bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Endoscopic polypectomy for pacemaker patients: is it safe?
Authors: Li Yue , Han Zelong , Sun Yaqing , Li Anbing , Zhang Wei , Li Aimin , Liu Side
Published: July 2014

Background

Endoscopic polypectomy is believed to reduce the incidence of colorectal cancer, and it has become a standard practice for the removal of gastrointestinal polyps. However, for patients with implanted cardiac devices, endoscopic polypectomy is thought to be relatively contraindicated. Aside from two case reports from around 10 years ago, few studies have evaluated the safety of endoscopic polypectomy for this population. In this study, polypectomy was performed in 14 consecutive pacemaker patients to determine the safety of endoscopic polypectomy using high‐frequency current in patients with implanted cardiac devices.

Methods

Fourteen patients with gastrointestinal polyps and implanted cardiac devices were evaluated, and endoscopic polypectomy was performed. Continuous monitoring of heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen saturation and electrocardiographic tracing was conducted. A trained cardiologist was present during the procedures. At the end of the procedures, the cardiac devices were reinterrogated to check for any changes.

Results

Our results showed that a total of 61 procedures in 14 patients were all successfully completed, and no abnormalities were identified during continuous monitoring. There were no statistically significant differences in the preoperation, intraoperation and postoperation data. None of the patients suffered any arrhythmias or functional disruption to their cardiac devices.

Conclusions

Endoscopic polypectomy using high‐frequency current appears to be safe when performed in patients with pacemakers. However, larger multicentre studies are needed to confirm the safety of this procedure in this patient population.
Laparoscopic approach to a planned two‐stage hepatectomy for bilobar colorectal liver metastases
Authors: Kilburn Daniel James , Chiow Adrian Kah Heng , Lewin Joel , Kienzle Nicholas , Cavallucci David Joseph , Bryant Richard , O'Rourke Nicholas
Published: July 2014

Background

This report describes the technical aspects and outcomes of a laparoscopic approach in planned two‐stage liver resections for patients with bilobar colorectal cancer (CRC) liver‐only metastases.

Methods

This is a retrospective review of our database examining consecutive patients who underwent an initial first‐stage laparoscopic liver resection for CRC metastases, with a planned second‐stage resection from 2007 to 2013.

Results

Seven patients underwent an initial laparoscopic first stage with concurrent right portal vein ligation (RPVL) in two patients. Median operating time was 100 (60–170) min with a median blood loss of 100 (50–400) mL. Median length of stay was 3 (2–5) days. The remaining five patients required post‐operative right portal vein embolization (RPVE). All patients had significant hypertrophy of the future liver remnant (FLR) (future liver remnant volume (FLRV) >25%) and six patients subsequently had a successful open right hepatectomy with one attempted laparoscopically converted to open. Two patients had prolonged bile leaks after the second procedure. Three patients remained disease free, with median follow‐up of 34 (13–80) months. One patient had disease progression following RPVE precluding performance of second stage.

Conclusion

Laparoscopic first‐stage resection of tumours in the left liver can be safely combined with RPVL/RPVE to achieve adequate hypertrophy of the FLR, allowing subsequent right hepatectomy.
Improving surgical intravenous fluid management: a controlled educational study
Authors: Gnanasampanthan Vaishnaavi , Porten Lauren , Bissett Ian
Published: July 2014

Background

This study aims to measure whether the introduction of a multifaceted, evidence‐based, educational intervention will improve both intravenous (i.v.) fluids prescribed by doctors and administrated by nurses.

Methods

A daily baseline audit of i.v. fluid prescription and administration for colorectal inpatients was carried out at two Auckland teaching hospitals over 4 weeks. The educational intervention was then administered at hospital 1, while at hospital 2 nurses and junior doctors were merely informed of the audit. The educational intervention included a lecture, multiple posters around the wards and pocket i.v. fluid protocols for junior doctors. Data collection continued for a further 4 weeks at both sites.

Results

The study included 513 days of i.v. fluids received by 109 patients at the two sites. At hospital 1 following the intervention, there was an improvement in the number of correct prescriptions of maintenance i.v. fluids from 21% to 62% (P < 0.001). There were also improvements in the number of patients who received correct administration of i.v. maintenance fluids from 26% to 57% (P < 0.001), gastric loss i.v. replacement from 61% to 93% (P < 0.001) and bowel loss i.v. replacement fluids from 59% to 85% (P = 0.004). None of these measures improved at hospital 2.

Conclusion

At baseline, both prescription and administration of i.v. fluids were poor. A multifaceted educational intervention, involving teaching sessions with handouts, pocket‐sized cards and posters visible on the wards, has brought improvements to both the prescription and administration of i.v. fluids in patients managed by colorectal surgeons.
Evaluation of the transfer of immunoglobulin from colostrum anaerobic fermentation (colostrum silage) to newborn calves
Authors: Saalfeld Mara H. , Pereira Daniela I. B. , Borchardt Jessica L. , Sturbelle Regis T. , Rosa Matheus C. , Guedes Marcio C. , Gularte Marcia A. , Leite Fábio P. Leivas
Published: July 2014

Colostrum silage is an anaerobic fermentation methodology of excess farm colostrum used to conserve and provide as milk replacement for calves. The present study aimed to evaluate the levels of immunoglobulins present in bovine colostrum silage and its absorption by newborn calves. The concentration of immunoglobulins was determined in fresh colostrum and colostrum silage stored for 12 months. The absorption of immunoglobulins by calves was assessed immediately after birth and 24 h after colostrum silage intake. The immunoglobulin levels were evaluated by ELISA. The results highlighted that colostrum silage kept similar levels of immunoglobulins as the ones in colostrum in natura, and can be transferred to newborn calves with similar amounts to calves fed with colostrum in natura. It is concluded that colostrum silage keeps viable immunoglobulins, and is able to transfer passive immunity to newborn calves.
Why are Young Women Less Likely to Breastfeed? Evidence From an Australian Population‐Based Survey
Authors: Biro Mary Anne , Yelland Jane Susanne , Brown Stephanie Janne
Published: July 2014

Background

Younger mothers are less likely to continue breastfeeding compared with older mothers. However, few studies have explored this finding. The aim of this study was to investigate breastfeeding initiation and duration among women aged under 25 and 25 years or older, and assess the extent to which any differences associated with maternal age were explained by other factors.

Methods

All women who gave birth in September and October 2007 in two Australian states were mailed questionnaires 6 months after the birth. Women were asked about infant feeding, maternity care experiences, sociodemographic characteristics, and exposure to stressful life events and social health issues. We examined the association between maternal age, breastfeeding initiation, and breastfeeding at 6 months, while adjusting for a range of social and obstetric risk factors.

Results

While younger women were just as likely to initiate breastfeeding as older women (AdjOR 1.13; 95% CI 0.63–2.05), they had almost twice the odds of not breastfeeding at 6 months (AdjOR 1.76; 95% CI 1.34–2.33). Several psychosocial factors may explain why young women are less likely to breastfeed for longer periods.

Conclusions

Given the complexity of young childbearing women's lives, supporting them to breastfeed will require a multisectorial approach that addresses social disadvantage and resulting health inequalities.
Futures planning – adult sibling perspectives
Authors: Davys Deborah , Mitchell Duncan , Haigh Carol
Published: July 2014

Accessible summary

Planning for the future is important to the happiness and well‐being of people who have a learning disability and their families.

Parents, brothers and sisters of people with learning disability worry about the future especially when parents are not able to give support.

Planning for the future can be difficult because families may not feel ready to plan. They may also feel frightened about the future and feel that they do not have enough information. Families worry about support, relationships and the needs of different family members.

Planning for the future can take a long time, and plans may need to change.

A total of 15 adult siblings of people who have a learning disability were interviewed in relation to their future wishes and expectations of care giving.InterpretativePhenomenologicalAnalysis (IPA) was used to analyse transcripts from the interviews where it was demonstrated that futures planning remains an area of difficulty for families of learning disabled people. The range and degree of plans in place were variable across the families and overall, plans tended to lack detail and clarity. Various factors were cited as hindrances to the futures planning process such as parental anxiety, difficulty with service providers, superstition, attitude, assumption and life stage. Futures planning presented as a transitional process and further research into how best to support families and individuals who have a learning disability to develop long term yet flexible plans is indicated.
Different apoptotic effects of [Pt(O,O′‐acac)(γ‐acac)(DMS)] and cisplatin on normal and cancerous human epithelial breast cells in primary culture
Authors: Vetrugno Carla , Muscella Antonella , Fanizzi Francesco Paolo , Cossa Luca Giulio , Migoni Danilo , De Pascali Sandra Angelica , Marsigliante Santo
Published: July 2014

Background and Purpose

The aim of this study was to determine whether [platinum (Pt)(O,O′‐acetylacetonate (acac))(γ‐acac)(dimethylsulphide (DMS))] is differentially cytotoxic in normal and cancer cells, and to measure comparative levels of cytotoxicity compared with cisplatin in the same cells.

Experimental Approach

We performed experiments on cancerous and normal epithelial breast cells in primary culture obtained from the same patients. The apoptotic effects [Pt(O,O′‐acac)(γ‐acac)(DMS)] and cisplatin in cancerous and normal breast cells were compared.

Key Results

Cancer cells were more sensitive to [Pt(O,O′‐acac)(γ‐acac)(DMS)] (IC50 = 5.22 ± 1.2 μmol·L−1) than normal cells (IC50 = 116.9 ± 8.8 μmol·L−1). However, the difference was less strong when cisplatin was used (IC50 = 96.0 ± 6.9 and 61.9 ± 6.1 μmol·L−1 for cancer and normal cells respectively). Both compounds caused reactive oxygen species (ROS) production with different mechanisms: [Pt(O,O′‐acac)(γ‐acac)(DMS)] quickly activated NAD(P)H oxidase while cisplatin caused a slower formation of mitochondrial ROS. Cisplatin and [Pt(O,O′‐acac)(γ‐acac)(DMS)] caused activation of caspases, proteolysis of PARP and modulation of Bcl‐2, Bax and Bid. [Pt(O,O′‐acac)(γ‐acac)(DMS)] also caused leakage of cytochrome c from the mitochondria. Overall, these processes proceeded more quickly in cells treated with [Pt(O,O′‐acac)(γ‐acac)(DMS)] compared with cisplatin. [Pt(O,O′‐acac)(γ‐acac)(DMS)] effects were faster and quantitatively greater in cancer than in normal cells. [Pt(O,O′‐acac)(γ‐acac)(DMS)] caused a fast decrease of mitochondrial membrane potential, especially in cancer cells.

Conclusions and Implications

[Pt(O,O′‐acac)(γ‐acac)(DMS)] was specific to breast cancer cells in primary culture, and this observation makes this compound potentially more interesting than cisplatin.
Identifying bias in CCR1 antagonists using radiolabelled binding, receptor internalization, β‐arrestin translocation and chemotaxis assays
Authors: Gilchrist A , Gauntner T D , Fazzini A , Alley K M , Pyen D S , Ahn J , Ha S J , Willett A , Sansom S E , Yarfi J L , Bachovchin K A , Mazzoni M R , Merritt J R
Published: July 2014

Background and Purpose

Investigators have suggested that the chemokine receptor CCR1 plays a role in multiple myeloma. Studies using antisense and neutralizing antibodies to CCR1 showed that down‐regulation of the receptor altered disease progression in a mouse model. More recently, experiments utilizing scid mice injected with human myeloma cells demonstrated that the CCR1 antagonist BX471 reduced osteolytic lesions, while the CCR1 antagonist MLN‐3897 prevented myeloma cell adhesion to osteoclasts. However, information is limited regarding the pharmacology of CCR1 antagonists in myeloma cells.

Experimental Approach

We compared several well‐studied CCR1 antagonists including AZD4818, BX471, CCX354, CP‐481715, MLN‐3897 and PS899877 for their ability to inhibit binding of [125I]‐CCL3 in vitro using membranes prepared from RPMI 8226 cells, a human multiple myeloma cell line that endogenously expresses CCR1. In addition, antagonists were assessed for their ability to modulate CCL3‐mediated internalization of CCR1 and CCL3‐mediated cell migration using RPMI 8226 cells. As many GPCRs signal through β–arrestin‐dependent pathways that are separate and distinct from those driven by G‐proteins, we also evaluated the compounds for their ability to alter β‐arrestin translocation.

Key Results

There were clear differences between the CCR1 antagonists in their ability to inhibit CCL3 binding to myeloma cells, as well as in their ability to inhibit G–protein‐dependent and ‐independent functional responses.

Conclusions and Implications

Our studies demonstrate that tissue phenotype seems to be relevant with regards to CCR1. Moreover, it appears that for CCR1 antagonists, inhibition of β‐arrestin translocation is not necessarily linked to chemotaxis or receptor internalization.
The route to pathologies in chronic inflammatory diseases characterized by T helper type 2 immune cells
Authors: Jovanovic K , Siebeck M , Gropp R
Published: July 2014

T helper type 2 (Th2)-characterized inflammatory responses are highly dynamic processes initiated by epithelial cell damage resulting in remodelling of the tissue architecture to prevent further harm caused by a dysfunctional epithelial barrier or migrating parasites. This process is a temporal and spatial response which requires communication between immobile cells such as epithelial, endothelial, fibroblast and muscle cells and the highly mobile cells of the innate and adaptive immunity. It is further characterized by a high cellular plasticity that enables the cells to adapt to a specific inflammatory milieu. Incipiently, this milieu is shaped by cytokines released from epithelial cells, which stimulate Th2, innate lymphoid and invariant natural killer (NK) T cells to secrete Th2 cytokines and to activate dendritic cells which results in the further differentiation of Th2 cells. This milieu promotes wound-healing processes which are beneficial in parasitic infections or toxin exposure but account for increasingly dysfunctional vital organs, such as the lung in the case of asthma and the colon in ulcerative colitis. A better understanding of the dynamics underlying relapses and remissions might lead ultimately to improved therapeutics for chronic inflammatory diseases adapted to individual needs and to different phases of the inflammation.
Calreticulin promotes angiogenesis via activating nitric oxide signalling pathway in rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Ding H , Hong C , Wang Y , Liu J , Zhang N , Shen C , Wei W , Zheng F
Published: July 2014

Calreticulin (CRT) is a multi-functional endoplasmic reticulum protein implicated in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The present study was undertaken to determine whether CRT was involved in angiogenesis via the activating nitric oxide (NO) signalling pathway. We explored the profile of CRT expression in RA (including serum, synovial fluid and synovial tissue). In order to investigate the role of CRT on angiogenesis, human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were isolated and cultured in this study for in-vitro experiments. Our results showed a significantly higher concentration of CRT in serum (5·4 ± 2·2 ng/ml) of RA patients compared to that of osteoarthritis (OA, 3·6 ± 0·9 ng/ml, P < 0·05) and healthy controls (HC, 3·7 ± 0·6 ng/ml, P < 0·05); and significantly higher CRT in synovial fluid (5·8 ± 1·2 ng/ml) of RA versus OA (3·7 ± 0·3 ng/ml, P < 0·05). High levels of CRT are expressed in synovial membrane localized predominantly to inflammatory cells and synovial perivascular areas in both the lining and sublining layers of RA synovial tissue (RAST). Increased nitric oxide (NO) production and phosphorylation level of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) were measured in HUVECs following CRT stimulation, while the total eNOS expression was not significantly changed. Furthermore, CRT promoted the proliferation, migration and tube formation of HUVECs, which were significantly inhibited by a specific eNOS inhibitor. These findings suggested that CRT may be involved in angiogenesis events in RA through NO signalling pathways, which may provide a potential therapeutic target in the treatment of RA.
Early‐life factors are associated with nocturnal cortisol and glucose effectiveness in Afro–Caribbean young adults
Authors: Thompson Debbie S. , Ferguson Trevor S. , Wilks Rainford J. , Phillips David I. , Osmond Clive , Samms‐Vaughan Maureen , Forrester Terrence E. , Boyne Michael S.
Published: July 2014

Context

Early‐life factors (including intrauterine growth retardation) may influence the development of type 2 diabetes. We postulated that birth size is associated with cortisol levels, which itself could alter serum adipomyokines (i.e. adiponectin, IGF‐I, myostatin) and glucose metabolism.

Design

An observational study with 60 Afro‐Caribbean young adults from a birth cohort.

Measurements

Fasting blood was drawn for serum adiponectin, IGF‐I and myostatin. A frequently sampled intravenous glucose tolerance test measured insulin sensitivity (SI), acute insulin response (AIRg), disposition index (DI) and glucose effectiveness (Sg). Body composition was assessed by dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry. Salivary cortisol was collected at home at 0800 and 2300 h. Sex‐adjusted correlations were used to explore the relationships between birth size, cortisol and the metabolic variables.

Results

The participants were 55% male, mean age 23·1 ± 0·5 years. Birth weight correlated positively with 2300‐h cortisol (P = 0·04), although not after adjusting for gestational age. Gestational age was correlated with 2300 h cortisol (r = 0·38, P = 0·03), even after adjusting for birth weight (P = 0·02). 2300 h cortisol was not associated with adiponectin, IGF‐I, myostatin, SI, AIRg or DI, but was negatively correlated with Sg (r = −0·30, P = 0·05) even after adjusting for birth and adult anthropometry. Adiponectin, IGF‐I and myostatin were unrelated to glucose metabolism.

Conclusions

Gestational age is associated with higher nocturnal cortisol, which in turn is associated with lower glucose effectiveness in adulthood. Higher glucose effectiveness could therefore be a compensatory mechanism to improve glucose uptake.
Do flow volume loops alter surgical management in patients with a goitre?
Authors: Stevens J.L. , Constantinides V. , Todd J. , Meeran K. , Christakis I. , Tolley N.S. , Palazzo F.F.
Published: July 2014

Introduction

Flow volume loops (FVLs) are considered part of the workup of patients with thyroid enlargement presenting to the endocrinology clinic. They are used to detect upper airway obstruction (UAO) secondary to tracheal compression (TC) from a goitre. Surgical assessment in contrast tends to focus on clinical evaluation supplemented when required by imaging. The aim of this study was to investigate whether FVLs influence the decision to operate in patients with a goitre.

Methods

We identified patients with a goitre referred by the department of endocrinology for FVLs between 2006 and 2011. The results of the FVL were collated, and their impact on patient management was assessed.

Results

Ninety‐six patients were referred for FVL. In 38 patients, the indication was specifically to evaluate the effects of a goitre. Of these, 33 were reported as normal. Five FVLs were reported as abnormal (3 suggesting lung pathology and 2 TC). Both patients with TC on FVL presented no CT evidence of TC and underwent surgery due to abnormal cytology. Of the 33 normal FVLs, 7 underwent surgery: 2 for local compression, 4 for abnormal cytology and 1 for Graves' disease. None of the FVLs influenced the decision to operate.

Conclusion

FVLs may detect subradiological TC, but rarely influence management in patients with a goitre. In view of this and the cost of £235 per investigation, FVL should be reserved for goitre patients with suspected primary lung pathology, where the distinction between large and small airway compression is likely to influence management.
SNaPshot reveals high mutation and carrier frequencies of 15 common hearing loss mutants in a Chinese newborn cohort
Authors: Chen Y. , Cao Y. , Li H.‐B. , Mao J. , Liu M.‐J. , Liu Y.‐H. , Wang B.‐J. , Jiang D. , Zhu Q. , Ding Y. , Wang W. , Li H. , Choy K.W.
Published: July 2014

Genetic causes account for more than half of congenital hearing loss cases. The most frequent mutations found in non‐syndromic hearing loss patients occur in GJB2 and SLC26A4. Mitochondrial genome mutations are also prevalent. However, the frequency of common hearing loss mutations in the Chinese population has not yet been well estimated. Here, we implemented the SNaPshot genotyping method to investigate the carrier frequency of 15 commonly reported hearing loss mutations in GJB2, SLC26A4 and the mitochondrial genome based on a cohort of 5800 neonates in China. Up to 15.9% (923/5800) of the newborns carry at least one mutant allele. The top three were GJB2‐c.109G>A, GJB2‐c.235delC, and SLC26A4‐c.919A>G, with notably high carrier frequencies of 1/10, 1/53 and 1/62 respectively, and mt‐7444G>A with 1/141 was the most frequent allele in the mitochondrial genome. In this cohort, 0.48% (28/5800) of neonates were genetically diagnosed with hearing loss, from which seven cases failed an OAE test. This is the first epidemiological study of non‐syndromic hearing loss in Chinese newborns indicating a notably high carrier frequency (1 per 6.3 newborns) among these 15 mutant alleles. Our carrier frequency data also aid in effective risk assessment and genetic counseling for hearing loss patients in the Chinese population.
First phylogenetic analysis of the family Neriidae (Diptera), with a study on the issue of scaling continuous characters
Authors: Koch Nicolás Mongiardino , Soto Ignacio M. , Ramírez Martín J.
Published: July 2014

Neriidae are a small family of acalyptratae flies, mostly distributed in the tropics. Very little is known about their biology, and the evolutionary relationships among species have never been evaluated. We perform the first comprehensive phylogenetic analysis of the family, including 48 species from all biogeographic regions inhabited, as well as five species of Micropezidae and one Cypselosomatidae as outgroups. We build a morphological data matrix of 194 characters, including 72 continuous characters. We first explore ways to deal with the issue of scaling continuous characters, including rescaling ranges to unity and using implied weighting. We find that both strategies result in very different phylogenetic hypotheses, and that implied weighting reduces the problem of scaling, but only partially. Furthermore, using implied weighting after rescaling characters improves the congruence between partitions and results in higher values of group support. With respect to the Neriidae, we confirm the monophyly of the family and of most its genera, although we do not obtain any of the currently accepted suprageneric groups. We propose to restrict theEoneriaandNeriusgroups exclusively to the Neotropical fauna, and synonymizeGlyphidopssubgenusOncopsiaEnderlein withGlyphidopssubgenusGlyphidopsEnderlein, eliminating the subgeneric divisions. This revised phylogeny presents a striking biogeographic consistency, and shows that previous main divisions of the family were based on events of convergence.
Evaluation of a multidisciplinary Tier 3 weight management service for adults with morbid obesity, or obesity and comorbidities, based in primary care
Authors: Jennings A. , Hughes C. A. , Kumaravel B. , Bachmann M. O. , Steel N. , Capehorn M. , Cheema K.
Published: July 2014

A multidisciplinary Tier 3 weight management service in primary care recruited patients with a body mass index ≥40 kg·m−2, or 30 kg·m−2 with obesity‐related co‐morbidity to a 1‐year programme. A cohort of 230 participants was recruited and evaluated using the National Obesity Observatory Standard Evaluation Framework. The primary outcome was weight loss of at least 5% of baseline weight at 12 months. Diet was assessed using the two‐item food frequency questionnaire, activity using the General Practice Physical Activity questionnaire and quality of life using the EuroQol‐5D‐5L questionnaire. A focus group explored the participants' experiences. Baseline mean weight was 124.4 kg and mean body mass index was 44.1 kg·m−2. A total of 102 participants achieved 5% weight loss at 12 months. The mean weight loss was 10.2 kg among the 117 participants who completed the 12‐month programme. Baseline observation carried forward analysis gave a mean weight loss of 5.9 kg at 12 months. Fruit and vegetable intake, activity level and quality of life all improved. The dropout rate was 14.3% at 6 months and 45.1% at 1 year. Focus group participants described high levels of satisfaction. It was possible to deliver a Tier 3 weight management service for obese patients with complex co‐morbidity in a primary care setting with a full multidisciplinary team, which obtained good health outcomes compared with existing services.
Policy Options for the World's Primary Forests in Multilateral Environmental Agreements
Authors: Mackey Brendan , DellaSala Dominick A. , Kormos Cyril , Lindenmayer David , Kumpel Noelle , Zimmerman Barbara , Hugh Sonia , Young Virginia , Foley Sean , Arsenis Kriton , Watson James E.M.
Published: July 2014

We identify policies that would provide a solid foundation in key international negotiations to ensure that primary forests persist into the 21st Century. A novel compilation of primary forest cover and other data revealed that protection of primary forests is a matter of global concern being equally distributed between developed and developing countries. Almost all (98%) of primary forest is found within 25 countries with around half in five developed ones (USA, Canada, Russia, Australia, and NZ). Only ∼22% of primary forest is found in IUCN Protected Areas Categories I–VI, which is approximately 5% of preagriculture natural forest cover. Rates of deforestation and forest degradation are rapid and extensive, and the long‐term integrity of primary forest cannot be assumed. We recommend four new actions that could be included in climate change, biodiversity, and sustainable development negotiations: (1) recognize primary forests as a matter of global concern within international negotiations; (2) incorporate primary forests into environmental accounting; (3) prioritize the principle of avoided loss; and (4) universally accept the important role of indigenous and community conserved areas. In the absence of specific policies for primary forest protection, their unique biodiversity values and ecosystem services will continue to erode.
Occupational palmoplantar psoriasis: a clinical case series with consideration of the S1 guidelines on expert medical assessments of occupational psoriasis
Authors: Angelovska Irena , Mahler Vera
Published: July 2014

Background

Constitutional diseases represent a challenge in the expert assessment of occupational diseases. It is necessary to distinguish professional causes from the spontaneous course of the disease. Recently, a guideline for the assessment of work‐related psoriasis has been consented in Germany. We present a case series in which it was applied.

Patients and Methods

129 expert assessments from the Department of dermatology University hospital Erlangen and court cases in established juridical databases were researched for cases with psoriasis and the applicability of the guideline.

Results

The guideline was applicable in the n = 6 (3.6 %) identified medical expert opinions. They were fully recognized by the workers compensation boards. The search for law sentences on work‐related psoriasis in German court cases yielded a total of four sentences, in one of which the psoriasis was recognized as an occupational disease (BK 5101).

Conclusions

In comparison with hand eczema psoriasis of the hands is rare. As has been demonstrated in our case series psoriasis as a constitutional disease may be recognized as an occupational disease (BK 5101) according to the legal system in Germany, if the influence of occupational exposure can be made sufficiently probable and other legal conditions of an occupational disease are met.
Characterizing the information content of a newly hatched chick's first visual object representation
Authors: Wood Justin N.
Published: July 2014

How does object recognition emerge in the newborn brain? To address this question, I examined the information content of the first visual object representation built by newly hatched chicks (Gallus gallus). In their first week of life, chicks were raised in controlled‐rearing chambers that contained a single virtual object rotating around a single axis. In their second week of life, I tested whether subjects had encoded information about the identity and viewpoint of the virtual object. The results showed that chicks built object representations that contained both object identity information and view‐specific information. However, there was a trade‐off between these two types of information: subjects who were more sensitive to identity information were less sensitive to view‐specific information, and vice versa. This pattern of results is predicted by iterative, hierarchically organized visual processing machinery, the machinery that supports object recognition in adult primates. More generally, this study shows that invariant object recognition is a core cognitive ability that can be operational at the onset of visual object experience.
Sentence repetition is a measure of children's language skills rather than working memory limitations
Authors: Klem Marianne , Melby‐Lervåg Monica , Hagtvet Bente , Lyster Solveig‐Alma Halaas , Gustafsson Jan‐Eric , Hulme Charles
Published: July 2014

Sentence repetition tasks are widely used in the diagnosis and assessment of children with language difficulties. This paper seeks to clarify the nature of sentence repetition tasks and their relationship to other language skills. We present the results from a 2‐year longitudinal study of 216 children. Children were assessed on measures of sentence repetition, vocabulary knowledge and grammatical skills three times at approximately yearly intervals starting at age 4. Sentence repetition was not a unique longitudinal predictor of the growth of language skills. A unidimensional language latent factor (defined by sentence repetition, vocabulary knowledge and grammatical skills) provided an excellent fit to the data, and language abilities showed a high degree of longitudinal stability. Sentence repetition is best seen as a reflection of an underlying language ability factor rather than as a measure of a separate construct with a specific role in language processing. Sentence repetition appears to be a valuable tool for language assessment because it draws upon a wide range of language processing skills.
Approach to bone protection in multiple sclerosis
Authors: McKenna M. J. , Holmøy T.
Published: July 2014

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New species of Neoapenesia (Hymenoptera: Bethylidae) from Japan, with special remarks on female morphology and bionomics
Authors: Sawada Hikaru , Terayama Mamoru , Mita Toshiharu
Published: July 2014

A bethylid wasp is described as Neoapenesia makiharai n. sp. based on adults obtained from dead wood collected from the Ryukyus, Japan. The male is distinguishable from N. leytensis Terayama, the monotypic species of the genus, on the basis of the following characteristics: presence of short 2Rs vein, rounded propodeum, absence of sculpture on propodeum, widened subgenital plate, and apically rounded aedeagus. The female of Neoapenesia is described for the first time. Its morphological characteristics closely resemble those of Apenesia, but sex association was confirmed by the following facts: partial mitochondrial COI gene sequences (582 bp) of males and females were identical, and mating behavior was often observed. The female is easily distinguishable from females of Apenesia on the basis of the following characteristics: distinctly short antenna (not reaching posterior margin of head) and a disproportionately large head (head width about twice the dorsal pronotal width). Although females were active at night, males were active in the daytime and copulation was observed during this period. Since the female is larger than the male, phoretic copulation may not occur. Dead wood was collected and kept in plastic bags, from which a total of 16 species of coleopteran wood‐borers and two predators were obtained together with N. makiharai n. sp. Many individuals of N. makiharai n. sp. were reared from dead wood severely affected by Cerecium longicorne and it was the most common species obtained from our wood samples. Therefore, the cerambycid species is considered a potential host species.
A taxonomic review of Rhabdocosma Meyrick (Lepidoptera, Ypsolophidae) with description of a new species from Japan
Authors: Sohn Jae‐Cheon , Gershenson Zlata S.
Published: July 2014

The Ypsolophid genus Rhabdocosma Meyrick is reviewed. It comprises two known species: R. aglaophanes Meyrick and R. dolini Gershenson, and one new species from Japan, R. nematopogonites Sohn, sp. nov. Photos of imagoes and male genitalia are provided for all three species of Rhadocosma. A close relationship between R. dolini and the new species, and its significance in the biogeography and world species diversity of Rhabdocosma, are discussed.
Dispersal in Kin Coalition Throughout the Non‐Breeding Season to Facilitate Fine‐Scale Genetic Structure in the Breeding Season: Evidence From a Small Passerine
Authors: Wang Chen , Lu Xin
Published: July 2014

Evidence shows that social cooperation among kin may evolve even in birds with extensive dispersal. In such cases, maintaining kinship during dispersal is essential to the subsequent expression of kin cooperation. This hypothesis has not been examined for most bird species. We addressed it in the ground tit (Parus humilis), a passerine where kin frequently interact in terms of cooperative polygamy and extra‐pair mating despite fast annual turnover of the breeding population. Pedigree and genotype data showed that while groups varied in composition throughout the non‐breeding season due to continual individual emigration and immigration, they always contained kin coalitions consisting of either local or immigrant individuals of different age and sexes. The first‐order kin coalitions, according to the information from local individuals, stemmed from single‐family lineages (siblings and their parents), and the lower‐order ones from neighbouring, related family lineages that merged after fledging. It was probable that immigrants had formed kin coalitions in similar ways before dispersing. Groups broke up in the breeding season. Pairing between unrelated individuals from different coalitions within a group was more likely, whereas related individuals from the same coalition tended to nest near each other. The resulting fine‐scale population genetic structure is expected to facilitate breeding interactions among kin. Our findings give clues to understanding the evolution of social cooperation in relation to dispersal.
The effects of sample handling andN‐phenylmaleimide on concentration of adrenocorticotrophic hormone in equine plasma
Authors: Rendle D. I. , Litchfield E. , Gough S. , Cowling A. , Hughes K. J.
Published: July 2014

Reasons for performing study

Previous reports suggest that adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) degrades rapidly, limiting its use as a diagnostic test.

Objectives

This study quantified effects of processing delays onACTHconcentrations and investigated the addition ofN‐phenylmaleimide (maleimide), a protease inhibitor, as a means of reducingACTHdegradation.

Study design

Experimental study.

Methods

Venous blood was collected from 8 healthy horses and 8 horses with pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID) with a range ofACTHconcentrations. BaselineACTHconcentrations were established immediately using a chemiluminescent assay. Plasma samples were then: 1) centrifuged immediately, 2) centrifuged immediately with the addition of maleimide, or 3) allowed to separate by gravity followed by the addition of maleimide, before all samples were stored at 22°C and analysed at 4, 8, 24 and 48 h post collection. A linear mixed effects model and Bland‐Altman analyses were performed. Significance was set at P < 0.05.

Results

No significant effect of plasma treatment (P = 0.1) on change inACTHconcentration was identified. However, significant effects of horse health status (P<0.001) and time (P<0.001) on change inACTHconcentration were identified. No significant interactions were found. Significant decreases inACTHconcentration occurred in horses withPPIDbetween 4 and 8 h after blood collection. In non‐PPIDhorses, the decrease inACTHconcentration over time was not significant. Agreement with baseline values decreased over time and was greater for non‐PPIDhorses than forPPIDhorses.

Conclusions

Clinically useful results are still obtained ifACTHconcentration is measured up to 48 h after sample collection. Allowing samples to separate by gravity rather than centrifugation did not have a significant effect onACTHconcentration, and the addition of maleimide was of no benefit.
An experimental analysis of species sorting and mass effects in freshwater bacterioplankton
Authors: Souffreau Caroline , Pecceu Bert , Denis Carla , Rummens Koen , De Meester Luc
Published: July 2014

While metacommunities of bacterioplankton are generally considered to be structured primarily by local environmental conditions (through species sorting), additional ecological processes such as dispersal limitation, neutral dynamics or mass effects can influence community structure. Under the mass effects paradigm, continuous or large influxes of organisms, not self‐maintaining in the target environment, affect community structure.

We used communities of freshwater bacterioplankton to quantify the outcome of mass effects and species sorting in a laboratory experiment in which we exchanged cells between two communities from contrasting ponds (eutrophic and mesotrophic) at a rate of 0.025, 0.25, 2.5 and 12.5% of the cells present per day.

When cells were exchanged only once on day 1 of the experiment, the reciprocally exchanged communities in all dispersal treatments remained as divergent, after 20 days, as the unexchanged control communities, reflecting strong species sorting and no strong influences of dispersal limitation and neutral dynamics on the observed bacterioplankton.

Under daily cell exchange, however, community similarity between the reciprocally exchanged communities increased significantly with increasing dispersal rate, indicating an increasing influence of mass effects relative to species sorting. The responses differed at the level of community composition and ecosystem processes, and depended on pond identity. At the community level, a daily exchange of 2.5% was necessary to increase community similarity compared with the unexchanged controls, while at the ecosystem process level (Biolog GN2 metabolic profiles), a daily exchange rate of 0.25% was sufficient.

Mass effects can evidently overcome species sorting in freshwater bacterioplankton, but only under relatively high dispersal rates that are unlikely to occur in nature among habitats without a direct hydrological connection. Mass effects in the freshwater bacterioplankton acted differently at the community composition and ecosystem process level.
Austerity versus Stimulus? Understanding Fiscal Policy Change at the International Monetary Fund Since the Great Recession
Authors: Ban Cornel
Published: July 2014

Since 2008, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has become more open to the use of discretionary fiscal stimulus packages to deal with recessions, while changing its doctrine on the timing and content of fiscal consolidation. The article traces this evolution of the Fund's doctrine to staff politics, more diverse thinking in mainstream economics, and a careful framing of the message through the use of mainstream macroeconomic models. To map the changing contours of institutional views on fiscal policy through 2008–2013, the article undertakes a detailed content analysis of official publications from the Fiscal Affairs Department and the Research Department. The connection between these shifts and significant personnel shake‐ups is demonstrated through an extensive biographical analysis of the authors of all IMF studies cited in the official reports of the two departments. The findings contribute to the emerging debate on the sources of intellectual and policy change in international economic organizations.
Airborne contact dermatitis: common causes in the USA
Authors: Schloemer Julie A. , Zirwas Matthew J. , Burkhart Craig G.
Published: July 2014

Airborne contact dermatitis (ABCD) is an inflammatory reaction involving the skin upon exposure to allergenic agents or irritants suspended in air. In allergic ABCD, the hypersensitivity is classified as a type IV reaction. Substances responsible for such reactions can be of plant or non‐plant origin. Commonly reported plants include those of the Compositae family, which includes ragweed, goldenrod, and sunflowers. Establishing an accurate diagnosis is critical for preventing exposure and improving symptoms in patients. Obtaining a detailed history and performing a physical examination to determine the sites of involvement, as well as patch testing to establish the causative allergen, are the main methods of arriving at the correct diagnosis. Treatment often involves avoidance of the allergens or irritants when possible and may also include the application of topical barrier creams or systemic therapy in more severe cases. This article reviews the topic of ABCD and highlights its most common etiologies in the USA.
Antioxidative enzyme activity and internal browning of 1‐methylcyclopropene‐treated European pear fruits (cv. ‘Shahmiveh’ and ‘Sebri’)
Authors: Yazdani Navid , Arzani Kazem , Mostofi Younes , Shekarchi Maryam
Published: July 2014

The effects of 1‐methylcyclopropene (1‐MCP) on antioxidative enzyme and internal browning (IB) incidence of two European pear cultivars ‘Shahmiveh’ and ‘Sebri’ stored at 0.5 °C were investigated. Ethylene production of ‘Sebri’ was delayed by 1‐MCP but suppressed in ‘Shahmiveh’. IB increased in both cultivars, with a higher level of the incidence in ‘Shahmiveh’, and was reduced by 1‐MCP. Activities of catalase (CAT) and peroxidase, but not superoxide dismutase (SOD), decreased in untreated fruit during the first 40 days. 1‐MCP had little effect on SOD activity or on total phenolics. Polyphenoloxidase activity did not increase over time in 1‐MCP‐treated fruit of the IB sensitive ‘Shahmiveh’, and the effect was inconsistent for ‘Sebri’. Ascorbic acid (AA) levels in 1‐MCP‐treated fruit of both cultivars declined at a lower rate compared with untreated fruit during storage, but the reduction in AA levels was faster in ‘Shahmiveh’ compared with ‘Sebri’. Also, the effects of 1‐MCP on antioxidative systems may be related to IB development.
Moisture migration by magnetic resonance imaging during eggplant drying: a preliminary study
Authors: Adiletta Giuseppina , Iannone Gerardo , Russo Paola , Patimo Giovanni , De Pasquale Salvatore , Di Matteo Marisa
Published: July 2014

The paper investigated the effect of hot‐air drying (50, 60 °C) on the physical properties of cylindrical eggplant samples. Drying kinetics, water profiles along longitudinal and transversal sample sections through nuclear magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and volumetric shrinkage were determined. During the drying process at 50 °C, the volume of removed water was found lower than the reduction in sample volume, while at 60 °C it was higher. MRI showed that the water migration mainly occurs transversally than longitudinally. The curves of mass water loss obtained by both the standard weighting method and MRI showed conformity. Experimental data of moisture ratio and of shrinkage volume were fitted using empirical models available in the literature. This preliminary study showed that the nondestructive MRI technique offers the possibility to study water distribution in food during drying processes. The quantitative moisture distribution maps allow future development and verification of models for prediction of mass transport phenomena in foods during drying.
Influence of the malaxation time and olive ripening stage on oil quality and phenolic compounds of virgin olive oils
Authors: Jiménez Brigida , Sánchez‐Ortiz Araceli , Rivas Ana
Published: July 2014

The main objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of the malaxation time (Mt) and ripening stage on oil quality and phenolic compounds of Hojiblanca and Picual virgin olive oils. In both varieties of oil, phenolic content and oxidative stability decreased as ripening progressed. The total level of tocopherols diminished by up to 40% as fruit ripened. The compositions of palmitic, stearic, lignoceric, oleic, linoleic and linolenic acids were significantly influenced by the ripening process. The present work shows that an increased Mt promoted the increase of free acidity (up to 13.3%) and tocopherols (up to 11.6%) and negatively affected the oxidative stability and the concentration of phenols. Further research is required to determine ripening stages and malaxation conditions for all olive oil varieties to achieve a satisfactory balance between the improvement of both oil yield and oil quality and composition.
Are penile prostheses a viable option to recommend for gay men?
Authors: Gebert Sam
Published: July 2014

When talking to a gay men's prostate cancer support group on erectile dysfunction a question was asked of the author if he had evidence that a penile prosthesis would be rigid enough for anal sex. As a heterosexual male with no knowledge of a homosexual man with a prosthesis, the author could not answer the question. The local representative could not give the author a definitive answer either and there was no specific literature on this subject. However, testing of the rigidity of penile prosthesis demonstrated buckling forces of 800 g. On the basis of reported values that anal penetration requires 33% more rigidity than vaginal sex, the minimum rigidity required for vaginal sex is 500 g. Based on this figure a minimum rigidity of 634 mg is required for anal sex. A rigidity of 800 mg should therefore facilitate anal sex. This article considers current literature on the difference between heterosexual and homosexual prosthesis needs to aid health practitioners in decision‐making.