bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Predicting dental avoidance among dentally fearful Australian adults
Authors: Armfield Jason M.
Published: April 2013

Dental fear is related to poorer oral health outcomes, and this might be explained by the less frequent dental visiting of many fearful people. The objectives of this study were to investigate differences between dentally fearful people who regularly attend the dentist and fearful people who infrequently visit the dentist. A random sample of 1,082 Australians ≥15 yr of age completed a mailed questionnaire (response rate = 71.6%), and 191 dentate, high‐fear adults (≥18 yr of age) were selected for further analysis. Dental avoidance was recorded if a person was currently avoiding or delaying dental care and if he/she had not been to a dentist in the previous 2 yr. Among the selected dentally fearful adults, dental avoidance was predicted by smoking status, toothbrushing frequency, coping strategy use, perceptions of dental visits as uncontrollable and unpredictable, and by anxiety relating to numbness, not knowing what the dentist is going to do, and cost. In a multivariate logistic regression model, smoking, toothbrushing, coping, and anxiety about numbness and cost remained as statistically significant predictors, with the model accounting for 30% of the variance. While several variables were associated with dental avoidance among fearful adults, the nature and causal directions of these associations remain to be established.
Cardiopulmonary complications during pediatric seizures: A prelude to understanding SUDEP
Authors: Singh Kanwaljit , Katz Eliot S. , Zarowski Marcin , Loddenkemper Tobias , Llewellyn Nichelle , Manganaro Sheryl , Gregas Matt , Pavlova Milena , Kothare Sanjeev V.
Published: April 2013

Purpose

Sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) is an important, unexplained cause of death in epilepsy. Role of cardiopulmonary abnormalities in the pathophysiology of SUDEP is unclear in the pediatric population. Our objective was to assess cardiopulmonary abnormalities during epileptic seizures in children, with the long‐term goal of identifying potential mechanisms of SUDEP.

Methods

We prospectively recorded cardiopulmonary functions using pulse‐oximetry, electrocardiography (ECG), and respiratory inductance plethysmography (RIP). Logistic regression was used to evaluate association of cardiorespiratory findings with seizure characteristics and demographics.

Key Findings

We recorded 101 seizures in 26 children (average age 3.9 years). RIP provided analyzable data in 78% and pulse‐oximetry in 63% seizures. Ictal central apnea was more prevalent in patients with younger age (p = 0.01), temporal lobe (p < 0.001), left‐sided (p < 0.01), symptomatic generalized (p = 0.01), longer duration seizures (p < 0.0002), desaturation (p < 0.0001), ictal bradycardia (p < 0.05), and more antiepileptic drugs (AEDs; p < 0.01), and was less prevalent in frontal lobe seizures (p < 0.01). Ictal bradypnea was more prevalent in left‐sided (p < 0.05), symptomatic generalized seizures (p < 0.01), and in brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) lesions (p < 0.1). Ictal tachypnea was more prevalent in older‐age (p = 0.01), female gender (p = 0.05), frontal lobe (p < 0.05), right‐sided seizures (p < 0.001), fewer AEDs (p < 0.01), and less prevalent in lesional (p < 0.05) and symptomatic generalized seizures (p < 0.05). Ictal bradycardia was more prevalent in male patients (p < 0.05) longer duration seizures (p < 0.05), desaturation (p = 0.001), and more AEDs (p < 0.05), and was less prevalent in frontal lobe seizures (p = 0.01). Ictal and postictal bradycardia were directly associated (p < 0.05). Desaturation was more prevalent in longer‐duration seizures (p < 0.0001), ictal apnea (p < 0.0001), ictal bradycardia (p = 0.001), and more AEDs (p = 0.001).

Significance

Potentially life‐threatening cardiopulmonary abnormalities such as bradycardia, apnea, and hypoxemia in pediatric epileptic seizures are associated with predictable patient and seizure characteristics, including seizure subtype and duration.
Environmental Change and Extended Phenotypes: Does Eutrophication Influence Nest Building in Sticklebacks?
Authors: Tuomainen Ulla , Candolin Ulrika
Published: April 2013

Many species use extended phenotypes, such as purpose‐built nests, to increase their reproductive success. These traits have to be adjusted to local environmental conditions to maximize fitness. An important question is whether species are able to adjust their extended phenotypes to human‐induced rapid environmental changes. We investigated whether populations of threespine stickleback, Gasterosteus aculeatus, exposed to different degrees of human‐induced eutrophication during the last decades, have differentiated phenotypically in their nest‐building behaviour. Stickleback males build nests that they use both in mate attraction and for offspring protection and whose characteristics vary with environmental conditions. We allowed males from parallel pairs of mildly and severely eutrophied habitats to build nests under standardized conditions in the laboratory. We recorded the time it took the males to build a nest, the size and neatness of the completed nest and the use of nest ornaments. We found eutrophication at the site of capture to influence nest‐building time – males from eutrophied habitats built faster. However, eutrophication did not alter nest structure or the use of nest ornaments. This is probably because the nests are concealed in vegetation or under stones and females cannot evaluate them before they have followed the male to the nest, and predators cannot detect them before close to the nest. Thus, reduced long‐range visibility does not influence the use of nests as mate choice cues or for offspring protection. This contrasts with a recorded effect of eutrophication on courtship behaviour, whose efficiency depends on long‐range visibility. This suggests that traits are adjusted to eutrophication depending on the influence of eutrophication on the function of the traits.
Coastal retreat and improved water quality mitigate losses of seagrass from sea level rise
Authors: Saunders Megan I. , Leon Javier , Phinn Stuart R. , Callaghan David P. , O'Brien Katherine R. , Roelfsema Chris M. , Lovelock Catherine E. , Lyons Mitchell B. , Mumby Peter J.
Published: April 2013

The distribution and abundance of seagrass ecosystems could change significantly over the coming century due to sea level rise (SLR). Coastal managers require mechanistic understanding of the processes affecting seagrass response to SLR to maximize their conservation and associated provision of ecosystem services. In Moreton Bay, Queensland, Australia, vast seagrass meadows supporting populations of sea turtles and dugongs are juxtaposed with the multiple stressors associated with a large and rapidly expanding human population. Here, the interactive effects of predicted SLR, changes in water clarity, and land use on future distributions of seagrass in Moreton Bay were quantified. A habitat distribution model of present day seagrass in relation to benthic irradiance and wave height was developed which correctly classified habitats in 83% of cases. Spatial predictions of seagrass and presence derived from the model and bathymetric data were used to initiate a SLR inundation model. Bathymetry was iteratively modified based on SLR and sedimentary accretion in seagrass to simulate potential seagrass habitat at 10 year time steps until 2100. The area of seagrass habitat was predicted to decline by 17% by 2100 under a scenario of SLR of 1.1 m. A scenario including the removal of impervious surfaces, such as roads and houses, from newly inundated regions, demonstrated that managed retreat of the shoreline could potentially reduce the overall decline in seagrass habitat to just 5%. The predicted reduction in area of seagrass habitat could be offset by an improvement in water clarity of 30%. Greater improvements in water clarity would be necessary for larger magnitudes of SLR. Management to improve water quality will provide present and future benefits to seagrasses under climate change and should be a priority for managers seeking to compensate for the effects of global change on these valuable habitats.
Conversion of open lands to short‐rotation woody biomass crops: site variability affects nitrogen cycling and N2O fluxes in the US Northern Lake States
Authors: Palmer Marin M. , Forrester Jodi A. , Rothstein David E. , Mladenoff David J.
Published: April 2013

Short‐rotation woody biomass crops (SRWC) have been proposed as a major feedstock source for bioenergy generation in the Northeastern US. To quantify the environmental effects and greenhouse gas (GHG) balance of crops including SRWC, investigators need spatially explicit data which encompass entire plantation cycles. A knowledge gap exists for the establishment period which makes current GHG calculations incomplete. In this study, we investigated the effects of converting pasture and hayfields to willow (Salix spp.) and hybrid‐poplar (Populus spp.) SRWC plantations on soil nitrogen (N) cycling, nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions, and nitrate (NO3−) leaching at six sites of varying soil and climate conditions across northern Michigan and Wisconsin, following these plantations from pre conversion through their first 2 years. All six sites responded to establishment with increased N2O emissions, available inorganic N, and, where it was measured, NO3− leaching; however, the magnitude of these impacts varied dramatically among sites. Soil NO3− levels varied threefold among sites, with peak extractable NO3− concentrations ranging from 15 to 49 g N kg−1 soil. Leaching losses were significant and persisted through the second year, with 44–112 kg N ha−1 leached in SRWC plots. N2O emissions in the first growing season varied 30‐fold among sites, from 0.5 to 17.0 Mg‐CO2eq ha−1 (carbon dioxide equivalents). N2O emissions over 2 years resulted in N2O emissions due to plantation establishment that ranged from 0.60 to 22.14 Mg‐CO2eq ha−1 above baseline control levels across sites. The large N losses we document herein demonstrate the importance of including direct effects of land conversion in life‐cycle analysis (LCA) studies of SRWC GHG balance. Our results also demonstrate the need for better estimation of spatial variability of N cycling processes to quantify the full environmental impacts of SRWC plantations.
Floral display and effects of natural and artificial pollination on fruiting and seed yield of the tropical biofuel crop Jatropha curcas L.
Authors: Negussie Aklilu , Achten Wouter M. J. , Verboven Hans A. F. , Hermy Martin , Muys Bart
Published: April 2013

Jatropha curcas L. is a tropical tree grown on large scale as a potential biofuel seed crop. However, little information on the reproductive ecology of the species is available. This lack of knowledge makes it hard to predict yield. The higher number of male flowers than female flowers results in a very low yield. In this context, field experiments were conducted in mature (site 1) and young (site 2) plantations in Zambia and mature plantation (site 3) in Malawi to study flowering characteristics and the effect of pollination methods on the fruiting and seed yield of J. curcas. Pollination treatments were open pollination, autogamous pollination, self‐pollination, cross‐pollination and pollen supplemented open pollination. The result showed J. curcas is not only of protandrous nature as reported earlier. The male female flower sex ratio was 17 : 1, 22 : 1 and 10 : 1, respectively, for site 1 and 2 in Zambia and site 3 in Malawi. The mean flower longevity periods were 1.80 ± 0.07 days for male and 4.5 ± 0.18 days for female. Fewer fruit set and seed yield were recorded from autogamous pollination in Zambia sites. In the case of Malawi, more matured fruits resulted from autogamous pollination but the fruits contained fewer seeds. High fruit and seed yield were recorded for open pollination similar to pollen‐supplemented pollination at Zambia sites, which indicates there was no pollen limitation in these sites. In the Malawi site there was no seed yield difference between pollination treatments. The experiment showed that J. curcas can be both protandrous and protogynous and able to produce seeds through both self‐and cross‐pollination. The natural fruit set and seed yield indicates that stimulating natural pollination will improve J. curcas fruit set and seed yield.
Product‐dependent anti‐factor VIII antibodies
Authors: Butenas S. , Krudysz‐Amblo J. , Rivard G. E. , G Mann K.
Published: April 2013

The development of anti‐factor (F)VIII antibodies in haemophilia A (HA) subjects undergoing replacement therapy has been well documented. The correlation between antibody development and the FVIII product used for replacement therapy remains a subject of discussion. The aim of this study was to evaluate the presence of anti‐FVIII antibodies towards three commercial rFVIII products in 34 HA subjects’ plasmas. Antibodies were quantitated by a Multiplex Fluorescence Immunoassay. All plasmas contained anti‐FVIII antibodies at variable concentrations ranging from 50 nm to 570 μm. Eleven of the 20 HA subjects treated with one (r)FVIII product contained inhibitory anti‐FVIII antibodies (0.8‐3584 BU). The inhibitory antibody titre and the molar concentrations of total antibody were mildly correlated (r2 = 0.6). Pronounced differences in antibody recognition with the three rFVIII products were observed. For the group treated with Product ‘A’, the titre towards this product was 2.4‐fold higher than that observed with another full‐length rFVIII‐containing product (Product ‘B’) and almost four‐fold higher than that measured with a B domain‐less rFVIII product (Product ‘C’). For the group of 14 HA subjects treated with FVIII other than Product ‘A’, only one showed higher antibody titre when measured with this product. Our data suggest that the development of anti‐FVIII antibodies is biased towards the product used for treatment and that a significant fraction of antibodies bind to the B domain of FVIII.
Real‐world outcomes with recombinant factor VIIa treatment of acute bleeds in haemophilia patients with inhibitors: results from the international ONE registry
Authors: Chambost H. , Santagostino E. , Laffan M. , Kavakli K. ,   The ONE Registry Steering Committee on behalf of the investigators
Published: April 2013

The ONE Registry (OR) was an international prospective observational study of on‐demand recombinant factor VIIa (rFVIIa) treatment for mild to moderate bleeds in haemophilia A/B patients with inhibitors. To describe real‐world use of single and multi dose rFVIIa and to compare outcomes, including effectiveness, safety, quality of life and treatment satisfaction associated with treatment. Baseline data included demographics, treatment, medical and bleed history and patient/caregiver‐reported outcomes regarding bleeds. rFVIIa was prescribed according to routine practice; regimens varied and initial dose was categorized as low (LD, ≤120 μg kg−1), intermediate (ID, >120 and <250 μg kg−1) or high (HD, ≥250 μg kg−1). OR included 102 patients and 85 (83%) reported 494 bleeds overall. Mean age was 23 years (SD 16.4), with 52% ≥18 years. Majority of bleeds (n = 350, 71%) involved ≥1 joints; 46% involved a target joint. Median initial dose was 90 μg kg−1 in LD (range 87–120, n = 156), 174 μg kg−1 in ID, (range 121–249, n = 127) and 270 μg kg−1 in HD, (range 250–375, n = 211). For spontaneous bleeds, effective haemostasis rate at 9 h was 63% LD, 60% ID and 56% HD. Rates of combined partially effective/effective haemostasis was 85% LD, 96% ID and 86% HD. Median number of doses in HD was one (range 1–7), compared with two in LD (range 1–17) and ID (range 1–23). No thromboembolic events were reported in 1145 doses given. These observational data in real life are consistent with previous studies which have shown similar overall effectiveness of rFVIIa and similar effectiveness and safety across different patterns of standard initial dosing.
Association between dental infections and the clinical course of chronic liver disease
Authors: Åberg Fredrik , Helenius‐Hietala Jaana , Meurman Jukka , Isoniemi Helena
Published: April 2013

Aim

Dental infections are implicated in several systemic diseases due to bacteremia and pro‐inflammatory effects, but their possible role in liver disease is unclear.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed the clinical course of liver disease in relation to dental health among 116 patients with liver cirrhosis who underwent dental examination before liver transplantation.

Results

The need for multiple tooth extractions, a surrogate marker of dental infections, was associated with reduced time from diagnosis of liver disease to the need for liver transplantation (P = 0.02). The association was independent of age, sex, liver disease etiology and Model for End‐Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score (P = 0.04). Among 38 patients with accurate laboratory follow‐up data, the number of tooth extractions correlated with the change in MELD score during the year preceding dental examination (r = 0.43, P = 0.03). Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis caused by Streptococcus viridans occurred only among patients with multiple dental infections.

Conclusion

Dental infections may influence the clinical course of liver disease, but prospective studies are needed.
Coexpression of organic anion‐transporting polypeptides 1B3 and multidrug‐resistant proteins 2 increases the enhancement effect of gadolinium‐ethoxybenzyl‐diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid on hepatocellular carcinoma in magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Kimura Yoshihide , Sato Shinya , Hitomi Eiichi , Ohyama Makoto , Adachi Kazunori , Inagaki Yusuke , Yamakawa Yoshihiro , Hirano Atsuyuki , Kawai Hiroki , Tsuchida Kenji , Senoo Kyouji , Katsumi Kohei , Joh Takashi
Published: April 2013

Aim

We aimed to elucidate the relationship between the contrast enhancement effect of gadolinium‐ethoxybenzyl‐diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid (Gd‐EOB‐DTPA) on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of hepatocellular carcinomas (HCC) and the expressions of hepatocyte transporters (i.e. organic anion‐transporting polypeptide [OATP]1B3, multidrug‐resistant protein [MRP]2 and MRP3) and to clarify the characteristics of HCC with an MRI high‐contrast enhancement effect.

Methods

We retrospectively examined the relationship between the relative enhancement ratio (RER) of HCC, absolute and relative immunohistochemical staining scores of hepatocyte transporters, and histological differentiation of 22 HCC from 21 patients who had undergone preoperative Gd‐EOB‐DTPA‐enhanced MRI.

Results

RER had a significant correlation with OATP1B3 expression according to the absolute and relative scores (P = 0.016 vs 0.0006). The RER of HCC with high OATP1B3 and MRP2 expression levels was higher than that of HCC with low OATP1B3 or MRP2 expression levels (P = 0.0003). The RER of HCC with higher OATP1B3 rates was greater than that of HCC with lower OATP1B3 rates (P = 0.0005). HCC histological differentiation showed a significant correlation with OATP1B3 expression and RER (P = 0.023 vs 0.0095).

Conclusion

We found that coexpression of OATP1B3 and MRP2 influenced the high contrast enhancement of HCC on MRI.
Stewart‐Bluefarb syndrome: review of the literature and case report of chronic ulcer treatment with heparan sulphate (Cacipliq20®)
Authors: Hayek Shady , Atiyeh Bishara , Zgheib Elias
Published: April 2013

Stewart‐Bluefarb syndrome (SBS), also known as acroangiodermatitis or pseudo‐Kaposi, is a condition rarely encountered. It involves skin lesions that are clinically similar to Kaposi sarcoma but are histologically different, and are usually secondary to an underlying arteriovenous fistula. Treatment of this disease usually involves the correction of the underlying vascular abnormality, with the mainstay of therapy ranging from compression devices for venous stasis, limited oral medications (dapsone and erythromycin) and local wound care including topical steroids. Different methods of treatment showed varied success but none is ideal. We report a case of a lower extremity ulcer in a 22‐year‐old male recently diagnosed with SBS successfully treated with heparan sulphate (Cacipliq20®).
Doxycycline speeds up healing of chronic venous ulcers
Authors: Serra Raffaele , Gallelli Luca , Buffone Gianluca , Molinari Vincenzo , Stillitano Domenico M , Palmieri Camillo , de Franciscis Stefano
Published: April 2013

Venous ulcers are common, with an overall prevalence of up to 2% in the general population of western countries, and have significant socioeconomic impact. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are involved in the alteration of extracellular matrix that could lead to venous ulceration. Sixty‐four patients with venous ulcers were recruited in a 22‐month period. All patients were subjected to the most appropriate treatment considering also the patient's wishes (compression therapy followed or not by vein surgery). Patients were randomised into two groups of 32 persons in each (groups A and B). Patients of group A in addition to the basic treatment, described above, received the administration of oral low doses of doxycycline 20 mg b.i.d. for 3 months, whereas patients of group B received basic treatment only. Healing was assessed by means of direct ulcer tracing with computerised planimetry. Group A showed a higher healing rate compared with group B. In group B, the lower healing rate was related to higher levels of MMP‐9; neutrophil gelatinase‐associated lipocalin and vascular endothelial growth factor, documented in plasma; wound fluid and biopsies executed and compared between both groups. Pharmacological treatments, as doxycycline administration, which by means of its immunomodulatory and anti‐inflammatory actions, through the inhibition of MMP, could improve extracellular matrix functioning and represent a possible solution to support wound healing.
Skin diseases among schoolchildren in Ghana, Gabon, and Rwanda
Authors: Hogewoning Arjan , Amoah Abena , Bavinck Jan Nico Bouwes , Boakye Daniel , Yazdanbakhsh Maria , Adegnika Akim , De Smedt Stefan , Fonteyne Yannick , Willemze Rein , Lavrijsen Adriana
Published: April 2013

Objectives

Skin diseases, especially skin infections, among schoolchildren in Africa can be a major health problem. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalences of skin diseases among children in rural and urban schools in three different African countries and to study the influence of socioeconomic level.

Methods

Cross‐sectional, population‐based studies were performed in Ghana, Gabon, and Rwanda. Point prevalences of skin diseases were estimated on the basis of physical examination by at least one dermatologist.

Results

A total of 4839 schoolchildren were seen. The overall prevalence of schoolchildren with any skin disease was high and amounted to 34.6% and 42.0% in two Ghanaian studies, 45.8% in Gabon, and 26.7% in Rwanda. In children with skin diseases, skin infections represented the greatest proportion of disease, accounting for 14.7% and 17.6% of skin disease in the Ghanaian studies, and 27.7% and 22.7% in Gabon and Rwanda, respectively. Diseases with the highest prevalence were tinea capitis and bacterial skin infections, especially in rural areas and in schools serving children living at lower socioeconomic levels.

Conclusions

The prevalences of skin diseases among African schoolchildren were high. Skin infections such as tinea capitis and pyoderma predominated.
Acceptability of contingency management among clinicians and clients within a co‐occurring mental health and substance use treatment program
Authors: Srebnik Debra , Sugar Andrea , Coblentz Patrick , McDonell Michael G. , Angelo Frank , Lowe Jessica M. , Ries Richard K. , Roll John
Published: April 2013

Background

Emerging evidence supports the effectiveness of contingency management (CM) for addictions treatment among individuals with co‐occurring serious mental illness (SMI). Addiction treatment for people with SMI generally occurs within community mental health centers (CMHCs) and it is not known whether CM is acceptable within this context. Client views regarding CM are also unknown.

Objectives

This study is the first to describe CM acceptability among CMHC clinicians, and the first to explore client views. Clinician‐level predictors of CM acceptability are also examined.

Methods

This study examined views about CM among 80 clinicians and 29 clients within a CMHC within the context of a concurrent CM study.

Results

Three‐quarters of clinicians reported they would use CM if funding were available. Clinicians and clients affirmed that incentives enhance abstinence motivation. Clinician CM acceptability was related to greater years of experience, and identifying as an addictions or co‐occurring disorders counselor, more than a mental health clinician.

Conclusions

The findings provide preliminary evidence that CMHC clinicians, serving clients with addictions and complicating SMI, and client participants in CM, view CM as motivating and a positive tool to facilitate recovery.

Scientific Significance

As an evidence‐based intervention, CM warrants further efforts toward funding and dissemination in CMHCs. (Am J Addict 2013;22:432–436)
The Sound of Barking Dogs: Meister Eckhart & Saint Thomas Aquinas
Authors: Demkovich Michael
Published: April 2013

A defining moment for the Dominican Order was its defense of Thomas Aquinas. The General Chapters of Paris in 1286 and Saragossa in 1309 legislated that all friars promote and defend Thomas’ teachings. Surprisingly, however, little has been written of the contributions of Meister Eckhart to this critical debate. Eckhart was a renowned preacher, master of Paris, provincial of Saxony (1303–1311), and vicar for three master generals. This lecture will offer a brief survey of the controversy, exploring the values Dominicans found in Aquinas’ thought, and consider Eckhart's use of Aquinas. Finally I will indicate some themes in this debate that I believe are still valuable in contemporary Dominican studies.
Producing Large Complex‐Shaped Ceramic Particle Stabilized Foams
Authors: Chuanuwatanakul Chayuda , Tallon Carolina , Dunstan David E. , Franks George V.
Published: April 2013

Highly porous ceramic foams can be produced by combining particle stabilized foams and gelcasting concepts. Sulfonate‐type surfactants are selected to weakly hydrophobize the alumina surface and stabilize air bubbles in suspensions containing gelcasting additives, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), and 2,5‐dimethoxy‐2,5‐dihydrofurane (DHF). The aim of this work was to prepare large complex‐shaped ceramic foam objects with homogeneous microstructure and high porosity. A key to avoiding drying cracks is to strengthen the wet green body via gelcasting. The influence of the amount of gelcasting additives on the mechanical strength of the ceramic foam green bodies is investigated as well as the effect of using cross‐linking agent versus the addition of just a binder. The presence of a cross‐linked polymeric network within the green body increases its mechanical strength and minimizes crack formation during drying.
Revenant clades in historical biogeography: the geology of New Zealand predisposes endemic clades to root age shifts
Authors: Sharma Prashant P. , Wheeler Ward C.
Published: April 2013

Aim

Our aim was to elucidate the effect of mass extinctions on inferred crown ages of terrestrial clades endemic to ancient islands. We thereby assessed the potential for mass extinction events, such as the Zealandian marine incursion episode in the Oligocene, to skew the interpretation of the evolutionary history of clades of various sizes.

Location

Simulation study focusing on New Zealand.

Methods

Clades of various sizes were simulated under a birth–death model with variable parameters for diversification, invoking a prolonged extinction event, using the R packageTreeSim. We measured the scaled root shiftJbetween actual (i.e. first cladogenetic event) and inferred (i.e. most recent common ancestor of extant taxa) clade divergence times in simulated phylogenies incurred by extinction processes.

Results

A pulse of extinction followed by a prolonged period of low cladogenetic potential – modelled after the geological history of Zealandia in the Oligocene – produced large root shifts in clades of all sizes. Small clades with high net diversification rates were especially prone to belying pre‐Oligocene history. In simulations invoking mass extinctions wherein a pre‐extinction root was retained, phylogenies of extant taxa were characterized by anti‐sigmoidal log lineage‐through‐time plots that mimicked an upturn in diversification rate after the extinction period.

Main conclusions

Non‐selective mass extinctions can engender large discrepancies in actual and inferred root ages, particularly in small, old clades. The evolutionary histories of lineages that survive mass extinctions are difficult to distinguish from scenarios of rapid radiation. This outcome challenges previous interpretations of post‐Oligocene crown ages for clades endemic to New Zealand as sufficient evidence for rejecting a pre‐Oligocene evolutionary history. As a corollary, our results suggest that the extant size of a particular clade is the foremost indicator of its potential for historical biogeographical inference. We therefore review the hypothesis of the total submersion of Zealandia, highlighting empirical cases of lineages with demonstrable pre‐Oligocene history that refute the hypothesis of total submersion.
Health Behaviors for Hypertension Management in People With and Without Coexisting Diabetes
Authors: Gee Marianne E. , Pickett William , Janssen Ian , Johnson Jeffrey A. , Campbell Norman R.C.
Published: April 2013

Since blood pressure (BP) control is less often achieved by individuals with diabetes, the authors sought to determine whether receipt of and adherence to health behavior advice for hypertension control differs between people with and without diabetes, using data from the 2009 Survey on Living With Chronic Diseases in Canada. Individuals with coexisting diabetes were more likely to report receiving advice to control/lose weight (81% vs 66%), be physically active (79% vs 68%), limit alcohol consumption (78% vs 55%), and modify diet (70% vs 61%) but not limit dietary salt (65% vs 64%) compared with individuals with hypertension alone (n=4.965). People with and without diabetes were equally likely to report following the advice they received, with receipt of advice positively associated with engagement in healthy behaviors. Since receipt of advice appears to influence behavior, health professionals should be encouraged to further promote BP self‐management strategies.
Ecological Differentiation of Cryptic Species within an Asexual Protist Morphospecies: A Case Study of Filamentous Green Alga Klebsormidium (Streptophyta)
Authors: Škaloud Pavel , Rindi Fabio
Published: April 2013

Taxa of microbial eukaryotes defined on morphological basis display a large degree of genetic diversity, implying the existence of numerous cryptic species. However, it has been postulated that genetic diversity merely mirrors accumulation of neutral mutations. As a case taxon to study cryptic diversity in protists, we used a widely distributed filamentous genus, Klebsormidium, specifically the lineage E (K. flaccidum/K. nitens complex) containing a number of morphologically similar strains. Fourteen clades were recognized in the phylogenetic analysis based on a concatenated ITS rDNA + rbcL data set of more than 70 strains. The results of inferred character evolution indicated the existence of phylogenetic signal in at least two phenotypic characters (production of hydro‐repellent filaments and morphology of zoosporangia). Moreover, the lineages recovered exhibited strong ecological preferences to one of the three habitat types: natural subaerial substrata, artificial subaerial substrata, and aquatic habitats. We interpret these results as evidence of existence of a high number of cryptic species within the single morphospecies. We consider that the permanent existence of genetically and ecologically well‐defined cryptic species is enabled by the mechanism of selective sweep.
Evidence of a recent decline in river lamprey Lampetra fluviatilis parasitism of a nationally rare whitefish Coregonus lavaretus: is there a diamond in the ruffe Gymnocephalus cernuus?
Authors: Hume J. B. , Adams C. E. , Bean C. W. , Maitland P. S.
Published: April 2013

Lamprey‐induced scarring of the nationally rare Coregonus lavaretus, a known host of a freshwater‐resident population of European river lamprey Lampetra fluviatilis, was found to have declined precipitously since the establishment of several non‐native fishes in Loch Lomond. Evidence presented in this study points to the possibility that L. fluviatilis in this lake may have altered its trophic ecology in response to the negative impact that non‐native species, in particular ruffe Gymnocephalus cernuus, have had on their favoured host.
The Association of Biofilm Formation with Antibiotic Resistance in Lactic Acid Bacteria from Fermented Foods
Authors: Zhang Hongmei , Xie Lisi , Zhang Wenyan , Zhou Wenyuan , Su Jianyu , Liu Jingchun
Published: April 2013

Fifty‐three lactic acid bacteria (LAB) strains from five species of bacteria were isolated and identified from yogurt and Chinese pickled vegetables. Susceptibility of all the isolates to five antibiotics (ampicillin, erythromycin, tetracycline, vancomycin, streptomycin) was tested with disc diffusion methods. All LAB were resistant to streptomycin. Thirty‐seven strains were resistant to vancomycin, seven strains were resistant to tetracycline and erythromycin, and six strains were resistant to ampicillin. The corresponding genetic determinants were characterized by polymerase chain reaction. No antibiotic resistant gene was detected among all resistant strains. Biofilm‐forming ability was monitored by a modified crystal violet staining method. Among the 53 strains, 32 strains showed different levels of biofilm‐forming ability, while 21 strains did not form biofilms. The minimal inhibitory concentration of antibiotics (MIC) and the biofilm inhibitory concentration (BIC) were determined in the 32 strains which can form biofilms. There are significance correlations between biofilm formation and BIC/MIC for all antibiotics (P < 0.05) except vancomycin. Biofilms exhibited increased antimicrobial resistance compared with planktonic isolates, but the extent of enhanced antibiotic resistance in biofilms is different with different antibiotics.

Practical Application

Recently, there are increasing researches focusing on the safety of LAB, due to their antibiotic resistance. However, effects of antibiotic resistance in LAB were different in different application fields. So it is necessary to understand the mechanism of resistance all sidedly. In this study, we found those LAB isolates, which exhibiting antibiotics resistance in the susceptive tests, carried no transferable antibiotic resistance determinant, while there was a significant positive correlation between four antibiotics resistance and biofilm‐forming ability. Data derived from this study can be used as a basis for assessing the safety of LAB applied in fermented food.
Antimicrobial effects of calcium hydroxide, chlorhexidine, and propolis on Enterococcus faecalis and Candida albicans
Authors: Carbajal Mejía Jeison B.
Published: April 2013

Aim

To evaluate the efficacy of calcium hydroxide (Ca[OH]2), 2% chlorhexidine (CHX) gel, and propolis against both Enterococcus faecalis (E. faecalis) and Candida albicans (C. albicans) using infected dentine models at two different depths (100 and 200 μm) after 14 days of application.

Methods

A total of 120 roots of extracted single‐rooted human teeth were chemo‐mechanically prepared and sterilized. Sixty roots were infected with E. faecalis, and the remaining 60 with C. albicans. Each group was divided into four subgroups (n = 15) to apply intracanal medicaments, namely saline solution (negative control), Ca(OH)2, CHX, and propolis during the 14 days. Dentine shavings were collected and cultivated. Colony‐forming units (c.f.u.) were registered. Statistical analysis was done using the Kruskal–Wallis test, followed by Dunn's/Bonferroni multiple comparison test (P < 0.05).

Results

All experimental agents significantly reduced E. faecalis c.f.u. There was no significant difference between CHX and propolis reducing E. faecalis c.f.u. at 100 and 200 μm. Only CHX had a statistically‐significant antifungal efficacy in the C. albicans group at the two depths assessed. CHX was the most potent medicament against both E. faecalis and C. albicans, and Ca(OH)2 was the least.

Conclusion

Both CHX and propolis were the most effective against E. faecalis, whereas only CHX had the highest antifungal activity on C. albicans in dentine of extracted teeth.
New oral health literacy instrument for public health: development and pilot testing
Authors: Naghibi Sistani Mohammad M. , Montazeri Ali , Yazdani Reza , Murtomaa Heikki
Published: April 2013

Aim

The aim of the present study was to develop a functional oral health literacy (OHL) instrument for adults, including new measures of literacy skills (OHL Adults Questionnaire: OHL‐AQ).

Methods

An item pool was provided, and an expert panel evaluated the items by assessing the content validity index and content validity ratio. The reliability analysis, including internal consistency and reproducibility, were examined using Cronbach's alpha coefficient and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). In addition a known‐groups comparison was performed to assess how well the questionnaire discriminates between individuals who differ in education and brushing behavior.

Results

A total of 97 participants were studied. The mean age of the participants was 36.3 (standard deviation [SD] = 12.8) years; 34% had more than 12 years' formal education. Overall, 39.2% of interviewees had inadequate, 16.5% had marginal, and 44.3% had adequate OHL. The internal consistency, as measured by Cronbach's alpha, was found to be 0.72, and the ICC was 0.84. Participants who brushed more frequently had significantly higher OHL scores (P = 0.03). The association between OHL scores and years of education was also significant (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

The OHL‐AQ is a valid and reliable measure of functional OHL, with additional sections for evaluating listening and decision‐making skills.
Childhood craniopharyngioma: 20‐year institutional experience in Western Australia
Authors: Rath Shoshana R , Lee Sharon , Kotecha Rishi S , Taylor Mandy , Junckerstorff Reimar C , Choong Catherine SY
Published: April 2013

Aim

A retrospective audit was undertaken to evaluate modes of presentation and treatment outcomes for craniopharyngioma in a single paediatric institution over a 20‐year period.

Methods

A search of the neurosurgical and histopathological databases for patients under 21 years of age treated for craniopharyngioma between 1990 and 2010 was performed at our institution. The clinical records of eligible patients were reviewed and information regarding presentation, medical and surgical management and post‐treatment outcome were extracted and collated.

Results

Of 10 evaluable patients, the commonest presenting symptoms were headache and visual impairment. Clinical and biochemical evaluation undertaken prior to surgery revealed visual dysfunction in 70% and pituitary deficit in 30%. Gross total resection was achieved in 40% but was curative in only 20%. The remaining 80% required further surgical and/or radiotherapeutic intervention. Seven patients had radiation therapy with stabilisation in 70%. Multiple Pituitary Hormone Deficiency evolved in all patients over time, while visual impairment worsened in 30% post‐operatively and improved in 20%. Obesity was present in 50% after a mean follow‐up interval of 5.6 years and was apparent within 1 year of initial surgery in 30%. Although neurocognitive, psychological and behavioural problems were noted for some patients during medical review, only 20% of patients were formally assessed.

Conclusions

Craniopharyngioma is associated with significant long‐term morbidity. Attention to an integrated care pathway that includes standardised neurocognitive and psychological and behavioural assessment would facilitate early appropriate intervention and support leading to an improved quality of life for children with craniopharyngioma.
Motivation and Vision: An Analysis of Future L2 Self Images, Sensory Styles, and Imagery Capacity Across Two Target Languages
Authors: Dörnyei Zoltán , Chan Letty
Published: April 2013

Recent theorizing on second language (L2) motivation has proposed viewing motivation as a function of the language learners’ vision of their desired future language selves. This would suggest that the intensity of motivation is partly dependent on the learners’ capability to generate mental imagery. In order to test this hypothesis, this study investigates whether learner characteristics are related to sensory and imagery aspects with indices of the strength of the learners’ future L2 self‐guides (ideal and ought‐to L2 selves) and how these variables are linked to learning achievement in two target languages, English and Mandarin, assessed both by self‐report and objective measures. One hundred seventy‐two Year 8 Chinese students (ages 13–15) completed a questionnaire survey, and the results reveal several significant associations between the future self‐guides and intended effort and actual grades, including a consistently positive relationship between the ideal self and the criterion measures. The findings also confirm the multisensory dimension of future self‐guides, suggesting the importance of a broad imagery capacity (including both visual and auditory components) in the development of individuals’ future self‐identities. Finally, the ideal‐self images associated with different languages were shown to form distinct L2‐specific visions, which has various implications for future research with regard to the potential positive or negative interaction of these self images.
Effects of Referent Token Variability on L2 Vocabulary Learning
Authors: Sommers Mitchell S. , Barcroft Joe
Published: April 2013

Previous research has demonstrated substantially improved second language (L2) vocabulary learning when spoken word forms are varied using multiple talkers, speaking styles, or speaking rates. In contrast, the present study varied visual representations of referents for target vocabulary. English speakers learned Spanish words in formats of no variability (6 repetitions, 1 image of the word referent), moderate variability (2 repetitions each of 3 different images), and high variability (1 repetition each of 6 different images). In contrast to the positive effects of word‐form variability, referent token variability produced negative effects on L2 vocabulary learning. These findings support the type of processing resource allocation model (Barcroft, 2002) because increases in referent‐oriented processing diverted available resources from form‐oriented processing and learning.
Theological Atomism
Authors: Charlton William
Published: April 2013

By ‘atomism’ I mean the idea, applicable in various fields, that explanation proceeds from small to large and part to whole. A theological atomist would see the salvation of mankind as the sum of the salvations of individuals and try to understand the Incarnation, the Last Supper, the Crucifixion, the Resurrection and the Ascension as successive episodes each making its own separate contribution. I argue that we are essentially social beings, and infer that God can communicate with us, and we can be united with him, only as forming a society. More controversially, I suggest that the Son of God became incarnate primarily in a society, and saved it by turning it into a single supernatural organism, living with divine life.
Improving the accuracy of chlorophyll fluorescence measurements
Authors: HARBINSON JEREMY
Published: April 2013

This article comments on: Closing in on maximum yield of chlorophyll fluorescence using a single multiphase flash of sub‐saturating intensity
Understanding Hmong Women's Beliefs, Feelings, Norms, and External Conditions About Breast and Cervical Cancer Screening
Authors: Lor Maichou , Khang Pa Yiar , Xiong Pa , Moua Kao Feng , Lauver Diane
Published: April 2013

Objectives

To describe the beliefs, feelings, norms, and external conditions regarding breast and cervical cancer screening in a sample of Hmong women.

Design and Sample

In a descriptive design, female Hmong researchers recruited 16 Hmong women (ages 24–73) at a community center. Guided by the Theory of Care Seeking Behavior (TCSB), researchers asked participants semi‐structured questions about their beliefs, feelings, norms, and external conditions in a group setting. Researchers documented responses in writing and audio recordings. Guided by theory, we used directed content analysis to categorize responses.

Results

Participants' beliefs' about screening included uncertainty about causes of breast and cervical cancer, uncertainty about Western forms of treatments, and terminal illness as outcomes of such cancer. Many felt embarrassed about breast and cervical cancer screening. Their cultural norms about undressing for an exam and listening to authority figures were different from Western norms. External conditions that influenced participants' for screenings included difficulties in communicating with interpreters and clinicians.

Conclusions

Consistent with the TCSB, Hmong women's beliefs, affect, cultural norms and external conditions helped to understand their use of breast and cervical screening. Findings could guide nursing and public health interventions to improve culturally sensitive, cancer screening for Hmong women.
Low Ozone Over Southern Australia in August 2011 and its Impact on Solar Ultraviolet Radiation Levels
Authors: Gies Peter , Klekociuk Andrew , Tully Matthew , Henderson Stuart , Javorniczky John , King Kerryn , Lemus‐Deschamps Lilia , Makin Jennifer
Published: April 2013

During August 2011 stratospheric ozone over much of Southern Australia dropped to very low levels (approximately 265 Dobson Units) for over a week above major population centers. The weather during this low ozone period was mostly clear and sunny, resulting in measured solar ultraviolet radiation (UVR) levels up to 40% higher than normal, with UV Index > 3 despite being winter. Satellite ozone measurements and meteorological assimilated data indicate that the event was likely due in large part to the anomalous southward movement over Australia of ozone‐poor air in the lower stratosphere originating from tropical latitudes. At the time, a study measuring the UVR exposures of outdoor workers in Victoria was underway and a number of the workers recorded substantial UVR exposures and were sunburnt. Given the cities and populations involved (approximately 10 million people), it is likely that many people could have been exposed to anomalously high levels of solar UVR for that time of year, with resultant higher UVR exposures and sunburns to unacclimatized skin (often a problem transitioning from low winter to higher spring UVR levels). Reporting procedures have been modified to utilize ozone forecasts to warn the public of anomalously high UVR levels in the future.
Examining the Interpersonal–Psychological Theory of Suicide in an Inpatient Veteran Sample
Authors: Monteith Lindsey L. , Menefee Deleene S. , Pettit Jeremy W. , Leopoulos Wendy L. , Vincent John P.
Published: April 2013

Suicide among veterans is a pressing public health concern. The interpersonal–psychological theory of suicide proposes that perceived burdensomeness and thwarted belongingness lead to suicidal desire, whereas the acquired capability for suicide leads to suicide attempt in the presence of suicidal desire (Joiner, 2005). Two hypotheses derived from the interpersonal–psychological theory of suicide were tested in 185 veterans (96 women) entering inpatient psychiatric treatment. Burdensomeness and its interaction with belongingness significantly predicted current suicidal ideation. The three‐way interaction between burdensomeness, belongingness, and acquired capability did not significantly predict number of past suicide attempts. Clinical implications and directions for future research are discussed.