bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interactome analysis of herpes simplex virus 1 envelope glycoprotein H
Authors: Hirohata Yoshitaka , Kato Akihisa , Oyama Masaaki , Kozuka‐Hata Hiroko , Koyanagi Naoto , Arii Jun , Kawaguchi Yasushi
Published: March 2015

Herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV‐1) envelope glycoprotein H (gH) is important for viral entry into cells and nuclear egress of nucleocapsids. To clarify additional novel roles of gH during HSV‐1 replication, host cell proteins that interact with gH were screened for by tandem affinity purification coupled with mass spectrometry‐based proteomics in 293T cells transiently expressing gH. This screen identified 123 host cell proteins as potential gH interactors. Of these proteins, general control nonderepressive‐1 (GCN1), a trans‐acting positive effector of GCN2 kinase that regulates phosphorylation of the α subunit of translation initiation factor 2 (eIF2α), was subsequently confirmed to interact with gH in HSV‐1‐infected cells. eIF2α phosphorylation is known to downregulate protein synthesis, and various viruses have evolved mechanisms to prevent the accumulation of phosphorylated eIF2α in infected cells. Here, it was shown that GCN1 knockdown reduces phosphorylation of eIF2α in HSV‐1‐infected cells and that the gH‐null mutation increases eIF2α in HSV‐1‐infected cells, whereas gH overexpression in the absence of other HSV‐1 proteins reduces eIF2α phosphorylation. These findings suggest that GCN1 can regulate eIF2α phosphorylation in HSV‐1‐infected cells and that the GCN1‐binding viral partner gH is necessary and sufficient to prevent the accumulation of phosphorylated eIF2α. Our database of 123 host cell proteins potentially interacting with gH will be useful for future studies aimed at unveiling further novel functions of gH and the roles of cellular proteins in HSV‐1‐infected cells.
A meta‐analysis of plasma corticosterone and heterophil : lymphocyte ratios – is there conservation of physiological stress responses over time?
Authors: Goessling Jeffrey M. , Kennedy Heather , Mendonça Mary T. , Wilson Alan E.
Published: March 2015

There is growing need for reliable biomarkers of the physiological stress response in basic ecological investigations and conservation‐specific applications. One effect of stress hormone secretion is the alteration of circulating leucocytes, specifically an increase in the heterophil : lymphocyte ratio (HLR). There have been numerous studies and reviews of the relationship between the stress response and HLR, yet the data have not been systematically analysed across studies.

Here, we performed meta‐analyses of studies in which paired values of plasma corticosterone (CORT) and HLR were available to investigate the relationship between these parameters. Specifically, we analysed CORT and HLR as baseline measures between treatment (or ‘stressed’ populations) and control (or ‘reference’ populations). Additionally, we investigated the relationship within CORT and HLR to identify temporal patterns of the response as a result of the duration of the stressor.

Across studies, we identified that CORT and HLR are significantly elevated in populations subjected to environmentally stressful conditions. While not significantly different, CORT tended to be more elevated than HLR in the stressed populations.

We found that there is a significant, negative relationship between CORT and the temporal duration of environmental stress. Additionally, we found a significant break point in this response at 85 days of stress duration, above which there is not a clear relationship between CORT and duration. This indicates that the CORT response to environmental stress attenuates.

We found a small but positive significant relationship between HLR and temporal duration of environmental stress. This suggests that the elevation of HLR in response to environmental stress does not decrease over time.

Our data identified that data gaps of wild populations of species exist and that more studies pairing physiological stress responses will further our understanding of how populations respond to environmental challenges. We found that CORT and HLR responded differently to stress, depending on captivity status, whether the study population was the domestic chicken, and the sex of the study population.
Effects of diurnal temperature variation on microbial community and petroleum hydrocarbon biodegradation in contaminated soils from a sub‐Arctic site
Authors: Akbari Ali , Ghoshal Subhasis
Published: March 2015

Contaminated soils are subject to diurnal and seasonal temperature variations during on‐site ex‐situ bioremediation processes. We assessed how diurnal temperature variations similar to that in summer at the site from which petroleum hydrocarbon‐contaminated soil was collected affect the soil microbial community and the extent of biodegradation of petroleum hydrocarbons compared with constant temperature regimes. Microbial community analyses for 16S rRNA and alkB genes by pyrosequencing indicated that the microbial community for soils incubated under diurnal temperature variation from 5°C to 15°C (VART5‐15) evolved similarly to that for soils incubated at constant temperature of 15°C (CST15). In contrast, under a constant temperature of 5°C (CST5), the community evolved significantly different. The extent of biodegradation of C10–C16 hydrocarbons in the VART5‐15 systems was 48%, comparable with the 41% biodegradation in CST15 systems, but significantly higher than CST5 systems at 11%. The enrichment of Gammaproteobacteria was observed in the alkB gene‐harbouring communities in VART5‐15 and CST15 but not in CST5 systems. However, the Actinobacteria was abundant at all temperature regimes. The results suggest that changes in microbial community composition as a result of diurnal temperature variations can significantly influence petroleum hydrocarbon bioremediation performance in cold regions.
The Concept of ‘Merit’ in Australia, China and Taiwan
Authors: Podger Andrew , Chan Hon
Published: March 2015

The article provides a description of Australian approaches to ‘merit’ and an overview of the other symposium articles on the application of merit in China and Taiwan. The term ‘merit’ is commonly used in Australia, China, and Taiwan as an important attribute of good government service, but it means different things in different countries, reflecting both different institutional arrangements and differences in culture.

Australia's current application of the merit principle is described in some detail. The principle and its application have been subject to debate throughout the last century and continue today. The debates reflect social attitudes at the time and developments in the role of government and the skills government requires, and changes in the Australian labour market. Key debates include the role of women, treatment of ex‐servicemen, importance of graduate recruitment, equal employment opportunity, and staff perceptions of fairness and the application of merit in employment decisions.

China has a long tradition of autocracy and a long history of competitive examinations for joining government service. It faces the challenge of whether it is possible to embrace a merit principle where politics and administration are not distinguished. Merit is also applied within a culture that gives considerable emphasis to personal relations (guanxi).

Taiwan also draws on China's long experience with examinations. A key challenge now is whether it gives too much emphasis to equality and fair access to public sector employment opportunities and too little to the skills and experience different government agencies require. These different approaches and different challenges reflect differences in the three countries relating in particular to the role of government, the relationship between politics and administration and culture.
Effects of varying text difficulty levels on second language (L2) reading attitudes and reading comprehension
Authors: Chiang Min‐Hsun
Published: March 2015

This study investigated the effects of varying text difficulty on L2 reading attitudes and reading comprehension. To provide the optimal challenge for L2 reading, comprehensible input hypothesis postulates that choosing text slightly harder than the learner's current level will enhance reading comprehension. Fifty‐four freshmen from one university in central Taiwan were randomly divided into two groups. Students in the ‘i − 1’ group were given level 3 and level 4 Oxford Graded Readers while students in the ‘i + 1’ group were provided with level 5 and level 6. Quantitative data were obtained via the English Placement Exam and the Reading Attitudes Survey. Results from the pretest and posttest of the Reading Attitudes Survey suggest that the i − 1 group has gained significantly in reading attitudes, whereas no difference in reading attitude was identified with the i + 1 group. Results also indicate that varied difficulty levels of reading text did not significantly affect participants' reading comprehension.
Inequality, marketisation and the left: Schools policy in England and Sweden
Authors: Hicks Timothy
Published: March 2015

It is argued in this article that the marketisation of schools policy has a tendency to produce twin effects: an increase in educational inequality, and an increase in general satisfaction with the schooling system. However, the effect on educational inequality is very much stronger where prevailing societal inequality is higher. The result is that cross‐party political agreement on the desirability of such reforms is much more likely where societal inequality is lower (as the inequality effects are also lower). Counterintuitively, then, countries that are more egalitarian – and so typically thought of as being more left‐wing – will have a higher likelihood of adopting marketisation than more unequal countries. Evidence is drawn from a paired comparison of English and Swedish schools policies from the 1980s to the present. Both the policy history and elite interviews lend considerable support for the theory in terms of both outcomes and mechanisms.
Valence and satisfaction with democracy: A cross‐national analysis of nineWesternEuropean democracies
Authors: Leiter Debra , Clark Michael
Published: March 2015

In recent studies, scholars have highlighted factors that influence citizen satisfaction with democracy, with particular emphasis on the role played by the institutional features of political systems, and ideology. This article presents the first empirical study of whether changes in important party characteristics can affect individuals' satisfaction with democracy. Using a measure of parties'character‐valencederived from content analysis of news reports, evidence is presented that when governing parties' images decline with respect to important valence‐related attributes such as competence, unity and integrity, then citizen satisfaction with democracy similarly declines. However, this relationship is conditional on the performance of opposition parties. These findings are relevant to studies of regime support, political representation, democratic accountability and voter behaviour.
Dialysis Withdrawal: Impact and Evaluation of a Multidisciplinary Deliberation Within an Ethics Committee as a Shared‐Decision‐Making Model
Authors: Maurizi Balzan Jocelyne , Cartier Jean Charles , Calvino‐Gunther Silvia , Carron Pierre Louis , Baro Patrice , Palacin Pedro , Vialtel Paul
Published: March 2015

Since dialysis withdrawal in maintenance dialysis patients with limited life expectancy results always in short‐term death, nephrologists need a referenced process to make their decision. This study reviews 8 years of operation of an Ethics Committee in Nephrology (ECN). The ECN, within a multidisciplinary team, once a month explores cases reported by caregivers when maintaining dialysis seems not to be in the patient's best interest. Discussion is required when the vital prognosis is engaged by the evolution of the chronic kidney disease (CKD) or the occurrence of an acute medical event. Data are analyzed using a discussion guide. The informed decision is completed with an appropriated palliative care project involving the patient, and recorded in their file. Since 2006, the ECN has deliberated yearly for 10 sessions on 6–18 cases, concerning 380 identified maintenance dialysis patients. Characteristics of the population, cases, sessions and proposals are recorded and analyzed. The only variable associated with dialysis withdrawal was having at least one new comorbid condition. End of life is supported with the help of the palliative care team in the hospital or exceptionally at home. The ECN, through a multidisciplinary deliberation and resolution process, proposes an ethical shared‐decision‐making model ensuring that dialysis withdrawal follows professional guidelines, and is registered as a method for evaluating professional practice (EPP). Annual activity reports are submitted to the Hospital's Medical Evaluation and Quality Unit. Benefits are individual and collective for patients, relatives and caregivers. Prospects for reducing non‐implemented decisions and identifying cases earlier would improve the Committee effectiveness.
Isolation and Characterization of Collagen from the Body Wall of Sea Cucumber Stichopus monotuberculatus
Authors: Zhong Ming , Chen Ting , Hu Chaoqun , Ren Chunhua
Published: March 2015

To exploit a new collagen resource from the body wall of tropical sea cucumber, pepsin‐solubilized collagen of Stichopus monotuberculatus (PSC‐Sm) was isolated and characterized with UV‐vis spectra, sodium dodecyl sulfate‐polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS‐PAGE), amino acid composition, enzyme‐digested peptide maps, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), maximum transition temperature (Tm), and solubilities. The maximum absorbance of PSC‐Sm was exhibited at 218 nm in UV‐vis spectra. The triple helical structure and activity of PSC‐Sm could be indicated by FTIR. SDS‐PAGE showed that the triple helix of PSC‐Sm was formed as (α1)3 by 3 α1 chain homologous with molecular weight of 137 kDa. The Tm of PSC‐Sm and calf skin collagen (CSC) were 30.2 and 35.0 ºC, respectively, which consistent with the result of FTIR that CSC contained more stable triple‐helix than PSC‐Sm. Peptide maps were different between PSC‐Sm and CSC, indicating the differences in their amino acid compositions and sequences. The maximum and minimum solubilities of PSC‐Sm were observed at pH 2.0 and 4.0, respectively. A sharp decrease in solubility appeared when NaCl concentration was between 3% and 5%. These results showed that collagen from S. monotuberculatus had the type I collagen characteristics and good thermal stability, and therefore, it could be used as an alternative resource of collagen.
Physiochemical Properties, Microstructure, and Probiotic Survivability of Nonfat Goats’ Milk Yogurt Using Heat‐Treated Whey Protein Concentrate as Fat Replacer
Authors: Zhang Tiehua , McCarthy James , Wang Guorong , Liu Yanyan , Guo Mingruo
Published: March 2015

There is a market demand for nonfat fermented goats’ milk products. A nonfat goats’ milk yogurt containing probiotics (Lactobacillus acidophilus, and Bifidobacterium spp.) was developed using heat‐treated whey protein concentrate (HWPC) as a fat replacer and pectin as a thickening agent. Yogurts containing untreated whey protein concentrate (WPC) and pectin, and the one with only pectin were also prepared. Skim cows’ milk yogurt with pectin was also made as a control. The yogurts were analyzed for chemical composition, water holding capacity (syneresis), microstructure, changes in pH and viscosity, mold, yeast and coliform counts, and probiotic survivability during storage at 4 °C for 10 wk. The results showed that the nonfat goats’ milk yogurt made with 1.2% HWPC (WPC solution heated at 85 °C for 30 min at pH 8.5) and 0.35% pectin had significantly higher viscosity (P < 0.01) than any of the other yogurts and lower syneresis than the goats’ yogurt with only pectin (P < 0.01). Viscosity and pH of all the yogurt samples did not change much throughout storage. Bifidobacterium spp. remained stable and was above 106CFU g‐1 during the 10‐wk storage. However, the population of Lactobacillus acidophilus dropped to below 106CFU g‐1 after 2 wk of storage. Microstructure analysis of the nonfat goats’ milk yogurt by scanning electron microscopy revealed that HWPC interacted with casein micelles to form a relatively compact network in the yogurt gel. The results indicated that HWPC could be used as a fat replacer for improving the consistency of nonfat goats’ milk yogurt and other similar products.
Antioxidant Activity and Sensory Evaluation of a Rosmarinic Acid‐Enriched Extract of Salvia officinalis
Authors: Bakota Erica L. , Winkler‐Moser Jill K. , Berhow Mark A. , Eller Fred J. , Vaughn Steven F.
Published: March 2015

An extract of Salvia officinalis (garden sage) was prepared using supercritical carbon dioxide (SC‐CO2) extraction, followed by hot water extraction. The resulting extract was enriched in polyphenols, including rosmarinic acid (RA), which has shown promising health benefits in animals. The extract contained RA at a concentration of 28.4 mg/g, representing a significant enrichment from the RA content in sage leaves. This extract was incorporated into oil‐in‐water emulsions as a source of lipid antioxidants and compared to emulsions containing pure rosmarinic acid. Both treatments were effective in suppressing lipid oxidation. The extract was evaluated by a trained sensory panel in a tea formulation. While the panel could discriminate among extract‐treated and control samples, panelists demonstrated high acceptability of the sage extract in a tea.
Double‐digest RAD sequencing using Ion Proton semiconductor platform (ddRADseq‐ion) with nonmodel organisms
Authors: Recknagel Hans , Jacobs Arne , Herzyk Pawel , Elmer Kathryn R.
Published: March 2015

Research in evolutionary biology involving nonmodel organisms is rapidly shifting from using traditional molecular markers such as mtDNA and microsatellites to higher throughput SNP genotyping methodologies to address questions in population genetics, phylogenetics and genetic mapping. Restriction site associated DNA sequencing (RAD sequencing or RADseq) has become an established method for SNP genotyping on Illumina sequencing platforms. Here, we developed a protocol and adapters for double‐digest RAD sequencing for Ion Torrent (Life Technologies; Ion Proton, Ion PGM) semiconductor sequencing. We sequenced thirteen genomic libraries of three different nonmodel vertebrate species on Ion Proton with PI chips: Arctic charr Salvelinus alpinus, European whitefish Coregonus lavaretus and common lizard Zootoca vivipara. This resulted in ~962 million single‐end reads overall and a mean of ~74 million reads per library. We filtered the genomic data using Stacks, a bioinformatic tool to process RAD sequencing data. On average, we obtained ~11 000 polymorphic loci per library of 6–30 individuals. We validate our new method by technical and biological replication, by reconstructing phylogenetic relationships, and using a hybrid genetic cross to track genomic variants. Finally, we discuss the differences between using the different sequencing platforms in the context of RAD sequencing, assessing possible advantages and disadvantages. We show that our protocol can be used for Ion semiconductor sequencing platforms for the rapid and cost‐effective generation of variable and reproducible genetic markers.
The High‐Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development: Orchestration by Default and Design
Authors: Abbott Kenneth W. , Bernstein Steven
Published: March 2015

The High‐Level Political Forum (HLPF) on sustainable development is a central element in the emerging governance architecture for sustainable development. Established at the 2012 United Nations (UN) Conference on Sustainable Development, the HLPF has a dauntingly expansive mandate – including setting the sustainable development agenda; enhancing integration, coordination and coherence across the UN system; and following up all sustainable development goals and commitments. Yet it has been granted limited authority and few material resources. In these circumstances, the HLPF must rely on the governance strategy of ‘orchestration’: working indirectly through intermediary organizations, and using soft modes of influence to support and guide their actions. The forum's design suggests that states intended it to pursue this approach. We identify potential intermediaries and techniques of orchestration, and assess whether the HLPF can successfully act as an orchestrator.
Does a Material Kuznets Curve Exist for Copper?
Authors: Jaunky Vishal Chandr
Published: March 2015

The material Kuznets curve (MKC) hypothesis with reference to copper for 16 high‐income countries over the period 1966 to 2010 is investigated. The Narayan and Narayan (2010) testing framework is applied. Recent generations of panel unit root and cointegration tests are performed. The variables are found to be I(1) and cointegrated. Unidirectional causality running from real gross domestic product per capita to copper intensity is uncovered in the long‐run. While controlling for technological development, the MKC hypothesis is found to hold at individual levels for Austria, Italy and Portugal as well as for the whole panel.
Financial Statement Complexity and Meeting Analysts’ Expectations
Authors: Filzen Joshua J. , Peterson Kyle
Published: March 2015

We examine whether firms with greater financial statement complexity are more likely to meet or beat analysts’ earnings expectations. We proxy for financial statement complexity using the firm's industry and year adjusted accounting policy disclosure length. Firms with more complex financial statements are more likely to just beat expectations than just miss expectations. Firms with complex financial statements appear to use expectations management to beat expectations, but do not use earnings management. Corroborating these findings, we find analysts rely more on management guidance for more complex firms. Firms with complex financial statements are also more likely to have analysts exclude items from actual “street earnings,” but tests suggest this strategy is not specifically used by complex firms to beat expectations. The effect we document is specific to analyst forecasts and not to other alternative benchmarks.
External Corporate Governance and Misreporting
Authors: Baber William R. , Kang Sok‐Hyon , Liang Lihong , Zhu Zinan
Published: March 2015

This study investigates how external corporate governance provisions, specifically statutory and corporate charter provisions that limit direct shareholder participation in the governance process, affect the likelihood of an accounting restatement. The analysis indicates that strong external governance (fewer restrictions on shareholder participation) is associated with a relatively low incidence of accounting restatements. The effect of external governance is incremental to that of internal governance, which is considered as provisions that foster effective board oversight of management. Such evidence supports the premise that shareholder participation improves financial reporting quality.
Outside Blockholders' Monitoring of Management and Debt Financing
Authors: Liao Scott
Published: March 2015

Corporate governance mechanisms designed to alleviate manager‐shareholder agency conflicts can worsen shareholder‐bondholder conflicts. This study examines how one such corporate governance mechanism, monitoring by large outside shareholders, influences the choice between public and private debt. I conjecture and find that firms with higher outside blockholdings are inclined to choose bank loans over public debt when they borrow, consistent with the notion that banks are better monitors than public debt markets. I also find that bank loans carry less price protection than corporate bonds against increased agency risk associated with outside blocks. Corroborating the monitoring story, I document that bank loans contain more accounting‐based covenants and dividend restriction provisions for firms with higher outside blockholdings than for those with lower blockholdings. I find no such relation for public debt covenants. This supports that banks' monitoring of their loans counters the agency risk caused by blockholders. This study extends prior research that associates governance mechanisms with agency costs of debt, by incorporating lenders' differential monitoring mechanisms in the overall corporate governance system.
Comparison of the accuracy and consistency of likelihood‐based estimation routines for genetic stock identification
Authors: Brenden Travis O. , Bence James R. , Liu Weihai , Tsehaye Iyob , Scribner Kim T.
Published: March 2015

Genetic stock identification (GSI) frequently is used to assess spawning/breeding population contributions to mixtures of individuals. Although multiple estimation routines are available for conducting GSI, their performance may vary depending on characteristics of assessed source populations and mixtures and of employed genetic markers.

We conducted simulations to compare performance of several likelihood‐based GSI estimation routines. Estimation routines were implemented in SPAM, ONCOR and AD Model Builder (ADMB). Two ADMB routines were evaluated, one based on conditional maximum likelihood estimation (ADMB‐MLE), similar to SPAM and ONCOR, and one based on conditional penalized maximum likelihood estimation (ADMB‐PMLE). The simulations examined how performance varied by number of source populations, population divergence levels, number of evaluated loci, and source population and mixture sample sizes. Evaluations included scenarios with many loci with low levels of polymorphism for assessing performance when single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers are incorporated in analyses.

Mixture sample size and source population genetic divergence accounted for most of the explained variability in simulation results. Overall, routines based on conditional maximum likelihood estimation (SPAM, ONCOR and ADMB‐MLE) had similar levels of accuracy, including scenarios mimicking SNP markers, with SPAM having slightly better accuracy than ONCOR and ADMB‐MLE. The accuracy of the ADMB‐PMLE routine in many scenarios was noticeably poorer than the other routines, although in some instances accuracy of the ADMB‐PMLE estimates approached the other routines with large mixture sample sizes. SPAM, ONCOR and ADMB‐MLE also generally had similar levels of performance with respect to consistency, whereas ADMB‐PMLE varied widely in consistency due in part to poor accuracy.

Because SPAM and ONCOR typically performed better than the ADMB‐MLE routine, there appears to be little need for users to program their own likelihood‐based estimation routines for standard GSI analyses, although for specialized applications (e.g. modelling contributions as functions of ecological or demographic features), it may be necessary for users to program their own routines. Given the performance of the ADMB‐PMLE routine, additional research is needed to determine an appropriate configuration (e.g. penalty, optimization algorithm) for a penalized maximum likelihood GSI estimator.
TIME TO FACE FACTS?
Authors: Peters Georgina
Published: March 2015

Should boards of directors rely on a candidate's facial structure when selecting a new CEO? Perhaps. Georgina Peters highlights the results of a recent study by London Business School's Margaret Ormiston and two other professors that connected the facial width‐to‐height ratio of CEOs and their organisational performance
GARY HAMEL: WHAT REALLY MATTERS NOW
Authors: Crainer Stuart
Published: March 2015

Gary Hamel gets passionate about work
Performance of the 2‐hour Accelerated Diagnostic Protocol Within the American College of Radiology Imaging Network PA 4005 Cohort
Authors: Mahler Simon A. , Miller Chadwick D. , Litt Harold I. , Gatsonis Constantine A. , Snyder Bradley S. , Hollander Judd E.
Published: March 2015

Objectives

The 2‐hour accelerated diagnostic protocol (ADAPT) is a decision rule designed to identify emergency department (ED) patients with chest pain for early discharge. Previous studies in the Asia‐Pacific region demonstrated high sensitivity (97.9% to 99.7%) for major adverse cardiac events (MACE) at 30 days. The objective of this study was to determine the validity of ADAPT for risk stratification in a cohort of U.S. ED patients with suspected acute coronary syndrome (ACS).

Methods

A secondary analysis of participants enrolled in the American College of Radiology Imaging Network (ACRIN) PA 4005 trial was conducted. This trial enrolled 1,369 patients at least 30 years old with symptoms suggestive of ACS. All data elements were collected prospectively at the time of enrollment. Each patient was classified as low risk or at risk by ADAPT. Early discharge rate and sensitivity for MACE, defined as cardiac death, myocardial infarction (MI), or coronary revascularization at 30 days, were calculated.

Results

Of 1,140 patients with complete biomarker data, MACE occurred in 31 patients (2.7%). Among 551 of the 1,140 (48.3%, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 45.4% to 51.3%), ADAPT identified for early discharge; five of the 551 (0.9%, 95% CI = 0.3% to 2.1%) had MACE at 30 days. ADAPT was 83.9% (95% CI = 66.3% to 94.5%) sensitive, identifying 26 of 31 patients with MACE. Of the five patients identified for early discharge by ADAPT with MACE, there were no deaths, one patient with MI, and five with revascularizations.

Conclusions

In this first North American application of the ADAPT strategy, sensitivity for MACE within 30 days was 83.9%. One missed adverse event was a MI, with the remainder representing coronary revascularizations. The effect of missing revascularization events needs further investigation.
Seed size and the regeneration niches of one rare (Melaleuca deanei) and three common (Melaleuca styphelioides,Melaleuca thymifoliaandMelaleuca nodosa)Melaleuca(Myrtaceae) species of theSydney region
Authors: Hewitt Alison , Holford Paul , Renshaw Adrian , Stone Glenn , Morris E. Charles
Published: March 2015

Melaleucaspecies occupy varied habitats acrossAustralia with 16 members of the genus occurring in theSydney district including the rare speciesMelaleuca deanei F. Muell. Little is known of their germination and recruitment requirements. This paper reports on experiments assessing the effects of temperature, water potential, fire cues, light and shade levels on germination in four species ofMelaleucanative to theSydney region. For the shade experiment, seedling survival at 12 months is also reported. The experiments tested the hypothesis thatM. deanei, which exhibits few seedlings in the field, has limited seedling recruitment because of its particular requirements for germination and establishment. Further, that it differs in these requirements from three common congenerics:M. nodosa(Sol exGaertn.)Sm.,M. thymifolia Sm. andM. styphelioides Sm. Results indicate thatM. deaneihas a substantially similar temperature and water potential range for germination to the common congeners from 15 to 35°C, and 0 to −0.65 ψ.Melaleuca nodosadisplayed the broadest regeneration niche on all factors assessed. Germination ofM. styphelioideswas significantly reduced in the dark andM. styphelioidesandM. deaneiwere most sensitive to shade in the seedling establishment/post‐germination phase.Melaleuca deaneihad significantly larger seed that was slower to germinate in all experiments. Germination of the four species was unaffected by the application of heat and smoke. The substantially similar germination parameters exhibited by the four species, despite differences in habitat, may reflect their close phylogenetic affinities. The effects of fire on stimulating seed release from the canopy, the high‐light environment post‐fire together with adequate follow‐up rainfall may all be critical in seedling establishment forM. deanei.
Electronic cigarettes in adults in outpatient substance use treatment: Awareness, perceptions, use, and reasons for use
Authors: Peters Erica N. , Harrell Paul T. , Hendricks Peter S. , O'Grady Kevin E. , Pickworth Wallace B. , Vocci Frank J.
Published: March 2015

Background and Objectives

Most studies on e‐cigarettes have come from population‐based surveys. The current research aimed to provide initial data on e‐cigarette awareness, perceptions, use, and reasons for use among adults seeking substance use treatment.

Methods

A survey was conducted among 198 participants ≥18 years old in a community‐based outpatient substance use treatment program.

Results

Of the 198 participants, 69% currently smoked cigarettes, 92% were aware of e‐cigarettes, and 58% had ever used e‐cigarettes. The proportion of the number of participants who had ever used e‐cigarettes to the number who currently smoked (89.7%) appeared higher than the corresponding proportion in the 2012–13 National Adult Tobacco Survey (78.3%). Almost half of the sample who reported ever using e‐cigarettes endorsed quitting or reducing smoking as a reason for use, and 32% endorsed reasons for use relating to curiosity/experimentation. A greater likelihood of e‐cigarette ever‐use was significantly associated with younger age (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 0.94, 95%confidence interval [CI] = 0.90, 0.98) and perceptions related to using e‐cigarettes in public places where smoking cigarettes is not allowed (AOR = 2.96, 95%CI = 1.18, 7.42) but was not associated with primary drug of choice.

Discussion and Conclusions

E‐cigarette use in adults seeking substance use treatment appears higher than it is in the US general population of smokers. The high frequency of use may be due to curiosity/experimentation or attempts to quit or reduce smoking.

Scientific Significance

Future research may consider how e‐cigarettes interact with other substance use and affect high rates of nicotine and tobacco use in this population. (Am J Addict 2015;24:233–239)
Increased incidence of admissions for anaphylaxis in Spain 1998–2011
Authors: Tejedor‐Alonso M. A. , Moro‐Moro M. , Mosquera González M. , Rodriguez‐Alvarez M. , Pérez Fernández E. , Latasa Zamalloa P. , Farias Aquino E. , Gil Prieto R. , Gil de Miguel A.
Published: March 2015

We report on trends in anaphylaxis admissions in the Spanish hospital system during the period 1998–2011. Data on admissions for anaphylaxis were obtained from the Spanish Information System for Hospital Data for the period 1998–2011. Patients were selected using the codes for anaphylaxis in the International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD‐9‐CM). Poisson regression models were used to estimate incidence rate ratios. We recorded a 1.89‐fold increase in admissions for anaphylaxis in Spanish hospitals during the study period, particularly in patients aged 0–14 years (1.65‐ to 3.22‐fold until 2009 and 4.09‐ to 12.59‐fold until 2011) and in food anaphylaxis in all age groups (2.78‐fold until 2009 and 8.74‐fold until 2011). The incidence of anaphylaxis is perceived as having increased in recent years, especially anaphylaxis caused by food and anaphylaxis affecting the pediatric population.
Higher lifetime chance of spontaneous surface antigen loss in hepatitis B carriers with genotype C infection
Authors: Tseng T.‐C. , Liu C.‐J. , Chen C.‐L. , Yang W.‐T. , Yang H.‐C. , Su T.‐H. , Wang C.‐C. , Kuo S. F.‐T. , Liu C.‐H. , Chen P.‐J. , Chen D.‐S. , Kao J.‐H.
Published: March 2015

Background

Clearance of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) indicates clinical control of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. However, little is known about the impact of viral genomic variations on HBsAg loss.

Methods

We explored the association between viral genomic factors and HBsAg loss in 2121HBeAg‐negative patients. HBV pre‐core stop codon (1896) and basal core promoter (BCP) (1762/1764) sequences were determined in patients with HBV DNA ≥200 IU/mL (N = 1693). The effect of HBV genotype on HBsAg loss was further validated in the whole cohort of 3445 HBsAg carriers.

Results

The cumulative lifetime (age 28–75 years) incidence of HBsAg loss was 50.4% in 2121 HBeAg‐negative patients. We found that genotype C, but not pre‐core stop codon or BCP mutants, was associated with HBsAg loss. Compared to genotype B patients, genotype C patients had higher lifetime chance of HBsAg loss, with hazard ratio of 1.8 (95% confidence interval: 1.4–2.4). Multivariable analysis showed that male sex, elevated ALT levels, lower serum HBV DNA and HBsAg levels, and genotype C infection were associated with higher chance of HBsAg loss independently. We then performed sensitivity analysis, which re‐included HBeAg‐positive, cirrhotic and treatment‐experienced patients, and confirmed the robustness of our results in 3445 HBsAg carriers.

Conclusion

Genotype C infection, compared to genotype B, is associated with a higher lifetime chance of HBsAg loss in Asian HBV carriers.
Incidence and risk factors of hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with hepatic venous outflow tract obstruction
Authors: Paul S. B. , Shalimar  , Sreenivas V. , Gamanagatti S. R. , Sharma H. , Dhamija E. , Acharya S. K.
Published: March 2015

Background

Frequency of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in hepatic venous outflow tract obstruction (HVOTO) is unclear and risk factors in HVOTO associated with HCC are unknown.

Aim

To assess the incidence of HCC and to identify risk factors for HCC in primary HVOTO.

Methods

In the consecutive primary HVOTO patients evaluated between 1989 to 2013, the incidence of HCC among HVOTO was assessed in a retrospective cohort study and identification of the risk factors for HCC in HVOTO patients done by a case–control study.

Results

Of the 421 HVOTO patients, 8 had HCC at presentation (prevalence 1.9%). Another 8 of the remaining 413 developed HCC during 2076.2 person‐years follow‐up (mean 5.03 + 4.65 years, range 0.08–20 years). The cumulative incidence of HCC was 3.5% (95% CI 1.28–9.2%) at 10 years. The case–control study included 16 HCC as cases and remaining 405 as controls. Controls were predominantly males (M:F – 230:175), mean age 29 ± 10.3 years. Cases were predominantly females with an older age of 36.2 ± 11.4 years (P < 0.01, OR = 1.06, CI 1.0–1.10%). Presence of cirrhosis (P < 0.001), combined inferior vena cava (IVC) and hepatic vein (HV) block (P < 0.03, OR = 5.58, CI 1.43–25.30%) and long‐segment IVC block (P < 0.02, OR = 6.50, CI 1.32–32.0%) were significantly higher among cases than controls.

Conclusions

Hepatic venous outflow tract obstruction is a risk factor for HCC. The cumulative incidence of HCC in HVOTO is low and progressively increases over time. Those with liver cirrhosis, combined IVC and HV block and long‐segment IVC block are at risk to develop HCC and need active surveillance.
Review article: applying pharmacokinetics to optimise dosing of anti‐TNF biologics in acute severe ulcerative colitis
Authors: Rosen M. J. , Minar P. , Vinks A. A.
Published: March 2015

Background

Acute severe ulcerative colitis (ASUC), the most aggressive presentation of ulcerative colitis (UC), occurs in 15% of adults and children with UC. First line therapy with intravenous corticosteroids is ineffective in half of adults and one‐third of children. Therapeutic monoclonal antibodies against TNF (anti‐TNF therapy) are emerging as a common treatment for ASUC due to their similar efficacy to calcineurin inhibitors and more favourable adverse effect profile.

Aim

To comprehensively review the evidence for anti‐TNF therapy for ASUC in children and adults with regard to outcomes and pharmacokinetics.

Methods

PubMed and recent conference proceedings were searched using the terms ‘ulcerative colitis’, ‘acute severe ulcerative colitis’, ‘anti‐TNF’, ‘pharmacokinetics’ and the generic names of specific anti‐TNF agents.

Results

Outcomes after anti‐TNF therapy for ASUC remain suboptimal with about one half of children and adults undergoing colectomy. While several randomised controlled trials have demonstrated the efficacy of anti‐TNF therapy for ambulatory patients with moderate to severely active UC, patients in these studies were less ill than those with ASUC. Patients with ASUC may exhibit more rapid clearance of anti‐TNF biologics due to pharmacokinetic mechanisms influenced by disease severity.

Conclusions

Conventional weight‐based dosing effective in patients with moderately to severely active UC, may not be equally effective in those with acute severe ulcerative colitis. Personalised anti‐TNF dosing strategies, which integrate patient factors and early measures of pharmacokinetics and response, hold promise for ensuring sustained drug exposure and maximising early mucosal healing in patients with acute severe ulcerative colitis.
Long‐run Effect of the Global Financial Crisis on Singapore's Tourism and the Economy
Authors: Meng Xianming , Chin Anthony , Grant Bligh
Published: March 2015

This study employs recent Singaporean tourism survey data, the updated Singaporean input–output tables and a computable general equilibrium model to gauge the long‐run effects of the 2008 global financial crisis and selected policy responses. The simulation results suggest that the global financial crisis has had mild negative long‐run effects on the overall development of Singapore's economy, and that the GST deduction policy ought to offset this negative effect.
Laparoscopic hysterectomy in large uteri: Experience from a tertiary care hospital in Bangladesh
Authors: Jahan Samsad , Jahan Akter , Joarder Mahjabin , Habib Samira Humaira , Sharmin Farzana , Nayer Reefat
Published: March 2015

Introduction

The purpose of this study was to examine the safety and feasibility of laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy for uteri weighing more than 500 g as compared to uteri weighing less than 500 g in benign gynecological diseases.

Methods

This was a retrospective study. Patients were admitted through the outpatient department. They were divided into two groups: uterine weight ≥500 g (group 1) and uterine weight >500 g (group 2). There were no exclusion criteria based on the size, number, or location of leiomyomas. The patient characteristics for the two groups were compared in terms of demographic and socioeconomic details, operating time, amount of blood loss, requirement of blood transfusion, need for analgesia, and length of hospital stay.

Results

The characteristics age and BMI were well balanced between the two groups. Uterine weight was 267.2 ± 97.6 g in group 1 and 740.0 ± 371.4 g in group 2 (P < 0.001). Length of operation and amount of blood loss were greater in group 2 than in group 1 (operation: 89.1 ± 26.7 vs 73.3 ± 24.6 min, P < 0.01; blood loss: 570.5 ± 503.6 vs 262.5 ± 270.0 mL, P < 0.001). However, there was no significant difference in hospital stay or incidence of operative complications between the two groups. No patients were switched from laparoscopy to laparotomy during operation. The rate of blood transfusion was lower in group1 than in group 2 (4.9% vs 32.6%; P < 0.001).

Conclusion

This study demonstrated that despite the increased operating time and blood loss, laparoscopy should be considered instead of laparotomy in cases of large uteri. Laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy can be performed safely for a large uterus.
Lithium treatment and hippocampal subfields and amygdala volumes in bipolar disorder
Authors: Hartberg Cecilie Bhandari , Jørgensen Kjetil Nordbø , Haukvik Unn Kristin , Westlye Lars Tjelta , Melle Ingrid , Andreassen Ole Andreas , Agartz Ingrid
Published: March 2015

Objectives

Results from magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies are heterogeneous with regard to hippocampal and amygdala volume alterations in bipolar disorder (BD). Lithium treatment may influence both structures. It is unknown if lithium treatment has distinct effects on hippocampal subfield volumes and if subfield volumes change over the course of illness in BD.

Methods

MRI scans were obtained for 34 lithium‐treated patients with BD (Li+), 147 patients with BD who were not treated with lithium (Non‐Li), and 300 healthy controls. Hippocampal total and subfield volumes and amygdala volumes were automatically estimated using Freesurfer. General linear models were used to investigate volume differences between groups and the effects of illness course and lithium treatment.

Results

The Non‐Li BD group displayed significantly smaller bilateral cornu ammonis (CA) 2/3 and CA4/dentate gyrus (DG) subfields, total hippocampal volumes, right CA1 and right subiculum subfields, and left amygdala volume compared to healthy controls. There were no differences between the Li+ BD and either the Non‐Li BD or the healthy control groups. In patients with numerous affective episodes, Non‐Li BD patients had smaller left CA1 and CA2/3 volumes compared to Li+ BD patients and healthy controls. There were positive associations between lithium treatment duration and left amygdala volume.

Conclusions

Hippocampal subfield and amygdala volumes were reduced in Non‐Li BD patients compared to healthy controls, whereas the Li+ BD volumes were no different from those in Non‐Li BD patients or healthy controls. Over the course of BD, lithium treatment might counteract reductions specifically in the left CA1 and CA2/3 hippocampal subfields and amygdala volumes, in accordance with the suggested neuroprotective effects of lithium.
Characterisation of the contractile dynamics of the resting ex vivo urinary bladder of the pig
Authors: Lentle Roger G. , Reynolds Gordon W. , Janssen Patrick W.M. , Hulls Corrin M. , King Quinten M. , Chambers John Paul
Published: March 2015

Objectives

To characterise the area and movements of ongoing spontaneous localised contractions in the resting porcine urinary bladder and relate these to ambient intravesical pressure (Pves), to further our understanding of their genesis and role in accommodating incoming urine.

Materials and Methods

We used image analysis to quantify the areas and movements of discrete propagating patches of contraction (PPCs) on the anterior, anterolateral and posterior surfaces of the urinary bladders of six pigs maintained ex vivo with small incremental increases in volume. We then correlated the magnitude of Pves and cyclic changes in Pves with parameters derived from spatiotemporal maps.

Results

Contractile movements in the resting bladder consisted only of PPCs that covered around a fifth of the surface of the bladder, commenced at various sites, and were of ≈6 s in duration. They propagated at around 6 mm/s, mainly across the anterior and lateral surface of the bladder by various, sometimes circular, routes in a quasi‐stable rhythm, and did not traverse the trigone. The frequencies of these rhythms were low (3.15 cycles/min) and broadly similar to those of cyclic changes in Pves (3.55 cycles/min). Each PPC was associated with a region of stretching (positive strain rate) and these events occurred in a background of more constant strain. The amplitudes of cycles in Pves and the areas undergoing PPCs increased after a sudden increase in Pves but the frequency of cycles of Pves and of origin of PPCs did not change. Peaks in Pves cycles occurred when PPCs were traversing the upper half of the bladder, which was more compliant. The velocity of propagation of PPCs was similar to that of transverse propagation of action potentials in bladder myocytes and significantly greater than that reported in interstitial cells. The size of PPCs, their frequency and their rate of propagation were not affected by intra‐arterial dosage with tetrodotoxin or lidocaine.

Conclusions

The origin and duration of PPCs influence both Pves and cyclic variation in Pves. Hence, propagating rather than stationary areas of contraction may contribute to overall tone and to variation in Pves. Spatiotemporal mapping of PPCs may contribute to our understanding of the generation of tone and the basis of clinical entities such as overactive bladder, painful bladder syndrome and detrusor overactivity.