bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Contrasting effects of climate change along life stages of a dominant tree species: the importance of soil–climate interactions
Authors: Ibáñez Beatriz , Ibáñez Inés , Gómez‐Aparicio Lorena , Ruiz‐Benito Paloma , García Luis V. , Marañón Teodoro
Published: March 2014

Aim

For tree species, adult survival and seedling and sapling recruitment dynamics are the main processes that determine forest structure and composition. Thus, studying how these two life stages may be affected by climate change in the context of other abiotic and biotic variables is critical to understand future population trends. The aim of this study was to assess the sustainability of cork oak (Quercus suber) forests at the core of its distributional range under future climatic conditions.

Location

Southern Spain.

Methods

Using forest inventory data collected at two periods 10 years apart, we performed a comprehensive analysis to evaluate the role of different abiotic and biotic factors on adult survival and recruitment patterns.

Results

We found that both life stages were influenced by climatic conditions, but in different ways. Adult tree survival was negatively impacted by warmer spring temperatures, while recruitment was positively affected by warmer winter temperatures. Our results also revealed the importance of soil texture as a modulator of winter precipitation effects on adult survival. With higher winter precipitation, adult survival increased in sandy soils and decreased in clayish soils. Therefore, under predicted future climate scenarios of wetter winters and warmer temperatures, the presence of cork oaks is more likely to occur in sandy soils vs. clayish soils. Biotic conditions also affected these life stages. We found a negative effect of heterospecific but not conspecific trees on both adult survival and seedling recruitment.

Main conclusions

Overall, the sustainability of the studied forests will be highly dependent not only on future climatic trends, but also on their interaction with other key factors – soil properties in particular – that modulate the effects of climate on demographic rates.
Systolic Mitral Valve Opening and Absent Isovolumic Relaxation: Unusual Hemodynamics of Severe Mitral Regurgitation
Authors: Afolabi‐Brown Olayinka O. , Lynn Morris D. , Pressman Gregg S.
Published: March 2014

Mini‐Abstract

An 84‐year‐old man with dyspnea was found to have severe mitral regurgitation on echocardiography. Interestingly, the mitral valve opened prior to aortic valve closure with both valves briefly open together; hence the isovolumic relaxation phase is absent.
Two Different Presentations of Sinus of Valsalva Aneurysm
Authors: Patel Nishit , Rousan Talla A. , Peyton Marvin D. , Sivaram Chittur A.
Published: March 2014

Sinus of Valsalva aneurysm (SVA) is a rare cardiac anomaly that can be congenital or acquired. We report 2 cases of SVA. The first case involves a 59‐year‐old male presenting with frequent syncope. Echocardiogram revealed a large right SVA obstructing the right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT). The second case involves a 21‐year‐old female presenting with sudden onset chest pain and a continuous machinery murmur. Echocardiogram revealed a ruptured right SVA into the right atrium. Although advanced percutaneous techniques have been implemented in the correction of this anomaly, open‐heart surgery with or without aortic valve replacement remains the treatment of choice.
Involvement of astroglial glutamate–glutamine shuttle in modulation of the jaw‐opening reflex following infraorbital nerve injury
Authors: Mostafeezur Rahman Md. , Shinoda Masamichi , Unno Syunpei , Zakir Hossain Md. , Takatsuji Hanako , Takahashi Kojiro , Yamada Yoshiaki , Yamamura Kensuke , Iwata Koichi , Kitagawa Junichi
Published: March 2014

To evaluate the mechanisms underlying orofacial motor dysfunction associated with trigeminal nerve injury, we studied the astroglial cell activation following chronic constriction injury (CCI) of the infraorbital nerve (ION) immunohistochemically, nocifensive behavior in ION‐CCI rats, and the effect of the glutamine synthase (GS) blocker methionine sulfoximine (MSO) on the jaw‐opening reflex (JOR), and also studied whether glutamate–glutamine shuttle mechanism is involved in orofacial motor dysfunction. GFAP‐immunoreactive (IR) cells were observed in the trigeminal motor nucleus (motV) 3 and 14 days after ION‐CCI, and the nocifensive behavior and JOR amplitude were also strongly enhanced at these times. The number of GS‐ and GFAP‐IR cells was also significantly higher in ION‐CCI rats on day 7. The amplitude and duration of the JOR were strongly suppressed after MSO microinjection (m.i.) into the motV compared with that before MSO administration in ION‐CCI rats. After MSO administration, the JOR amplitude was strongly suppressed, and the duration of the JOR was shortened. Forty minutes after m.i. of glutamine, the JOR amplitude was gradually returned to the control level and the strongest attenuation of the suppressive effect of MSO was observed at 180 min after glutamine m.i. In addition, glutamine also attenuated the MSO effect on the JOR duration, and the JOR duration was extended and returned to the control level thereafter. The present findings suggest that astroglial glutamate–glutamine shuttle in the motV is involved in the modulation of excitability of the trigeminal motoneurons affecting the enhancement of various jaw reflexes associated with trigeminal nerve injury.
First record of the tobacco flea beetle Epitrix hirtipennis Melsheimer [Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Alticinae] in Russia
Authors: Orlova‐Bienkowskaja M. J.
Published: March 2014

The invasive pest of tobacco Epitrix hirtipennis (Melsheimer, 1847) is recorded in Russia for the first time. In April 2013 two specimens were collected in Sochi and in May one specimen was collected in Tuapse (near the Black Sea shore, in the Northern Caucasus). Epitrix hirtipennis is native to North and Central America. It was first recorded in the EPPO region in 1983 in Italy. It was subsequently recorded in the Azores (Portugal), Greece, Turkey, FYR of Macedonia, Bulgaria, and Syria. Epitrix hirtipennis is the first known alien flea beetle in Russia.
Primary and secondary Hymenopteran parasitoids of scale insects (Homoptera: Coccoidea) in fruit orchards in Syria
Authors: Basheer A. , Asslan L. , Rachhed A. , Abd Alrazaq F. , Saleh A. , Alshadidi B. , Assad R.
Published: March 2014

A survey for primary and secondary Hymenopteran parasitoids of scale insects (Homoptera: Coccoidea) in fruit orchards (apple, plum, date, olive, fig, citrus), was conducted in Syria during 2009–2012. Thirty three species of parasitoids belonging to the families Aphelinidae, Encyrtidae, Eulophidae and Pteromalidae were recorded as parasitoids on scale insects. Thirty two of these were primary parasitoids and one was a hyperparasitoid. The family with the greatest number of genera and species is Encyrtidae with 8 genera (48% of the total) and 12 species (35% of the total). The genus with the greatest number of Encyrtid species was Metaphycus. Parasitoids of scale insects identified included several species already included on the List of biological control agents widely used in the EPPO region ‘EPPO Positive list' and suggestions for additions to this list were made.
Assessment of low cycle fatigue improvement of machined AISI 316 stainless steel by brush hammering
Authors: Sidhom N. , Makhlouf K. , Khlifi A. , Braham C. , Sidhom H.
Published: March 2014

The effects of wire brush hammering on low cycle fatigue behaviour of AISI 316 austenitic stainless steel has been investigated on turned samples through an experimental study combining strain controlled fatigue tests, scanning electron microscope examination and X‐ray diffraction analysis. An increase in fatigue life by 266% was reported at an imposed strain amplitude of Δεt/2 = 0.2%. This improvement is limited to Δεt/2 ≤ 0.5%. It is found that wire brush hammering produces a surface texture that favours, under cyclic loading, nucleation of randomly dispersed short cracks of the order of 50 µm in length stabilized by a compressive residual stress field. In contrast, turned surface showed much longer unstable cracks of the order of 200 µm in length nucleated in the machining groves and propagated under the effect of a tensile residual stress field. It has also been established that wire brush hammering can be used as intermittent treatment to improve the residual fatigue life of components subjected to cyclic loading. The treatment is very efficient if it is performed at a fraction of service lifetime ni/Nr lower than 0.5.
Epidemiology of Headache Disorders in the Asia‐Pacific Region
Authors: Peng Kuan‐Po , Wang Shuu‐Jiun
Published: March 2014

Headache disorder is a major public health issue and is a great burden for the person, the health care system, and society. This article reviews epidemiological surveys of primary headache disorders including migraine and tension‐type headache (TTH) among adults in the Asia‐Pacific region using the International Classification of Headache Disorders (ICHD), first or second edition. Chronic daily headache (CDH), which is not an official diagnosis in the ICHD, was also reviewed. In the Asia‐Pacific region, the median (range) 1‐year prevalence of primary headache disorders was 9.1% (1.5‐22.8%) for migraine, 16.2% (10.8‐33.8%) for TTH, and 2.9% (1.0‐3.9%) for CDH. The 1‐year prevalence of migraine and TTH were rather consistent; however, the extremes in the 1‐year prevalence of migraine in earlier studies from Hong Kong (1.5%) and South Korea (22.3%) were not repeated in later surveys (Hong Kong: 12.5%; South Korea: 6%). According to the United Nations, the estimated population of the Asia‐Pacific region was 3.85 billion in 2010, equaling to headache suffers of 350 million patients with migraine, 624 million with TTH, and 112 million with CDH; many remain to be treated. The prevalence of headache disorders has remained stable over the last 2 decades in this region, where the diversity of geography, race, and development is wide. Thus, the pursuit of better headache care in this region might be our next challenge.
Comparison of the anaesthetic efficacy of different volumes of 4% articaine (1.8 and 3.6 mL) as supplemental buccal infiltration after failed inferior alveolar nerve block
Authors: Singla M. , Subbiya A. , Aggarwal V. , Vivekanandhan P. , Yadav S. , Yadav H. , Venkatesh A. , Geethapriya N. , Sharma V.
Published: March 2014

Aim

To compare the anaesthetic efficacy of different volumes (1.8 mL vs. 3.6 mL) of 4% articaine with 1 : 100 000 epinephrine injected as buccal infiltrations after a failed inferior alveolar nerve block (IANB) in patients with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis.

Methodology

Two hundred and thirty‐four adult patients, diagnosed with irreversible pulpitis in a mandibular tooth, participated in this multicentre, randomized double‐blinded trial. Patients received IANB with 1.8 mL of 4% articaine with 1 : 100 000 epinephrine. Pain during treatment was recorded using the Heft–Parker visual analogue scale (HP VAS). The primary outcome measure, and the definition of ‘success’, was the ability to undertake pulp chamber access and canal instrumentation with no or mild pain (HP VAS score <55 mm). Patients who experienced ‘moderate‐to‐severe’ pain (HP VAS score ≥55 mm) were randomly allocated into two groups and received buccal infiltrations with either 1.8 mL or 3.6 mL of 4% articaine with 1 : 100 000 epinephrine. Root canal treatment was re‐initiated after 10 min. Success was again defined as no pain or weak/mild pain during endodontic access preparation and instrumentation. Statistical analysis was performed using Mann–Whitney U and chi‐square tests.

Results

The initial IANB of 4% articaine gave an overall success rate of 37%. The success rate of supplementary buccal infiltration with 1.8 and 3.6 mL volumes was 62% and 64%, respectively. The difference between the success rates of the two volumes was not statistically significant.

Conclusions

Increasing the volume of 4% articaine with 1 : 100 000 epinephrine from 1.8 to 3.6 mL, given as supplementary buccal infiltrations after a failed primary IANB with 1.8 mL of 4% articaine with 1 : 100 000, did not improve the anaesthetic success rates in patients with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis.
Older Japanese primiparas' experiences at the time of their post‐delivery hospital stay
Authors: Sakajo Akiko , Mori Emi , Maehara Kunie , Maekawa Tomoko , Ozawa Harumi , Morita Akiko , Aoki Kyoko , Iwata Hiroko
Published: March 2014

The purpose of this study was to gain a deeper understanding of the postpartum experiences of older primiparas at the time of their postpartum hospital stay. Participants were Japanese primiparas aged 35–44 years who gave birth, without abnormalities for either the mother or child. Data were obtained using a semi‐structured interview with 22 participants. Thirteen themes emerged through content analysis. We found that there were distinctive experiences, which included ‘the health and growth of the baby: relief and continued anxiety’, ‘awareness of strengths and of concerns of primiparas’, ‘meaning of the pregnancy and childbirth experience’ and ‘developing one's own child‐care approach’. Findings suggest that nursing care during the post‐delivery hospital stay should use the unique strengths of older primiparas to enable their smooth transition to maternal role attainment.
A waste walk through clinical pharmacy: how do the ‘seven wastes’ of Lean techniques apply to the practice of clinical pharmacists†‡
Authors: Green Christopher F , Crawford Victoria , Bresnen Gaynor , Rowe Philip H
Published: March 2014

Aims and objectives

This study used a ‘Lean’ technique, the ‘waste walk’ to evaluate the activities of clinical pharmacists with reference to the seven wastes described in ‘Lean’ including ‘defects’, ‘unnecessary motion’, ‘overproduction’, ‘transport of products or material’, ‘unnecessary waiting’, ‘unnecessary inventory’ and ‘inappropriate processing’. The objectives of the study were to categorise the activities of ward-based clinical pharmacists into waste and non-waste, provide detail around what constitutes waste activity and quantify the proportion of time attributed to each category.

Setting

This study was carried out in a district general hospital in the North West of England.

Method

Staff were observed using work-sampling techniques, to categorise activity into waste and non-waste, with waste activities being allocated to each of the seven wastes described earlier and subdivided into recurrent themes.

Key findings

Twenty different pharmacists were observed for 1 h on two separate occasions. Of 1440 observations, 342 (23.8%) were categorised as waste with ‘defects’ and ‘unnecessary motion’ accounting for the largest proportions of waste activity.

Conclusion

Observation of clinical pharmacists’ activities has identified that a significant proportion of their time could be categorised as ‘waste’. There are practical steps that could be implemented in order to ensure their time is used as productively as possible. Given the challenges facing the UK National Health Service, the adoption of ‘Lean’ techniques provides an opportunity to improve quality and productivity while reducing costs.
Everyday Restriction: Central American Women and the State in the Mexico-Guatemala Border City of Tapachula
Authors: Carte Lindsey
Published: March 2014

Media coverage and emerging scholarship have brought increasing international attention to the urgent humanitarian crisis facing Central American transmigrants as they navigate landscapes of violence in Mexico. While stories of Central American immigrants who remain in Mexico are largely absent from this coverage, there is arguably a “Central Americanization” occurring on the southern border through this permanent settlement. Central Americans choosing to establish themselves in the border state of Chiapas do so in a socio-spatial and political context defined by the introduction of “progressive” state- and national-level migration policies on the one hand and the persistence of discrimination and violence on the other. We know little about the implementation of these policies on the ground, namely how they are applied and the impacts they have on the immigrant experience in Mexico. To begin to fill this gap, this paper focuses on the experiences of Central American immigrant women living in the Mexico-Guatemala border city of Tapachula. Employing a feminist geopolitical lens, which encourages conducting research and analysis at diverse scales, it examines their everyday interactions with low- to mid-level representatives of the Mexican state as they seek to avail themselves of their legal and social citizenship rights, and the impacts of these interactions on their livelihoods. This article argues that low- to mid-level officials’ actions reveal the importance of a form of extra-official, subtle, yet pervasive regulation through which immigrant women are denied rights they are entitled to, inducing negative impacts to their livelihoods, which I term everyday restriction.
“Big Fish in a Small Pond”: Chinese Migrant Shopkeepers in South Africa
Authors: Lin Edwin
Published: March 2014

The steady growth of Chinese migrants to South Africa in the past decade provides an opportunity to use Sen's (2001, Development as Freedom. Oxford: Oxford University Press) capabilities approach in the field of immigration. This theoretical framing reveals that the Chinese employ, what I call, a small pond migration strategy – utilizing mobility to maximize their social, economic, and human capital. I argue that the Chinese move to South Africa because of a desire to venture out of China and pursue freedoms associated with being one's own boss. Once in South Africa, they choose to stay because of comfortable weather and a slower pace of life, despite losing freedoms associated with high crime in Johannesburg. The findings suggest alternative ways of understanding factors of migration as well as a model that explains migration from more developed countries to less developed ones.
Chemical Analysis of Iron Meteorites Using a Hand‐Held X‐Ray Fluorescence Spectrometer
Authors: Gemelli Maurizio , D'Orazio Massimo , Folco Luigi
Published: March 2014

We evaluate the performance of a hand‐held XRF (HHXRF) spectrometer for the bulk analysis of iron meteorites. Analytical precision and accuracy were tested on metal alloy certified reference materials and iron meteorites of known chemical composition. With minimal sample preparation (i.e., flat or roughly polished surfaces) HHXRF allowed the precise and accurate determination of most elements heavier than Mg, with concentrations > 0.01% m/m in metal alloy CRMs, and of major elements Fe and Ni and minor elements Co, P and S (generally ranging from 0.1 to 1% m/m) in iron meteorites. In addition, multiple HHXRF spot analyses could be used to determine the bulk chemical composition of iron meteorites, which are often characterised by sulfide and phosphide accessory minerals. In particular, it was possible to estimate the P and S bulk contents, which are of critical importance for the petrogenesis and evolution of Fe‐Ni‐rich liquids and iron meteorites. This study thus validates HHXRF as a valuable tool for use in meteoritics, allowing the rapid, non‐destructive (a) identification of the extraterrestrial origin of metallic objects (i.e., archaeological artefacts); (b) preliminary chemical classification of iron meteorites; (c) identification of mislabelled/unlabelled specimens in museums and private collections and (d) bulk analysis of iron meteorites.
Matching patients to an intervention for back pain: classifying patients using a latent class approach
Authors: Barons Martine J. , Griffiths Frances E. , Parsons Nick , Alba Anca , Thorogood Margaret , Medley Graham F. , Lamb Sarah E.
Published: March 2014

Rationale, aims and objectives

Classification of patients with back pain in order to inform treatments is a long‐standing aim in medicine. We used latent class analysis (LCA) to classify patients with low back pain and investigate whether different classes responded differently to a cognitive behavioural intervention. The objective was to provide additional guidance on the use of cognitive behavioural therapy to both patients and clinicians.

Method

We used data from 407 participants from the full study population of 701 with complete data at baseline for the variables the intervention was designed to affect and complete data at 12 months for important outcomes. Patients were classified using LCA, and a link between class membership and outcome was investigated. For comparison, the latent class partition was compared with a commonly used classification system called Subgroups for Targeted Treatment (STarT).

Results

Of the relatively parsimonious models tested for association between class membership and outcome, an association was only found with one model which had three classes. For the trial participants who received the intervention, there was an association between class membership and outcome, but not for those who did not receive the intervention. However, we were unable to detect an effect on outcome from interaction between class membership and the intervention. The results from the comparative classification system were similar.

Conclusion

We were able to classify the trial participants based on psychosocial baseline scores relevant to the intervention. An association between class membership and outcome was identified for those people receiving the intervention, but not those in the control group. However, we were not able to identify outcome associations for individual classes and so predict outcome in order to aid clinical decision making. For this cohort of patients, the STarT system was as successful, but not superior.
The socio‐economic impact of chronic pancreatitis: a systematic review
Authors: Hall Thomas C. , Garcea Giuseppe , Webb M'Balu A. , Al‐Leswas Dhya , Metcalfe Matthew S. , Dennison Ashley R.
Published: March 2014

Rationale, aims and objectives

Chronic pancreatitis (CP) is a progressive inflammatory disorder with pain being the most frequent symptom. It is associated with loss of function, pancreatogenic diabetes and digestive enzyme deficiency. The impact of local complications and loss of pancreatic function results in unknown and unreported costs. This study attempts to identify both the direct and indirect costs associated with CP.

Methods

A MEDLINE literature review was performed for all relevant articles relating to any aspect of direct and indirect costs as a result of CP.

Results

In the UK, there are 12 000 admissions per annum of patients with CP at an estimated cost of £55.8 million. The costs for loss of pancreatic function are estimated at £45–90 million and $75.1 million for endocrine and exocrine function, respectively. Chronic pain contributes $638 million per year in costs. The protracted course of CP and paucity of monetary data make quantifying direct and indirect costs difficult. An estimate of direct and indirect costs is at £285.3 million per year. This equates to £79 000 per person per year.

Conclusions

Patients with CP consume a disproportionately high volume of resources.
Visualizing variations in organizational safety culture across an inter‐hospital multifaceted workforce
Authors: Kobuse Hiroe , Morishima Toshitaka , Tanaka Masayuki , Murakami Genki , Hirose Masahiro , Imanaka Yuichi
Published: March 2014

Rationale, aims and objectives

To develop a reliable and valid questionnaire that can distinguish features of organizational culture for patient safety across subgroups such as hospitals, professions, management/non‐management positions and units/wards.

Methods

We developed a Hospital Organizational Culture Questionnaire based on a conceptual framework incorporating items from a review of existing literature. The questionnaire was administered to hospital staff including doctors, nurses, allied health personnel, and administrative staff at six public hospitals in Japan. Reliability and validity were assessed through exploratory factor analysis, multitrait scaling analysis, Cronbach's alpha coefficient and multiple regression analysis using staff‐perceived achievement of safety as the response variable. Discriminative power across subgroups was assessed with radar chart profiling.

Results

Of the 3304 hospital staff surveyed, 2924 (88.5%) responded. After exploratory factor analysis and multitrait analysis, the finalized questionnaire was composed of 24 items in the following eight dimensions: improvement orientation, passion for mission, professional growth, resource allocation prioritization, inter‐sectional collaboration, responsibility and authority, teamwork, and information sharing. Construct validity and internal consistency of dimensions were confirmed with multitrait analysis and Cronbach's alpha coefficients, respectively. Multiple regression analysis showed that improvement orientation, passion for mission, resource allocation prioritization and information sharing were significantly associated with higher achievement in safety practices. Our questionnaire tool was able to distinguish features of safety culture among different subgroups.

Conclusions

Our questionnaire demonstrated excellent validity and reliability, and revealed distinct cultural patterns among different subgroups. Quantitative assessment of organizational safety culture with this tool may further the understanding of associated characteristics of each subgroup and provide insight into organizational readiness for patient safety improvement.
Brain proteomics identifies potential simvastatin targets in acute phase of stroke in a rat embolic model
Authors: Campos‐Martorell Mireia , Salvador Nelida , Monge Marta , Canals Francesc , García‐Bonilla Lidia , Hernández‐Guillamon Mar , Ayuso María Irene , Chacón Pilar , Rosell Anna , Alcazar Alberto , Montaner Joan
Published: March 2014

Finding an efficient neuroprotectant is of urgent need in the field of stroke research. The goal of this study was to test the effect of acute simvastatin administration after stroke in a rat embolic model and to explore its mechanism of action through brain proteomics. To that end, male Wistar rats were subjected to a Middle Cerebral Arteria Occlusion and simvastatin (20 mg/kg s.c) (n = 11) or vehicle (n = 9) were administered 15 min after. To evaluate the neuroprotective mechanisms of simvastatin, brain homogenates after 48 h were analyzed by two‐dimensional fluorescence Difference in Gel Electrophoresis (DIGE) technology. We confirmed that simvastatin reduced the infarct volume and improved neurological impairment at 48 h after the stroke in this model. Considering our proteomics analysis, 66 spots, which revealed significant differences between groups, were analyzed by matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization‐time of flight mass spectrometry allowing the identification of 27 proteins. From these results, we suggest that simvastatin protective effect can be partly explained by the attenuation of the oxidative and stress response at blood–brain barrier level after cerebral ischemia. Interestingly, analyzing one of the proteins (HSP75) in plasma from stroke patients who had received simvastatin during the acute phase, we confirmed the results found in the pre‐clinical model.

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Our aim was to study statins benefits when administered during the acute phase of stroke and to explore its mechanisms of action through brain proteomics assay. Using an embolic model, simvastatin‐treated rats showed significant infarct volume reduction and neurological improvement compared to vehicle‐treated group. Analyzing their homogenated brains by two‐dimensional fluorescence Difference in Gel Electrophoresis (DIGE) technology, we concluded that the protective effect of simvastatin can be attributable to oxidative stress response attenuation and blood–brain barrier protection after cerebral ischemia.
α6β2*‐subtype nicotinic acetylcholine receptors are more sensitive than α4β2*‐subtype receptors to regulation by chronic nicotine administration
Authors: Marks Michael J. , Grady Sharon R. , Salminen Outi , Paley Miranda A. , Wageman Charles R. , McIntosh J. Michael , Whiteaker Paul
Published: March 2014

Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChR) of the α6β2* subtype (where *indicates the possible presence of additional subunits) are prominently expressed on dopaminergic neurons. Because of this, their role in tobacco use and nicotine dependence has received much attention. Previous studies have demonstrated that α6β2*‐nAChR are down‐regulated following chronic nicotine exposure (unlike other subtypes that have been investigated – most prominently α4β2* nAChR). This study examines, for the first time, effects across a comprehensive chronic nicotine dose range. Chronic nicotine dose–responses and quantitative ligand‐binding autoradiography were used to define nicotine sensitivity of changes in α4β2*‐nAChR and α6β2*‐nAChR expression. α6β2*‐nAChR down‐regulation by chronic nicotine exposure in dopaminergic and optic‐tract nuclei was ≈three‐fold more sensitive than up‐regulation of α4β2*‐nAChR. In contrast, nAChR‐mediated [3H]‐dopamine release from dopamine‐terminal region synaptosomal preparations changed only in response to chronic treatment with high nicotine doses, whereas dopaminergic parameters (transporter expression and activity, dopamine receptor expression) were largely unchanged. Functional measures in olfactory tubercle preparations were made for the first time; both nAChR expression levels and nAChR‐mediated functional measures changed differently between striatum and olfactory tubercles. These results show that functional changes measured using synaptosomal [3H]‐DA release are primarily owing to changes in nAChR, rather than in dopaminergic, function.

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This study examined dose–response relationships for murine α6β2*‐nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) down‐regulation by chronic nicotine treatment. The ID50 value for α6β2* down‐regulation (35 nM) is ≈ 3x lower than the ED50 value for α4β2* nAChR up‐regulation (95 nM), both well within the range reached by human smokers. Chronic nicotine treatment altered α6β2*‐ and α4β2*‐nAChR‐mediated [3H]‐dopamine release from striatal and olfactory tubercle synaptosomes, but dopaminergic parameters were largely unaffected. We conclude that functional changes are primarily driven by altered nAChR activity.
An approach to the histomorphological and histochemical variations of the humerus cortical bone through human ontogeny
Authors: Cambra‐Moo Oscar , Nacarino Meneses Carmen , Rodríguez Barbero Miguel Ángel , García Gil Orosia , Rascón Pérez Josefina , Rello‐Varona Santiago , D'Angelo Manuel , Campo Martín Manuel , González Martín Armando
Published: March 2014

For many years, clinical and non‐clinical investigations have investigated cortical bone structure in an attempt to address questions related to normal bone development, mineralisation, pathologies and even evolutionary trends in our lineage (adaptations). Research in the fields of medicine, materials science, physical anthropology, palaeontology, and even archaeobiology has contributed interesting data. However, many questions remain regarding the histomorphological and histochemical variations in human cortical bone during different stages of life. In the present work, we describe a study of long bone cortex transformations during ontogeny. We analysed cross‐sections of 15 human humeri histomorphologically and histochemically from perinatal to adult age, marking and quantifying the spatial distribution of bone tissue types using GIS software and analysing the mineral composition and crystallinity of the mineralised cortex using Raman spectroscopy and X‐ray diffraction. Our results allowed us to propose that human cortical bone undergoes three main ‘events’ through ontogeny that critically change the proportions and structure of the cortex. In early development, bone is not well mineralised and proportionally presents a wide cortex that narrows through the end of childhood. Before reaching complete maturity, the bone mineral area increases, allowing the bone to nearly reach the adult size. The medullary cavity is reduced, and the mineral areas have a highly ordered crystalline structure. The last event occurs in adulthood, when the ‘oldest’ individuals present a reduced mineralised area, with increasing non‐mineralised cavities (including the medullary cavity) and reduced crystalline organisation.
The feasibility and acceptability of training volunteer mealtime assistants to help older acute hospital inpatients: the Southampton Mealtime Assistance Study
Authors: Roberts Helen C , De Wet Sanet , Porter Kirsty , Rood Gemma , Diaper Norma , Robison Judy , Pilgrim Anna L , Elia Marinos , Jackson Alan A , Cooper Cyrus , Aihie Sayer Avan , Robinson Sian
Published: March 2014

Aims and objectives

To determine the feasibility and acceptability of using trained volunteers as mealtime assistants for older hospital inpatients.

Background

Poor nutrition among hospitalised older patients is common in many countries and associated with poor outcomes. Competing time pressures on nursing staff may make it difficult to prioritise mealtime assistance especially on wards where many patients need help.

Design

Mixed methods evaluation of the introduction of trained volunteer mealtime assistants on an acute female medicine for older people ward in a teaching hospital in England.

Methods

A training programme was developed for volunteers who assisted female inpatients aged 70 years and over on weekday lunchtimes. The feasibility of using volunteers was determined by the proportion recruited, trained, and their activity and retention over one year. The acceptability of the training and of the volunteers' role was obtained through interviews and focus groups with 12 volunteers, nine patients and 17 nursing staff.

Results

Fifty‐nine potential volunteers were identified: 38 attended a training session, of whom 29 delivered mealtime assistance, including feeding, to 3911 (76%) ward patients during the year (mean duration of assistance 5·5 months). The volunteers were positive about the practical aspects of training and ongoing support provided. They were highly valued by patients and ward staff and have continued to volunteer.

Conclusions

Volunteers can be recruited and trained to help acutely unwell older female inpatients at mealtimes, including feeding. This assistance is sustainable and is valued.

Relevance to clinical practice

This paper describes a successful method for recruitment, training and retention of volunteer mealtime assistants. It includes a profile of those volunteers who provided the most assistance, details of the training programme and role of the volunteers and could be replicated by nursing staff in other healthcare units.
John J. Gumperz's Discourse Strategies
Authors: Gal Susan
Published: March 2014

John J. Gumperz was a founding figure of sociolinguistics and an important contributor to the development of linguistic anthropology in the 20th century. This article traces not his past but his present and future, exploring four themes that he inaugurated and that have had a shaping influence on the dual fields in which he was active. The themes are: approaches to ethnographic evidence; social and linguistic differentiation; speech practices in history; culture and contextualization.
Transidioma and Asylum: Gumperz's Legacy in Intercultural Institutional Talk
Authors: Jacquemet Marco
Published: March 2014

Using ethnographic evidence from asylum hearings in various European countries, this article discusses John Gumperz's legacy in the study of late‐modern communication. Asylum hearings to determine refugee status are one of the most complex adjudication procedures currently performed by Western nation‐states. Every year thousands of displaced people seek the protection of various European states by filing asylum claims, which are examined by national commissions. This article explores how Gumperz's focus on code‐switching and crosstalk in multilingual communities has prepared the ground for the study of the transidioma, that is, the ensemble of asymmetrical technopolitical discourse strategies deployed over a multilingual, mixed‐media interactional field—such as is found in asylum hearings.
THE EFFECTS OF HIGH PRESSURE ON OIL‐TO‐GAS CRACKING DURING LABORATORY SIMULATION EXPERIMENTS
Authors: Zhonghong Chen , Zunjing Ma , Ming Zha , Xiaoyu Sha , Shouchun Zhang , Youshu Bao
Published: March 2014

The effects of high pressures on the yield and kinetics of gas generated by the cracking of crude oil were investigated in laboratory simulation experiments. Samples of a low‐maturity non‐marine oil were recovered from the Paleogene Shahejie Formation in the Dongying depression, Bohai Bay Basin, eastern China. The oils were cracked to gas under different pressure and temperature conditions in an autoclave. Initial temperatures of 300 °C were increased to 650 °C at rates of either 30 or 100 °C/h. Reaction products were analysed at the end of each 50 °C temperature increase. Pressure conditions were either 0.1 MPa (i.e. atmospheric) or 20 MPa.

Results show that high pressures inhibit or delay oil‐to‐gas cracking and retard the initiation of the cracking process. The temperature at which oil was cracked and the activation energy of the formation of C1–5 hydrocarbons increased under high pressure conditions, demonstrating the effects of pressure on the kinetics of the oil‐to‐gas cracking process. High pressures and high temperatures inhibited the conversion of C2–5 hydrocarbons to methane during secondary cracking. In addition, high pressures retarded the generation of N2, H2 and CO during cracking of oil. The presence of water increased the yields of total cracked gas, C2–5 hydrocarbons and CO2 in high‐pressure conditions. The simulation results show that CO2 and C2–5 hydrocarbons have similar yields during oil‐to‐gas cracking.

Using the kinetic parameters determined from the laboratory experiments, the yield and production rate of gas generated during the cracking of oil from Member 4 of the Paleogene Shahejie Formation in the Minfeng‐Lijin sag (Dongying depression) were calculated. The results indicate that only limited volumes of natural gas in this area were derived from the cracking of oil, and that most of the gas was derived from the thermal decomposition of kerogen.
PETROPHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THE MESSINIAN ABU MADI FORMATION IN THE BALTIM EAST AND NORTH FIELDS, OFFSHORE NILE DELTA, EGYPT
Authors: Abdel‐Fattah M. I.
Published: March 2014

Baltim East and North fields in the offshore Nile Delta produce gas‐condensate from accumulations located in the northern portion of the Abu Madi palaeovalley. The hydrocarbons in the Abu Madi Formation are present in sandstone reservoir units referred to as the Level III Main and Level III Lower. In this paper, the petrophysical characteristics of these reservoir units in the Baltim area are described using data from wireline logs (gamma‐ray, density, neutron, sonic and resistivity) from fourteen wells and core data from one well. Results of wireline log and core analyses indicate that the Level III Main can subdivided into two sandstone‐dominated intervals (both interpreted as sandbar deposits) separated by a shale‐rich interval which is a partial barrier to fluid flow. Effective porosity is 9–18.5% and permeability 40–100 mD. Sandstones in the Level III Lower are interpreted as braided channel facies and have effective porosity of 12.5–22% and permeability of 100–500 mD.

Isoparametric maps for the Abu Madi Formation sandstone reservoirs based on log and core interpretations show the influence of depositional facies on petrophysical characteristics and can be used to assess possible targets for future exploration and development.
A Contingent Resource‐Based Perspective of Supply Chain Resilience and Robustness
Authors: Brandon‐Jones Emma , Squire Brian , Autry Chad W. , Petersen Kenneth J.
Published: March 2014

Understanding supply chain resilience and robustness is increasingly important for supply chain managers. This is due to the growing complexity of contemporary supply chains and the subsequent increased probability of experiencing a disruption. Few studies within the risk management literature have empirically disentangled the concepts of resilience and robustness or explored their antecedents. This study utilizes a contingent resource‐based view perspective to understand the relationship between specific resources (information sharing and connectivity), capabilities (visibility), and performance in terms of supply chain resilience and robustness. In addition, it utilizes supply base complexity as a moderating factor. Survey data collected from 264 UK manufacturing plants suggest that supply chain connectivity and information sharing resources lead to a supply chain visibility capability which enhances resilience and robustness. Of the four dimensions of complexity, only scale is found to have a strong moderating effect on this relationship, while geographic dispersion, differentiation, and delivery complexity do not have contingent effects. This study highlights theoretical and managerial implications for approaches to resilience and robustness.
Intravenous infusion of electrolyte solution changes pharmacokinetics of drugs: pharmacokinetics of ampicillin
Authors: Britzi M. , Mazon Y. , Lavy E. , Soback S.
Published: March 2014

The pharmacokinetics of ampicillin in dogs was determined after intravenous (i.v.) bolus and constant rate infusion. Ampicillin was administered to six beagle dogs as an i.v. bolus at 20 mg/kg and as a constant rate i.v. infusion (CRI) at 20 mg/kg during 8 h (0.042 mL/min/kg) in Ringer's lactate (Hartmann's) solution. The concentrations were determined by an LC/MS/MS method. After i.v. bolus, ampicillin total body clearance, apparent volume of distribution at steady‐state, mean residence time (MRT), and half‐life were 4.53 ± 0.70 mL/min/kg, 0.275 ± 0.044 L/kg, 61 ± 13 min, and 111 (85–169) min, respectively. The corresponding parameters calculated after CRI were 13.5 ± 1.06 mL/min/kg, 0.993 ± 0.415 L/kg, 73 ± 27 min, and 49 (31–69) min. Ampicillin concentration decreased by 30% in the Ringer's lactate infusion solution mostly during the first hour after preparation of the solution. Constant rate infusion of Ringer's lactate solution during 8 h caused significant changes in ampicillin pharmacokinetics. The results suggested that special attention should be given to drug pharmacokinetics when co‐administered intravenously with electrolyte solutions.
Oral probiotic VSL#3 attenuates the circulatory disturbances of patients with cirrhosis and ascites
Authors: Rincón Diego , Vaquero Javier , Hernando Ana , Galindo Evelyn , Ripoll Cristina , Puerto Marta , Salcedo Magdalena , Francés Rubén , Matilla Ana , Catalina María V. , Clemente Gerardo , Such José , Bañares Rafael
Published: March 2014

Background & Aims

The modulation of gut flora constitutes a therapeutic tool in patients with liver disease, but some of its modalities require further investigation. Here, we evaluated the effects of probiotics on the hepatic and systemic haemodynamic alterations of advanced liver disease.

Methods

Seventeen patients with cirrhosis and ascites were prospectively included, five of whom abandoned this study prematurely. Hepatic and systemic haemodynamic evaluations were performed at baseline and after 6 weeks of receiving an oral VSL#3 probiotic preparation. Peripheral blood analyses included the evaluation of cytokines (TNF‐alpha, IL‐1beta, IL‐6), bacterial translocation [bacterial DNA and lipopolysaccharide‐binding protein (LBP)] and nitric oxide end‐products (NOx).

Results

In 12 patients completing this study, the oral administration of VSL#3 resulted in reductions of the hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG, P < 0.001), cardiac index and heart rate (both P < 0.01) and in increases of the systemic vascular resistance (P < 0.05) and mean arterial pressure (P = 0.06). HVPG decreased at least 10% from baseline in eight patients (67%). Serum sodium increased in most patients (P < 0.01). All these changes were unrelated to the detection of bacterial DNA or to the levels of LBP, pro‐inflammatory cytokines or NOx. No significant adverse effects were observed.

Conclusion

Administration of the probiotic mixture VSL#3 improved the hepatic and systemic haemodynamics and serum sodium levels in patients with cirrhosis. Our results identify major effects of probiotics in liver disease and provide the rationale for assessing their therapeutic potential against the progression of portal hypertension and its complications in future clinical trials.
Myelopathy mimicking subacute combined degeneration in a Down syndrome patient with methotrexate treatment for B lymphoblastic leukemia: Report of an autopsy case
Authors: Satomi Kaishi , Yoshida Mari , Matsuoka Kentaro , Okita Hajime , Hosoya Yosuke , Shioda Yoko , Kumagai Masa‐aki , Mori Tetsuya , Morishita Yukio , Noguchi Masayuki , Nakazawa Atsuko
Published: March 2014

We report clinicopathological features of a 23‐year‐old woman with Down syndrome (DS) presenting with subacute myelopathy treated with chemotherapy, including intravenous and intrathecal administration of methotrexate (MTX), and with allogenic bone‐marrow transplantation for B lymphoblastic leukemia. Autopsy revealed severe demyelinating vacuolar myelopathy in the posterior and lateral columns of the spinal cord, associated with macrophage infiltration, marked axonal loss and some swollen axons. Pathological changes of posterior and lateral columns were observed from the medulla oblongata to lumbar cord. Proximal anterior and posterior roots were preserved. Cerebral white matter was relatively well preserved. There were no vascular lesions or meningeal dissemination of leukemia. Longitudinal extension of cord lesions was extensive, unlike typical cases of subacute combined degeneration (SACD), but distribution of lesions and histological findings were similar to that of SACD. DS patients show heightened sensitivity to MTX because of their genetic background. Risk factors for toxic myelopathy of DS are discussed, including delayed clearance of MTX despite normal renal function, alterations in MTX polyglutamation and enhanced folic acid depletion due to gene dosage effects of chromosome 21. Alteration of folate metabolism and/or vitamin B12 levels through intravenous or intrathecal administration of MTX might exist, although vitamin B12 and other essential nutrients were managed using intravenous hyperalimentation. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of an autopsy case that shows myelopathy mimicking SACD in a DS patient accompanied by B lymphoblastic leukemia. The case suggests a pathophysiological mechanism of MTX‐related myelopathy in DS patients with B lymphoblastic leukemia mimicking SACD.
Duodenal switch versus Roux‐en‐Y gastric bypass for morbid obesity: systematic review and meta‐analysis of weight results, diabetes resolution and early complications in single‐centre comparisons
Authors: Hedberg J. , Sundström J. , Sundbom M.
Published: March 2014

Long‐term weight loss after Roux‐en‐Y gastric bypass (RYGB) in super‐obese patients has not been ideal. Biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch (DS) is argued to be better; however, additional side effects are feared. The aim of the present study was to determine differences in results after DS and RYGB in publications from single‐centre comparisons. A systematic review of studies containing DS and RYGB performed at the same centre was performed. Outcome data were weight results, resolution of comorbid conditions, perioperative results and complications. Main outcome was difference in weight loss after DS and RYGB. Secondary outcomes were difference in resolution of comorbidities, perioperative results and complications. The final analysis included 16 studies with in total 874 DS and 1,149 RYGB operations. When comparing weight results at the longest follow‐up of each study, DS yielded 6.2 (95% confidence interval 5.0–7.5) body mass index units additional weight loss compared with RYGB, P < 0.001. Operative time and length of stay were significantly longer after DS, as well as the risk for post‐operative leaks, P < 0.05. DS is more effective than RYGB as a weight‐reducing procedure. However, this comes at the price of more early complications and might also yield slightly higher perioperative mortality.