bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pelvic venous congestion with castration causes chronic prostatitis in rats
Authors: Sugaya Kimio , Nishijima Saori , Kadekawa Katsumi , Ashitomi Katsuhiro , Ueda Tomoyuki , Yamamoto Hideyuki
Published: February 2016

Objective

To determine whether castration combined with pelvic congestion could cause chronic prostatitis, and to examine the effect of eviprostat in this rat model.

Methods

Male rats were divided into three groups, which were the sham, castration combined with pelvic congestion and castration combined with pelvic congestion plus eviprostat groups. Rats in the castration combined with pelvic congestion and castration combined with pelvic congestion plus eviprostat groups were anesthetized with isoflurane, after which ligation of the bilateral common iliac veins and castration were carried out. The sham and castration combined with pelvic congestion groups were fed a standard diet, whereas the castration combined with pelvic congestion plus eviprostat group was fed the same diet containing 0.1% eviprostat. After 4 weeks, continuous cystometry was carried out under urethane anesthesia. Then the bladder and the prostate gland were subjected to histological examination.

Results

There was no significant difference of the interval between bladder contractions in the sham and castration combined with pelvic congestion plus eviprostat groups, but the interval in the castration combined with pelvic congestion group was significantly shorter than the other groups. There was no difference in the maximum bladder contraction pressure among the three groups. Pathological inflammatory changes of the bladder wall were slightly more severe in the castration combined with pelvic congestion and castration combined with pelvic congestion plus eviprostat groups than in the sham group, whereas bladder vascularity was increased in the castration combined with pelvic congestion plus eviprostat group. In addition, pathological inflammatory changes and glandular atrophy of the prostate were more severe in the castration combined with pelvic congestion and castration combined with pelvic congestion plus eviprostat groups than in the sham group.

Conclusion

This rat model of pelvic congestion with castration might assist in the development of new treatments for chronic prostatitis and frequency.
Epidemiology of in‐hospital mortality in acute patients admitted to a tertiary‐level hospital
Authors: Le Guen M. , Tobin A.
Published: February 2016

Background

Healthcare professionals may have difficulty in recognising the dying patient in acute care settings, and yet, this is essential if timely end‐of‐life care is to be provided. While approximately one‐third of patients who pass away in‐hospital are reviewed by the rapid response team (RRT), there is limited available research on other factors associated with mortality within the hospital setting.

Aims

To describe the epidemiology of in‐hospital mortality within a tertiary‐level hospital, particularly in the context of RRT activation.

Methods

We utilised the database extraction of demographic, admission and RRT activation data on acute patients discharged from an Australian acute tertiary hospital between 1 January 2009 and 31 December 2013. Analyses included simple descriptors, Chi‐squared and non‐parametric Kruskal–Wallis tests as appropriate.

Results

Of the 44 297 patients discharged from our hospital, 1603 died during admission. The general medical, haematology/oncology and intensive care teams provided care for the majority of the patients who died. A small number of diagnoses had in‐patient mortality rates of greater than 25%. These included respiratory failure, alcoholic liver disease, vascular disorders of the intestine, sepsis and aspiration pneumonia. Over 75% of patients who received a RRT call survived to hospital discharge; however, patients who received four or more RRT calls during admission had an in‐hospital mortality rate of over 40%.

Conclusion

Acute in‐patient mortality is unequally distributed throughout the hospital, and a small number of diagnoses has large associated in‐patient mortality rates. Repeated involvement of the RRT is associated with in‐patient mortality.
Genetic background affects the expansion of macrophage subsets in the lungs of Mycobacterium tuberculosis‐infected hosts
Authors: Bertolini Thais Barboza , de Souza Alexandre Ignacio , Gembre Ana Flávia , Piñeros Annie Rocio , Prado Rafael de Queiroz , Silva João Santana , Ramalho Leandra Naira Zambelli , Bonato Vânia Luiza Deperon
Published: February 2016

M1 macrophages are more effective in the induction of the inflammatory response and clearance of Mycobacterium tuberculosis than M2 macrophages. Infected C57BL/6 mice generate a stronger cellular immune response compared with BALB/c mice. We hypothesized that infected C57BL/6 mice would exhibit a higher frequency and function of M1 macrophages than infected BALB/c mice. Our findings show a higher ratio of macrophages to M2 macrophages in the lungs of chronically infected C57BL/6 mice compared with BALB/c mice. However, there was no difference in the functional ability of M1 and M2 macrophages for the two strains in vitro. In vivo, a deleterious role for M2 macrophages was confirmed by M2 cell transfer, which rendered the infected C57BL/6, but not the BALB/c mice, more susceptible and resulted in mild lung inflammation compared with C57BL/6 mice that did not undergo cell transfer. M1 cell transfer induced a higher inflammatory response, although not protective, in infected BALB/c mice compared with their counterparts that did not undergo cell transfer. These findings demonstrate that an inflammation mediated by M1 macrophages may not induce bacterial tolerance because protection depends on the host genetic background, which drives the magnitude of the inflammatory response against M. tuberculosis in the pulmonary microenvironment. The contribution of our findings is that although M1 macrophage is an effector leucocyte with microbicidal machinery, its dominant role depends on the balance of M1 and M2 subsets, which is driven by the host genetic background.
The Metaphor of Proportionality
Authors: Lacey Nicola
Published: February 2016

The idea of proportionality has figured prominently in moral, legal, and political theory. It has been central to the articulation of an ideal of limited punishment in modern legal orders, and to judicial and academic efforts to lay down standards for legitimate state conduct in a range of areas. Setting out from a broad view of the role of metaphor, I map histories of proportionality in different spheres (law, politics, culture), spaces (nation states and regions), and legal areas (criminal, public, international, and private law), before moving on to consider the conditions under which abstract ideas like proportionality assume a salience within particular spheres of legal or political discourse. Focusing on the case of appeals to proportionality in criminal justice, I develop an argument about the conditions under which they enjoy some capacity to coordinate expectations or beliefs, and consider how far this thesis might be generalizable to other fields.
Debating Rape: To Whom does the Uncanny ‘Myth’ Metaphor Belong?
Authors: Gurnham David
Published: February 2016

This article focuses on the language and metaphors used in debating rape myths, arguing that it is their uncanny aesthetic and affective qualities that accounts for the debate's fractious nature but also brings the possibility of a more productive politics. For much feminist‐informed rape myth acceptance scholarship (FRMAS), ‘myths’ in this context are more than merely mistaken beliefs: rather, they comprise a world made up of illusions or spectres that must be laid to rest. Critics of this view, too, while critical of feminists' reliance on ‘myths’ as a way of stifling open discussion, likewise tend to use a discourse of myths explicitly or implicitly and with a similarly disorienting effect. For both sides of the debate then, ‘myth’ serves as a disquieting, uncanny metaphor that displaces and substitutes whatever else apparently erroneous beliefs, attitudes, and knowledges about rape might signify.
Is the Blush off the Rose? Legal Education Metaphors in a Changing World
Authors: LeBaron Michelle
Published: February 2016

Seismic shifts in legal practice associated with globalization, rapid technological and economic change, and shifting client expectations have yet to spur concomitant changes in legal education. While governing bodies and scholars study trends, pressures, and shrinking markets, legal educators in many countries have resisted effective curricular, pedagogical, and programmatic changes. Positing metaphors as powerful cues about the effectiveness of reform efforts, I use examples from conflict analysis to illustrate how so‐called ‘unmarked’ metaphors are often more powerful than marked ones. Exploring metaphors used by scholars and professional bodies in advocating reform, I scan linkages between proposed metaphors and change, highlighting metaphors in the American Carnegie report as particularly generative. While crisis metaphors have increased in use, they do not seem to have stimulated significant changes. I suggest this may be because of powerful unmarked metaphors. The article concludes with recommendations on discursive and dialogic ways of guiding legal education reform.
Emotional labour and work engagement among nurses: examining perceived compassion, leadership and work ethic as stress buffers
Authors: Mauno Saija , Ruokolainen Mervi , Kinnunen Ulla , De Bloom Jessica
Published: February 2016

Aim

The study examined whether three resources, that is, compassion, transformational leadership and work ethic feasibility, buffer against the negative effects of emotional labour on work engagement.

Background

Emotional labour is a common job stressor among nurses, but little is known about whether certain personal and work resources buffer against it in relation to work engagement. Revealing buffers of emotional labour would help organizations to design tailored interventions.

Design

Cross‐sectional online survey conducted in 2014.

Methods

Participants were 3466 Finnish nurses. Hypotheses were tested via hierarchical moderated regression analyses.

Results

Higher emotional labour related to lower engagement. Two interaction effects were found. First, work ethic feasibility buffered against emotional labour: the nurses who perceived work ethic feasibility as high in a situation of high emotional labour, scored higher on engagement compared with those nurses who in this stress situation perceived work ethic feasibility to be low. Second, high compassion was detrimental to engagement in the presence of high emotional labour. Transformational leadership did not act as a buffer but showed a positive relationship with engagement.

Conclusion

Work ethic feasibility (being able to work according to high ethical standards) is an important resource in nursing as it protects an employee against the negative effects of emotional labour and as it also directly promotes engagement. However, compassion may not always be beneficial in nursing, especially if co‐occurring with high job stress. Transformational leadership has potential to improve engagement in nursing although it may not operate as a stress buffer.
A statement synthesis of emotional eating and body size recognition: advancing nursing science related to obesity research
Authors: Mareno Nicole , Annesi James J.
Published: February 2016

Aim

A discussion of a statement synthesis of the relationship between the concepts of emotional eating and body size recognition.

Background

The interrelatedness of the concepts of emotional eating and body size recognition is poorly understood; however, both factors significantly impact weight management. Nurses can be instrumental in developing more effective weight management interventions as a critical step in helping to ameliorate the public health burden of obesity.

Design

This discussion article reports a literary statement synthesis.

Data sources

Five quantitative research studies from 1996 ‐ 2014 were identified, which examined the relationship between the concepts.

Implications for nursing

A relational statement delineating the direct association between the amount of self‐reported emotional eating and an adult individual's recognition of their body size was constructed. Construction of a relational statement about emotional eating and recognition of body size is a step in the nursing theory‐building process.

Conclusion

The constructed relational statement will guide future research and nursing theory development and may ultimately help to construct more effective weight management interventions.
High glucose concentration induces endothelial cell proliferation by regulating cyclin‐D2‐related miR‐98
Authors: Li Xin‐Xin , Liu Yue‐Mei , Li You‐Jie , Xie Ning , Yan Yun‐Fei , Chi Yong‐Liang , Zhou Ling , Xie Shu‐Yang , Wang Ping‐Yu
Published: February 2016

Cyclin D2 is involved in the pathology of vascular complications of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). This study investigated the role of cyclin‐D2‐regulated miRNAs in endothelial cell proliferation of T2DM. Results showed that higher glucose concentration (4.5 g/l) significantly promoted the proliferation of rat aortic endothelial cells (RAOECs), and significantly increased the expression of cyclin D2 and phosphorylation of retinoblastoma 1 (p‐RB1) in RAOECs compared with those under low glucose concentration. The cyclin D2‐3′ untranslated region is targeted by miR‐98, as demonstrated by miRNA analysis software. Western blot also confirmed that cyclin D2 and p‐RB1 expression was regulated by miR‐98. The results indicated that miR‐98 treatment can induce RAOEC apoptosis. The suppression of RAOEC growth by miR‐98 might be related to regulation of Bcl‐2, Bax and Caspase 9 expression. Furthermore, the expression levels of miR‐98 decreased in 4.5 g/l glucose‐treated cells compared with those treated by low glucose concentration. Similarly, the expression of miR‐98 significantly decreased in aortas of established streptozotocin (STZ)‐induced diabetic rat model compared with that in control rats; but cyclin D2 and p‐RB1 levels remarkably increased in aortas of STZ‐induced diabetic rats compared with those in healthy control rats. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that high glucose concentration induces cyclin D2 up‐regulation and miR‐98 down‐regulation in the RAOECs. By regulating cyclin D2, miR‐98 can inhibit human endothelial cell growth, thereby providing novel therapeutic targets for vascular complication of T2DM.
Aminolevulinic acid and methyl aminolevulinate equally effective in topical photodynamic therapy for non‐melanoma skin cancers
Authors: Tarstedt M. , Gillstedt M. , Wennberg Larkö A.‐M. , Paoli J.
Published: February 2016

Background

Topical photodynamic therapy (PDT) is an effective treatment for superficial non‐melanoma skin cancers. Two prodrugs, 5‐aminolevulinic acid (ALA) and methyl aminolevulinate (MAL), are available for clinical use. There is, however, a lack of studies comparing the clinical effectiveness of these two prodrugs.

Objective

The objective of the study was to compare the clinical response between ALA‐ and MAL‐PDT when treating actinic keratosis (AK), Bowen's disease (BD), nodular basal cell carcinoma (nBCC) and superficial basal cell carcinoma (sBCC).

Methods

During the period 2002–2009, patients with AK, BD, nBCC and sBCC were treated with ALA‐ and MAL‐PDT at the Department of Dermatology at Karlskoga Hospital in Sweden using a fixed protocol. All patients were followed up approximately 6 months after treatment to evaluate the clinical results, which were analysed retrospectively.

Results

In total, 116 patients with 203 tumours were treated with PDT during the study period. ALA‐ and MAL‐PDT were used for 24 vs. 44 AK fields, 9 vs. 18 BD lesions, 19 vs. 25 nBCCs and 25 vs. 39 sBCCs. Response rates with ALA‐ and MAL‐PDT, respectively, were 63% and 75% for AK, 89% and 78% for BD, 84% and 84% for nBCC and 88% and 87% for sBCC. There were no statistically significant differences in the complete clinical response rates for ALA‐ and MAL‐PDT when used for any of the four lesion types.

Conclusion

ALA‐ and MAL‐PDT appear to be equally effective in the treatment of AK, BD, nBCC and sBCC. Nevertheless, larger, prospective, randomized and controlled studies should be carried out to confirm these results.
Instrument validation process: a case study using the Paediatric Pain Knowledge and Attitudes Questionnaire
Authors: Peirce Deborah , Brown Janie , Corkish Victoria , Lane Marguerite , Wilson Sally
Published: February 2016

Aims and objectives

To compare two methods of calculating interrater agreement while determining content validity of the Paediatric Pain Knowledge and Attitudes Questionnaire for use with Australian nurses.

Background

Paediatric pain assessment and management documentation was found to be suboptimal revealing a need to assess paediatric nurses' knowledge and attitude to pain. The Paediatric Pain Knowledge and Attitudes Questionnaire was selected as it had been reported as valid and reliable in the United Kingdom with student nurses. The questionnaire required content validity determination prior to use in the Australian context.

Design

A two phase process of expert review.

Methods

Ten paediatric nurses completed a relevancy rating of all 68 questionnaire items. In phase two, five pain experts reviewed the items of the questionnaire that scored an unacceptable item level content validity. Item and scale level content validity indices and intraclass correlation coefficients were calculated.

Results

In phase one, 31 items received an item level content validity index <0·78 and the scale level content validity index average was 0·80 which were below levels required for acceptable validity. The intraclass correlation coefficient was 0·47. In phase two, 10 items were amended and four items deleted. The revised questionnaire provided a scale level content validity index average >0·90 and an intraclass correlation coefficient of 0·94 demonstrating excellent agreement between raters therefore acceptable content validity.

Conclusion

Equivalent outcomes were achieved using the content validity index and the intraclass correlation coefficient.

Relevance to clinical practice

To assess content validity the content validity index has the advantage of providing an item level score and is a simple calculation. The intraclass correlation coefficient requires statistical knowledge, or support, and has the advantage of accounting for the possibility of chance agreement.
Risk‐Adjusting the Returns to Venture Capital
Authors: KORTEWEG ARTHUR , NAGEL STEFAN
Published: February 2016

We adapt stochastic discount factor (SDF) valuation methods for venture capital (VC) performance evaluation. Our approach generalizes the popular Public Market Equivalent (PME) method and allows statistical inference in the presence of cross‐sectionally dependent, skewed VC payoffs. We relax SDF restrictions implicit in the PME so that the SDF can accurately reflect risk‐free rates and returns of public equity markets during the sample period. This generalized PME yields substantially different abnormal performance estimates for VC funds and start‐up investments, especially in times of strongly rising public equity markets and for investments with betas far from one.
Boom and Gloom
Authors: POVEL PAUL , SERTSIOS GIORGO , KOSOVÁ RENÁTA , KUMAR PRAVEEN
Published: February 2016

We study the performance of investments made at different points of an investment cycle. We use a large data set covering hotels in the United States, with rich details on their location, characteristics, and performance. We find that hotels built during hotel construction booms underperform their peers. For hotels built during local hotel construction booms, this underperformance persists for several decades. We examine possible explanations for this long‐lasting underperformance. The evidence is consistent with information‐based herding explanations.
Short‐ and long‐term acclimation patterns of the giant kelp Macrocystis pyrifera (Laminariales, Phaeophyceae) along a depth gradient
Authors: Koch Kristina , Thiel Martin , Hagen Wilhelm , Graeve Martin , Gómez Iván , Jofre David , Hofmann Laurie C. , Tala Fadia , Bischof Kai
Published: February 2016

The giant kelp, Macrocystis pyrifera, is exposed to highly variable irradiance and temperature regimes across its geographic and vertical depth gradients. The objective of this study was to extend our understanding of algal acclimation strategies on different temporal scales to those varying abiotic conditions at various water depths. Different acclimation strategies to various water depths (0.2 and 4 m) between different sampling times (Jan/Feb and Aug/Sept 2012; long‐term acclimation) and more rapid adjustments to different depths (0.2, 2 and 4 m; short‐term acclimation) during 14 d of transplantation were found. Adjustments of variable Chl a fluorescence, pigment composition (Chl c, fucoxanthin), and the de‐epoxidation state of the xanthophyll cycle pigments were responsible for the development of different physiological states with respect to various solar radiation and temperature climates. Interestingly, the results indicated that phlorotannins are important during long‐term acclimation while antioxidants have a crucial role during short‐term acclimation. Furthermore, the results suggested that modifications in total lipids and fatty acid compositions apparently also might play a role in depth acclimation. In Aug/Sept (austral winter), M. pyrifera responded to the transplantation from 4 m to 0.2 m depth with a rise in the degree of saturation and a switch from shorter‐ to longer‐chain fatty acids. These changes seem to be essential for the readjustment of thylakoid membranes and might, thus, facilitate efficient photosynthesis under changing irradiances and temperatures. Further experiments are needed to disentangle the relative contribution of solar radiation, temperature and also other abiotic parameters in the observed physiological changes.
Disparate access to treatment regimens in chronic hepatitis C patients: data from the TRIO network
Authors: Younossi Z. M. , Bacon B. R. , Dieterich D. T. , Flamm S. L. , Kowdley K. , Milligan S. , Tsai N. , Nezam A.
Published: February 2016

Despite the clinical success in the real‐world of all oral hepatitis C virus (HCV) therapy with response rates approaching that seen in the clinical trials, access has been limited by many payers with discussion of prioritization of treatment based upon AASLD guidelines. We evaluated patients in the TRIO network who were prescribed sofosbuvir (SOF)‐based regimens to determine reasons for not starting treatment. Trio Health is a disease management company that works in partnership with academic medical centres, community physicians and specialty pharmacies in the United States to optimize care for HCV. Data for 3841 patients prescribed a sofosbuvir‐containing regimen between December 2013 and September 2014 were obtained through this programme. Of the entire group, 315 (8%) patients did not start the prescribed sofosbuvir‐containing therapy. A total of 141 (45%) of the nonstart patients had a commercial plan as their primary insurance, 137 (44%) were primarily covered by Medicaid, 17 (5%) were primarily covered by Medicare, and 20 (6%) were either without coverage or coverage was not specified. Reasons for nonstarts were varied and overlapping. Only 15 patients (5% of nonstarts) did not start because they were unreachable or failed to complete required testing. Another 39 patients who did not start (12%) were following their physicians' direction to either wait for new treatment options or to hold treatment for an unspecified reason. Insurance‐related processes and financial reasons accounted for 254 (81%) of the 315 nonstarts. The remaining 7 (2%) patients did not have a specified reason for not starting treatment. Nonstart rates were highest in the Medicaid‐covered population at 35%. Medicare and Commercial nonstart rates were 2% and 6%, respectively. In a matched comparison, patients with commercial coverage were 6.5 times as likely to start SOF‐based therapy compared to patients with Medicaid. Despite high SVR rates of SOF‐based regimens in clinical practice, there are still barriers to access to care. In fact, almost half of the nonstart patients had advanced fibrosis scores (F3 or F4) and should have been prioritized to start treatment. As better treatment for HCV with high efficacy and low side effect rates become available, the disparity in access to treatment, as evidenced by the high nonstart rate in the Medicaid‐covered group, must be resolved.
Achieving sustained virologic response after interferon‐free hepatitis C virus treatment correlates with hepatic interferon gene expression changes independent of cirrhosis
Authors: Meissner E. G. , Kohli A. , Virtaneva K. , Sturdevant D. , Martens C. , Porcella S. F. , McHutchison J. G. , Masur H. , Kottilil S.
Published: February 2016

Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection can now be treated with oral directly acting antiviral agents, either with or without ribavirin (RBV). Virologic relapse after treatment can occur, and in some studies was more common in cirrhotic subjects. We previously observed changes in hepatic immunity during interferon (IFN)‐free therapy that correlated with favourable outcome in subjects with early liver disease. Here, we compared changes in endogenous IFN pathways during IFN‐free, RBV‐free therapy between cirrhotic and noncirrhotic subjects. mRNA and microRNA (miRNA) expression analyses were performed on paired pre‐ and post‐treatment liver biopsies from genotype‐1 HCV subjects treated with sofosbuvir/ledipasvir (SOF/LDV) for 12 weeks (n = 4, 3 cirrhotics) or SOF/LDV combined with GS‐9669 or GS‐9451 for 6 weeks (n = 6, 0 cirrhotics). Nine of ten subjects achieved a sustained virologic response (SVR), while one noncirrhotic subject relapsed. Hepatic IFN‐stimulated gene expression decreased with treatment in the liver of all subjects, with no observable impact of cirrhosis. Hepatic gene expression of type III IFNs (IFNL1, IFNL3, IFNL4‐ΔG) similarly decreased with treatment, while IFNA2 expression, undetectable in all subjects pretreatment, was detected post‐treatment in three subjects who achieved a SVR. Only the subject who relapsed had detectable IFNL4‐ΔG expression in post‐treatment liver. Other IFNs had no change in gene expression (IFNG, IFNB1, IFNA5) or could not be detected. Although expression of multiple hepatic miRNAs changed with treatment, many miRNAs previously implicated in HCV replication and IFN signalling had unchanged expression. In conclusion, favourable treatment outcome during IFN‐free HCV therapy is associated with changes in the host IFN response regardless of cirrhosis.
Revisiting the consequences of cooperative breeding
Authors: Burkart J. M. , van Schaik C. P.
Published: February 2016

Thornton & McAuliffe (2015) recently questioned the hypothesis that cooperative breeding has a variety of socio‐cognitive consequences, invoking both logical and empirical arguments. The cooperative breeding hypothesis (CBH) posits that the immediate tasks associated with extensive allomaternal care require motivational proximate mechanisms, such as increased social tolerance or proactive prosociality which, as a side‐effect, also can facilitate performance in socio‐cognitive tasks. Eventually, over evolutionary time this constellation may also, under specific conditions, facilitate increases in brain size. Thus, the CBH is not merely a modified version of the social brain hypothesis, as suggested by Thornton & McAuliffe, which would posit that a species has to be particularly smart to engage in cooperative breeding. In this reply, we first clarify these conceptual issues and then systematically address their criticism of the empirical evidence. We conclude that the empirical evidence for the CBH is strong in primates, but that future work on lineages other than primates is required to assess its generality.
The role of diet and nutritional supplementation in perinatal depression: a systematic review
Authors: Sparling Thalia M. , Henschke Nicholas , Nesbitt Robin C. , Gabrysch Sabine
Published: February 2016

This article presents a systematic literature review on whether dietary intake influences the risk for perinatal depression, i.e. depression during pregnancy or post‐partum. Such a link has been hypothesized given that certain nutrients are important in the neurotransmission system and pregnancy depletes essential nutrients. PubMed, EMBASE and CINAHL databases were searched for relevant articles until 30 May 2015. We included peer‐reviewed studies of any design that evaluated whether perinatal depression is related to dietary intake, which was defined as adherence to certain diets, food‐derived intake of essential nutrients or supplements. We identified 4808 studies, of which 35 fulfilled inclusion criteria: six randomized controlled trials, 12 cohort, one case‐control and 16 cross‐sectional studies, representing 88 051 distinct subjects. Studies were grouped into four main categories based on the analysis of dietary intake: adherence to dietary patterns (nine studies); full panel of essential nutrients (six studies); specific nutrients (including B vitamins, Vitamin D, calcium and zinc; eight studies); and intake of fish or polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs; 12 studies). While 13 studies, including three PUFA supplementation trials, found no evidence of an association, 22 studies showed protective effects from healthy dietary patterns, multivitamin supplementation, fish and PUFA intake, calcium, Vitamin D, zinc and possibly selenium. Given the methodological limitations of existing studies and inconsistencies in findings across studies, the evidence on whether nutritional factors influence the risk of perinatal depression is still inconclusive. Further longitudinal studies are needed, with robust and consistent measurement of dietary intake and depressive symptoms, ideally starting before pregnancy.
Revisiting a classic case of introgression: hybridization and gene flow in Californian sunflowers
Authors: Owens Gregory L. , Baute Gregory J. , Rieseberg Loren H.
Published: February 2016

During invasion, colonizing species can hybridize with native species, potentially swamping out native genomes. However, theory predicts that introgression will often be biased into the invading species. Thus, empirical estimates of gene flow between native and invasive species are important to quantify the actual threat of hybridization with invasive species. One classic example of introgression occurs in California, where Helianthus bolanderi was thought to be a hybrid between the serpentine endemic Helianthus exilis and the congeneric invader Helianthus annuus. We used genotyping by sequencing to look for signals of introgression and population structure. We find that H. bolanderi and H. exilis form one genetic clade, with weak population structure that is associated with geographic location rather than soil composition and likely represent a single species, not two. Additionally, while our results confirmed early molecular analysis and failed to support the hybrid origin of H. bolanderi, we did find evidence for introgression mainly into the invader H. annuus, as predicted by theory.
Euphorbia gokakensis sp. nov. (Euphorbiaceae) from sandstone formations in Karnataka, India
Authors: Malpure N. V. , Chandore A. N. , Yadav S. R.
Published: February 2016

Euphorbia gokakensis, a new succulent species of Euphorbiaceae, is described from the Belgaum district of Karnataka, India. The new species belongs to Euphorbia subgen. Euphorbia, and closely resembles Euphorbia caducifolia Haines. However, it is distinguished by its characteristic dwarf habit forming a compact cushion that hardly exceeds 50 cm in height.
Aechmea xinguana sp. nov. (Bromeliaceae) from the Xingu region in the Brazilian Amazonia
Authors: Koch Ana Kelly , Ilkiu‐Borges Anna Luiza , Forzza Rafaela Campostrini
Published: February 2016

Aechmea xinguana, a new species of Bromeliaceae from the Brazilian Amazonia, is described and illustrated. It is related to Aechmea mertensii, but differs by inflorescences with larger and more lax panicles, and by floral bracts that are red, larger than the flowers, with a linear shape and spinose margins.
Early Cretaceous Umkomasia from Mongolia: implications for homology of corystosperm cupules
Authors: Shi Gongle , Leslie Andrew B. , Herendeen Patrick S. , Herrera Fabiany , Ichinnorov Niiden , Takahashi Masamichi , Knopf Patrick , Crane Peter R.
Published: February 2016

Corystosperms, a key extinct group of Late Permian to Early Cretaceous plants, are important for understanding seed plant phylogeny, including the evolution of the angiosperm carpel and anatropous bitegmic ovule.

Here, we describe a new species of corystosperm seed‐bearing organ, Umkomasia mongolica sp. nov., based on hundreds of three‐dimensionally preserved mesofossils from the Early Cretaceous of Mongolia.

Individual seed‐bearing units of U. mongolica consist of a bract subtending an axis that bifurcates, with each fork (cupule stalk) bearing a cupule near the tip. Each cupule is formed by the strongly reflexed cupule stalk and two lateral flaps that partially enclose an erect seed. The seed is borne at, or close to, the tip of the reflexed cupule stalk, with the micropyle oriented towards the stalk base.

The corystosperm cupule is generally interpreted as a modified leaf that bears a seed on its abaxial surface. However, U. mongolica suggests that an earlier interpretation, in which the seed is borne directly on an axis (shoot), is equally likely. The ‘axial’ interpretation suggests a possible relationship of corystosperms to Ginkgo. It also suggests that the cupules of corystosperms may be less distinct from those of Caytonia than has previously been supposed.
Topical Timolol for Infantile Hemangiomas: Evidence for Efficacy and Degree of Systemic Absorption
Authors: Weibel Lisa , Barysch Marjam J. , Scheer Helene S. , Königs Ingo , Neuhaus Kathrin , Schiestl Clemens , Rentsch Katharina , Müller Daniel M. , Theiler Martin
Published: February 2016

Background

Topical use of timolol for infantile hemangiomas has recently emerged with promising results. It is unknown whether topical β‐blockers act locally or if their effect is partly due to systemic absorption. This study investigates whether topically applied timolol is absorbed and reports on the efficacy of this treatment.

Methods

We treated 40 infants with small proliferating hemangiomas with topical timolol gel 0.5% twice daily and assessed urinary excretion and serum levels in a proportion of patients. Clinical response was evaluated on a visual analog scale of standardized photographs after 1, 2, 3, and 5 months.

Results

Forty infants with a median age of 18 weeks (range 2–35 wks) were included; 23 (58%) had superficial and 17 (42%) mixed‐type hemangiomas. The median size was 3 cm2 (range 0.1–15 cm2) and nine hemangiomas were ulcerated. The hemangiomas improved significantly during treatment, with a median increase in visual analog scale of 7 points after 5 months (p < 0.001). Urinalysis for timolol was performed in 24 patients and was positive in 20 patients (83%). In three infants, serum levels of timolol were also measured and were all positive (median 0.16 ng/mL [range 0.1–0.18 ng/mL]). No significant side effects were recorded.

Conclusion

Topical therapy with timolol is effective for infantile hemangiomas, but systemic absorption occurs. Serum levels in our patients were low, suggesting that using timolol for small hemangiomas is safe, but caution is advised when treating ulcerated or large hemangiomas, very young infants, or concomitantly using systemic propranolol.
Fetal arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy with double mutations in TMEM43
Authors: Honda Takashi , Kanai Yuji , Ohno Seiko , Ando Hisashi , Honda Masako , Niwano Shinichi , Ishii Masahiro
Published: February 2016

We herein describe a fetal case of arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) with double mutations in transmembrane protein 43 (TMEM43). RV aneurysm and ventricular arrhythmia were detected during the fetal period. After birth, electrocardiogram showed frequent premature ventricular contractions (PVC) of left bundle branch block morphology and epsilon waves in the right‐sided chest leads. Echocardiography also indicated RV aneurysm with regionally decreased systolic function. PVC disappeared after treatment with amiodarone and mexiletin. Mutations in TMEM43, which was recently identified as the causative gene of ARVC type 5, were also confirmed in the present patient and in the patient's mother, and they were therefore diagnosed with ARVC. The present case confirms that symptoms of ARVC can emerge during the fetal period. Pediatricians need to keep in mind the possibility of ARVC when they encounter patients with RV aneurysm and arrhythmia.
Implantable central venous access device in infants: Long‐term results
Authors: Ohno Koichi , Nakaoka Tatsuo , Takama Yuichi , Higashio Atsushi , Santo Kenji , Yoneda Akihiro
Published: February 2016

Background

The management of central venous access device (CVAD) is extremely difficult in babies and small infants (BSI). We therefore compared the long‐term results and complications of CVAD in BSI with those in children.

Methods

One hundred and twenty patients were divided into two groups as follows: age <1 year or weight <10 kg (group A; 25 patients); and age 1 year and weight 10 kg (group B; 95 patients). The clinical results were retrospectively compared between the groups.

Results

Mean age and weight were 12.5 ± 5.9 months and 8.2 ± 1.2 kg in group A, and 78.8 ± 58.9 months and 20.9 ± 13.6 kg in group B. Operation time was 57 ± 29 min in group A and 52 ± 21 min in group B (P = 0.38). The catheter was advanced with difficulty into the central vein in five and in 16 patients (P = 0.77), and surgical complications occurred in one and in seven patients in groups A and B, respectively (P > 0.99). The CVAD remained in place for 627 ± 494 and 550 ± 414 days (P = 0.47) and was removed before treatment completion in five and in 14 patients in groups A and B, respectively (P = 0.54).

Conclusion

The clinical results for CVAD in BSI did not differ from those in children. CVAD are useful and safe for the treatment of BSI with serious diseases.
The gap‐startle paradigm to assess auditory temporal processing: Bridging animal and human research
Authors: Fournier Philippe , Hébert Sylvie
Published: February 2016

The gap‐prepulse inhibition of the acoustic startle (GPIAS) paradigm is the primary test used in animal research to identify gap detection thresholds and impairment. When a silent gap is presented shortly before a loud startling stimulus, the startle reflex is inhibited and the extent of inhibition is assumed to reflect detection. Here, we applied the same paradigm in humans. One hundred and fifty‐seven normal‐hearing participants were tested using one of five gap durations (5, 25, 50, 100, 200 ms) in one of the following two paradigms—gap‐embedded in or gap‐following—the continuous background noise. The duration‐inhibition relationship was observable for both conditions but followed different patterns. In the gap‐embedded paradigm, GPIAS increased significantly with gap duration up to 50 ms and then more slowly up to 200 ms (trend only). In contrast, in the gap‐following paradigm, significant inhibition—different from 0—was observable only at gap durations from 50 to 200 ms. The finding that different patterns are found depending on gap position within the background noise is compatible with distinct mechanisms underlying each of the two paradigms.
An Empirical Process View of Inverse Regression
Authors: Portier François
Published: February 2016

A common approach taken in high‐dimensional regression analysis is sliced inverse regression, which separates the range of the response variable into non‐overlapping regions, called ‘slices’. Asymptotic results are usually shown assuming that the slices are fixed, while in practice, estimators are computed with random slices containing the same number of observations. Based on empirical process theory, we present a unified theoretical framework to study these techniques, and revisit popular inverse regression estimators. Furthermore, we introduce a bootstrap methodology that reproduces the laws of Cramér–von Mises test statistics of interest to model dimension, effects of specified covariates and whether or not a sliced inverse regression estimator is appropriate. Finally, we investigate the accuracy of different bootstrap procedures by means of simulations.
Emotion Management: Unexpected Research Opportunities
Authors: Bianchi Alison J. , Ruch Alexander M. , Ritter Michael J. , Kim Ji Hye
Published: February 2016

During the process of emotion management, individuals perceive that they are feeling emotions that differ from what is expected within the situation. Consequently, they use cognitive, physical, and/or other means either to display more appropriate emotions or to change their emotions on a deeper level to be consistent with what is customarily expressed. Beginning with the first examinations of emotion management in 1979 by the pioneer Arlie Hochschild, emotion scholars have produced over 6,000 studies of this phenomenon. We join this vibrant research program by proposing new avenues of research using an interdisciplinary strategy. First, we explore possibilities for emotion management research within its “home base” of sociology; then, we branch out to the areas of morality and political science. In so doing, we craft new and unexpected pathways for advancements in theory, theory adjudication, and methodology, for the future of emotion management research.
The State, Unauthorized Mexican Migration, and Vulnerability in the Workplace
Authors: Olvera Jacqueline
Published: February 2016

For the last 20 years, migration scholars have generated a number of important empirical insights about the ways in which the state, through the enactment of immigration policies, creates workplace vulnerabilities such as discrimination, harassment, wage theft, workplace raids, and the threat of deportation. Recent studies of illegality also examine the role of the state but do so in a way that explores what legal status means and how it is experienced in everyday lives of migrants marked as “illegal” by the state. This article reviews recent research that shows that the state operates in a gray zone of enforcement that puts migrants in ambiguous social spaces and heightens their vulnerability at work. However, research also finds that migrants find ways to exert their agency in challenging work environments.
Rethinking Legitimacy and Illegitimacy in Violent Political Conflict
Authors: Schoon Eric W.
Published: February 2016

Analytic and conceptual ambiguity associated with the study of legitimacy have motivated debates over the utility of this construct in the analysis of violent political conflict. Using these debates as a point of departure, I review several challenges that have limited the study of legitimacy in this area and discuss two features of legitimation that have gone widely overlooked: (i) the asymmetric causes and effects of legitimacy and illegitimacy, and (ii) the relational dynamics of legitimation. I argue that turning explicit analytic attention to the asymmetry and relationality of legitimacy and illegitimacy allows us to overcome the most intractable challenges associated with the analysis of legitimation in violent conflict.
Soap Opera, Then and Now
Authors: Harrington C. Lee
Published: February 2016

This essay examines the sustained sociological relevance of US daytime soap operas, a seemingly dead or dying generic form that continues to influence the entertainment landscape as well as media scholars from across the academy. The essay begins by examining soaps' longstanding resonance with three‐core sociological concerns: identity, community or sociality, and cultural legitimacy. It then discusses scholarly research opportunities associated with the recent decline of the genre and concludes by examining current debates in soap opera scholarship.
Motivational interviewing in paediatric residency
Authors: Malas Nasuh , Rofey Dana , Kuchera Anne Marie , Pletcher Jonathan , Ortiz‐Aguayo Roberto , Douaihy Antoine , Gold Melanie
Published: February 2016

Background

Motivational interviewing (MI) is a collaborative, evidence‐based, person‐centred counselling style for addressing ambivalence about behaviour change. Despite its proven effectiveness, there is little formal instruction of MI in paediatric training programmes.

Methods

Second‐year paediatric residents participated in a 4–hour MI workshop, followed by a 1–hour small group review course and hands‐on supervision during their Adolescent Medicine rotation. After the MI workshop, and again after their refresher course, we assessed residents' attitudes and skill with written and online surveys, as well as with a modified Helpful Responses Questionnaire (HRQ).

Results

Results revealed a statistically significant improvement in residents' confidence in eliciting health behaviour change [t‐score(59) = 3.76, p = 0.008]. HRQ scores for all three clinical scenarios improved significantly following the workshop (p < 0.000). Residents most valued the interactive components of the workshop and review course, particularly the practice exercises, videos/video vignettes, feedback and coaching.

Discussion

A standardised MI curriculum for paediatric residency training improved residents' confidence in eliciting health behaviour change and use of empathic, reflective language. The curriculum is both feasible and widely accepted by residents, with opportunities for residents to practise MI under supervision during resident training. In conclusion, providing a 4–hour MI workshop for paediatric residents, with reinforcement through a review course and clinical opportunities to practise MI under supervision, improved confidence in eliciting health behaviour change and the use of MI‐consistent language. This innovative and time‐sensitive effort could serve as a future model for MI training for paediatric residents.

There is little formal instruction of MI in paediatric training programmes
Validation of an automated enzyme immunoassay for the measurement of serum total thyroxine in cats
Authors: Williams Tim L. , Archer Joy
Published: February 2016

Background

Hyperthyroidism is common in older cats, which necessitates frequent screening of serum total thyroxine (TT4) concentrations. Fast, cheap, and reliable methods to measure TT4 in cats are needed.

Objectives

The purpose of the study was the validation of a human TT4 enzyme immunoassay (EIA) for use with feline serum, and derivation of a TT4 reference interval (RI) for cats aged 9 years and older.

Methods

Assay precision, reproducibility, and linearity were evaluated. Interference by hemolysis was also assessed. Method comparison studies between the human EIA and a previously validated radioimmunoassay (RIA) and chemiluminescent‐enzyme immunoassay (CEIA) were performed. Healthy cats (> 9 years) were recruited from 3 UK first opinion practices.

Results

The human TT4 EIA demonstrated good precision and reproducibility, and adequate linearity. Hemolysis did not significantly alter measured TT4 concentrations until HGB > 8 g/L. Method comparison revealed proportional and constant errors between EIA and RIA/CEIA. The TT4 RI for cats (> 9 years) was calculated as 7.1–45.1 nmol/L (n = 49).

Conclusions

The human TT4 EIA was successfully validated for use with feline serum and offers a rapid, cheap, and reliable method for determination of serum TT4 concentrations in cats.