bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Asthma Control and Cognitive Function in a Cohort of Elderly Adults
Authors: Ray Maile , Sano Mary , Wisnivesky Juan P. , Wolf Michael S. , Federman Alex D. 
Published: April 2015

ObjectivesTo determine whether poor asthma control is associated with cognitive impairment in a cohort of older, inner‐city adults with asthma.DesignProspective observational cohort study.SettingOutpatient practices in New York City and Chicago.ParticipantsIndividuals aged 60 and older with a physician diagnosis of asthma and without chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or a smoking history of 10 pack‐years or more (N = 452).MeasurementsCognitive assessments that included processing speed (pattern comparison, Trail‐Making Test Part A), executive function (Trail‐Making Test Part B), attention and working memory (letter number sequencing), immediate and delayed recall (Wechsler Memory Scale Story A), word fluency (animal naming), and global cognitive function (Mini‐Mental State Examination) were administered. Asthma control was measured using the Asthma Control Questionnaire (ACQ) and airway obstruction using spirometry as the predicted forced expiratory volume at 1 second (FEV1) of less than 70%. Cognitive measures were modeled in linear and logistic regression models controlling for age, race, education, English proficiency, and income.ResultsParticipants had a mean age of 68; 41% had poor asthma control according to the ACQ, and 35% had FEV1 of less than 70%. Poor asthma control and FEV1 less than 70% were significantly associated with all measures of cognitive function in univariate analyses, although these associations lost their statistical significance after adjusting for age, education, English proficiency, and other covariates. The same pattern was observed when the outcomes were below‐normal performance on the cognitive measures based on normative data.ConclusionPoor asthma control and airway obstruction are not associated with poor performance on various measures of cognitive function in older adults with asthma.
Battling Against Interfaith Relations in Israel: Religion, Therapy, and Social Services
Authors: Hakak Yohai 
Published: April 2015

One of the less studied aspects of the Israeli–Palestinian conflict is its demography. On the Jewish side, active steps are taken by the state to encourage Jewish immigration and Jewish births and discourage Jewish assimilation. As part of these efforts, the “problematic relationships” between Arab men and Jewish women from low socioeconomic background have become a high agenda item in public discussions in Israel during the last decade. I will examine here how the diagnostic category “girls at risk” and a therapeutic intervention employed by social services dealing with these couples helps maintaining the delicate balance between Jewish and democratic values. I will analyze these practices as a solution to a structural problem of the Jewish enclave in Israel.Video Abstract
Differences in the treatment and evolution of acute coronary syndromes according to gender: what are the causes?
Authors: Ferraz‐Torres Marta , Belzunegui‐Otano Tomás , Marín‐Fernandez Blanca , Martinez‐Garcia Óscar , Ibañez‐Beroiz Berta 
Published: April 2015

Aims and objectivesThe objectives of this study were to analyse the differences in the treatment and the evolution of acute coronary syndromes according to the gender of the patient and to determine the likely causes of these differences.BackgroundEpidemiological studies confirm the differences in the course and treatment of acute coronary syndromes according to factors such as gender and age. The factors associated with the observed gender‐based differences are not known.Design and methodsThis prospective study was conducted on 596 patients treated in the Hospital Emergency Service of the Hospital Complex of Navarra, Spain, from 1 January 2012 to April 2013 with acute coronary syndromes. A bivariate and logistic analysis has been made by adjusting the age and severity of process to know the differences by gender.ResultsA total of 71·8% (n = 428) were men, and the remaining 28·2% (168) were women. The mean age of the men was 66·4 ± 12·7 years, and the mean age of the women was 72·5 ± 13·9 years. We found that antiplatelet drugs (68·4 vs. 22·7%), blockers (70 vs. 25·4%), ACE inhibitors (56·2 vs. 15·6%), fibrinolysis (17·2 vs. 4·5%, p = 0·025) and primary angioplasty (AP) (38·7 vs. 16·3%, p = 0·008) were less frequently administered to women compared with men. We observed an additional delay in the demand for health care in women with acute coronary syndromes compared with men.ConclusionsThere is an association between treatment differences and gender. The delay in the request of health care in women is observed to be the largest correlating factor, in addition to voluntary discharge in women affected by acute coronary syndromes.Relevance to clinical practiceDelays in seeking medical care or voluntary discharge are likely factors related to worse outcomes in women. These factors should be explored, and the results should be made available to the public, particularly to women.
Gum chewing and gastrointestinal function following caesarean delivery: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Hochner Hagit , Tenfelde Sandi M , Abu Ahmad Wiessam , Liebergall‐Wischnitzer Michal 
Published: April 2015

Aims and objectivesThe aims of this systematic review and meta‐analysis were to summarise current knowledge regarding gum chewing intervention for activation of the gastrointestinal (GI) system following caesarean delivery.BackgroundGI symptoms such as nausea, vomiting and defecatory difficulties are bothersome for women following a caesarean delivery. There is category A recommendation to not withhold oral intake postoperatively. However, current practice guidelines vary widely on time to initiate oral feeding post caesarean delivery, and additional research is needed. Gum chewing has been shown to stimulate the GI system in other postoperative patient populations.DesignA systematic review and meta‐analysis.MethodsAn electronic review was undertaken using the following resources: PubMed (Medline), CINAHL, EMBASE and ClinicalTrials.gov databases. Key words used in various combinations included cesarean section; cesarean delivery; postoperative chewing gum; bowel movement; bowel function and complications.ResultsA total of 171 articles were found of which 166 were excluded: 157 were duplicates and the remainder did not meet the inclusion criteria. Five randomised control trials were included in the meta‐analysis, focusing on gum chewing as an intervention as compared with a nongum chewing intervention, with a total of 846 participants. Compared with the nongum chewing group, gum chewing showed a beneficial impact on the major outcomes of digestive system activation, including bowel sound, gas passage and defecation.ConclusionsThis meta‐analysis supports the effectiveness of gum chewing post caesarean delivery as a noninvasive/nonpharmacological intervention for reactivation of bowel movement.Relevance to clinical practiceGum chewing in the immediate postoperative period following caesarean delivery may provide a socially acceptable, low‐cost and safe intervention to reduce postcaesarean delivery GI complications and restore GI function.
The effect of balanced protein energy supplementation in undernourished pregnant women and child physical growth in low‐ and middle‐income countries: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Stevens Briony , Buettner Petra , Watt Kerrianne , Clough Alan , Brimblecombe Julie , Judd Jenni 
Published: April 2015

AbstractThe beneficial effect of balanced protein energy supplementation during pregnancy on subsequent child growth is unclear and may depend upon the mother entering pregnancy adequately nourished or undernourished. Systematic reviews to‐date have included studies from high‐, middle‐ and low‐income countries. However, the effect of balanced protein energy supplementation should not be generalised. This review assesses the effect of balanced protein energy supplementation in undernourished pregnant women from low‐ and middle‐income countries on child growth. A systematic review of articles published in English (1970–2015) was conducted via MEDLINE, Scopus, the Cochrane Register and hand searching. Only peer‐reviewed experimental studies analysing the effects of balanced protein energy supplementation in undernourished pregnant women from low‐ and middle‐income countries with measures of physical growth as the primary outcome were included. Two reviewers independently assessed full‐text articles against inclusion criteria. Validity of eligible studies was ascertained using the Quality Assessment Tool for Quantitative Studies (EPHPP QAT). In total, seven studies met the inclusion criteria. All studies reported on birthweight, five on birth length, three on birth head circumference, and one on longer‐term growth. Standardised mean differences were calculated using a random‐effects meta‐analysis. Balanced protein energy supplementation significantly improved birthweight (seven randomised controlled trials, n = 2367; d = 0.20, 95% confidence interval, 0.03–0.38, P = 0.02). No significant benefit was observed on birth length or birth head circumference. Impact of intervention could not be determined for longer‐term physical growth due to limited evidence. Additional research is required in low‐ and middle‐income countries to identify impacts on longer‐term infant growth.
Low‐dose RUTF protocol and improved service delivery lead to good programme outcomes in the treatment of uncomplicated SAM: a programme report from Myanmar
Authors: James Philip T. , Van den Briel Natalie , Rozet Aurélie , Israël Anne‐Dominique , Fenn Bridget , Navarro‐Colorado Carlos 
Published: April 2015

AbstractThe treatment of uncomplicated severe acute malnutrition (SAM) requires substantial amounts of ready‐to‐use therapeutic food (RUTF). In 2009, Action Contre la Faim anticipated a shortfall of RUTF for their nutrition programme in Myanmar. A low‐dose RUTF protocol to treat children with uncomplicated SAM was adopted. In this protocol, RUTF was dosed according to beneficiary's body weight, until the child reached a Weight‐for‐Height z‐score of ≥−3 and mid‐upper arm circumference ≥110 mm. From this point, the child received a fixed quantity of RUTF per day, independent of body weight until discharge. Specific measures were implemented as part of this low‐dose RUTF protocol in order to improve service quality and beneficiary support. We analysed individual records of 3083 children treated from July 2009 to January 2010. Up to 90.2% of children recovered, 2.0% defaulted and 0.9% were classified as non‐responders. No deaths were recorded. Among children who recovered, median [IQR] length of stay and weight gain were 42 days [28; 56] and 4.0 g kg–1 day–1 [3.0; 5.7], respectively. Multivariable logistic regression showed that children older than 48 months had higher odds of non‐response to treatment than younger children (adjusted odds ratio: 3.51, 95% CI: 1.67–7.42). Our results indicate that a low‐dose RUTF protocol, combined with specific measures to ensure good service quality and beneficiary support, was successful in treating uncomplicated SAM in this setting. This programmatic experience should be validated by randomised studies aiming to test, quantify and attribute the effect of the protocol adaptation and programme improvements presented here.
Contrasting effects of tree diversity on young tree growth and resistance to insect herbivores across three biodiversity experiments
Authors: Haase Josephine , Castagneyrol Bastien , Cornelissen J. Hans C. , Ghazoul Jaboury , Kattge Jens , Koricheva Julia , Scherer‐Lorenzen Michael , Morath Simon , Jactel Hervé 
Published: April 2015

Tree diversity is an important driver of forest ecosystem functioning, hypothesised to enhance tree growth and resistance to herbivores. To test this, we assessed the relative importance of tree species richness and functional diversity on tree height growth and insect herbivore damage across three tree diversity experiments in Finland, France and Germany, established within the last fifteen years. These experiments encompass species richness gradients from monocultures up to five species mixtures, with compositions drawn from a pool of eleven tree species. Tree height growth and total insect herbivory were evaluated at both the tree species and forest plot scales.Trees in mixtures tended to grow taller, but on average received more insect herbivory relative to monocultures. Gradients of tree species richness or functional diversity had only weak impact on the magnitude of these effects. Community weighted means of specific leaf area alone captured diversity effects on tree height growth, with stronger positive effects of diversity in mixtures with high community SLA. Tree species‐specific responses were highly variable. No species significantly benefited both in terms of increased growth and reduced herbivory when grown in mixtures. More species showed positive height growth responses in mixed assemblages, but only the two exotic conifers experienced associational resistance to herbivores.This large‐scale study shows that tree height growth in young forest plantations tends to be higher in species mixtures than in monocultures, but incremental increases in functional diversity have, at best, weak marginal growth benefits. Moreover, there appear to be contrasting effects at forest plot versus individual species scales. Thus, while some species show lower herbivore damage in mixtures, this is not a consistent trend and contrasts the higher overall damage in mixtures observed at the forest plot scale. To improve both tree growth and resistance to herbivores in tree species mixtures seems therefore challenging.
Policy Transfer through Time and the Search for Legitimacy in Developing Nations
Authors: McCarthy‐Jones Anthea , Turner Mark 
Published: April 2015

This article explores the relationship between policy transfer through time and the quest for political legitimacy in developing countries. It is concerned with instances where contemporary figures reach back a long way in history in the search for items that can be used to legitimate present or future political arrangements. The first part of the article broadly classifies the various ways in which time has been used, but acknowledges the relative neglect of the temporal dimension in policy transfer studies. However, in the process of the search for political legitimation in developing countries, there has been a regular use of policy transfer through time. This is explored in a detailed case study of President Hugo Chávez's Bolivarian revolution in Venezuela. From this case study, a four‐stage sequence of policy transfer through time is constructed.Related Articles

Holbig, Heike, and
Bruce Gilley. 2010. “.” Politics & Policy 38 (): 395–422. http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com.ezproxy.canberra.edu.au/doi/10.1111/j.1747‐1346.2010.00241.x/abstract

Case, William. 2010. “.” Politics & Policy 38 (): 497–522. http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com.ezproxy.canberra.edu.au/doi/10.1111/j.1747‐1346.2010.00245.x/abstract

Kane, John,
Hui‐Chieh Loy, and
Haig Patapan. 2010. “.” Politics & Policy 38 (): 381–394. http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1747‐1346.2010.00240.x/abstract
Related Media

Bartley, Kim, and Donnacha Ó Briain. 2002 “.” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Id‐‐ZFtjR5c

. 2011. “.” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WJ1DUkxy8Bk
Differential colonization patterns of Xylella fastidiosa infecting citrus genotypes
Authors: Niza B. , Coletta‐Filho H. D. , Merfa M. V. , Takita M. A. , de Souza A. A. 
Published: April 2015

Xylella fastidiosa is a phytopathogenic bacterium that causes disease in many different crops worldwide. In Brazil, X. fastidiosa subsp. pauca causes citrus variegated chlorosis (CVC), which is a disease responsible for economic losses in the citrus agribusiness. Variable host responses to bacterial colonization and disease development have been observed. This work studies the colonization processes of a pathogenic GFP‐labelled X. fastidiosa citrus strain in sweet orange (susceptible) and tangor (resistant) parents and two resulting hybrids that exhibited contrasting responses to CVC. Xylella fastidiosa showed increased populations and movement in the susceptible genotypes, but slower compared to other hosts such as grapevine. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that the predominant pitted stem morphology in citrus makes the bacterial movement difficult. In susceptible genotypes X. fastidiosa can move from the primary to the secondary xylem, whilst it is confined to the primary xylem in resistant plants. Associated with this is an induction of lignification that occurs earlier in the resistant genotypes when in the presence of the pathogen, and represents a genetic mechanism that leads to formation of a physical barrier, impairing bacterial colonization.
Understanding Psychopathy Using the Basic Elements of Personality
Authors: Miller Joshua D. , Lynam Donald R. 
Published: April 2015

AbstractPsychopathy is a form of personality disorder characterized by arrogance, self‐absorption, callousness, exploitation, and impulsivity that is also strongly associated with antisocial behavior. The present paper argues that psychopathy can and should be understood as a configuration of personality traits from a general model of personality functioning – the five‐factor model (FFM). In this paper, we demonstrate that previous theoretical conceptualizations of psychopathy and current empirical ones converge on a general FFM profile characterized by very low scores on agreeableness and conscientiousness and mixed relations to aspects of neuroticism and extraversion. Further, we articulate the advantages to understanding psychopathy in this way. The FFM provides an assay of extant inventories, explains the factor structure of various inventories, accounts for the epidemiology of psychopathy, and makes sense of the litany of putative psychopathic deficits. Perhaps most importantly, the FFM provides a connection to basic research in personality.
Combining malaria control with house electrification: adherence to recommended behaviours for proper deployment of solar‐powered mosquito trapping systems, Rusinga Island, western Kenya
Authors: Oria Prisca A. , Alaii Jane , Ayugi Margaret , Takken Willem , Leeuwis Cees 
Published: April 2015

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate community adherence to recommended behaviours for proper deployment of solar‐powered mosquito trapping systems (SMoTS) after 3‐ to 10‐week use.MethodsSolar‐powered mosquito trapping system, which also provided power for room lighting and charging mobile phones, were installed in houses in Rusinga Island, western Kenya. We used a structured checklist for observations and a semi‐structured questionnaire for interviews in 24 homesteads. We also analysed the subject of 224 community calls to the project team for technical maintenance of SMoTS.ResultsMost respondents cared for SMoTS by fencing, emptying and cleaning the trap. Our observations revealed that most traps were fenced, clean and in good working condition. A significantly higher proportion of community calls was lighting‐related. Lighting was the main reason respondents liked SMoTS because it reduced or eliminated expenditure on kerosene. However, some respondents observed they no longer heard sounds of mosquitoes inside their houses. All respondents reportedly slept under insecticide‐treated nets (ITNs) before receiving SMoTS. After receiving SMoTS, most respondents reportedly continued to use ITNs citing that the project advised them to do so. Some beach residents stopped using ITNs because they no longer heard mosquitoes or due to heat discomfort caused by lights.ConclusionElectricity‐related incentives played a greater role in encouraging adherence to recommended behaviours for proper deployment of SMoTS than the potential health benefits in the early stages of the intervention. Although energy‐related financial incentives may play a role, they are insufficient to ensure adherence to health advice, even in the short term. Ongoing community engagement and research monitors and addresses adherence to recommended behaviours including continuation of current malaria control strategies.
Influenza A Virus Protein PA-X Contributes to Viral Growth and Suppression of the Host Antiviral and Immune Responses
Authors: Hayashi Tsuyoshi , MacDonald Leslie A. , Takimoto Toru 
Published: April 2015

ABSTRACTInfluenza virus infection causes global inhibition of host protein synthesis in infected cells. This host shutoff is thought to allow viruses to escape from the host antiviral response, which restricts virus replication and spread. Although the mechanism of host shutoff is unclear, a novel viral protein expressed by ribosomal frameshifting, PA-X, was found to play a major role in influenza virus-induced host shutoff. However, little is known about the impact of PA-X expression on currently circulating influenza A virus pathogenicity and the host antiviral response. In this study, we rescued a recombinant influenza A virus, A/California/04/09 (H1N1, Cal), containing mutations at the frameshift motif in the polymerase PA gene (Cal PA-XFS). Cal PA-XFS expressed significantly less PA-X than Cal wild type (WT). Cal WT, but not Cal PA-XFS, induced degradation of host β-actin mRNA and suppressed host protein synthesis, supporting the idea that PA-X induces host shutoff via mRNA decay. Moreover, Cal WT inhibited beta interferon (IFN-β) expression and replicated more rapidly than Cal PA-XFS in human respiratory cells. Mice infected with Cal PA-XFS had significantly lower levels of viral growth and greater expression of IFN-β mRNA in their lungs than mice infected with Cal WT. Importantly, more antihemagglutinin and neutralizing antibodies were produced in Cal PA-XFS-infected mice than in Cal WT-infected mice, despite the lower level of virus replication in the lungs. Our data indicate that PA-X of the pandemic H1N1 virus has a strong impact on viral growth and the host innate and acquired immune responses to influenza virus.IMPORTANCEVirus-induced host protein shutoff is considered to be a major factor allowing viruses to evade innate and acquired immune recognition. We provide evidence that the 2009 H1N1 influenza A virus protein PA-X plays a role in virus replication and inhibition of host antiviral response by means of its host protein synthesis shutoff activity bothin vitroandin vivo. We also demonstrated that, while the growth of Cal PA-XFS was attenuated in the lungs of infected animals, this mutant induced a stronger humoral response than Cal WT. Our findings clearly highlight the importance of PA-X in counteracting the host innate and acquired immune responses to influenza virus, an important global pathogen. This work demonstrates that inhibition of PA-X expression in influenza virus vaccine strains may provide a novel way of safely attenuating viral growth while inducing a more robust immune response.