bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Role of physical factors in the pathogenesis of bullous pemphigoid: Case report series and a comprehensive review of the published work
Authors: Dănescu Sorina , Chiorean Roxana , Macovei Victorina , Sitaru Cassian , Baican Adrian 
Published: July 2015

AbstractBullous pemphigoid (BP) is an autoimmune subepidermal blistering disease affecting mainly the elderly. The subtype of the disease induced by physical agents represents a rare and, therefore, insufficiently characterized form. In the present study, we aimed to contribute to a better understanding of the pathogenetic mechanisms involved in the onset of BP induced by different trigger factors. We have retrospectively analyzed nine cases of BP. All patients were characterized based on clinical, epidemiological and immunological parameters. For each case, the trigger factor involved was specified. In addition to our retrospective analysis, a comprehensive review of the 59 published cases was conducted, regarding the involvement of trigger factor in BP, and clinical, epidemiological and immunological data were collected. In the local study, conducted on nine patients diagnosed with BP, various trigger factors were identified: contrast substance injection, surgical procedure, mechanical trauma, insect bite, thermal burn, radiotherapy and ultraviolet exposure associated with pre‐existing psoriasis. The autoantibodies from all patients were shown to activate granulocytes and induce dermal–epidermal split. Different hypotheses regarding the pathogenetic mechanism involving the trigger factors have been discussed. In regard of the pathogenetic mechanism, we believe that the most reliable hypothesis is that BP patients already have low titers of anti‐basement membrane autoantibodies which activate the granulocytes. However, more studies are needed for a better understanding of the pathogenetic mechanism of the intervention of trigger factors.
A bust but no boom: responses of floodplain bird assemblages during and after prolonged drought
Authors: Selwood Katherine E. , Clarke Rohan H. , Cunningham Shaun C. , Lada Hania , McGeoch Melodie A. , Mac Nally Ralph 
Published: July 2015

Summary

Climate change alters the frequency and severity of extreme events, such as drought. Such events will be increasingly important in shaping communities as climate change intensifies. The ability of species to withstand extreme events (resistance) and to recover once adverse conditions abate (resilience) will determine their persistence.

We estimated the resistance and resilience of bird species during and after a 13‐year drought (the ‘Big Dry’) in floodplain forests in south‐eastern Australia.

We conducted bird surveys at the beginning and end of the Big Dry, and after the abrupt end to the drought (the ‘Big Wet’), to evaluate species‐specific changes in reporting rates among the three periods. We assessed changes in bird‐breeding activity before and after the Big Wet to estimate demographic resilience based on breeding.

Between the start and the end of the Big Dry (1998 vs. 2009), 37 of 67 species declined substantially. Of those, only two had increased reporting rates after the Big Wet (2009 vs. 2013) that were equal to or larger than their declines, while three partially recovered. All other declining species showed low resilience: 25 showed no change in reporting rates and seven declined further. The number of breeding species and total breeding activity of all species declined after the Big Wet, and there was no change in the number of young produced.

The Big Dry caused widespread declines in the floodplain avifauna. Despite the drought being broken by 2 years of well‐above‐average rainfall and subsequent near‐average rainfall, most species showed low resilience and there was little indication that overall breeding had increased. The effects of drought appeared to be pervasive for much of the floodplain avifauna, regardless of species traits (species body mass, fecundity, mobility or diet). Ecosystems such as these are likely to require active management and restoration, including reinstatement of natural flooding regimes, to improve ecological condition, to enhance resistance and resilience to extreme climate events.
Biological Flora of the British Isles:Neottia ovata
Authors: Kotilínek Milan , Těšitelová Tamara , Jersáková Jana 
Published: July 2015

SummaryThis account presents information on all aspects of the biology ofNeottia ovata(L.) Bluff & Fingerh. (Common Twayblade;Listera ovata(L.) R. Br.) that are relevant to an understanding of its ecological characteristics and behaviour. The main topics are presented within the standard framework of theBiological Flora of the British Isles: distribution, habitat, communities, responses to biotic factors, responses to environment, structure and physiology, phenology, reproductive characteristics, herbivores, history and conservation.Neottia ovatais one of the commonest orchids in the British Isles. It occupies a wide range of habitats from lowlands to mountains and from wet to dry sites: deciduous broadleaved and mixed woodland, forest edges, calcareous grassland and scrub, hedgerows, dry meadows, pastures, sand dunes, fens, floodplains and some anthropogenic sites.Neottia ovatais a perennial herb whose populations are maintained predominantly by sexual reproduction, as vegetative spread is limited. The main perennating organ is a horizontal rhizome that produces a new internode every year. The numerous adventitious roots are mainly colonized by Basidiomycota from Sebacinales (Clade B) but also by several other fungal groups. Dormancy, that is the failure of above‐ground parts to appear in a growing season, followed by reappearance of full‐sized photosynthetic plants in subsequent seasons, has been occasionally observed and typically lasts for one, or sometimes 2 years.The species flowers from early May to the beginning of July, or August at higher altitudes. The flowers of the genusNeottiapossess a sensitive rostellum that releases a viscid fluid when it is touched, gluing the pollinia to the pollinator.N. ovatais pollinated mainly by three insect groups: ichneumonids, sawflies and beetles. The mean fraction of flowers setting fruit isc. 40%, but it depends on weather conditions: in rainy weather, it decreases to 10%, and in warm, dry weather, it can increase to 100%. Spontaneous autogamy is rare (1% of flowers).Neottia ovatais classified as a species of Least Concern in Great Britain. Although it appears well adapted to countryside changes, thanks to its wide habitat range, the species has vanished from almost 30% of its historical sites in Britain and Ireland. Agricultural activities are mainly responsible for losses ofN. ovatasites in the lowlands.
Anti‐oxidative effect of the β‐blocker carvedilol on diabetic nephropathy in non‐obese type 2 diabetic rats
Authors: Yonekura Yuriko , Fujii Hideki , Nakai Kentaro , Kono Keiji , Goto Shunsuke , Shinohara Masami , Nishi Shinichi 
Published: July 2015

SummaryOxidative stress plays an important role in the pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy. The β‐blocker carvedilol has been proven to have an anti‐oxidant property. The aim of the present study was to elucidate the effects of carvedilol on diabetic nephropathy. At 20 weeks of age, male Spontaneously Diabetic Torii (SDT) rats were divided into three groups based on treatment: (i) an INS group (administered insulin); (ii) a CAR group (administered 10 mg/kg per day, p.o., carvedilol); and (iii) a diabetic (DM) group (administered vehicle). Rats were treated for a period of 10 weeks and were killed at 30 weeks of age. Urinary albumin excretion, renal histomorphology, and oxidative stress were evaluated. Urinary albumin excretion was significantly lower in the CAR than DM group (42.82 ± 3.94 vs 76.62 ± 13.74 mg/day respectively; P < 0.05). The mesangial index was lower in the CAR group than in the DM group. Urinary excretion of 8‐hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8‐OHdG), the number of 8‐OHdG‐positive cells in glomeruli, and the mRNA expression of NADPH oxidase p22phox and p47phox were also lower in the CAR than DM group. However, haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) and blood pressure levels were comparable between the two groups. The results suggest that carvedilol could prevent the progression of diabetic nephropathy by suppressing oxidative stress.
Remedial early numeracy education: can children identified as having a language deficiency benefit?
Authors: Van Luit Johannes E. H. , Toll Sylke W. M. 
Published: July 2015

AbstractBackgroundGrowing attention has been paid to the possibility of supporting early numeracy in at‐risk kindergartners. Furthermore, it is assumed that language proficiency is an important prerequisite in early maths skills.AimsTo examine whether remedial early numeracy education in kindergarten, which has been proven to be effective in general, is also beneficial for children with a language deficiency.Methods & ProceduresBased on intensive selection, four different conditions were included: two groups received remedial education, one consisting of children being language proficient (N = 86) and one of children with a language deficiency (N = 26), and two groups followed the regular curriculum, one consisting of children being language proficient (N = 51) and one of children with a language deficiency (N = 24). Remedial education was for 1.5 school years (90 sessions, 30 min per session, twice per week), following the programme ‘The Road to Mathematics’. During this period, the children receiving remedial education did not attend the regular maths lessons in the classroom, which were offered for at least 1 h per week. Effects were assessed for early numeracy and mathematical skills (operationalized as basic calculation fluency) in kindergarten and first grade.Outcomes & ResultsThree analyses of covariance (ANCOVAs) revealed that, when accounting for achievement at pre‐test, children with a language deficiency who received remedial numeracy education performed better on early numeracy skills in kindergarten and first grade than kindergartners with a language deficiency that followed the regular curriculum. Furthermore, they were able to catch up with their language proficient peers in early numeracy. However, children with a language deficiency who received remedial numeracy education did not differ from children who followed the regular curriculum on mathematical skills, suggesting that benefits for numeracy did not generalize to more advanced skills of addition and subtraction.Conclusions & ImplicationsSince, in general, it can be concluded that early numeracy education is indeed effective for kindergartners with a language deficiency, this study finds evidence that intensive support is desirable for children with delayed or impaired language development.
Suburban Inertia: The Entrenchment of Dispersed Suburbanism
Authors: Filion Pierre 
Published: July 2015

AbstractDuring the years following the second world war, an urban development model—dispersed suburbanism (DS)—came to predominate in North America. The low‐density functional specialization and all‐out automobile orientation of this new urban form were ideally suited to the circumstances of the time, thus accounting for its rapid adoption. DS also proved to be adaptable to changing societal circumstances, which explains its predominance as an urban development model under both Fordism and neoliberalism. The adaptability of this urban form also contributed to its spread across much of the world, including Europe. This essay contends that powerful path dependencies maintain DS in place, despite planning efforts to achieve more compact, public‐transit oriented urban development. It also argues that the persistence of DS is a source of hardship for low‐income households forced to live in suburban environments, and entrenches conservative political values.
Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in the United States: Risk Factors for Untimely Access
Authors: Hsia Renee Y. , Shen Yu‐Chu 
Published: July 2015

ObjectiveTo determine how access to percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is distributed across demographics.Data SourcesSecondary data from the 2011 American Hospital Association (AHA) survey data combined with 2010 Census.Study DesignWe calculated prehospital times from 32,370 ZIP codes to the nearest PCI center. We used a multivariate logit model to determine the odds of untimely access by the ZIP code's concentration of vulnerable populations.Data CollectionWe used ZIP code–level data on community characteristics from the 2010 Census and supplemented it with 2011 AHA survey data on service‐line availability of PCI for responding hospitals.Principal FindingsFor approximately 306 million Americans, the median prehospital time to the nearest PCI center is 33 minutes. While 84 percent of Americans live within one hour of a PCI center, the odds of untimely access are higher in low‐income (OR: 3.00; 95 percent CI: 2.39, 3.77), rural (8.10; 95 percent CI: 6.84, 9.59), and highly Hispanic communities (2.55; 95 percent CI: 1.86, 3.49).ConclusionsWhile the majority of Americans live within 60 minutes of a PCI center, rural, low‐income, and highly Hispanic communities have worse PCI access. This may translate into worse outcomes for patients with acute myocardial infarction.
Is bigger better? Male body size affects wing‐borne courtship signals and mating success in the olive fruit fly, Bactrocera oleae (Diptera: Tephritidae)
Authors: Benelli Giovanni , Donati Elisa , Romano Donato , Ragni Giacomo , Bonsignori Gabriella , Stefanini Cesare , Canale Angelo 
Published: July 2015

AbstractVariations in male body size are known to affect inter‐ and intrasexual selection outcomes in a wide range of animals. In mating systems involving sexual signaling before mating, body size often acts as a key factor affecting signal strength and mate choice. We evaluated the effect of male size on courtship displays and mating success of the olive fruit fly, Bactrocera oleae (Diptera: Tephritidae). Wing vibrations performed during successful and unsuccessful courtships by large and small males were recorded by high‐speed videos and analyzed through frame‐by‐frame analysis. Mating success of large and small males was investigated. The effect of male–male competition on mating success was evaluated. Male body size affected both male courtship signals and mating outcomes. Successful males showed wing‐borne signals with high frequencies and short interpulse intervals. Wing vibrations displayed by successful large males during copulation attempt had higher frequencies over smaller males and unsuccessful large males. In no‐competition conditions, large males achieved higher mating success with respect to smaller ones. Allowing large and small males to compete for a female, large males achieve more mating success over smaller ones. Mate choice by females may be based on selection of the larger males, able to produce high‐frequency wing vibrations. Such traits may be indicative of “good genes,” which under sexual selection could means good social‐interaction genes, or a good competitive manipulator of conspecifics.
Challenges for Use of PeroxySafe™ MSA Kit for Analysis of Poultry Meat
Authors: King Annie J. , Suen Lok T. M. 
Published: July 2015

AbstractThe rapid SafTest PeroxySafe™ MSA Kit (PeroxySafe method) was approved by the AOAC to determine peroxide values (PVs) in foods. Studies were conducted to remedy challenges (reaction time, lack of turbidity in samples, effect of prooxidant [NaCl]) for use of the method when analyzing PVs in turkey meat. Initially, PVs could not be consistently obtained after a reaction time of 10 min (per directions) for variously processed meat. However, trends indicated that heated and heated/stored samples generally had higher numerical values than Fresh ones. This trend agreed with that of other investigators, suggesting usefulness of the method if consistent data could be obtained. Data for PVs of all treatments within processing conditions were recorded at 10, 20, and 30 min. There was a highly significant (P ≤ 0.0001) effect for reaction time with 30 min > 20 min > 10 min. An increase in PVs was noted for heated samples when lipids and oxidation products were released by homogenization, rather than vortexing with glass beads, and data were recorded at the 30 min. It is likely that these precautions may promote more accurate determination of PVs from samples with NaCl, a prooxidant. Comparison of extraction procedures for the PeroxySafe method and that of Grau and others (2000) showed that the extraction procedure (homogenization) of the latter method produced numerically greater PVs for fresh/stored samples than that of the former. However, it was concluded that the PeroxySafe method could be used for comparative analyses of samples when adequate extraction (turbidity) occurred and measurements were recorded after a 20 to 30 min reaction time.
The Influence of Two‐Stage Ditches with Constructed Floodplains on Water Column Nutrients and Sediments in Agricultural Streams
Authors: Davis Robert T. , Tank Jennifer L. , Mahl Ursula H. , Winikoff Sarah G. , Roley Sarah S. 
Published: July 2015

AbstractThe two‐stage ditch is a novel management practice originally implemented to increase bank stability through floodplain restoration in channelized agricultural streams. To determine the effects of two‐stage construction on sediment and nutrient loads, we monitored turbidity, and also measured total suspended solids (TSS), dissolved inorganic nitrogen (N) species, and phosphorus (P) after two‐stage ditch construction in reference and manipulated reaches of four streams. Turbidity decreased during floodplain inundation at all sites, but TSS and P, soluble reactive phosphorus (SRP) and total phosphorus (TP) decreased only in the two‐stage ditches with longer duration of inundation. Both TSS and TP were positively correlated within individual streams, but neither were correlated with turbidity. Phosphorus was elevated in the stream to which manure was applied adjacent to the two‐stage reach, but not the reference reach, suggesting that landscape nutrient management plans could restrict nutrient transport to the stream, ultimately determining the efficacy of instream management practices. In addition, ammonium and nitrate decreased in two‐stage reaches with lower initial N concentrations. Overall, results suggest that turbidity, TSS, and TP were reduced during floodplain inundation, but the two‐stage alone may not be effective for managing high inorganic N loads.
Reliability of Box and Block Test for manual dexterity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: a pilot study
Authors: Ranjan Alok , Raj Lydia Edward , Kumar Dilesh , Sandhya Pulukool , Danda Debashish 
Published: July 2015

AbstractObjectiveThis study is aimed to determine the reliability of the Box and Block (B&B) Test for manual dexterity of upper extremity function in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and to compare the results with age‐ and sex‐matched healthy controls, and also with available normative data.MethodsThe reliability of B&B Test was assessed within and between testers using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) in patients with RA attending rheumatology clinics of Christian Medical College Hospital, India. The dexterity scores of patients were then compared with age‐ and sex‐matched controls and the Mathiowetz's population‐based normative data by Student's independent t‐test.ResultsThe interrater and intrarater reliability of the B&B Test in patients with RA (n = 60) ranged from 0.92 to 0.97 and 0.91 to 0.95, respectively. The dexterity scores in patients with RA were lower as compared to the control group (dominant hand 54.87 vs. 68.18, P < 0.001; contralateral hand 52.65 vs. 65.6, P < 0.001) and population‐based normative score (dominant hand 54.87 vs. 80.02, P < 0.001; contralateral hand 52.65 vs. 77.23; P < 0.001). The control group scores were also lower than the normative data. Higher age of patient, longer disease duration and higher disease activity reflected by Disease Activity Score of 28 joints (DAS‐28) also correlated well with lower dexterity score.ConclusionsThe B&B Test is a reliable tool for assessing upper extremity function in patients with RA and the dexterity scores are lower for RA patients. The scores had correlation with age, disease duration and disease activity.
Consensus development on eligibility of government subsidisation of biologic disease modifying anti‐rheumatic agents for treatment of ankylosing spondylitis: The Singapore experience
Authors: Cheung Peter P. , Lahiri Manjari , Teng Gim‐Gee , Lui Nai‐Lee , Chia Faith L. , Koh Dow‐Rhoon , Koh Wei‐Howe , Ng Swee‐Cheng , Suresh Ernest , Leong Khai‐Pang , Lim Anita Y. N. , Thumboo Julian , Lau Tang‐Ching , Leong Keng‐Hong 
Published: July 2015

AbstractIntroductionThe beneficial effects of biologic disease‐modifying anti‐rheumatic drugs (bDMARDs), such as tumour necrosis factor inhibitors (anti‐TNF) in active ankylosing spondylitis (AS) are well established. The significant costs on patients in the absence of financial subsidization can limit their use. The objective was to describe a consensus development process on recommendations for government‐assisted funding of biologic therapy for AS patients in Singapore.MethodsEvidence synthesis followed by a modified RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method (RAM) was used. Eleven rheumatologists rated indications for therapies for different proposed clinical scenarios. Points reflecting the output from the formal group consensus were used to formulate 10 practice recommendations.ResultsIt was agreed that a bDMARD (anti‐TNF) is indicated if a patient has active AS with a Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Activity Index (BASDAI) ≥ 4 and spinal pain of ≥ 4 cm on visual analogue scale (VAS) on two occasions at least 12 weeks apart, despite being on a minimum of two sequential non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs at maximal tolerated dose for at least 4 weeks, in addition to adherence to an appropriate physiotherapy program for at least 3 months. To qualify for continued biologic therapy, a patient must have documentation of response every 3 months and at least 50% improvement in BASDAI and reduction of spinal pain VAS ≥ 2 cm.ConclusionA validated and feasible consensus process can enable pragmatic standardized recommendations to be developed for bDMARD subsidization for AS patients in a local Asian context.
Is there a Future for ‘Jus ex Bello’?
Authors: Colonomos Ariel 
Published: July 2015

AbstractThis article discusses the future potential of a norm that emerged recently from the academic literature surrounding the ethics of war, and that echoes a number of political and moral viewpoints around the necessity of terminating ongoing and bloody wars that otherwise are unnecessarily prolonged: the norm of ‘jus ex bello’. While it argues in favor of a possibilistic approach to norms – in order to argue why norms should develop, it is necessary to analyze whether they could develop – this article finds that jus ex bello might be an appropriate response to some of the arguments in favor of the need for normative change in warfare. However, four major obstacles to this potential innovation are identified, grounded in cultural history, politics, morality and cognition. Based on the further examination of these, the article goes on to make suggestions for institutional design initiatives, in themselves dependent on possible significant social and cultural evolution, that would favor normative change and the development of jus ex bello.