bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modulation of the ASK1–MKK3/6–p38/MAPK signalling pathway mediates sildenafil protection against chemical hypoxia caused by malonate
Authors: Barros‐Miñones L , Orejana L , Goñi‐Allo B , Suquía V , Hervías I , Aguirre N , Puerta E
Published: November 2012

Background and Purpose

PD5 inhibitors have recently been reported to exert beneficial effects against ischaemia–reperfusion injury in several organs. However, there are few studies regarding their neuroprotective effects in brain ischaemia. The present study was designed to assess the effects of sildenafil against chemical hypoxia induced by malonate. Intrastriatal injection of malonate produces energy depletion and striatal lesions similar to that seen in cerebral ischaemia through mechanisms that involve generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS).

Experimental Approach

Volume lesion was analysed by cytochrome oxidase histochemistry. Generation of reactive species was determined by in situ visualization of superoxide production and nitrotyrosine measurement. Protein levels were determined by Western blot after subcellular fractionation.

Key Results

Sildenafil, given 30 min before malonate, significantly decreased the lesion volume in the rat. This protective effect cannot be attributed to any effect on ROS production but to the inhibition of downstream pathways. Thus, malonate induced the activation of apoptosis signal‐regulating kinase‐1 (ASK1) and two MAPK kinases, MKK3/6 and MKK7, which lead to an increased phosphorylation of JNK and p38 MAPK, effects that were blocked by sildenafil. Selective inhibitors of p38 and JNK (SB203580 or SP600125, respectively) were used in combination with malonate in order to evaluate the plausible implication of these pathways in the protection afforded by sildenafil. While inhibition of p38 provided a significant protection against malonate‐induced neurotoxicity, inhibition of JNK did not.

Conclusions and Implications

Sildenafil protects against the chemical hypoxia induced by malonate through the regulation of the ASK1–MKK3/6–p38/MAPK signalling pathway.
Structure–activity relationships for α‐calcitonin gene‐related peptide
Authors: Watkins Harriet A , Rathbone Dan L , Barwell James , Hay Debbie L , Poyner David R
Published: November 2012

Calcitonin gene‐related peptide (CGRP) is a member of the calcitonin (CT) family of peptides. It is a widely distributed neuropeptide implicated in conditions such as neurogenic inflammation. With other members of the CT family, it shares an N‐terminal disulphide‐bonded ring which is essential for biological activity, an area of potential α‐helix, and a C‐terminal amide. CGRP binds to the calcitonin receptor‐like receptor (CLR) in complex with receptor activity‐modifying protein 1 (RAMP1), a member of the family B (or secretin‐like) GPCRs. It can also activate other CLR or calcitonin‐receptor/RAMP complexes. This 37 amino acid peptide comprises the N‐terminal ring that is required for receptor activation (residues 1–7); an α‐helix (residues 8–18), a region incorporating a β‐bend (residues 19–26) and the C‐terminal portion (residues 27–37), that is characterized by bends between residues 28–30 and 33–34. A few residues have been identified that seem to make major contributions to receptor binding and activation, with a larger number contributing either to minor interactions (which collectively may be significant), or to maintaining the conformation of the bound peptide. It is not clear if CGRP follows the pattern of other family B GPCRs in binding largely as an α‐helix.

Linked Articles

This article is part of a themed section on Neuropeptides. To view the other articles in this section visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/bph.2013.170.issue‐7
Decreased adiponectin level is associated with aggressive phenotype of tongue squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Guo Xiao‐Hong , Wang Jin‐Yu , Gao Yan , Gao Min , Yu Guang‐Yan , Xiang Ruo‐Lan , Li Li , Yang Ning‐Yan , Cong Xin , Xu Xiao‐Yan , Li Sheng‐Lin , Peng Xin , Wu Li‐Ling
Published: November 2012

Circulating adiponectin levels are inversely associated with risk of various obesity‐related cancers. However, the effect of adiponectin on carcinogenesis and progression of tongue squamous cell carcinoma (TSCC) remains unknown. We measured serum adiponectin levels in 59 patients with TSCC and 50 healthy controls. Expression of adiponectin and its receptors in paired tumor and paracancerous specimens were determined by immunohistochemical staining (n = 37) and western blot (n = 30), respectively. Serum adiponectin level was lower in patients than in controls (5.0 ± 2.4 vs 8.4 ± 3.5 μg/mL, P < 0.01), and was inversely associated with histological grade and lymph node metastasis but not tumor size. Local adiponectin levels in tumor tissue gradually decreased as tumor‐node‐metastasis stage increased, while the expression of adiponectin receptors was unchanged. In addition, serum adiponectin levels in the TSCC patients without metabolic and cardiovascular diseases, or without smoking and drinking habits, were still lower than in controls. Furthermore, adiponectin inhibited the migration, but not proliferation, of SCC15 cells in vitro. These results indicate that a decreased adiponectin level is associated with risk of TSCC. Hypoadiponectinemia might be used as a biomarker to predict an aggressive phenotype of TSCC.
Was there a plan? End‐of‐life care for children with life‐limiting conditions: a review of multi‐service healthcare records
Authors: Beringer A. J. , Heckford E. J.
Published: November 2012

Background

Planning for care at the end of life (EoL) is an essential component of support and care for families of children with life‐limiting conditions. The purpose of this review was to compare documented EoL planning with published children's palliative care standards, across a range of children's healthcare services and to assess the impact on practice of written guidelines to support EoL care planning.

Method

A manual retrospective review of healthcare records using a purpose‐built form. Inclusion criteria were the records of children with a diagnosed life‐limiting or life‐threatening condition, who had died before the age of 18 years, between October 2008 and March 2010, within a defined geographical area served by one or more of the participating services. The sample was 114 sets of notes relating to a cohort of 48 children: 24 girls and 24 boys, the majority of whose deaths were cancer related.

Results

Examples of good practice were found in the records of individual services. Services had each developed their own systems and documents to support EoL care planning rather than using a unified documentation system. Where documented practice fell short, this was related to a lack of evidence that choice in location of death had been offered, delays in sharing of information between services, and information being buried in the narrative of the notes, making it difficult to find.

Conclusions

Current documented EoL planning varies between services. Those who are infrequently involved in the provision of EoL care may benefit from support by those for whom this is part of their daily working life. These professionals can help prepare staff to engage families in these difficult but important conversations – and encourage them to document them in a way that can be easily and readily accessed and shared.
Crestal Bone Loss and Oral Implants
Authors: Albrektsson Tomas , Buser Daniel , Sennerby Lars
Published: November 2012

Background

A consensus meeting was arranged to critically analyze whether the high figures of peri‐implantitis at machined implants that recently have been reported in the literature are valid also for modern implants.

Purpose

The aims of this paper were to present the outcomes from the consensus meeting and to evaluate recent long‐term clinical studies on modern implants with regard to frequency of peri‐implant infection.

Materials and Methods

Ten different studies of three modern implant brands of moderately rough surfaces with 10‐year or longer follow‐up times were found through a PubMed and manual search.

Results

It was concluded that bleeding on probing or probing depths are weak indicators of crestal bone loss (CBL); that CBL occurs for many other reasons than infection; that implant‐, clinician‐, and patient‐related factors contribute to CBL; and that modern oral implants outperform older devices. Based on a literature search, the frequency of implants with reported peri‐implant infection and significant bone loss leading to implant removal or other surgical intervention was on average 2.7% during 7 to 16 years of function.

Conclusion

The summed frequency of peri‐implantitis and implant failure is commonly less than 5% over 10 years of follow‐up for modern implants when using established protocols.
A systematic review of risk factors for cerebral palsy in children born at term in developed countries
Authors: MCINTYRE SARAH , TAITZ DAVID , KEOGH JOHN , GOLDSMITH SHONA , BADAWI NADIA , BLAIR EVE
Published: November 2012

Aim  The aim of this study was to conduct a systematic review in order to identify the risk factors for cerebral palsy (CP) in children born at term. The secondary aim was to ascertain if the potential for prevention of these risk factors has been adequately explored.

Method  A MEDLINE search up to 31 July 2011 was completed, following the Meta‐Analysis of Observational Studies in Epidemiology guidelines. Publications were reviewed to identify those with both a primary aim of identifying risk factors for all children or term‐born children with CP and a cohort or case–control study design. Studies were examined for potential chance or systematic bias. The range of point estimates of relative risk is reported.

Results  From 21 articles meeting inclusion/exclusion criteria and at low risk of bias, data from 6297 children with CP and 3 804 791 children without CP were extracted. Ten risk factors for term‐born infants were statistically significant in each study: placental abnormalities, major and minor birth defects, low birthweight, meconium aspiration, instrumental/emergency Caesarean delivery, birth asphyxia, neonatal seizures, respiratory distress syndrome, hypoglycaemia, and neonatal infections. Strategies for possible prevention currently exist for three of these.

Interpretation  Ten consistent risk factors have been identified, some with potential for prevention. Efforts to prevent these risk factors to interrupt the pathway to CP should be extended.
Genetic testing improves care for infantile‐onset epilepsy: the story of SCN1A
Authors: BERG ANNE T
Published: November 2012

This commentary is on the original article by Brunklaus et al. on pages 154–161 of this issue
Arrhythmias in primary hyperparathyroidism evaluated by exercise test
Authors: Pepe Jessica , Curione Mario , Morelli Sergio , Colotto Marco , Varrenti Marisa , Castro Claudia , D'Angelo Antonella , Cipriani Cristiana , Piemonte Sara , Romagnoli Elisabetta , Minisola Salvatore
Published: November 2012

Background

Hypercalcemia induces arrhythmias and shortening of QT. The aim of this study was to investigate risk factors for occurrence of arrhythmias in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) during bicycle ergometer exercise test (ET).

Methods

Thirty PHPT postmenopausal women (mean age, 60·9 ± 8·0 years) and 30, sex and age‐matched, controls underwent ET, echocardiogram and mineral metabolism biochemical evaluation. The following stages were considered during ET: rest, peak exercise, recovery (early recovery, 2 and 10 min after peak exercise). QT was corrected with Bazett's formula (QTc).

Results

Compared with controls, PHPT patients showed an increased occurrence of ventricular premature beats (VPBs) during ET (26·6% vs. 6·6%, P = 0·03). Being affected by PHPT predicted the onset of VPBs at peak exercise (P = 0·04) and recovery (P = 0·03), as shown by logistic regression analysis. In PHPT patients, serum calcium level was a predictor of VPBs at peak exercise (P = 0·05). QTc in patients with PHPT was in the normal range. Serum calcium level showed a negative correlation with QTc (P = 0·01) in whole sample. Compared with controls, PHTP patients had QTc significantly shorter for every stage of ET, except at peak exercise. Physiological reduction of QTc interval from rest to peak exercise was not seen in patients with PHPT, QTc at rest being the only predictor of QTc in every stage, as shown by multivariate regression analysis.

Conclusions

In patients with PHPT, an increased occurrence of VPBs and a different QTc adaptation during ET were observed and may represent risk factors for major arrhythmias.
Preparing hospital pharmacists to prescribe: stakeholders’ views of postgraduate courses
Authors: Kamarudin Gritta , Penm Jonathan , Chaar Betty , Moles Rebekah
Published: November 2012

Objectives

To explore pharmacy stakeholders’ views on developing a postgraduate course to prepare hospital pharmacists for collaborative prescribing in Australia.

Methods

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with pharmacy stakeholders from universities, hospitals and professional organisations (n = 25) to gather views on the content, structure and delivery methods of a possible postgraduate prescribing course for pharmacists. Transcripts were analysed thematically and coded using NVivo software.

Key findings

There was strong support for collaborative prescribing as an appropriate role for advanced pharmacist practitioners and acknowledgement that further training is needed to implement this new role. It was proposed that postgraduate training for hospital pharmacists should be based on a national prescribing competency framework and participants highlighted key aspects of the prescribing process in which pharmacists need particular up-skilling: diagnosis, physical assessments, clinical decision-making and consultations. The training model used in the UK was favoured, where candidates undertake university-based study combined with collaborative training with a doctor and a practical assessment of competency.

Conclusions

The findings from this study have provided valuable information which can provide a pathway for the development of a postgraduate course to prepare Australian hospital pharmacists for prescribing. Future research should focus on uncovering the perceptions of Australian doctors, nurses and policy makers on the training requirements needed for pharmacist prescribing in the hospital setting. Stakeholders’ views on pharmacist prescribing training in the community setting could also be explored.
Body mass index influences prostate cancer risk at biopsy in Japanese men
Authors: Masuda Hitoshi , Kagawa Makoto , Kawakami Satoru , Numao Noboru , Matsuoka Yoh , Yokoyama Minato , Yamamoto Shinya , Yonese Junji , Fukui Iwao , Kihara Kazunori
Published: November 2012

Objectives

To determine the relationship between body mass index and prostate cancer risk at biopsy in Japanese men, and to compared the risk with that of Caucasian men.

Methods

We retrospectively evaluated 3966 men with prostate‐specific antigen levels from 2.5 to 19.9 ng/mL who underwent an initial extended prostate biopsy. Using logistic regression, odds ratios of each body mass index category for risk of prostate cancer and high‐grade disease (Gleason score ≥4 + 3) were estimated after controlling for age, prostate‐specific antigen, %free prostate‐specific antigen, prostate volume, digital rectal examination findings, family history of prostate cancer and the number of biopsy cores. Patients were divided into six categories according to their body mass index (kg/m2) as follows: <21.0, 21.0–22.9, 23.0–24.9, 25.0–26.9, 27.0–29.9 and ≥30.0.

Results

A significant positive association was observed between body mass index and prostate cancer risk at biopsy, with an increased risk observed in men whose body mass index was ≥27.0 compared with the reference group. A significantly increased risk starting at body mass index ≥25.0 was found in high‐grade disease. In contrast to our results, there has been no reported increase in the risk of prostate cancer at biopsy in Caucasians within the overweight range (body mass index of 25.0–29.9 based on World Health Organization classification).

Conclusions

Japanese men within the overweight body mass index range who have an elevated prostate‐specific antigen level also have a significant risk of harboring prostate cancer, especially high‐grade disease. Overweight Japanese might be at greater prostate cancer risk at biopsy than overweight Caucasians.
Prostate cancer may trigger paraneoplastic limbic encephalitis: A case report and a review of the literature
Authors: Jakobsen Jakob Kristian , Zakharia Elias Raja , Boysen Anders Kindberg , Andersen Henning , Schlesinger Friedrich Emanuel , Lund Lars
Published: November 2012

We present a case of a previously healthy and active 64‐year‐old man who experienced a rapid neuropsychiatric decline. All tests for metabolic causes, neuroinfection, intracranial infarction or tumor were negative. By the means of magnetic resonance imaging, electroencephalography and the anti‐Hu antibody test the patient was diagnosed with paraneoplastic limbic encephalitis related to prostate cancer. The patient died within 6 months. We review the literature on prostate cancer‐related paraneoplastic limbic encephalitis. High‐risk prostate cancer can trigger paraneoplastic limbic encephalitis, a rapidly progressive neurological syndrome with a bad prognosis.
Fatal respiratory distress syndrome due to coronavirus infection in a child with severe combined immunodeficiency
Authors: Szczawinska‐Poplonyk Aleksandra , Jonczyk‐Potoczna Katarzyna , Breborowicz Anna , Bartkowska‐Sniatkowska Alicja , Figlerowicz Magdalena
Published: November 2012

Please cite this paper as: Szczawinska‐Poplonyk et al. (2012) Fatal respiratory distress syndrome due to coronavirus infection in a child with severe combined immunodeficiency. Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses DOI: 10.1111/irv.12059.

Coronaviruses have been demonstrated to contribute substantially to respiratory tract infections among the child population. Though infected children commonly present mild upper airway symptoms, in high‐risk patients with underlying conditions, particularly in immunocompromised children these pathogens may lead to severe lung infection and extrapulmonary disorders. In this paper, we provide the first report of the case of a 15‐month‐old child with severe combined immunodeficiency and coronavirus HKU1‐related pneumonia with fatal respiratory distress syndrome.
Diet composition and diel feeding behaviour of the banded guitarfish Zapteryx xyster along the Pacific coast of Costa Rica, Central America
Authors: Espinoza M. , Clarke T. M. , Villalobos‐Rojas F. , Wehrtmann I. S.
Published: November 2012

The diet and diel feeding behaviour of the banded guitarfish Zapteryx xyster were examined along the Pacific coast of Costa Rica. A sample of 235 stomachs was collected between March 2010 and December 2011 as part of an ongoing shrimp‐trawl by‐catch monitoring programme. Samples from multiple day and night periods allowed testing the hypothesis that Z. xyster is more active at night, thus increasing the amount of food intake during night‐time. Overall, shrimps (52·3% prey‐specific index of relative importance, PSIRIi) and teleosts (27·2% PSIRIi) were the most important prey categories. Juveniles fed primarily on smaller shrimps (Solenocera spp.), while adults shifted to larger prey. The amount of food consumed (as % of bodymass) by juvenile and adult Z. xyster increased significantly between 0400 and 1200 hours, while the proportion of empty stomachs decreased during the same time interval. These findings contradict the hypothesis that Z. xyster is more active and feeds at night. The study also revealed that Z. xyster, particularly juveniles, forage on several shrimp species and overlap spatially with the Costa Rican bottom‐trawl fisheries. This has important management and conservation implications as Z. xyster may be experiencing high by‐catch rates, and because of their life history is presumed to be vulnerable to intense levels of exploitation.
Validation of the core elements of perioperative nursing
Authors: Rauta Satu , Salanterä Sanna , Nivalainen Jarmo , Junttila Kristiina
Published: November 2012

Aims and objectives.  To define the core elements of perioperative nursing.

Background.  To measure the nursing care intensity in operating departments and day surgery units, a consensus on the content of perioperative nursing is required. The core elements of perioperative nursing were initially defined based on literature and the clinical expertise of the national workgroup. Suggested core elements were verified in this study. Because healthcare systems constantly suffer from limited resources, while patients are legitimated and ethically justified good nursing care, it is essential to produce reliable information for resource allocation.

Design.  Descriptive survey using Delphi technique.

Methods.  The purposeful sample of 55 experts was invited to participate in the Delphi panel to evaluate the suggested core elements of perioperative nursing. Two nationwide Delphi rounds were conducted. The response rates were 89% and 49%, respectively. Content Validity Index was calculated for each component.

Results.  The Delphi panel accepted the suggested core elements that were seen describing the core of perioperative nursing.

Conclusion.  The initially defined core elements of perioperative nursing were verified in this study, with the core elements describing patient’s safety as crucial in perioperative nursing. Those concerning patients’ needs of information, communication with significant others, patients’ coping mechanisms and mental well‐being or administrating basic care – for example hygiene – were not seen to be as fundamental as those describing physiological needs.

Relevance to clinical practice.  The results of this study can be used as an initial step when constructing an instrument for measuring the nursing care intensity in perioperative settings. In the future, the instrument may provide objective evidence of nursing care intensity and thus facilitate resource allocation. A further significance of this study lies in its potential to make perioperative nursing visible, so the nursing outcomes may be evaluated and proved.
How do nurse prescribers integrate prescribing in practice: case studies in primary and secondary care
Authors: Bowskill Dianne , Timmons Stephen , James Veronica
Published: November 2012

Aims and objectives

To report a study investigating how nurse prescribers integrate prescribing in clinical practice. Factors that influence integration are explored and how nurses approach integration is defined.

Background

There are expectations that nurse prescribers will prescribe for patients. Nurse prescribers share jurisdiction of prescribing with doctors in the workplace and new divisions of labour must be agreed to enable the nurse to begin prescribing. Little is known about how nurses integrate prescribing in practice but these agreements are potentially important to the organisation of professional work and the delivery of healthcare.

Design

Case study.

Methods

Twenty six nurse prescribers were interviewed in case studies of primary and secondary care prescribing. Case data were collected by semi‐structured interview and combined with field notes and socio‐demographic data in case summaries. Data were organised in nvivo (QSR International Pty Ltd, Doncaster, Victoria, Australia) and subject to manual analysis at single and cross‐case level.

Results

Twenty‐one of the 26 cases were prescribing. Trust between doctor and nurse and nurse and employer was shown to be necessary for effective integration. There were differences in how prescribing agreements were reached in primary and secondary care. Restrictions were imposed in secondary care. In primary care, nurses made decisions themselves about the medicines they prescribe but frequently asked doctors to check their decisions. Nurses described three approaches to prescribing: as opportunity presents, for specific conditions and for individuals.

Conclusions

Nurse prescribers described three approaches to prescribing and in two approaches the nurse self‐restricted prescribing activity. Secondary care prescribers had more employer restrictions than their primary care counterparts. Trust between doctor nurse and nurse employer was shown to be necessary for integration; without trust, the nurse will not prescribe.

Relevance to practice

Trust in prescribing relationships is necessary for effective integration of nurse prescribing in practice.
Screening for dementia: Brazilian version of the Informant Questionnaire on Cognitive Decline on the Elderly and its psychometric properties
Authors: Sanchez Maria Angélica dos Santos , Lourenço Roberto Alves
Published: November 2012

Aim

To assess the criterion validity of the Brazilian version of the Informant Questionnaire on Cognitive Decline on the Elderly (IQCODE‐BR), and analyze the influence of educational level and age of both the elderly and the informants on the questionnaire scores.

Method

The study design was a cross‐sectional study with a convenience sample. Convergent validity was assessed using the Mini‐Mental State Examination, and the accuracy of the IQCODE‐BR was evaluated by receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was carried out to determine the influence of sociodemographic characteristics on IQCODE‐BR scores.

Results

A total of 169 elderly individuals participated in the study, of which 35.5% were diagnosed with dementia. There was no statistically significant association between the IQCODE‐BR scores, and the age and educational level of both the elderly and the informants. The cut‐off point for greater accuracy was 3.52, with sensitivity of 83.3% and specificity of 80.7%. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.83 (95% CI 0.766–0.893). There was a negative and moderate correlation between IQCODE‐BR and the Mini‐Mental State Examination scores (P < 0.01).

Conclusion

This study suggests that the IQCODE‐BR is a valid tool for screening of dementia and that IQCODE‐BR scores do not seem to be influenced by age, educational level and other factors associated with the informants. However, further studies are required to evaluate informant characteristics, such as anxiety states, depression and burden level. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2013; 13: 687–693.
Alban Gee, MB BS (Syd), FRCSI, FRACS (Urology) – the man behind the ‘Alban Gee USANZ Poster Prize
Authors: Robert D. Wines
Published: November 2012

What's known on the subject? and What does the study add?

There has been little documentation of the contribution Dr Alban Gee made to the development of Urology in Australasia. This paper records a personal association with Dr Gee for the Archives of the Urological Association of Australia and New Zealand which did not previously exist.

This paper documents Dr Gee's contribution to Australasian Urology.
PROFESSIONAL SERVICE FUTURES: THE PROFESSIONAL CHALLENGE
Authors: Houlder Dominic , Williamson Peter
Published: November 2012

Growth, globalisation and industrialisation are tempting strategies for professional service firms. But, warn Dominic Houlder and Peter Williamson, unless properly managed they can put at risk what made firms successful in the first place.
Parameter estimation for the drift of a time inhomogeneous jump diffusion process
Authors: Franke Brice , Kott Thomas
Published: November 2012

This work deals with parameter estimation for the drift of jump diffusion processes which are driven by a Lévy process and whose drift term is linear in the parameter. In contrast to the commonly used maximum likelihood estimator, our proposed estimator has the practical advantage that its calculation does not require the evaluation of the continuous part of the sample path. In the important case of an Ornstein‐Uhlenbeck‐type jump diffusion, which is a widely used model, we prove consistency and asymptotic normality.
‘Giving’ and ‘Making’ in Early Runic Epigraphy
Authors: Mees Bernard
Published: November 2012

A survey of the early Germanic etymological semantics of ‘giving’ and ‘making’ is presented in light of the recent reaffirmation that early Nordic *taujanis etymologically related to Old Norsetœja‘grant, bestow, help, assist’. Contextualising the early runic fabricatory and dedicatory inscriptions in terms of sociological, textual and anthropological theory, a new interpretation of early runic pragmatics is developed. The new approach to early runic performance proferred seeks to explain the broader function (and context) of epigraphic production, not merely the most logical reading of individual texts. The early runic pragmatics of ‘giving’ and ‘making’ are employed as an analytical frame in which to analyse the socio‐cultural as well as linguistic meaning of a series of both functionally and textually related, often significantly stylised Iron Age epigraphs found on a range of early Scandinavian media: runestones, moor finds and migration‐era amulets.
Lobbying under Pressure: The Effect of Salience on European Union Hedge Fund Regulation
Authors: Woll Cornelia
Published: November 2012

The virulent European Union hedge fund debate led many observers to suspect a paradigmatic battle between liberal market economies and countries in favour of tighter regulation. By contrast, this article points to the economic interests that drove government agendas. However, national preferences were not defined by the aggregate of a country's economic interests, but by very specific stakeholders only, despite the existence of opponents with considerable resources. This article argues that the unequal success of financial lobbyists depended on how their demands fitted into the government's overarching negotiation strategy. The primacy of government objectives, in turn, resulted from the high saliency of financial regulation and hedge funds in particular.
“First You Must Master Pain”: The Nature and Purpose of Apprenticeship
Authors: Lancy David F.
Published: November 2012

The goal of this study was to distill from a large body of literature on children learning crafts, such as pottery and weaving, the characteristics of apprenticeship as a distinct phenomenon. Currently, apprenticeship is considered indistinguishable from other, more informal, means of skill transmission. From the literature survey, 11 attributes were identified as belonging to the archetypal apprenticeship. The analysis then advances to consider the genesis or raison d'être for the apprenticeship. The argument is advanced that the apprenticeship is designed to simultaneously train novices in specific craft or trade skills while socializing them to join the social and cultural elite represented by master craftsmen. The article concludes by considering the role of apprenticeship in the evolution of schooling.
Pilot survey on dental health in 5–12‐year‐old school children in Laos
Authors: Besseling Sjobbe , Ngonephady Sengphouvanh , van Wijk Arjen J.
Published: November 2012

Aim

The burden of dental caries in young Lao children is high. As a result, these children suffer from toothache, and school absenteeism is high. There is a need for the Lao Government to develop a strategy to prevent dental disease, such as caries. The aim of this study was to collect data on the oral health status of PDR children in order to enable the Lao Government to develop strategies on dental health care.

Methods

An oral examination, following World Health Organization guidelines, was performed on 289 school children aged 5–12 years in Vientiane, Laos.

Results

Caries prevalence was high in the present sample (average = 85.4%), as well as mean decayed, missing, and filled teeth index (primary and secondary) levels. Nearly all caries were untreated. A trend was observed showing lower caries levels in children who brushed their teeth daily at school.

Conclusions

The burden of dental caries for Loa children is high, while the oral care index is nearly zero. Clearly, this has serious resource and management implications, and the strategy of the government must be on prevention (at a young age), awareness of oral diseases, pain relief. More than anything else, prompt action is required.
B‐mode andDoppler ultrasonography in pony mares with experimentally induced ascending placentitis
Authors: Bailey C. S. , Heitzman J. M. , Buchanan C. N. , Bare C. A. , Sper R. B. , Borst L. B. , Macpherson M. , Archibald K. , Whitacre M.
Published: November 2012

Reasons for performing study

Early, accurate diagnosis of ascending placentitis in mares remains a key challenge for successful treatment of the disease.Doppler ultrasonography has shown promise as a tool to diagnose pregnancy abnormalities and is becoming more available to equine clinicians. However, to date, no studies have prospectively compared this technique to standardB‐mode measurement of the combined thickness of the uterus and placenta (CTUP).

Objectives

The objective of the current study was to compareDoppler andB‐mode ultrasonography for the detection of experimentally‐induced ascending placentitis in mares.

Methods

Eleven healthy pony mares in late gestation were used in this study. Placentitis was induced in 6 mares betweenDays 280 and 295, while 5 mares served as negative controls. All mares were intensively monitored until delivery. Fetal heart rate,CTUP, uterine artery blood flow (resistance index, pulsatility index, arterial diameter and total arterial blood flow) and physical examination findings were recorded at each examination. Mares with an increasedCTUPabove published values were treated in accordance with published recommendations. Foals and fetal membranes were examined at birth. Ultrasonographic parameters were compared between groups usingANOVA. Foal viability and histological presence of placentitis were compared using aFisher's exact test.

Results

TheCTUPwas increased above normal in 5 of 6 inoculated mares within 3 days after inoculation (P= 0.05). The sixth inoculated mare was excluded from subsequent data analysis. Uterine artery blood flow, physical examination findings and fetal heart rate were not different between groups. Gradual increases inCTUP, arterial diameter and total arterial blood flow were detected with increasing gestational age in the control mares (P= 0.02,P= 0.00001 andP= 0.00001, respectively).

Conclusion

TheCTUP, but not uterine blood flow, was different between groups (P= 0.00001). RecordedCTUPvalues for control pony mares were similar to previously published values for light breed horses.
“Nutrient Inputs to the Laurentian Great Lakes by Source and Watershed Estimated Using SPARROW Watershed Models” by Dale M. Robertson and David A. Saad2
Authors: Peter Richards R. , Alameddine Ibrahim , David Allan J. , Baker David B. , Bosch Nathan S. , Confesor Remegio , DePinto Joseph V. , Dolan David M. , Reutter Jeffrey M. , Scavia Donald
Published: November 2012

Richards, R. Peter, Ibrahim Alameddine, J. David Allan, David B. Baker, Nathan S. Bosch, Remegio Confesor, Joseph V. DePinto, David M. Dolan, Jeffrey M. Reutter, and Donald Scavia, 2012. Discussion –“Nutrient Inputs to the Laurentian Great Lakes by Source and Watershed Estimated Using SPARROW Watershed Models” by Dale M. Robertson and David A. Saad. Journal of the American Water Resources Association (JAWRA) 1‐10. DOI: 10.1111/jawr.12006

Abstract:  Results from the Upper Midwest Major River Basin (MRB3) SPARROW model and underlying Fluxmaster load estimates were compared with detailed data available in the Lake Erie and Ohio River watersheds. Fluxmaster and SPARROW estimates of tributary loads tend to be biased low for total phosphorus and high for total nitrogen. These and other limitations of the application led to an overestimation of the relative contribution of point sources vs. nonpoint sources of phosphorus to eutrophication conditions in Lake Erie, when compared with direct estimates for data‐rich Ohio tributaries. These limitations include the use of a decade‐old reference point (2002), lack of modeling of dissolved phosphorus, lack of inclusion of inputs from the Canadian Lake Erie watersheds and from Lake Huron, and the choice to summarize results for the entire United States Lake Erie watershed, as opposed to the key Western and Central Basin watersheds that drive Lake Erie’s eutrophication processes. Although the MRB3 SPARROW model helps to meet a critical need by modeling unmonitored watersheds and ranking rivers by their estimated relative contributions, we recommend caution in use of the MRB3 SPARRROW model for Lake Erie management, and argue that the management of agricultural nonpoint sources should continue to be the primary focus for the Western and Central Basins of Lake Erie.
Projected climate change and the changing biogeography of coastal Mediterranean fishes
Authors: Albouy Camille , Guilhaumon François , Leprieur Fabien , Lasram Frida Ben Rais , Somot Samuel , Aznar Roland , Velez Laure , Le Loc'h François , Mouillot David
Published: November 2012

Aim

To forecast the potential effects of climate change in the Mediterranean Sea on the species richness and mean body size of coastal fish assemblages.

Location

The Mediterranean Sea.

Methods

Using an ensemble forecasting approach, we used species distribution modelling to project the potential distribution of 288 coastal fish species by the middle and end of the 21st century based on the IPCC A2 scenario implemented with the Mediterranean climatic model NEMOMED8.

Results

A mean rise of 1.4 °C was projected for the Mediterranean Sea by the middle of the 21st century and 2.8 °C by the end of the 21st century. Projections for the end of the century suggest that: (1) 54 species are expected to lose their climatically suitable habitat, (2) species richness was predicted to decrease across 70.4% of the continental shelf area, especially in the western Mediterranean Sea and several parts of the Aegean Sea, and (3) mean fish body size would increase over 74.8% of the continental shelf area. Small‐bodied species that are not targeted by either commercial or recreational fleets presented, on average, the highest predicted decrease in geographic range size.

Main conclusions

Projected climate change in the Mediterranean Sea may have deleterious effects on coastal fish diversity, including a significant loss of climatically suitable habitat for endemic fish species. In addition, climate change may contribute to the loss of small and low trophic‐level fishes, which may have ecosystem‐wide impacts by reducing food supply to larger and higher trophic‐level species. Fishing pressure is already selectively removing large‐bodied species from marine ecosystems, and so fishing and climatic change might act in tandem to drive both direct and secondary extinctions.
Identifying compartments in presence–absence matrices and bipartite networks: insights into modularity measures
Authors: Thébault Elisa
Published: November 2012

Aim

The identification of compartments (i.e. clusters of overlapping species ranges across an environmental gradient) is an important methodological challenge for biogeographical studies. Recent developments in network theory offer promising perspectives on this issue using the measurement of modularity. A presence–absence matrix is modular if particular subgroups of species are mainly linked to particular subgroups of sites. Modularity is still rarely considered in biogeographical studies. Here, I compare different modularity indices to investigate which is the most appropriate for studying presence–absence matrices and similar types of networks, such as bipartite networks.

Location

Evaluation was based on 279 data sets from around the world.

Methods

I consider the three most commonly used modularity indices. One was developed for unipartite networks and the other two for bipartite networks. The performance of these indices (detection of a modular pattern, quality of compartment identification) is evaluated on test matrices of known compartmentalization levels with varying sizes and fills. Modularity patterns are then evaluated for 279 presence–absence matrices.

Results

The three modularity measures differ mainly in the identification of the compartments, and less in the statistical significance of the observed modularity. The modularity measure Q3 tends to perform best, whereas Q2 usually performs less well, especially for highly diverse and highly connected networks that include a few extremely well‐connected nodes. These modularity indices all reveal the presence of modular patterns in presence–absence matrices.

Main conclusions

The choice of an appropriate modularity index is particularly important when we are interested in the composition of the different compartments. This analysis suggests that compartmentalized structures can be widespread in presence–absence matrices (about 40% of the matrices considered here). Modularity should thus offer interesting perspectives on the understanding of biogeographical patterns.
Holocene fires, forest stability and human occupation in south‐western Amazonia
Authors: Urrego Dunia H. , Bush Mark B. , Silman Miles R. , Niccum Brittany A. , De La Rosa Paulina , McMichael Crystal H. , Hagen Stephen , Palace Michael
Published: November 2012

Aim

The aim of this study was to assess the effect of Holocene fire activity and drought on the mesic forests of the Upper Beni and the extent of ecotone migration in south‐western Amazonia during the mid‐Holocene. An additional goal was to address the hypothesis of Amazonia as a manufactured landscape prior to the arrival of European colonizers in the New World in ad 1492.

Location

Lakes Chalalán and Santa Rosa, Upper Beni, Bolivian Amazon.

Methods

Holocene vegetation and fire activity were reconstructed based on pollen and microcharcoal records from sediments of lakes Chalalán and Santa Rosa. Chronologies were based on accelerator mass spectrometry radiocarbon analyses, and vegetation changes were summarized using detrended correspondence analysis. The normalized difference vegetation index was used to classify and determine the extent of the modern savanna–forest ecotone using MODIS satellite image data.

Results

Mesic evergreen forests persisted in the Upper Beni throughout the Holocene. Fire was frequent during the early and mid‐Holocene and temporally consistent in both records. Ordination of pollen data showed an increase in forest change during the late Holocene when fire activity was asynchronous in the two records.

Main conclusions

The Upper Beni sites were not reached by expanding savannas during periods of major environmental change, suggesting forest resilience and a degree of ecotone stability. We associated the largest observed change in these forests with late Holocene fires that were most probably ignited by humans. We found little evidence supporting widespread pre‐1491 cultural landscapes.
Ailing and failing oral implants: initial therapy and surgical management
Authors: Sakka Salah , Idrees Majdy , Alissa Rami , Kujan Omar
Published: November 2012

The distinction between ailing and failing implants is clinically important. Changes in the peri‐implant soft or hard tissues will indicate whether the implant is ailing, failing, or has failed. This article discusses these clinical situations and provides an overview and description of peri‐implant diseases and their treatment alternatives.
Water sorption, solubility, and resultant change in strength among three resin‐based dental composites
Authors: Kumar Naresh , Sangi Laila
Published: November 2012

Objective

To determine the water sorption, solubility, and resultant change in strength of one microhybrid and two nanofilled resin‐based composites (RBCs).

Methods

Water sorption, solubility, and three‐point bending strength (TPBS) characteristics of a microhybrid RBC Filtek™ Z250 (Z250; batch 8MA; shade A3) and two nanofilled RBCs, namely Filtek™ Supreme XT “body” (FSB; batch 8NU; shade A3) and “translucent” shades (FST; batch 6C; shade YT) (3M ESPE Dental Products, St Paul, MN, USA) were investigated following 1 and 13 weeks storage regimes.

Results

FSB displayed a significant increase in water sorption compared with Z250 and FST (P < 0.001), however, the latter demonstrated no significant difference between them following 1 week and 13 weeks immersion periods (P > 0.001). Following the 13‐week immersion period, FSB showed greater water solubility compared with Z250 and FST (P < 0.001). FSB exhibited greater TPBS compared with FST in dry control specimens (P < 0.05), but no significant difference among TPBS of all RBCs was identified following the 1‐week immersion period (P = 0.290). The TPBS of FSB decreased significantly compared with Z250 and FST following the 13‐week immersion period (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Since the FSB exhibited greater water sorption, solubility, and resulting strength degradation compared with Z250 and FST, a poor clinical performance may be expected.
Mineralocorticoid Receptor Activation Induces Insulin Resistance Through c‐Jun N‐terminal kinases in Response to Chronic Corticosterone: Cognitive Implications
Authors: Solas M. , Gerenu G. , Gil‐Bea F. J. , Ramírez M. J.
Published: November 2012

It is becoming evident that chronic exposure to glucocorticoids might not only result in insulin resistance or cognitive deficits, but also is considered as a risk factor for pathologies such as depression or Alzheimer's disease. In the present study, in vivo experiments using a non‐invasive method of chronic administration of corticosterone in drinking water demonstrated that chronic corticosterone administration led to cognitive impairment in the novel object recognition test and insulin resistance, as shown by significant increases in plasma insulin levels and the homeostatic model assessment index, and decreased insulin receptor phosphorylation. Corticosterone treatment induced an increased expression of stress‐activated c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase (JNK) in the hippocampus, accompanied by decreases in glycogen synthase kinase 3β, increases in pTau levels and increased neuronal cell death (caspase‐3 activity). All these effects were reversed by the administration of a JNK1 inhibitor or by the mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist spironolactone. It is suggested that the mineralocorticoid receptors and JNK‐mediated pathways are involved in the interaction of glucocorticoid‐insulin resistance and the development of relevant cellular processes for Alzheimer′s disease
Open Variety Rights: Rethinking the Commodification of Plants
Authors: Deibel Eric
Published: November 2012

Open Variety Rights refer to the removal of the conditions attached to the usage of plants in agriculture, and to an analogy with open licensing in informatics that is notably different from the one that is taking shape at the intersection of the life sciences and informatics. This paper argues for the open licensing of plants as part of a response to the commodification of DNA; rather than a singular focus on farming or source code, this implies an analogy that aims at the removal of restrictions, whether as seeds, biodiversity, genetic sequences or DNA in informatics formats. First, the commodification of plants will be conceptualized. Second, the proposal for open licensing for varieties of crops will be discussed. Third, examples of the introduction of open licensing in the life sciences will be examined in relation to the potential to reformulate the definition of ‘openness’ to support those who wish to live and work with plants on their own terms.