bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A look at the hepatic encephalopathy in cirrhosis
Authors: Zaccherini Giacomo , Tufoni Manuel , Ricci Carmen Serena , Tovoli Alessandra , Napoli Lucia , Domenicali Marco
Published: May 2016

Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a neuropsychiatric syndrome complicating acute and chronic liver failure and characterized by a wide range of manifestations, in absence of other brain disease. HE is very frequent in course of cirrhosis and even mild forms involve a great additional burden on patients, their families and health-care resources. Its onset affects subsequent survival of patients. Historically, pathophysiology of HE was connected to several substances (mostly ammonia) produced in the gut and normally metabolized by the liver, but more recently other factors such as inflammation, bacterial translocation and oxidative stress have shown a crucial role. Symptoms are often overt (confusion, asterixis, disorientation, ataxia or coma) but can also be subtle (sleep disturbances, cognitive impairment, mood alterations, impairment of executive decision-making, and psychomotor speed – Minimal HE); the West Haven Criteria are most often used to grade Overt HE (OHE), with grade ranging from 0 to 4 (4 corresponding to coma). Since both Minimal HE and grade 1 HE cannot be diagnosed by clinical examination and need for specific tests, it results practical to combine these entities and name them "Covert" HE (CHE) to aid clinical use. Diagnosis is based on evidence of neurological impairment in presence of liver cirrhosis, only after the exclusion of other brain diseases. Measurement of serum ammonia and electroencephalography are little specific, while brain magnetic resonance and search for portosystemic shunts are important in complex cases. Diagnosis of OHE is often just clinical, while that of CHE requires dedicated psychometric and neurophysiological tests. Although these tests are difficult to be performed in the clinical practice, detection and treatment of CHE are cost-effective and important; indeed, CHE affects patients’ quality of life, socioeconomic status and driving skills, and increases the risk for falls, car accidents, development of OHE, and death. Management of HE includes early diagnosis and prompt treatment of precipitating factors (infection, gastrointestinal bleeding, electrolyte disturbances, dehydration, hypotension, use of benzodiazepines, psychoactive drugs, and/or alcohol). Current treatment is based principally on reducing intestinal ammonia with nonabsorbable disaccharides (lactulose or lactitol); rifaximin, used solely or in addition, is also becoming a first-line treatment.
Nosology of non traumatic intracerebral haemorrhage
Authors: Meucci Giuseppe , Catalani Roberto
Published: May 2016

Spontaneous intracranial haemorrhage is a serious medical emergency, representing the 20% of all the hospitalisations for stroke. It requires rapid diagnosis and management. This article offers an overview of this disease. Causes are listed, such as rupture of an aneurysm or arteriovenous malformation, amyloid angiopathy, lipohyalinosis, and microaneurysms. Neuroimaging studies, such as CT and MRI, are required for diagnosis; in addition neuroimaging can be useful in understanding the type of haemorrhage, its aetiology, and its pathophysiology. The treatment, along with surgery, includes hypertension and intracranial pressure control, glucose and temperature monitoring, and the administration of osmotic agents.
Gestational Diabetes Mellitus: a review of the diagnosis, clinical implications and management
Authors: Wong Vincent Wing-Ming
Published: May 2016

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a condition that affects the wellbeing of mother and fetus. Women with GDM are at risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus in the future, while fetal exposure to hyperglycaemia in-utero may affect their glycometabolic profile later in life. Appropriate screening and management of this problem is important in ensuring good pregnancy outcomes. In this review, the clinical implications, the various ways to screen and diagnose GDM, and management strategies during pregnancy will be discussed. For years, insulin is the mainstay of treatment if medical nutrition therapy fails to maintain adequate glycaemic control, but use of other oral pharmacotherapy may gain greater acceptance in the future. Following delivery, ongoing follow-up of these women is worthwhile as early intervention through lifestyle or pharmacotherapy may prevent the development of diabetes.
Open access policy at Reviews in Health Care
Authors: Maina Silvia
Published: May 2016

[The abstract of this article is not available. Here are the first sentence of the interview with Peter Suber. The complete interview is freely available upon registration]Peter Suber (http://bit.ly/suber) is Berkman Fellow at Harvard University, Senior Researcher at SPARC, the Open Access Project Director at Public Knowledge, and Research Professor of Philosophy at Earlham College. He conducts research, writing, consulting, and advocacy on open access and related topics.Q: The aim of open access is to remove access barriers to publication. Don’t you think that fee-based model can be an obstacle for authors in less-developed countries?A: Fee-based OA journals don’t work as well as no-fee OA journals in fields and countries where most research is unfunded. But it’s important to remember that the vast majority of OA journals (70%) charge no publication fees at all. The percentage is even higher for OA journals published in developing countries. For example, nearly all the OA journals published in India are no-fee. It’s equally important to remember that green OA, or OA through repositories, is an inexpensive alternative to gold OA, or OA through journals.
Gender differences in symptoms experienced by advanced cancer patients: a literature review
Authors: Wong Erin , Bedard Gillian , Pulenzas Natalie , Lechner Breanne , Lam Henry , Thavarajah Nemica , Holden Lori , Chow Edward , Lauzon Natalie
Published: May 2016

INTRODUCTION: Advanced cancer patients are multi-symptomatic and require attentive palliative care. As gender differences are apparent in multiple aspect of everyday life, this literature review aims to determine the gender differences seen in the population of advanced cancer patients and the symptoms that they experience. METHODS: A literature review was conducted using the OvidSP Medline database from 1946 to November 2012. Randomized, prospective or retrospective cohort studies on advanced cancer patients who were undergoing any type of palliative treatments (palliative radiation, chemotherapy) or those in which palliative treatments have failed (antalgic treatment) were included. The patient population, tools/questionnaire used and gender differences in symptoms found statistically or qualitatively significant in the respective studies were extracted. RESULTS: Of the 163 studies resulting from the literature search, nineteen publications were identified. Gender differences in multiple symptoms were discovered. Gender differences were commonly found in symptoms of emotional changes, fatigue, gastrointestinal symptoms (nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea) anxiety, tension, sleep problems and pain. CONCLUSION: At present, gender differences seen in the symptoms experienced by advanced cancer patients continues to be inconclusive. Further study investigating gender differences in the symptoms experienced by advanced cancer patients as the primary endpoint is recommended.
Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome and cognitive impairment: effects of CPAP
Authors: Giordano Alessandra , Cicolin Alessandro , Mutani Roberto
Published: May 2016

Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome (OSAS) is a sleep disorder characterised by repetitive episodes of upper airway obstruction (apnea) or reduced airflow (hypopnoea) despite persistent respiratory effort. Apnea is defined as the cessation of breathing for at least 10 seconds during sleep, while hypopnoea is defined as at least 30% reduction in airflow for 10 seconds associated with oxygen desaturation and sleep fragmentation. The presence in the general population is about 4%. The principal symptoms are: excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS), snoring, dry throat, morning headache, night sweats, gastro-esophageal reflux, and increased blood pressure.Long term complications can be: increased cardio-cerebrovascular risk and cognitive impairment such as deficiency in attention, vigilance, visual abilities, thought, speech, perception and short term memory.Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) is currently the best non-invasive therapy for OSAS.CPAP guarantees the opening of upper airways using pulmonary reflexive mechanisms increasing lung volume during exhalation and resistance reduction, decreasing electromyografical muscular activity around airways.The causes of cognitive impairments and their possible reversibility after CPAP treatment have been analysed in numerous studies. The findings, albeit controversial, show that memory, attention and executive functions are the most compromised cognitive functions.The necessity of increasing the patient compliance with ventilotherapy is evident, in order to prevent cognitive deterioration and, when possible, rehabilitate the compromised functions, a difficult task for executive functions.
Risk of cerebral haemorrhage in patients treated with antithrombotic drugs. Focus on new oral anticoaguants
Authors: Agnelli Giancarlo
Published: May 2016

Antithrombotic drugs represent one of the leading pharmacological category used in clinical practice, especially in cardiovascular setting. Their demonstrated antithrombotic efficacy has been fundamental in the improvement of the management of many diseases related to athero-thrombotic or thromboembolic risk in prevention and treatment of cardiovascular events. Nonetheless, they are also associated with a not negligible haemorrhagic risk. Among these risks, intracranial bleeding represents the most feared, and should be kept in mind, prevented when possible and adequately managed when occurs. In this article the intracranial haemorrhagic risk associated to drugs vitamin K antagonists and new oral anticoagulants is reviewed.
Prescribing restrictions – a necessary strategy among some European countries to enhance future prescribing efficiency?
Authors: Godman Brian , Malmström Rickard , Bennie Marion , Sakshaug Solveig , Burkhardt Thomas , Campbell Stephen , Garuoliene Kristina , Schwabe Ulrich , Vončina Luka , Gustafsson Lars L
Published: May 2016

The unsustainable growth in pharmaceutical expenditure has resulted in multiple initiatives across Europe to lower prices of generics and enhance their utilisation. These include prescribing restrictions. However, there have been concerns with their impact on subsequent quality of care as well as their influence in reality. OBJECTIVES: (a) Review the influence of prescribing restrictions and whether there are any differences depending on their nature and drug classes; (b) Ascertain whether prescribing restrictions can be added to existing demand-side measures to further enhance prescribing efficiency; (c) Whether they compromise subsequent quality of care. RESULTS: Prescribing restrictions have a variable impact on subsequent utilisation of patented protected products versus generics in a class, with their influence depending on the nature and follow-up of the restrictions rather than the class of drug. This is seen among the proton pump inhibitors, statins, and renin-angiotensin drugs. Prescribing restrictions can be successfully added to existing measures to further enhance prescribing efficiency, and do not appear to compromise subsequent quality of care. CONCLUSIONS: Prescribing restrictions can be a successful strategy as countries strive to maintain the European ideals for healthcare. However, care is needed when planning these programmes: else health authorities could be disappointed with their outcome.
Indications, time and types of urgent and elective neurosurgical approach in intracranial spontaneous haemorrhage
Authors: Amoroso Rosina , Gagliardi Rolando
Published: May 2016

Up to now, the possibility of neurosurgical approach remains one of the main key points in acute management of non traumatic intracranial haemorrhage. The aims of neurosurgical evacuation are represented by stopping bleeding, reducing haematoma enlargement, endocranial hypertension and mass effect, and improving cerebral perfusion. In the acute phase of intracranial bleeding, neurosurgeons are called to take critical decisions about the indication or exclusion of surgical approach and this kind of choices can be very difficult. Only a minority of patients suffering from intraparenchimal bleeding undergo urgent surgical evacuation. This decision is based on the presence or the absence of mass effect, occlusion of liquoral flow associated to impairment of vigilance, sites of hematoma surgically accessible and good performance status. In patients suffering for subarachnoid haemorrhage, mainly due to rupture of aneurisms or artero-venous malformations, the percentage of surgery increases together with the possibility of the elective approach.
Infectious diseases and pediatrics: a parallel scientific and health care pathway in the last two centurieshealthcare pathway in the last two centuries
Authors: Manfredi Roberto
Published: May 2016

Pediatrics and Infectious Diseases reached an autonomous healthcare assistance and scientific pathway in a different mode when comparing the English-American medical world, and the South-European countries, including Italy. Like the late recognition of childhood as human beings deserving a specific assistance by specialist physicians (pediatricians) in the English-American health care system, also Infectious Diseases developed as a subspecialty of General Internal Medicine in the English-American countries, while played their autonomous role especially in some European countries including Italy, where some prominent academic and assistance centres of Infectious Diseases had their roots just in some Pediatric references centres located throughout the country. Aim of our work is also to explore the unmet needs of pediatric infectious diseases assistance still relevant in the third millennium, both in the industrialized worlds, and in developing countries.
Healthcare market research examined. Relevant, rigorous and highly regulated
Authors: Douglas Bob
Published: May 2016

[The abstract of this article is not available. Here are the first sentences of the article. The full text is freely available upon registration]Market research is invariably confused with marketing – but, in fact, the two disciplines are very different. Put in its simplest terms, marketing is about promotion whilst market research is about understanding. Accordingly, data collected for market research purposes are used in a completely different way to that gathered for marketing, with research practices heavily regulated to ensure high ethical standards.Let’s begin with a definition of what, exactly, market research is. According to the ICC/ESOMAR International Code 2007 (a definition also adopted by the European Pharmaceutical Market Research Association), it is: «the systematic gathering and interpretation of information about individuals or organisations using the statistical and analytical methods and techniques of the applied social sciences to gain insight or support decision-making. The identity of respondents will not be revealed to the user of the information without explicit consent and no sales approach will be made to them as a direct result of their having provided information».
Role of fluoroquinolones in the treatment of tuberculosis
Authors: Ahmad Suhail , Mokaddas Eiman
Published: May 2016

INTRODUCTION: The increasing incidence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) and extensively drug-resistant (XDR) strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis is hampering efforts to control the global tuberculosis (TB) epidemic. Although treatment of drug-susceptible TB is possible in ≥ 95% of disease cases, long (≥ 6 months) duration of supervised combination therapy is challenging. Non-adherence to treatment often results in much lower cure rates. Treatment of MDR-TB and XDR-TB is far less effective. The aim of this review is to summarize the current status of fluoroquinolones in shortening the duration of drug-susceptible pulmonary TB and in improving the outcome of MDR-TB/XDR-TB.METHODS: All the relevant articles were identified through a search of PubMed and Scopus databases by using search terms like tuberculosis (or M. tuberculosis), fluoroquinolones, drug-susceptible TB, MDR-TB, XDR-TB, combination therapy, treatment regimens, treatment duration, drug target and drug resistance. The current literature on the role of fluoroquinolones in the treatment of TB was reviewed.RESULTS: The fluoroquinolones, particularly newer compounds such as levofloxacin, moxifloxacin and gatifloxacin, have bactericidal activity against M. tuberculosis, excellent oral bioavailability, favorable safety profile and no cross-resistance with other first-line anti-TB drugs. Data from phase II trials of fluoroquinolones-containing regimens for shortening the duration of treatment for pulmonary TB are encouraging and phase III trials are currently underway. The fluoroquinolones are also effective as substitute agents for those individuals who are intolerant to first-line drugs. Several studies and clinical trials have also supported the use of fluoroquinolones in patients with MDR-TB/XDR-TB.DISCUSSION: The fluoroquinolones-containing regimens are being tested to shorten the duration of treatment for pulmonary TB to 4 months. They are also regarded as one of the two cornerstone drugs for the treatment of MDR-TB/XDR-TB. However, they are also among the commonly prescribed antibiotics for lower respiratory tract infections and are becoming increasingly associated with delayed treatment and resistance in TB. If these trends are not reversed soon, we may lose fluoroquinolones as effective anti-TB agents very rapidly.
Childhood obesity in Italian primary schools: eating habits, physical activity and perception of weight by parents
Authors: Scarafile Giancarlo
Published: May 2016

Childhood obesity is the worst not infectious disease in the world with few clinical treatment options. The purpose of this review is to analyze the epidemiological differences related to childhood obesity in the age group of 6-11 years, both in the United States and Italy which are the most affected by this disease. Among the main causes, three were analyzed: eating habits, physical activity and the perception of the body weight of children by their parents. The review also reports a series of targeted measures adopted by specialized physicians whose main aim is to fight and reduce, in the shortest period possible, the prevalence of childhood obesity. Overeating, often unaware of energy dense foods and beverages, and a sedentary lifestyle habits as well the increase of body weight. The wrong timing of meals, jumping breakfast, eating few fruit and vegetables all day long and drinking sugary and/or carbonated drinks are more frequent and deep-rooted habits among children. To correct these habits and promote a healthy eating it is necessary to plan targeted interventions.
Les cheminements de la créativité en traduction
Authors: Stefanink Bernd , Bălăcescu Ioana
Published: May 2016

La créativité est souvent sciemment écartée de la réflexion traductologique sous prétexte qu’elle « ne se prête pas à une étude systématique » (Gerzymisch-Arbogast et Mudersbach 1998 : 16). Et pourtant elle est le pain quotidien du traducteur. Elle est donc incontournable dans une théorie qui tient compte de la pratique. Nous nous proposons de démontrer la pertinence de l’approche herméneutique dans la gestion de la créativité par un exemple empirique, étudié à l’aide de l’analyse conversationnelle ethnométhodologique, qui nous permet de suivre le cheminement vers une solution créative qui peut paraître osée à première vue, mais qui se voit brillamment légitimée par des recherches récentes en sciences cognitives sur le fonctionnement de notre cerveau.
La traducción del discurso oral de la literatura infantil y juvenil alemana: las partículas modales ja y eben/halt al euskera
Authors: Zubillaga Gómez Naroa
Published: May 2016

Le but de cet article est de résumer les résultats de l’analyse de la traduction de certaines particules modales allemandes en basque. Les données proviennent de notre thèse sur la traduction de la littérature allemande pour enfants en langue basque, qui a été menée selon une méthodologie descriptive et avec un vaste corpus numérique de 33 oeuvres originales allemandes et leurs traductions. Étant donné que le corpus renferme à la fois des traductions directes et indirectes, cet article examine également les différents résultats obtenus en comparant les traductions directes et indirectes. Les particules modales allemandes sont très fréquentes, surtout dans le discours oral et dans le discours écrit informel. Ainsi, l’analyse de la traduction de ces particules dans une langue minoritaire comme le basque nous permet de plonger dans le problème de la traduction des éléments discursifs oraux dans une langue où la création de l’oralité fictive semble assez complexe. Une attention toute particulière est donnée à la mesure du niveau de standardisation et à l’observation des cas d’interférence.
La transition énergétique entre homéostasie du système et effondrement
Authors: Rudolf Florence
Published: May 2016

La transition énergétique prétend ouvrir un nouvel horizon dans le paysage français, mais cet horizon est-il à ce point inédit ? Pour en discuter, nous l’inscrivons dans une série dont elle fait partie. Par bien des aspects, les sémantiques qui rythment cette série partagent bien des points, dont le rejet de la figure révolutionnaire et l’affichage d’une certaine confiance dans la capacité de la modernité à faire face aux enjeux écologiques de la fin du XXe et du début du XXIe siècles. Par-delà cette similitude, le repérage des différences laisse entrevoir avec la référence à la transition un tournant plus menaçant qu’il n’y paraît au premier abord. Si la transition énergétique joue encore la carte de l’homéostasie, cette dernière est assombrie par le spectre d’un effondrement socio-écologique majeur qui s’annonce.
Le champ des sustainability transitions : origines, analyses et pratiques de recherche
Authors: Audet René
Published: May 2016

Le champ des sustainability transitions est peu connu dans les cercles universitaires francophones, demeurant surtout, à ce jour, une affaire européenne. L’objectif de cet article est donc avant tout d’introduire ce champ au monde francophone : il s’agit de présenter les sustainability transitions, ses principales écoles, leurs problématiques théoriques et empiriques, leurs pratiques méthodologiques et leurs critiques. L’article est organisé autour des trois problématiques centrales du champ, soit : les problèmes de l’incertitude, de la complexité et de la réflexivité dans la gouvernance du développement durable, le fort degré de verrouillage des principaux systèmes sociotechniques empêchant leur « transition vers la durabilité », et le défi plus méthodologique du pilotage du changement et des transitions. L’article présente ces trois problématiques en montrant leurs ancrages dans différentes filiations théoriques des sciences sociales et des sciences de l’environnement, et en propose finalement une critique épistémologique et politique qui invite à réfléchir davantage aux conséquences des sustainability transitions sur les transformations actuelles des sociétés dans le contexte des crises écologique et climatique.
Resisting or Adapting? How Private Catholic High Schools in Quebec Respond to State Secularism and Religious Diversification
Authors: Martínez-Ariño Julia , Lefebvre Solange
Published: May 2016

The education system in Quebec has found itself at the center of the debates about secularism since the 1960s. Embedded in broader academic debates about processes of secularization and deconfessionalization of state institutions, religious diversification of society, and reconfiguration of Catholicism, this article aims to analyze how private Catholic schools in post-Catholic Quebec respond to the challenges posed by the secularizing pressures of the state, and the religious diversification of their target populations. Based on a qualitative case study conducted in two private-partially-publicly-funded Catholic or Catholic-oriented high schools (one Anglophone, one Francophone) in Quebec, we argue that the different approaches observed result from the different processes of internal secularization that these two schools have gone through. We draw on Steve Bruce’s notion of “cultural defense” and David Martin’s conceptualization of different trajectories of secularization to interpret these results.
Distinguer le culturel du religieux : l’École Internationale Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur
Authors: Robert Ludovic
Published: May 2016

En France, l’école publique se doit de respecter les règles de l’Éducation Nationale. L’un des grands enjeux de ces dernières années est le respect de la laïcité par la suppression de tout symbole religieux dans les établissements scolaires publics. Actuellement, une école, à la fois publique et internationale, nous démontre que la valorisation du pluralisme culturel engendre de nombreuses questions sur la représentation du religieux au sein d’un établissement public. Au cours de cet essai, je soulèverai ces questions et montrerai qu’à vouloir taire un thème, la religion, cela ne fait qu’en susciter l’intérêt.
La perception de la collaboration école-famille des parents d’élèves en situation de victimisation au primaire
Authors: Cardin Caroline , Beaumont Claire , Frenette Eric , Leclerc Danielle
Published: May 2016

Cette étude vise à connaître la perception qu’ont les parents de la collaboration école-famille principalement lorsque leur enfant est victime de violence à l’école primaire. L’échantillon est constitué de 4394 parents qui ont rempli le Questionnaire sur la Sécurité et la Violence à l’École QSVE/parents. Les résultats rapportent que la collaboration école-famille est perçue positivement par les parents. Les parents qui croient leur enfant victime de violence montrent une perception plus négative de cette collaboration. Près d’un parent sur cinq a signalé à l’école la victimisation de son enfant. Parmi ceux l’ayant signalé entre une et trois fois, une grande proportion se dit satisfaite de l’accueil et de l’aide reçus de l’école, mais ils sont plus nombreux à se dire insatisfaits lorsque ces signalements ont été faits plus de quatre fois. La perception de cette collaboration devient moins positive en fonction du nombre de fois que le parent a signalé la victimisation à l’école.
Genetic diversity, structure and gene flow of migratory barren-ground caribou (Rangifer tarandus groenlandicus) in Canada
Authors: McFarlane Keri , Gunn Anne , Campbell Mitch , Dumond Mathieu , Adamczewski Jan , Wilson Greg
Published: May 2016

Migratory barren-ground caribou (Rangifer tarandus groenlandicus) provide an opportunity to examine the genetic population structure of a migratory large mammal whose movements and distribution, in some instances, have not been heavily influenced by human activities that result in habitat loss or fragmentation. These caribou have likely reached large effective population sizes since their rapid radiation during the early Holocene despite cyclic changes in abundance. Migratory barren-ground caribou are managed as discrete subpopulations. We investigated genetic variation among those subpopulations to determine the patterns of genetic diversity within and among them, and the implications for long-term persistence of caribou. We identified three distinct genetic clusters across the Canadian arctic tundra: the first cluster consisted of all fully-continental migratory barren-ground subpopulations; the second cluster was the Dolphin and Union caribou; and the third cluster was caribou from Southampton Island. The Southampton Island caribou are especially genetically distinct from the other barren-ground type caribou. Gene flow among subpopulations varied across the range. Occasional gene flow across the sea-ice is likely the reason for high levels of genetic variation in the Dolphin and Union subpopulation, which experienced very low numbers in the past. These results suggest that for most migratory caribou subpopulations, connectivity among subpopulations plays an important role in maintaining natural genetic diversity. Our analyses provide insight into the levels of microsatellite genetic diversity and patterns of gene flow that may be common to large subpopulations that historically had a continuous distribution across a large continental range. These data can also be used as a benchmark to compare the effects of habitat fragmentation and bottlenecks on other large caribou populations.
Microscopic Raman study of graphene on 4H-SiC two-dimensionally enhanced by surface roughness and gold nanoparticles
Authors: Matsumura Hisatomo , Yanagiya Shin-ichiro , Nagase Masao , Kishikawa Hiroki , Goto Nobuo
Published: May 2016

We present microscopic Raman spectroscopy measurements on single-layer graphene epitaxially grown on 4H-SiC by a thermal decomposition method. We collected spectral data with spatial resolution, which allowed us to obtain two-dimensionally enhanced Raman mapping images. Shallow holes in SiC, which had areas of 5 to 20 µm and depths of 100 nm, enhanced the Raman intensity of the 2D band of graphene. A monolayer of gold nanoparticle (AuNP) aggregates was successfully prepared by dropping and drying a colloidal suspension of AuNPs. The AuNP exhibited 30-fold enhanced the Raman spectra in the wavenumber range of 1550–1700 cm−1. Locally enhanced Raman intensity was also demonstrated using a glass microbead.
Yet another new species from one of the best-studied neotropical areas:Plantago humboldtiana(Plantaginaceae), an extremely narrow endemic new species from a waterfall in southern Brazil
Authors: Hassemer Gustavo , Rønsted Nina
Published: May 2016

This article presents and describesPlantago humboldtiana, an extremely narrow endemic rheophytic new species from a waterfall in Corupá, Santa Catarina state, southern Brazil. The new species is unique in presenting a combination of type-G antrorse trichomes on scapes, pendulous inflorescences and 1-seeded pyxidia. Only one population is known to exist, despite intensive search efforts in nearby, similar environments. Its conservation status is assessed as critically endangered (CR) as the only known population is restricted to a dramatically small area, and is subject to extreme fluctuation due to occasional floods, and also to intense visitation by tourists, which can disturb its fragile habitat. We also present an updated identification key to the species ofPlantagothat occur in Santa Catarina. The recent description of three narrow endemic, threatened new species ofPlantagoin Santa Catarina, which is the Brazilian state with its flora best studied, highlights the need for more taxonomic research, especially in the neotropics.
Retrospective study on structural neuroimaging in first-episode psychosis
Authors: Coentre Ricardo , Silva-dos-Santos Amilcar , Talina Miguel Cotrim
Published: May 2016

Background.No consensus between guidelines exists regarding neuroimaging in first-episode psychosis. The purpose of this study is to assess anomalies found in structural neuroimaging exams (brain computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)) in the initial medical work-up of patients presenting first-episode psychosis.

Methods.The study subjects were 32 patients aged 18–48 years (mean age: 29.6 years), consecutively admitted with first-episode psychosis diagnosis. Socio-demographic and clinical data and neuroimaging exams (CT and MRI) were retrospectively studied. Diagnostic assessments were made using the Operational Criteria Checklist +. Neuroimaging images (CT and MRI) and respective reports were analysed by an experienced consultant psychiatrist.

Results.None of the patients had abnormalities in neuroimaging exams responsible for psychotic symptoms. Thirty-seven percent of patients had incidental brain findings not causally related to the psychosis (brain atrophy, arachnoid cyst, asymmetric lateral ventricles, dilated lateral ventricles, plagiocephaly andfalx cerebricalcification). No further medical referral was needed for any of these patients. No significant differences regarding gender, age, diagnosis, duration of untreated psychosis, in-stay andcannabisuse were found between patients who had neuroimaging abnormalitiesversusthose without.

Discussion.This study suggests that structural neuroimaging exams reveal scarce abnormalities in young patients with first-episode psychosis. Structural neuroimaging is especially useful in first-episode psychosis patients with neurological symptoms, atypical clinical picture and old age.
Postcranial anatomy ofPissarrachampsa sera(Crocodyliformes, Baurusuchidae) from the Late Cretaceous of Brazil: insights on lifestyle and phylogenetic significance
Authors: Godoy Pedro L. , Bronzati Mario , Eltink Estevan , Marsola Júlio C. de A. , Cidade Giovanne M. , Langer Max C. , Montefeltro Felipe C.
Published: May 2016

The postcranial anatomy of Crocodyliformes has historically been neglected, as most descriptions are based solely on skulls. Yet, the significance of the postcranium in crocodyliforms evolution is reflected in the great lifestyle diversity exhibited by the group, with members ranging from terrestrial animals to semi-aquatic and fully marine forms. Recently, studies have emphasized the importance of the postcranium. Following this trend, here we present a detailed description of the postcranial elements ofPissarrachampsa sera(Mesoeucrocodylia, Baurusuchidae), from the Adamantina Formation (Bauru Group, Late Cretaceous of Brazil). The preserved elements include dorsal vertebrae, partial forelimb, pelvic girdle, and hindlimbs. Comparisons with the postcranial anatomy of baurusuchids and other crocodyliforms, together with body-size and mass estimates, lead to a better understanding of the paleobiology ofPissarrachampsa sera, including its terrestrial lifestyle and its role as a top predator. Furthermore, the complete absence of osteoderms inP. sera, a condition previously known only in marine crocodyliforms, suggests osteoderms very likely played a minor role in locomotion of baurusuchids, unlike other groups of terrestrial crocodyliforms. Finally, a phylogenetic analysis including the newly recognized postcranial features was carried out, and exploratory analyses were performed to investigate the influence of both cranial and postcranial characters in the phylogeny of Crocodyliformes. Our results suggest that crocodyliform relationships are mainly determined by cranial characters. However, this seems to be a consequence of the great number of missing entries in the data set with only postcranial characters and not of the lack of potential (or synapomorphies) for this kind of data to reflect the evolutionary history of Crocodyliformes.
Prescription Drug Costs Among People With Alzheimer Disease and Related Dementias
Authors: Jang Seyeon , McCoy Rozalina G. , Chen Jie
Published: September 2024

This cross-sectional study examines the association of Alzheimer disease and related dementias with prescription drug expenditures across cost distributions.
Persistence of dicamba residue in harvested soybeans
Authors: Henry Jerri Lynn , Lin Chung‐Ho , Weirich Jason W. , Smeda Reid J.
Published: September 2024

Adoption of dicamba‐tolerant soybeans contributed to widespread reports of chemical trespassing on adjacent, sensitive soybeans. Reports of the impact of dicamba on sensitive soybeans (Glycine max L.) have been well documented; however, the potential for dicamba carryover into harvested beans from sensitive plants has largely been overlooked. Field trials in central Missouri focused on assessing the injury and yield response of sensitive soybeans to concentrations of dicamba as low as 0.25% of the use rate (10 µL L−1 dicamba). In both 2018 and 2019, dicamba‐sensitive soybeans were planted in conventional row spacing and treated with 10–300 µL L−1 dicamba at both V3 and R1 soybeans. Dicamba symptoms were visible in less than 7 days after application (DAA); significant injury was observed at 10 µL L−1 and persisted through the duration of the study (28 DAA). Injury levels reached almost 50% with 300 µL L−1 dicamba. Step‐wise increases in soybean yield losses occurred with increasing dicamba concentrations and reached 50% with 300 µL L−1 dicamba. Yield losses were up to 10% greater for R1 versus V3 soybeans treated with the same dicamba concentration. Dicamba residues in bean tissue ranged from 0.72 to 0.81 mg kg−1 for 150 to 300 µL L−1 dicamba, and residues were similar for beans at both V3 and R1. Dicamba persisted in beans harvested up to 122 days after plant exposure to dicamba. Although dicamba residues were within limits established by the EPA (10 mg kg−1), residues exceeded that allowed in marketed, organic soybeans (0.5 mg kg−1).
Enhancement of the Potential Window of Ppy Electrodes in the Presence of a Bis(Oxamato) Nickel(II) Complex for High‐Performance Supercapacitor
Authors: Pesqueira Camila , Hryniewicz Bruna M. , Klobukoski Vanessa , Weheabby Saddam , Kanoun Olfa , Rüffer Tobias , Pašti Igor A. , Vidotti Marcio
Published: September 2024

Enhancing the supercapacitors’ performance relies on the increased capacitance and voltage window, which are the current key challenges for developing new materials. In this study, the mononuclear NiII‐bis(oxamato) complex ([nBu4N]2[Ni(opba)], 1) has been synthesized and used as a template in polypyrrole (PPy) based conductive polymer as a novel electrode material for supercapacitor applications. The surface and structural properties of PPy and PPy/1 electrodes were studied using SEM and TEM to elucidate their interactions. The results of characterization techniques revealed that complex 1 altered the morphology, creating a prominent three‐dimensional globular structure in the PPy/1 hybrid material without significant chemical modification. The electrochemical properties of PPy and PPy/1 were investigated by CV, EIS, and GCD analyses. The PPy/1 electrode demonstrated intense pseudocapacitive behavior, showing a significantly widened potential window and increased current compared to the PPy electrode, resulting in enhanced energy storage capacity within the material. This improvement was evaluated by testing a symmetric supercapacitor in a coin cell architecture with an alginate‐based gel acting as both electrolyte and separator. The maximum specific cell capacitance reached 41.6 F g−1 at a current density of 0.2 A g−1, with a remarkable capacity retention of 97 % after 1000 galvanostatic charge/discharge cycles.
Intensification of biogas production from rice straw using anaerobic digestion based on pre‐treatment with ultrasound
Authors: Gandhi Sudhir S. , Gogate Parag R. , Patil Abhijeet D.
Published: September 2024

The current work illustrates a novel method of pre‐treating rice straw using ultrasound (US) as well as using ultrasound coupled with anaerobic digestion (AD) to intensify biogas production. The primary objectives were to evaluate the effectiveness of ultrasound in increasing the utilization of rice straw and to optimize the conditions for maximum biogas yield. Important parameters such as ultrasonic power (0.2–1 W/mL), duty cycle (20%–80%), and substrate loading (2%–10% w/v) were varied to understand their effects during pre‐treatment. The results showed that the maximum increase in soluble chemical oxygen demand (sCOD), with a final value of 13,500 mg/L (an increase of 64.63%), was achieved under optimum conditions of ultrasonic power of 0.4 W/mL, a duty cycle of 50%, and a substrate loading of 6% w/v. Additionally, the study evaluated the effect of low‐intensity US exposure during AD with pre‐treated rice straw at varying irradiation times (10–30 min) and duty cycles (20%–60%). The optimal conditions of ultrasonic time of 20 min and a duty cycle of 50% resulted in nearly four times higher biogas generation compared to untreated samples. The current research successfully demonstrates the efficient use of US in the feedstock pre‐treatment and also in AD process, leading to significant intensification in biogas production within a shorter time frame.
Childhood maltreatment causes suicide, depression, and more
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: September 2024

Preventing child maltreatment can result in a reduction in suicide and mental disorders, research has found. The link between childhood maltreatment and adult depression has been known for some time, but the first study published has shown that this maltreatment causes mental disorders and suicide. The study took into account genetic and environmental confounding. For the study, maltreatment was defined as physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional, or neglect before or at the age of 18.
Design, analysis, and experimental validation of proposed dual gain pseudo squared buck–boost converter
Authors: Singh Shubham Kumar , Agarwal Anshul
Published: September 2024

This study presents a novel approach to improve the efficiency and performance of a new proposed buck–boost converter. The buck–boost converter allows for voltage step‐up or step‐down operations, making it suitable for wide range applications. The proposed converter design incorporates innovative circuitry to enhance the overall system efficiency. Based on the findings, a new buck–boost converter topology is introduced, which offers improved voltage regulation, reduced losses, and increased power conversion efficiency compared to traditional converter designs. Simulation studies and experimental validations are conducted to assess the performance of the proposed new buck–boost converter. The results demonstrate significant improvements in power output and system stability of proposed converter compared to conventional converter configurations.
Cytokine and chemokine receptor profiles in adipose tissue vasculature unravel endothelial cell responses in HIV
Authors: Obare Laventa M. , Priest Stephen , Ismail Anas , Mashayekhi Mona , Zhang Xiuqi , Stolze Lindsey K. , Sheng Quanhu , Nthenge Kisyua , Vue Zer , Neikirk Kit , Beasley Heather K. , Gabriel Curtis , Temu Tecla , Gianella Sara , Mallal Simon A. , Koethe John R. , Hinton Antentor , Bailin Samuel S. , Wanjalla Celestine N.
Published: September 2024

Chronic systemic inflammation significantly increases myocardial infarction risk in people living with HIV (PLWH). Endothelial cell dysfunction disrupts vascular homeostasis regulation, increasing the risk of vasoconstriction, inflammation, and thrombosis, contributing to cardiovascular disease. We aimed to characterize endothelial cell (EC) chemokines, cytokine, and chemokine receptors of PLWH, hypothesizing that in our cohort, glucose intolerance contributes to their differential expression implicated in endothelial dysfunction. Using single‐cell transcriptomic analysis, we phenotyped chemokine and cytokine receptor expression on arterial ECs, capillary ECs, venous ECs, and vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) in subcutaneous adipose tissue of 59 PLWH with and without glucose intolerance. Our results show that arterial and capillary ECs express significantly higher interferon and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptors than venous ECs and VSMCs. Venous ECs exhibited more interleukin (IL)1R1 and ACKR1 receptors, and VSMCs showed significant IL6R expression than arterial and capillary ECs. When stratified by group, arterial ECs from PLWH with glucose intolerance expressed significantly higher IL1R1, IL6R, CXCL12, CCL14, and ICAM2 transcripts than arterial ECs from PLWH without diabetes. Of the different vascular cell types studied, arterial ECs as a proportion of all ECs in adipose tissue were positively correlated with plasma fasting blood glucose. In contrast, venous ECs and VSMCs were positively correlated with plasma IL6. To directly assess the effect of plasma from PLWH on endothelial function, we cultured human arterial ECs (HAECs) in plasma‐conditioned media from PLWH and performed bulk RNA sequencing. Plasma from PLWH stimulated ECs with the upregulation of genes that enrich for the oxidative phosphorylation and the TNF‐α via NFK‐β pathways. In conclusion, ECs in PLWH show heterogeneous cytokine and chemokine receptor expression, and arterial ECs were the most influenced by glucose intolerance. Further research must explicate cytokine and chemokine roles in EC dysfunction and identify biomarkers for disease progression and therapeutic response.
Attachment representations in pre‐adolescents at familial high risk of schizophrenia or bipolar disorder and population‐based controls—Characteristics of attachment from middle childhood to pre‐adolescence, and its relation to parental functioning and child mental disorder
Authors: Krantz Mette Falkenberg , Gregersen Maja , Veddum Lotte , Hjorthøj Carsten , Prøsch Åsa Kremer , Ohland Jessica , Brandt Julie Marie , Rohd Sinnika Birkehøj , Knudsen Christina Bruun , Andreasen Anna Krogh , Hemager Nicoline , Greve Aja , Mors Ole , Nordentoft Merete , Psouni Elia , Thorup Anne A. E.
Published: September 2024

Background

Development of secure attachment is crucial to establish and maintain healthy relationships with others throughout life. For parents with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder, challenged parental functioning may compromise the sensitive caregiving needed to establish secure child attachment. We aimed to examine pre‐adolescent attachment, predictors related to caregiving, and middle childhood attachment predictors of pre‐adolescent mental disorders.

Methods

In a population‐based nationwide cohort of 522 children of parents with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder and population‐based controls, The Secure Base Script Test was used to assess attachment security at age 11 (N = 409). Parental caregiving and functioning were assessed with the Personal and Social Performance Scale and MC‐HOME (age 7) and child mental disorder with K‐SADS‐PL (age 7 and 11). Story Stem Assessment Profile was used for age 7 attachment.

Results

We found no differences between risk and control groups in prevalence of pre‐adolescent secure attachment. Parental level of functioning and attachment security at age 7 significantly predicted more rich secure base content at age 11. Level of age 7 disorganization significantly predicted presence of mental disorder at age 11.

Conclusions

Overall, attachment of children at familial risk of schizophrenia or bipolar disorder did not differ from that of controls. Instead, parental functioning in middle childhood predicts pre‐adolescent attachment, and may therefore serve as a focus for supporting healthy attachment development. Middle childhood disorganization might serve as a predictor of pre‐adolescent mental disorder if other studies confirm our findings, and awareness hereof may be relevant for guiding intervention to support mental development.
Clifford‐valued linear canonical wavelet transform and the corresponding uncertainty principles
Authors: Rafiq Shahbaz , Bhat Mohammad Younus
Published: September 2024

The present article establishes a novel transform known as Clifford‐valued linear canonical wavelet transform which is intended to represent
‐dimensional Clifford‐valued signals at various scales, locations, and orientations. The suggested transform is capable of representing signals in the Clifford domain in addition to inheriting the characteristics of the Clifford wavelet transform. In the beginning, we demonstrate the proposed transform by the help of
‐dimensional difference of Gaussian wavelets. We then establish the fundamental properties of the proposed transform like Parseval's formula, inversion formula, and characterization of its range using Clifford linear canonical transform and its convolution. To conclude our work, we derive an analog of Heisenberg's and local uncertainty inequalities for the proposed transform.