bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
FGFs: crucial factors that regulate tumour initiation and progression
Authors: Jing Qian , Wang Yuanyuan , Liu Hao , Deng Xiaowei , Jiang Lin , Liu Rui , Song Haixing , Li Jingyi
Published: July 2016

Fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) are crucial signalling molecules involved in normal cell growth, differentiation and proliferation. Over the past few decades, a large body of research has illustrated effects of individual FGFs on tumour initiation and progression. Tumour development is commonly accompanied with generation of new blood and lymph vessels, which support enhanced cell proliferation. Moreover, acquisition of tumour cells of the epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) phenotype, enhances tumour cell migration and invasion potentials, crucial steps in tumour metastasis. This review summarizes recent findings concerning roles of FGFs in angiogenesis, lymphangiogenesis and EMT.
Botulinum neurotoxin treatment in children with cerebral palsy: validation of a needle placement protocol using passive muscle stretching and relaxing
Authors: Warnink‐Kavelaars Jessica , Vermeulen R Jeroen , Buizer Annemieke I , Becher Jules G
Published: July 2016

Aim

To validate a detailed intramuscular needle placement protocol using passive muscle stretching and relaxing for botulinum neurotoxin type A (BoNT‐A) treatment in the lower extremity of children with spastic cerebral palsy (CP), with verification by electrical stimulation.

Method

A prospective observational study was performed in 75 children with spastic CP who received regular BoNT‐A treatment under general anaesthesia (52 males, 23 females; mean age 8y 9mo, SD 3y 7mo, range 4–18y; mean body mass index 16.2, SD 3.7, range 7.7–26.7). A total of 1084 intramuscular needle placements using passive muscle stretching and relaxing were verified by electrical stimulation. Primary outcome was the positive predictive value.

Results

Intramuscular needle placement in the muscles adductor brevis, adductor longus, gracilis, semimembranosus, semitendinosus, biceps femoris, rectus femoris, and lateral and medial heads of the gastrocnemius and soleus had a positive predictive value ranging from 85.7% to 100% (95% confidence interval ranging from 71.5–89.9% to 91.4–100%).

Interpretation

This validated detailed protocol for intramuscular needle placement using passive muscle stretching and relaxing for BoNT‐A treatment in the lower extremity of children with spastic CP is reliable and has a high positive predictive value.
Trait variation and integration across scales: is the leaf economic spectrum present at local scales?
Authors: Messier Julie , McGill Brian J. , Enquist Brian J. , Lechowicz Martin J.
Published: July 2016

Trait‐based approaches have taken an increasingly dominant role in community ecology. Although trait‐based strategy dimensions such as the leaf economic spectrum (LES) have been identified primarily at global‐scales, trait variation at the community scale is often interpreted in this context. Here we argue from several lines of evidence that a research priority should be to determine whether global‐scale trait relationships hold at more local scales. We review recent literature assessing trait variation at smaller scales, and then present a case study exploring the relationship between the correlation strength of leaf traits and their similarity in variation structure across ecological scales. We find that the correlation strength between pairs of leaf traits does not predict whether the traits respond similarly to different drivers of variation. Instead, correlation strength only sets an upper bound to the dissimilarity in trait variation structure. With moderate correlation strengths, LES traits largely retain the ability to respond independently to different drivers of phenotypic variation at different scales. Recent literature and our results suggest that LES relationships may not hold at local scales. Clarifying under what conditions and at which scales the LES is consistently expressed is necessary for us to make the most of the emerging trait toolbox.
Oviposition choice and larval performance of Neomusotima conspurcatalis on leaflet types of the invasive fern, Lygodium microphyllum
Authors: Smith Melissa C. , Lake Ellen C. , Wheeler Gregory S.
Published: July 2016

Lygodium microphyllum (Cavanilles) R Brown (Lygodiaceae), Old World climbing fern, invades wildlands in central and southern Florida, USA, and causes considerable habitat disturbance. Efforts to develop an effective biological control strategy have focused on several folivorous insects and a leaf‐galling mite from southeast Asia and Australia. Neomusotima conspurcatalis Warren (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) is a foliage‐feeding moth that specializes on Lygodium species. First released in 2008, N. conspurcatalis successfully established in Florida and is dispersing throughout the L. microphyllum‐invaded range. We investigated whether N. conspurcatalis display any preference (oviposition or larval feeding) between two leaflet morphologies, i.e., fertile spore‐producing vs. sterile leaflets. Furthermore, we examined whether oviposition and no‐choice diets on either fern leaflet type conferred any possible selective advantages (e.g., weight, emergence success) to the offspring. Finally, we analyzed leaf nitrogen and carbon content and leaf volatiles to gauge differences between the leaflet types. In choice and no‐choice scenarios, larvae consume approximately the same amount of leaf area and display no preference between fertile and sterile leaflets. However, females deposited significantly more eggs on fertile than on sterile leaflets. Oviposition choice had no effect on larval development times, pupal weights, or successful eclosure. Nitrogen and carbon content did not differ between fertile and sterile samples, but sterile leaflets contain more 1‐octen‐3‐ol, which may act as an herbivory deterrent. The propagule attack imposed by N. conspurcatalis feeding on fertile leaflets is unlikely to provide adequate control, but could be beneficial as part of a suite of biological control agents and other control methods.
The Embodiment of Class in the Croatian VET School System
Authors: Doolan Karin , Lukić Natalija , Buković Nikola
Published: July 2016

This article engages with the notion that schools embody social class in their structures and practices. We draw on Bourdieu's critical concept of ‘field’ to describe the larger landscape of Croatian secondary schooling: a stratified system whose routes serve, and have served, to reinforce the maintenance of class (under)privilege. We also draw on the concept of ‘institutional habitus’, an analytical extension of Bourdieu's concept of ‘habitus’ to school settings, in order to capture how schools produce and reproduce class distinctions through their status, expressive order, curriculum and organisational characteristics. We ‘load’ these concepts with empirical meaning based on interview and focus group data we collected from students, teachers and parents in three, three‐year vocational schools in Croatia, finding that these schools embody a working‐class ‘habitus’. Students in these schools tend to come from less privileged family backgrounds than students in four‐year schools, practical subjects are prioritised over the academic, on‐the‐job training over school work and the schools are fairly under‐resourced.
Phylogenetic relationships of Pieridae (Lepidoptera: Papilionoidea) in China based on seven gene fragments
Authors: Ding Changping , Zhang Yalin
Published: July 2016

The butterfly family Pieridae includes approximately 1000 described extant species distributed worldwide. Among these, 154 species belonging to 24 genera are recorded in China. There has been no previous comprehensive phylogenetic study of the molecular phylogeny of Chinese pierids based on molecular data. In this study, 52 species representing 21 genera distributed in China were sampled. We reconstructed their evolutionary history based on four mitochondrial (COII, ND1, Cytb and 16S rDNA) and three nuclear (28S rRNA (D2–D3), 28S rRNA (D8) and EF‐1α) gene fragments using maximum parsimony (MP), maximum likelihood (ML) and Bayesian inference (BI). Our results are congruent with recent studies and support the monophyly of three subfamilies, with Dismorphiinae sister to Coliadinae + Pierinae. Relationships among five genera of Coliadinae are: Eurema + (Dercas + (Goneperyx + (Catopsilia + Colias))). Relationships among the largest subfamily Pierinae are consistently recovered as follows: Leptosiaini + ((Nepheroniini + Teracolini) + (Anthocharidini + Pierini)). The division of three subgenera of Aporia (Aporia, Metaporia and Mesapia) is not supported because both the Aporia (Aporia) and Aporia (Metaporia) are found to be strongly paraphyletic, with Mesapia nested within Aporia sensu lato.
Use of the oral sugar test in ponies when performed with or without prior fasting
Authors: Knowles E. J. , Harris P. A. , Elliott J. , Menzies‐Gow N. J.
Published: July 2016

Background

It is recommended that the oral sugar test (OST) for insulin dysregulation (ID) be performed after an overnight fast, but fasting is impractical in ponies kept solely at pasture. There are few data on OST repeatability and reliability in ponies.

Objectives

To report 1) whether OST results obtained in the morning after an overnight fast or without fasting in the afternoon (FASTING/FED) can be used interchangeably, 2) time of highest insulin concentration Tmax[insulin], repeatability and reliability of insulin response to the OST when FASTING or FED and 3) dichotomous agreement (ID/normal) within a small sample when FASTING or FED.

Study design

Method comparison study.

Methods

Oral sugar tests were performed on four occasions in 10 adult native British ponies, twice FASTING and twice FED. Insulin concentrations were measured by radioimmunoassay at 0–120 min (T0,30,60,75,90,120). Differences between FASTING and FED results were assessed using mixed effects models. Indices of repeatability and reliability were calculated; dichotomous agreement was reported using kappa statistics.

Results

Serum [insulin] was significantly (P≤0.05) higher at T60–T90 with prior fasting (estimated differences [95% confidence intervals]): T60: 23.5 μiu/ml (8.7–38.4 μiu/ml), T75: 27.1 μiu/ml (12.3–41.8 μiu/ml), T90: 15.1 (0.36–29.9 μiu/ml). Most frequently, Tmax[ins] occurred at T30. At any single time point, within‐subject coefficients of variation were: FASTING: 40% and FED: 31%. The 95% limits for repeatability were FASTING: 29–340%, FED: 41–240%. Test reliabilities were FASTING: 0.70 and FED: 0.67. For dichotomous interpretation similar results (kappa = 0.7) were obtained using cut‐offs of [Insulin] >60 μiu/ml at T60 or T90 for FASTING and [Insulin] >51 μiu/ml at T30 or T60 for FED samples.

Main limitations

Oral sugar tests were performed on a small number of animals on one pasture during one season (spring).

Conclusions

Clinicians should beware of interpreting changes in absolute OST results owing to poor repeatability. When stabling is unavailable, OSTs of ponies at pasture may yield similar dichotomous results without prior fasting.
Preservation of overmature, ancient, sedimentary organic matter in carbonate concretions during outcrop weathering
Authors: Loyd S. J.
Published: July 2016

Concretions are preferentially cemented zones within sediments and sedimentary rocks. Cementation can result from relatively early diagenetic processes that include degradation of sedimentary organic compounds or methane as indicated by significantly 13C‐depleted or enriched carbon isotope compositions. As minerals fill pore space, reduced permeability may promote preservation of sediment components from degradation during subsequent diagenesis, burial heating and outcrop weathering. Discrete and macroscopic organic remains, macro and microfossils, magnetic grains, and sedimentary structures can be preferentially preserved within concretions. Here, Cretaceous carbonate concretions of the Holz Shale are shown to contain relatively high carbonate‐free total organic carbon (TOC) contents (up to ~18.5 wt%) compared to the surrounding host rock (with <2.1 wt%). TOC increases with total inorganic carbon (TIC) content, a metric of the degree of cementation. Pyrite contents within concretions generally correlate with organic carbon contents. Concretion carbonate carbon isotope compositions (δ13Ccarb) range from −22.5 to −3.4‰ (VPDB) and do not correlate strongly with TOC. Organic carbon isotope compositions (δ13Corg) of concretions and host rock are similar. Thermal maturity data indicate that both host and concretion organic matter are overmature and have evolved beyond the oil window maturity stage. Although the organic matter in general has experienced significant oxidative weathering, concretion interiors exhibit lower oxygen indices relative to the host. These results suggest that carbonate concretions can preferentially preserve overmature, ancient, sedimentary organic matter during outcrop weathering, despite evidence for organic matter degradation genetic mechanisms. As a result, concretions may provide an optimal proxy target for characterization of more primary organic carbon concentrations and chemical compositions. In addition, these findings indicate that concretions can promote delayed oxidative weathering of organic carbon in outcrop and therefore impact local chemical cycling.
Balance between cAMP and Ca2+ signals regulates expression levels of pituitary adenylate cyclase‐activating polypeptide gene in neurons
Authors: Fukuchi Mamoru , Kuwana Yuki , Tabuchi Akiko , Tsuda Masaaki
Published: July 2016

Mice lacking the gene encoding pituitary adenylate cyclase‐activating polypeptide (PACAP) or its specific receptor, PAC1, show abnormal behaviors related to schizophrenia. However, the regulation of PACAP expression in neurons remains unclear. Here, we report that Pacap mRNA levels are regulated transcriptionally and post‐transcriptionally by cAMP and Ca2+ signals in cultured rat cortical cells. Pacap mRNA levels decreased proportionately with the intensity of cAMP signaling, and this decrease was accelerated by N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate (NMDA) receptor blockade, suggesting that cAMP signaling enhances the degradation of Pacap mRNA, whereas NMDA receptor‐mediated signals inhibit its degradation. However, depolarization (which produced a robust increase in Ca2+ signals) together with cAMP signaling resulted in a synergistic induction of Pacap mRNA through calcineurin and its substrate, cAMP‐response element‐binding protein (CREB)‐regulated transcription coactivator 1. These results strongly support the concept that while cAMP signaling can accelerate the degradation of Pacap mRNA, it can also synergistically enhance Ca2+ signaling‐induced transcriptional activation of Pacap. Taken together, our findings suggest that a balance between Ca2+ and cAMP signals regulates PACAP levels in neurons and that a perturbation of this balance may result in psychiatric disorders, such as schizophrenia.
A single‐centre study of haemostatic outcomes of joint replacement in von Willebrand disease and control patients and an analysis of the literature
Authors: Rugeri L. , Ashrani A. A. , Nichols W. L. , Trousdale R. T. , Pruthi R. K.
Published: July 2016

Introduction

Haemostatic assessments of patients with von Willebrand disease (VWD) who undergo total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and total hip arthroplasty (THA) have mainly relied on subjective parameters.

Aims

To compare objective haemostatic outcomes of TKA/THA in VWD patients and controls without bleeding disorders.

Methods

We retrospectively analysed haemostatic outcomes in VWD patients undergoing TKA/THA from 1993 to 2011 and compared them with two matched controls per operation. Using one‐way analysis of variance, we tested the effect of VWD on bleeding risk after TKA and THA.

Results

Twelve VWD patients (6 type 1, 3 type 2M, 1 each of types 2A/2B/3) undergoing 19 operations (12 TKA, 7 THA) were matched to 38 controls. One (5%) of 19 operations in VWD patients and none of the control operations met clinical criteria for major bleeding. Baseline and postoperative day 1 haemoglobin levels, postoperative blood loss, transfused red blood cells (RBCs) and mean hospitalization days were not significantly different. More VWD patients than controls received RBC transfusions [12 (63%) vs. 12 (32%)]. Only 9 (47%) VWD patients vs. 38 (100%) controls received pharmacologic VTE prophylaxis. No postoperative symptomatic VTE occurred in either group.

Conclusion

In this largest, single‐institutional study, von Willebrand factor replacement based on daily levels resulted in low frequency of major bleeding in VWD patients after TKA/THA. RBC transfusion was more frequent compared with matched controls, but other objective measures of haemostasis were similar. Lack of sufficient details in published reports precluded comparison of haemostatic outcomes.
Levels and determinants of breast and cervical cancer screening uptake in HIV‐infected women compared with the general population in France
Authors: Tron L , Lert F , Spire B , Dray‐Spira R ,   for the Agence Nationale de Recherche sur le Sida et les Hépatites Virales (ANRS)‐Vespa2 Study Group
Published: July 2016

Objectives

Cancer is a growing concern for HIV‐infected people, and screening plays a major role in alleviating the burden it causes. We sought to investigate the levels and determinants of breast cancer screening (BCS) and cervical cancer screening (CCS) in HIV‐infected women as compared with the general population.

Methods

The Agence Nationale de Recherche sur le Sida et les Hépatites Virales (ANRS)‐Vespa2 study was conducted in 2011 in a national representative sample of 3022 HIV‐infected hospital out‐patients in France. The rates and correlates of BCS and CCS among HIV‐infected women were compared with those in the general population using multivariate Poisson regression models.

Results

The BCS rate during the 2 years preceding the survey interview was 80.7% among HIV‐infected women vs. 89.1% in the general population (P = 0.146). The CCS rate during the preceding 3 years was 88.1% among HIV‐infected women vs. 83.1% in the general population (P = 0.021). During the preceding year, the CCS rate among HIV‐infected women was 76.5%. The barriers to BCS and CCS were a low educational level [BCS: adjusted prevalence rate ratio 0.88; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.80–0.97; CCS: adjusted prevalence rate ratio 0.91; 95% CI 0.83–0.99], not having supplementary health insurance (CCS: adjusted prevalence rate ratio 0.92; 95% CI 0.86–0.98), an irregular gynaecological follow‐up (BCS: adjusted prevalence rate ratio 0.77; 95% CI 0.64–0.92; CCS: adjusted prevalence rate ratio 0.72; 95% CI 0.64–0.81) and a low CD4 count (BCS: adjusted prevalence rate ratio 0.83; 95% CI 0.71–0.97; CCS: adjusted prevalence rate ratio 0.78; 95% CI 0.63–0.98). The disparities in CCS uptake in terms of age, employment and gynaecological follow‐up were less pronounced among HIV‐infected women than in the general population.

Conclusions

BCS and CCS uptake was not lower among HIV‐infected women than in the general population, but CCS was suboptimal. Specificities in the profile of barriers to screening emerged.
Effect of irrigation on surface roughness and fatigue resistance of controlled memory wire nickel‐titanium instruments
Authors: Cai J.‐J. , Tang X.‐N. , Ge J.‐Y.
Published: July 2016

Aim

To investigate the effect of irrigation on the surface roughness and fatigue resistance of HyFlex and M3 controlled memory (CM) wire nickel‐titanium instruments.

Methodology

Two new files of each brand were analysed by atomic force microscopy (AFM). Then, the instruments were dynamically immersed in either 5.25% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) or 17% ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA) solution for 10 min, followed by AFM analysis. The roughness average (Ra) and root mean square (RMS) values were analysed statistically using an independent sample t‐test. Then, 36 files of each brand were randomly assigned to three groups (n = 12). Group 1 (the control group) was composed of new instruments. Groups 2 and 3 were dynamically immersed in 5.25% NaOCl and 17% EDTA solutions for 10 min, respectively. The number of rotations to failure for various groups was analysed using the one‐way analysis of variance software.

Results

For M3 files, the Ra and RMS values significantly increased (P < 0.05) after the immersion. For the HyFlex file, the Ra and RMS values significantly increased (P < 0.05) only in EDTA, but not (P > 0.05) NaOCl. The resistance to cyclic fatigue of both HyFlex and M3 files did not significantly decrease (P > 0.05) by immersing in 5.25% NaOCl and 17% EDTA solutions.

Conclusions

Except the HyFlex files immersed in NaOCl, the surface roughness of other files exposed to irrigants increased. However, a change in the surface tomography of CM wire instruments caused by contact with irrigants for 10 min did not trigger a decrease in cyclic fatigue resistance.
Combined therapy with metformin and insulin attenuates systemic and hepatic alterations in a model of high‐fat diet‐/streptozotocin‐induced diabetes
Authors: Silvares Raquel Rangel , Pereira Evelyn Nunes Goulart da Silva , Flores Edgar Eduardo Ilaquita , Estato Vanessa , Reis Patrícia Alves , Silva Igor José da , Machado Marcelo Pelajo , Neto Hugo Caire de Castro Faria , Tibiriça Eduardo , Daliry Anissa
Published: July 2016

In this study we have explored the pathogenesis of the hepatic alterations which occur in diabetes and the modulation of these complications by the combination of metformin adjunct treatment and insulin monotherapy. For this purpose, diabetic rats were treated with insulin (DM + Ins) or metformin plus insulin (DM + Met + Ins). Biochemical and cardiometabolic parameters were analysed by spectrophotometry. Intravital microscopy was used to study the hepatic microcirculation. In the liver tissue, real‐time PCR was used to analyse oxidative stress enzymes, inflammatory markers and receptors for advanced glycation end products (AGE) (RAGE) gene expression. Lipid peroxidation was assessed by thiobarbituric acid reactive species (TBARs) analyses. AGE deposition and RAGE protein expression were studied by fluorescence spectrophotometry and Western blot respectively. Body weight, %HbA1c, urea, total proteins and oxidative stress parameters were found to be similarly improved by insulin or Met + Ins treatments. On the other hand, Met + Ins treatment showed a more pronounced effect on fasting blood glucose level than insulin monotherapy. Fructosamine, uric acid, creatinine, albumin and amylase levels and daily insulin dose requirements were found to be only improved by the combined Met + Ins treatment. Liver, renal and pancreatic dysfunction markers were found to be more positively affected by metformin adjunct therapy when compared to insulin treatment. Liver microcirculation damage was found to be completely protected by Met + Ins treatment, while insulin monotherapy showed no effect. Our results suggest that oxidative stress, microcirculatory damage and glycated proteins could be involved in the aetiology of liver disease due to diabetes. Additionally, metformin adjunct treatment improved systemic and liver injury in induced diabetes and showed a more pronounced effect than insulin monotherapy.
Adjunctive role of MMP‐9 inhibition along with conventional anti‐tubercular drugs against experimental tuberculous meningitis
Authors: Majeed Shahnawaz , Radotra Bishan D. , Sharma Sadhna
Published: July 2016

Tuberculous meningitis (TBM) is an outcome of neuroinflammatory degeneration caused due to Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection and leads to death or neurological disabilities in the affected individuals. It causes the highest morbidity and mortality amongst all forms of tuberculosis. Matrix metalloproteinase‐9 levels increase and cause inflammatory destruction during progression of the disease. Although corticosteroids are usually given as an adjuvant therapy to overcome these complications, treatment outcome is contradictory. This study was designed to evaluate whether specific inhibition of MMP‐9 can be beneficial in management of the disease. MMP‐9 levels were inhibited using SB‐3CT or dexamethasone along with conventional drugs for treatment of tuberculous meningitis. Both SB‐3CT and dexamethasone decreased the elevated levels of MMP‐9 in sera and tissues of the infected mice. However, dexamethasone administration had an inhibitory effect on bacillary clearance, while SB‐3CT potentiated the bacillary clearance, suggesting that MMP‐9, if specifically inhibited, can be beneficial in the management of TBM.
Nutrition and physical activity related school environment/policy factors and child obesity in China: a nationally representative study of 8573 students in 110 middle schools
Authors: Li M. , Xue H. , Wen M. , Wang W. , Wang Y.
Published: July 2016

Background

Obesity is a serious threat to global health. School is a key setting for obesity intervention. Research on school risk factors for child obesity is limited in developing countries.

Objectives

To examine regional variations in obesity and school environments/policies and their associations among students in China.

Methods

Analyses were based on the first nationally representative sample of 8573 9th graders in 110 middle schools from 28 regions across China. Multilevel models tested associations between school factors and child self‐reported weight outcomes and by school urbanicity setting (urban, rural).

Results

Overweight/obesity rate is higher among boys and in urban areas. Schools in rural areas, or less developed regions, promote longer on‐campus life, as is indicated by the presence of school cafeterias, night study sessions and longer class hours. Multilevel models show that (i) school cafeterias (OR = 2.53, 95% CI = 1.35–4.75) and internet bars close to school (OR = 1.63, 95% CI = 1.15–2.30) are associated with increased overweight/obesity risk in rural areas, especially for boys; (ii) school night study sessions are associated with lower overweight/obesity risk (OR = 0.69, 95% CI = 0.50–0.96) in rural areas.

Conclusions

China has large regional disparities in school environment/policies related to nutrition and physical activity. Some school factors are associated with students' weight status, which vary across gender and areas. Future school‐based interventions should attend to diverse regional contexts.
Ageing and recurrent episodes of neuroinflammation promote progressive experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis in Biozzi ABH mice
Authors: Peferoen Laura A. N. , Breur Marjolein , van de Berg Sarah , Peferoen‐Baert Regina , Boddeke Erik H. W. G. M. , van der Valk Paul , Pryce Gareth , van Noort Johannes M. , Baker David , Amor Sandra
Published: July 2016

Current therapies for multiple sclerosis (MS) reduce the frequency of relapses by modulating adaptive immune responses but fail to limit the irreversible neurodegeneration driving progressive disability. Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) in Biozzi ABH mice recapitulates clinical features of MS including relapsing–remitting episodes and secondary‐progressive disability. To address the contribution of recurrent inflammatory events and ageing as factors that amplify progressive neurological disease, we examined EAE in 8‐ to 12‐week‐old and 12‐month‐old ABH mice. Compared with the relapsing–remitting (RREAE) and secondary progressive (SPEAE) EAE observed in young mice, old mice developed progressive disease from onset (PEAE) associated with pronounced axonal damage and increased numbers of CD3+ T cells and microglia/macrophages, but not B cells. Whereas the clinical neurological features of PEAE and SPEAE were comparable, the pathology was distinct. SPEAE was associated with significantly reduced perivascular infiltrates and T‐cell numbers in the central nervous system (CNS) compared with PEAE and the acute phase of RREAE. In contrast to perivascular infiltrates that declined during progression from RREAE into SPEAE, the numbers of microglia clusters remained constant. Similar to what is observed during MS, the microglia clusters emerging during EAE were associated with axonal damage and oligodendrocytes expressing heat‐shock protein B5, but not lymphocytes. Taken together, our data reveal that the course of EAE is dependent on the age of the mice. Younger mice show a relapsing–remitting phase followed by progressive disease, whereas old mice immediately show progression. This indicates that recurrent episodes of inflammation in the CNS, as well as age, contribute to progressive neurological disease.
Comment on ‘Island biogeography: patterns of marine shallow‐water organisms’ by Hachich et al., Journal of Biogeography (2015)
Authors: Ávila Sérgio P. , Cordeiro Ricardo , Haroun Ricardo , Wirtz Peter
Published: July 2016

In a recent article, Hachich et al. (2015, Journal of Biogeography, 42, 1871–1882) studied the large‐scale biogeographical patterns of the species–area, species–island age and species–isolation relationships associated with marine shallow‐water groups (reef fish, gastropods and seaweeds) from 11 Atlantic archipelagos. We here express our concerns regarding the data accuracy used to compute the different models that tested the null hypothesis of species richness being independent of the selected variables. In our commentary, we focus mainly on the use of out‐of‐date checklists of gastropod and seaweed species from different archipelagos, but we also point out inaccuracies in some island age estimates and explain our disagreement with the use of the 200 m depth limit for the shallow‐water gastropods and seaweeds.
A New Freshwater Naked Lobose Amoeba Korotnevella venosa n. sp. (Amoebozoa, Discosea)
Authors: Udalov Ilya A. , Zlatogursky Vasily V. , Smirnov Alexey V.
Published: July 2016

A new freshwater species of naked lobose amoebae Korotnevella venosa n. sp. isolated from freshwater pond in St. Petersburg, Russia was studied with light and transmission electron microscopy. Basket scales of this species have six vertical columns supporting perforated rim. The latter has tongue‐like broadening with membranous region. Vertical columns bifurcate at both ends so that neighboring columns are connected by their bifurcations forming combined structure. Basket scales of K. venosa are similar to those of Korotnevella hemistylolepis in having six full‐length vertical columns and perforated rim. At the same time, they are different in having tongue‐like broadening of perforated rim with membranous region and absence of six half‐length columns and an intermediate crosspiece. Phylogenetic trees based on 18S rDNA gene placed K. venosa either at the base of the whole Korotnevella clade, next to K. hemistylolepis, or as a sister to the clade comprising Korotnevella species with latticework basket in large scales.
Exploring career anchors among occupational health nurses in Japan: A qualitative study
Authors: Kubo Yoshiko , Hatono Yoko , Kubo Tomohide , Shimamoto Satoko , Nakatani Junko , Burgel Barbara J
Published: July 2016

Aim

This study examined the career anchor characteristics that are possessed by Japanese occupational health nurses.

Method

Sixteen occupational health nurses participated in the semistructured interview. Data analyses were conducted using descriptive qualitative methods.

Results

The data showed the following five categories: practices concerning relationships and positions; development of occupational health practices; management skills for effective work; practices that are approved inside and outside the organization; and work and private life considerations.

Conclusions

This study described the career anchors among occupational health nurses in Japan. The participants emphasized the following: the importance of maintaining good cooperative relationships with workers and supervisors; balancing professional and organized labor; and practicing effective occupational health services. Moreover, the occupational health nurses emphasized receiving approval from inside and outside of the organization. These results were consistent with the actual practices of occupational health nursing.
Bacterial Vaginosis Screening and Treatment in Pregnant Women
Authors: Chapman Diane K. , Bartlett Jessica , Powell Justine , Carter Nadine
Published: July 2016

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the US Preventive Services Task Force recommend against routinely screening asymptomatic pregnant women for bacterial vaginosis (BV). Although asymptomatic BV has been associated with preterm birth, there is insufficient evidence demonstrating that treatment of asymptomatic BV improves outcomes. Conversely, women who have symptomatic BV should be treated to relieve their symptoms. This brief report provides an overview of BV, reviews the evidence regarding screening and treating BV in pregnant women, and summarizes treatment recommendations for pregnant women who have symptomatic BV.
Workplace bullying among nurses and their related factors in Japan: a cross‐sectional survey
Authors: Yokoyama Mami , Suzuki Miho , Takai Yukari , Igarashi Ayumi , Noguchi‐Watanabe Maiko , Yamamoto‐Mitani Noriko
Published: July 2016

Aims and objectives

To explore the association between workplace bullying and workplace environment factors among nurses in Japan.

Background

Workplace bullying among nurses is increasing globally and occurs more frequently than among other professions. However, there is little information on the impact of workplace environment factors on nurse bullying in Japan.

Design

A cross‐sectional survey using a self‐administered questionnaire.

Methods

Participants were 1152 nurses recruited at seminars or training courses outside of their workplaces in Tokyo. Workplace bullying was measured using the Negative Acts Questionnaire‐Revised. Participants were considered to have been ‘bullied’ if they reported experiencing at least one negative act on a daily or weekly basis. Workplace environment factors were measured using the Practice Environment Scale of the Nursing Work Index, which comprises five domains: nurse participation in hospital affairs; nursing foundations for quality of care; nurse manager ability, leadership and support of nurses; staffing and resource adequacy; and collegial nurse–physician relationships.

Results

A total of 898 (78·0%) questionnaires were returned, of which 825 (71·6%) were analysed. Altogether, 153 (18·5%) nurses were considered ‘bullied.’ The three most frequent negative acts reported as occurring on a weekly or daily basis were ‘someone withholding information which affects your performance’ (6·7%), ‘being exposed to an unmanageable workload’ (4·4%) and ‘being shouted at or being the target of spontaneous anger (or rage)’ (3·6%). Logistic regression analysis indicated that ‘bullied’ were associated with low scores on two work environment domains: nurse manager ability, leadership and support of nurses and staffing and resource adequacy.

Conclusions

Effective nurse manager leadership and support as well as appropriate staffing management may positively influence workplace bullying among nurses in Japan. Authentic leadership styles and allowing nurses to easily request days off might also be important.

Relevance to clinical practice

Nurse managers’ leadership may influence nurses’ workplace bullying.
Perfusion‐Derived Dynamic 4D CT Angiography Identifies Carotid Pseudo‐Occlusion in Hyperacute Stroke
Authors: Ng Felix C. , Choi Philip M.C. , Datta Mineesh , Gilligan Amanda
Published: July 2016

BACKGROUND

Differentiation between true acute tandem occlusion involving the extracranial internal carotid artery (ICA) from pseudotandem occlusion with a patent extracranial ICA has important prognostic and therapeutic implications. We explored the utility of perfusion‐derived 4‐dimensional CT angiogram (4D‐CTA) in identifying carotid pseudo‐occlusion in a single‐center pilot study.

METHODS

Acute stroke patients with delayed antegrade ICA flow on 4D‐CTA despite an apparent tandem occlusion on conventional single‐phase CTA were prospectively identified over a 2.5‐year period (2013‐2015).

RESULTS

Eight patients were identified. Delayed antegrade intracranial flow from the apparently occluded ICA was detected up to 50 seconds after contrast administration on 4D‐CTA. The distal intracranial ICA was the most common site of true occlusion. Reconstruction of the 4D‐CTA images required an additional processing time of 2–3 minutes.

CONCLUSIONS

4D‐CTA is a novel noninvasive technique that can identify carotid pseudo‐occlusion in the acute stroke setting. Our preliminary findings suggest that 4D‐CTA can be easily incorporated into an existing acute stroke neuroimaging protocol.
Political Dynasties and the Selection of Cabinet Ministers
Authors: Smith Daniel M. , Martin Shane
Published: July 2016

We investigate whether politicians whose family relatives previously served in parliament and cabinet enjoy a competitive “legacy advantage” in progressing from the backbenches to cabinet. This advantage may stem from two potential mechanisms: a direct effect attributable to the informational advantages of legacies or an indirect effect that operates through greater electoral strength. We evaluate the relative contribution of each mechanism using candidate‐level data from Irish parliamentary elections and cabinets from 1944 to 2016. Our results reveal that politicians with a family history in cabinet do enjoy an advantage in cabinet selection, and that this advantage cannot be attributed simply to greater electoral popularity.
Solitary City: Time, Space and Urban Policy
Authors: Oshiro Jun
Published: July 2016

We examine the positive and normative implications of externality‐generating activities in the setting of an urban economy wherein households equilibrate their time allocation between social networking and business networking. Since every interaction is time consuming, households face a trade‐off between enjoying social interaction and participating in business networks. We develop a monocentric city model with a time allocation decision to investigate the influence of externality‐generating activities on the spatial structure of cities and assess the urban policies meant to facilitate social interaction. Two interdependent magnification forces are generated from social interactions and human capital spillovers. Households are subject to too much social isolation when a positive correlation exists between agglomeration and productivity.
How much do universal anthropometric standards bias the global monitoring of obesity and undernutrition?
Authors: Hruschka D. J. , Hadley C.
Published: July 2016

Each year, hundreds of articles in population health and nutrition, many in high‐profile journals, use standard cutoffs based on weight and height as assessments of obesity and undernutrition. These global efforts to monitor overweight and underweight often rest on the assumption that ethnic differences in underlying body form are sufficiently small to permit universal anthropometric cutoffs for comparing excess and insufficient body fat across populations. However, a century of work in human biological variation suggests that human populations can vary dramatically in underlying body form in a way that may require population‐sensitive cutoffs for monitoring. Here, we describe recently developed methods that can provide population‐sensitive assessments of both excess and insufficient energy reserves in a wide range of countries. We use this approach to illustrate how worldwide variation in human body form is far more widespread than previously thought, and that it can occur at several geographic scales, including the level of world regions, countries and populations within countries. The findings also suggest that using standard cutoffs that ignore this variation can underestimate current obesity levels in adults by more than 400–500 million while also incorrectly prioritizing high‐risk areas for undernutrition in children in key regions around the world.
INTERROGATING INSTITUTIONAL CHANGE: ACTORS' ATTITUDES TO COMPETITION AND COOPERATION IN COMMISSIONING HEALTH SERVICES IN ENGLAND
Authors: OSIPOVIČ DOROTA , ALLEN PAULINE , SHEPHERD ELIZABETH , COLEMAN ANNA , PERKINS NEIL , WILLIAMS LORRAINE , SANDERSON MARIE , CHECKLAND KATHERINE
Published: July 2016

Since the beginning of the 1990s the public healthcare system in England has been subject to reforms. This has resulted in a structurally hybrid system of public service with elements of the market. Utilizing a theory of new institutionalism, this article explores National Health Service (NHS) managers' views on competition and cooperation as mechanisms for commissioning health services. We interrogate the extent of institutional change in the NHS by examining managers' understanding of the formal rules, normative positions and frameworks for action under the regime of the Health and Social Care Act 2012. Interviews with managers showed an overall preference for cooperative approaches, but also evidence of marketization in the normative outlook and actions. This suggests that hybridity in the NHS has already spread from structure and rules to other institutional pillars. The study showed that managers were adept at navigating the complex policy environment despite its inherent contradictions.
Occupational exposure to nitrous oxide during procedural pain control in children: a comparison of different inhalation techniques and scavenging systems
Authors: Messeri Andrea , Amore Elena , Dugheri Stefano , Bonari Alessandro , Pompilio Ilenia , Arcangeli Giulio , Rizzo Giuliana
Published: July 2016

Background

Nitrous oxide (N2O 50% in oxygen) is commonly used for painful procedures in children. Potential negative health effects associated with chronic workplace exposure limit its use. Safe occupational N2O exposure concentrations are below 25 ppm environmental concentration as a time‐weighted average (TWA) and below 200 ppm as a short‐time exposure level (STEL) of 15 min.

Aim

The aim was to assess occupational exposure of staff during nitrous oxide administration to children using different inhalation delivery devices and scavenging systems.

Methods

Staff nitrous oxide exposure during use of a double face mask (DFM) with or without a demand valve (DV) was compared with a conventional single face mask (FM). We also compared exposure using the hospital central scavenging system with a portable evacuation system. N2O concentrations, representing exposure values, were monitored within proximity to staff. Urine N2O concentration was measured in staff administering the N2O at the end of the procedural session.

Results

The mean and median values of TWA and STEL within the working area were lower than recommended values in the DFM (10.8, 11.6 ppm for TWA; 13.9, 11.0 ppm for STEL) and DFM‐DV groups (2.3, 2.8 ppm for TWA; 4.4, 3.5 ppm for STEL) using the portable evacuation system. The N2O urine exposure in DFM‐DV group was lower than DFM group: a mean difference of 9.56 ppm (95% CI 2.65–16.46). Staff N2O urinary concentrations were within safe biological limits in both the DFM and DFM‐DV groups. High exposure concentrations to N2O were recorded in all FM and FM‐DV environmental and biological samples.

Conclusions

The DFM system, with or without a DV, connected to a portable evacuation system during N2O administration to children for painful procedures kept N2O levels within the local environment below recommended limits.
Two Kinds of Feminist Philosophy
Authors: Zinkin Melissa
Published: July 2016

This article makes a distinction between two kinds of feminist philosophy. One looks ‘up’ to the realm of philosophy and aims to intervene in this realm in order to make it feminist. The other looks ‘down’ to the world of human experience and aims to make it feminist. This article argues that feminist philosophers’ efforts are better spent on the second kind of feminist philosophy. Feminist philosophy can better achieve its aims by applying philosophy to the critical analysis of women's lives and gender norms, rather than by attempting to change the discipline of philosophy itself.
What's wrong with promising to try?
Authors: Marušić Berislav
Published: July 2016

There is often something wrong with merely promising to try to φ. In this article I explain what is wrong with such promises. I argue that a promise to try to φ, when it is entirely up to us to φ, is always wrong because it hides a possible choice under the veil of our susceptibility to circumstances beyond our control. I furthermore argue that this is often also the case when matters are not entirely up to us. Finally, I contend that sometimes the promise to try places undue burdens on the promisee.
Municipality Budget Rules and Debt: Is the Italian Regulation Effective?
Authors: Monacelli Daniela , Pazienza Maria Grazia , Rapallini Chiara
Published: July 2016

This article studies the local fiscal rules in force in Italy—the Domestic Stability Pact and debt constraints—that have been adopted to coordinate levels of government and be compliant with the European Stability and Growth Pact. The aim is to assess the effects of such rules on local borrowing and investments, the latter being crucial for growth. To this end, a dataset of Italian municipality budgets from 1999 to 2009 is exploited. The analysis shows that fiscal rules help to control local debt, but they have also led to a sharp decrease in investments, especially among compliant municipalities
The Determinants of the Severity of State Fiscal Crises
Authors: Mitchell David T. , Stansel Dean
Published: July 2016

During the most recent recession, many state governments faced substantial budget shortfalls. Those shortfalls are often blamed on external factors like the declining economy or reductions in federal aid. What politicians themselves do, especially during expansionary years—whether they enact spending increases, implement tax cuts, increase the size of their rainy day funds, or some combination thereof—is typically given less attention. We examine those factors and find that fiscal stress tends to be positively associated with spending growth, negatively associated with the size of rainy day funds, and not statistically significantly associated with the unemployment rate or federal aid.
The Impact of Stagnating Casino Revenues on State and Local Governments Tax Receipts
Authors: Srinivasan Arun K. , Lambert Thomas E.
Published: July 2016

After the Great Recession, the popular press has noted a rebound in casino revenues in some states and localities, and some expect growth like before. However, there were trends indicating stagnating revenues before the recession, and casinos were shown not to be “recession‐proof” as revenues declined. Revenues have stagnated partially due to a saturation point being reached with regard to casino gaming. The growth rate of revenues and tax proceeds may follow a product life cycle curve. Introducing more venues may give a temporary boost to tax receipts, but trends indicate that large gains are over unless casinos re‐invent themselves.