bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Integrated Process for Production of Galangal Acetate, the “Wasabi‐Like” Spicy Compound, and Analysis of Essential Oils of Rhizoma Alpinia officinarum (Hance) Farw
Authors: Lin Li‐Yun , Shen Kun‐Hung , Yeh Xiang‐Yü , Huang Bou‐Yü , Wang Hui‐Er , Chen Kuan‐Chou , Peng Robert Y.
Published: May 2016

Rhizoma Alpinia officinarum (Hance) Farw, Zingiberaceae (AO), a ginger family herb exhibiting stimulant and a carminative bioactivity, is widely used in European and Asian countries as spicy condiment and medicinal uses. Allyl isothiocyanate (AITC) is the main pungent taste of native Wasabi (Wasabia japonica). The cytotoxicity of AITC has been implicated in thymus, adrenals, and white blood cells. Considering food safety, apparently a safer substitute for wasabi is worthy commercialized. Previously, we found AO crude paste to be rather feasible for use as a “Wasabi‐substitute” in fresh meat and cold salads. A process linking cold ethyl acetate (EtAc) extraction with silica gel adsorption and reversed phase high‐performance liquid chromatography (RP‐HPLC) (mobile phase, 75% methanol) was used to isolate galangal acetate, the Wasabi‐like taste constituent. AO contained abundant galangal acetate (3.84 ± 0.07%) compared to A. galangal (0.57 ± 0.16%), and as already confirmed by thin layer chromatography (TLC), gas chromatography (GC)/mass spectrometry (MS)/MS and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (NMR), galangal acetate was particularly thermally labile. The steam distilled essential oil (SDEO) of AO (0.14% on wet basis) contained 80 compounds (number of component, %): monoterpene hydrocarbon (21, 13.83%); oxygenated monoterpene (17, 27.08%); sesquiterpene hydrocarbon (20, 31.03%), and oxygenated sesquiterpene (20, 21.85%), respectively. However, no spicy wasabi‐like constituent remained in SDEO. Alternatively, n‐hexane, EtAc, and methanol extracts of AO all showed potent DPPH‐ and superoxide anion–scavenging activity. Conclusively, SDEO although contains 80 volatiles, galangal acetate is absent due to thermal instability. Galangal acetate exhibits pleasant “Wasabi‐like taste” for which we have successively developed an integrated process for mass production.
Clinical effect of pemetrexed as the first‐line treatment in Chinese patients with advanced anaplastic lymphoma kinase‐positive non‐small cell lung cancer
Authors: Ma Di , Hao Xuezhi , Wang Yan , Xing Puyuan , Li Junling
Published: May 2016

Background

The efficacy of pemetrexed‐based first‐line chemotherapy in anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK)‐positive non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has been demonstrated in several studies; however, there is a lack of data from Chinese populations.

Methods

The clinicopathological characteristics and treatment outcomes of 52 patients with ALK‐positive advanced NSCLC who received pemetrexed as first‐line chemotherapy at the Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences were retrospectively reviewed. The primary end points were response rate and progression‐free survival (PFS).

Results

The gender proportion was balanced and the median age was 51 years (range 26–76). Of the 52 patients, 46 (88.5%) had stage IV disease, predominantly adenocarcinoma (98.1%). Sixteen patients were current/former smokers and 36 were never/light smokers. The most common sites of metastasis were the pleura (36.5%), bone (30.8%), lung (26.9%), and brain (17.3%). The median PFS was 9.5 months (95% confidence interval 7.454–11.536). At the time of analysis, partial remission was achieved in 18 (34.6%) patients, stable disease in 26 (50.0%), and progressive disease in eight (15.4%); none of the patients achieved complete remission. The objective response rate was 34.6% and the disease control rate was 84.6%. Common adverse events with pemetrexed were neutropenia (53.8%), nausea and vomiting (51.9%), leukopenia (32.7%), and fatigue (25.0%), mainly at grades 1 or 2.

Conclusions

Pemetrexed is efficient and tolerated as first‐line treatment for ALK‐positive NSCLC in a cohort of Chinese patients and may prove to be an alternative option for the treatment of ALK‐positive NSCLC.
Alphaherpesvirus‐associated disease in greater bilbies (Macrotis lagotis)
Authors: Besier AS , Mahony TJ , Crockford M , Gravel JL , Chapman TF , O'Dea MA
Published: May 2016

Case report

A captive breeding colony of 9 greater bilbies (Macrotis lagotis) exhibited mild upper respiratory signs and sudden deaths with 100% mortality over a 2‐week period. Histologically, acute necrotising and erosive epithelial lesions throughout the upper respiratory system and bronchi were associated with eosinophilic intranuclear inclusion bodies. Inclusions were also present in hepatocytes and adrenocortical cells, but were not always associated with necrosis. Transmission electron microscopy of lung sections revealed nucleocapsids forming arrays within some nuclei. A pan‐herpesvirus PCR yielded a 440‐bp product, with sequencing confirming homology with the alphaherpesviruses. Viral culture in a marsupial cell line resulted in cytopathic effect consistent with an alphaherpesvirus.

Conclusion

This is the first report of a herpesvirus‐associated disease in greater bilbies.
Alternative Measures of Between-Study Heterogeneity in Meta-Analysis: Reducing the Impact of Outlying Studies
Authors: Lin Lifeng , Chu Haitao , Hodges James S.
Published: May 2016

Meta-analysis has become a widely used tool to combine results from independent studies. The collected studies are homogeneous if they share a common underlying true effect size; otherwise, they are heterogeneous. A fixed-effect model is customarily used when the studies are deemed homogeneous, while a random-effects model is used for heterogeneous studies. Assessing heterogeneity in meta-analysis is critical for model selection and decision making. Ideally, if heterogeneity is present, it should permeate the entire collection of studies, instead of being limited to a small number of outlying studies. Outliers can have great impact on conventional measures of heterogeneity and the conclusions of a meta-analysis. However, no widely accepted guidelines exist for handling outliers. This article proposes several new heterogeneity measures. In the presence of outliers, the proposed measures are less affected than the conventional ones. The performance of the proposed and conventional heterogeneity measures are compared theoretically, by studying their asymptotic properties, and empirically, using simulations and case studies.
Children and the ‘Social Cohesion’ Agenda in Sport: Children's Participation in ‘Ethnically Mixed’ Sports Teams in the North of England
Authors: Cockburn Tom
Published: May 2016

This study is set in the North of England in the context of debates around the integration of communities, after a series of street disturbances in the early 2000s. The debates centred upon ‘social cohesion’ and the social mixing of Pakistani British and White British communities. The current study explores this from the context of 10‐ to 11‐year‐old Asian, Black and White British boys participating in cricket and football clubs. It draws on the sociology of childhood approach that sees children as active participants and co‐creators of their own lives. This more nuanced approach sheds important light on children's own negotiations of home, peers, sports clubs and identities that are key to how cohesion is achieved.
Battling the Tiger Mother: Pre‐School Reform and Conflicting Norms of Parenthood in Singapore
Authors: Bach Dil , Christensen Søren
Published: May 2016

This article explores pre‐school reform and shifting norms of parenthood in Singapore. Whereas current education reforms in many Western countries focus on improving academic performance, pre‐school reform in Singapore de‐emphasises academic learning and urges parents to adopt ‘relaxed’ parenting practices. Analysing the position of parents in this process, we show, however, that the outcomes of this reform project are highly ambivalent. Reform makers view parents’ mindset as the main obstacle to reform, while parents experience pre‐school reform itself as prompting inconsistent messages. To account for the disorientation that this creates among parents, we draw on Bateson's concept of double bind.
Artesunate Ameliorates Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis by Inhibiting Leukocyte Migration to the Central Nervous System
Authors: Thomé Rodolfo , de Carvalho Ana Carolina , Alves da Costa Thiago , Ishikawa Larissa Lumi Watanabe , Fraga‐Silva Thais Fernanda de Campos , Sartori Alexandrina , de Oliveira Alexandre Leite Rodrigues , Verinaud Liana
Published: May 2016

Background and Aims

Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) is T‐cell‐dependent disease of the central nervous system (CNS) of mice. This model resembles multiple sclerosis (MS) in many aspects. Therapies that focus in the modulation of the immune response and cellular infiltration in the CNS present best effects in the clinics. Artesunate (Art) is a semi‐synthetic sesquiterpene derivative from artemisinin and has been shown to reduce the clinical signs of autoimmune disease models through mechanisms not yet understood. In this study, we aimed to evaluate whether administration of Art would ameliorate EAE.

Methods and Results

C57BL6 mice were immunized with MOG35–55 peptide to induce EAE. At the same time, Art treatment started (3 mg/kg/day via i.p.) for five consecutive days. We found that Art treatment reduced the clinical signs of EAE and that correlated with a reduced infiltration of cells in the CNS. Disease amelioration did not correlate with immunomodulation as recall responses, leukocyte subpopulations, and gene expression analysis were similar among treated and untreated mice. Ultimately, further analysis provided data indicating that a possible mechanism of action for Art is dependent on the cellular migration to the CNS.

Conclusions

Artesunate reduces the severity of EAE by inhibiting migration of pathogenic T cells to the CNS.
Outcome of emergency surgery for severe neuroleptic‐induced colitis: results of a prospective cohort
Authors: Abdalla S. , Brouquet A. , Lazure T. , Costaglioli B. , Penna C. , Benoist S.
Published: May 2016

Aim

The study evaluated the outcome of severe acute antipsychotic (neuroleptic) drug related colitis requiring emergency surgery.

Method

From 2009 to 2014, 20 patients underwent emergency surgery for acute and severe neuroleptic‐related ischaemic colitis. Neuroleptic‐induced colitis was defined as another cause besides inflammatory, infectious or ischaemic colitis with a relationship to treatment by antipsychotic drugs.

Results

The main drugs involved were cyamemazine (n = 9, 45%), loxapine (n = 5, 25%), haloperidol (n = 4, 20%) and alimemazine (n = 4, 20%). Most (n = 14, 70%) patients presented with haemodynamic instability requiring massive resuscitation and vasopressive drugs. CT signs of digestive impairment were found in 13 (65%) patients having emergency surgery. The lesions were pancolonic in 40%; transparietal necrosis was found in 45% and 15% had colonic perforation. Twelve (60%) patients had total or subtotal colectomy and eight (40%) a segmental colectomy with colostomy or ileostomy in all cases. The postoperative mortality was 15% and morbidity was 70%, necessitating surgical reintervention in two (10%) patients. Of the 17 surviving patients, 11 (64.7%) had restoration of intestinal continuity after a median delay of 103 days, with a postoperative morbidity rate of 36.3%. In the intent‐to‐treat population, the permanent stoma rate was 30%.

Conclusion

The morbidity and mortality of surgery for neuroleptic‐drug‐induced colitis is higher than for colitis due to other causes. A better knowledge of this condition should lead to early diagnosis.
Using verified species distribution models to inform the conservation of a rare marine species
Authors: Stirling David A. , Boulcott Philip , Scott Beth E. , Wright Peter J.
Published: May 2016

Aim

Given the paucity of data on the distribution of habitats and species for most marine species, particularly those that are rare and in need of protection, there is a need to model species distributions. Using the fan mussel, Atrina fragilis (Pennant 1777), as our case species, the aim of the study was to predict new areas of occurrence for A. fragilis, estimate the extent of potentially suitable areas, determine the proportion of these areas that are included in the recently designated nature conservation MPAs off the west of Scotland and identify possible environmental drivers in the distribution of A. fragilis.

Location

West coast of Scotland, UK.

Methods

Using a point process framework, we modelled presence‐only data, including historic records. A quadrat survey employing digital still photography was conducted in areas of high and low suitability to verify the model, and subsequently, a targeted survey was undertaken in areas predicted as highly suitable by the models using towed video cameras.

Results

Five environmental variables were of prime importance in explaining the distribution of A. fragilis. The results from the verification survey support model performance. Atrina fragilis was found in 80% of the targeted transects undertaken. Approximately 14% of the total area predicted as suitable for A. fragilis occurred within recently designated marine protected areas (MPAs) indicating considerable potential for recolonization given suitable protection.

Main conclusions

The verified model suggests that limited presence‐only and historical records of rare species can perform well within a SDM framework allowing the identification of further suitable areas. The prominence of bathymetric ruggedness in the models is unexpected, given the understood ecological niche for A. fragilis and pinnids in general, but is consistent with the fact that seabed topography can offer protection from fishing pressure. These results will inform restoration objectives of the MPA network.
Spatial distribution of young forests and carbon fluxes within recent disturbances in Russia
Authors: Loboda Tatiana V. , Chen Dong
Published: May 2016

Forest stand age plays a major role in regulating carbon fluxes in boreal and temperate ecosystems. Young boreal forests represent a relatively small but persistent source of carbon to the atmosphere over 30 years after disturbance, while temperate forests switch from a substantial source over the first 10 years to a notable sink until they reach maturity. Russian forests are the largest contiguous forest belt in the world that accounts for 17% of the global forest cover; however, despite its critical role in controlling global carbon cycle, little is known about spatial patterns of young forest distribution across Russia as a whole, particularly before the year 2000. Here, we present a map of young (0–27 years of age) forests, where 12‐ to 27‐year‐old forests were modeled from the single‐date 500 m satellite record and augmented with the 0‐ to 11‐year‐old forest map aggregated from the 30 m resolution contemporary record between 2001 and 2012. The map captures the distribution of forests with the overall accuracy exceeding 85% within three largest bioclimatic vegetation zones (northern, middle, and southern taiga), although mapping accuracy for disturbed classes was generally low (the highest of 31% for user's and producer's accuracy for the 12–27 age class and the maximum of 74% for user's and 32% for producer's accuracy for the 0–11 age class). The results show that 75.5 ± 17.6 Mha (roughly 9%) of Russian forests were younger than 30 years of age at the end of 2012. The majority of these 47 ± 4.7 Mha (62%) were distributed across the middle taiga bioclimatic zone. Based on the published estimates of net ecosystem production (NEP) and the produced map of young forests, this study estimates that young Russian forests represent a total sink of carbon at the rate of 1.26 Tg C yr−1.
Impulse Response Dynamics in Weakest Link Games
Authors: Goerg Sebastian J. , Sadrieh Abdolkarim , Neugebauer Tibor
Published: May 2016

In a recent paper, Croson et al. (2015) experimentally study three weakest link games with multiple symmetric equilibria. They demonstrate that static concepts based on the Nash equilibrium (including multiple Nash equilibria, quantal response equilibria, and equilibrium selection by risk and payoff dominance) cannot successfully capture the observed treatment differences. Using Reinhard Selten’s impulse response dynamics, we derive a proposition that provides a theoretical ranking of contribution levels in the weakest link games. We show that the predicted ranking of treatment outcomes is fully consistent with the observed data. In addition, we demonstrate that the impulse response dynamics perform well in tracking average contributions over time. We conclude that Reinhard Selten’s impulse response dynamics provide an extremely valuable behavioral approach that is not only capable of resolving the indecisiveness of static approaches in games with many equilibria, but that can also be used to track the development of choices over time in games with repeated interaction.
Appropriate Sampling for Optimised Measurement (ASOM), rather than the Theory of Sampling (TOS) Approach, to Ensure Suitable Measurement Quality: A Refutation of Esbensen and Wagner (2014)
Authors: Ramsey Michael H.
Published: May 2016

The ‘Appropriate Sampling for Optimised Measurement’ (ASOM) approach considers measurement to be the focus of the sampling process, and sampling to be only the first part of the measurement process. To achieve ASOM, the uncertainty of measurements, including its contribution from sampling, needs to be estimated and optimised in order to achieve fitness‐for‐purpose. Such samples are then ‘sufficiently’ representative. The ‘Theory of Sampling’ (TOS) focuses on the processes of primary sampling and sample preparation and assumes that samples are ‘representative’ if they are correctly prepared by nominally ‘correct’ protocols. It defines around ten sampling ‘errors’, which are either modelled or minimised to improve sampling quality. It is argued that the ASOM approach is more effective in achieving appropriate measurement quality than in applying TOS to just the first part of the measurement process. The comparison is made less effective by the different objectives, scopes, terminology and assumptions of the two approaches. ASOM can be applied to in situ materials that are too variable to be modelled accurately, or where sources of uncertainty are unsuspected. The proposed integration of ASOM with TOS (Esbensen and Wagner 2014, Trends in Analytical Chemistry, 57, 93–106) is therefore effectively impossible. However, some TOS procedures can be useful within the ASOM approach.
International Trends in Health Science Librarianship Part 18: The Middle East (Iran, Qatar and Turkey)
Authors: Zeraatkar Kimia , Ayatollahi Haleh , Havlin Tracy , Neves Karen , Şendir Mesra
Published: May 2016

This is the 18th in a series of articles exploring international trends in health science librarianship in the 21st century. The focus of the present issue is the Middle East (Iran, Qatar and Turkey). The next feature column will investigate trends in the Balkan States

JM
Barriers to the use of the library service amongst clinical staff in an acute hospital setting: an evaluation
Authors: Thomas Gaynor , Preston Hugh
Published: May 2016

This article reports on research into the reasons why clinical staff in an acute hospital may be reluctant to use library services. The research was conducted by Gaynor Thomas at the Prince Philip Hospital in Llanelli in Wales as part of the dissertation she completed for an MSc in Economics. She graduated in July 2014 from Aberystwyth University and has co‐written the article with Hugh Preston, her dissertation supervisor. The article summarises the key findings from the interviews undertaken as part of the research process and lists the resulting recommendations. Gaynor also highlights the initiatives which have been put in place with the express aim of removing barriers to use and encouraging clinical staff to make the most of the library which is, she argues, a time‐saving resource.

AM
Regenerative implantable medical devices: an overview
Authors: Yu Shu‐yang , Li Fu‐Yao , Wang Hong‐Man
Published: May 2016

Objectives

To conduct a bibliometric evaluation and trend prediction of English literature on animal‐derived regenerative implantable medical devices based on tissue engineering technology.

Methods

Data identified by a search strategy with eleven combinations of keywords before 1 January, 2014 were downloaded from eight databases on 25 November, 2014. The study analysed publication year, journal preference, authors' geographic location and research topics.

Results

Research on animal‐derived regenerative implantable medical devices is gradually increasing. The majority of the first authors are from colleges or universities. Approximately one‐third of the papers were the result of cooperation of different institutions. The top five productive countries are the United States, China, UK, Germany and Italy. Biomaterials are the main literature source. Bradford's law analysis shows that a core journal area has formed. The active areas of research and future research directions are ‘scaffold materials’, ‘biocompatibility’, ‘growth factors’ and ‘extracellular matrix’.

Conclusion

Research of animal‐derived regenerative implantable medical devices has attracted more and more attention from the academia. But most of the research achievements are generated by a few developed countries. Researchers around the world need to complement each other in knowledge and academic resources by communication and cooperation.
Big Data – What is it and why it matters
Authors: Tattersall Andy , Grant Maria J.
Published: May 2016

Big data, like MOOCs, altmetrics and open access, is a term that has been commonplace in the library community for some time yet, despite its prevalence, many in the library and information sector remain unsure of the relationship between big data and their roles. This editorial explores what big data could mean for the day‐to‐day practice of health library and information workers, presenting examples of big data in action, considering the ethics of accessing big data sets and the potential for new roles for library and information workers.
Semiquantitative immunohistochemistry for mucin (MUC1, MUC2, MUC3, MUC4, MUC5AC, and MUC6) profiling of pancreatic ductal cell adenocarcinoma improves diagnostic and prognostic performance
Authors: Sierzega Marek , Młynarski Damian , Tomaszewska Romana , Kulig Jan
Published: May 2016

Aims

Mucin (MUC) glycoproteins are involved in various steps of the carcinogenesis and progression of human malignancies. The aim of this study was to verify whether semiquantitative evaluation of MUC staining by immunohistochemistry may help to differentiate pancreatic ductal cell adenocarcinoma (PDAC) from chronic pancreatitis and normal pancreas.

Methods and results

Mucin expression was examined by immunohistochemistry in surgical specimens resected from 101 patients with PDAC and 33 with chronic pancreatitis, and in 40 normal pancreatic tissue specimens. A quickscore (QS, range 0–300) was calculated by multiplying staining intensity by the percentage of positive cells. A diagnostic model was developed for MUC QS (MUC1, MUC2, MUC3, MUC4, MUC5AC, and MUC6), based on a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and logistic regression analysis. Median QS values for MUC1 and MUC5AC were significantly higher for PDAC, whereas patients with non‐malignant tissues had higher values for MUC3 and MUC6. The area under the curve for the ROC curve derived from the diagnostic model including MUC3, MUC5AC and MUC6 was 0.96 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.91–0.98], with 85% sensitivity and 94% specificity. Median QS values for MUC2 were significantly higher in patients with less advanced tumours, whereas venous invasion was associated with a lower QS for MUC6. Moreover, multivariate survival analysis revealed that low MUC6 expression was a negative prognostic factor, with a hazard ratio of 1.73 (95% CI 1.07–2.81).

Conclusions

The three‐MUC diagnostic model (MUC3, MUC5AC, and MUC6) showed an excellent ability to discriminate pancreatic cancer from non‐malignant tissues, and yielded information that may prove useful for the development of clinical applications.
Incidence and risk factors for acute kidney injury after radical cystectomy
Authors: Ikehata Yoshinori , Tanaka Toshiaki , Ichihara Koji , Kobayashi Ko , Kitamura Hiroshi , Takahashi Satoshi , Masumori Naoya
Published: May 2016

Objectives

To clarify the incidence, risk factors and clinical impact of acute kidney injury after radical cystectomy.

Methods

A total of 210 patients who underwent radical cystectomy at Sapporo Medical University Hospital, Sapporo, Japan, from January 2006 through December 2012 were evaluated. The incidence of acute kidney injury was evaluated over the first 7 days postoperatively, during which time a ureteral catheter was inserted. Risk factors for postoperative acute kidney injury and its impacts on short‐term clinical outcomes were evaluated.

Results

Finally, 145 patients were eligible for this study. Postoperative acute kidney injury was observed in 48 patients (33.1%), with stages 1, 2, and 3 found in 33 (22.7%), 14 (9.6%) and 1 (0.7%), respectively. All patients with stage 1 and 2 acute kidney injury recovered by postoperative day 7, except for one with stage 1. Hypertension (P < 0.001), preoperative estimated glomerular filtration rate <60 mL/min/1.73 m2 (P = 0.04) and neoadjuvant chemotherapy (P = 0.03) were independent risk factors for postoperative acute kidney injury. Furthermore, postoperative acute kidney injury was an independent risk factor for acute kidney injury after ureteral stent removal, but not of persistent elevated serum creatinine, prolonged hospital stay or the new onset of cardiovascular disorders during the hospital stay.

Conclusions

The incidence of acute kidney injury after radical cystectomy is relatively high, although most cases are low grade and can be resolved. We should be aware of the risk for postoperative acute kidney injury, especially in patients who have comorbid hypertension, impaired renal function and received naoadjuvant chemotherapy.
Stability and Activity of (Pr1‐xNdx)2NiO4 as Cathodes for Solid Oxide Fuel Cells: I. Quantification of Phase Evolution in Pr2NiO4
Authors: Dogdibegovic Emir , Wright Christopher J. , Zhou Xiao‐Dong
Published: May 2016

Praseodymium nickelate (Pr2NiO4) is an active oxygen electrode for solid oxide fuel cells, but undergoes phase transition at elevated temperatures (e.g., 750°C). Quantification of this phase evolution in an operating single cell is challenging because of the overlap of X‐ray diffraction (XRD) peaks between the cathode and oxide current collector. In this work, we replace the oxide current collector with a gold metal grid, circumventing these challenges by allowing the exposure of the cathode to the X‐ray beam, while eliminating peak overlap. Quantification of the phase evolution was performed by a least‐squares fitting of the linear combination of XRD standards against the experimental patterns. Energy‐dispersive spectroscopy analysis on long‐term operated cells showed the absence of reactions between the gold grids and the cathodes. Additionally, the grids exhibited excellent mechanical stability under operating conditions and enabled similar cell performance as an oxide current collector.
Perceptions and Discourses Relating to Genetic Testing: Interviews with People with Down Syndrome
Authors: Barter Barbara , Hastings Richard Patrick , Williams Rebecca , Huws Jaci C.
Published: May 2016

Background

The perceptions of individuals with Down syndrome are conspicuously absent in discussions about the use of prenatal testing.

Method

Eight individuals with Down syndrome were interviewed about their views and experience of the topic of prenatal testing.

Results

Interpretative phenomenological analysis revealed two major themes with subthemes: (1) a devalued condition and a valued life and (2) a question of ‘want?’ Foucauldian discourse analysis highlighted two main discursive practices: (i) social deviance and (ii) tragedy and catastrophe of the birth of a baby with Down syndrome.

Conclusions

The findings suggest that individuals with intellectual disabilities can make a valuable contribution to discussions surrounding the use of prenatal testing. Implications for clinical practice include the use of information about Down syndrome given to prospective parents, and the possible psychological impact of prenatal testing practices on individuals with Down syndrome.
Influences of climate and historical land connectivity on ant beta diversity in East Asia
Authors: Wepfer Patricia H. , Guénard Benoit , Economo Evan P.
Published: May 2016

Aim

Biodiversity patterns reflect both ecological and evolutionary processes interacting with geographical variation in climate and the current and historical connectivity between land areas. We sought to disentangle these effects in explaining the organization of ant diversity across geographical areas and islands in East Asia.

Location

The Japanese Archipelago including the Ryukyu and Ogasawara Islands, Taiwan and coastal continental regions of Korea, China and Russia.

Methods

We aggregated species occurrence records from published literature, specimen databases and museum records, and compiled climatic variables for islands and politically defined continental areas. Current and historical land connections in the Last Glacial Maximum were determined using bathymetric databases. We analysed factors driving patterns of Simpson composition dissimilarity using multiple regression of distance matrices.

Results

Temperature was the largest driver of dissimilarity among areas, with geographical distance and historical land contiguity also being important. Current land contiguity had no detectable effect.

Main conclusions

We found climate to be a primary driver of ant diversity patterns on large scales, consistent with previous work on ants and other organisms. Interestingly, land connectivity during historical periods of low sea level was more important than current land connectivity in explaining faunal similarities. This implies that despite the potential overwater dispersal of ants, overland dispersal via transient land connections is a more important driver of regional‐scale biogeographical pattern in East Asia.
Synergistic effect of maternal obesity and periodontitis on preterm birth in women with pre‐eclampsia: a prospective study
Authors: Lee Hyo‐Jin , Ha Jung‐Eun , Bae Kwang‐Hak
Published: May 2016

Aim

The aim of this study was to investigate if pregnant women with both obesity and periodontitis are more likely to experience preterm birth (PTB) in women with pre‐eclampsia (PE) than pregnant women with only obesity or only periodontitis.

Materials and Methods

The study examined a total of 328 pregnant women at 21–24 weeks of gestation. Overweight and obesity was defined based on criteria proposed by the WHO Expert Consultation. Periodontal conditions were assessed by measuring periodontal clinical attachment loss. PTB was defined as delivery at <37 weeks, and PE was defined as blood pressure higher than 140/90 mmHg on two separate occasions with at least 1+ proteinuria on a random urine screen after the 20th week of pregnancy.

Results

After adjusting for other important cofactors, pregnant women with periodontitis were 5.56 times [95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.22–25.39] more likely to have PTB with PE than women without periodontitis. The association was much stronger (odds ratio = 15.94, 95% CI = 3.31–76.71) in women with both obesity and periodontitis.

Conclusions

Our results of this study indicate that pregnant women with both pre‐pregnancy obesity and periodontitis are significantly more likely to have PTB with PE than pregnant women with only periodontitis.
Neutrophil superoxide release and plasma C‐reactive protein levels pre‐ and post‐periodontal therapy
Authors: Ling Martin R. , Chapple Iain L. C. , Matthews John B.
Published: May 2016

Aim

To determine peripheral blood neutrophil superoxide release and C‐reactive protein (CRP) concentration in chronic periodontitis patients, before and after non‐surgical periodontal treatment.

Materials and Methods

Neutrophils were isolated from patient and control volunteers (n = 20) and superoxide measured by lucigenin‐enhanced chemiluminescence with and without stimulation with unopsonized Porphyromonas gingivalis, unopsonized Fusobacterium nucleatum and phorbol 12‐myristate 13‐acetate (PMA) before and 2‐months following non‐surgical therapy. Corresponding high‐sensitivity plasma CRP concentrations were also determined.

Results

At pre‐treatment baseline, patient neutrophils released more superoxide in the absence (p ≤ 0.032) and presence of periodontal bacteria (p ≤ 0.013) and after PMA stimulation (p = 0.041) compared to control cells. Post‐therapy, patient neutrophil superoxide release was reduced to control cell levels. Median patient plasma CRP concentrations were non‐significantly higher than control values and were reduced after therapy (1.80–1.36 mg/l). Patient pre‐treatment baseline, unstimulated neutrophil superoxide release showed a significant, positive correlation with plasma CRP concentration (p = 0.01).

Conclusions

Chronic periodontitis is characterized by peripheral neutrophils exhibiting superoxide hyperactivity and hyper‐reactivity to periodontal pathogens that is not a constitutive feature of periodontitis patients. The positive, pre‐therapy relationship between unstimulated neutrophil superoxide release and plasma CRP is consistent with a protective role for CRP in reducing oxidative stress and systemic inflammation in vivo.
Videodermoscopy compared to reflectance confocal microscopy for the diagnosis of scabies
Authors: Cinotti E. , Labeille B. , Cambazard F. , Biron A.C. , Chol C. , Leclerq A. , Jaffelin C. , Perrot J.L.
Published: May 2016

Introduction

Reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) and dermoscopy have recently been suggested for non‐invasive diagnosis of scabies. However, there are large studies on diagnostic accuracy for scabies only with dermoscopy at low (10×) and high (100–1000×) magnification.

Objective

Our study evaluated the diagnostic accuracy, for the diagnosis of scabies, of RCM and videodermoscopy at intermediate (20× and 70×) magnification, which is usually found in commercially available videodermoscopes.

Methods

Patients with a presumptive diagnosis of scabies were prospectively enrolled during 20 months and examined by RCM and videodermoscopy at intermediate magnification. The specificity of RCM was considered 100% because RCM can identify the anatomical details of the parasites.

Results

A total of 148 patients were enrolled. Videodermoscopy showed a higher sensitivity for scabies than RCM (95% vs. 92%) and a specificity of 97%.

Conclusions

Videodermoscopy at intermediate magnification, and RCM are both highly accurate for the diagnosis of scabies. If the two devices are available, it would be better to perform videodermoscopy first, that is more sensitive, and then RCM to confirm the diagnosis.
The prevalence of unsuspected onychomycosis and its causative organisms in a multicentre Canadian sample of 30 000 patients visiting physicians' offices
Authors: Gupta A.K. , Gupta G. , Jain H.C. , Lynde C.W. , Foley K.A. , Daigle D. , Cooper E.A. , Summerbell R.C.
Published: May 2016

Background

Onychomycosis is difficult to treat and a concern for many patients. Prevalence estimates of onychomycosis in North American clinic samples have been higher than what has been reported for general populations.

Objective

A large, multicentre study was conducted to estimate the prevalence of toenail onychomycosis in the Canadian population.

Methods

Patients were recruited from the offices of three dermatologists and one family physician in Ontario, Canada. Nail samples for mycological testing were obtained from normal and abnormal‐looking nails. This sample of 32 193 patients includes our previous published study of 15 000 patients.

Results

Abnormal nails were observed in 4350 patients. Of these, the prevalence of culture‐confirmed toenail onychomycosis was estimated to be 6.7% (95% CI, 6.41–6.96%). Following sex and age adjustments for the general population, the estimated prevalence of toenail onychomycosis in Canada was 6.4% (95% CI, 6.12%–6.65%). The distribution of fungal organisms in culture‐confirmed onychomycosis was 71.9% dermatophytes, 20.4% non‐dermatophyte moulds and 7.6% yeasts. Toenail onychomycosis was four times more prevalent in those over the age of 60 years than below the age of 60 years.

Conclusion

The present data highlights that onychomycosis may be a growing medical concern among ageing patients.
Severe extinction and rapid recovery of mammals across the Cretaceous–Palaeogene boundary, and the effects of rarity on patterns of extinction and recovery
Authors: Longrich N. R. , Scriberas J. , Wills M. A.
Published: May 2016

The end‐Cretaceous mass extinction ranks among the most severe extinctions of all time; however, patterns of extinction and recovery remain incompletely understood. In particular, it is unclear how severe the extinction was, how rapid the recovery was and how sampling biases might affect our understanding of these processes. To better understand terrestrial extinction and recovery and how sampling influences these patterns, we collected data on the occurrence and abundance of fossil mammals to examine mammalian diversity across the K‐Pg boundary in North America. Our data show that the extinction was more severe and the recovery more rapid than previously thought. Extinction rates are markedly higher than previously estimated: of 59 species, four survived (93% species extinction, 86% of genera). Survival is correlated with geographic range size and abundance, with widespread, common species tending to survive. This creates a sampling artefact in which rare species are both more vulnerable to extinction and less likely to be recovered, such that the fossil record is inherently biased towards the survivors. The recovery was remarkably rapid. Within 300 000 years, local diversity recovered and regional diversity rose to twice Cretaceous levels, driven by increased endemicity; morphological disparity increased above levels observed in the Cretaceous. The speed of the recovery tends to be obscured by sampling effects; faunas show increased endemicity, such that a rapid, regional increase in diversity and disparity is not seen in geographically restricted studies. Sampling biases that operate against rare taxa appear to obscure the severity of extinction and the pace of recovery across the K‐Pg boundary, and similar biases may operate during other extinction events.
Testing the Expressive Theory of Punishment
Authors: Bilz Kenworthey
Published: May 2016

This article presents empirical support for the argument that punishment of a wrongdoer affects the social standing of the victim. This argument is most closely associated with the expressive theory of punishment, especially as articulated by the moral philosopher Jean Hampton (Murphy & Hampton ; Hampton ). In three experiments I show support for the basic point of Hampton's expressive theory, that punishing a criminal offender does increase the victim's social standing in the community, and failing to punish diminishes it. I show this effect across three very different types of crime: rape, credit theft, and battery. I also test some logical extensions of Hampton's expressive theory of punishment. For instance, if victims gain or lose social standing as a result of punishing, so—inversely—should offenders. In addition, different punishers should affect different sources of social standing (such as ingroup vs. outgroup standing). Finally, the effects on perceived social standing should be felt not just by victims, but by third‐party observers as well. I find support for these subsidiary predictions.
Host selection by Ibalia leucospoides based on temporal variations of volatiles from the hosts’ fungal symbiont
Authors: Jofré N. , Pildain M. B. , Cirigliano A. M. , Cabrera G. M. , Corley J. C. , Martínez A. S.
Published: May 2016

Insect parasitoids locate hosts via reliable and predictable cues such as volatile emissions from hosts and/or host plants. For insects that depend on mutualistic organisms, such as many wood‐boring insects, symbiont‐derived semiochemicals may represent a source of such cues to be exploited by natural enemies. Ultimately, exploitation of these signals may increase fitness by optimizing foraging efficiency. Female parasitoids of Ibalia leucospoides use volatiles from the fungal symbiont Amylostereum areolatum of their host Sirex noctlio to find concealed host eggs and young larvae within the xylem. We hypothesize that the temporal pattern of fungal emissions may indicate not only the presence of host larvae but also be used as a cue that indicates host suitability and age. Such information would allow female parasitoids to discern more efficiently between hosts within ovipositor reach from those already buried too deep into the xylem and out of reach. In this context, we assessed the behaviour of I. leucospoides females to volatiles of A. areolatum in a ‘Y’‐tube olfactometer at regular intervals over 30 days. We concurrently examined the fungal volatiles by headspace sampling through solid‐phase microextraction (SPME) followed by gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC‐MS). We observed that females were attracted to volatiles produced by two‐week‐old fungal cultures, a period that matches when older larvae are still within ovipositor reach. Four chemical compounds were detected: ethanol, acetone, acetaldehyde and the sesquiterpene 2,2,8‐trimethyltricyclo[6.2.2.01,6]dodec‐5‐ene, with each compounds’ relative abundance changing over time. Results are discussed in the context of parasitoids fitness. Future studies involving electrophysiology, different collection techniques and further behavioural assays will help in identifying the compounds that convey temporal information to female parasitoids and have the potential for being used in integrated pest management programmes.
Dense Phase Carbon Dioxide Combined with Mild Heating Induced Myosin Denaturation, Texture Improvement and Gel Properties of Sausage
Authors: Rao Weili , Li Xin , Wang Zhenyu , Yang Yang , Qu Yalin , Gao Yuan , Chen Li , Zhang Dequan
Published: May 2016

The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of dense phase carbon dioxide (DPCD) combined with mild heating on gel properties and its relationship to denaturation of sausage protein. The results showed that, compared with samples treated by heating only (50 or 60 °C, 15 min), DPCD combined with mild heating (10 MPa, 50 or 60 °C, 15 min) increased the hardness, springiness and weight loss, meanwhile decreased the redness of the sausages. The DPCD treatments decreased the protein solubility which related to color, pH, weight loss, hardness and springiness significantly. The secondary structures change of myosin was observed, which induced the denaturation of myosin after DPCD combined with mild heating treatment. Actin denaturation depended on temperature and treatment time (more than 60 °C and 45 min) of DPCD. This study revealed DPCD combined with mild heating changed the structure of protein, cause protein denaturation and then induced gel formation of sausages.

Practical Applications

Gel property is one of the most functional characteristics of sausages, meatballs and other food produced by minced meat. People have tried different methods, for example adding salts and using high pressure, to improve gel property, water‐holding capacity, fat retention and reduce weight loss. In this study, DPCD combined with mild heating induced denser gel and cooked like appearance of the sausages compared with the samples treated by mild heating only. The results showed that DPCD treatment changed the processing property of minced mutton and can be used as a potential way to produce better gel meat products under low temperature.
FABP‐1 gene ablation impacts brain endocannabinoid system in male mice
Authors: Martin Gregory G. , Chung Sarah , Landrock Danilo , Landrock Kerstin K. , Huang Huan , Dangott Lawrence J. , Peng Xiaoxue , Kaczocha Martin , Seeger Drew R. , Murphy Eric J. , Golovko Mikhail Y. , Kier Ann B. , Schroeder Friedhelm
Published: May 2016

Liver fatty acid‐binding protein (FABP1, L‐FABP) has high affinity for and enhances uptake of arachidonic acid (ARA, C20:4, n‐6) which, when esterified to phospholipids, is the requisite precursor for synthesis of endocannabinoids (EC) such as arachidonoylethanolamide (AEA) and 2‐arachidonoylglycerol (2‐AG). The brain derives most of its ARA from plasma, taking up ARA and transporting it intracellularly via cytosolic fatty acid‐binding proteins (FABPs 3,5, and 7) localized within the brain. In contrast, the much more prevalent cytosolic FABP1 is not detectable in the brain but is instead highly expressed in the liver. Therefore, the possibility that FABP1 outside the central nervous system may regulate brain AEA and 2‐AG was examined in wild‐type (WT) and FABP1 null (LKO) male mice. LKO increased brain levels of AA‐containing EC (AEA, 2‐AG), correlating with increased free and total ARA in brain and serum. LKO also increased brain levels of non‐ARA that contain potentiating endocannabinoids (EC*) such as oleoyl ethanolamide (OEA), PEA, 2‐OG, and 2‐PG. Concomitantly, LKO decreased serum total ARA‐containing EC, but not non‐ARA endocannabinoids. LKO did not elicit these changes in the brain EC and EC* as a result of compensatory up‐regulation of brain protein levels of enzymes in EC synthesis (NAPEPLD, DAGLα) or cytosolic EC chaperone proteins (FABPs 3, 5, 7, SCP‐2, HSP70), or cannabinoid receptors (CB1, TRVP1). These data show for the first time that the non‐CNS fatty acid‐binding protein FABP1 markedly affected brain levels of both ARA‐containing endocannabinoids (AEA, 2‐AG) as well as their non‐ARA potentiating endocannabinoids.

image

Fatty acid‐binding protein‐1 (FABP‐1) is not detectable in brain but instead is highly expressed in liver. The possibility that FABP1 outside the central nervous system may regulate brain endocannabinoids arachidonoylethanolamide (AEA) and 2‐arachidonoylglycerol (2‐AG) was examined in wild‐type (WT) and FABP‐1 null (LKO) male mice. LKO increased brain levels of arachidonic acid‐containing endocannabinoids (AEA, 2‐AG), correlating with increased free and total arachidonic acid in brain and serum.

Read the Editorial Highlight for this article on page 371.