bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Low‐dose factor VIII infusion in Chinese adult haemophilia A patients: pharmacokinetics evidence that daily infusion results in higher trough level than with every‐other‐day infusion with similar factor VIII consumption
Authors: Hua B. , Lee A. , Fan L. , Li K. , Zhang Y. , Poon M.‐C. , Zhao Y.
Published: January 2017

Introduction

Pharmacokinetics (PK) modelling suggests improvement of trough levels are achieved by using more frequent infusion strategy. However, no clinical study data exists to confirm or quantify improvement in trough level, particularly for low‐dose prophylaxis in patients with haemophilia A.

Aim

To provide evidence that low dose daily (ED) prophylaxis can increase trough levels without increasing FVIII consumption compared to every‐other‐day (EOD) infusion.

Methods

A cross‐over study on 5 IU kg−1 FVIII daily vs. 10 IU kg−1 EOD infusions, each for 14 days was conducted at the PUMCH‐HTC. On the ED schedule, trough (immediate prior to infusion), and peak FVIII:C levels (30 min after infusion) were measured on days 1–5; and trough levels alone on days 7, 9, 11 and 13. For the EOD schedule, troughs, peaks and 4‐h postinfusion were measured on day 1; troughs and peaks on days 3, 5, and 7; troughs alone on days 9, 11 and 13 and 24‐h postinfusion on days 2, 4 and 6. FVIII inhibitors were assessed on days 0 and 14 during both infusion schedules.

Results

Six patients were enrolled. PK evidence showed that daily prophylaxis achieved higher (~2 times) steady‐state FVIII trough levels compared to EOD with the same total factor consumption. The daily prophylaxis had good acceptability among patients and reduced chronic pain in the joints in some patients.

Conclusion

Our PK study shows low‐dose factor VIII daily infusion results in higher trough level than with EOD infusion with similar factor VIII consumption in Chinese adult haemophilia A patients.
Psychosocial aspects of children and families treated with hemodialysis
Authors: Medyńska Anna , Zwolińska Danuta , Grenda Ryszard , Miklaszewska Monika , Szczepańska Maria , Urzykowska Agnieszka , Zachwieja Katarzyna , Kiliś‐Pstrusińska Katarzyna
Published: January 2017

Introduction: The aim of this study was to analyze the selected psychosocial aspects of chronic kidney disease in children treated with hemodialysis (HD).

Methods: The study included 25 children treated with HD aged 2 to 18 years and their parents. Data concerning the illness and socio‐demographic parameters was collected. We used the Paediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL) for patients and for their parents the PedsQL‐proxy version, General Health Questionnaire (GHQ‐12), Berlin Social Support Scales (BSSS), and the Caregivers Burden Scale (CBS) to evaluate health‐related quality of life (QoL) of HD children and their primary caregivers.

Findings: In the PedsQL test, the QoL of HD children was lower than in healthy children. Children treated with HD assessed their QoL on the PedsQL questionnaire higher than the primary caregivers, on all subscales as well as an overall health‐related QoL. Scoring below 2 on the GHQ‐12 test was reported in 56% of mothers, which may indicate that psychological symptoms have intensified. There was no correlation between BSSS, CBS, and GHQ‐12.

Discussion: The assessment of QoL in pediatric patients would allow for the earliest possible identification of their nonsomatic problems and irregularities. This could, consequently, contribute to improving QoL in both children with chronic kidney disease and their families.
Adaptation of the chevron‐notch beam fracture toughness method to specimens harvested from diesel particulate filters
Authors: Wereszczak Andrew , Jadaan Osama , Modugno Max , Hatala Glenn , Lance Michael
Published: January 2017

The apparent fracture toughness of a porous cordierite ceramic was estimated using a large specimen whose geometry was inspired by theASTM‐C1421‐standardized chevron‐notch beam. Using the same combination of experiment and analysis used to develop the standardized chevron‐notch test for small, monolithic ceramic bend bars, an apparent fracture toughness of 0.6 and 0.9 MPa√m were estimated for an unaged and aged cordierite diesel particulate filter structure, respectively. The effectiveness and simplicity of this adapted specimen geometry and test method lends itself to the evaluation of (macroscopic) apparent fracture toughness of an entire porous‐ceramic, diesel particulate filter structure.
Evaluating the role of seed priming in improving drought tolerance of pigmented and non‐pigmented rice
Authors: Hussain M. , Farooq M. , Lee D.‐J.
Published: January 2017

This study was conducted to evaluate the influence of seed priming on drought tolerance of pigmented and non‐pigmented rice. Seeds of pigmented (cv. Heug Jinju Byeo) and non‐pigmented (cv. Anjoong) rice were soaked in water (hydropriming) or solution of CaCl2 (osmopriming). Seeds were sown in soil‐filled pots retained at 70 (well‐watered) and 35% (drought) water‐holding capacity. Drought stress caused erratic and poor stand establishment and decreased the growth of both rice types. More decrease in plant height and leaf area under drought stress was noted in pigmented rice, whereas decrease in root length and seedling dry weight, under drought, was more obvious in non‐pigmented rice. Pigmented rice maintained more tissue water and photosynthesis and had more polyphenols, flavonoids and antioxidant activity than non‐pigmented rice. Seed priming was effective in improving stand establishment, growth, polyphenols, flavonoids and antioxidant activity; however, extent of improvement was more in pigmented rice under drought. In conclusion, drought caused erratic germination and suppressed plant growth in both rice types. However, pigmented rice had better drought tolerance owing to uniform emergence, and better physiological and morphological plasticity. Seed priming was quite helpful in improving the performance of both rice types under drought and well‐watered conditions.
Turning the Tides: Coping with Trauma and Addiction through Residential Adolescent Group Therapy
Authors: Bougard Katherine Gardner , Laupola Tina Marie Truncellito , Parker‐Dias Joan , Creekmore Jeremy , Stangland Stacey
Published: January 2017

TOPIC

Evidence‐based group therapy in an inpatient setting that provides an integrated treatment approach for both trauma and addiction in female adolescents.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this evidence‐based practice (EBP) project was to implement and assess the impact of an integrated group therapy approach for both posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and substance use disorder (SUD) in adolescent females as part of a residential treatment program.

SOURCES

The Iowa Model of EBP guided this EBP project. Judith Herman's three‐stage model of trauma recovery and the Skills Training in Affective and Interpersonal Regulation (STAIR) model served as the theoretical framework for the group therapy curriculum. Two programs, Seeking Safety, by Lisa Najavits and VOICES, by Stephanie Covington, provided a guide for group topics and activities.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients that participated in Turning the Tides© group therapy curriculum reported a decrease in overall PTSD symptoms and decreased functional impairment scores, based on the Child PTSD Symptoms Scale. However, there was a statistically significant increase in the use of as needed medications following the completion of group therapy. Postgroup evaluations from patients indicated a genuine desire to engage in the group therapy as well as an increased sense of trust with facilitators. Implications for psychiatric nursing include the delivery of safe, quality patient care as evidenced by positive improvement in patient outcomes.
Testing mate choice and overdominance at MH in natural families of Atlantic salmon Salmo salar
Authors: Tentelier C. , Barroso‐Gomila O. , Lepais O. , Manicki A. , Romero‐Garmendia I. , Jugo B. M.
Published: January 2017

This study aimed to test mate choice and selection during early life stages on major histocompatibility (MH) genotype in natural families of Atlantic salmon Salmo salar spawners and juveniles, using nine microsatellites to reconstruct families, one microsatellite linked to an MH class I gene and one minisatellite linked to an MH class II gene. MH‐based mate choice was only detected for the class I locus on the first year, with lower expected heterozygosity in the offspring of actually mated pairs than predicted under random mating. The genotype frequencies of MH‐linked loci observed in the juveniles were compared with frequencies expected from Mendelian inheritance of parental alleles to detect selection during early life stages. No selection was detected on the locus linked to class I gene. For the locus linked to class II gene, observed heterozygosity was higher than expected in the first year and lower in the second year, suggesting overdominance and underdominance, respectively. Within family, juveniles' body size was linked to heterozygosity at the same locus, with longer heterozygotes in the first year and longer homozygotes in the second year. Selection therefore seems to differ from one locus to the other and from year to year.
Outbreaks of ulcerative disease associated with ranavirus infection in barcoo grunter, Scortum barcoo (McCulloch & Waite)
Authors: Kayansamruaj P , Rangsichol A , Dong H T , Rodkhum C , Maita M , Katagiri T , Pirarat N
Published: January 2017

In 2013, an outbreak of ulcerative disease associated with ranavirus infection occurred in barcoo grunter, Scortum barcoo (McCulloch & Waite), farms in Thailand. Affected fish exhibited extensive haemorrhage and ulceration on skin and muscle. Microscopically, the widespread haemorrhagic ulceration and necrosis were noted in gill, spleen and kidney with the presence of intracytoplasmic eosinophilic inclusion bodies. When healthy barcoo grunter were experimentally challenged via intraperitoneal and oral modes with homogenized tissue of naturally infected fish, gross and microscopic lesions occurred with a cumulative mortality of 70–90%. Both naturally and experimentally infected fish yielded positive results to the ranavirus‐specific PCR. The full‐length nucleotide sequences of major capsid protein gene of ranaviral isolates were similar to largemouth bass virus (LMBV) and identical to largemouth bass ulcerative syndrome virus (LBUSV), previously reported in farmed largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides L.), which also produced lethal ulcerative skin lesions. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of a LMBV‐like infection associated with skin lesions in barcoo grunter, adding to the known examples of ranavirus infection associated with skin ulceration in fish.
Effects of modified atmosphere, anti‐browning treatments and ultrasound on the polyphenolic stability, antioxidant capacity and microbial growth in fresh‐cut apples
Authors: Putnik Predrag , Bursać Kovačević Danijela , Herceg Korina , Pavkov Ivan , Zorić Zoran , Levaj Branka
Published: January 2017

This study addressed the changes in polyphenolic stability and antioxidant capacity in fresh‐cut apples packaged in modified atmosphere (MAP) as a result of (i) minimal processing parameters (type of cultivar, anti‐browning treatments, and the length of storage); (ii) superficial browning; (iii) ultrasound treatment; and (iv) microbial growth during storage at 4 °C for 14 days. Studied cultivars were Cripps Pink and Golden Delicious. Anti‐browning agents were ascorbic with citric acid and sole Ca‐ascorbate that were both combined with the ultrasound. Identified phenolic compounds in all samples were chlorogenic and p‐coumaroylquinic acid, quercetin, epicatechin, and phloridzin. Cripps Pink was richer on flavonoids and had the higher antioxidant capacity than Golden Delicious. Application of any anti‐browning treatments did not influence quantities of phenolic compounds, but they showed an improved antioxidant capacity in comparison with untreated samples. Phenolic compounds were stable and antioxidant capacity decreased during storage. Microbial growth had no association with the majority of phenolic compounds (except epicatechin), where it was possible that microorganisms oxidized epicatechin to quercetin together with apple respiratory processes.

Practical applications

Fresh‐cut production represents large portion of the international food markets as consumers increasingly demand ready‐to‐eat products. However, these products have a very short shelf‐life with strong impacts on economic gains from such production. Modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) is a very popular industrial preservation technique for prolonging freshness of ready‐to‐eat apples and other foods. Polyphenolics naturally present in apples have various health benefits and favorable influence on nutritive value. Currently, there is a scarcity of available data that simultaneously associates changes in polyphenolic content with minimal processing; apple respiration; storage and superficial browning. This type of data has both, economic and nutritive value for the fresh‐cut production as it is associated with extension of the shelf‐life, plus it is directly related with the superficial browning in this perishable produce.
A SURVEY OF JEL CODES: WHAT DO THEY MEAN AND ARE THEY USED CONSISTENTLY?
Authors: Kosnik Lea‐Rachel
Published: January 2017

The use and prevalence of JEL code categorization is wide in the field of economics, but what do JEL code classifications actually tell us? And are they used with consistency by academics in the field? Utilizing a data set of articles published in the American Economic Review from 1990 to 2008, we investigate whether there is heterogeneity in JEL codes assignments between authors and editors. We find that there is. A secondary goal of this paper is to survey overall thematic trends in JEL code usage over the past four and a half decades. One result is that JEL category M: Business Economics, in particular, appears to be thematically and spatially distinct from much of the rest of the published literature in the top general interest journals in the field.
Melatonin alleviates cadmium‐induced liver injury by inhibiting the TXNIP‐NLRP3 inflammasome
Authors: Cao Zhengwang , Fang Yiliang , Lu Yonghui , Tan Dunxian , Du Changhong , Li Yuming , Ma Qinlong , Yu Junmei , Chen Mengyan , Zhou Chao , Pei Liping , Zhang Lei , Ran Haiying , He Mindi , Yu Zhengping , Zhou Zhou
Published: January 2017

Cadmium (Cd) is a persistent environmental and occupational contaminant that accumulates in the liver and induces oxidative stress and inflammation. Melatonin possesses potent hepatoprotective properties against the development and progression of acute and chronic liver injury. Nevertheless, the molecular mechanism underlying the protective effects of melatonin against Cd‐induced hepatotoxicity remains obscure. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of melatonin on Cd‐induced liver inflammation and hepatocyte death. Male C57BL/6 mice were intraperitoneally injected with melatonin (10 mg/kg) once a day for 3 days before exposure to CdCl2 (2.0 mg/kg). We found that Cd induced hepatocellular damage and inflammatory infiltration as well as increased serum ALT/AST enzymes. In addition, we showed that Cd triggered an inflammatory cell death, which is mediated by the NOD‐like receptor pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome. Moreover, melatonin treatment significantly alleviated Cd‐induced liver injury by decreasing serum ALT/AST levels, suppressing pro‐inflammatory cytokine production, inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome activation, ameliorating oxidative stress, and attenuating hepatocyte death. Most importantly, melatonin markedly abrogated Cd‐induced TXNIP overexpression and decreased the interaction between TXNIP and NLRP3 in vivo and in vitro. However, treatment with siRNA targeting TXNIP blocked the protective effects of melatonin in Cd‐treated primary hepatocytes. Collectively, our results suggest that melatonin confers protection against Cd‐induced liver inflammation and hepatocyte death via inhibition of the TXNIP‐NLRP3 inflammasome pathway.
Medicaid Expansion Under the Affordable Care Act and Insurance Coverage in Rural and Urban Areas
Authors: Soni Aparna , Hendryx Michael , Simon Kosali
Published: January 2017

Purpose

To analyze the differential rural‐urban impacts of the Affordable Care Act Medicaid expansion on low‐income childless adults’ health insurance coverage.

Methods

Using data from the American Community Survey years 2011‐2015, we conducted a difference‐in‐differences regression analysis to test for changes in the probability of low‐income childless adults having insurance in states that expanded Medicaid versus states that did not expand, in rural versus urban areas. Analyses employed survey weights, adjusted for covariates, and included a set of falsification tests as well as sensitivity analyses.

Findings

Medicaid expansion under the Affordable Care Act increased the probability of Medicaid coverage for targeted populations in rural and urban areas, with a significantly greater increase in rural areas (P< .05), but some of these gains were offset by reductions in individual purchased insurance among rural populations (P< .01). Falsification tests showed that the insurance increases were specific to low‐income childless adults, as expected, and were largely insignificant for other populations.

Conclusions

The Medicaid expansion increased the probability of having “any insurance” for the pooled urban and rural low‐income populations, and it specifically increased Medicaid coverage more in rural versus urban populations. There was some evidence that the expansion was accompanied by some shifting from individual purchased insurance to Medicaid in rural areas, and there is a need for future work to understand the implications of this shift on expenditures, access to care and utilization.
Social anxiety levels and associated factors among adolescents with type 1 diabetes compared with healthy peers
Authors: Ceylan Cigdem , Altay Naime
Published: January 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to examine adolescent social anxiety and related factors among youth aged 12‐15 years with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) compared to healthy peers.

Design and Methods

The study used a descriptive correlational design. The data were collected with The Social Anxiety Scale for Adolescents (SAS‐A) and a youth descriptive information form.

Results

The overall SAS‐A mean score was statistically significantly higher for adolescents with T1DM (40.14 ± 11.44) compared to their healthy peers (33.33 ± 9.34) p = 0.000. The list of factors was related to increased SAS‐A scores.

Practice Implications

The early identification of social anxiety in adolescents by nurses may reduce possible complications of diabetes.
Access to the countryside: the tragedy of the house of commons
Authors: Mayfield Ben
Published: January 2017

The Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 (the CRoW Act) serves as an example of the way in which ideology can frequently become a casualty of realpolitik. Wider access to the countryside was a pillar of Labour Party general election manifestos from the 1950s until the introduction of the CRoW Act. This article examines the antecedents and emergence of this statute to determine whether the eventual form of the rights of access under the CRoW Act represent a missed opportunity to grant public rights over private land.
Subspecies delineation amid phenotypic, geographic and genetic discordance in a songbird
Authors: Walsh Jennifer , Lovette Irby J. , Winder Virginia , Elphick Chris S. , Olsen Brian J. , Shriver Gregory , Kovach Adrienne I.
Published: January 2017

Understanding the processes that drive divergence within and among species is a long‐standing goal in evolutionary biology. Traditional approaches to assessing differentiation rely on phenotypes to identify intra‐ and interspecific variation, but many species express subtle morphological gradients in which boundaries among forms are unclear. This intraspecific variation may be driven by differential adaptation to local conditions and may thereby reflect the evolutionary potential within a species. Here, we combine genetic and morphological data to evaluate intraspecific variation within the Nelson's (Ammodramus nelsoni) and salt marsh (Ammodramus caudacutus) sparrow complex, a group with populations that span considerable geographic distributions and a habitat gradient. We evaluated genetic structure among and within five putative subspecies of A. nelsoni and A. caudacutus using a reduced‐representation sequencing approach to generate a panel of 1929 SNPs among 69 individuals. Although we detected morphological differences among some groups, individuals sorted along a continuous phenotypic gradient. In contrast, the genetic data identified three distinct clusters corresponding to populations that inhabit coastal salt marsh, interior freshwater marsh and coastal brackish–water marsh habitats. These patterns support the current species‐level recognition but do not match the subspecies‐level taxonomy within each species—a finding which may have important conservation implications. We identified loci exhibiting patterns of elevated divergence among and within these species, indicating a role for local selective pressures in driving patterns of differentiation across the complex. We conclude that this evidence for adaptive variation among subspecies warrants the consideration of evolutionary potential and genetic novelty when identifying conservation units for this group.
Sex‐biased transcriptome divergence along a latitudinal gradient
Authors: Allen Scott L. , Bonduriansky Russell , Sgro Carla M. , Chenoweth Stephen F.
Published: January 2017

Sex‐dependent gene expression is likely an important genomic mechanism that allows sex‐specific adaptation to environmental changes. Among Drosophila species, sex‐biased genes display remarkably consistent evolutionary patterns; male‐biased genes evolve faster than unbiased genes in both coding sequence and expression level, suggesting sex differences in selection through time. However, comparatively little is known of the evolutionary process shaping sex‐biased expression within species. Latitudinal clines offer an opportunity to examine how changes in key ecological parameters also influence sex‐specific selection and the evolution of sex‐biased gene expression. We assayed male and female gene expression in Drosophila serrata along a latitudinal gradient in eastern Australia spanning most of its endemic distribution. Analysis of 11 631 genes across eight populations revealed strong sex differences in the frequency, mode and strength of divergence. Divergence was far stronger in males than females and while latitudinal clines were evident in both sexes, male divergence was often population specific, suggesting responses to localized selection pressures that do not covary predictably with latitude. While divergence was enriched for male‐biased genes, there was no overrepresentation of X‐linked genes in males. By contrast, X‐linked divergence was elevated in females, especially for female‐biased genes. Many genes that diverged in D. serrata have homologs also showing latitudinal divergence in Drosophila simulans and Drosophila melanogaster on other continents, likely indicating parallel adaptation in these distantly related species. Our results suggest that sex differences in selection play an important role in shaping the evolution of gene expression over macro‐ and micro‐ecological spatial scales.
Trapped within the city: integrating demography, time since isolation and population‐specific traits to assess the genetic effects of urbanization
Authors: Lourenço André , Álvarez David , Wang Ian J. , Velo‐Antón Guillermo
Published: January 2017

Urbanization is a severe form of habitat fragmentation that can cause many species to be locally extirpated and many others to become trapped and isolated within an urban matrix. The role of drift in reducing genetic diversity and increasing genetic differentiation is well recognized in urban populations. However, explicit incorporation and analysis of the demographic and temporal factors promoting drift in urban environments are poorly studied. Here, we genotyped 15 microsatellites in 320 fire salamanders from the historical city of Oviedo (Est. 8th century) to assess the effects of time since isolation, demographic history (historical effective population size; Ne) and patch size on genetic diversity, population structure and contemporary Ne. Our results indicate that urban populations of fire salamanders are highly differentiated, most likely due to the recent Ne declines, as calculated in coalescence analyses, concomitant with the urban development of Oviedo. However, urbanization only caused a small loss of genetic diversity. Regression modelling showed that patch size was positively associated with contemporary Ne, while we found only moderate support for the effects of demographic history when excluding populations with unresolved history. This highlights the interplay between different factors in determining current genetic diversity and structure. Overall, the results of our study on urban populations of fire salamanders provide some of the very first insights into the mechanisms affecting changes in genetic diversity and population differentiation via drift in urban environments, a crucial subject in a world where increasing urbanization is forecasted.
Exploring the symbiont diversity of ancient western redcedars: arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi of long‐lived hosts
Authors: Gorzelak Monika A. , Pickles Brian J. , Hart Miranda M.
Published: January 2017

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are globally distributed, monophyletic root symbionts with ancient origins. Their contribution to carbon cycling and nutrient dynamics is ecologically important, given their obligate association with over 70% of vascular plant species. Current understanding of AMF species richness and community structure is based primarily on studies of grasses, herbs and agricultural crops, typically in disturbed environments. Few studies have considered AMF interactions with long‐lived woody perennial species in undisturbed ecosystems. Here we examined AMF communities associated with roots and soils of young, mature and old western redcedar (Thuja plicata) at two sites in the old‐growth temperate rainforests of British Columbia. Due to the unique biology of AMF, community richness and structure were assessed using a conservative, clade‐based approach. We found 91 AMF OTUs across all samples, with significantly greater AMF richness in the southern site, but no differences in richness along the host chronosequence at either site. All host age classes harboured AMF communities that were overdispersed (more different to each other than expected by chance), with young tree communities most resembling old tree communities. A comparison with similar clade richness data obtained from the literature indicates that western redcedar AMF communities are as rich as those of grasses, tropical trees and palms. Our examination of undisturbed temperate old‐growth rainforests suggests that priority effects, rather than succession, are an important aspect of AMF community assembly in this ecosystem.
Understanding the formidable nail barrier: A review of the nail microstructure, composition and diseases
Authors: Baswan Sudhir , Kasting Gerald B. , Li S. Kevin , Wickett Randy , Adams Brian , Eurich Sean , Schamper Ryan
Published: January 2017

The topical treatment of nail fungal infections has been a focal point of nail research in the past few decades as it offers a much safer and focused alternative to conventional oral therapy. Although the current focus remains on exploring the ways of enhancing permeation through the formidable nail barrier, the understanding of the nail microstructure and composition is far from complete. This article reviews our current understanding of the nail microstructure, composition and diseases. A few of the parameters affecting the nail permeability and potential causes of the recurrence of fungal nail infection are also discussed.
A Late Bronze Age Ship from Liman Tepe with Reference to the Late Bronze Age Ships from İZMIR / Bademgediği Tepesi and Kos / Seraglio
Authors: Aykurt Ayşegül , Erkanal Hayat
Published: January 2017

In this article, a Mycenaean pottery sherd from Liman Tepe is discussed. The piece, which was locally produced, probably belongs to a ring‐based crater (FS 281). Comparisons with other, similar sherds suggest that warriors aboard a ship are depicted. As one of the few examples of its period decorated in this way, the sherd has been dated to the early or middle phase of LH III C, belonging to the period after the collapse of the Hittite Empire in Anatolia and the Mycenaean kingdoms in mainland Greece. The depictions on this sherd are highly significant, as they contribute to the corpus of evidence for migrations from the western to the eastern Mediterranean and the unrest which characterized the period.
Endogenous circadian rhythms in pigment composition induce changes in photochemical efficiency in plant canopies
Authors: García‐Plazaola José Ignacio , Fernández‐Marín Beatriz , Ferrio Juan Pedro , Alday Josu G. , Hoch Günter , Landais Damien , Milcu Alexandru , Tissue David T. , Voltas Jordi , Gessler Arthur , Roy Jacques , Resco de Dios Víctor
Published: January 2017

There is increasing evidence that the circadian clock is a significant driver of photosynthesis that becomes apparent when environmental cues are experimentally held constant. We studied whether the composition of photosynthetic pigments is under circadian regulation, and whether pigment oscillations lead to rhythmic changes in photochemical efficiency. To address these questions, we maintained canopies of bean and cotton, after an entrainment phase, under constant (light or darkness) conditions for 30–48 h. Photosynthesis and quantum yield peaked at subjective noon, and non‐photochemical quenching peaked at night. These oscillations were not associated with parallel changes in carbohydrate content or xanthophyll cycle activity. We observed robust oscillations of Chl a/b during constant light in both species, and also under constant darkness in bean, peaking when it would have been night during the entrainment (subjective nights). These oscillations could be attributed to the synthesis and/or degradation of trimeric light‐harvesting complex II (reflected by the rhythmic changes in Chl a/b), with the antenna size minimal at night and maximal around subjective noon. Considering together the oscillations of pigments and photochemistry, the observed pattern of changes is counterintuitive if we assume that the plant strategy is to avoid photodamage, but consistent with a strategy where non‐stressed plants maximize photosynthesis.
Mn accumulation in a submerged plant Egeria densa (Hydrocharitaceae) is mediated by epiphytic bacteria
Authors: Tsuji Kousuke , Asayama Takuma , Shiraki Nozomi , Inoue Shota , Okuda Erina , Hayashi Chizuru , Nishida Kazuma , Hasegawa Hiroshi , Harada Emiko
Published: January 2017

Many aquatic plants act as biosorbents, removing and recovering metals from the environment. To assess the biosorbent activity of Egeria densa, a submerged freshwater macrophyte, plants were collected monthly from a circular drainage area in Lake Biwa basin and the Mn concentrations of the plants were analysed. Mn concentrations in these plants were generally above those of terrestrial hyperaccumulators, and were markedly higher in spring and summer than in autumn. Mn concentrations were much lower in plants incubated in hydroponic medium at various pH levels with and without Mn supplementation than in field‐collected plants. The precipitation of Mn oxides on the leaves was determined by variable pressure scanning electron microscopy‐energy dispersive X‐ray analysis and Leucoberbelin blue staining. Several strains of epiphytic bacteria were isolated from the field‐collected E. densa plants, with many of these strains, including those of the genera Acidovorax, Comamonas, Pseudomonas and Rhizobium, found to have Mn‐oxidizing activity. High Mn concentrations in E. densa were mediated by the production of biogenic Mn oxide in biofilms on leaf surfaces. These findings provide new insights into plant epidermal bacterial flora that affect metal accumulation in plants and suggest that these aquatic plants may have use in Mn phytomining.
Contact Burn with Blister Formation in Children Treated with Sennosides
Authors: Cogley Kimberly , Echevarria Andrea , Correa Catalina , De la Torre‐Mondragón Luis
Published: January 2017

Eight children treated for severe constipation with sennosides unexpectedly developed contact burns with blisters secondary to the use of these laxatives. All patients wore diapers, and the injuries occurred overnight. To avoid this side effect, we recommend that patients treated with sennosides, especially those in diapers, receive the medication at a time that allows for bowel movements to occur during the day and not overnight.
Relation between mast cells concentration and serotonin expression in chagasic megacolon development
Authors: Freitas M. A. R. , Segatto N. , Tischler N. , de Oliveira E. C. , Brehmer A. , da Silveira A. B. M.
Published: January 2017

Chagas’ disease is still reaching about 10 million people in the world. In South America, one of the most severe forms of this disease is the megacolon, characterized by severe constipation, dilated sigmoid colon and rectum and severe malnutrition. Previous data suggested that mast cells and serotonin (5‐hydroxytryptamine [5‐HT]) expression could be involved in intestinal homeostasis control, avoiding the chagasic megacolon development. The aim at this study was to characterize the presence of mast cells and expression of serotonin in chagasic patients with and without megacolon and evaluate the relation between mast cells, serotonin and megacolon development. Our results demonstrated that patients without megacolon feature a large amount of serotonin and few mast cells, while patients with megacolon feature low serotonin expression and a lot of mast cells. We believe that serotonin may be involved in the inflammatory process control, triggered by mast cells, and the presence of this substance in large quantities of the intestine could represent a mechanism of megacolon prevention.
Establishment and characterization of a coculture system of equine endometrial epithelial and stromal cells
Authors: Lapko L , Böttcher D , Theuß T , Klug J , Schoon H‐A
Published: January 2017

Contents

To investigate the equine endometrium as close to the in vivo situation as possible, we established a coculture system for epithelial and stromal cells (ECs/SCs). ECs and SCs were isolated from nine endometrial tissue specimens. ECs obtained as glandular formations were cultivated on one side of the semipermeable membrane of a Millicell® insert. After 2 days, SCs (2 × 104 cells/membrane) were seeded onto the other side of the same membrane. During cocultivation, the low serum containing culture medium (Theuß et al., 2010) was supplemented with different concentrations and combinations of 17β‐estradiol (2.0–3.0 pg/ml medium) and progesterone (0.5–15.0 ng/ml medium). Once the cocultures formed continuous cell layers as determined by phase‐contrast microscopy, the membranes were fixed and processed for light microscopical examination. Cytokeratin 19, steroid hormone receptors and the uterine proteins uteroglobin and calbindinD9k were detected using immunocytochemistry to determine the degree of culture purity and functional cellular differentiation. The culture purity of the EC layer averaged ≥95%. Uteroglobin and calbindinD9k were consistently expressed in ECs, while hormone receptors were predominantly absent in both cell populations. An explicit cytomorphological epithelial differentiation with formation of round‐oval to polygonal cell forms was encountered in ≤50% of all ECs and independent of supplemented steroids. Based on the findings altogether, and despite the partly absent congruence to the in situ prerequisites, we established a standardized and reproducible coculture system, which offers a basic approach for studies of physiologic and pathophysiologic issues in the mare.
Have mangrove restoration projects worked? An in‐depth study in Sri Lanka
Authors: Kodikara Kodikara Arachchilage Sunanda , Mukherjee Nibedita , Jayatissa Loku Pullukuttige , Dahdouh‐Guebas Farid , Koedam Nico
Published: January 2017

This study investigated the effectiveness of mangrove planting initiatives in Sri Lanka. All the lagoons and estuaries in Sri Lanka were included in the study. We documented all agencies and locations, involved in mangrove planting efforts, along with the major drivers of these planting initiatives, their extents, and the possible causes of the success or failure of planting. An adapted three‐step framework and a field survey consisting of vegetation and soil surveys and questionnaires were used to evaluate the objectives. We found that about 1,000–1,200 ha of mangroves, representing 23 project sites with 67 planting efforts, have been under restoration with the participation of several governmental and nongovernmental organizations. However, about 200–220 ha showed successful mangrove restoration. Nine out of 23 project sites (i.e. 36/67 planting efforts) showed no surviving plants. The level of survival of the restoration project sites ranged from 0 to 78% and only three sites, that is, Kalpitiya, Pambala, and Negombo, showed a level of survival higher than 50%. Survival rates were significantly correlated with post‐care. Planting mangrove seedlings at the incorrect topography often entails inappropriate soil conditions for mangroves. Survival rates showed significant correlations with a range of soil parameters except soil pH. Disturbance and stress caused by cattle trampling, browsing, algal accumulation, and insect attacks, factors that may themselves relate to choosing sites with inappropriate topography and hydrology, were common to most sites. The findings are a stark illustration of the frequent mismatch between the purported aims of restoration initiatives and the realities on the ground.
The Gender Wealth Gap Across European Countries
Authors: Schneebaum Alyssa , Rehm Miriam , Mader Katharina , Hollan Katarina
Published: January 2017

This paper studies the gap in wealth between male and female single households using 2010 Household Finance and Consumption Survey data for eight European countries. In the raw data, a large gap emerges at the upper end of the unconditional distribution. While OLS estimates show no difference in average net wealth levels, quantile regressions at the 95th percentile yield mixed evidence for the gender wealth gap in different specifications. Labour market characteristics and participation in asset and debt categories largely explain the differences between male and female single households. The gender gap in net wealth is driven by gaps in gross wealth and its components, but is attenuated in four countries by gender gaps in (collateralized) debt. In the full specification, the unexplained gap in gross wealth amounts to 27 percent in Slovakia, 33 percent in France, 44 percent in Austria, 45 percent in Germany, and 48 percent in Greece.
Effect of red blood cell preservation by droplet freezing with non‐permeable cryoprotective agents in blood group antigen reactivity
Authors: Chagas M. A. B. , Chaves D. G. , Haddad S. K. , Ubiali E. M. A. , Schmidt L. C. , Silva‐Malta M. C. F.
Published: January 2017

Background

In the last few decades, various red blood cell (RBC) freezing techniques have been developed and improved to enable the preservation of erythrocytes for future use in pre‐transfusion tests in reference immunohaematology laboratories. However, not all these techniques have been sufficiently evaluated for the preservation of blood group antigens.

Objectives

In this study, we evaluated the antigenic pattern of RBCs preserved by droplet freezing in liquid nitrogen in a blood bank context.

Methods

Blood samples were evaluated for the reactivity of blood group antigens after droplet freezing using the non‐permeable cryoprotective agent polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) and sucrose–dextrose (S + D) solutions.

Results

No qualitative changes were observed in RBC reactivity after freezing and thawing for the antigens Fyb, Leb, C, E, Cw, Lua, Lub, Kpa, Kpb and Dia. However, cryopreservation using PVP resulted in a significant increase in reactivity of Fyb antigen on comparing fresh and frozen samples (P < 0·001).

Conclusion

The establishment of detailed protocols for cryopreservation of RBCs, which take into account the maintenance of antigenic characteristics, is necessary to increase security in pre‐transfusion testing using frozen RBCs.
Uveal schwannoma in a brown‐eyed dog
Authors: Marlo Todd L. , Giuliano Elizabeth A. , Moore Cecil P. , Shaw Gillian C. , Teixeira Leandro B. C.
Published: January 2017

An eleven‐year‐old, female spayed Boxer dog was diagnosed with a uveal schwannoma (formerly known as the spindle cell tumor of the blue‐eyed dog or SCTBED) despite having a uniformly brown iris. The patient presented to emergency for ocular discomfort, and the right globe was subsequently enucleated due to glaucoma and submitted for histopathology. Upon histopathologic evaluation, a uveal schwannoma was diagnosed and confirmed with immunohistochemical staining. Complete metastatic evaluation 1 and 6 months after initial presentation did not reveal evidence of metastasis, and the dog remains systemically healthy. This case represents a unique variant of uveal schwannoma and is relevant because although the vast majority of these tumors occur in blue‐eyed dogs, clinicians should not completely rule out this tumor as a differential based on the iris color.
Variations in isotopic composition of desalinated water
Authors: Al‐Basheer Watheq , Al‐Jalal AbdulAziz , Gasmi Khaled
Published: January 2017

Variations in isotopic ratios of water samples collected from three plants functioning on two different desalination processes were evaluated by comparing their measured δ18O, δ17O and the δ2H isotopic ratios before and after desalination using a system based on tunable off‐axis integrated‐cavity‐output diode laser spectroscopy (OA‐ICOS). The δ18O, δ17O and the δ2H isotopic ratio measurements for water samples collected before desalination are compared against their peers of desalinated water from two desalination plants on the Arabian Gulf that are operating under the Multistage Flash (MSF) process. Also, variations in the δ18O, δ17O and the δ2H isotopic ratio measurements due to desalination from a Reversal Osmosis (RO) facility in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia were also reported and compared against variations in isotopic composition of water desalinated in two MSF plants.
Equations of hyperelliptic Shimura curves
Authors: Guo Jia-Wei , Yang Yifan
Published: January 2017

By constructing suitable Borcherds forms on Shimura curves and using Schofer’s formula for norms of values of Borcherds forms at CM points, we determine all of the equations of hyperelliptic Shimura curves $X_{0}^{D}(N)$. As a byproduct, we also address the problem of whether a modular form on Shimura curves $X_{0}^{D}(N)/W_{D,N}$ with a divisor supported on CM divisors can be realized as a Borcherds form, where $X_{0}^{D}(N)/W_{D,N}$ denotes the quotient of $X_{0}^{D}(N)$ by all of the Atkin–Lehner involutions. The construction of Borcherds forms is done by solving certain integer programming problems.
La interculturalidad en salud: espacio de convergencia entre dos sistemas de conocimiento
Authors: Guzmán-Rosas Susana Carolina
Published: January 2017

En México la interculturalidad en salud se plantea como una política ideal para la atención sanitaria de la población indígena; sin embargo, esta implica la convergencia de dos sistemas de conocimiento, lo cual permite interrogar su implementación. Desde una perspectiva antropológica, se analizó la pertinencia de la interculturalidad en salud en una zona de cobertura médica indígena. Mediante un abordaje etnográfico mixto se aplicaron 35 cuestionarios al personal médico del Hospital General de Ciudad Valles entre agosto del 2012 y enero del 2013. Los datos se analizaron con estadística descriptiva y se complementaron con entrevistas a profundidad y observación participante. Se encontró que existe una valoración del conocimiento tradicional indígena (77 %) y las plantas medicinales (80 %) dentro de la práctica médica alópata, porque la mayoría de médicos (89 %) recibió pacientes que los habían utilizado, así que consideran pertinente la implementación de una política sanitaria que integre el conocimiento tradicional indígena a la práctica médica alópata.
La alternativa de Hedley Bull frente a las propuestas realistas y liberales como marco para el análisis de las relaciones internacionales en Latinoamérica
Authors: Gómez Montoya Juan Francisco
Published: January 2017

El presente artículo busca presentar la alternativa teórica de Hedley Bull y la Escuela Inglesa de las Relaciones Internacionales, ante los grandes paradigmas del estudio de las relaciones internacionales, alternativa que tiene la aceptación de varios académicos tanto dentro del Reino Unido como en otros países. Actualmente, existen en Latinoamérica discursos académicos y políticos muy fuertes basados en las dos grandes escuelas de las Relaciones Internacionales, a saber: realismo y liberalismo. El presente artículo analiza ambas escuelas, el debate que actualmente tiene lugar entre ellas, su materialización en los discursos más utilizados dentro del continente y da a conocer la propuesta planteada por Hedley Bull y la Escuela Inglesa de las Relaciones Internacionales como una opción adicional para analizar y entender la realidad del continente.
Protección social y lucha contra la pobreza en Brasil, Colombia y Chile: ¿graduarse de los PTC o salir de la pobreza
Authors: Sánchez Cabarcas Fabio
Published: January 2017

El trabajo elaborado por Carlo Tassara1 (editor), Antonio Ibarra y Luis Hernán Vargas Faulbaum constituye una obra novedosa y pertinente para el público interesado en comprender y analizar la eficacia de los programas de protección social en América Latina.
Determinantes de los costos de la atención y la rehabilitación de personas lesionadas en accidentes de tránsito en Medellín, Colombia
Authors: Lugo-Agudelo Luz Helena , Castro-García Paula Andrea , Mejía-Mejía Aurelio , Cano-Restrepo Blanca Cecilia , Vélez-Jaramillo Deisy Alejandra , García-García Héctor Iván
Published: January 2017

Objetivo: estimar los determinantes de los costos de atención y rehabilitación de personas lesionadas en accidentes de tránsito en Medellín, Colombia. Materiales y métodos: estudio de seguimiento a un año de 483 pacientes atendidos por lesiones moderadas y graves. Se incluyeron costos médicos, calculados a partir de los sistemas de facturación de los hospitales, y costos indirectos, asociados a la incapacidad para pacientes y cuidadores. Los determinantes del costo total se estimaron mediante un modelo lineal generalizado. Resultados: los costos de los pacientes graves fueron en promedio USD $2152 mayores que los de pacientes con lesiones moderadas. Quienes ingresaron a unidades de cuidados intensivos y especiales generaron costos adicionales de USD $29 362 y USD $5746 con respecto a quienes no lo hicieron. Los costos indirectos ascendieron al 3 % del costo total. Conclusiones: la gravedad de la lesión y el tipo de atención fueron los que más afectaron los costos de atención y rehabilitación.
Apigenin glycoside: an antioxidant isolated from Alchornea coelophylla pax & k. Hoffm. (euphorbiaceae) leaf extract
Authors: Martínez César A , Mosquera Oscar M , Niño Jaime
Published: January 2017

An antioxidant flavonoid has been isolated from methanolic leaf extract of Alchornea coelophylla Pax & K. Hoffm. by means of different column chromatography steps with DIAION HP-20 resin and silica gel in combination with analytical high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). It was identified as Apigenin-8-C-(α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→2)-β-D-glucopyranoside) on the basis of spectroscopic analysis and by comparison with related values reported in the literature. This compound exhibited high in vitro antioxidant activity through DPPH• and ABTS•+ colorimetric assays with IC50 values of 7.528 and 379.7 μg. mL-1, respectively.