bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Structure–function analysis of apical membrane‐associated molecules of the tegument of schistosome parasites of humans: prospects for identification of novel targets for parasite control
Authors: Leow Chiuan Yee , Willis Charlene , Hofmann Andreas , Jones Malcolm K 
Published: September 2014

Neglected tropical diseases are a group of some 17 diseases that afflict poor and predominantly rural people in developing nations. One significant disease that contributes to substantial morbidity in endemic areas is schistosomiasis, caused by infection with one of five species of blood fluke belonging to the trematode genus Schistosoma. Although there is one drug available for treatment of affected individuals in clinics, or for mass administration in endemic regions, there is a need for new therapies. A prominent target organ of schistosomes, either for drug or vaccine development, is the peculiar epithelial syncytium that forms the body wall (tegument) of this parasite. This dynamic layer is maintained and organized by concerted activity of a range of proteins, among which are the abundant tegumentary annexins. In this review, we will outline advances in structure–function analyses of these annexins, as a means to understanding tegument cell biology in host–parasite interaction and their potential exploitation as targets for anti‐schistosomiasis therapies.Linked ArticlesThis article is part of a themed section on Annexins VII Programme. To view the other articles in this section visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/bph.2015.172.issue‐7
Middle Childhood: An Evolutionary‐Developmental Synthesis
Authors: Del Giudice Marco 
Published: September 2014

AbstractMiddle childhood is a crucial phase of human development characterized by a global shift in cognition, motivation, and social behavior. In this article, I review recent work on middle childhood from an evolutionary‐developmental perspective and show how contributions from a range of disciplines can be synthesized into an integrated model of this life stage. I begin by reviewing the main evolved functions of middle childhood and the underlying hormonal mechanism of adrenarche. Then, I introduce the idea that the transition to middle childhood works as a switch point in the development of life history strategies. Finally, I discuss three insights into the nature of middle childhood that arise from an integrated approach.
The Costs and Benefits of Development: The Transition From Crawling to Walking
Authors: Adolph Karen E. , Tamis‐LeMonda Catherine S. 
Published: September 2014

AbstractThe transition from crawling to walking requires infants to relinquish their status as experienced, highly skilled crawlers in favor of being inexperienced, low‐skilled walkers. Yet infants willingly undergo this developmental transition, despite incurring costs of shaky steps, frequent falls, and inability to gauge affordances for action in their new upright posture. Why do infants persist with walking when crawling serves the purpose of independent mobility? In this article, we present an integrative analysis of the costs and benefits associated with crawling and walking that challenges prior assumptions, and reveals deficits of crawling and benefits of upright locomotion that were previously overlooked. Inquiry into multiple domains of development reveals that the benefits of persisting with walking outweigh the costs: Compared to crawlers, walking infants cover more space more quickly, experience richer visual input, access and play more with distant objects, and interact in qualitatively new ways with caregivers.
Determinants of physical and mental health complaints in dentists: a systematic review
Authors: de Ruijter Rolf A. G. , Stegenga Boudewijn , Schaub Rob M. H. , Reneman Michiel F. , Middel Berrie 
Published: September 2014

AbstractOccupational determinants of ill health in dentists were systematically reviewed in literature. The methodological quality of the studies was evaluated. Studies were included if they evaluated health‐related risk factors in dental practice by means of quantitative methods and statistical analysis of collected data. Despite all the factors affecting dentists' physical and mental health, evidence of the predictive value of all these risk factors remains scarce. More than one‐third (37%) of the studies appraised were found to be low quality research (weak or invalid). Results from studies investigating the factors associated with ill health in dentists do not allow for conclusions at the meta‐level. More prospective and retrospective case‐control studies should be conducted and attention should be paid to measuring outcomes with validated instruments to enable comparative studies and statistical summation of findings.
Heparin-coated cardiopulmonary bypass circuits selectively deplete the pattern recognition molecule ficolin-2 of the lectin complement pathway in vivo
Authors: Hein E , Munthe-Fog L , Thiara A S , Fiane A E , Mollnes T E , Garred P 
Published: September 2014

Summary
The complement system can be activated via the lectin pathway by the recognition molecules mannose-binding lectin (MBL) and the ficolins. Ficolin-2 exhibits binding against a broad range of ligands, including biomaterials in vitro, and low ficolin-2 levels are associated with increased risk of infections. Thus, we investigated the biocompatibility of the recognition molecules of the lectin pathway in two different types of cardiopulmonary bypass circuits. Bloods were drawn at five time-points before, during and postoperatively from 30 patients undergoing elective cardiac surgery. Patients were randomized into two groups using different coatings of cardiopulmonary bypass circuits, Phisio® (phosphorylcholine polymer coating) and Bioline® (albumin-heparin coating). Concentrations of MBL, ficolin-1, −2 and −3 and soluble C3a and terminal complement complex (TCC) in plasma samples were measured. Ficolin-3-mediated complement activation potential was evaluated with C4, C3 and TCC as output. There was no significant difference between the two circuit materials regarding MBL, ficolin-1 and −3. In the Bioline® group the ficolin-2 levels decreased significantly after initiation of surgery (P &lt; 0·0001) and remained reduced throughout the sampling period. This was not seen for Phisio®-coated circuits. Ficolin-3-mediated complement activation potential was reduced significantly in both groups after start of operation (P &lt; 0·0001), whereas soluble C3a and TCC in the samples were increased (P &lt; 0·0001). Ficolin-2 was depleted from plasma during cardiac surgery when using heparin-coated bypass circuits and did not reach baseline level 24 h postoperation. These findings may have implications for the postoperative susceptibility to infections in patients undergoing extracorporeal circulation procedures.
Prospective pilot study of anorectal fistula closure with the OTSC Proctology
Authors: Prosst R. L. , Joos A. K. , Ehni W. , Bussen D. , Herold A. 
Published: September 2014

AbstractAimThe OTSC Proctology is a surgical device for anorectal fistula closure. It consists of a super‐elastic nitinol clip, which is placed (with the aid of a transanal applicator) on the internal fistula opening to achieve healing of the fistula track. A prospective, two‐centre clinical pilot study was undertaken to assess the efficacy and safety of the OTSC Proctology in patients with a complex high anorectal fistula.MethodIn patients with a complex anorectal fistula the primary track was debrided using a special brush and the clip was applied to the internal fistula opening. After 6 months the postoperative clinical course and fistula healing were assessed.ResultsTwenty patients with a cryptoglandular anorectal fistula (14 with a transsphincteric fistula and six with a suprasphincteric fistula) were included in the study. There were no intra‐operative technical or surgical complications. Postoperatively no patient reported intolerable discomfort or a sensation of a foreign body in the anal region. At 6 months after surgery, 18 (90%) patients had no clinical signs or symptoms of fistula and were considered healed, whereas in two the fistula persisted. In 13 (72%) of these 18 patients, the clip was still in place without causing problems, whereas in three patients the clip had spontaneously detached. In the two remaining patients it was necessary to remove the clip due to discomfort and delayed wound healing.ConclusionAnorectal fistula closure with the OTSC Proctology is an innovative, sphincter‐preserving minimally invasive procedure with promising initial results and a high rate of patient satisfaction.
Laparoscopic ventral mesh rectopexy in male patients with internal or external rectal prolapse
Authors: Owais A. E. , Sumrien H. , Mabey K. , McCarthy K. , Greenslade G. L. , Dixon A. R. 
Published: September 2014

AbstractAimLaparoscopic ventral mesh rectopexy (LVMR) has been used to treat rectal prolapse, obstructed defaecation (OD), faecal incontinence (FI) and multicompartment pelvic floor dysfunction. Its value in treating men has been questioned. The aim of the present study was to assess the results in male patients.MethodA password‐protected electronic database of all LVMRs carried out in North Bristol NHS trust & Spire hospital between 2002 and 2013 was examined. In addition to the clinical outcome, quality of life (QoL), Cleveland Clinic Incontinence Score (CCIS), obstructed defecation syndrome (ODS) score, visual analogue score (VAS) for the severity of bowel and urinary symptoms and the numerical rating scale (NRS) for pain and patient‐reported outcome measures were evaluated.ResultsSixty‐eight men of median age 35 years and body mass index 26 kg/m2 underwent LVMR for external rectal prolapse (18) or Grade III–V rectal intussusception (50) presenting with OD, FI and pelvic pain. Ten per cent had been labelled ‘chronic idiopathic pelvic pain’ and 60% had undergone previous haemorrhoidal surgery. Complications were minor and included urinary retention (10%). Eighty per cent of patients had an uncomplicated recovery with 24% being treated as day cases. There were no cases of impotence or retrograde ejaculation. Median follow‐up was 42 (IQR 26–61) months. CCIS score improved from 4 (IQR 0–8) to 0 (IQR 0–0) (P < 0.001) and the ODS score from 18.5 (IQR 16–22) to 6 (IQR 5–8) (P < 0.001). Patients reported significant improvement in the NRS for pain and QoL (BBSQ‐22) at 3 months (P = 0.000). The QoL and the VAS for bowel symptoms were maintained at 4 years. At the last follow‐up 56 (82%) patients were asymptomatic and 6 (8.8%) had persisting symptoms. There was no case of recurrent external rectal prolapse.ConclusionLVMR is an effective treatment for external and symptomatic internal rectal prolapse in men, leading to significant improvement in QoL and function.
Food resources and cyprinid diet in permanent and temporaryMediterranean rivers with natural and regulated flow
Authors: Alexandre Carlos M. , Sales Sabrina , Ferreira Maria Teresa , Almeida Pedro R. 
Published: September 2014

AbstractThis study addresses the differences in food availability, diet and feeding activity of theIberian barbel, between permanent and temporary nonregulated rivers, and the effect of flow regulation on feeding parameters. A total of 267 adult barbels were seasonally collected in four nonregulated and regulated rivers from permanent and temporary basins, and their gut content was analysed. Locally available food sources were evaluated across sites and seasons. Barbels from the permanent nonregulated river exhibit a more variable and diversified diet in which invertebrates assumed a large importance, especially during high flows. Barbels from the temporary nonregulated river presented a more uniform diet composed of plant material and detritus, particularly in drought seasons. Flow regulation affected different flow components in both systems, but the effects on food resources and barbels' diet were similar, resulting in an intra‐annual stabilisation of resource availability and fish diet, with a higher consumption of plants and detritus. Changes in fish diet and feeding activity in both nonregulated and regulated rivers were strongly associated with the seasonal variability of streamflow components, particularly between low‐ and high‐flow periods, and with the reduction in flow variability in the case of dam regulation. Results from this study can be used to improve guidelines for flow requirement implementation.
A Continuum of Behavioral Plasticity in Urban and Desert Black Widows
Authors: Halpin Rebecca N. , Johnson J. Chadwick 
Published: September 2014

AbstractBehavioral plasticity marks an individual's ability to modulate behavior across functional contexts. Behavioral syndromes, on the other hand, appear as consistent individual variation in behavior that is both repeatable for individuals within a functional context (e.g., consistent voracity toward prey) and correlated across contexts (e.g., high voracity toward prey and high levels of boldness toward enemies). Thus, adaptive plasticity and syndromes represent two extremes of a behavioral plasticity continuum upon which most behavioral phenotypes fall. We tested for both adaptive plasticity and behavioral syndromes in the western black widow spider, Latrodectus hesperus. We measured behavior in three contexts: startle, startle + prey, and startle + mate, and found (1) classic behaviorally plastic responses to predation risk, (2) high repeatability of behavior within contexts, and (3) evidence of a correlation between startle + prey and startle + mate contexts, indicative of a behavioral syndrome. As relative behavioral plasticity may vary across populations, we also compared urban and desert populations to test whether spiders from these habitats exhibit different behaviors and/or behavioral syndromes. While we found that urban males used in mating trials courted urban females significantly more than desert females, we found no other differences in the behavior of urban and desert black widows. Thus, black widows, regardless of habitat, are characterized by both context‐specific behavioral plasticity and across‐context correlations, presenting a phenotypic complexity that is likely exhibited, to varying degrees, by most organisms.
Integrating hydrogeochemical, hydrogeological, and environmental tracer data to understand groundwater flow for a karstified aquifer system
Authors: Pavlovskiy Igor , Selle Benny 
Published: September 2014

AbstractFor karstified aquifer systems, numerical models of groundwater flow are difficult to setup and parameterize. However, a system understanding useful for groundwater management may be obtained without applying overly complicated models. In this study, we demonstrate for a karstified carbonate aquifer in south‐western Germany that a combination of methods with moderate data requirements can be used to infer flowpaths and transit times of groundwater to production wells.
Cerebral microbleeds and cognitive decline in a hemodialysis patient: Case report and review of literature
Authors: Li Lin , Fisher Mark , Lau Wei‐Ling , Moradi Hamid , Cheung Alexander , Thai Gaby , Handwerker Jason , Kalantar‐Zadeh Kamyar 
Published: September 2014

AbstractCerebral microbleeds (CMBs) are small hemosiderin deposits indicative of prior cerebral microscopic hemorrhage and previously thought to be clinically silent. Recent population‐based cross‐sectional studies and prospective longitudinal cohort studies have revealed association between CMB and cognitive dysfunction. In the general population, CMBs are associated with age, hypertension, and cerebral amyloid angiopathy. In the chronic kidney disease (CKD) population, diminished estimated glomerular filtration rate has been found to be an independent risk factor for CMB, raising the possibility that a uremic milieu may predispose to microbleeds. In the end‐stage renal disease (ESRD) population on hemodialysis, the incidence of microbleeds is significantly higher compared with a control group without history of CKD or stroke. We present an ESRD patient on chronic hemodialysis with a history of gradual cognitive decline and progressive CMBs. Through this case and literature review, we illustrate the need to develop detection and prediction models to treat this frequent development in ESRD patients.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma‐associated Proteobacteria, but not commensal Prevotella spp., promote Toll‐like receptor 2‐independent lung inflammation and pathology
Authors: Larsen Jeppe M. , Musavian Hanieh S. , Butt Tariq M. , Ingvorsen Camilla , Thysen Anna H. , Brix Susanne 
Published: September 2014

SummaryRecent studies of healthy human airways have revealed colonization by a distinct commensal bacterial microbiota containing Gram‐negative Prevotella spp. However, the immunological properties of these bacteria in the respiratory system remain unknown. Here we compare the innate respiratory immune response to three Gram‐negative commensal Prevotella strains (Prevotella melaninogenica, Prevotella nanceiensis and Prevotella salivae) and three Gram‐negative pathogenic Proteobacteria known to colonize lungs of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma (Haemophilus influenzae B, non‐typeable Haemophilus influenzae and Moraxella catarrhalis). The commensal Prevotella spp. and pathogenic Proteobacteria were found to exhibit intrinsic differences in innate inflammatory capacities on murine lung cells in vitro. In vivo in mice, non‐typeable H. influenzae induced severe Toll‐like receptor 2 (TLR2)‐independent COPD‐like inflammation characterized by predominant airway neutrophilia, expression of a neutrophilic cytokine/chemokine profile in lung tissue, and lung immunopathology. In comparison, P. nanceiensis induced a diminished neutrophilic airway inflammation and no detectable lung pathology. Interestingly, the inflammatory airway response to the Gram‐negative bacteria P. nanceiensis was completely TLR2‐dependent. These findings demonstrate weak inflammatory properties of Gram‐negative airway commensal Prevotella spp. that may make colonization by these bacteria tolerable by the respiratory immune system.
Impedance and AC Conductivity of GdCr1−xCoxO3 (x = 0, 0.33, 0.5, 0.67 and 1) Perovskites
Authors: Pecovska‐Gjorgjevich Margareta , Aleksovska Slobotka , Marinšek Marjan , Dimitrovska‐Lazova Sandra 
Published: September 2014

Perovskite series GdCr1−xCoxO3 (x = 0, 0.33, 0.5, 0.67 and 1) was obtained using a solution combustion method. The powder XRD was used for identification and structural characterization of the obtained perovskites. All compounds crystallize within the space group Pnma. The morphology of samples was studied using SEM. The impedance and AC conductivity of GdCr1−xCoxO3 were studied using impedance spectroscopy in a frequency range from 10 Hz to 10 MHz and in temperature interval 297–337 K. Changes in electric modulus and DC conductivity, with increasing of the value of x in the structures, were observed. The AC conductivity obeyed the universal power law, σ(ω) = σ(0) + Aωn and revealed semiconductor behavior. The calculated activation energies of existing processes varied with the cobalt content and applied frequency. The impedance spectra showed non‐Debye behavior with a distribution of relaxation times for relaxation and conductive processes. The conduction mechanism for pure orthochromite and orthocobaltite was defined and two types of conduction were observed in the investigated temperature range for the complex perovskites. In order to explain the results, an equivalent circuit with fitted values of circuit components was proposed.
‘We have to be Satisfied with the Scraps’: South African Nurses' Experiences of Care on Adult Psychiatric Intellectual Disability Inpatient Wards
Authors: Capri Charlotte , Buckle Chanellé 
Published: September 2014

BackgroundMigrating nursing labour inadvertently reinforces South Africa's care drain, contributes to a global care crisis and forces us to reconsider migration motivation. This paper highlights issues that complicate psychiatric intellectual disability nursing care and identifies loci for change in an attempt to redress this care challenge.MethodAn exploratory descriptive‐interpretivist method investigated nurses' experiences of psychiatric intellectual disability work. Sixteen free association narrative interviews were collected in 2013. Thematic analysis allowed findings to emerge from the data.ResultsFindings reflect a number of themes: ‘relational interaction’, ‘care burden’, ‘system fatigue’, ‘infantilising dynamic of care’ and ‘resources for coping’.ConclusionSystem fatigue contributes more to negative experiences of providing care than direct patient work, and nurses experience more relational reciprocity from patients than from institutional management. Organizations should meet nurses’ needs for burnout prevention, afford them impact in implementing institutional controls, and engage in a non‐exploitative and non‐exclusionary way.
Promoting Exercise as Part of a Physiotherapy‐Led Falls Pathway Service for Adults with Intellectual Disabilities: A Service Evaluation
Authors: Crockett Jennifer , Finlayson Janet , Skelton Dawn A. , Miller Gillian 
Published: September 2014

BackgroundPeople with intellectual disabilities experience high rates of falls. Balance and gait problems are common in people with intellectual disabilities, increasing the likelihood of falls; thus, tailored exercise interventions to improve gait and balance are recommended. The present authors set up a physiotherapy‐led falls pathway service (FPS) for clients with intellectual disabilities to promote exercise and prevent falls.MethodFifty clients with intellectual disabilities were referred in an 18‐month period, 35 (70%) were prescribed exercise and 27 (54%) completed the exercise programme. The FPS was evaluated using the following outcome measures: Tinetti score, number of falls, clinician's judgement and carer's judgement.ResultsImprovement in balance and mobility and a decrease in the number of falls were reported post‐exercise intervention.ConclusionPhysiotherapists have a key role to play in promoting exercise to prevent falls in services for people with intellectual disabilities. This evaluation suggests positive outcomes for these clients to reduce or prevent further falls.
Intelligence is in the Eye of the Beholder: Investigating Repeated IQ Measurements in Forensic Psychiatry
Authors: Habets Petra , Jeandarme Inge , Uzieblo Kasia , Oei Karel , Bogaerts Stefan 
Published: September 2014

BackgroundA stable assessment of cognition is of paramount importance for forensic psychiatric patients (FPP). The purpose of this study was to compare repeated measures of IQ scores in FPPs with and without intellectual disability.MethodsRepeated measurements of IQ scores in FPPs (n = 176) were collected. Differences between tests were computed, and each IQ score was categorized. Additionally, t‐tests and regression analyses were performed.ResultsDifferences of 10 points or more were found in 66% of the cases comparing WAIS‐III with RAVEN scores. Fisher's exact test revealed differences between two WAIS‐III scores and the WAIS categories. The WAIS‐III did not predict other IQs (WAIS or RAVEN) in participants with intellectual disability.DiscussionThis study showed that stability or interchangeability of scores is lacking, especially in individuals with intellectual disability. Caution in interpreting IQ scores is therefore recommended, and the use of the unitary concept of IQ should be discouraged.