bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cx36, Cx43 and Cx45 in mouse and rat cerebellar cortex: species‐specific expression, compensation in Cx36 null mice and co‐localization in neurons vs. glia
Authors: Nagy J. I. , Rash J. E.
Published: May 2017

Electrical synapses formed by connexin36 (Cx36)‐containing gap junctions between interneurons in the cerebellar cortex have been well characterized, including those formed between basket cells and between Golgi cells, and there is gene reporter‐based evidence for the expression of connexin45 (Cx45) in the cerebellar molecular layer. Here, we used immunofluorescence approaches to further investigate expression patterns of Cx36 and Cx45 in this layer and to examine localization relationships of these connexins with each other and with glial connexin43 (Cx43). In mice, strain differences were found, such that punctate labelling for Cx36 was differentially distributed in the molecular layer of C57BL/6 vs. CD1 mice. In mice with EGFP reporter representing Cx36 expression, Cx36‐puncta were localized to processes of stellate cells and other cerebellar interneurons. Punctate labelling of Cx45 was faint in the molecular layer of wild‐type mice and was increased in intensity in mice with Cx36 gene ablation. The vast majority of Cx36‐puncta co‐localized with Cx45‐puncta, which in turn was associated with the scaffolding protein zonula occludens‐1. In rats, Cx45‐puncta were also co‐localized with Cx36‐puncta and additionally occurred along Bergmann glial processes adjacent to Cx43‐puncta. The results indicate strain and species differences in Cx36 as well as Cx45 expression, possible compensatory processes after loss of Cx36 expression and localization of Cx45 to both neuronal and Bergmann glial gap junctions. Further, expression of both Cx43 and Cx45 in Bergmann glia of rat may contribute to the complex properties of junctional coupling between these cells and perhaps to their reported coupling with Purkinje cells.
Humic acid adsorption and its role in colloidal‐scale aggregation determined with the zeta potential, surface free energy and the extended‐DLVOtheory
Authors: Calero J. , Ontiveros‐Ortega A. , Aranda V. , Plaza I.
Published: May 2017

The effect of colloidal forces involved in the adsorption of commercial humic acids (HAs) and particle cohesion was studied in the soil of an organic olive grove with the extendedDerjaguin,Landau,Verwey andOverbeek (extended‐DLVO) theory. Total interaction energy was determined from the zeta potential (ζ) and surface free energy, measured under different experimental conditions [natural and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) organic matter‐free mineral surfaces]. The soil was clayey, dominated by illite and vermiculite. It showed electron‐donor behaviour, with negatively charged surfaces and zeta potential < 0 mV. DecreasingmVin the zeta potential,ζ, curves and electron‐donor component,γ–, when addingHAto natural surfaces showed effectiveHAadsorption, but only when soil organic matter had not been removed previously. Isotherms confirmed adsorption by natural soil (> 2.5 mg C g−1). Because the isotherms showed no relation with temperature, adsorption would be better attributed to weak physical interactions. On natural surfaces withHA, soil particle attraction forces increased slightly (≈50kT) through decreasing soil wettability. However, this effect on total surface energy was overcome largely by increasing electrostatic repulsive energy caused by the adsorption of negatively chargedHA(> 300 kT). TheDLVO‐extended model showed that natural surfaces withoutH2O2treatment or addedHAseem to be the most favourable state for colloidal aggregate stability. We recommend some caution about the type and quality of organic matter added to increase organic carbon in soil.

Highlights

We applied the extendedDLVOmodel to study humic acid adsorption and its effects on soil structure.

Adsorption on soil surfaces with their natural organic matter was mostly by weak physical forces.

Adsorption increased the total particle interaction energy through an increase in electrostatic repulsion.

Adsorption of some types of organic matter might decrease the colloidal stability of aggregates.
Treatment Efficacy of Multiple Family Therapy for Chinese Families of Children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
Authors: Ma Joyce L. C. , Lai Kelly Y. C. , Xia Lily Li Li
Published: May 2017

The treatment efficacy of multiple family therapy (MFT) for Chinese families of children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has not been studied in the past. In this paper, the effect of MFT on different aspects of the lives of the parents in the experimental group (n = 61) was compared with the effect of only the psychoeducational talks on parents in the control group (n = 53). The results of a MANOVA have shown that by the time they reached the posttreatment phase, the parents who had completed the full 42 hours of the MFT program perceived their children's ADHD symptoms as being less serious and less pathological than they had originally thought compared to the parents in the control group. The effect of MFT on parent–child relationships, parenting stress, parental efficacy, hope, and perceived social support was statistically insignificant. Contributions and limitations of our study are discussed.
Short‐term acclimation to warmer temperatures accelerates leaf carbon exchange processes across plant types
Authors: Smith Nicholas G. , Dukes Jeffrey S.
Published: May 2017

While temperature responses of photosynthesis and plant respiration are known to acclimate over time in many species, few studies have been designed to directly compare process‐level differences in acclimation capacity among plant types. We assessed short‐term (7 day) temperature acclimation of the maximum rate of Rubisco carboxylation (Vcmax), the maximum rate of electron transport (Jmax), the maximum rate of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase carboxylation (Vpmax), and foliar dark respiration (Rd) in 22 plant species that varied in lifespan (annual and perennial), photosynthetic pathway (C3 and C4), and climate of origin (tropical and nontropical) grown under fertilized, well‐watered conditions. In general, acclimation to warmer temperatures increased the rate of each process. The relative increase in different photosynthetic processes varied by plant type, with C3 species tending to preferentially accelerate CO2‐limited photosynthetic processes and respiration and C4 species tending to preferentially accelerate light‐limited photosynthetic processes under warmer conditions. Rd acclimation to warmer temperatures caused a reduction in temperature sensitivity that resulted in slower rates at high leaf temperatures. Rd acclimation was similar across plant types. These results suggest that temperature acclimation of the biochemical processes that underlie plant carbon exchange is common across different plant types, but that acclimation to warmer temperatures tends to have a relatively greater positive effect on the processes most limiting to carbon assimilation, which differ by plant type. The acclimation responses observed here suggest that warmer conditions should lead to increased rates of carbon assimilation when water and nutrients are not limiting.
Reconciling patient and provider priorities for improving the care of critically ill patients: A consensus method and qualitative analysis of decision making
Authors: McKenzie Emily , Potestio Melissa L. , Boyd Jamie M. , Niven Daniel J. , Brundin‐Mather Rebecca , Bagshaw Sean M. , Stelfox Henry T. ,   the Improving Daily Care in the ICU Panel
Published: May 2017

Background

Providers have traditionally established priorities for quality improvement; however, patients and their family members have recently become involved in priority setting. Little is known about how to reconcile priorities of different stakeholder groups into a single prioritized list that is actionable for organizations.

Objective

To describe the decision‐making process for establishing consensus used by a diverse panel of stakeholders to reconcile two sets of quality improvement priorities (provider/decision maker priorities n=9; patient/family priorities n=19) into a single prioritized list.

Design

We employed a modified Delphi process with a diverse group of panellists to reconcile priorities for improving care of critically ill patients in the intensive care unit (ICU). Proceedings were audio‐recorded, transcribed and analysed using qualitative content analysis to explore the decision‐making process for establishing consensus.

Setting and participants

Nine panellists including three providers, three decision makers and three family members of previously critically ill patients.

Results

Panellists rated and revised 28 priorities over three rounds of review and reached consensus on the “Top 5” priorities for quality improvement: transition of patient care from ICU to hospital ward; family presence and effective communication; delirium screening and management; early mobilization; and transition of patient care between ICU providers. Four themes were identified as important for establishing consensus: storytelling (sharing personal experiences), amalgamating priorities (negotiating priority scope), considering evaluation criteria and having a priority champion.

Conclusions

Our study demonstrates the feasibility of incorporating families of patients into a multistakeholder prioritization exercise. The approach described can be used to guide consensus building and reconcile priorities of diverse stakeholder groups.
Forearm skin aging: characterization by instrumental measurements
Authors: Carvalho P. R. S. , Sumita J. M. , Soares J. L. M. , Sanudo A. , Bagatin E.
Published: May 2017

Background

The intrinsic ageing and photoaged skin present biomechanical and morphological differences, which are reflected in the appearance of roughness, superficial and deep wrinkles, atrophy, reduced elasticity, hypo‐ and hyperpigmentation and actinic keratosis.

Objective

To evaluate and compare the characteristics of the flexor (with a predominance of intrinsic ageing) and extensor (chronically exposed to sunlight and other environmental factors, with a predominance of photoageing) skin surfaces of the forearms.

Methods

Interventional, prospective, diagnostic study, including 23 females, aged over 60 years. The extensor and flexor faces of forearms were compared in relation to clinical parameters and non‐invasive instrumental measurements, such as skin surface, elasticity, hydration as well as dermal thickness and echogenicity.

Results

Regarding the water content of the stratum corneum, the flexor face presented an average value higher than the extensor face. The average of measures obtained through images of high‐frequency ultrasound demonstrated greater echogenicity of flexor face compared to the extensor face. The measurements of the skin surface showed significant differences between the faces. The roughness and scaliness were lower in the flexor face. Regarding the depth of wrinkles, there was no significant difference between the faces. The average of the measurements was slightly higher in the flexor face, which demonstrated that wrinkles are present in the intrinsic ageing and photoageing. The presence of elastosis and the reduction in elasticity in the clinical aspect of the photoaged face of forearms were according to the results of the non‐invasive measurements.

Conclusion

Meaningful differences in the biophysical characteristics of the extensor and flexor faces of the forearms were detected. Because the non‐invasive instrumental measurements correlated with clinical findings, they may represent useful tools to assess efficacy and safety of skin ageing treatments in clinical research.
The effect of preoperative oral administration of prednisolone on postoperative pain in patients with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis: a single‐centre randomized controlled trial
Authors: Elkhadem A. , Ezzat K. , Ramadan M. , AbdelGhaffar S. , Khamis D. , Hassan A. , Abdel‐Mawgoud A. , Mamdouh A. , AbouZeid M. , Amin S.
Published: May 2017

Aim

This single‐centre randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled clinical trial assessed the effect of a preoperative, single, oral dose of prednisolone on postoperative pain and postoperative analgesic intake in patients with symptomatic, irreversible pulpitis in mandibular molars.

Methodology

Four hundred participants, randomly assigned to two equal groups, received either 40 mg prednisolone or placebo tablets 30 min before single‐visit root canal treatment. Patients recorded their pain level 6, 12 and 24 h after treatment on a 100‐mm visual analogue scale. All patients received a sham capsule to take if needed as a postoperative analgesic, and, if the pain persisted, an analgesic was prescribed. The relative risk reduction and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated for binary data. Mann–Whitney U‐test was used to compare postoperative pain intensity between groups.

Results

The relative risk reduction in pain incidence was 20.31% (95% CI: 12.03%, 27.82%) at 6 h, 23.39% (95% CI: 14.75%, 31.16%) at 12 h and 28.85% (95% CI: 18.08%, 38.20%) at 24 h. Prednisolone had significantly less post‐obturation pain intensity compared to placebo at 6, 12 and 24 h (P < 0.001). The relative risk reduction in sham‐capsule intake was 54% (95% CI: 38%, 66%) and of analgesic intake was 55% (95% CI: 3%, 79%). No adverse effects were recorded.

Conclusion

Preoperative oral administration of a single dose of 40 mg prednisolone was beneficial to control short‐term post‐obturation pain after single‐visit root canal treatment in patients with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis reducing pain incidence after 24 h by approximately 30% and postoperative analgesic intake by approximately 55%.
Knowledge, perception, and practice of patients about pityriasis versicolor in Kaduna, North Central Nigeria
Authors: Yahya Husain
Published: May 2017

Background

Although pityriasis versicolor (PV) is a common fungal infection of the skin affecting up to 50% of the population in the tropics, little is known about what patients know, believe, or feel about the condition.

Methods

In a cross‐sectional questionnaire study of 608 consecutive patients attending the General Outpatient Department and Skin Clinic of a public hospital in Kaduna, Nigeria, self‐report of PV, knowledge about its causes, treatments used by patients, and perception and feelings about the condition were assessed.

Results

Overall 608 patients were studied (239/594 [40.2%] males, 355/594 [59.8%] females, age 11–49 years, mean ± SD age of 29.3 ± 10.1). Lifetime self‐report prevalence of PV was 271/606 (44.7%) (males: 117/239 [50.0%] females: 148/355 [41.7%] P = 0.09). Three hundred and twenty‐seven of 608 (53.8%) patients believed PV was transmitted from another person while 204/608 (33.6%) believed the condition was caused by poor personal hygiene. One hundred and thirty of 608 (21.4%) thought PV was caused by fungi living on the skin. Virtually all respondents who had PV had used at least one preparation with more than half visiting a healthcare facility. A total of 305/608 (50.2%), 189/608 (31.1%), and 142/608 (23.4%) respondents reported feeling or likely feeling uncomfortable, embarrassed, or ashamed, respectively, about PV. Being considered a dirty person (45.6%) and being avoided by other people (28%) were common concerns of respondents.

Conclusion

Most patients did not know what caused PV, and many were uncomfortable, embarrassed, and ashamed, and feared being considered dirty and avoided by others.
Determining the factors associated with blood‐borne virus testing of substance misusers presenting to hospital
Authors: Tennant Elaine , Vollmer‐Conna Ute , Demirkol Apo , Post Jeffrey J.
Published: May 2017

Background

Diagnosing blood‐borne virus (BBV) infection is an essential first step in eliminating transmission and securing access to treatment amongst substance misusers.

Aims

To determine the proportion of substance misusers presenting to hospital who undergo BBV testing and the factors influencing testing.

Methods

A retrospective cross‐sectional study was performed of patients presenting to two Sydney teaching hospitals with substance misuse diagnoses between January and April 2015. Proportions tested for human immunodeficiency virus, hepatitis C and hepatitis B previously and during the index hospitalisation presentation were examined. Multivariable analysis was performed to determine factors associated with testing.

Results

Of 239 patients, 47 (19.7%) had a documented BBV at baseline. Of those with unknown BBV status, 29 (12.8%) had undergone some attempt at testing during presentation; 3.1% had their hepatitis B immunity assessed. Factors associated with an increased likelihood of testing during presentation included documented injecting drug use (odds ratio (OR) 15.14; 95% confidence interval (CI) 4.21–54.50; P < 0.001), admission under a physician (OR 11.79; 95% CI 2.82–49.40; P = 0.001) and admission on a Friday (OR 4.46; 95% CI 1.28–15.48; P = 0.02). Patients who had had more than one previous admission in the preceding 6 months (OR 0.24; 95% CI 0.078–0.73; P = 0.01) or a length of stay of 1 day or less (OR 0.17; 95% CI 0.032–0.87; P = 0.033) were less likely to be tested.

Conclusion

Despite the high baseline prevalence of BBV infections in the population, there were many missed opportunities for BBV testing. We found patient‐, admission‐ and clinician‐level barriers that could be addressed to enhance BBV testing uptake.
Scan‐layered reconstructions: A pilot study of a nondestructive dental histoanatomical analysis method and digital workflow to create restorations driven by natural dentin and enamel morphology
Authors: Malta Barbosa João , Tovar Nick , A. Tuesta Pablo , Hirata Ronaldo , Guimarães Nuno , Romanini José C. , Moghadam Marjan , Coelho Paulo G. , Jahangiri Leila
Published: May 2017

Objective

This work aims to present a pilot study of a non‐destructive dental histo‐anatomical analysis technique as well as to push the boundaries of the presently available restorative workflows for the fabrication of highly customized ceramic restorations.

Materials and Methods

An extracted human maxillary central incisor was subject to a micro computed tomography scan and the acquired data was transferred into a workstation, reconstructed, segmented, evaluated and later imported into a Computer‐Aided Design/Computer‐Aided Manufacturing software for the fabrication of a ceramic resin‐bonded prosthesis.

Results

The obtained prosthesis presented an encouraging optical behavior and was used clinically as final restoration.

Conclusion

The digitally layered restorative replication of natural tooth morphology presents today as a clear possibility. New clinical and laboratory‐fabricated, biologically inspired digital restorative protocols are to be expected in the near future.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

The digitally layered restorative replication of natural tooth morphology presents today as a clear possibility. This pilot study may represent a stimulus for future research and applications of digital imaging as well as digital restorative workflows in service of esthetic dentistry.
Determination of vertebral heart score in three species of Spider monkey (Ateles fusciceps, A. hybridusandA. paniscus)
Authors: Saunders Richard A. , Kubiak Marie , Dobbs Phillipa
Published: May 2017

Background

The vertebral heart score (VHS) is a method of evaluation of cardiac size well documented in domestic mammals and in other primate species, and the aim of this study was to determine theVHSin three species of Spider monkey.

Methods

In this retrospective study, right lateral radiographs of thirty clinically well animals were reviewed and VHS determined. The species included wereAteles fusciceps(n=17),Ateles hybridus(n=8) andAteles paniscus(n=5).

Results

The VHS was found to vary between species and was 9.73±0.81 forA. fusciceps, 10.53±0.37 forA. hybridusand 10.45±0.27 forA. paniscus.

Conclusions

The observed values appear consistent with values determined for other primate species. There was statistically significant variation noted between species, and soVHSshould be considered species‐specific in this genus. The values determined may be of benefit in objectively evaluating cardiac size in the species investigated.
Migraines in Women: Current Evidence for Management of Episodic and Chronic Migraines
Authors: Deneris Angela , Rosati Allen Peggy , Hart Hayes Emily , Latendresse Gwen
Published: May 2017

Migraine headache is a disabling brain disorder that affects millions of women in the United States. Many migraine sufferers are undertreated. Both inadequate treatment and overuse of abortive migraine medication can contribute to progression from episodic to chronic migraine disorders. A significant number of migraine headaches or severity of episodic migraine headaches warrants treatment with prophylactic medications for prevention. This clinical update reviews the pathophysiology and diagnosis of migraine headaches in women, discusses the efficacy of abortive and chronic pharmacologic treatment, and examines strategies to prevent progression from episodic migraine to chronic migraine. A discussion of treatment during pregnancy and lactation is included.
Review of Efficacy of Complementary and Alternative Medicine Treatments for Menopausal Symptoms
Authors: Moore Thea R. , Franks Rachel B. , Fox Carol
Published: May 2017

Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) treatments have been used for thousands of years around the world. There has been increased interest in utilizing CAM for menopausal symptoms since the release of results of the Women's Health Initiative elucidated long‐term adverse effects associated with hormone therapy. Women looking for more natural or safer means to treat hot flushes, night sweats, and other menopausal symptoms often turn to CAM such as yoga, phytoestrogens, or black cohosh. Yet there have been few well‐conducted studies looking at the efficacy of these treatments. This review examines randomized clinical trials, systematic reviews, and meta‐analyses evaluating the effectiveness of commonly used CAM for the treatment of menopausal symptoms.
Successful treatment of uterine artery pseudoaneurysm with laparoscopic temporary clamping of bilateral uterine arteries, followed by hysteroscopic surgery
Authors: Ota Hajime , Fukushi Yoshiyuki , Wada Shinichiro , Fujino Takafumi , Omori Yuko , Kushima Miki
Published: May 2017

Surgical strategies for the treatment of uterine artery pseudoaneurysm (UAP) include transarterial embolization and ultrasound‐guided low‐dose thrombin injection. Such strategies, however, have limitations and include the risk of ischemic damage to the uterus. We report a case of UAP treated with a new hysteroscopic and laparoscopic technique. A 29‐year‐old G1P0 woman with spontaneous abortion was transferred to the present institution because of hemorrhagic shock. We diagnosed ruptured UAP on transvaginal ultrasound with color Doppler. Emergency laparoscopic temporary clamping of the bilateral uterine arteries was done to reduce the bleeding, and transcervical resection to stop the hemorrhaging and to collect the pseudoaneurysm tissue. After surgery, blood flow to the myometrium was monitored on ultrasound. By postoperative day 48, normal menstruation had restarted, and no intrauterine adhesions were observed. On pathology of the UAP, a dilated spiral artery without its characteristic elastic fibers was identified. This surgical approach may help preserve fertility and allow for pathological diagnosis of UAP.
Is Communication a Mechanism of Relationship Education Effects Among Rural African Americans?
Authors: Barton Allen W. , Beach Steven R. H. , Lavner Justin A. , Bryant Chalandra M. , Kogan Steven M. , Brody Gene H.
Published: May 2017

Enhancing communication as a means of promoting relationship quality has been increasingly questioned, particularly for couples at elevated sociodemographic risk. In response, the current study investigated communication change as a mechanism accounting for changes in relationship satisfaction and confidence among 344 rural, predominantly low‐income African American couples with an early adolescent child who participated in a randomized controlled trial of the Protecting Strong African American Families (ProSAAF) program. Approximately 9 months after baseline assessment, intent‐to‐treat analyses indicated that ProSAAF couples demonstrated improved communication, satisfaction, and confidence when compared with couples in the control condition. Improvements in communication mediated ProSAAF effects on relationship satisfaction and confidence; conversely, neither satisfaction nor confidence mediated intervention effects on changes in communication. These results underscore the short‐term efficacy of a communication‐focused, culturally sensitive prevention program and suggest that communication is a possible mechanism of change in relationship quality among low‐income African American couples.
Analysis of chloroplast genomes and a supermatrix inform reclassification of the Rhodomelaceae (Rhodophyta)
Authors: Díaz‐Tapia Pilar , Maggs Christine A. , West John A. , Verbruggen Heroen
Published: May 2017

With over a thousand species, the Rhodomelaceae is the most species‐rich family of red algae. While its genera have been assigned to 14 tribes, the high‐level classification of the family has never been evaluated with a molecular phylogeny. Here, we reassess its classification by integrating genome‐scale phylogenetic analysis with observations of the morphological characters of clades. In order to resolve relationships among the main lineages of the family we constructed a phylogeny with 55 chloroplast genomes (52 newly determined). The majority of branches were resolved with full bootstrap support. We then added 266 rbcL, 125 18S rRNA gene and 143 cox1 sequences to construct a comprehensive phylogeny containing nearly half of all known species in the family (407 species in 89 genera). These analyses suggest the same subdivision into higher‐level lineages, but included many branches with moderate or poor support. The circumscription for nine of the 13 previously described tribes was supported, but the Lophothalieae, Polysiphonieae, Pterosiphonieae and Herposiphonieae required revision, and five new tribes and one resurrected tribe were segregated from them. Rhizoid anatomy is highlighted as a key diagnostic character for the morphological delineation of several lineages. This work provides the most extensive phylogenetic analysis of the Rhodomelaceae to date and successfully resolves the relationships among major clades of the family. Our data show that organellar genomes obtained through high‐throughput sequencing produce well‐resolved phylogenies of difficult groups, and their more general application in algal systematics will likely permit deciphering questions about classification at many taxonomic levels.
Texture and breakdown in the mouth: An industrial research approach
Authors: Lillford Peter
Published: May 2017

Texture is one of foods' most important qualities, but is a sensory perception by consumers. To understand, predict and design for sensory appeal, we must codify the sensory response and diagnose the physical stimuli in the mouth which give rise to perception. This brief review examines the leading contributions from Szczesniak and Bourne and shows the developments in the field, built on their earlier contributions. Because of its importance to consumer appeal, the food industry has made significant contributions. We now understand that human subjects monitor the entire process from initial bite, through mastication to swallowing, and the mouth is an extremely sophisticated processing device with both feedback and feedforward sensing. To understand the mechanisms of perception, multidisciplinary approaches of fracture and failure, rheology, tribology and forensic microscopy are now applied, and collaborations exist between sensory analysts, physicists, engineers, and oral physiologists.

Practical applications

The design of food structure for sensory appeal is the driving force in product development. The approaches outlined in this short review, represent the current “toolbox” available to the industry and academics interested in breakdown and perception in the mouth.
Diet composition and food consumption rate of harbor porpoises (Phocoena phocoena) in the western Baltic Sea
Authors: Andreasen Heidi , Ross Stine D. , Siebert Ursula , Andersen Niels G. , Ronnenberg Katrin , Gilles Anita
Published: May 2017

Stomach content composition and prey‐specific consumption rates of juvenile and adult harbor porpoises (Phocoena phocoena) were estimated from a data set including 339 stomachs collected over a 32 yr period (1980–2011) in the western Baltic Sea. The stomach contents were mainly hard parts of fish prey and in particular otoliths. The bias originating from differential residence time of otoliths in the stomachs was addressed by use of a recently developed approach. Atlantic cod and herring were the main prey of adults, constituting on average 70% of the diet mass. Juvenile porpoises also frequently consumed gobies. Here, the mass contribution by gobies was on average 25%, which was as much as cod. Other species such as whiting, sprat, eelpout, and sandeels were of minor importance for both juveniles and adults. The diet composition differed between years, quarters, and porpoise acquisition method. Yearly consumption rates for porpoises in the western Baltic Sea were obtained in three scenarios on the daily energy requirements of a porpoise in combination with an estimate including the 95% CLs of the porpoise population size. Cod of age groups 1 and 2 and intermediate‐sized herring suffered the highest predation from porpoises.
Changes of cortical activation in swallowing following high frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation in older adults
Authors: Park J.‐W. , Sim G.‐J. , Kim H.‐J. , Yeo J.‐S. , Hong H.‐J. , Kwon B. S.
Published: May 2017

Background

This study explored whether high‐frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) can induce positive changes in the cortical areas of older adults who do not have functional difficulties in swallowing.

Methods

Ten healthy, right‐handed, elderly volunteers were subjected to 18F‐labeled fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography(FDG‐PET) scans when at rest, swallowing before rTMS, and swallowing after rTMS. During the swallowing study, water was infused orally via a catheter at a rate of 600 mL/h. Subjects swallowed water every 20 seconds following a light flash for 30 minutes. During rest, the light source was active, but subjects were requested not to swallow. The rTMS consisted of 5 Hz applied to a pharyngeal motor hot spot in the right hemisphere for 10 minutes every weekday for 2 weeks. The intensity of the stimulation was set at 90% of the thenar motor threshold of the same hemisphere. The differences between each patient's active image and the control images (P<.05) on a voxel‐by‐voxel basis were examined to find significant increases in metabolism using statistical parametric mapping software.

Key Results

The cortical areas activated by swallowing before rTMS included the bilateral sensorimotor cortex (Brodmann's areas 3 and 4) and showed symmetry. The cortical areas activated by swallowing after rTMS were the same as the areas before rTMS. There was no statistical difference between the two swallowing activation areas.

Conclusions and Inferences

Older adults displayed the symmetry of cortical control of swallowing function. High frequency rTMS did not affect the activation in the swallowing sensorimotor cortices of elderly people.
Progressing from ‘functional’ to mechanistic traits
Authors: Brodribb Timothy J.
Published: May 2017

This article is a Commentary on Larter et al., 215: 97–112.
Phototherapy for neonatal hyperbilirubinemia
Authors: Itoh Susumu , Okada Hitoshi , Kuboi Toru , Kusaka Takashi
Published: May 2017

Approximately 60 years ago in England, phototherapy for neonatal hyperbilirubinemia was used in clinical practice. It was introduced in Japan approximately 50 years ago. At that time, the mechanism underlying the serum bilirubin concentration decrease by phototherapy was still unknown. The mechanism was identified by chemists, biochemists, and pediatricians. Clarification started with the report that unconjugated bilirubin was excreted into bile after photoirradiation in Gunn rats. After confirmation of the molecular structure of bilirubin on X‐ray analysis, the mechanism for bile excretion of unconjugated bilirubin was verified based on geometric configurational photoisomers in the Gunn rat. Finally, the reaction and excretion of structural bilirubin photoisomers was proved to be the main mechanism for the decrease in serum bilirubin during phototherapy for neonatal hyperbilirubinemia, which differs from the mechanism in the Gunn rat. The most effective and safest light source and the optimal method to evaluate phototherapy, however, remain unknown. Moreover, as for bronze baby syndrome, which is a well‐known adverse reaction to phototherapy, the etiology is unclear. Hence, we review phototherapy for hyperbilirubinemia including a fundamental understanding of the bilirubin photochemical reactions, and discuss the subclinical carcinogenic risk of phototherapy and the increased mortality rate of extremely low‐birthweight infants due to aggressive phototherapy, which is becoming an increasing problem.
Digital story telling in social justice nursing education
Authors: LeBlanc Raeann G.
Published: May 2017

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to explore and evaluate how digital stories integrated into public health nursing education can teach social justice concepts essential for nurse leadership.

Design and Sample

Four digital stories were selected and incorporated into a public health nursing course. Students were asked to reflect on these stories. A retrospective qualitative analysis was completed on the student narrative reflections and analyzed for themes. A total of 108 narrative reflections of public health nursing students were included from 2015 to 2016.

Results

Themes were identified based on analysis and include—Encountering Vulnerability, Questioning Systems and Choosing Moral Courage.

Conclusions

Digital stories offer an innovative medium to convey the importance of story, advance social justice as an essential practice of nursing, and create opportunities that addresses social justice in nursing and in developing nursing leaders.
Nonspecific toxins as components of a host‐specific culture filtrate from Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense race 1
Authors: Portal N. , Soler A. , Alphonsine P. A. M. , Borras‐Hidalgo O. , Portieles R. , Peña‐Rodriguez L. M. , Yanes E. , Herrera L. , Solano J. , Ribadeneira C. , Walton J. D. , Santos R.
Published: May 2017

Bananas and plantains (Musa spp.) are among the most important crops in the world providing staple food for hundreds of millions of people. However, banana production has been devastated by fungal infestations caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense (Foc). Despite the fact that there is very little known on the role of microbial metabolites in the molecular mechanism of Foc infections, it has been proposed that the toxins fusaric acid and beauvericin produced by Foc play an important role during pathogenesis. The aim of this contribution was to study the toxic components of culture filtrates (CF) of Foc and to isolate the extracellular microbial metabolites involved in the plant response. An in vitro bioassay was used to evaluate the production of phytotoxic metabolites as well as the specificity of culture from a strain of Foc belonging to VCG 01210 (race 1). A host‐specific CF was obtained and the phytotoxic compounds characterized as fusaric acid, beauvericin and fumonisin B1. Despite the presence of these nonspecific toxins, a water‐soluble extract from the CF induced protection to the main phytotoxic fraction, measured by lesion area. This hydrophilic fraction induced a fast and strong response of just jasmonic acid (JA)‐dependent defence genes rather than salicylic acid (SA)‐ and ethylene (ET)‐response genes in resistant cultivars. Extracellular proteins isolated from CF of Foc provide an important source for further investigations on the molecular basis of the interaction between Foc and banana.
Short‐term response of snowshoe hares to western larch restoration and seasonal needle drop
Authors: Kumar Alexander V. , Sparks James R. , Mills L. Scott
Published: May 2017

Old‐growth western larch has been degraded throughout much of its historic range due to extensive timber harvest and fire suppression. We examined the effects of a restoration treatment of western larch on snowshoe hares, a denizen of the boreal forest serving as a focal animal species to indicate the health of the restored ecosystem. We implemented a restoration treatment using “doughnut thinning” to accelerate development of old‐growth attributes in larch stands and simultaneously examined the short‐term effects on snowshoe hare density, survival, and movement. Although typical forest management activities tend to have adverse effects on hares especially in the short term, we found that the restoration treatment did not affect hare density or survival in the short term. In addition, despite significant decreases in cover coinciding with the larch needle drop, we found evidence of year‐round immigration into larch stands by hares suggesting larch stands are suitable year‐round hare habitat. Taken together, our findings suggest that a larch restoration treatment designed to accelerate the development of old‐growth attributes can be implemented so as to have no measurable short‐term detrimental effects on hares.
Modeling the Transmission of Measles and Rubella to Support Global Management Policy Analyses and Eradication Investment Cases
Authors: Thompson Kimberly M. , Badizadegan Nima D.
Published: May 2017

Policy makers responsible for managing measles and rubella immunization programs currently use a wide range of different vaccines formulations and immunization schedules. With endemic measles and rubella transmission interrupted in the region of the Americas, all five other regions of the World Health Organization (WHO) targeting the elimination of measles transmission by 2020, and increasing adoption of rubella vaccine globally, integrated dynamic disease, risk, decision, and economic models can help national, regional, and global health leaders manage measles and rubella population immunity. Despite hundreds of publications describing models for measles or rubella and decades of use of vaccines that contain both antigens (e.g., measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine or MMR), no transmission models for measles and rubella exist to support global policy analyses. We describe the development of a dynamic disease model for measles and rubella transmission, which we apply to 180 WHO member states and three other areas (Puerto Rico, Hong Kong, and Macao) representing >99.5% of the global population in 2013. The model accounts for seasonality, age‐heterogeneous mixing, and the potential existence of preferentially mixing undervaccinated subpopulations, which create heterogeneity in immunization coverage that impacts transmission. Using our transmission model with the best available information about routine, supplemental, and outbreak response immunization, we characterize the complex transmission dynamics for measles and rubella historically to compare the results with available incidence and serological data. We show the results from several countries that represent diverse epidemiological situations to demonstrate the performance of the model. The model suggests relatively high measles and rubella control costs of approximately $3 billion annually for vaccination based on 2013 estimates, but still leads to approximately 17 million disability‐adjusted life years lost with associated costs for treatment, home care, and productivity loss costs of approximately $4, $3, and $47 billion annually, respectively. Combined with vaccination and other financial cost estimates, our estimates imply that the eradication of measles and rubella could save at least $10 billion per year, even without considering the benefits of preventing lost productivity and potential savings from reductions in vaccination. The model should provide a useful tool for exploring the health and economic outcomes of prospective opportunities to manage measles and rubella. Improving the quality of data available to support decision making and modeling should represent a priority as countries work toward measles and rubella goals.
Resonances in Bounded Media
Authors: Amundsen David E.
Published: May 2017

Resonant behavior in bounded domains and under the influence of weakly periodic forcing with magnitude is studied for a general class of one‐dimensional nonlinear wave systems. The model encompasses and provides analogy to numerous physically motivated cases such as acoustic resonators. Through a generalized weakly nonlinear analysis the linear response and associated resonant spectrum may be determined. In the case where the spectrum is sufficiently noncommensurate a single mode response emerges with amplitude . Dependence upon detuning and dissipative effects follow immediately from the subsequent nonlinear balance. In the case where the spectrum is commensurate a multimodal response arises, leading to a coupled system of solvability conditions. The amplitude of the response depends in detail on the commensurate structure, in the case where it is fully commensurate. This is in keeping with the well‐known dichotomy between responses for acoustic waves in open and closed tubes. Through continuous variation of the model system, the nature of the transition between these distinct regimes is then studied and through an appropriate modal truncation the connection is achieved. A numerical example is presented to further illustrate and corroborate the general analysis.
Stabilising economic growth through risk sharing macro instruments
Authors: Rizvi Syed Aun R. , Arshad Shaista
Published: May 2017

The risk sharing principles of Islamic Finance have ironically been studied and used extensively outside the Muslim World. The development of early European city states was founded on the risk sharing principle. The risk sharing financing helped these city states to develop their infrastructure and rule the scientific and economic landscape of the west. The Western financial system of today still carries traces of risk sharing in the form of venture capital financing, albeit the primary focus has diverted to risk shifting‐based debt financing. Over the past decades, much effort and research has gone into establishing a viable set of Islamic financial institutions. Most Muslim nations are heavily indebted with high reliance on multilateral financing primarily based on high interest rates. This vicious cycle of interest rates and debt has stunted the growth of these nations and worsened the conditions of the masses. This research brings to the forefront the concept of an equity in nature GDP‐linked paper, which allows for enhanced risk sharing‐based sovereign financing. It aims to present empirical proof of the stability this instrument offers in economic growth, for a large sample of developing economies, comprising bulk of Islamic countries. While analysing the empirical work, a strong favourable argument for this instrument is derived for its benefits in stability. Through this study, we endeavour to initiate a thought‐provoking and practical discussion for further development of these instruments for the betterment of developing countries.
Outcome following treatment of feline gastrointestinal mast cell tumours
Authors: Barrett L. E. , Skorupski K. , Brown D. C. , Weinstein N. , Clifford C. , Szivek A. , Haney S. , Kraiza S. , Krick E. L.
Published: May 2017

Prognosis of feline gastrointestinal mast cell tumours (FGIMCT), based on limited available literature, is described as guarded to poor, which may influence treatment recommendations and patient outcome. The purpose of this study is to describe the clinical findings, treatment response, and outcome of FGIMCT. Medical records of 31 cats diagnosed with and treated for FGIMCT were retrospectively reviewed. Data collected included signalment, method of diagnosis, tumour location (including metastatic sites), treatment type, cause of death and survival time. Mean age was 12.9 y. Diagnosis was made via cytology (n = 15), histopathology (n = 13) or both (n = 3). Metastatic sites included abdominal lymph node (n = 10), abdominal viscera (n = 4) and both (n = 2). Therapeutic approaches included chemotherapy alone (n = 15), surgery and chemotherapy (n = 7), glucocorticoid only (n = 6) and surgery and glucocorticoid (n = 3). Lomustine (n = 15) and chlorambucil (n = 12) were the most commonly used chemotherapy drugs. Overall median survival time was 531 d (95% confidence interval 334, 982). Gastrointestinal location, diagnosis of additional cancers, and treatment type did not significantly affect survival time. Cause of death was tumour‐related or unknown (n = 12) and unrelated (n = 8) in the 20 cats dead at the time of analysis. The prognosis for cats with FGIMCT may be better than previously reported, with 26% of cats deceased from an unrelated cause. Surgical and medical treatments (including prednisolone alone) were both associated with prolonged survival times. Treatment other than prednisolone may not be necessary in some cats. Continued research into prognostic factors and most effective treatment strategies are needed.
A retrospective study of anti‐inflammatory use in dogs with pulmonary blastomycosis: 139 cases (2002–2012)
Authors: Walton Rebecca A. L. , Wey Andrew , Hall Kelly E.
Published: May 2017

Objective

To determine the effect of anti‐inflammatory medications on 30‐day survival of dogs treated for pulmonary blastomycosis.

Design

Retrospective study.

Setting

University teaching hospital.

Animals

One hundred thirty nine client‐owned dogs with confirmed pulmonary blastomycosis.

Measurements and Main Results

The medical records of dogs diagnosed with pulmonary blastomycosis between May 2002 and October 2012 were identified. Of 139 dogs, 85 (61%) survived to 30 days, 38 (27%) were euthanized due to progressive clinical disease, 13 (10%) died secondary to respiratory or cardiac arrest, and 3 (2%) did not survive to 30 days but had an unknown cause of death. Cases were classified based on the anti‐inflammatory therapy that was used: nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAID), corticosteroids, both, or none. Controlling for the effects of itraconazole dose, sex, age, and pretreatment with anti‐inflammatory medication, the odds for survival to 30 days was not statistically different between dogs who received no anti‐inflammatory medication and the dogs who received NSAIDs (P = 0.86), corticosteroids (P = 0.65), or both (P = 0.27). The need for supplemental oxygen was associated with decreased survival (P < 0.0001).

Conclusions

In this population of dogs with pulmonary blastomycosis, the use of anti‐inflammatory medications during therapy did not impact 30‐day survival; however, the need for oxygen supplementation was associated with significantly lower survival.