bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessing climate change impacts for vertebrate fauna across the West African protected area network using regionally appropriate climate projections
Authors: Baker D. J. , Hartley A. J. , Burgess N. D. , Butchart S. H. M. , Carr J. A. , Smith R. J. , Belle E. , Willis S. G.
Published: May 2015

Aim

We conduct the first assessment of likely future climate change impacts for biodiversity across the West African protected area (PA) network using climate projections that capture important climate regimes (e.g. West African Monsoon) and mesoscale processes that are often poorly simulated in general circulation models (GCMs).

Location

West Africa.

Methods

We use correlative species distribution models to relate species (amphibians, birds, mammals) distributions to modelled contemporary climates, and projected future distributions across the PA network. Climate data were simulated using a physically based regional climate model to dynamically downscale GCMs. GCMs were selected because they accurately reproduce important regional climate regimes and generate a range of regional climate change responses. We quantify uncertainty arising from projected climate change, modelling methodology and spatial dependency, and assess the spatial and temporal patterns of climate change impacts for biodiversity across the PA network.

Results

Substantial species turnover across the network is projected for all three taxonomic groups by 2100 (amphibians = 42.5% (median); birds = 35.2%; mammals = 37.9%), although uncertainty is high, particularly for amphibians and mammals, and, importantly, increases across the century. However, consistent patterns of impacts across taxa emerge by early to mid‐century, suggesting high impacts across the Lower Guinea forest.

Main conclusions

Reducing (e.g. using appropriate climate projections) and quantifying uncertainty in climate change impact assessments helps clarify likely impacts. Consistent patterns of high biodiversity impacts emerge in the early and mid‐century projections, while end‐of‐century projections are too uncertain for reliable assessments. We recommend that climate change adaptation should focus on earlier projections, where we have most confidence in species responses, rather than on end‐of‐century projections that are frequently used. In addition, our work suggests climate impact should consider a broad range of species, as we simulate divergent responses across taxonomic groups.
Electrophysiological evidence of alterations to the nucleus accumbens and dorsolateral striatum during chronic cocaine self‐administration
Authors: Coffey Kevin R. , Barker David J. , Gayliard Nick , Kulik Julianna M. , Pawlak Anthony P. , Stamos Joshua P. , West Mark O.
Published: May 2015

As drug use becomes chronic, aberrant striatal processing contributes to the development of perseverative drug‐taking behaviors. Two particular portions of the striatum, the nucleus accumbens (NAc) and the dorsolateral striatum (DLS), are known to undergo neurobiological changes from acute to chronic drug use. However, little is known about the exact progression of changes in functional striatal processing as drug intake persists. We sampled single‐unit activity in the NAc and DLS throughout 24 daily sessions of chronic long‐access cocaine self‐administration, and longitudinally tracked firing rates (FR) specifically during the operant response, an upward vertical head movement. A total of 103 neurons were held longitudinally and immunohistochemically localised to either NAc Medial Shell (n = 29), NAc Core (n = 30), or DLS (n = 54). We modeled changes representative of each category as a whole. Results demonstrated that FRs of DLS Head Movement neurons were significantly increased relative to baseline during all sessions, while FRs of DLS Uncategorised neurons were significantly reduced relative to baseline during all sessions. NAc Shell neurons' FRs were also significantly decreased relative to baseline during all sessions while FRs of NAc Core neurons were reduced relative to baseline only during training days 1–18 but were not significantly reduced on the remaining sessions (19–24). The data suggest that all striatal subregions show changes in FR during the operant response relative to baseline, but longitudinal changes in response firing patterns were observed only in the NAc Core, suggesting that this region is particularly susceptible to plastic changes induced by abused drugs.
Cognitive and affective benefits of combination therapy with galantamine plus cognitive rehabilitation for Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Tokuchi Ryo , Hishikawa Nozomi , Matsuzono Kosuke , Takao Yoshiki , Wakutani Yosuke , Sato Kota , Kono Syoichiro , Ohta Yasuyuki , Deguchi Kentaro , Yamashita Toru , Abe Koji
Published: May 2015

Aim

The aim of the present study was to compare the effects of a galantamine only therapy and a combination therapy with galantamine plus ambulatory cognitive rehabilitation for Alzheimer's disease patients.

Methods

For this retrospective cohort study, we enrolled 86 patients with Alzheimer's disease, dividing them into two groups – a galantamine only group (group G, n = 45) and a combination with galantamine plus ambulatory rehabilitation group (group G + R, n = 41). The present cognitive rehabilitation included a set of physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy for 1–2 h once or twice a week. We compared the Mini‐Mental State Examination and Frontal Assessment Battery for cognitive assessment, and Geriatric Depression Scale, Apathy Scale, and Abe's Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia score for affective assessment in two groups over 6 months.

Results

The baseline Mini‐Mental State Examination score was 20.2 and 18.7 in groups G and G + R, respectively. Other baseline data (Frontal Assessment Battery, Geriatric Depression Scale, Apathy Scale, and Abe's Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia) were not different between the two groups. Although group G kept all the scores stable until 6 months of the treatment, the Apathy Scale score showed a significant improvement in group G + R as early as 3 months, followed by the Mini‐Mental State Examination and Frontal Assessment Battery improvements at 6 months (*P = 0.04 and *P = 0.02, respectively). The Geriatric Depression Scale and Abe's Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia did not show any changes.

Conclusion

The combination therapy of galantamine plus ambulatory cognitive rehabilitation showed a superior benefit both on cognitive and affective functions than galantamine only therapy in Alzheimer's disease patients. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2016; 16: 440‐445.
Periodontal status and oral health‐related quality of life in elderly residents of aged care homes in Delhi
Authors: Rekhi Amit , Marya Charu Mohan , Oberoi Sukhvinder Singh , Nagpal Ruchi , Dhingra Chandan , Kataria Sakshi
Published: May 2015

Aim

The aim of the present study was to explore the associations between clinical periodontal findings and oral health‐related quality of life in elderly people residing in the aged care homes of Delhi, India.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study was carried out among 500 residents of aged care homes across Delhi. Data were collected by carrying out clinical oral examinations and by filling a self‐administered questionnaire. Oral health‐related quality of life was assessed by a pretested Hindi version of the Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI‐Hi). Periodontal status was assessed using the Community Periodontal Index – CPI, and loss of attachment and tooth mobility was assessed using a modified Miller's index.

Results

Of a total of 500 participants, 221 (44.20%) were men and 279 (55.80%) were women The mean additive score GOHAI score was 41.57 ± 6.07 and the mean number of negative impacts or mean simple count GOHAI score was 6.27 ± 1.54. Mean GOHAI scores were significantly higher among men than women, and were found to be decreasing continuously with the increasing age categories. Tooth mobility and loss of attachment scores were found to be significantly associated with oral health‐related quality of life, whereas Community Periodontal Index scores showed a negative correlation with it.

Conclusion

The geriatric population, especially those in aged care homes, is a special need group because of their inability to access dental care rather than some particular feature of their oral or general health The findings of the present study point to a need to improve access to oral healthcare for this elderly population. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2016; 16: 474‐480.
Predictive factors for oral intake after aspiration pneumonia in older adults
Authors: Momosaki Ryo , Yasunaga Hideo , Matsui Hiroki , Horiguchi Hiromasa , Fushimi Kiyohide , Abo Masahiro
Published: May 2015

Aim

The purpose of the present study was to clarify the predictive factors for achieving oral intake after aspiration pneumonia in elderly patients.

Methods

This retrospective observational study used data from the Japanese Diagnosis Procedure Combination inpatient database. We identified patients who were admitted to acute‐care hospitals with aspiration pneumonia. The outcome was time to achieve total oral intake. We carried out Cox regression analysis to identify predictors for the early initiation of total oral intake.

Results

Of 66 611 elderly patients with aspiration pneumonia, 59% achieved total oral intake within 30 days. Cox regression analysis showed that early initiation of total oral intake was associated with female sex and higher Barthel Index. Delayed initiation of total oral intake was associated with underweight, higher scores of pneumonia severity and comorbidities.

Conclusion

We clarified prognostic factors for total oral intake in elderly aspiration pneumonia patients. Our findings will be helpful in nutritional care planning for elderly aspiration pneumonia patients. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2016; 16: 556–560.
Unmeasured costs of haemophilia: the economic burden on families with children with haemophilia
Authors: Price V. E. , Hawes S. A. , Bouchard A. , Vaughan A. , Jarock C. , Kuhle S.
Published: May 2015

Introduction and objectives

Although economic evaluations of haemophilia‐related care have highlighted both the health care payer and societal perspectives, the costs to families with children with haemophilia have not been examined. This study determined the costs incurred by families of children with haemophilia, attending a haemophilia treatment centre (HTC), servicing a large geographical area in Eastern Canada.

Methods

Families recorded all direct and indirect costs associated with haemophilia‐related care for a year. Costs incurred to receive care at the HTC and local health care centres were compared. The relationship between distance to the HTC and costs was modelled using linear regression.

Results

Participants included 31/45 children (68%) from 27 families attending the HTC. Median age was 12 years (range: 0.5–17 years); 24/31 (77%) had severe haemophilia. The median distance to the HTC and local health care facility was 230 km (range: 7–600 km) and 33.5 km (range: 2–400 km) respectively. Due to this difference in distance, 23/31 (74%) children do not attend the HTC for management of acute haemorrhage. The median annual total cost per family to attend the HTC is $775.93 (range: $200.00–$5741.00). The total cost to attend the HTC increases by $2.16 (95% CI 1.24–3.9) per kilometer from the HTC. The median total annual cost of haemophilia‐related care per family is $1222.50 (range: $396.00–$8037.00).

Conclusion

Families incur high costs related to haemophilia care. The distance to the HTC is a barrier to care. Improving access to HTCs is paramount in improving haemophilia‐related outcomes.
Effects of La2O3 on Crystallization, Microstructure, and Properties of MgO‐Al2O3‐SiO2‐TiO2‐La2O3 Glass–ceramics
Authors: Wang Hui‐Juan , Li Bo‐Tao , Lin Hui‐Xing , Chen Wei , Luo Lan
Published: May 2015

A new glass–ceramic material with dielectric constant εr~10–11 and optimum quality factor Q × f~22,900 GHz was fabricated from 1MgO‐1.2Al2O3‐2.8SiO2‐1.2TiO2‐xLa2O3 (x = 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, and 0.4) system, and the effects of La2O3 on crystallization, microstructure, and dielectric properties of the material were investigated. The results show that the main crystalline phases in the glass–ceramics are lanthana‐based perrierite, rutile, and cordierite. As the content of La2O3 increases, the formation of perrierite is promoted, while that for rutile and cordierite is suppressed. Meanwhile, a gradual homogenization in the microstructure has been observed. Specifically, the interconnected network, the formation of which is mainly due to the aggregation of perrierite, disintegrates with the increase of x from 0.1 to 0.3 and is hardly seen when x = 0.4, finally resulting in a homogeneous microstructure with an overall uniform distribution of the phases and crystalline size. With higher content of La2O3, the dielectric constant of the material goes up slightly from 10 to 11, while the quality factor rises significantly from 12,500 GHz to 22,900 GHz. The variations of the dielectric properties are believed to be appreciably associated with the relative content of the phases present and the more homogeneous microstructure.
Childcare use and overweight in Finland: cross‐sectional and retrospective associations among 3‐ and 5‐year‐old children
Authors: Lehto R. , Mäki P. , Ray C. , Laatikainen T. , Roos E.
Published: May 2015

Background

Different types of non‐parental childcare have been found to associate with childhood overweight in several, but not all studies. Studies on the matter are mainly North American.

Objectives

The objective of our study was to examine associations between childcare use and overweight in Finland.

Methods

The cross‐sectional and partly retrospective data consists of 1683 3‐ and 5‐year‐old children participating in the Child Health Monitoring Development project (LATE‐project) conducted in 2007–2009 in Finland. Children were measured at health check‐ups and information on child's age when entering childcare, the number of childcare places the child has had, current type of childcare (parental, informal, [group] family childcare, childcare centre) and the current amount of childcare (hours) were gathered. Parents' body mass indices, family educational level, family structure, maternal smoking during pregnancy and child's birth weight were treated as covariates.

Results

Beginning childcare before age 1 (adjusted model: odds ratio [OR] 2.53, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.41–4.52) and, for girls only, number of childcare places (adjusted model: OR 1.33, 95% CI 1.11–1.60), were associated with an increased risk of overweight. The current type of childcare or the time currently spent in childcare was not associated with overweight.

Conclusion

Beginning childcare before age 1, which is quite rare in Finland, and having attended several childcare places were associated with overweight even when adjusting for family socioeconomic status and other family background variables. The significance of these findings needs to be further studied.
Survey of infection control and antimicrobial stewardship practices in Australian residential aged‐care facilities
Authors: Stuart R. L. , Marshall C. , Orr E. , Bennett N. , Athan E. , Friedman D. , Reilly M. ,   Members of RACRIG (Residential Aged Care Research Interest Group)
Published: May 2015

This study assessed infection prevention and antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) practices in Australian residential aged‐care facilities (RACF). Two hundred and sixty‐five surveys (15.6%) were completed with all states represented and the majority (177 (67.3%)) privately run. Only 30.6% RACF had infection control trained staff on site. Few facilities had AMS policies, only 14% had antimicrobial prescribing restrictions. Most facilities offered vaccination to residents (influenza vaccination rates >75% in 73% of facilities), but pneumococcal vaccination was poor.
Scratch Fracture of Polycrystalline Silicon Wafers
Authors: Borrero‐López Oscar , Vodenitcharova Tania , Quadir Md Zakaria , Hoffman Mark
Published: May 2015

Fracture of silicon wafers is responsible for lower than desirable manufacturing yields in the photovoltaic industry. This study investigates the fracture response of polycrystalline silicon wafers under sliding contacts at different length scales, by means of macro and microscratch tests which simulate cutting processes. The dominant fracture modes were found to be partial cone cracking (macro) and radial cracking (micro). Statistical analysis of the critical loads for crack initiation showed that polycrystalline wafers are weaker than their single‐crystal counterparts, that is, they crack at lower applied loads under comparable conditions. Moreover, the Weibull modulus of polycrystalline silicon was found to be the average of the relevant single‐crystal directions. Subsequent microscopic observations and flexure tests reveal that the lower resistance of polycrystalline silicon to scratch fracture is due mainly to the presence of relatively large polishing defects, and not to the weakness of its grain boundaries. Alternatives are proposed to minimize damage during ingot cutting, with a view to minimizing wafer breakages during wafer handling and machining.
Hot Corrosion of Stabilized Zirconia Thermal Barrier Coatings and the Role of Mg Inhibitor
Authors: Bajpai Preeti , Das Amit , Bhattacharya Prajina , Madayi Shimjith , Kulkarni Kaustubh , Omar Shobit
Published: May 2015

The 3–4 mol% yttria‐stabilized zirconia (YSZ) is widely used as a material for thermal barrier coating; however, the corrosive constituents present in fuel typically result in mechanical disintegration of YSZ coatings. The 3–4 mol% YSZ coatings with respective porosity of ~3% and ~22% have been undertaken with the objective to compare the hot corrosion behavior in air and sulfur‐rich atmospheres. The coatings are kept in contact with V2O5 + MgO powder mixture at 750°C for different dwell times of 24 and 76 h. The samples kept in air have shown intact YSZ layer for both the coatings, whereas a delamination of YSZ layer is observed for high porosity sample kept in sulfur‐rich atmosphere. XRD patterns of all the samples treated in sulfur‐rich atmosphere have indicated a phase transformation in YSZ from tetragonal to monoclinic. However, no such phase transformation has been found for samples treated in air. The V2O5‐induced hot corrosion attack on YSZ coating in air has been successfully inhibited by MgO, which forms a thermally stable Mg3V2O8 compound. However, in sulfur‐rich atmosphere, MgO is partially consumed to form sulfates, which allows certain fraction of V2O5 to react with Y2O3 causing the degradation of top coat.
Assessment based on Serious Gaming Interactive Questions (SGIQ)
Authors: Šimić G. , Jevremović A. , Kostić Z. , Ðorđević D.
Published: May 2015

The case study presented in this paper describes the pedagogical aspects and collected experience in using e‐learning tool named IPA‐PBL. Improving assessments in the preparation for AMET's (Air Medical Evacuation and Transport) complex task of transfer of injured or sick patients from the place of accident to the hospital or between hospitals represents the main motive for developing this tool. In IPA‐PBL, the problem‐based learning is applied as a pedagogical strategy as well as a set of concrete methods implemented in the software. Together with the pedagogical model, specific domain ontology is designed. This way, the learner's knowledge can be analysed in order to collect the data necessary for dynamical adaptation of system behaviour. The results collected during the exploitation of IPA‐PBL are compared without using the system. Statistical analysis as well as considerations and conclusions about them are also presented in the paper. The predominant number of trainees who participated in the survey expressed positive attitudes about the new interactive type of questions. Therefore, it is considered to extend using such questions not only in assessments but in other parts of the training process.
The Political Economy of Borders in a 'Borderless' European Labour Market
Authors: Wagner Ines
Published: May 2015

The reconfiguration of political space lies at the heart of the European project and is the subject of manifold studies on the new shape of the European Union, but relatively little attention has been paid to the ways in which borders are de‐ and reconstructed in a pan‐European labour market. In a pan‐European labour market, state borders shift. Postings made via subcontractors and agencies providing temporary workers also rearrange the borders of the firm. However, we know very little about how these bordering practices interact within the pan‐European labour market. This study argues that while borders have become porous, their porousness is one‐directional, in the sense that it is in favour of capital but impacts negatively on labour rights. In developing a framework for understanding the relationship between changes in sovereign borders and changes in employment relations in the EU, this article integrates insights from international relations, political economy and border research.
Priority setting for resources to improve the understanding of information about claims of treatment effects in the mass media
Authors: Semakula Daniel , Nsangi Allen , Oxman Andrew D. , Sewankambo Nelson K.
Published: May 2015

Objective

Claims about benefits and harms of treatments are common in the media. We engaged health journalists in prioritizing concepts of evidence‐based medicine that we believe the public needs to understand to be able to assess claims about treatment effects; and which could improve how journalists report such information.

Methods

We conducted a three‐day workshop with a group of Ugandan journalists in which we presented and explained the concepts. We asked journalists to prioritize groups of related concepts using four pre‐specified criteria i.e. relevance of the concepts to journalists and their audiences; ease of comprehension; feasibility of developing resources for teaching the concepts and, whether such resources would potentially have an impact. Using a modified Delphi technique, participants ranked each group of concepts using these criteria on a scale of one to six (one = lowest; 6 = highest). We analyzed the rankings in real time using STATA statistical software.

Results

All six groups of concepts were considered relevant and comprehensible with scores of five and six on a scale of one to six. Twenty two out of 25 participants reported having understood the concepts well, with subjective scores of above 75 on a scale of one to 100.

Conclusion

Journalists in Uganda recognize the importance of evidence‐based medicine concepts in assessing claims about benefits and harms of treatments to them and their audiences. They should be empowered to use these and similar concepts in order to improve how information about effects of treatments is relayed in the media.
Virulence assay of rhizoid and non‐rhizoid morphotypes of Flavobacterium columnare in red tilapia, Oreochromis sp., fry
Authors: Dong H T , Senapin S , LaFrentz B , Rodkhum C
Published: May 2015

Numerous isolates of Flavobacterium columnare were previously recovered from red tilapia, Oreochromis sp., exhibiting columnaris‐like disease in Thai farms, and the phenotypic and genetic characteristics were described. The objective of this study was to determine the virulence of two morphotypes (rhizoid and non‐rhizoid colonies) of F. columnare and to determine their ability to adhere to and persist in red tilapia fry. The results showed that the typical rhizoid isolate (CUVET1214) was a highly virulent isolate and caused 100% mortality within 24 h following bath challenge of red tilapia with three different doses. The non‐rhizoid isolate (CUVET1201) was avirulent to red tilapia fry. Both morphotypes adhered to and persisted in tilapia similarly at 0.5 and 6 h post‐challenge as determined by whole fish bacterial loads. At 24 and 48 h post‐challenge, fry challenged with the rhizoid morphotype exhibited significantly higher bacterial loads than the non‐rhizoid morphotype. The results suggested that an inability of the non‐rhizoid morphotype to persist in tilapia fry may explain lack of virulence.
A Real‐World Study of the Effect of Timing of Insulin Initiation on Outcomes in Older Medicare Beneficiaries with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Bhattacharya Rituparna , Zhou Steve , Wei Wenhui , Ajmera Mayank , Sambamoorthi Usha
Published: May 2015

Objectives

To compare clinical and economic outcomes of early insulin initiation with those of delayed initiation in older adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting

Humana Medicare Advantage health insurance plan.

Participants

Older (≥65) Medicare beneficiaries with T2DM.

Measurements

Subjects were grouped according to number of classes of oral antidiabetes drugs (OADs) they had taken before initiation of insulin: one (early insulin initiators), two, or three or more (delayed insulin initiators). One‐year follow‐up outcomes included change in glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), percentage of older adults with HbA1c less than 8.0%, hypoglycemic events, and total healthcare costs.

Results

Overall, 14,669 individuals were included in the analysis. Baseline and 1‐year follow‐up HbA1c levels were available for 4,028 (27.5%) individuals. Insulin was initiated early in 32% and delayed in 20%. At follow‐up, unadjusted reduction in HbA1c was 0.9 ± 3.7% for the group with one OAD, 0.7 ± 2.4% for those with two, and 0.5 ± 3.6% for those with three or more. Early insulin initiation was associated with significantly greater reduction in HbA1c (0.4%; adjusted P <.001), 30% greater likelihood of achieving HbA1c less than 8.0% (adjusted odds ratio = 1.30, 95% confidence interval = 1.18–1.43), and no significant differences in total costs or hypoglycemia events (11.5% of early initiators vs 10.2% of delayed initiators; P = .32).

Conclusion

This study suggests beneficial effects of early insulin initiation in older adults with T2DM who do not have adequate glycemic control, without increasing the risk of hypoglycemia or greater total direct healthcare costs.
Workshop for New Leaders: Innovative Midwifery Teaching for Obstetrics and Gynecology Residents
Authors: Steinhardt Linda
Published: May 2015

The Workshop for New Leaders represents an innovative project undertaken by the midwifery faculty at a teaching hospital in New England. The midwifery faculty sought to expand their educational offerings to the obstetrics and gynecology residents. Utilizing creative thinking strategies, the idea for a leadership workshop was originated in an effort to augment the professionalism curriculum mandated by the Accreditation Council of Graduate Medical Education for residents. Over time, this workshop has become a highlight for each class. Not only has this workshop facilitated transition from learner to leader as the residents approach their final year of training, it has also helped to enhance interprofessional relationships. This article is part of a special series of articles that address midwifery innovations in clinical practice, education, interprofessional collaboration, health policy, and global health.
Configurations of Adolescents' Peer Experiences: Associations With Parent–Child Relationship Quality and Parental Problem Behavior
Authors: Kretschmer Tina , Sentse Miranda , Meeus Wim , Verhulst Frank C. , Veenstra René , Oldehinkel Albertine J.
Published: May 2015

Adolescents' peer experiences embrace behavior, relationship quality, status, and victimization, but studies that account for multiple dimensions are rare. Using latent profile modeling and measures of peer behavior, relationship quality, peer status, and victimization assessed from 1,677 adolescents, four profiles were identified: High Quality, Low Quality, Low Quality Victimized, and Deviant Peers. Multinomial logistic regressions showed that negative parent–child relationships in preadolescence reduced the likelihood of High Quality peer relations in mid‐adolescence but only partly differentiated between the other three profiles. Moderation by gender was partly found with girls showing greater sensitivity to parent–child relationship quality with respect to peer experiences. Results underline the multifaceted nature of peer experiences, and practical and theoretical implications are discussed.
Outer membrane vesicles of Tannerella forsythia: biogenesis, composition, and virulence
Authors: Friedrich V. , Gruber C. , Nimeth I. , Pabinger S. , Sekot G. , Posch G. , Altmann F. , Messner P. , Andrukhov O. , Schäffer C.
Published: May 2015

Tannerella forsythia is the only ‘red‐complex’ bacterium covered by an S‐layer, which has been shown to affect virulence. Here, outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) enriched with putative glycoproteins are described as a new addition to the virulence repertoire of T. forsythia. Investigations of this bacterium are hampered by its fastidious growth requirements and the recently discovered mismatch of the available genome sequence (92A2 = ATCC BAA‐2717) and the widely used T. forsythia strain (ATCC 43037). T. forsythia was grown anaerobically in serum‐free medium and biogenesis of OMVs was analyzed by electron and atomic force microscopy. This revealed OMVs with a mean diameter of ~100 nm budding off from the outer membrane while retaining the S‐layer. An LC‐ESI‐TOF/TOF proteomic analysis of OMVs from three independent biological replicates identified 175 proteins. Of these, 14 exhibited a C‐terminal outer membrane translocation signal that directs them to the cell/vesicle surface, 61 and 53 were localized to the outer membrane and periplasm, respectively, 22 were predicted to be extracellular, and 39 to originate from the cytoplasm. Eighty proteins contained the Bacteroidales O‐glycosylation motif, 18 of which were confirmed as glycoproteins. Release of pro‐inflammatory mediators from the human monocytic cell line U937 and periodontal ligament fibroblasts upon stimulation with OMVs followed a concentration‐dependent increase that was more pronounced in the presence of soluble CD14 in conditioned media. The inflammatory response was significantly higher than that caused by whole T. forsythia cells. Our study represents the first characterization of T. forsythia OMVs, their proteomic composition and immunogenic potential.
Transglutaminase 2 expressed in mast cells recruited into skin or bone marrow induces the development of pediatric mastocytosis
Authors: Ahn Young Min , Hong Gwan Ui , Kim Sang Hoon , Lee Ho Jung , Baek Hey Sung , Kim Myung Nam , Park Kui Young , Ro Jai Youl
Published: May 2015

Background

Mastocytosis is characterized by a pathological increase in mast cells in organs such as skin and bone marrow. Transglutaminase 2 (TG2) expressed in mast cells contributes to allergic diseases, but its role in mastocytosis has not been investigated. This study aimed to investigate whether TG2 contributes to pediatric mastocytosis.

Methods

Serum, various skin tissues or bone marrow (BM) biopsy and aspirates were obtained from pediatric normal control or patients with indolent systemic mastocytosis (SM), mastocytoma, and urticaria pigmentosa (UP). Tryptase, individual cytokines, leukotriene C4 (LTC4), and TG2 activity in the serum were determined by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, mast cell population by May–Grünwald–Giemsa, CD 117 by immunofluorescence, cell surface molecules by Western blot, and colocalization of c‐kit and TG2 or IL‐10‐expressing cells, CD25, and FOXP3 by immunohistochemistry.

Results

Infiltration of CD25+CD117+CD2‐ mast cells into BM and scalp/trunk/ear dermis; expression of FcεRI, tryptase, c‐kit, FOXP3, CCL2/CCR2, and vascular cell adhesion molecule‐1; and colocalization of c‐kit and TG2 were enhanced in patient′s skin tissues or BM, particularly SM, but colocalization of c‐kit and IL‐10‐expressing cells was decreased vs. normal tissues. Amounts of LTC4 and inflammatory cytokines, expression of tryptase or TG2 activity were increased in patient's serum, BM aspirates, or ear/scalp skin tissues, respectively, vs. normal persons, but IL‐10 level was decreased.

Conclusion

The data suggest that mast cells, recruited in the skin and BM by CCL2/CCR, may induce the development of pediatric mastocytosis through reducing IL‐10 due to upregulating TG2 activity via transcription factor nuclear factor‐κB. Thus, TG2 may be used in diagnosis of pediatric mastocytosis, particularly SM.
Critical Illness Insurances: Challenges and Opportunities for Insurers
Authors: Gatzert Nadine , Maegebier Alexander
Published: May 2015

Since the first introduction of critical illness insurance in 1983 in South Africa, the product has successfully spread to some insurance markets, especially in Asian and Anglophone countries, but market penetration remains low in other countries. For this reason and because of the increasing relevance of dread diseases, the aim of this article is to provide a first comprehensive overview of challenges and opportunities associated with critical illness products for insurers. Toward this end, we first present the various product designs, as well as the developments that have taken place within the market before comparing this form of coverage to alternative insurance products in order to better assess the market potential. Based on these assessments, we thoroughly discuss the major challenges and opportunities within the market from the insurer's perspective.
Generalized Linear Mixed Models Based on Latent Markov Heterogeneity Structures
Authors: Farcomeni Alessio
Published: May 2015

We describe a generalized linear mixed model in which all random effects may evolve over time. Random effects have a discrete support and follow a first‐order Markov chain. Constraints control the size of the parameter space and possibly yield blocks of time‐constant random effects. We illustrate with an application to the relationship between health education and depression in a panel of adolescents, where the random effects are highly dimensional and separately evolve over time.
Not Separate and Not Equal? Achievement and Attainment Equity in College Towns*
Authors: Maranto Robert , Dean Jeffery
Published: May 2015

Objectives

A vast literature documents unequal outcomes in American public education (e.g., Duncan and Murname, 2011), but no prior research explores whether inequities are moderated in progressive communities such as college towns. We test whether college towns have more equal educational outcomes than similar communities that lack higher education institutions.

Methods

We conduct two tests. First, we employ cross‐sectional ordinary least squares (OLS) regression predicting high school graduation (attainment) rates in 8,841 school districts, including 184 college town districts, with data taken from the U.S. Department of Education's Common Core of Data. Since attainment is a blunt measure, we also use OLS regression to predict test score (achievement) results in Pennsylvania, a state with a large number of college town school districts.

Results

Nationally, controlling for a range of characteristics, college towns have slightly but significantly lower attainment rates. Regarding achievement, low‐income students in Pennsylvania college towns are at a slight disadvantage in math achievement compared to low‐income students elsewhere.

Conclusions

We find some evidence that college towns have less equal educational outcomes and speculate as to causes, with the caveat that given the modest statistical impacts found, more research is needed.
Comparing sugarcane fields and forest fragments: the effect of disturbance on soil physical properties and nematode assemblages
Authors: Cardoso M. de O. , Pedrosa E. M. R. , Ferris H. , Rolim M. M. , Vicente T. F. da S. , David M. F. de L.
Published: May 2015

Comparisons of agricultural and natural ecosystems reveal the magnitude of the effects of agricultural practices on the diversity and abundance of soil nematodes. Consequently, there is the need for testing ecological hypotheses, specifically with regard to nematode ecology, in natural and agricultural soils to seek strategies for biological control and environmental monitoring. We studied soil nematode assemblages and soil physical attributes of five soil layers (0–10, 10–20, 20–30, 30–40 and 40–50 cm) from sugarcane plantations and forest remnants in the sugarcane zone of Pernambuco State, Brazil. Structure and composition of the nematode assemblage and soil properties differed between forest and sugarcane soils, even in the same locality. The soil bulk density and the abundance of all nematodes and the diversity of plant‐parasitic nematodes were greater whereas soil porosity, soil respiration and abundance of predator nematodes were smaller in sugarcane than in forest areas. We suggest that sugarcane management practices result in changes in the soil properties and concomitantly alter the composition and structure of the nematode assemblages. Co‐inertia analysis indicated that others environmental factors also might be affecting the nematofauna.
Dopamine receptor blockade improves pulmonary gas exchange but decreases exercise performance in healthy humans
Authors: Tedjasaputra Vincent , Bryan Tracey L. , van Diepen Sean , Moore Linn E. , Bouwsema Melissa M. , Welsh Robert C. , Petersen Stewart R. , Stickland Michael K.
Published: May 2015

Key points

At rest, dopamine induces recruitment of intrapulmonary arteriovenous anastomoses (IPAVA) and increases venous admixture (i.e. ).

Dopamine increases during exercise, and may be partly responsible for exercise‐induced IPAVA recruitment.

In this study, we antagonized dopamine receptors with metoclopramide, and observed improved pulmonary gas exchange but no difference in IPAVA recruitment during exercise.

Dopamine blockade decreased cardiac output at peak exercise, resulting in decreased exercise performance.

Increasing endogenous dopamine is important for the normal healthy response to exercise.

Pulmonary gas exchange, as evaluated by the alveolar–arterial oxygen difference (A‐a), is impaired during intense exercise, and has been correlated with recruitment of intrapulmonary arteriovenous anastomoses (IPAVA) as measured by agitated saline contrast echocardiography. Previous work has shown that dopamine (DA) recruits IPAVA and increases venous admixture () at rest. As circulating DA increases during exercise, we hypothesized that A‐a and IPAVA recruitment would be decreased with DA receptor blockade. Twelve healthy males (age: 25 ± 6 years, : 58.6 ± 6.5 ml kg−1 min−1) performed two incremental staged cycling exercise sessions after ingestion of either placebo or a DA receptor blocker (metoclopramide 20 mg). Arterial blood gas, cardiorespiratory and IPAVA recruitment (evaluated by agitated saline contrast echocardiography) data were obtained at rest and during exercise up to 85% of . On different days, participants also completed incremental exercise tests and exercise tolerance (time‐to‐exhaustion (TTE) at 85% of ) with or without dopamine blockade. Compared to placebo, DA blockade did not change O2 consumption, CO2 production, or respiratory exchange ratio at any intensity. At 85% , DA blockade decreased A‐a, increased arterial O2 saturation and minute ventilation, but did not reduce IPAVA recruitment, suggesting that positive saline contrast is unrelated to A‐a. Compared to placebo, DA blockade decreased maximal cardiac output, and TTE. Despite improving pulmonary gas exchange, blocking dopamine receptors appears to be detrimental to exercise performance. These findings suggest that endogenous dopamine is important to the normal cardiopulmonary response to exercise and is necessary for optimal high‐intensity exercise performance.
Inorganic nitrite improves components of the metabolic syndrome independent of weight change in a murine model of obesity and insulin resistance
Authors: Singamsetty Srikanth , Watanabe Yoshio , Guo Lanping , Corey Catherine , Wang Yinna , Tejero Jesus , McVerry Bryan J. , Gladwin Mark T. , Shiva Sruti , O'Donnell Christopher P.
Published: May 2015

Key points

Nitrite acts as an endocrine source of bioavailable nitric oxide that can improve metabolic function.

Exogenous administration of nitrite to genetically obese mice enhanced glucose tolerance and increased insulin sensitivity independent of weight change.

Exogenous nitrite uncoupled mitochondrial respiration, decreased the generation of ATP, and increased phosphorylation of AMP‐activated protein kinase in skeletal muscle.

The weight‐independent improvements in metabolic function from exogenous nitrite were comparable to rosiglitazone, suggesting the potential for therapeutic efficacy of nitrite in obese, insulin‐resistant, or diabetic patients.

Nitrite acts as an endocrine source of bioactive nitric oxide, impacting vascular reactivity, angiogenesis and cytoprotection. Nitrite has recently been shown to have a metabolic role although its effects and mechanisms of action in the obese insulin‐resistant state are unknown. We examined glucose tolerance and insulin secretion using the frequently sampled intravenous glucose tolerance test and insulin sensitivity using the hyperinsulinaemic euglycaemic clamp in obese male oblep mice administered nitrite (100 mg kg−1 day−1) or saline (control) for 7 days and compared responses to the known insulin‐sensitizing effects of rosiglitazone (6 mg kg−1 day−1). Under weight‐matched conditions, nitrite lowered blood pressure relative to saline and rosiglitazone, whereas only rosiglitazone was effective at reducing hepatic glucose output and basal blood glucose. Both nitrite and rosiglitazone produced improvements, relative to saline, in glucose tolerance (12,524 ± 602, 12,811 ± 692 vs.14,428 ± 335 mg (dl min)−1, respectively; P < 0.05) and insulin sensitivity (8.6 ± 0.7, 7.9 ± 0.3 vs. 6.6 ± 0.5 mg kg−1 min−1, respectively; P < 0.001), but there was no effect on insulin secretion. Nitrite exhibited an uncoupling of mitochondrial respiration and a decrease in ATP generation in muscle that was independent of mitochondrial biogenesis or activation of uncoupling proteins. There was no insulin‐stimulated phosphorylation of Akt, but nitrite increased the phosphorylation of AMP‐activated protein kinase. We conclude that nitrite improves two key components of the metabolic syndrome, blood pressure and insulin sensitivity, independent of weight and with effectiveness comparable to rosiglitazone.
Analytical Solution of Fractional Order Diffusivity Equation With Wellbore Storage and Skin Effects
Authors: Razminia Kambiz , Razminia Abolhassan , Tenreiro Machado J. A.
Published: May 2015

This paper addresses the model, solution, and analysis of fluid flow behavior in fractal reservoirs considering wellbore storage and skin effects (WS–SE). In the light of the fractional calculus (FC), the general form of fluid flow model considering the history of flow in all stages of production is presented. On the basis of Bessel functions theory, analytical solutions in the Laplace transform domain under three outer-boundary conditions, assuming the well is producing at a constant rate, are obtained. Based on the analytical solutions, various examples, discussing the pressure-transient behavior of a well in a fractal reservoir, are presented.
Mortality, admission rates and outpatient use among frequent users of emergency departments: a systematic review
Authors: Moe Jessica , Kirkland Scott , Ospina Maria B , Campbell Sandy , Long Rebecca , Davidson Alan , Duke Patrick , Tamura Tomo , Trahan Lisa , Rowe Brian H
Published: May 2015

Objective

This systematic review examines whether frequent emergency department (ED) users experience higher mortality, hospital admissions and outpatient visits than non-frequent ED users.

Design

We published an a priori study protocol in PROSPERO. Our search strategy combined terms for ‘frequent users’ and ‘emergency department’. At least two independent reviewers screened, selected, assessed quality and extracted data. Third-party adjudication resolved conflicts. Results were synthesised based on median effect sizes.

Data sources

We searched seven electronic databases with no limits and performed an extensive grey literature search.

Eligibility criteria for selecting studies

We included observational analytical studies that focused on adult patients, had a comparison group of non-frequent ED users and reported deaths, admissions and/or outpatient outcomes.

Results

The search strategy identified 4004 citations; 374 were screened by full text and 31 cohort and cross-sectional studies were included. Authors used many different definitions to describe frequent users; the overall quality of the included studies was moderate. Across seven studies examining mortality, frequent users had a median 2.2-fold increased odds of mortality compared with non-frequent users. Twenty-eight studies assessing hospital admissions found a median increased odds of admissions per visit at 1.16 and of admissions per patient at 2.58. Ten studies reported outpatient visits with a median 2.65-fold increased risk of having at least one outpatient encounter post-ED visit.

Conclusions

Frequent ED users appear to experience higher mortality, hospital admissions and outpatient visits compared with non-frequent users, and may benefit from targeted interventions. Standardised definitions to facilitate comparable research are urgently needed.

Review registration number:

PROSPERO (CRD42013005855).
The potential anti-proliferative effect of β-sitosterol on human mast cell line-1 cells
Authors: Han Na-Ra , Kim Hyung-Min , Jeong Hyun-Ja
Published: May 2015

Thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) was reported to induce mast cell proliferation and aggravate allergic reactions through activation of mouse double minute 2 (MDM2). We aimed to ascertain that β-sitosterol (SI), which is one of the several phytosterols found mostly in foods, would regulate TSLP-induced mast cell proliferation. The results showed that SI significantly decreased the proliferation of human mast cell line (HMC-1) cells promoted by TSLP. SI significantly decreased the mRNA expression of Ki-67 in the TSLP-treated HMC-1 cells. SI significantly suppressed the production and mRNA expression of interleukin-13 in the TSLP-treated HMC-1 cells. Furthermore, SI downregulated the expression of MDM2 and phosphorylation of STAT6, whereas it upregulated the expression of p53, activation of caspase-3, and cleavage of poly ADP-ribose polymerase in the TSLP-treated HMC-1 cells. Results of this study suggest that SI may be a potential therapeutic agent for mast cell-mediated allergic diseases.
There exist no minimally knotted planar spatial graphs on the torus
Authors: Barthel Senja
Published: May 2015

We show that all nontrivial embeddings of planar graphs on the torus contain a nontrivial knot or a nonsplit link. This is equivalent to showing that no minimally knotted planar spatial graphs on the torus exist that contain neither a nontrivial knot nor a nonsplit link all of whose components are unknots.
Biomathematical study of Sutterby fluid model for blood flow in stenosed arteries
Authors: Akbar Noreen Sher
Published: May 2015

In this paper, we have discussed the biomathematical analysis of Sutterby fluid model for blood flow in stenosed tapered arteries. The equations for the Sutterby fluid model are modeled in cylindrical geometry. The equations have been developed for the case of mild stenosis. Perturbation solutions are attained in terms of small Sutterby fluid parameter β for the velocity, impedance resistance and wall shear stress. Three types of arteries i.e. converging, diverging and non-tapered have been considered for the analysis and discussion. Graphical results have been presented for different parameters of interest. Streamlines have been plotted at the end of the paper.