bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Approaches to teaching online: Exploring factors influencing teachers in a fully online university
Authors: Badia Antoni , Garcia Consuelo , Meneses Julio
Published: June 2016

In recent years there has been widespread interest in the implementation of online courses in universities. While most studies about online learning environments primarily focus on technology‐related issues or instructional methods, little attention has been given to online teachers and their teaching approaches. The aim of this paper is to provide an overview of how teachers approach online teaching and the factors affecting individual teachers’ approaches to teaching online, particularly in a fully online university. Nine hundred and sixty‐five (965) online teachers belonging to the Open University of Catalonia were surveyed. The dependent variables include three approaches to teaching online: the Content Acquisition approach, the Collaborative Learning approach, and the Knowledge Building approach. The explanatory variables are socio‐demographics, academic background, online teaching experience, studies taught, online teaching dedication, and teachers’ roles in teaching online. Multiple regression analyses are used to make inferential judgements and test the effects of the independent variables. Findings suggest that age, academic background, online teaching dedication, and especially teachers’ roles in teaching online are important predictors of the adoption of a particular approach to teaching online.
Elevated levels of macromolecular damage are correlated with increased nitric oxide synthase expression in erythrocytes isolated from twin neonates
Authors: Dugmonits Krisztina N. , Ferencz Ágnes , Zahorán Szabolcs , Lázár Renáta , Talapka Petra , Orvos Hajnalka , Hermesz Edit
Published: June 2016

Pregnancy is a state associated with an enhanced metabolism and demand for O2, which may lead to the overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and hence to oxidative stress. An elevated ROS level may result in delayed development and a low birth weight. The aim of this study was to reveal the consequences of multiple pregnancies on the redox status of neonatal human red blood cells (RBCs) and evaluate the role of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (NOS3) – expressing RBCs in the generation of oxidative stress. The study presents evidence of higher levels of production of hydrogen peroxide, peroxynitrite and nitrate content in the RBCs of twin neonates, clearly reflected by an elevated level of protein and lipid damages. This phenotype appears to be a consequence of multiple pregnancies, regardless of the level of maturity or the birth weight of the twins. Besides the higher level of ROS, there was a general decrease in the expression of genes coding for antioxidants. The first data are presented on NOS3‐expressing neonatal human RBCs. The number of RBCs producing NOS3 was more than twice as high in twin neonates compared to singletons, with no correlation to maturity.
Visual–motor integration performance in children with severe specific language impairment
Authors: Nicola K. , Watter P.
Published: June 2016

Background

This study investigated (1) the visual–motor integration (VMI) performance of children with severe specific language impairment (SLI), and any effect of age, gender, socio‐economic status and concomitant speech impairment; and (2) the relationship between language and VMI performance. It is hypothesized that children with severe SLI would present with VMI problems irrespective of gender and socio‐economic status; however, VMI deficits will be more pronounced in younger children and those with concomitant speech impairment. Furthermore, it is hypothesized that there will be a relationship between VMI and language performance, particularly in receptive scores.

Methods

Children enrolled between 2000 and 2008 in a school dedicated to children with severe speech‐language impairments were included, if they met the criteria for severe SLI with or without concomitant speech impairment which was verified by a government organization. Results from all initial standardized language and VMI assessments found during a retrospective review of chart files were included.

Results

The final study group included 100 children (males = 76), from 4 to 14 years of age with mean language scores at least 2SD below the mean. For VMI performance, 52% of the children scored below −1SD, with 25% of the total group scoring more than 1.5SD below the mean. Age, gender and the addition of a speech impairment did not impact on VMI performance; however, children living in disadvantaged suburbs scored significantly better than children residing in advantaged suburbs. Receptive language scores of the Clinical Evaluation of Language Fundamentals was the only score associated with and able to predict VMI performance.

Conclusions

A small subgroup of children with severe SLI will also have poor VMI skills. The best predictor of poor VMI is receptive language scores on the Clinical Evaluation of Language Fundamentals. Children with poor receptive language performance may benefit from VMI assessment and multidisciplinary management.
Effect of testosterone on hepcidin, ferroportin, ferritin and iron binding capacity in patients with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism and type 2 diabetes
Authors: Dhindsa Sandeep , Ghanim Husam , Batra Manav , Kuhadiya Nitesh D. , Abuaysheh Sanaa , Green Kelly , Makdissi Antoine , Chaudhuri Ajay , Dandona Paresh
Published: June 2016

Context

As the syndrome of hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (HH) is associated with anaemia and the administration of testosterone restores haematocrit to normal, we investigated the potential underlying mechanisms.

Design

Randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial.

Methods

We measured basal serum concentrations of erythropoietin, iron, iron binding capacity, transferrin (saturated and unsaturated), ferritin and hepcidin and the expression of ferroportin and transferrin receptor (TR) in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (MNC) of 94 men with type 2 diabetes. Forty‐four men had HH (defined as subnormal free testosterone along with low or normal LH concentrations) while 50 were eugonadal. Men with HH were randomized to testosterone or placebo treatment every 2 weeks for 15 weeks. Blood samples were collected at baseline, 3 and 15 weeks after starting treatment. Twenty men in testosterone group and 14 men in placebo group completed the study.

Results

Haematocrit levels were lower in men with HH (41·1 ± 3·9% vs 43·8 ± 3·4%, P = 0·001). There were no differences in plasma concentrations of hepcidin, ferritin, erythropoietin, transferrin or iron, or in the expression of ferroportin or TR in MNC among HH and eugonadal men. Haematocrit increased to 45·3 ± 4·5%, hepcidin decreased by 28 ± 7% and erythropoietin increased by 21 ± 7% after testosterone therapy (P < 0·05). There was no significant change in ferritin concentrations, but transferrin concentration increased while transferrin saturation and iron concentrations decreased (P < 0·05). Ferroportin and TR mRNA expression in MNC increased by 70 ± 13% and 43 ± 10%, respectively (P < 0·01), after testosterone therapy.

Conclusions

The increase in haematocrit following testosterone therapy is associated with an increase in erythropoietin, the suppression of hepcidin, and an increase in the expression of ferroportin and TR.
Heparin infusion in simultaneous pancreas and kidney transplantation reduces graft thrombosis and improves graft survival
Authors: Aboalsamh Ghaleb , Anderson Patrick , Al‐Abbassi Amira , McAlister Vivian , Luke Patrick P. , Sener Alp
Published: June 2016

Introduction

Thrombosis of the pancreas after transplantation is the most common cause of relaparotomy and resultant graft loss. There is currently no standard protocol consistently proven to prevent thrombosis following transplantation. Our objective was to determine whether our protocol of post‐operative low‐dose intravenous (IV) heparin infusion would prevent graft thrombosis without additional complications in our patients.

Methods

A total of 66 simultaneous pancreas kidney (SPK) transplants were performed at our institution from 2004 to 2014. Patients were divided into 2 retrospective cohort groups. Group 1 patients received only acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) 81 mg/d started on post‐operative day 1. Group 2 patients received IV heparin infusion beginning in the recovery room at a rate of 500 IU/h for the first 24 hours, reduced by 100 IU/h every day to stop on day 5, and then received ASA 81 mg/d afterward. Outcome and complication rates were compared between the two groups for 5 years post‐transplant.

Results

We observed a significant reduction in graft thrombosis and graft loss with (0/29) patients in the heparin group vs (7/33) 25.7% from the non‐heparin (P<.01) with no differences in complication rates.

Conclusions

We present a heparin infusion protocol which may help prevent graft thrombosis and graft loss in SPK transplantation.
INDEPENDENT AGENCIES, POLITICAL INTERFERENCE, AND FIRM INVESTMENT: EVIDENCE FROM THE EUROPEAN UNION
Authors: Cambini Carlo , Rondi Laura
Published: June 2016

Investment in network infrastructure is crucial for economic growth. This article studies the impact of the presence of independent regulatory agencies (IRAs) on the investment of European regulated firms. We account for measurement error in formal independence of IRAs by exploiting cross‐country heterogeneity in the quality of political institutions. Results show that regulatory independence increases firms' investment rate by around 1.2%–3.3%. The positive effect survives when we control for social capital accumulation, investor protection, and market liberalization. However, the effect of IRAs is not immune to politics, as we find that political interference in regulatory functions persists in the European Union and is detrimental to firm investment. (JEL D78, L50, D92, H1)
African horse sickness: The potential for an outbreak in disease‐free regions and current disease control and elimination techniques
Authors: Robin M. , Page P. , Archer D. , Baylis M.
Published: June 2016

African horse sickness (AHS) is an arboviral disease of equids transmitted by Culicoides biting midges. The virus is endemic in parts of sub‐Saharan Africa and official AHS disease‐free status can be obtained from the World Organization for Animal Health on fulfilment of a number of criteria. AHS is associated with case fatality rates of up to 95%, making an outbreak among naïve horses both a welfare and economic disaster. The worldwide distributions of similar vector‐borne diseases (particularly bluetongue disease of ruminants) are changing rapidly, probably due to a combination of globalisation and climate change. There is extensive evidence that the requisite conditions for an AHS epizootic currently exist in disease‐free countries. In particular, although the stringent regulations enforced upon competition horses make them extremely unlikely to redistribute the virus, there are great concerns over the effects of illegal equid movement. An outbreak of AHS in a disease free region would have catastrophic effects on equine welfare and industry, particularly for international events such as the Olympic Games. While many regions have contingency plans in place to manage an outbreak of AHS, further research is urgently required if the equine industry is to avoid or effectively contain an AHS epizootic in disease‐free regions. This review describes the key aspects of AHS as a global issue and discusses the evidence supporting concerns that an epizootic may occur in AHS free countries, the planned government responses, and the roles and responsibilities of equine veterinarians.
Panicum maximum cv. Tanzânia: climate trends and regional pasture production in Brazil
Authors: Pezzopane J. R. M. , Santos P. M. , Evangelista S. R. M. , Bosi C. , Cavalcante A. C. R. , Bettiol G. M. , de Miranda Gomide C. A. , Pellegrino G. Q.
Published: June 2016

Projected change in forage production under a range of climate scenarios is important for the evaluation of the impacts of global climate change on pasture‐based livestock production systems in Brazil. We evaluated the effects of regional climate trends on Panicum maximum cv. Tanzânia production, predicted by an agro‐meteorological model considering the sum of degree days and corrected by a water availability index. Data from Brazilian weather stations (1963–2009) were considered as the current climate (baseline), and future scenarios, based on contrasting scenarios in terms of increased temperature and atmospheric CO2 concentrations (high and low increases), were determined for 2013–2040 (2025 scenario) and for 2043–2070 (2055 scenario). Predicted baseline scenarios indicated that there are regional and seasonal variations in P. maximum production related to variation in temperature and water availability during the year. Production was lower in the Northeast region and higher in the rainforest area. Total annual production under future climate scenarios was predicted to increase by up to 20% for most of the Brazilian area, mainly due to temperature increase, according to each climate model and scenario evaluated. The highest increase in forage production is expected to be in the South, Southeast and Central‐west areas of Brazil. In these regions, future climate scenarios will not lead to changes in the seasonal production, with larger increases in productivity during the summer. Climate risk is expected to decrease, as the probability of occurrence of low forage productions will be lower. Due to the predicted increase in temperature and decrease in rainfall in the Northeast area, P. maximum production is expected to decrease, mainly when considering scenarios based on the PRECIS model for the 2055 scenario.
The quantitative measurement of nursing care quality: a systematic review of available instruments
Authors: Koy V. , Yunibhand J. , Angsuroch Y.
Published: June 2016

Background

Measuring nursing care quality is essential for nursing practice. However, because of its complexity, such a quality is difficult to define and measure appropriately and a review of available instruments to measure this is important.

Aim

This systematic review reports on contemporary quantitative instruments for evaluating nursing care quality and suggests some directions for further study.

Method

A comprehensive search was conducted in 2015 to review five databases CINAHL, HINARI, ScienceDirect, Google and PubMed, and 18 articles met the inclusion criteria. The search covered the earliest literature found up until November 2015.

Result

We found that instruments could be categorized from three different measuring perspectives (1) nurses, (2) patients and (3) both nurses and patients.

Limitation

First, only English language literature was sought and only five databases were reviewed. Second, the instruments reviewed are of varying dimensions. Finally, some authors did not provide the psychometric properties of the instruments studied.

Conclusion

Many reviews published in peer‐reviewed journals have serious methodological flaws that focus on different perspectives in relation to instruments to measure nursing care quality. As the result of this systematic review instruments are focused on different perspectives of nursing care quality for nurse managers. In addition, the findings of this systematic review enhance better understanding of the perspectives in regard to both nurses and patients in the health‐care facilities.

Implications for nursing and health policy

The results of this systematic review contribute to the ability of nurse managers to improve and consider the measurement of nursing care quality in clinical practice. The first suggests the need to understand the different perceptions of both nurses and patients' instruments regarding NCQ. Also, a health‐care quality‐related policy should also be formulated to reduce adverse events. The recording system policy must be designed appropriately in order to monitor patient outcomes every year.
The relationships between perceived organizational support, affective commitment, psychological contract breach, organizational citizenship behaviour and work engagement
Authors: Gupta Vishal , Agarwal Upasna A , Khatri Naresh
Published: June 2016

Aim

This study examines the factors that mediate and moderate the relationships of perceived organizational support with work engagement and organization citizenship behaviour. Specifically, affective commitment is posited to mediate and psychological contract breach to moderate the above relationships.

Background

Nurses play a critical role in delivering exemplary health care. For nurses to perform at their best, they need to experience high engagement, which can be achieved by providing them necessary organizational support and proper working environment.

Design

Data were collected via a self‐reported survey instrument.

Methods

A questionnaire was administered to a random sample of 750 nurses in nine large hospitals in India during 2013–2014. Four hundred and seventy‐five nurses (63%) responded to the survey. Hierarchical multiple regression was used for statistical analysis of the moderated‐mediation model.

Results

Affective commitment was found to mediate the positive relationships between perceived organizational support and work outcomes (work engagement, organizational citizenship behaviour). The perception of unfulfilled expectations (psychological contract breach) was found to moderate the perceived organizational support–work outcome relationships adversely.

Conclusion

The results of this study indicate that perceived organizational support exerts its influence on work‐related outcomes and highlight the importance of taking organizational context, such as perceptions of psychological contract breach, into consideration when making sense of the influence of perceived organizational support on affective commitment, work engagement and citizenship behaviours of nurses.
Just Schools and Good Childhoods: Non‐preparatory Dimensions of Educational Justice
Authors: Macleod Colin M.
Published: June 2016

This article offers an account of at least some of the non‐preparatory dimensions of education and their significance for a theory of educational justice. I argue that just schools should play a role in facilitating goods of childhood. I also defend an egalitarian view about the access children should have in school to the resources and opportunities associated with the non‐preparatory dimensions of education.
Description of Ganymedes yurii sp. n. (Ganymedidae), a New Gregarine Species from the Antarctic Amphipod Gondogeneia sp. (Crustacea)
Authors: Diakin Andrei , Wakeman Kevin C. , Valigurová Andrea
Published: June 2016

A novel species of aseptate eugregarine, Ganymedes yurii sp. n., is described using microscopic and molecular approaches. It inhabits the intestine of Gondogeneia sp., a benthic amphipod found along the shore of James Ross Island, Weddell Sea, Antarctica. The prevalence of the infection was very low and only a few caudo‐frontal syzygies were found. Morphologically, the new species is close to a previously described amphipod gregarine, Ganymedes themistos, albeit with several dissimilarities in the structure of the contact zone between syzygy partners, as well as other characteristics. Phylogenetic analysis of the 18S rDNA from G. yurii supported a close relationship between these species. These two species were grouped with other gregarines isolated from crustaceans hosts (Cephaloidophoroidea); however, statistical support throughout the clade of Cephaloidophoroidea gregarines was minimal using the available dataset.
Effect of Extrusion Processing Parameters on Antioxidant, Textural and Functional Properties of Hydrodynamic Cavitated Corn Flour, Sorghum Flour and Apple Pomace‐Based Extrudates
Authors: Lohani Umesh C. , Muthukumarappan K.
Published: June 2016

Corn flour, hydrodynamic cavitated sorghum flour and apple pomace blend was extruded to investigate the effect of extrusion processing on total phenolic content (TPC), antioxidant activity (AA) along with some selected textural and functional properties. Box‐Behnken design was applied for three levels of apple pomace ratio APR (10, 20 and 30%), feed moisture FM (25, 30 and 35% wb), extrusion die temperature T (80, 110 and 140°C) and screw speed SS (100, 150 and 200 rpm) as extrusion parameters. Extrusion cooking at higher APR and low T and SS increased the TPC and AA. Expansion ratio, brittleness, crispness and water solubility index of extrudates were increased while hardness and water absorption index decreased compared to that of control extrudates. Starch digestibility and dietary fiber were also observed to be increased after extrusion. At optimum conditions of 30% APR, 25% wb FM, 132°C T and 108 rpm SS, TPC and AA of extruded products were 120.1 mg GAE/100 g DW and 308.7 µmol TE/100 g DW, respectively, whereas those found in control blend were 123.2 mg GAE/100 g DW and 258.9 µmol TE/100 g DW, respectively. Major phenolic acids in extruded products were derived by caffeic acid followed by salicylic acid and ferulic acid.

Practical Applications

Extruded products with improved phenolic content, antioxidant activity, textural and functional properties with higher inclusion of apple pomace were obtained. This process for incorporation of sorghum (underutilized cereal) and apple pomace (industrial waste) into human diet to produce nutritious, healthy and gluten free snacks for celiac disease patients has greater potential.
Nonviolent Resistance: Helping Caregivers Reduce Problematic Behaviors in Children and Adolescents
Authors: Omer Haim , Lebowitz Eli R.
Published: June 2016

In this review, the principles of nonviolent resistance (NVR) and studies examining its acceptability and efficacy are reviewed. Originating in the sociopolitical field, NVR has been adapted for numerous settings including parents of youth with externalizing and other problems, foster parents, teachers and school personnel, and caregivers of psychiatric inpatients. NVR has also been applied to reduce accommodation of highly dependent adult children and to improve novice driving habits. The principles of NVR include refraining from violence, reducing escalation, utilizing outside support, and maintaining respect for the other.
Empowerment in nurse leader groups in middle management: a quantitative comparative investigation
Authors: Spencer Caroline , McLaren Susan
Published: June 2016

Aims and objectives

The aim was to investigate structural empowerment in nurse leaders in middle management positions. Objectives were to determine levels of empowerment of nurse leaders and to compare levels of empowerment between nurse leader groups.

Background

Access to formal and informal power, opportunity, resources, information and support are determinants of structural empowerment. Empowerment of nurse leaders in middle management positions is vital given their roles in enabling nursing teams to deliver high‐quality care, benefitting both patient and workforce outcomes.

Design

Quantitative component of a mixed methods study using survey principles.

Methods

The Conditions of Work Effectiveness Questionnaire II was distributed to the total population (n = 517) of nurse leaders in an NHS Foundation Trust in England. Nurse leader groups comprised unit leaders (sisters, matrons) and senior staff nurses. Quantitative data entered on spss v 17/18, were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics.

Results

Overall, the unit response rate was 44·1% (n = 228). Levels of total and global empowerment were moderate and moderate to high respectively. Groups did not differ significantly on these parameters or on five elements of total empowerment, but significantly higher scores were found for unit leaders’ access to information. Significantly higher scores were found for senior staff nurses on selected aspects of informal power and access to resources, but scores were significantly lower than unit leaders for components of support.

Conclusions

A moderately empowered population of nurse leaders differed in relation to access to information, aspects of support, resources and informal power, reflecting differences in roles, spheres of responsibility, hierarchical position and the constraints on empowerment imposed on unit leaders by financial and resource pressures.

Relevance to clinical practice

Empowerment of nurse leaders in middle management is vital in enabling nursing teams to deliver high‐quality care. Roles, spheres of responsibility, hierarchical position and constraints imposed by financial and resource pressures influence nurse leader empowerment. Administrative support is needed to sustain practice engagement.
Domestic Outsourcing, Housework Time, and Subjective Time Pressure: New Insights From Longitudinal Data
Authors: Craig Lyn , Perales Francisco , Vidal Sergi , Baxter Janeen
Published: June 2016

Hiring household help could reduce housework time and alleviate subjective time pressure. Associations are assumed to be particularly apparent for women because they spend more time on housework than men. But empirical evidence on whether hiring help actually saves time or relieves time pressure is scant and inconclusive, chiefly because of data and methodological limitations. This study improves on earlier ones in that the authors examined panel data from the Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia Survey (n = 5,124 couples) that enable modeling techniques that take account of selection effects, possible reverse causality, and unobserved heterogeneity. Contrary to some earlier studies, the authors show that outsourcing does in fact reduce housework time, narrow gender gaps, and lower women's subjective time pressure. They conclude that domestic outsourcing may save time and reduce subjective pressure for some women, but one consequence may be increased inequality between women who can and cannot afford domestic help.
Factors Associated With Perceptions of Family Belonging Among Adolescents
Authors: King Valarie , Boyd Lisa M.
Published: June 2016

Adolescents' perceptions of family belonging are associated with several well‐being indicators, yet we know little about which factors influence these perceptions or how they differ by family structure. The current study uses nationally representative data from Add Health to examine predictors of adolescents' perceptions of family belonging in two‐biological‐parent families (n = 9,686). The results are compared to a recent study using Add Health that examined family belonging in married mother–stepfather families. Findings suggest both similarities and differences across family structure in the factors associated with family belonging.
Optimization of a novel chelerythrine-loaded magnetic Fe3O4/chitosan alpha-ketoglutaric acid system and evaluation of its anti-tumour activities
Authors: Yang Fei , Xiao Wen , Ma Xiaohua , Huang Ruixue , Yu Ran , Li Guiyin , Huang Xiao , Chen Cuimei , Ding Ping
Published: June 2016

Objectives

A novel magnetic targeting anti-tumour drug delivery system (Fe3O4/KCTS-CHE) was designed using magnetic Fe3O4/chitosan alpha-ketoglutaric acid (Fe3O4/KCTS) as carrier and chelerythrine (CHE) as an anti-tumour drug model. Moreover, the anti-tumour activities and mechanisms of Fe3O4/KCTS-CHE were investigated.

Methods

The preparation conditions of Fe3O4/KCTS-CHE microspheres were optimized by response surface methodology (RSM). The CHE drug release kinetics was evaluated by fitting the experimental data to standard release equations. The inhibitive activities of Fe3O4/KCTS-CHE microspheres against the HepG2 cells were estimated using MTT assay in vitro, and the mechanisms were studied using Hoechst 33258 staining.

Key findings

The optimum preparation conditions were 11.68 : 1 for Fe3O4/KCTS:CHE ratio, 4 : 1 for oil/water ratio and 50.03 min for the ultrasonic time. The drug loading content and entrapment efficiency under the optimal conditions were 23.3% and 50.9%. The best fit was Higuchi model for the microspheres. The inhibitive rate on HepG2 cells of Fe3O4/KCTS-CHE nanoparticles varied from 30.19 ± 2.64% to 70.46 ± 6.42% at different concentrations from 50 to 400 mg/l in 72 h.

Conclusion

Fe3O4/KCTS-CHE exhibited effective anti-tumour activities against the HepG2 cells and induced cell apoptosis in HepG2 cells. Fe3O4/KCTS-CHE possess a high drug loading efficiency and entrapment efficiency, which are a new matrix for controlling release of drugs and a promising candidate for targeted drug delivery.
Bio-based topical system for enhanced salicylic acid delivery: preparation and performance of gels
Authors: Langasco Rita , Spada Gianpiera , Tanriverdi Sakine Tuncay , Rassu Giovanna , Giunchedi Paolo , Özer Özgen , Gavini Elisabetta
Published: June 2016

Objectives

New salicylic acid (SA)-loaded gels were developed using excipients made from renewable materials, and our goal was to improve drug permeation in the topical treatment of acne vulgaris.

Methods

We studied the preparation parameters to obtain suitable gel formulations. Only naturally occurring polymers were used as gelling agents. Two hydrogels and three lipogels were selected and characterized in terms of drug loading, pH, viability cells, rheology, mechanical properties and in vitro permeation; these hydrogels and lipogels were compared with the traditional ointment. We also evaluated skin parameters before and after gel application.

Key findings

The formulations that we studied are non-Newtonian fluids; they have high drug loading and suitable mechanical properties. Lipogels exhibit a slower and more linear in vitro permeation profile compared with hydrogels. The different vehicles that we used affected drug permeation and improve patient compliance. Cytotoxicity studies suggest that all of the formulations are non-toxic.

Conclusions

Lipogels demonstrate appropriate technological features and improved performance compared with the traditional ointment with regard to their composition. Lipogels may represent a new bio-based topical system for SA delivery. The use of ‘green’ excipients leads to ‘skin-friendly’ formulations that are able to satisfy environmental safety.
Purchasing Policy or Purchasing Police? The Influence of Institutional Logics and Power on Responses to Purchasing Formalization
Authors: Pemer Frida , Skjølsvik Tale
Published: June 2016

Seeking to benefit from higher levels of purchasing maturity, many organizations strive to formalize their purchasing practices. Why these practices are not adopted by certain organizations or for certain types of purchases is less well understood, however. It has been argued that the purchasing of knowledge‐intensive services is particularly difficult to formalize, but an in‐depth understanding of the inter‐ and intra‐organizational dynamics influencing this process is lacking. This study contributes to the purchasing and supply management literature by providing a fine‐grained understanding of how actors respond to formalization initiatives. Building on an exploratory interview methodology and using institutional logic and power theory as foundations, we show that formalization initiatives lead to institutional complexity and conflicts. Sets of strategies and counterstrategies for how to deal with the complexity and conflicts are identified, and relational power is found to moderate which strategy is used by the actors. Based on the empirical findings, a conceptual model is developed to describe the response process.
Pharmacokinetics of amoxicillin trihydrate in Thai swamp buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis): a pilot study
Authors: Ruennarong N. , Wongpanit K. , Sakulthaew C. , Giorgi M. , Klangkaew N. , Poapolathep A. , Poapolathep S.
Published: June 2016

This study aimed to investigate the pharmacokinetic characteristics of amoxicillin (AMX) in Thai swamp buffaloes, Bubalus bubalis, following single intramuscular administration at two dosages of 10 and 20 mg/kg body weight (b.w.). Blood samples were collected at assigned times up to 48 h. The plasma concentrations of AMX were measured by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS). The concentrations of AMX in the plasma were determined up to 24 h after i.m. administration at both dosages. The Cmax values of AMX were 3.39 ± 0.18 μg/mL and 6.16 ± 0.18 μg/mL at doses of 10 and 20 mg/kg, respectively. The AUClast values increased in a dose‐dependent fashion. The half‐life values were 5.56 ± 0.40 h and 4.37 ± 0.23 h at doses of 10 and 20 mg/kg b.w, respectively. Based on the pharmacokinetic data and PK‐PD index (T > MIC), i.m. administration of AMX at a dose of 20 mg/kg b.w might be appropriate for the treatment of susceptible Mannheimia haemolytica infection in Thai swamp buffaloes.
Does tree canopy closure moderate the effect of climate warming on plant species composition of temperate Himalayan oak forest?
Authors: Bhatta Kuber P. , Vetaas Ole R.
Published: June 2016

Question

We ask if there are significant changes in plant species composition after 20 yr of documented temperature increase (~1 °C), and if the temporal changes are different in closed temperate oak forest compared to semi‐open canopy. Answers to these questions may indicate if climate warming and/or canopy closure, controlled by land‐use regime, is the main driver of any documented compositional changes in the forest between 1993 and 2013.

Location

Phulchoki Mountain, central Himalaya (Nepal).

Methods

We resampled 64 plots of 100 m2 after 20 yr and recorded all terrestrial vascular plants and percentage canopy cover in each sample plot. We analysed the compositional changes in terms of species abundance, frequency and spatial translocation in relation to atmospheric temperature and canopy cover using univariate and multivariate statistics.

Results

We find clear changes in the species composition, with abundance of almost half of the studied species having increased and one‐quarter of the species having decreased over the past two decades. The changes vary among life forms: trees increased, whereas decreasing species were mainly herbaceous or shrubs. Similarly, shade‐tolerant species increased, whereas those adapted to open habitat decreased. The compositional changes are mainly explained through the increased regional temperature, with a significant buffering effect of tree canopy cover. A significant increase in low‐elevation (warm‐adapted) species is detected, but this thermophilization is only found in the semi‐open forest.

Conclusions

Fine‐scale temporal changes in the temperate oak forests are mainly driven by macroclimate warming, although change in land‐use regime also has a profound direct effect by governing canopy closure that, in turn, moderates the effect of climate warming. Tree canopy cover governs the relative abundances of different species based on their adaptive characteristics, such as shade tolerance and life‐form traits. The magnitude of the temporal vegetation change would therefore be dependent on both the degree of regional climate warming and forest canopy closure.
Non‐equilibrium dynamics of a wave‐regenerated forest subject to hierarchical disturbance
Authors: Suzuki Satoshi N.
Published: June 2016

Questions

How do strong windstorms affect the dynamics of a wave‐regenerated forest, long thought to be a shifting‐mosaic steady‐state system? Can large‐scale disturbance lead to non‐equilibrium dynamics in such a forest?

Location

A wave‐regenerated Abies forest in northern Yatsugatake, Japan.

Methods

We analysed the motion of a ‘regeneration wave’ using aerial photographs (1947–2012) and field surveys (1954–2012). Long‐term stand dynamics were surveyed along a transect established in 1954.

Results

The motion and structure of the regeneration waves indicated that the canopy was heavily disturbed by the typhoon in 1959. In 1954 (i.e. before the typhoon), the forest comprised stands of varying age based on a census along the transect. Older stands with high above‐ground biomass and high canopies disappeared after the typhoon. Consequently, the post‐typhoon forest mainly consisted of stands established around 1959. Thus, the typhoon caused a gradual change in age class distributions and in the above‐ground biomass of the forest. Species composition also varied considerably across census years, clearly indicating the influence of large‐scale disturbance.

Conclusions

The study forest changed drastically in structure after a major typhoon, and it continued to change during the subsequent 50 yr. The large‐scale disturbance clearly affected species composition, potentially contributing to the co‐existence of two Abies species. Our results suggest that, in combination, frequent small‐scale disturbance and infrequent large‐scale disturbance produce a non‐equilibrium state with respect to forest structure and species composition.
Environmental filtering and spatial processes in urban riparian forests
Authors: Brice Marie‐Hélène , Pellerin Stéphanie , Poulin Monique
Published: June 2016

Questions

What are the spatial processes structuring plant trait composition in urban riparian forest communities at different spatial scales? What are the relative roles of local conditions (including historical aspects), landscape context and spatial processes in the community assembly of these forests?

Location

Montréal, Québec, Canada.

Methods

Species plant composition was inventoried in 57 riparian forests located along a gradient of urbanization. To analyse plant communities in terms of their trait composition, community‐weighted means were calculated using eight functional traits. Forests were characterized by local (physical features, hydrological regime and historical disturbances) and landscape (surrounding land use) variables. Spatial processes structuring communities were assessed using Moran's eigenvector maps and asymmetric eigenvector maps. The relative importance of these three subsets (local, landscape and spatial variables) on tree, shrub and herb functional composition was quantified by variation partitioning using redundancy analyses.

Results

Functional patterns in riparian forests resulted primarily from environmental filtering (local and landscape variables). Local conditions, especially flood intensity, exerted an overriding selection pressure on functional composition of riparian plant communities. Urbanization seemed to act indirectly on trait patterns through the alteration of hydrological disturbances caused by on‐going and historical land transformation. Nevertheless, dispersal along rivers was also a significant structuring force, while overland dispersal was negligible.

Conclusions

Our study highlights that under severe natural disturbance regimes, the effect of natural filters outweighed the negative effects of urban filters. However, the alteration of natural flooding processes by human activities is also a major mechanism influencing plant trait composition in urban riparian communities as forests subjected to reduced flooding intensity experienced a greater effect of urbanization. The effects of urbanization and of past land uses on plant communities were greater for trees than for shrubs and herbs due to the high turnover rate of the latter. Finally, our results showed the importance of dispersal along rivers for biodiversity even in fragmented urban landscapes.
Elevation and topography influence community structure, biomass and host tree interactions of lianas in tropical montane forests of southern Ecuador
Authors: Fadrique Belén , Homeier Jürgen
Published: June 2016

Questions

How does the structure of liana communities (diameter, density and biomass) in tropical montane forests vary along elevation and topographic gradients? How do patterns of tree infestation vary with elevation? Is tree diameter growth reduced by lianas in tropical montane forest?

Location

Tropical Andean forests (1000–3000 m a.s.l.) in the San Francisco Reserve and in the Podocarpus National Park, southern Ecuador.

Methods

All lianas (DBH ≥ 1 cm) were censused in 54 permanent plots (20 × 20 m) equally distributed between three study sites (1000, 2000 and 3000 m a.s.l.) and three topographic positions (lower, mid and upper slope) per site (six replicate plots at each site by position combination). The DBH and number of lianas hosted was recorded for all trees (DBH ≥ 10 cm). Liana biomass was estimated using allometric equations. ANOVAs were used to test for effects of elevation and slope positions on liana parameters and proportion of trees infested. The relationships between liana biomass and tree parameters and environmental parameters were analysed with partial least squares regression. We used the available literature data to perform a regression analysis of liana biomass in response to elevation in humid tropical old‐growth forests between sea level and 3000 m a.s.l.

Results

Liana diameter, density and biomass all decrease with elevation. The decreasing liana biomass agrees with results from previous studies of liana biomass in other humid tropical forests, indicating a decrease of 0.18 Mg·ha−1 liana biomass per 100 m of elevation gain. Topographic variation leads to thinner but more abundant stems upslope; there was no effect of topographic position on liana biomass. Liana biomass and liana infestation are both positively correlated with host tree DBH at every elevation. Tree diameter growth is reduced by liana infestation; the proportion of infested trees is lower in Andean montane forests than in tropical lowland forests.

Conclusions

Liana biomass distribution and tree infestation vary significantly with elevation. Biomass of lianas and relative contribution of lianas to total above‐ground biomass both decrease with elevation. Topographic effects likely result from higher soil fertility at lower slope positions.
Evaluation of Voiding Parameters in Healthy Women Using Sound Analysis
Authors: GÄRTNER Marcel , KRHUT Jan , HURTIK Petr , BURDA Michal , ZVAROVA Katarina , ZVARA Peter
Published: June 2016

Objectives

Sonouroflowmetry represents a novel method for estimating urinary flow parameters. The aim of this study was to compare the urinary flow parameters acquired using sonouroflowmetry with those of standard uroflowmetry in healthy female volunteers.

Methods

Thirty‐six healthy female volunteers (aged 25–54 years) were subjected to standard uroflowmetry. Simultaneously, subjects dialed a dedicated number on a mobile phone and kept recording until urination was finished. Sound data were analyzed and compared to the uroflowmetry data. Of 218 recordings, 183 were included in the final analysis. Thirty‐four measurements were excluded for voided volume <150 mL or technical problems during the recording. A linear model was fitted to calculate the urinary flow parameters and the voided volume from data obtained by sonouroflowmetry. Subsequently the matching datasets of UF and SUF were compared with respect to flow time, voided volume, maximum (Qmax) and average (Qave) flow rate. Pearson's correlation coefficient (PCC) was used to compare parameters recorded by uroflowmetry with those calculated based on sonouroflowmetry recordings.

Results

A strong correlation (PCC = 0.95) was noted between uroflowmetry recorded flow time and duration of the sonouroflowmetry sound signal. The voided volume measured by uroflowmetry showed a moderate correlation (PCC = 0.68) with the calculated area under the sonouroflowmetry curve. Qmax recorded using uroflowmetry and sonouroflowmetry recorded peak sound intensity showed a weak correlation (PCC = 0.38).

Conclusions

This study validates the basic concept of using sound analysis to estimate urinary flow parameters and voided volume.
Epizootic and epidemic dermatophytose outbreaks caused by Trichophyton mentagrophytes from rabbits in Portugal, 2015
Authors: Mesquita João R. , Vasconcelos‐Nóbrega Carmen , Oliveira Jorge , Coelho Catarina , Vala Helena , Fratti Marina , Arabatzis Michael , Velegraki Aristea , Monod Michel
Published: June 2016

We report an outbreak of dermatophytoses in rabbits, which was the origin of a dermatophytose epidemic in an agricultural school in central Portugal, affecting 15 people. Both the phenotypic characteristics and internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequence of the dermatophytes isolated from the rabbits and patients were identical, suggesting that a single strain was responsible for both the epizootic and epidemic dermatophytoses and confirming that these two outbreaks were linked. The ITS sequences were also 100% identical to the ITS sequence of five strains isolated from rabbits in Greece and Italy, but different from that of Trichophyton mentagrophytes commonly isolated from dogs and cats. These results suggest that a particular T. mentagrophytes genotype could be prevalent in rabbits in southern Europe.
Association of elevated preoperative blood pressure with preincision hypotension in pediatric surgical patients
Authors: Stewart Margaret , Scattoloni Joseph , Tazhibi Golshid , Nafiu Olubukola O.
Published: June 2016

Introduction

High blood pressure (BP) in childhood is associated with left ventricular hypertrophy and abnormal vascular reactivity even in apparently healthy children. This study examined the prevalence of high BP in children undergoing elective noncardiac operations. We also determined the association of preoperative high BP with preincision hypotension (PIH).

Methods

This was a retrospective cohort study that used clinical and anthropometric data on children aged 3–17 years who underwent elective, noncardiac operations from January 2006 to January 2014. Preoperative blood pressure (BP) was used to stratify children into three categories: normal BP (systolic and diastolic BP below the 90th percentile), prehypertension (systolic and/or diastolic BP ≥90th percentile but <95th percentile or if the BP exceeds 120/80 mmHg even if it is below the 90th percentile), and hypertension (systolic and/or diastolic BP ≥95th percentile). Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to calculate adjusted odds ratios for PIH using age, gender, body mass index (BMI), and BP categories as covariates.

Results

Among 35832 children, the overall prevalence of prehypertension, hypertension, and hypertension by adult standards were 16.4%, 6.8%, and 3.3%, respectively. Overweight and obese children had higher rates of elevated BP. Presence of elevated baseline BP, high BMI category, and presence of OSA diagnosis were independent predictors of multiple episodes of PIH in a logistic regression model.

Conclusion

In children, preoperative high BP is an independent predictor of PIH. Although the longtime consequences of high BP are well known, this report provides the first intraoperative evidence of adverse event associated with preoperative high BP in children. Mechanisms underlying this hypotensive response are unclear.