bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Landscape control of nitrous oxide emissions during the transition from conservation reserve program to perennial grasses for bioenergy
Authors: Saha Debasish , Rau Benjamin M. , Kaye Jason P. , Montes Felipe , Adler Paul R. , Kemanian Armen R.
Published: July 2016

Future liquid fuel demand from renewable sources may, in part, be met by converting the seasonally wet portions of the landscape currently managed for soil and water conservation to perennial energy crops. However, this shift may increase nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions, thus limiting the carbon (C) benefits of energy crops. Particularly high emissions may occur during the transition period when the soil is disturbed, plants are establishing, and nitrate and water accumulation may favor emissions. We measured N2O emissions and associated environmental drivers during the transition of perennial grassland in a Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) to switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) and Miscanthus x giganteus in the bottom 3‐ha of a watershed in the Ridge and Valley ecoregion of the northeastern United States. Replicated treatments of CRP (unconverted), unfertilized switchgrass (switchgrass), nitrogen (N) fertilized switchgrass (switchgrass‐N), and Miscanthus were randomized in four blocks. Each plot was divided into shoulder, backslope, and footslope positions based on the slope and moisture gradient. Soil N2O flux, soil moisture, and soil mineral nitrogen availability were monitored during the growing season of 2013, the year after the land conversion. Growing season N2O flux showed a significant vegetation‐by‐landscape position interaction (P < 0.009). Switchgrass‐N and Miscanthus treatments had 3 and 6‐times higher cumulative flux respectively than the CRP in the footslope, but at other landscape positions fluxes were similar among land uses. A peak N2O emission event, contributing 26% of the cumulative flux, occurred after a 10.8‐cm of rain during early June. Prolonged subsoil saturation coinciding with high mineral N concentration fueled N2O emission hot spots in the footslopes under energy crops. Our results suggest that mitigating N2O emissions during the transition of CRP to energy crops would mostly require a site‐specific management of the footslopes.
Ethnic inequalities in periodontal disease among British adults
Authors: Delgado‐Angulo Elsa K. , Bernabé Eduardo , Marcenes Wagner
Published: July 2016

Aim

To explore ethnic inequalities in periodontal disease among British adults, and the role of socioeconomic position (SEP) in those inequalities.

Methods

We analysed data on 1925 adults aged 16–65 years, from the East London Oral Health Inequality (ELOHI) Study, which included a random sample of adults living in an ethnically diverse and socially deprived area. Participants completed a questionnaire and were clinically examined for the number of teeth with periodontal pocket depth (PPD)≥4 mm and loss of attachment (LOA)≥4 mm. Ethnic inequalities in periodontal measures were assessed in negative binomial regression models before and after adjustment for demographic (gender and age groups) and SEP indicators (education and socioeconomic classification).

Results

Compared to White British, Pakistani, Indian, Bangladeshi and Asian Others had more teeth with PPD≥4 mm whereas White East European, Black African and Bangladeshi had more teeth with LOA≥4 mm, after adjustments for demographic and SEP measures. The association of ethnicity with periodontal disease was moderated by education, but not by socioeconomic classification. Stratified analysis showed that ethnic disparities in the two periodontal measures were limited to more educated groups.

Conclusion

This study showed considerable ethnic disparities in periodontal disease between and within the major ethnic categories.
The course of early disinhibited social engagement among post‐institutionalized adopted children
Authors: Lawler Jamie M. , Koss Kalsea J. , Doyle Colleen M. , Gunnar Megan R.
Published: July 2016

Background

Approximately 20% of post‐institutionalized (PI) children exhibit disinhibited social engagement (DSE) or the propensity to approach and engage strangers. There is little longitudinal research examining changes in DSE after adoption, or methods of identifying children with persistent behaviors.

Methods

DSE was assessed observationally four times during the first 2 years postadoption in PI children 16–36 months at adoption (n = 68) relative to same‐age nonadopted children (n = 52). At age 5, a validated interview determined which PI children met criteria for Disinhibited Social Engagement Disorder (DSED).

Results

DSE trajectories initially increased and then stabilized. PIs had higher DSE levels initially and a steeper increase rate than NAs. When separated into physical and nonphysical DSE components, group differences arose in initial physical DSE and the rate of change of nonphysical DSE. DSE rate of increase predicted DSED diagnosis, as did longer institutional duration and poorer institutional care.

Conclusions

The rate of increase in DSE postadoption, rather than the level observed at adoption, is predictive of disordered social engagement by age 5 years.
Copromyxa laresi n. sp. (Amoebozoa: Tubulinea) and Transfer of Cashia limacoides (Page, 1967) to Copromyxa Zopf, 1885
Authors: Kostka Martin , Lares‐Jiménez Luis Fernando , Tyml Tomáš , Dyková Iva
Published: July 2016

Five amoeboid organisms of different origin (isolated from fish organs, soil and digestive tract of earthworm) that shared light microscopical and ultrastructural features including type and arrangement of mitochondrial cristae were subjected to phylogenetic analyses based on sequences of SSU rDNA and protein coding genes (actin, cytochrome oxidase I, and eukaryotic elongation factor 2). The reconstruction of multigene phylogeny of the strains studied (i) revealed that they belong to the same single‐genus Copromyxa clade; (ii) strongly supported position of Copromyxa cantabrigiensis (syn. Hartmannella cantabrigiensis) within the genus; (iii) together with comparisons of light and electron microscopy data justified reclassification of Cashia limacoides (syn. Vexillifera expectata) to Copromyxa limacoides n. comb., and (iv) justified description of a new species, Copromyxa laresi n. sp.
Plasticity in response to feed availability: Does feeding regime influence the relative growth performance of domesticated, wild and hybrid Atlantic salmon Salmo salar parr?
Authors: Harvey A. C. , Solberg M. F. , Glover K. A. , Taylor M. I. , Creer S. , Carvalho G. R.
Published: July 2016

Growth of farmed, wild and F1 hybrid Atlantic salmon parr Salmo salar was investigated under three contrasting feeding regimes in order to understand how varying levels of food availability affects relative growth. Treatments consisted of standard hatchery feeding (ad libitum), access to feed for 4 h every day, and access to feed for 24 h on three alternate days weekly. Mortality was low in all treatments, and food availability had no effect on survival of all groups. The offspring of farmed S. salar significantly outgrew the wild S. salar, while hybrids displayed intermediate growth. Furthermore, the relative growth differences between the farmed and wild S. salar did not change across feeding treatments, indicating a similar plasticity in response to feed availability. Although undertaken in a hatchery setting, these results suggest that food availability may not be the sole driver behind the observed reduced growth differences found between farmed and wild fishes under natural conditions.
Observations on the biological traits of the rare shark Oxynotus centrina (Chondrichthyes: Oxynotidae) in the Hellenic Seas
Authors: Kousteni V. , Megalofonou P.
Published: July 2016

New records of the rare angular rough shark Oxynotus centrina from the Hellenic Seas are presented. Its occurrence is reported for the first time in the Corinthian Gulf. Some aspects of the species' biology are described and compared with previous studies.
Vitamin D supplementation and its influence on muscle strength and mobility in community‐dwelling older persons: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Rosendahl‐Riise H. , Spielau U. , Ranhoff A. H. , Gudbrandsen O. A. , Dierkes J.
Published: July 2016

Background

It has been suggested that vitamin D status or supplementation is important for maintaining or improving muscle strength and mobility in older adults. The study results, however, do not provide consistent results. We therefore aimed to summarise the available evidence systematically, including only studies conducted in community‐dwelling older persons.

Methods

A systematic search of the literature was performed in April of 2016. The systematic review includes studies that used vitamin D with or without calcium supplementation as the exposure variable and various measurements of muscle strength and mobility. The meta‐analysis was limited to studies using hand grip strength (HGS) and timed‐up‐and‐go test as the outcome variables.

Results

A total of 15 studies out of 2408 articles from the literature search were included in the systematic review, providing 2866 participants above the age of 65 years. In the majority of studies, no improvement in muscle strength and mobility was observed after administration of vitamin D with or without calcium supplements. In the meta‐analysis, we observed a nonsignificant change in HGS [+0.2 kg (95% confidence interval = −0.25 to 0.7 kg; seven studies)] and a small, significant increase in the timed‐up‐and‐go test [0.3 s (95% confidence interval = 0.1 to 0.5 s; five studies)] after vitamin D supplementation. The meta‐analyses showed a high degree of heterogeneity between the studies.

Conclusions

In conclusion, we observed no improvement in muscle strength after the administration of vitamin D with or without calcium supplements. We did find a small but significant improvement of mobility. However, this is based on a limited number of studies and participants.
First contact: acute stress reactions and experiences of emergency department consultations following an incident of intimate partner violence
Authors: Olive Philippa
Published: July 2016

Aims and objectives

The aim of this research was to explore women's emotional and affective responses following an incident of intimate partner violence experienced during emergency department attendances.

Background

A growing body of research has explored women's experiences of emergency departments following intimate partner violence still little remains known about the experience and impact of emotional and affective responses during these attendances.

Design

A descriptive qualitative design was used, underpinned theoretically by critical realism and postmodern complexity theory to attend to multiple, intersecting mechanisms that lie behind events and experiences.

Methods

Semistructured interviews with six women who had attended an emergency department directly following an incident of intimate partner violence. Interview data were transcribed and thematically analysed innvivo9using a coding framework.

Results

There were three interconnected key findings. First, was the commonality of acute stress experiences among women attending an emergency department following partner violence, second was that these acute stress reactions negatively impacted women's consultations, and third was the need for specialist domestic violence services at the point of first contact to assist service users navigate an effective consultation.

Conclusions

Acute stress reactions were an important feature of women's experiences of emergency department consultations following intimate partner violence. Attending to psychological first aid; providing a safe and quiet space; and affording access to specialist violence advocacy services at the point of first contact will limit harm and improve health consultation outcomes for this population.

Relevance to clinical practice

This research provides an account of emotional and affective responses experienced by women attending emergency departments following intimate partner violence and explicates how these acute stress reactions impacted their consultation. This research has relevance for practitioners in many first contact health services, such as urgent and emergency care, general practice, community public health and mental health.
Nurses’ representations of caring for intellectually disabled patients and perceived needs to ensure quality care
Authors: Ndengeyingoma Assumpta , Ruel Julie
Published: July 2016

Aims and objectives

To explore nurses’ representations of caring for people with an intellectual disability, intervention strategies they currently use, and to identify needs to ensure quality care.

Background

Nurses work in many environments and with diverse clienteles. Certain clienteles have needs that require specific approaches, such as persons who have an intellectual disability. The care offered to these patients can be influenced by the representations held by the nurses caring for them.

Design

Qualitative descriptive study.

Methods

Semi‐structured interviews using thematic analysis were conducted with 18 nurses working in hospital and community settings.

Results

Nurses are concerned with their ability to recognise the specific nature and complex needs associated with patients’ intellectual disabilities, promoting quality care by managing the behavioural and communication challenges, as well as coping with the perceived lack of time and organisation within the work environment. Current strategies involve trying to promote the continuity of care. Participants also identified their learning needs, which are relational and informational in nature.

Conclusions

Nurses appear typically mindful of wanting to provide quality care to patients who have an intellectual disability, while recognising that there are many contextual and practical elements that require improvement to ensure the security of these patients.

Relevance to clinical practice

Nurses must be educated to adapt to findings emerging from current research showing that people with an intellectual disability want to be part of their local communities and encourage these persons to do so. This can be facilitated through the adoption of specific guidelines, protocols and care programmes. Further research is needed to develop a better understanding of the expectations of these patients and their caregivers, focusing on self‐advocacy as well as health promotion techniques, with the goal of enhancing personalised practice standards and reducing health education inequalities for these patients.
Working with complexity: experiences of caring for mothers seeking residential parenting services in New South Wales, Australia
Authors: Fowler Cathrine , Schmied Virginia , Dickinson Marie , Dahlen Hannah Grace
Published: July 2016

Aim and objectives

To investigate staff perception of the changing complexity of mothers and infants admitted to two residential parenting services in New South Wales in the decade from 2005–2015.

Background

For many mothers with a young child, parenting is difficult and stressful. If parenting occurs within the context of anxiety, mental illness or abuse it often becomes a high‐risk situation for the primary caregiver. Residential parenting services provide early nursing intervention before parenting problems escalate and require physical or mental health focused care.

Design

A qualitative descriptive design using semi‐structured interview questions was used as phase three of a larger study. Data were gathered from 35 child and family health nurses and ten physicians during eight focus groups.

Results

Three main themes emerged: (1) dealing with complexity; (2) changing practice; and (3) appropriate knowledge and skills to handle greater complexity.

Conclusions

There was a mix of participant opinions about the increasing complexity of the mothers presenting at residential parenting services during the past decade. Some of the nurses and physicians confirmed an increase in complexity of the mothers while several participants proposed that it was linked to their increased psychosocial assessment knowledge and skill. All participants recognised their work had grown in complexity regardless of their perception about the increased complexity of the mothers.

Relevance to clinical practice

Australian residential parenting services have a significant role in supporting mothers and their families who are experiencing parenting difficulties. It frequently provides early intervention that helps minimise later emotional and physical problems. Nurses are well placed to work with and support mothers with complex histories. Acknowledgement is required that this work is stressful and nurses need to be adequately supported and educated to manage the complex presentations of many families.
Working in partnership: the application of shared decision‐making to health visitor practice
Authors: Astbury Ruth , Shepherd Ashley , Cheyne Helen
Published: July 2016

Aims and objectives

To explore the processes that support shared decision‐making when health visitors and parents are creating plans to improve the well‐being of babies and children.

Background

Worldwide, there is a focus on promoting children's well‐being to enhance the population health. Within the United Kingdom, health visitors have a key responsibility for working in partnership with parents to support this agenda. Despite evidence that the application of ‘shared decision‐making’ frameworks can increase patient participation, improve patient satisfaction and improve health outcomes, there is limited research linking shared decision‐making with health visitor practice.

Design

A qualitative, descriptive study.

Methods

The study was undertaken in two phases: in Phase 1, data were collected by audio recording two health visitor–parent decision‐making conversations, in the absence of the researcher, where decisions around planning for a baby or child were being made as part of usual care, and then the participants’ experiences were sought through individual questionnaires. In Phase 2, semistructured interviews were conducted with nine health visitors and nine parents in relation to their recent experiences of planning care.

Results

Evidence of supportive processes included having a shared understanding around the issue needing to be addressed; being able to identify interventions that were accessible for the family; engaging in decision‐making through deep, meaningful conversations using sensitive and responsive approaches; and establishing positive relationships between health visitors and parents, significant others within the family and other professionals.

Conclusion

Despite evidence of strong, trusting relationships between parents and health visitors, there were times when shared decision‐making was unable to take place due to the absence of supportive processes.

Relevance to clinical practice

Health visitors are aware that planning interventions with parents can be complex. These findings indicate the value of using a shared decision‐making framework to structure planning, as application of a framework identified the processes that support a collaborative approach in practice.
Efficacy and Safety of Local Intracoronary Drug Delivery in Treatment of No‐Reflow Phenomenon: A Pilot Study
Authors: Abu Arab Tamer , Rafik Ramy , El Etriby Adel
Published: July 2016

Background

Successful reopening of epicardial coronary artery does not always mean optimal myocardial reperfusion in a sizable portion of patients, mostly because of no‐reflow phenomenon.

Objectives

We investigated whether local injection of adrenaline ± verapamil in the distal coronary bed is more effective than their intracoronary (IC) injection through the guiding catheter in the treatment of no‐reflow phenomenon following percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

Methods

A total of 40 patients with no‐reflow following PCI were randomized into two groups. Group 1 received IC adrenaline ± verapamil through a well‐cannulated guiding catheter while Group 2 received the above‐mentioned drugs in the distal coronary bed through a perfusion balloon or selective microcatheter. The primary end points were the achievement of TIMI III flow with MBG II or III. Secondary end points were the occurrence of hypotension, arrhythmias, and major adverse cardiac events (MACEs) during hospital stay.

Results

After drug injection, the percentage of patients achieving Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) III flow in Group 1 was 40% versus 80% in Group 2, P = 0.032. MBG II and III was significantly lower in Group 1; 10% and 25% versus 15% and 65% in Group 2, respectively, P = 0.033. Primary end points were achieved in only 35% of patients in Group 1 and in 80% of patients in Group 2 (odds ratio, 7.43, 95% confidence interval 1.78–31.04, P < 0.01). Secondary end points were not different between both groups.

Conclusion

Local intra‐coronary delivery of adrenaline ± verapamil is a safe and effective method for the treatment of no‐reflow phenomenon complicating PCI.
Evaluation of Cystatin C for the Detection of Chronic Kidney Disease in Cats
Authors: Ghys L.F.E. , Paepe D. , Lefebvre H.P. , Reynolds B.S. , Croubels S. , Meyer E. , Delanghe J.R. , Daminet S.
Published: July 2016

Background

Serum cystatin C (sCysC) and urinary cystatin C (uCysC) are potential biomarkers for early detection of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in cats. An in‐depth clinical validation is required.

Objectives

To evaluate CysC as a marker forCKDin cats and to compare assay performance of the turbidimetric assay (PETIA) with the previously validated nephelometric assay (PENIA).

Animals

Ninety cats were included: 49CKDand 41 healthy cats.

Methods

Serum CysC anduCysC concentrations were prospectively evaluated in cats withCKDand healthy cats. Based on plasma exo‐iohexol clearance test (PexICT),sCysC was evaluated to distinguish normal, borderline, and lowGFR. Sensitivity and specificity to detect PexICT < 1.7 mL/min/kg were calculated. Serum CysC results ofPENIAandPETIAwere correlated withGFR. Statistical analysis was performed using general linear modeling.

Results

Cats withCKDhad significantly higher mean ± SD sCysC (1.4 ± 0.5 mg/L) (P < .001) anduCysC/urinary creatinine (uCr) (291 ± 411 mg/mol) (P < .001) compared to healthy cats (sCysC 1.0 ± 0.3 anduCysC/uCr 0.32 ± 0.97).UCysC was detected in 35/49CKDcats.R2values betweenGFRandsCysC orsCr were 0.39 and 0.71, respectively (sCysC orsCr = μ + GFR + ε). Sensitivity and specificity were 22 and 100% forsCysC and 83 and 93% forsCr. Serum CysC could not distinguish healthy fromCKDcats, nor normal from borderline or low GFR, in contrast withsCr.

Conclusion

Serum CysC is not a reliable marker of reducedGFRin cats anduCysC could not be detected in allCKDcats.
What's in a Name? Classification of Diabetes Mellitus in Veterinary Medicine and Why It Matters
Authors: Gilor C. , Niessen S.J.M. , Furrow E. , DiBartola S.P.
Published: July 2016

Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is a syndrome caused by various etiologies. The clinical manifestations ofDMare not indicative of the cause of the disease, but might be indicative of the stage and severity of the disease process. Accurately diagnosing and classifying diabetic dogs and cats by the underlying disease process is essential for current and future studies on early detection, prevention, and treatment of underlying disease. Here, we review the current etiology‐based classification ofDMand definitions ofDMtypes in human medicine and discuss key points on the pathogenesis of eachDMtype and prediabetes. We then review current evidence for application of this etiology‐based classification scheme in dogs and cats. In dogs, we emphasize the lack of consistent evidence for autoimmuneDM(Type 1) and the possible importance of otherDMtypes such asDMassociated with exocrine pancreatic disease. While most dogs are first examined because ofDMin an insulin‐dependent state, early and accurate diagnosis of the underlying disease process could change the long‐term outcome and allow some degree of insulin independence. In cats, we review the appropriateness of using the umbrella term of Type 2DMand differentiating it fromDMsecondary to other endocrine disease like hypersomatotropism. This differentiation could have crucial implications on treatment and prognosis. We also discuss the challenges in defining and diagnosing prediabetes in cats.
QuantitativePCRand Cytology of Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid in Dogs withBordetella bronchisepticaInfection
Authors: Canonne A.M. , Billen F. , Tual C. , Ramery E. , Roels E. , Peters I. , Clercx C.
Published: July 2016

Background

The use of quantitativePCR(qPCR) for detection ofBordetella bronchisepticain bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and demonstration of bacteria adhering to ciliated epithelial cells inBALFor bronchial brushing fluid (BBF) has not been assessed in a series of affected dogs. Coinfections can worsen the clinical severity in bordetellosis, but the specific association withMycoplasma cynoshas not been evaluated.

Objectives

To assess the utility of culture,qPCRand cytologic examination of cytospin preparations in the diagnosis of bordetellosis in dogs and the influence of coinfection byM. cynoson disease severity.

Animals

Twenty‐four referred dogs withB. bronchisepticainfection and 10 healthy dogs.

Methods

Retrospective case series.qPCR(B. bronchisepticaandM. cynos) and culture results fromBALFwere recorded. Cytospin preparations fromBALFandBBFwere reviewed.qPCRonBALFfrom 10 healthy dogs were used as negative control.

Results

TheBALFculture andqPCRdetectedB. bronchisepticain 14/24 and 18/18 dogs, respectively. Coccobacilli were found adhering to ciliated epithelial cells in 20 of the 21BALFcytologic preparations where epithelial cells were found, and 2/3BBFcytologic preparations. Quantitative PCR detected a low level ofB. bronchisepticain one healthy dog. The frequency of detection ofM. cynoswas not significantly different inB. bronchiseptica(9/17 dogs) compared with healthy dogs (2/10 dogs) (P = .09).

Conclusion and Clinical Importance

Quantitative PCR detection ofB. bronchisepticainBALFappears to be a useful diagnostic tool. Cytologic examination ofBALForBBF, when positive, allows a rapid and reliable diagnosis.
Piecing together female extra‐pair mate choice: females really do prefer more ornamented males
Authors: Wells Sarah J. , Safran Rebecca J. , Dale James
Published: July 2016

Evolutionary biologists have long been fascinated by extravagant male traits that abound across the animal kingdom and yet convey no apparent benefits to survival. From isopods to elephants, from armaments to ornaments, researchers have spent decades studying male–male competition and female mate choice in an effort to understand the significance of these secondary sexual characteristics. Among socially monogamous species, a frequently proposed explanation for the existence of male ornaments is that they are indicators of male genetic quality subject to female extra‐pair mate choice. However, despite over two decades of extensive research into extra‐pair paternity (EPP), the evidence that females actually choose more ornamented extra‐pair sires is surprisingly scant. Consequently, whether EPP and female choice have contributed to the evolution of male ornaments in socially monogamous species, and what fitness benefits (if any) they signal to females, remains unclear. Progress in this field has been hampered by the challenge of dissociating clear female choice for ornamentation from confounding factors. In this issue of Molecular Ecology, Whittingham & Dunn (2016) use an experimental approach in a bird species with very high rates of EPP to tease apart these correlative effects. In doing so, they demonstrate clearly that male ornamentation is subject to female extra‐pair mate choice. Their findings further suggest that EPP can be adaptive for females, and represent an important step forward in validating the role of EPP as an evolutionary driver of ornamental elaboration in socially monogamous species.
Imagining the borderlands: managing (to prolong) conflict in Tibet
Authors: Barnett Robert
Published: July 2016

The current phase of political conflict in Tibet began with pro‐independence protests in the late 1980s and saw a significant surge of unrest in 2008. But that unrest was not continuous and for much of the last 25 years was at a low level of intensity. Yet the Chinese authorities have categorised the situation in Tibet as a ‘life‐and‐death struggle’ against pro‐independence forces throughout this period. This paper notes earlier debates in Chinese history about political strategies for managing borderland peoples, including late imperial era attempts by Chinese officials to forcibly change Tibetan culture that provoked rather than assuaged conflict. It suggests that this happened again in the 1990s when a group of Chinese officials proposed policies that sought directly to change core cultural practices among Tibetans. These policies of selective cultural intervention, unprecedented in the post‐Mao era in Tibet, fuelled long‐term resentment, leading to the violence and unrest of 2008. The paper argues that these policies were inseparable from the institutional interests of the agency within the Chinese Communist Party, the United Front, which had promoted them, to the extent that its status and influence within the state bureaucracy depended on it preventing them from being challenged or reversed. It made cultural intervention in Tibet seem normative to the Chinese policy elite by invoking three interlocked imaginings about ways of managing borderland peoples – the perception of perpetual war, Han expertise at borderland management, and latent threat within borderland cultures. That these have led to the prolonging of conflict in Tibet for over a quarter‐century is a reminder of the importance of considering institutional dynamics in the analysis of ethnic conflict.
Majority versus minority religious status and diasporic nationalism: Indian American advocacy organisations
Authors: Kurien Prema
Published: July 2016

Studies of the homeland‐oriented activism of diasporic groups focus on cases where those who share national origins also share common political interests. But other literature indicates that ethnic majority and minority groups may have different attitudes towards their homelands. This paper examines how majority and minority religious status in the homeland affects the foreign policy activism of immigrant organisations. It also examines how competing groups mobilising around foreign policy concerns frame their issues in such a way as to resonate with their Western audiences. Using examples of the mobilisation of Indian American groups around religious issues in India, it demonstrates that there are fundamental differences in the concerns and goals of Hindu American organisations and those representing Muslims, Sikhs and Christian Americans of Indian ancestry. These differences often result in opposing patterns of mobilisation around homeland issues.
Clinical and histological features of lupus nephritis in Japan: A cross‐sectional analysis of the Japan Renal Biopsy Registry (J‐RBR)
Authors: Hiromura Keiju , Ikeuchi Hidekazu , Kayakabe Ken , Sugiyama Hitoshi , Nagata Michio , Sato Hiroshi , Yokoyama Hitoshi , Nojima Yoshihisa
Published: July 2016

Aim

The clinical and histological features of lupus nephritis (LN) are highly variable, depending on race and ethnicity. The Japan Renal Biopsy Registry (J‐RBR) is a nationwide registry of renal biopsies. Here, we report a cross‐sectional analysis of Japanese LN using the J‐RBR database.

Methods

Out of 18 463 patients registered in the J‐RBR, 331 LN patients, who received renal biopsy for the first time, were extracted and their clinical features were analyzed according to the ISN/RPS 2003 classification.

Results

The median age of the 331 LN patients was 37 years (women, 81.3%). The frequencies of each of the ISN/RPS Classes were as follows: I, 1.2%; II, 7.9%; III (±V), 25.1%; IV‐S (±V), 13.0%; IV‐G (±V), 31.1%; V, 20.8%; and VI, 0.9%. The level of proteinuria and the prevalence of nephrotic syndrome were highest for Class IV‐G (±V). When Classes I, II, and VI were excluded from the analysis, Class IV‐G (±V) was significantly associated with a lower eGFR and severer haematuria than the other classes.

Conclusion

This nationwide study revealed that Class IV‐G (±V) was the most prevalent form of LN in Japan and was associated with a severe clinical renal presentation.
Bispectral index under propofol anesthesia in children: a comparative randomized study between TIVA and TCI
Authors: Louvet Nicolas , Rigouzzo Agnès , Sabourdin Nada , Constant Isabelle
Published: July 2016

Background

In children, only a few studies have compared different modes of propofol infusion during a total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA) with propofol and remifentanil. The aim of this study was to compare Bispectral Index (BIS) profiles (percentage of time spent at adequate BIS values) between four modes of propofol infusion: titration of the infusion rate on clinical signs (TIVA0), titration of the infusion rate on the BIS (TIVABIS), target controlled infusion (TCI) guided by the BIS either with the Kataria model (TCI KBIS) or the Schnider model (TCI SBIS).

Methods

Sixty‐six children (aged from 4 to 14 years) were prospectively randomized into one of the four groups. In the TIVA0 group, the anesthesiologist was blinded to the BIS. In each group, the percentage of time with adequate BIS values (45–55), the bias, and imprecision were calculated.

Results

The propofol consumption was similar in the four groups. During the maintenance phase, the percentage of time spent in the targeted BIS range was significantly lower in the TIVA0 group compared to the three other groups (TIVA0: 31% ± 22, TIVABIS: 59% ± 17, TCI KBIS: 53% ± 12, TCI SBIS: 56% ± 17). The bias was not statistically different between the four groups, but the imprecision was larger for the TIVA0 group. Compared to the Kataria model, the Schnider model was associated with shorter time delay to reach the desired BIS, to eyes opening, and to tracheal extubation.

Conclusions

Propofol administration using manual infusion guided by clinical signs was associated with higher risks of over‐ or underdosage when compared to BIS‐guided administrations. When propofol infusion was guided by the BIS, no major difference was found between TIVA and TCI (either with the Kataria or the Schnider model). This study highlights the need of a pharmacodynamic feedback during propofol anesthesia in children.
Response to propranolol in infantile hemangioma
Authors: Sirachainan Nongnuch , Lekanan Wasuthida , Thammagasorn Yuwaluk , Wanitkun Suthep , Kadegasem Praguywan , Chunharas Amornsri
Published: July 2016

Propranolol, 2 mg/kg/day, is effective in the treatment of infantile hemangioma. We report the response to propranolol in infants with hemangioma at a dose of 1 mg/kg/day. Sixteen infants with newly diagnosed infantile hemangioma were given propranolol at a dose titrated from 0.5 mg/kg/day then increased to 1 or 2 mg/kg/day based on response to treatment until the lesions showed clinical stability for 3 consecutive months. Five out of 16 patients (31.2%) responded to propranolol at 1 mg/kg/day, while the remainder required 2 mg/kg/day for response. Vascular endothelial growth factor significantly decreased after treatment (median, 117.8 pg/mL; range, 35.3–468.7 pg/mL vs 59.2 pg/mL; range, 26.3–133.0 pg/mL; P = 0.016). Therefore, we recommend initiating treatment at 0.5 mg/kg/day for 2 days, then 1 mg/kg/day for 1 month. If the hemangioma has not decreased in size by 1 month follow up, the dose is subsequently increased to 2 mg/kg/day.
Extrapontine myelinolysis associated with severe hypernatremia in infancy
Authors: Aoki Ryoji , Morimoto Tetsuji , Takahashi Yuno , Saito Hiroshi , Fuchigami Tatsuo , Takahashi Shori
Published: July 2016

Extrapontine myelinolysis (EPM) is an uncommon disorder in children, with few pediatric cases reported to date. We report the first case of an infant with EPM without central pontine myelinolysis (CPM) presenting with severe hypernatremia. On admission, the infant had impaired consciousness, mild dehydration, and severe hypernatremia (190 mmol/L). The following day, the patient developed abnormal involuntary movements. Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) confirmed EPM without CPM. He recovered without sequelae, and clinical examinations were within normal limits approximately 6 months after discharge. Brain MRI at 1 year after onset showed complete disappearance of the previous EPM regions. To the best of our knowledge, this represents the youngest patient with EPM without CPM presenting with severe hypernatremia. Given that treatment for osmotic demyelination syndrome (ODS) is yet to be established, preventing the development of ODS is crucial.
Clinical guides for atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome in Japan
Authors: Kato Hideki , Nangaku Masaomi , Hataya Hiroshi , Sawai Toshihiro , Ashida Akira , Fujimaru Rika , Hidaka Yoshihiko , Kaname Shinya , Maruyama Shoichi , Yasuda Takashi , Yoshida Yoko , Ito Shuichi , Hattori Motoshi , Miyakawa Yoshitaka , Fujimura Yoshihiro , Okada Hirokazu , Kagami Shoji ,   The Joint Committee for the Revision of Clinical Guides of Atypical Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome in Japan
Published: July 2016

Atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS) is a rare disease characterized by the triad of microangiopathic hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, and acute kidney injury. In 2013, we developed diagnostic criteria to enable early diagnosis and timely initiation of appropriate treatment for aHUS. Recent clinical and molecular findings have resulted in several proposed classifications and definitions of thrombotic microangiopathy and aHUS. Based on recent advances in this field and the emerging international consensus to exclude secondary TMAs from the definition of aHUS, we have redefined aHUS and proposed diagnostic algorithms, differential diagnosis, and therapeutic strategies for aHUS.
Attitudes, Beliefs, and Measures Taken by Parents to Protect Their Children from the Sun in Guangzhou City, China
Authors: Wan Miaojian , Hu Rong , Li Ying , Wang Yaning , Xie Xiaoyuan , Yue Pan , Guan Lei , Lai Wei
Published: July 2016

Excessive sun exposure can cause sunburn, suntan, skin photoaging, and even skin cancer. Skin photoaging conflicts with the human pursuit of a young and beautiful appearance. Some research data indicate that the incidence of skin cancer in the Chinese has been increasing, although it remains lower than in whites. To estimate the prevalence of sun protection used on Chinese children aged 3–13 years and identify its predictors, a population‐based cross‐sectional questionnaire was given to 3684 parents/guardians of children in Guangzhou, China, of which 3083 questionnaires were returned. Of those returned, 35.5% of parents/guardians reported regularly using sun protection on their children and the primary reason cited was to prevent sunburn. Hats and handheld umbrellas were the most frequently used measures; sunscreen was less common, and when used, 48.8% of parents/guardians still reapplied sunscreen on their children every 2.0–3.0 h. Parental age, parents using sun protection measures themselves when outdoors, and the child's sex were factors associated with regular use of sun protection on children. These results suggest that sun protection campaigns targeted toward parents and children need to be conducted in Guangzhou, or throughout China, to strengthen awareness about sun protection and address any inadequate protocols of sun protection.
Recent advances in renal cell carcinoma from a pathological point of view
Authors: Mikami Shuji , Oya Mototsugu , Mizuno Ryuichi , Kosaka Takeo , Ishida Masaru , Kuroda Naoto , Nagashima Yoji , Katsube Ken‐ichi , Okada Yasunori
Published: July 2016

The purpose of this article is to review the recent advances in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) from a pathological point of view. Because the genetic features and morphological characteristics have become major criteria for the classification of RCC, special techniques, such as immunohistochemistry, are essential to the differential diagnosis of renal tumors. Metastasis is frequently observed among the RCC patients with curative nephrectomy, and extracellular matrix‐degrading enzymes, such as matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) and heparanase, play a key role in invasion and metastasis of RCC. Snail and Slug, transcription factors of epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT), accelerate cancer cell invasion through downregulation of E‐cadherin and up‐regulation of MMP. Therapies targeted at the vascular endothelial growth factor pathway have become the standard treatment of metastatic RCC. Although they lead to tumor shrinkage mainly by inhibiting angiogenesis, they have typically been associated with drug resistance. The mechanism of the resistance remains largely unknown, but complex events including re‐activation of angiogenesis, EMT and cancer stem cells, and immune escape are implicated in the refractory response to the therapy. Recent advances of the research on RCC have caused the changes of classification and therapy, and pathologists should take overall view of these as integrated pathology.
FN400 and LPC memory effects for concrete and abstract words
Authors: Stróżak Paweł , Bird Christopher W. , Corby Krystin , Frishkoff Gwen , Curran Tim
Published: July 2016

According to dual‐process models, recognition memory depends on two neurocognitive mechanisms: familiarity, which has been linked to the frontal N400 (FN400) effect in studies using ERPs, and recollection, which is reflected by changes in the late positive complex (LPC). Recently, there has been some debate over the relationship between FN400 familiarity effects and N400 semantic effects. According to one view, these effects are one and the same. Proponents of this view have suggested that the frontal distribution of the FN400 could be due to stimulus concreteness: recognition memory experiments commonly use highly imageable or concrete words (or pictures), which elicit semantic ERPs with a frontal distribution. In the present study, we tested this claim using a recognition memory paradigm in which subjects memorized concrete and abstract nouns; half of the words changed font color between study and test. FN400 and LPC old/new effects were observed for abstract as well as concrete words, and were stronger over right hemisphere electrodes for concrete words. However, there was no difference in anteriority of the FN400 effect for the two word types. These findings challenge the notion that the frontal distribution of the FN400 old/new effect is fully explained by stimulus concreteness.
Using strategic ambiguity as management practice in academic R&D: an ethnographic study of MIT SENSEable City Lab
Authors: Simeone Luca
Published: July 2016

This article explores the role of strategic ambiguity as a management practice, as used in SENSEable City Lab – a R&D‐oriented lab located at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Cambridge, MA. Although literature has already explored strategic ambiguity in various organizational settings, studies focusing on how academic institutions use strategic ambiguity in the context of R&D are quite sparse. The article aims at filling this gap by reporting on a study conducted by the author across 2011 and 2014 in a R&D‐oriented academic lab and reflecting on the potential of strategic ambiguity as an effective dialogic strategy to appreciate differences among internal organization members and with external partners. The article also examines some shortcomings of strategic ambiguity, such as the level of anxiety reported by some members of the lab.
The Paris Agreement and the Regulation of International Bunker Fuels
Authors: Martinez Romera Beatriz
Published: July 2016

In 1992, the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change called for all sectors of the global economy, including transport, to contribute to the stabilization of greenhouse gas emissions. However, five years later, international aviation and maritime transport were explicitly excluded from the Kyoto Protocol's scope and have remained largely untouched. The negotiations on the regulation of these sectors' emissions under the United Nations climate regime, the International Civil Aviation Organization and the International Maritime Organization have played the buck‐passing game for over two decades. In December 2015, the Paris Agreement was adopted without a reference to international aviation and maritime transport. Nevertheless, the Agreement is not without consequences for the regulation of these sectors. This article analyses the omission of the sectors from the Paris Agreement and the potential indirect effects of the Agreement in the regulation of emissions from international aviation and maritime transport. It argues that a multilateral regulatory shift to other venues outside the climate regime, unilateral measures and industry action will be further stimulated as a result of the omission of both sectors from the Paris Agreement.
Business Cycle Accounting for Peripheral European Economies
Authors: Caraiani Petre
Published: July 2016

Using the Business Cycle Accounting methodology, this paper analyzes the dynamics of the EMU‐periphery economies before and during what was called the sovereign debt crisis. TFP dynamics and the labor wedge explain most of the dynamics before and during the crisis. The bond wedge, corresponding to the risk premium, made a low contribution, moving counter‐cyclically. The capital wedge made a modest contribution to the fall in output during the crisis. Additional evidence links the dynamics of the TFP and the labor wedge with changes in the interest rates and a spike in import prices at the onset of the crisis, corresponding to the general mechanisms of the large capital inflows, in the wake of the introduction of the Euro, followed by sudden stops.
Refrigerated storage of platelets initiates changes in platelet surface marker expression and localization of intracellular proteins
Authors: Wood Ben , Padula Matthew P. , Marks Denese C. , Johnson Lacey
Published: July 2016

BACKGROUND

Platelets (PLTs) are currently stored at room temperature (22°C), which limits their shelf life, primarily due to the risk of bacterial growth. Alternatives to room temperature storage include PLT refrigeration (2‐6°C), which inhibits bacterial growth, thus potentially allowing an extension of shelf life. Additionally, refrigerated PLTs appear more hemostatically active than conventional PLTs, which may be beneficial in certain clinical situations. However, the mechanisms responsible for this hemostatic function are not well characterized. The aim of this study was to assess the protein profile of refrigerated PLTs in an effort to understand these functional consequences.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

Buffy coat PLTs were pooled, split, and stored either at room temperature (20‐24°C) or under refrigerated (2‐6°C) conditions (n = 8 in each group). PLTs were assessed for changes in external receptor expression and actin filamentation using flow cytometry. Intracellular proteomic changes were assessed using two‐dimensional gel electrophoresis and Western blotting.

RESULTS

PLT refrigeration significantly reduced the abundance of glycoproteins (GPIb, GPIX, GPIIb, and GPIV) on the external membrane. However, refrigeration resulted in the increased expression of high‐affinity integrins (αIIbβ3 and β1) and activation and apoptosis markers (CD62P, CD63, and phosphatidylserine). PLT refrigeration substantially altered the abundance and localization of several cytoskeletal proteins and resulted in an increase in actin filamentation, as measured by phalloidin staining.

CONCLUSION

Refrigerated storage of PLTs induces significant changes in the expression and localization of both surface‐expressed and intracellular proteins. Understanding these proteomic changes may help to identify the mechanisms resulting in the refrigeration‐associated alterations in PLT function and clearance.