water treatment (HWT) interventions on the overall incidence of diarrheal disease and disability adjusted life years (DALYs) was estimated, without relying on source water pathogen concentration as the starting point for the analysis. A framework was developed and a software tool constructed and then implemented for an illustrative case study for Nepal based on published scientific data. Coagulation combined with free chlorine disinfection provided the greatest estimated health gains in the short term; however, when long‐term compliance was incorporated into the calculations, the preferred intervention was porous ceramic filtration. The model demonstrates how the QMRA framework can be used to integrate evidence from different studies to inform management decisions, and in particular to prioritize the next best intervention with respect to estimated reduction in diarrheal incidence. This study only considered HWT interventions; it is recognized that a systematic consideration of sanitation, recreation, and drinking water pathways is important for effective management of waterborne transmission of pathogens, and the approach could be expanded to consider the broader water‐related context.
What Matters in Differences Between Life Trajectories: A Comparative Review of Sequence Dissimilarity Measures
Authors: Studer Matthias , Ritschard Gilbert
Published: July 2015

This is a comparative study of the multiple ways of measuring dissimilarities between state sequences. The originality of the study is the focus put on the differences between sequences that are sociologically important when studying life courses such as family life trajectories or professional careers. These differences essentially concern the sequencing (the order in which successive states appear), the timing and the duration of the spells in successive states. The study examines the sensitivity of the measures to these three aspects analytically and empirically by means of simulations. Even if some distance measures underperform, the study shows that there is no universally optimal distance index, and that the choice of a measure depends on which aspect we want to focus on. From the review and simulation results, the paper derives guidelines to help the end user to choose the right dissimilarity measure for her or his research objectives. This study also introduces novel ways of measuring dissimilarities that overcome some flaws in existing measures.
THE DETERMINANTS OF QUALITY OF LIFE IN RURAL AREAS FROM A GEOGRAPHIC PERSPECTIVE: THE CASE OF TUSCANY
Authors: Boncinelli Fabio , Pagnotta Gabriele , Riccioli Francesco , Casini Leonardo
Published: July 2015

The quality of life in rural populations plays a key role in rural development policies. Starting from a capabilities approach, the aim of this work is to evaluate, with a simultaneous quantile regression, the heterogeneity of the determinants of quality of life by analyzing the opportunities addressed to rural populations. These opportunities are quantified as the availability of healthcare, education, economic opportunities, environmental conditions, human pressure, and the accessibility of the areas. The focus on capabilities represents a change from the prevailing setting, which tends to assess levels of well‐being by functioning as a proxy of capabilities. The results show that the availability of basic services, especially those used frequently, are essential elements for maintaining adequate levels of quality of life in rural areas.
Development of tools for the oral health and panoramic radiograph evaluation of head and neck cancer patients: a methodological study
Authors: Jackson Leanne K. , Epstein Joel B. , Migliorati Cesar A. , Rezk Julie , Shintaku Werner H. , Noujeim Marcel E. , Santos‐Silva Alan Roger , Dietrich Mary S. , Murphy Barbara A.
Published: July 2015

Purpose

Describe the methodology used to construct tools for standardized data collection of head and neck cancer patients (HNCP).

Methods

We constructed the Oral Health Evaluation Tool (OHET) and Panoramic Radiograph Evaluation Tool (PRET) for systematic collection of long‐term oral clinical/radiographical complications, prevalence, and severity. Tools were pilot‐tested in 50 chemoradiation‐treated HNCP >6 months post‐therapy.

Results

Tools allowed for collection of extensive clinical and radiographical data. A medium of 1.9 years had elapsed since chemoradiation completion. Patients had a median of 6 missing teeth, 32.7% had no decay and a medium of 30% had filled surfaces; 42.9% had moderate‐to‐severe decay. Reduced/thickened saliva was noted in 85.4% and dry mucosa in 93.9%. Gingival bleeding was present in 75.5% HNCP and attachment loss in 86%. Four patients had trismus.

Conclusions

Tools were user friendly and provided comprehensive, reproducible, and inexpensive means to evaluate post‐therapy oral health of HNCP. Validation testing is ongoing.
Caring touch – patients' experiences in an anthroposophic clinical context
Authors: Ozolins Lise‐Lotte , Hörberg Ulrica , Dahlberg Karin
Published: July 2015

This study describes the phenomenon of caring touch from the patients' perspective in an anthroposophic clinical context where caring touch is often used to promote health and alleviate suffering. The aim of the study was to explore and phenomenologically describe the phenomenon of caring touch from the patients' perspectives. The study has been carried out with a Reflective Lifeworld Research approach in order to understand and describe human existential phenomena. Ten female patients were interviewed in an anthroposophic clinic in Sweden. The findings show how caring touch has multifaceted meanings and makes the patients' feel present and anchored in a meaningful context. The patients' feel that they are seen, accepted and confirmed. Furthermore, touch creates a caring space where the patients become receptive for care and has the power to alleviate the patients' suffering, as well as to frighten and cause or worsen the suffering. In order to take advantage of the caring potential, the patient needs to be invited to a respectful and sensitive form of touch. An interpersonal flexible space is necessary where the touch can be effective, and where a dynamic interplay can develop. In conclusion, caring touch is an opportunity for carers to support well‐being and health. The carers need to approach their patients in both a sensitive and reflective way. A caring science perspective can serve as a help to further understand touch as a unique caring act.
Women's experiences of social support during the first year following primary breast cancer surgery
Authors: Drageset Sigrunn , Lindstrøm Torill Christine , Giske Tove , Underlid Kjell
Published: July 2015

Aim

The aim of this qualitative follow‐up study was to describe women's individual experiences of social support during their first year after primary breast cancer surgery.

Method

Individual semi‐structured interviews with 10 women 1 year after surgery analysed by Kvales' meaning condensation method.

Findings

Sharing experiences, being understood as an individual, continuity, and information and explanations were themes identified. Sharing mutual experiences increased the women's knowledge regarding cancer, increased experience of support and minimised rumination. After 1 year, the women felt that the network around them had ‘normalised’ and was less supportive. Being seen as a person, not as ‘a diagnosis being treated’, and continuity of professional support were important, giving feelings of security and trust. The women felt uncertainty after loss of professional support post‐treatment. Information and explanations regarding treatment and treatment‐related problems were essential.

Conclusions

Mutual sharing of experiences is an important part of social support. Continuity, availability, information and respect were essential aspects of experienced professional support.
Chimeric Epitope Vaccine from Multistage Antigens for Lymphatic Filariasis
Authors: Anugraha G. , Madhumathi J. , Prince P. R. , Jeya Prita P. J. , Khatri V. K. , Amdare N. P. , Reddy M. V. R. , Kaliraj P.
Published: July 2015

Lymphatic filariasis, a mosquito‐borne parasitic disease, affects more than 120 million people worldwide. Vaccination for filariasis by targeting different stages of the parasite will be a boon to the existing MDA efforts of WHO which required repeated administration of the drug to reduce the infection level and sustained transmission. Onset of a filaria‐specific immune response achieved through antigen vaccines can act synergistically with these drugs to enhance the parasite killing. Multi‐epitope vaccine approach has been proved to be successful against several parasitic diseases as it overcomes the limitations associated with the whole antigen vaccines. Earlier results from our group suggested the protective efficacy of multi‐epitope vaccine comprising two immunodominant epitopes from Brugia malayi antioxidant thioredoxin (TRX), several epitopes from transglutaminase (TGA) and abundant larval transcript‐2 (ALT‐2). In this study, the prophylactic efficacy of the filarial epitope protein (FEP), a chimera of selective epitopes identified from our earlier study, was tested in a murine model (jird) of filariasis with L3 larvae. FEP conferred a significantly (P < 0.0001) high protection (69.5%) over the control in jirds. We also observed that the multi‐epitope recombinant construct (FEP) induces multiple types of protective immune responses, thus ensuring the successful elimination of the parasite; this poses FEP as a potential vaccine candidate.
Genomewide Histone H3 Lysine 9 Acetylation Profiling in CD4+ T Cells Revealed Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress Deficiency in Patients with Acute‐on‐chronic Liver Failure
Authors: Jin L. , Wang K. , Liu H. , Chen T. , Yang Y. , Ma X. , Wang J. , Li Y. , Du D. , Zhao Y. , He Y.
Published: July 2015

Acute‐on‐chronic liver failure (ACLF) displayed ‘sepsis‐like’ immune paralysis. Little is known about the role of CD4+ T lymphocytes, the primary regulator of innate and adopted immune system, played in ACLF. Acetylation of histone H3 lysine 9 (H3K9ac), a key epigenetic modification, tightly controls gene transcription. Whether and how does H3K9ac modification regulate CD4+ T cells in ACLF remains unclear. PBMCs were isolated from patients with ACLF, immune tolerance of chronic hepatitis B (CHB‐T) and immune active of chronic hepatitis B (CHB‐A). Then, CD4+ T lymphocytes were purified by magnetic microbeads, and the purity was confirmed by flow cytometry. H3K9ac variations were analysed in CD4+ T cells using chromatin immunoprecipitation microarray and then confirmed by quantitative PCR. Whole‐genome H3K9 acetylation analyses were conducted by bioinformatics. A total of 70 genes were differently modified in H3K9ac between CHB‐A and ACLF groups, while 44 genes were differently modified in H3K9ac between CHB‐T and ACLF groups. Clustering algorithm analysis showed patients with ACLF displayed ‘sepsis‐like’ immune paralysis. Functional analysis showed endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, or downstream pathway‐related genes, such as BIP, ATF4, PER1, CSNK1D, IRF3, BNIP1, AKT1 and UBC, were differentially modified in ACLF. We profiled H3K9 acetyl modification in CD4+ T lymphocytes from HBV‐infected patients with three different immune states, that is ACLF, immune tolerance and immune active phases. ACLF displayed ‘sepsis‐like’ immune paralysis. ER stress in CD4+ T lymphocytes attributed to ACLF. This study provides some useful clues for revealing the mechanisms underlying ACLF.
Diaspora strategies in the sending states of Southeast Asia: Rights, skills and questions of value
Authors: Hickey Maureen
Published: July 2015

Over the past decade there has been a surge of academic and policy interest in the contributions of transnational migrants in furthering national development objectives in their ‘home’ countries. These approaches tend to be bifurcated into two distinct categories: (1) ‘diaspora strategies’ that target the participation in national development objectives of sought‐after elite, high‐skilled migrants and (2) migration‐as‐development strategies, which focus on facilitating and channeling the economic and social remittances of nonelite, low‐skilled migrants. Although these broad categorizations have never been entirely adequate in capturing the complexity of international migration flows, a conceptual division between them persists, with very real consequences for state policies in migrant‐sending countries in Southeast Asia. This paper explores the separation between diaspora strategies and migration‐as‐development frameworks through a focus on rights and skills, and questions of relative labour value. I argue that while diaspora strategies and migration‐as‐development frameworks cannot simply be merged, the academic separation between them should be challenged and more in‐depth theoretical engagement should be encouraged. I further suggest that migration policy makers should strive to evaluate their migration policies to address the increasing complexities of contemporary migration.
Changes in Public and Private Environmentally Responsible Behaviors by Gender: Findings from the 1994 and 2010 General Social Survey
Authors: Yates Adam , Luo Ye , Mobley Catherine , Shealy Erin
Published: July 2015

We examine gender differences in public and private environmentally responsible behaviors (ERBs) and whether and how these differences changed between 1994 and 2010. We consider how political attitudes and environmental concern influence the relationship between gender and ERBs. Ordinary least squares regression models were estimated using the 1994 and 2010 General Social Survey. The study results indicate that women had higher levels of private ERBs than men in 1994 and 2010. Political ideology and environmental concern partially explain gender differences in private ERBs in 1994 and fully explain them in 2010. Men and women have similar levels of public ERBs in 1994; in 2010, men's level of public ERBs is significantly higher than women's, after controlling for political ideology and environmental concern. In addition, there are some gender differences in the effects of political orientation and environmental concern on ERBs. Our study indicates that the relationship between gender and environmentalism is complex and that concern and political orientation should be considered when designing strategies to enhance ERBs.
Raman spectroscopy analysis of the skin of patients with melasma before standard treatment with topical corticosteroids, retinoic acid, and hydroquinone mixture
Authors: Moncada B. , Castillo‐Martínez C. , Arenas E. , León‐Bejarano F. , Ramírez‐Elías M. G. , González F. J.
Published: July 2015

Background

Melasma is an abnormal acquired hyperpigmentation of the face of unknown origin, it is considered a single disease and very little has been found regarding its pathogenesis. It is usually assumed that melasma is due to excessive melanin production, but previous work using Raman spectroscopy showed degraded molecules of melanin in some melasma subjects, which may help to explain the success or failure of the standard therapy.

Methods

We perform Raman spectroscopy measurements on in vivo skin from melasma patients before treatment to identify the molecular structure of melanin within every melasma lesion. The Raman spectra were grouped according to the treatment response from patient, and the Raman spectra were analyzed.

Results

Raman spectroscopy measurements showed a different molecular structure of the patients who did not respond to treatment, those patients shows atypical Raman skin spectrum with peaks associated with melanin not well defined, which is consistent with molecular degradation and protein breakdown.

Conclusion

Our results are consistent with our previous work in the sense that melasma patients who do not respond to treatment have an abnormal melanin. We believe it will eventually help to decide the treatment of melasma in clinical dermatology.
The effect of precipitation and application rate on dicyandiamide persistence and efficiency in two Irish grassland soils
Authors: Cahalan E. , Minet E. , Ernfors M. , Müller C. , Devaney D. , Forrestal P. J. , Richards K. G.
Published: July 2015

The nitrification inhibitor dicyandiamide (DCD) has had variable success in reducing nitrate () leaching and nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions from soils receiving nitrogen (N) fertilizers. Factors such as soil type, temperature and moisture have been linked to the variable efficacy of DCD. As DCD is water soluble, it can be leached from the rooting zone where it is intended to inhibit nitrification. Intact soil columns (15 cm diameter by 35 cm long) were taken from luvic gleysol and haplic cambisol grassland sites and placed in growth chambers. DCD was applied at 15 or 30 kg DCD/ha, with high or low precipitation. Leaching of DCD, mineral N and the residual soil DCD concentrations were determined over 8 weeks high precipitation increased DCD in leachate and decreased recovery in soil. A soil × DCD rate interaction was detected for the DCD unaccounted (proxy for degraded DCD). In the cambisol, degradation of DCD was high (circa 81%) and unaffected by DCD rate. In contrast, DCD degradation in the gleysol was lower and differentially affected by rate, 67 and 46% for the 15 and 30 kg/ha treatments, respectively. Variation in DCD degradation rates between soils may be related to differences in organic matter content and associated microbiological activity. Variable degradation rates of DCD in soil, unrelated to temperature or moisture, may contribute to changing DCD efficacy. Soil properties should be considered when tailoring DCD strategies for improving nitrogen use efficiency and crop yields, through the reduction of reactive nitrogen loss.
Tense in Mandarin Chinese Sentences
Authors: Lin Tzong‐Hong Jonah
Published: July 2015

J. Lin (2010) argues against Sybesma's (2007) proposal that Mandarin Chinese has syntactic tense and contends that it does not need tense for the temporal interpretations of sentences. This paper shows that those arguments cannot be sustained. Specifically, this paper points out the following: (i) Lin's claim that Mandarin Chinese sentences do not show tense‐related syntactic properties is wrong. (ii) The so‐called nonexistent temporal interpretations of Mandarin Chinese sentences are merely a matter of choice of the reference time. (iii) Lin's argument against the existence of past tense in Mandarin Chinese is committed to the error of taking the English past tense as the only model for the tense system of Mandarin Chinese. (iv) The parallelism between Dutch and Mandarin Chinese that Sybesma observes is temporal in nature, despite the objections of Lin. (v) The temporal interpretations of Mandarin Chinese sentences can be accounted for straightforwardly by a pronominal tense system.
‘Whatever you want to believe’: kaleidoscopic individualism and ayahuasca healing in Australia
Authors: Gearin Alex K.
Published: July 2015

Over the last fifteen years the use of the indigenous Amazonian psychoactive beverage ayahuasca has been reimagined in alternative healing circles of Western countries. This paper explores the practice of ayahuasca neoshamanism in Australia and examines ways in which acts of vomiting and ecstatic trance‐visions involve heightened affective states and moral projects of healing. Aspects of everyday life are purged, rearticulated, and reconstituted in rituals where codes of conduct and discursive exchange encourage practices of personal evaluation and reflexivity that appear to index ideologies of individualism. Through exploring social and discursive prohibitions and forms of sensory organisation, the practice of drinking ayahuasca in Australia is shown to be constituted by ritual conventions that define the individual as autonomous and responsible in relation to ecstatic trance and articulations of wellbeing.
Pikisi kwaiyai! (pictures tonight!): The screening and reception of ethnographic film in the Trobriand Islands, Papua New Guinea
Authors: Connelly Andrew J
Published: July 2015

Ethnographic films hold great historical value for the communities in which they were filmed, yet people in source communities often lack access to them. Visitors engaging in ‘visual repatriation’ of ethnographic film can enrich both sides of the ethnographic exchange. I review my experiences screening ethnographic films with Trobriand Islanders, their reactions, and the various ways in which local communities regain ownership of these films, including re‐narration and renaming. My findings reiterate how source communities' reception of, and uses for, ethnographic film can sharply differ from the filmmakers' original agenda.
Rapid detection of HLA‐B*51 by real‐time polymerase chain reaction and high‐resolution melting analysis
Authors: Imperiali C. , Alía‐Ramos P. , Padró‐Miquel A.
Published: July 2015

HLA‐B*51, a class I human leukocyte antigen (HLA) molecule, is the strongest known genetic risk factor for Behçet disease. However, there are only few articles reporting methods to determine the presence or absence of HLA‐B51. For this reason, we designed and developed an easy, fast, and inexpensive real‐time high‐resolution melting (HRM) assay to detect HLA‐B*51. We genotyped 61 samples by our HRM assay and by conventional polymerase chain reaction, and no discrepancies were found between results. Besides, a subgroup of 25 samples was also genotyped in a different laboratory, and another subgroup of 16 samples was obtained from the International Histocompatibility Working Group DNA Bank, and a full concordance of results was observed with those obtained by HRM. Regarding the identifying system evaluated, we obtained 100% of specificity, sensibility, and repeatability, and 0% of false positive and false negative rates. Therefore, this HRM analysis is easily applicable to the rapid detection of HLA‐B*51, exhibits a high speed, and requires a very low budget.