bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficacy of cocoa pod extract as antiwrinkle gel on human skin surface
Authors: Abdul Karim Azila , Azlan Azrina , Ismail Amin , Hashim Puziah , Abd Gani Siti Salwa , Zainudin Badrul Hisyam , Abdullah Nur Azilah
Published: April 2016

Objective

Cocoa pods are abundant waste materials of cocoa plantation, which are usually discarded onto plantation floors. However, due to poor plantation management, the discarded cocoa pods can create suitable breeding ground for Phytophthora palmivora, which is regarded as the causal agent of the black pod disease. On the other hand, cocoa pods potentially contain antioxidant compounds. Antioxidant compounds are related to the protection of skin from wrinkles and can be used as functional cosmetic ingredients. Therefore, in this study, cocoa pods were extracted and to be used as active ingredients for antiwrinkles.

Methods

The active compounds in cocoa pod extracts (CPE) were screened using liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC‐MS). Fibroblast cells were used to determine the effective concentration of CPE to maintain the viability for at least 50% of the cells (EC50). The gel was tested by 12 panelists to determine the efficacy of CPE in gel form using Visioscan to reduce skin wrinkles and improve skin condition.

Results

CPE was detected to contain malic acid, procyanidin B1, rosmarinic acid, procyanidin C1, apigenin, and ellagic acid, all of which may contribute to functional cosmetic properties of CPE. The EC50 value of cocoa pod extracts was used to calculate the amount of CPE to be incorporated into gel so that the formulated product could reach an effective concentration of extract while being nonintoxicant to the skin cell. The results showed that CPE is potential ingredient to reduce wrinkles. Skin wrinkles reduced at 6.38 ± 1.23% with the application of the CPE gel within 3 weeks and significantly improved further (12.39 ± 1.59%) after 5 weeks. The skin hydration increased (3.181 ± 1.06%) after 3 weeks of the CPE gel application.

Conclusion

Flavonoid compounds in CPE contributed to the functional cosmetic properties of CPE. The CPE which is nontoxic to skin cells help to reduce wrinkles on skin after 3 weeks of application. CPE can be used as the active ingredients in antiwrinkle products, and prolonged application may result in significant visual changes to the naked eyes.
The Role of Gender in Adolescents' Social Networks and Alcohol, Tobacco, and Drug Use: A Systematic Review
Authors: Jacobs Wura , Goodson Patricia , Barry Adam E. , McLeroy Kenneth R.
Published: April 2016

BACKGROUND

Despite previous research indicating an adolescents' alcohol, tobacco, and other drug (ATOD) use is dependent upon their sex and the sex composition of their social network, few social network studies consider sex differences and network sex composition as a determinant of adolescents' ATOD use behavior.

METHODS

This systematic literature review examining how social network analytic studies examine adolescent ATOD use behavior is guided by the following research questions: (1) How do studies conceptualize sex and network sex composition? (2) What types of network affiliations are employed to characterize adolescent networks? (3) What is the methodological quality of included studies? After searching several electronic databases (PsycINFO, EBSCO, and Communication Abstract) and applying our inclusion/exclusion criteria, 48 studies were included in the review.

RESULTS

Overall, few studies considered sex composition of networks in which adolescents are embedded as a determinant that influences adolescent ATOD use. Although included studies all exhibited high methodological quality, the majority only used friendship networks to characterize adolescent social networks and subsequently failed to capture the influence of other network types, such as romantic networks.

CONCLUSIONS

School‐based prevention programs could be strengthened by (1) selecting and targeting peer leaders based on sex, and (2) leveraging other types of social networks beyond simply friendships.
Overcoming Medicaid Reimbursement Barriers to Funding School Nursing Services for Low‐Income Children With Asthma
Authors: Malcarney Mary‐Beth , Horton Katherine , Seiler Naomi
Published: April 2016

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND

School nurses can provide direct services for children with asthma, educate, and reinforce treatment recommendations to children and their families, and coordinate the school‐wide response to students' asthma emergencies. Unfortunately, school‐based health services today depend on an unreliable patchwork of funding. Limited state and local funds lead to extremely low nurse‐to‐student ratios, resulting in missed opportunities for prevention and care of asthma and other health conditions.

METHODS

We carried out a nonsystematic review of legal, government, private health foundation, and medical literature.

RESULTS

Many health services for asthma and other conditions provided in school settings are services typically covered by Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) when offered in other settings. However, complex reimbursement rules, questionable policy guidance establishing a “free care rule,” and other barriers have limited the ability of schools to seek Medicaid/CHIP reimbursement for these services. Recent legal developments may help overcome some of these barriers, and new flexibilities in Medicaid law bring opportunities for increased reimbursement of school‐based health services.

CONCLUSIONS

Policymakers should call on the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to abandon the “free care rule” and issue other guidance that would enable schools to appropriately obtain Medicaid reimbursement for nursing services.
The Effectiveness of A School‐Based Nutrition Intervention on Children's Fruit, Vegetables, and Dairy Product Intake
Authors: Drapeau Vicky , Savard Mathieu , Gallant Annette , Nadeau Luc , Gagnon Jocelyn
Published: April 2016

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND

Most Canadian children do not meet daily recommendations for consumption of vegetables and fruits (V/F) and dairy products (DP). The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of Team Nutriathlon on V/F and DP consumption of children.

METHODS

Participants were 404 children from grades 5 and 6 (intervention group [IG] N = 242, control group [CG] N = 162). Teams of children were guided to increase their consumption and variety of V/F and DP over an 8‐week period. Daily servings of V/F and DP were compared between groups at 4 time points: baseline (week 0), during (week 6), immediately after (week 9 or 10), and a follow‐up 10 weeks after (week 20) the intervention.

RESULTS

During and after the program and at follow‐up, children in the IG consumed more servings of V/F and DP compared to the CG (group × time, p < .0001). Sex, baseline consumption levels, and school socioeconomic status did not influence the results (p > .05).

CONCLUSIONS

Team Nutriathlon is an innovative school‐based nutrition program that can help to increase the V/F and DP consumption of children.
Keep Kids in School: A Collaborative Community Effort to Increase Compliance With State‐Mandated Health Requirements
Authors: Rogers Valerie , Salzeider Christine , Holzum Laura , Milbrandt Tracy , Zahnd Whitney , Puczynski Mark
Published: April 2016

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND

It is important that collaborative relationships exist in a community to improve access to needed services for children. Such partnerships foster preventive services, such as immunizations, and other services that protect the health and well‐being of all children.

METHODS

A collaborative relationship in Illinois involving an academic health center, a school district, and county health department to address noncompliance with health examination and immunization requirements was formed. Parents were additional partners.

RESULTS

Examinations, screenings, and immunizations increased from previous year baselines. Greater fulfillment of health exam mandates resulted in fewer students (39% fewer) excluded from admission to school.

CONCLUSIONS

The type of partnerships described is feasible and can result in improved health care for school‐aged children who otherwise might be excluded both from health services and from school.
Effect of increasing levels of wasted date palm on digestion, rumen fermentation and microbial protein synthesis in sheep
Authors: Khezri A. , Dayani O. , Tahmasbi R.
Published: April 2016

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of increasing levels of wasted date (WD) in sheep (initial body weight 50 ± 2.3 kg) diets on apparent diet digestibility, rumen fermentation and microbial protein synthesis. The experimental diets contained 0 (0 WD), 9% (9 WD), 18% (18 WD) or 27% (27 WD) of wasted dates. These diets were evaluated through a 4 × 4 Latin square design with four 28‐day periods. Sheep were individually housed in metabolic cages and were fed diets ad libitum. To keep the diets isoenergetic and isonitrogenous, increasing partial replacement of WD for barley grain was used with increasing levels of soya bean meal. Increasing the amount of WD in diets of sheep did not influence (p > 0.05) diet intake and digestibility of nutrients. Inclusion of WD in diets of sheep did not affect (p > 0.05) ruminal pH but decreased (p < 0.05) NH3‐N concentration and blood urea nitrogen. Also there was no effect (p > 0.05) of the WD provision on N intake and faecal N loss of experimental animals, but urinary nitrogen excretion and retained nitrogen were affected (p < 0.05) by dietary treatments. Purine derivatives and microbial protein synthesis increased (p < 0.05) linearly with the level of WD in the diet. In conclusion, the increase in microbial protein synthesis and concomitant reduction in ruminal NH3‐N concentration and blood urea nitrogen in response to wasted date supply suggest improved efficiency of ruminal nitrogen metabolism without adverse effects on fermentation characteristics and animal performance.
Fasting heat production of Saanen and Anglo Nubian goats measured using open‐circuit facemask respirometry
Authors: Fernandes M. H. M. da R. , Lima A. R. C. , Almeida A. K. , Borghi T. H. , Teixeira I. A. M. de A. , de Resende K. T.
Published: April 2016

This study aimed to establish the heat production (HP) of Saanen and Anglo Nubian goats at absorptive (feeding) and at post‐absorptive (fasting) statuses to determine the adequate period of fasting required for the measurement of basal metabolism. Gas exchange was recorded via open‐circuit facemask respirometry. Six non‐lactating and non‐pregnant goats of each breed, Saanen (49.2 ± 3.2 kg of body weight, BW) and Anglo Nubian (64.0 ± 3.0 kg BW), were placed in individual pens with ad libitum access to the same total mixed ration. After a 3‐day feeding period, the animals were subjected to fasting (no feed), and the gas exchange measurement was performed for 30 min at 0, 12, 20, 36, 44, 60 and 68 h after fasting. The daily HP of the Saanen and Anglo Nubian goats averaged 557.4 ± 38.7 and 357.1 ± 35.3 kJ/kg0.75 BW day respectively. During fasting, the methane production decreased exponentially in both breeds, and the critical time when methane production was statistically equal to zero was at 31 h of fasting for the Saanen goats and at 40 h for the Anglo Nubian goats. The daily HP and respiratory exchange rate during fasting decreased up to 60 h. Taken together, our results suggest that the ideal period to measure fasting heat production (FHP) for goats fed at maintenance levels should be between 40 h and 60 h of fasting. Consequently, the daily FHP, after 60 h of fasting, of Saanen and Anglo Nubian goats was 183.3 ± 16.3 and 211.1 ± 11.5 kJ/kg0.75 BW day respectively. The results presented herein are relevant for future studies of energy metabolism in goats.
The Electoral Impact of Public Opinion on Religious Establishment
Authors: Castle Jeremiah J.
Published: April 2016

While previous work has examined the structure of public opinion on church and state, to date there has been little effort to connect public opinion on this group of issues to vote choice. I begin by hypothesizing that attitudes on religious establishment are distinct from attitudes on more often studied issues like abortion and gay marriage. Second, I argue that religious establishment meets the conditions for partisan voting: the parties and candidates have taken distinct, highly public stands on religious establishment, and the issue is highly salient among a certain segment of voters. Finally, I develop a theory that establishment attitudes should exert a greater impact among those individuals who feel that their values are threatened in contemporary society because such individuals may see religious accommodation as a means of returning to their understanding of traditional values. I test these hypotheses using data from the 2008 Cooperative Campaign Analysis Project, and I find considerable support for my argument.
Making and Unmaking Prejudice: Religious Affiliation Mitigates the Impact of Mortality Salience on Out‐Group Attitudes
Authors: Newheiser Anna‐Kaisa , Hewstone Miles , Voci Alberto , Schmid Katharina
Published: April 2016

Research inspired by terror management theory has established that being reminded of the inevitability of death (i.e., “mortality salience”) leads people to express more negative attitudes toward out‐groups. We examined the hypothesis that being affiliated with a religion may buffer individuals against this negative impact of mortality salience. Two studies, conducted in two cultures that differ in their emphasis on religiosity (the United Kingdom and Italy), supported this hypothesis. Specifically, we found that mortality salience resulted in more negative out‐group attitudes only among participants not affiliated with any religion. Further, this buffering effect of religious affiliation was not moderated by participants’ specific religious orientations or by their levels of social dominance orientation. In addition, the buffering effect did not hold when prejudice against the target out‐group was not proscribed by religious authorities. Implications for research on religion, prejudice, and terror management are discussed.
Different Languages – Different Sentence Types? On Exclamative Sentences
Authors: d'Avis Franz
Published: April 2016

It is not equally easy for all languages to establish an exclamative sentence type. It seems the easiest for those languages that feature a morphological marking for an exclamative sentence type like Turkish or Vietnamese. English on the other hand is a language that does not mark exclamative clauses with an easily identifiable marker but uses certain preferred constructions, which allow us to separate a class of ‘exclamative sentences’ from other sentence types. However, there is another class of languages for which it is even harder to determine if ‘exclamative sentences’ exist as a sentence type. In those languages, these sentences share a striking amount of formal properties with sentences used for different speech acts. German is a case in point, and we will look at the properties of exclamative sentences in this language in detail.
Food habits of the world's grey wolves
Authors: Newsome Thomas M. , Boitani Luigi , Chapron Guillaume , Ciucci Paolo , Dickman Christopher R. , Dellinger Justin A. , López‐Bao José V. , Peterson Rolf O. , Shores Carolyn R. , Wirsing Aaron J. , Ripple William J.
Published: April 2016

Grey wolves Canis lupus have been studied extensively, but there has been no detailed review of the species’ feeding ecology, despite growing debate about how to conserve wolf populations while limiting their impacts on wild or domestic ungulates. Here, we assess the extent to which the grey wolf diet varies among and within North America, Europe, and Asia.

We derived dietary data from searches of published literature. We grouped studies based on their bioregional location. We compared grey wolf diet among locations using non‐metric multidimensional scaling and analysis of similarity. We assessed whether increased human impacts are associated with decreased grey wolf dietary diversity. Finally, using studies from southern Europe, we assessed whether the importance of wild ungulates in grey wolf diet has increased over time, coincident with a decline in domestic species in grey wolf diet over time.

We compiled dietary data from 177 studies incorporating 94607 scat and stomach samples. Grey wolf diet was dominated by large (240–650 kg) and medium‐sized (23–130 kg) wild ungulates, but variation in the percentages of wild ungulates consumed, along with variation in the percentages of domestic and smaller prey species consumed, contributed to the dietary differences found among and within continents.

We found no evidence that grey wolf dietary diversity varies globally, although the results from southern Europe suggest that grey wolves may switch their diets away from domestic species if more wild ungulates are available.

The diversity of prey consumed by grey wolves shows that the species is capable of surviving dramatic anthropogenic upheaval. However, there is an urgent need to increase our understanding of grey wolf foraging ecology in human‐dominated landscapes, in order to determine whether restoration of depleted prey populations, coupled with effective damage‐prevention measures, will reduce human‐wolf conflicts.
Changes in milk composition associated with pethidine‐PCEA usage after Caesarean section
Authors: Tie Wan Jun , Gardner Hazel , Lai Ching Tat , Hepworth Anna Rachel , Al‐Tamimi Yasir , Paech Michael James , Hartmann Peter Edwin , Geddes Donna Tracy
Published: April 2016

The effect of pethidine as patient‐controlled epidural analgesia (PCEA) on specific biochemical components in breast milk in relation to the timing of secretory activation is not well investigated. The aim of this study was to compare biochemical timing of secretory activation between women who had a vaginal (V) or Caesarean birth with pethidine‐PCEA (CBP). Several milk samples were collected daily from 36 mothers (17 V, 19 CBP) for the first 265 h post‐partum. Protein and lactose concentrations and Na+ and K+ ion levels were measured. Samples were assigned to three time periods: 0–72, >72–165 and >165–265 h post‐partum for statistical analyses. Data were analyzed using linear mixed effect models. In the first 72 h post‐partum, the mean difference in lactose concentration was 5 gL−1 higher in group V (P < 0.05). From >72–165 h post‐partum, protein and Na+ concentrations were lower in group V (P = 0.05, P = 0.02), and K+ levels were higher in group V (P < 0.001). From >165–265 h post‐partum, there were no significant differences between the groups. Biochemically, secretory activation had occurred by 72 h post‐partum in both groups. There were greater variations in measured biochemical components observed within group CBP initially. However, by 165 h post‐partum, there were no differences in the biochemical components between the groups. This suggests that effects of pethidine‐PCEA are diminished by 72 h post‐partum and undetected by 165 h.
Method and Evidence: Gesture and Iconicity in the Evolution of Language
Authors: Irvine Elizabeth
Published: April 2016

The aim of this article is to mount a challenge to gesture‐first hypotheses about the evolution of language by identifying constraints on the emergence of symbol use. Current debates focus on a range of pre‐conditions for the emergence of language, including co‐operation and related mentalising capacities, imitation and tool use, episodic memory, and vocal physiology, but little specifically on the ability to learn and understand symbols. It is argued here that such a focus raises new questions about the plausibility of gesture‐first hypotheses, and so about the evolution of language in general. After a brief review of the methodology used in the article, it is argued that existing uses of gesture in hominid communities may have prohibited the emergence of symbol use, rather than ‘bootstrapped’ symbolic capacities as is usually assumed, and that the vocal channel offers other advantages in both learning and using language. In this case, the vocal channel offers a more promising platform for the evolution of language than is often assumed.
Defending Simulation Theory Against the Argument from Error
Authors: Short Timothy L. , Riggs Kevin J.
Published: April 2016

We defend the Simulation Theory of Mind against a challenge from the Theory Theory of Mind. The challenge is that while Simulation Theory can account for Theory of Mind errors, it cannot account for their systematic nature. There are Theory of Mind errors seen in social psychological research with adults where persons are either overly generous or overly cynical in how rational they expect others to be. There are also Theory of Mind errors observable in developmental data drawn from Maxi‐type false belief tests. We provide novel responses to several examples showing that Simulation Theory can answer these challenges.
Cell cycle arrest induced by inhibitors of epigenetic modifications in maize (Zea mays) seedling leaves: characterization of the process and possible mechanisms involved
Authors: Wang Pu , Zhang Hao , Hou Haoli , Wang Qing , Li Yingnan , Huang Yan , Xie Liangfu , Gao Fei , He Shibin , Li Lijia
Published: April 2016

Epigenetic modifications play crucial roles in the regulation of chromatin architecture and are involved in cell cycle progression, including mitosis and meiosis.

To explore the relationship between epigenetic modifications and the cell cycle, we treated maize (Zea mays) seedlings with six different epigenetic modification‐related inhibitors and identified the postsynthetic phase (G2) arrest via flow cytometry analysis.

Total H4K5ac levels were significantly increased and the distribution of H3S10ph signalling was obviously changed in mitosis under various treatments. Further statistics of the cells in different periods of mitosis confirmed that the cell cycle was arrested at preprophase. Concentrations of hydrogen peroxide were relatively higher in the treated plants and the antioxidant thiourea could negate the influence of the inhibitors. Moreover, all of the treated plants displayed negative results in the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase‐mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate nick end labelling (TUNEL) and γ‐H2AX immunostaining assays after exposure for 3 d. Additionally, the expression level of topoisomerase genes in the treated plants was relatively lower than that in the untreated plants.

These results suggest that these inhibitors of epigenetic modifications could cause preprophase arrest via reactive oxygen species formation inhibiting the expression of DNA topoisomerase genes, accompanied by changes in the H4K5ac and H3S10ph histone modifications.
Macroecology of biodiversity: disentangling local and regional effects
Authors: Pärtel Meelis , Bennett Jonathan A. , Zobel Martin
Published: April 2016

Macroecology of biodiversity disentangles local and regional drivers of biodiversity by exploring large‐scale biodiversity relationships with environmental or biotic gradients, generalizing local biodiversity relationships across regions, or comparing biodiversity patterns among species groups. A macroecological perspective is also important at local scales: a full understanding of local biodiversity drivers, including human impact, demands that regional processes be taken into account. This requires knowledge of which species could inhabit a site (the species pool), including those that are currently absent (dark diversity). Macroecology of biodiversity is currently advancing quickly owing to an unprecedented accumulation of biodiversity data, new sampling techniques and analytical methods, all of which better equip us to face current and future challenges in ecology and biodiversity conservation.

Contents

Summary
404

I.
Introduction
404

II.
Large‐scale biodiversity relationships
404

III.
Local biodiversity relationships across regions
405

IV.
Local biodiversity relationships across species groups
406

V.
Separating regional and local effects: the species pool concept
407

VI.
Conclusions
408

Acknowledgements
409

References
409
SnTox1, a Parastagonospora nodorum necrotrophic effector, is a dual‐function protein that facilitates infection while protecting from wheat‐produced chitinases
Authors: Liu Zhaohui , Gao Yuanyuan , Kim Yong Min , Faris Justin D. , Shelver Weilin L. , de Wit Pierre J. G. M. , Xu Steven S. , Friesen Timothy L.
Published: April 2016

SnTox1 induces programmed cell death and the up‐regulation of pathogenesis‐related genes including chitinases. Additionally, SnTox1 has structural homology to several plant chitin‐binding proteins.

Therefore, we evaluated SnTox1 for chitin binding and localization. We transformed an avirulent strain of Parastagonospora nodorum as well as three nonpathogens of wheat (Triticum aestivum), including a necrotrophic pathogen of barley, a hemibiotrophic pathogen of sugar beet and a saprotroph, to evaluate the role of SnTox1 in infection and in protection from wheat chitinases.

SnTox1 bound chitin and an SnTox1‐green fluorescent fusion protein localized to the mycelial cell wall. Purified SnTox1 induced necrosis in the absence of the pathogen when sprayed on the leaf surface and appeared to remain on the leaf surface while inducing both epidermal and mesophyll cell death. SnTox1 protected the different fungi from chitinase degradation. SnTox1 was sufficient to change the host range of a necrotrophic pathogen but not a hemibiotroph or saprotroph.

Collectively, this work shows that SnTox1 probably interacts with a receptor on the outside of the cell to induce cell death to acquire nutrients, but SnTox1 accomplishes a second role in that it protects against one aspect of the defense response, namely the effects of wheat chitinases.
CRISPR: express delivery to any DNA address
Authors: Peterson A
Published: April 2016

The sudden emergence and worldwide adoption of CRISPR gene‐editing technology confronts humanity with unprecedented opportunities and choices. CRISPR's transformative impact on our future understanding of biology, along with its potential to unleash control over the most fundamental of biological processes, is predictable by already achieved applications. Although its origin, composition, and function were revealed only recently, close to 3000 CRISPR‐based publications have appeared including insightful and diversely focused reviews referenced here. Adding further to scientific and public awareness, a recent symposium addressed the ethical implications of interfacing CRISPR technology and human biology. However, the magnitude of CRISPR's rapidly emerging power mandates its broadest assessment. Only with the participation of a diverse and informed community can the most effective and humanity‐positive CRISPR applications be defined. This brief review is aimed at those with little previous exposure to the CRISPR revolution. The molecules that constitute CRISPR's core components and their functional organization are described along with how the mechanism has been harnessed to edit genome structure and modulate gene function. Additionally, a glimpse into CRISPR's potential to unleash genetic changes with far‐reaching consequences is presented.
Epistemic and non‐Epistemic Theories of Remembering
Authors: James Steven
Published: April 2016

Contemporary memory sciences describe processes that are dynamic and constructive. This has led some philosophers to weaken the relationship between memory and epistemology; though rememberingcangive rise to epistemic success, it is not itself an epistemic success state. I argue that non‐epistemic (causal) theories will not do; they provide neither necessary nor sufficient conditions for remembering thatp. I also argue that the shortcomings of the causal theory are epistemic in nature. Consequently, a theory of remembering must account for both its fundamentally epistemic nature and for its constructive and dynamic processes.
Tropical Skin Diseases in Children: A Review—Part II
Authors: García‐Romero Maria Teresa , Lara‐Corrales Irene , Kovarik Carrie L. , Pope Elena , Arenas Roberto
Published: April 2016

Tropical skin diseases are infectious conditions influenced by factors such as nutrition, housing, and the environment. Migration patterns have caused these conditions to be seen all around the world, not only in developing countries. Many of these diseases have a different presentation in childhood, which changes the diagnostic approach and management options. In this article, we review some of the most common tropical mycobacterial, protozoan, parasitic, and viral dermatologic conditions in children, including their epidemiologic, clinical, diagnostic, and therapeutic aspects.
Topical Imiquimod for the Treatment of Childhood Cutaneous Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis
Authors: Dodd Erin , Hook Kristen
Published: April 2016

Although topical steroids are considered first‐line treatment for cutaneous Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH), the appropriate therapy for refractory cases remains controversial. We report a 16‐month‐old girl with isolated cutaneous LCH refractory to treatment with topical corticosteroids and topical tacrolimus. Treatment was initiated with 5% topical imiquimod cream and the rash completely resolved after 5 months of therapy. There was no disease recurrence after more than 2 years of follow‐up. We present this case to highlight imiquimod as a novel therapeutic agent for the management of isolated cutaneous LCH in children.
Tropical Skin Diseases in Children: A Review— Part I
Authors: García‐Romero Maria Teresa , Lara‐Corrales Irene , Kovarik Carrie L. , Pope Elena , Arenas Roberto
Published: April 2016

Because of travel and migration patterns, tropical skin diseases are now seen all around the world, not just in tropical or developing countries. Nutrition, housing, and environmental factors play an important role in these infectious diseases, so when they appear out of their normal environments, their classic presentation may vary. Tropical diseases can also present differently in childhood, making their recognition, diagnosis, and management a clinical challenge. Health care providers in developed countries need to be familiar with tropical skin diseases and be able to diagnose them in returning travelers or immigrants in order to optimize care. This article aims to review the epidemiologic, clinical, diagnostic, and therapeutic aspects of some of the most common tropical dermatologic conditions in children.
Shin‐Guard Dermatitis—Detection and Protection
Authors: Hill Hannah , Jacob Sharon E.
Published: April 2016

With the popularity of soccer among American youth and the associated use of protective shin guards, dermatitis from the guard components has emerged. Awareness and protective measures may help prevent irritation and the development of contact sensitization from the guards.
Multiple Scrotal Ulcers in an Infant Due to a Traditional Child Care Practice: Salting
Authors: Engür Defne
Published: April 2016

Application of salt to the newborn's skin is a common traditional child care custom in Turkey. We present an infant with multiple ulcerating scrotal lesions due to prolonged salt exposure in the diaper area. Scrotal ulcers associated with salting have not been described previously.
A Case of Eczematoid Graft‐Versus‐Host Disease
Authors: Chong Jin Ho , Tawng Khawn , Liew Hui Min , Soh Shui Yen , Tan Ah Moy , Koh Mark Jean Aan
Published: April 2016

A 13‐year‐old boy underwent allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) for underlying acute lymphoblastic leukemia and achieved neutrophil engraftment 28 days after HSCT. He developed ichthyosis 6 weeks after HSCT and then keratotic follicular papules, palmoplantar keratoderma, and a seborrheic dermatitis–like eruption 18 weeks after HSCT. From skin biopsies he was diagnosed with eczematoid graft‐versus host disease (GVHD), which showed spongiosis with scattered necrotic keratinocytes. He responded to oral and topical steroids and an increase in cyclosporine dose. Although uncommon, eczematoid GVHD must be considered in children who have undergone HSCT and then develop an atypical eczematous eruption, especially in the absence of a history of atopy.
Pachyonychia Congenita: A Spectrum of KRT6a Mutations in Australian Patients
Authors: Forrest Charlotte E. , Casey Genevieve , Mordaunt Dylan A. , Thompson Elizabeth M. , Gordon Lynne
Published: April 2016

Background

Pachyonychia congenita (PC) is a rare inherited disorder of keratinization characterised by hypertrophic nail dystrophy, painful palmoplantar blisters, cysts, follicular hyperkeratosis and oral leukokeratosis. It is associated with mutations in five differentiation‐specific keratin genes, KRT6A, KRT6B, KRT6C, KRT16, or KRT17.

Objectives

Living with Pachyonychia Congenita can be isolating. The aim of this paper is to document a single patient's experience within a national context.

Method

We report the case of a 2 year old female with an atypical presentation of PC due to a mutation in KRT6A with severely hypertrophic follicular keratoses, skin fragility, relative sparing of nail hypertrophy on one hand and failure to thrive in early infancy. In collaboration with the International Pachyonychia Congenita Research Registry (IPCRR), a database search was performed using Australian residency and KRT6A mutation as inclusion criteria. The IPCRR database was also searched for a matching KRT6A mutation. Six Australian patients were identified in addition to one patient with an identical mutation residing in the United States. The detailed standardized patient questionnaire data was manually collated and analysed.

Results

Fingernail hypertrophy and oral leukokeratosis were the most common features. There was no recording of asymmetric distribution in any other Australian patient. Trouble nursing as an infant and follicular hyperkeratosis also occurred in the American patient, however they did not have asymmetric distribution and the oral leukokeratosis appeared later in life.

Conclusion

This case has unique features. Sharing information can assist patients navigating life with this condition.
Diaper Dermatitis: A Review of 63 Children
Authors: Ersoy‐Evans Sibel , Akıncı Hande , Doğan Sibel , Atakan Nilgün
Published: April 2016

Background/Objective

Diaper dermatitis (DD) is a common infantile dermatosis with a highly variable prevalence and incidence. This study aimed to present the demographic and clinical features of babies with DD.

Methods

Data, including demographic and clinical features, obtained from DD patient forms were retrospectively analyzed.

Results

The study included 63 babies with DD (female: n = 35 [55.6%]; male: n = 28 [44.4%]; mean age 11.6 mos). Most of the patients (43.5%) were 0 to 6 months of age. In all, 76.3% were breastfed, of whom 31.7% were exclusively breastfed. The number of previous episodes of DD was significantly lower in breastfed babies. The most common diaper area cleansing method was wet wipes (54.1%). Diaper creams were used in 86.2% of patients. DD was severe in 22.2% of patients, moderate in 57.4%, and mild in 20.4%. Candida infection was noted in 77.4% of patients. The median number of previous episodes of DD was significantly higher in patients with Candida infection than in those without (p = 0.02). Treatment yielded greater than 50% improvement (complete and moderate response) in 59.4% of patients at the first follow‐up visit (3–5 days) and 82.6% at the second follow‐up visit (10 days).

Conclusion

Most babies with DD were 0 to 6 months of age. Breastfed babies had fewer previous episodes of DD, so mothers should be encouraged to breastfeed their babies to reduce the incidence of DD. Candida infection was common; clinicians should be aware of its association with DD.
Narrow endemics on coastal plains: Miocene divergence of the critically endangered genus Avellara (Compositae)
Authors: Fernández‐Mazuecos M. , Jiménez‐Mejías P. , Martín‐Bravo S. , Buide M. L. , Álvarez I. , Vargas P.
Published: April 2016

Critically endangered species representing ancient, evolutionarily isolated lineages must be given priority when allocating resources for conservation projects. Sound phylogenetic analyses and divergence time estimations are required to detect them, and studies on their population genetics, ecological requirements and breeding system are needed to understand their evolutionary history and to design efficient conservation strategies. Here we present the paradigmatic case of Avellara, a critically endangered monotypic genus of Compositae inhabiting a few swamps in the west–southwest Iberian coastal plains. Our phylogenetic and dating analyses based on nuclear (ITS) and plastid (matK) DNA sequences support a Miocene (>8.6 Ma) divergence between Avellara and closely related genera, resulting in marked morphological and ecological differentiation. We found alarmingly low levels of genetic diversity, based on AFLPs and plastid DNA sequences, and confirmed the prevalence of clonal reproduction. Species distribution modelling suggested a large macroclimatically suitable area for Avellara in the western Iberian Peninsula, but its apparently narrow microecological requirements restrict its distribution to peatlands with low‐mineralised waters. Although five populations have been recorded from Spain and Portugal in the past, its current distribution may be reduced to only one population, recurrently found in the last decade but threatened by herbivory and habitat degradation. All this confirms the consideration of Avellara as a threatened species with high phylogenetic singularity, and makes it a flagship species for plant conservation in both Spain and Portugal that should be given priority in the design of in situ and ex situ conservation programmes.
The Power of Nonprofits: Mechanisms for Nonprofit Policy Influence
Authors: Fyall Rachel
Published: April 2016

The dramatic increase in public funding for nonprofit organizations has raised concerns about the potential disadvantages of a nonprofit sector that is too reliant on government funding. Using nonprofits to deliver public programs also presents risks for the public sector, but the question of nonprofit policy influence is largely absent from discussions of public–nonprofit service collaborations. The motivation for this article stems from the contradiction between the perceived weakness of publicly funded nonprofits and their potential for policy influence. This research asks, how do nonprofits exert policy influence? Using a grounded theory approach, the research draws on the attitudes and experiences of professionals and elected officials involved in policy making and policy implementation in the area of low‐income housing. The findings indicate a variety of mechanisms through which the government–nonprofit relationship can strengthen the power of nonprofit organizations, sometimes while weakening their government counterparts.
Breeding and culture status of Hilsa (Tenualosa ilisha, Ham. 1822) in South Asia: a review
Authors: Sahoo Amiya Kumar , Wahab Md. Abdul , Phillips Michael , Rahman Anisur , Padiyar Arun , Puvanendran Velmurugu , Bangera Rama , Belton Ben , De Dilip Kumar , Meena Dharmendra Kumar , Behera Bijay Kumar , Sharma Anil Prakash , Bhaumik Utpal , Mohanty Bimal Prasanna , Choudhury Sampurna Roy , Mohan Chadag Vishnumurthy
Published: April 2016

The Hilsa shad, Tenualosa ilisha popularly known as ‘Hilsa’, is one of the most commercially important fish species in South Asian countries. The species is widely distributed from the Persian Gulf to Bay of Bengal and ascends into estuaries, rivers and brackish‐water lagoons of the Indo‐Pacific region. Recently, the availability of hilsa has drastically dwindled in aquatic systems across this region, due to anthropogenic pressures, mainly intensive fishing and river obstruction by dams and barrages. Climate change may also be contributing to the declining populations. Hence, there is an urgent need for conservation of the species. In addition, hilsa is of great cultural and economic importance among the peoples of Ganga‐Brahmaputra‐Meghna basin, with very high market demand and increasingly high prices, presently an average of around US$ 12 per kg for consumers both in India and Bangladesh. Many attempts at hilsa breeding and culture have been made across South Asia, particularly in India and Bangladesh, since the 1900s. To date, no breakthrough has been achieved in completing the life cycle in captivity. This review provides an insight into the status of artificial breeding, larval rearing and culture of this species, and identifies research gaps that need to be addressed by future aquaculture development programmes for hilsa in South Asia.
Effect of Follicle Size on In Vitro Maturation of Pre‐Pubertal Porcine Cumulus Oocyte Complexes
Authors: Töpfer D , Ebeling S , Weitzel JM , Spannbrucker AC
Published: April 2016

Contents

Very small follicles (<3.0 mm diameter) are over‐represented on the surface of ovaries of non‐cycling pigs, and the oocytes collected from these follicles generally have reduced developmental competence in vitro. This study examined the effect of follicle size on the nuclear maturation (n = 608), the potential of parthenogenetic activation (n = 243) and the cyclic AMP (cAMP) content of pre‐pubertal porcine oocytes (n = 480). In addition, the influence of follicle size on steroid hormone synthesis was analysed. Cumulus oocyte complexes (COCs) flushed from small (2.5–4.0 mm) or large (4.5–6.0 mm) ovarian follicles were cultured for 0, 28 and 46 h. After 46 h of IVM, a greater proportion of oocytes from 4.5‐ to 6.0‐mm follicles reach metaphase II (MII) compared with those from follicles with 2.5–4.0 mm of diameter (96.1 vs 77.0%, respectively; p < 0.001). Parthenogenetic activation of oocytes from large follicles produced higher developmental rates than oocytes from large follicles (p < 0.05). At 28 h, the IVM medium with oocytes from large follicles contained significantly more 17ß‐oestradiol (E2) than the medium with oocytes from small follicles (5.55 vs 3.45 ng/ml, respectively; p < 0.05) and at 46 h, the medium with oocytes from small follicles contained significantly more progesterone (P4) than the medium with oocytes from large follicles (276.7 vs 108.2 ng/ml, respectively, p < 0.05). Porcine oocytes from large follicles have higher nuclear and cytoplasmic maturation capacities, but the differences did not appear to be cAMP‐mediated. Our findings also suggest that COCs from small follicles undergo more intensive luteinization than COCs from large follicles. The results show that oocytes from follicles with a diameter greater than 4.0 mm are more suitable for in vitro studies.
The Impact of Perceived Flood Exposure on Flood‐Risk Perception: The Role of Distance
Authors: O'Neill Eoin , Brereton Finbarr , Shahumyan Harutyun , Clinch J. Peter
Published: April 2016

Natural hazards, such as major flood events, are occurring with increasing frequency and inflicting increasing levels of financial damages upon affected communities. The experience of such major flood events has brought about a significant change in attitudes to flood‐risk management, with a shift away from built engineering solutions alone towards a more multifaceted approach. Europe's experience with damaging flood episodes provided the impetus for the introduction of the European Floods Directive, requiring the establishment of flood‐risk management plans at the river‐basin scale. The effectiveness of such plans, focusing on prevention, protection, and preparedness, is dependent on adequate flood awareness and preparedness, and this is related to perception of flood risk. This is an important factor in the design and assessment of flood‐risk management. Whilst there is a modern body of literature exploring flood perception issues, there have been few examples that explore its spatial manifestations. Previous literature has examined perceived and real distance to a hazard source (such as a river, nuclear facility, landfill, or incinerator, etc.), whereas this article advances the literature by including an objectively assessed measure of distance to a perceived flood zone, using a cognitive mapping methodology. The article finds that distance to the perceived flood zone (perceived flood exposure) is a crucial factor in determining flood‐risk perception, both the cognitive and affective components. Furthermore, we find an interesting phenomenon of misperception among respondents. The article concludes by discussing the implications for flood‐risk management.
Modeling U‐Shaped Exposure‐Response Relationships for Agents that Demonstrate Toxicity Due to Both Excess and Deficiency
Authors: Milton Brittany , Farrell Patrick J. , Birkett Nicholas , Krewski Daniel
Published: April 2016

Essential elements such as copper and manganese may demonstrate U‐shaped exposure‐response relationships due to toxic responses occurring as a result of both excess and deficiency. Previous work on a copper toxicity database employed CatReg, a software program for categorical regression developed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, to model copper excess and deficiency exposure‐response relationships separately. This analysis involved the use of a severity scoring system to place diverse toxic responses on a common severity scale, thereby allowing their inclusion in the same CatReg model. In this article, we present methods for simultaneously fitting excess and deficiency data in the form of a single U‐shaped exposure‐response curve, the minimum of which occurs at the exposure level that minimizes the probability of an adverse outcome due to either excess or deficiency (or both). We also present a closed‐form expression for the point at which the exposure‐response curves for excess and deficiency cross, corresponding to the exposure level at which the risk of an adverse outcome due to excess is equal to that for deficiency. The application of these methods is illustrated using the same copper toxicity database noted above. The use of these methods permits the analysis of all available exposure‐response data from multiple studies expressing multiple endpoints due to both excess and deficiency. The exposure level corresponding to the minimum of this U‐shaped curve, and the confidence limits around this exposure level, may be useful in establishing an acceptable range of exposures that minimize the overall risk associated with the agent of interest.
Skills, Tasks and the Scarcity of Talent in a Global Economy
Authors: Koch Michael
Published: April 2016

The scarcity of talent is a tremendous challenge for firms in the globalized world. This paper investigates the role of labor market imperfection in open economies for the usage of talent in the production process of firms. For this purpose, I set up a heterogeneous firms model, where production consists of a continuum of tasks that differ in complexity. Firms hire low‐skilled and high‐skilled workers to perform these tasks. How firms assign workers to tasks depends on factor prices for the two skill types and the productivity advantage of high‐skilled workers in the performance of complex tasks. I study the firms’ assignment problem under two labor market regimes, which capture the polar cases of fully flexible wages and a binding minimum wage for low‐skilled workers. Since the minimum wage lowers the skill premium, it increases the range of tasks performed by high‐skilled workers, which enhances the stock of knowledge within firms to solve complex tasks and reduces the mass of active firms. In a setting with fully flexible wages trade does not affect the firm‐internal assignment of workers to tasks. On the contrary, if low‐skilled wages are fixed by a minimum wage, trade renders high‐skilled workers a scarce resource and reduces the range of tasks performed by this skill type with negative consequences for the human capital stock within firms. In this case, trade leads to higher per‐capita income for both skill types and thus to higher welfare in the open than in the closed economy, whereas – somewhat counter‐intuitive – inequality between the two skill types decreases, as more low‐skilled workers find employment in the production process.