bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ungulate distributions in a rangeland with competitors, predators and pastoralists
Authors: Schuette Paul , Creel Scott , Christianson Dave
Published: January 2016

African rangelands support diverse ungulate communities whose member species exhibit unique combinations of body morphology and behaviour that have evolved over millions of years to limit the effects of competition and predation on fitness, and more recently, to cope with people and livestock. The mechanisms by which native ungulates cope with the combined effects of competition, predation and human disturbance are poorly understood. Addressing this knowledge gap will help guide management and conservation plans for large mammal communities outside of strictly protected areas.

We conducted animal counts on line transects and used a spatially explicit distance sampling model to test the influence of bottom–up effects (vegetation), top–down effects from African lionPanthera leoand spotted hyenaCrocuta crocutaand human disturbance (livestock density, occupied human settlements) on native ungulate densities and distributions across a multiple‐use rangeland in Kenya. We examined five species that varied in body morphology and foraging strategy, including two large‐bodied grazers (zebraEquus quagga; wildebeestConnochaetes taurinus), two medium‐bodied, mixed‐feeders (Grant's gazelleNanger granti; impalaAepyceros melampus) and one very large‐bodied browser (giraffeGiraffa camelopardalis tippelskirchi).

Densities and distributions of all species varied across available land‐use types, with bottom–up effects (vegetation) and human disturbance having the strongest overall effects. Responses varied by ungulate foraging strategy. Distributions of grazers and the browser (giraffe) changed seasonally, while distributions of mixed‐feeders and a grazer (zebra) changed diurnally.

At broad spatial scales, ungulates did not respond to long‐term variation in predation risk though they have been shown to respond behaviourally to short‐term variation in risk.

Synthesis and applications. Our results revealed that native ungulates in this multiple‐use rangeland occur at densities comparable to many flagship protected area populations. We attribute observed densities to spatial heterogeneity across this landscape that included variation in human land use (community conservation area, seasonal settlements and livestock grazing, permanent settlements) and vegetation (grassland, bushland, woodland) that changed through time (seasonally, diurnally). This variation allowed ungulates to carve out ecological niches while reducing exposure to the potential limiting effects of competition and human disturbance. For some species, securing access to forage resources and avoiding human disturbance may be associated with costs through increased risk of predation. Our research reveals the trade‐offs native ungulates make to cope with changes in forage availability, human disturbance and predation risk, providing important insights to help guide native ungulate conservation efforts in multiple‐use rangelands.
Panax notoginseng saponins ameliorate impaired arterial vasodilation in SHRSP.Z‐Leprfa/lzmDmcr rats with metabolic syndrome
Authors: Wu Ting , Sun Jianning , Kagota Satomi , Maruyama Kana , Wakuda Hirokazu , Shinozuka Kazumasa
Published: January 2016

Panax notoginseng saponins (PNS) are major components of Panax notoginseng, a herb with established clinical efficacy against vascular diseases. SHRSP.Z‐Leprfa/IzmDmcr (SHRSP.ZF) rats, a new animal model for metabolic syndrome, display an impaired vasorelaxation response in aortas and mesenteric arteries that is mediated by nitric oxide (NO). This study investigated whether PNS and its components can ameliorate this vascular dysfunction in SHRSP.ZF rats. In an in vitro study, in the presence or absence of PNS and its components, vasodilation in response to nitroprusside was determined from myographs under isometric tension conditions in aortas and mesenteric arteries from male SHRSP.ZF rats at 18–20 weeks of age. In an in vivo study, PNS (30 mg/kg per day) was orally administered to SHRSP.ZF rats from 8 to 20 weeks of age. In vitro treatment with PNS and Ginsenoside Rb1 increased nitroprusside‐induced relaxation of aortas and mesenteric arteries in SHRSP.ZF rats. The PNS‐induced increase was not affected by a nitric oxide (NO) synthase inhibitor or endothelium denudation. Relaxation in response to a cell‐permeable cGMP analogue was increased by PNS, but cGMP accumulation by nitroprusside was not altered. In vivo treatment with PNS in SHRSP.ZF rats lowered blood pressure and increased relaxation and the expression of soluble guanylyl cyclase protein in arteries, without affecting metabolic abnormalities. These results indicate that PNS causes an increase in vasodilation in response to NO and a decrease in blood pressure, resulting in protection against vascular dysfunction in SHRSP.ZF rats. PNS might be beneficial in alleviating impaired vasodilation in metabolic syndrome.
Working in the borderland: early relational trauma and Fordham's analysis of ‘K’
Authors: West Marcus
Published: January 2016

This paper outlines a view of early relational trauma as underlying borderline states of mind, and argues that Knox's paper on internal working models and the complex provides a basis for understanding such states of mind. The author argues that in addition to internal working models, the complex also embodies and contains primitive defences of the core self. He outlines how these apply on the objective, subjective, transference and archetypal levels, and in direct and reversed forms and applies this to the account of Fordham's analysis of his patient ‘K’, which ended in impasse. The paper explores the dynamic that emerged in that analysis and suggests that it could be helpfully accounted for in terms of the co‐construction and re‐construction of early relational trauma in the analytic relationship.
How Can Uncertainty Affect the Choice of Trade Agreements?
Authors: Appelbaum Elie , Melatos Mark
Published: January 2016

This paper analyses how uncertainty influences the formation and design of regional trade agreements (TAs). Two sources of uncertainty – in demand and costs – are considered. Using a multi‐stage game, we show that, as long as some decisions are made after uncertainty is resolved, all TAs have option values. But, because TAs differ in their flexibility and degrees of coordination, these option values vary across TAs. Thus, under uncertainty, the usual cost–benefit analysis that underlies the formation and design of TAs is altered to reflect these option values. We also show that, due to the flexibility and coordination differences among TAs, their option values are affected differently by uncertainty. Consequently, the formation and design of TAs are also affected by the nature and degree of uncertainty. We demonstrate that the effects of an increase in uncertainty on the choice of TAs depend on the relative responsiveness of the TAs' option values with respect to the change in uncertainty, which in turn depend on the convexity properties of the countries' welfare functions under the different TAs. In particular, a TA whose option value is more responsive to a change in uncertainty becomes relatively more attractive when uncertainty increases. This enables us to predict which TAs are likely to emerge in an uncertain world. Using a specific example, we then show the effects of a change in both demand and cost uncertainty on the choice of TAs. We also examine the timing of the resolution of uncertainty and its effect on the choice of TAs and show that it can significantly impact the type of TA that countries wish to form.
Factors Associated with the Presence of Domestic Energy Efficiency Measures in England
Authors: Leicester Andrew , Stoye George
Published: January 2016

We use cross‐sectional household survey data in England between 2002–03 and 2010–11 to explore potential barriers to ownership of three common energy efficiency measures (loft insulation, cavity wall insulation and full double glazing) in residential properties. There is little compelling evidence that credit constraints, as proxied by income, education or means‐tested benefit receipt, inhibit ownership. Failures in landlord–tenant relationships, though, are a key issue: private renters are significantly less likely to have the measures in their homes than other tenure groups. More broadly, it is the characteristics of the dwelling rather than of the occupants which are most strongly related to the presence of the measures. However, relatively few factors are consistently associated with lower ownership rates over time and efficiency measures, suggesting that policies to encourage increased take‐up may need to be tailored to the specific measure.
Cheaper, Greener and More Efficient: Rationalising UK Carbon Prices
Authors: Advani Arun , Stoye George
Published: January 2016

Current UK energy use policies, which primarily aim to reduce carbon emissions, provide abatement incentives that vary by user and fuel, creating inefficiency. Distributional concerns are often given as a justification for the lower carbon price faced by households, but there is little rationale for carbon prices associated with the use of gas to be lower than those for electricity. We consider reforms that raise carbon prices faced by households and reduce the variation in carbon prices across gas and electricity use, improving the efficiency of emissions reduction. We show that the revenue raised from these reforms can be recycled in a way that ameliorates some of the distributional concerns. Whilst such recycling is not able to protect all poorer households, existing policy also makes distributional trade‐offs, but does so in an opaque and inefficient way.
Identification of a novel cytochrome P450 CYP321B1 gene from tobacco cutworm (Spodoptera litura) and RNA interference to evaluate its role in commonly used insecticides
Authors: Wang Rui‐Long , Zhu‐Salzman Keyan , Baerson Scott R. , Xin Xiao‐Wei , Li Jun , Su Yi‐Juan , Zeng Ren‐Sen
Published: January 2016

Insect cytochrome P450 monooxygenases (CYPs or P450s) play an important role in detoxifying insecticides leading to resistance in insect populations. A polyphagous pest, Spodoptera litura, has developed resistance to a wide range of insecticides. In the present study, a novel P450 gene, CYP321B1, was cloned from S. litura. The function of CYP321B1 was assessed using RNA interference (RNAi) and monitoring resistance levels for three commonly used insecticides, including chlorpyrifos, β‐cypermethrin and methomyl. The full‐length complementary DNA sequence of CYP321B1 is 1814 bp long with an open reading frame of 1 488 bp encoding 495 amino acid residues. Quantitative reverse‐transcriptase polymerase chain reaction analyses during larval and pupal development indicated that CYP321B1 expression was highest in the midgut of fifth‐instar larvae, followed by fat body and cuticle. The expression of CYP321B1 in the midgut was up‐regulated by chlorpyrifos, β‐cypermethrin and methomyl with both lethal concentration at 15% (LC15) (50, 100 and 150 μg/mL, respectively) and 50%(LC50) dosages (100, 200 and 300 μg/mL, respectively). Addition of piperonyl butoxide (PBO) significantly increased the toxicity of chlorpyrifos, β‐cypermethrin and methomyl to S. litura, suggesting a marked synergism of the three insecticides with PBO and P450‐mediated detoxification. RNAi‐mediated silencing of CYP321B1 further increased mortality by 25.6% and 38.9% when the fifth‐instar larvae were exposed to chlorpyrifos and β‐cypermethrin, respectively, at the LC50 dose levels. The results demonstrate that CYP321B1 might play an important role in chlorpyrifos and β‐cypermethrin detoxification in S. litura.
Fenoxycarb promotes adipogenesis in 3T3‐L1 preadipocytes
Authors: Lim Seonyoung , Choi Hojung , Park Sung‐Soo , Kim Minsoo , Kim Eungseok
Published: January 2016

Lipophilic insect hormones and their analogs affect mammalian physiology by regulating the expression of metabolic genes. Therefore, we determined the effect of fenoxycarb, a juvenile hormone analog, on lipid metabolism in adipocytes. Here, we demonstrated that fenoxycarb dose‐dependently promoted lipid accumulation in 3T3‐L1 adipocytes during adipocyte differentiation and that its lipogenic effect was comparable to that of rosiglitazone, a well‐known ligand for peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor gamma (PPARγ). Furthermore, fenoxycarb stimulatedPPARγactivity without affecting other nuclear receptors, such as liverXreceptor (LXR), farnesoidX‐activated receptor (FXR) andNur77. In addition, fenoxycarb treatment increased the expression ofPPARγand fatty acid transporter protein 1 (FATP1) in 3T3‐L1 adipocytes, suggesting that fenoxycarb may facilitate adipocyte differentiation by enhancingPPARγsignaling, the master regulator of adipogenesis. Together, our results suggest that fenoxycarb promoted lipid accumulation in adipocytes, in part, by stimulatingPPARγ.
New method for rapidly estimating population densities of the concealed wood‐borer Monochamus alternatus (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) in the field
Authors: Wang Xiao‐Yi , Yang Zhong‐Qi , Situ Chun‐Nan , Wang Jian , Fu Fu‐Yong
Published: January 2016

To rapidly estimate pine sawyer, Monochamus alternatus Hope, population densities in forests, the vertical distributions of M. alternatus oviposition sites and larvae on infested Masson pines (Pinus massoniana Lamb.) were studied. Results showed that the number of oviposition sites on sections of trunks between 0 and 2 m above ground was significantly greater than on sections of trunk above 2 m, and the vertical distribution had a significant logarithmic relationship with trunk height. The larval number of M. alternatus on dead infested trees had a significant difference among heights of trunks. Sections on trunks at 2–4 m usually contained the largest number of M. alternatus larvae, while the number of larvae on trunks above 10 m declined significantly, as well as in the 1 m section of trunk at the base. The vertical distribution of M. alternatus larvae on dead infested pines showed a distinct parabolic relationship with trunk height. The number of oviposition sites of M. alternatus on infested Masson pine trunks revealed a significant exponential relationship with the diameter at breast height (DBH) of trees. A significant positive linear relationship also was observed between M. alternatus larval number and DBH on the host pine trees, as well as between the numbers of larvae and oviposition sites on an individual tree. The total number of larvae in an infested tree could be calculated easily using an established equation, through counting the number of oviposition sites at 3–4 m of trunk aboveground. This study developed a practical method for rapid estimation of M. alternatus populations.
Effect of Initial Headspace O2Level on the Growth and Volatile Metabolite Production ofLeuconostoc Mesenteriodesand the Microbial and Sensorial Quality of Modified Atmosphere Packaged Par‐Fried French Fries
Authors: Samapundo Simbarashe , Mujuru Felix Mugove , de Baenst Ilse , Denon Quenten , Devlieghere Frank
Published: January 2016

This study evaluated the effect of residual O2level (0% to 5%) on microbial growth and volatile metabolite production on par‐fried French fries packaged in a modified atmosphere with 60% CO2(rest N2) at 4 °C. The results obtained showed that the initial headspace (IH) O2level had an effect on growth ofLeuconostoc mesenteroideson French fry simulation agar, whereby growth was slightly faster under 5% O2. In terms of quantity, ethanol, 2‐methyl‐1‐propanol, and dimethyl disulphide were the most significant volatile metabolites produced byL. mesenteroides. The production of ethanol byL. mesenteroideswas highest on simulation agar packaged under low IH O2levels (0% to 1%), indicating that the fermentative metabolism was induced under these conditions. In agreement with the results observed on the simulation medium, growth of native lactic acid bacteria was faster under an IH O2level of 5%. In addition, ethanol, 2‐methyl‐1‐propanol, and dimethyl disulphide were also quantitatively the most important volatile metabolites. However, in contrast, greater quantities of ethanol and dimethyl disulphide were produced on par‐fried French fries packaged under 5% O2. This was attributed to the limited growth of the native flora on the par‐fried French fries under residual O2levels of 0% and 1%. Although some significant differences (P< 0.05) occurred between the French fries packaged in 0%, 1%, and 5 % residual O2during storage, all products were considered to be acceptable for consumption. The results of this study can be used to optimize the shelf‐life of packaged chill stored potato products.
Urinary Squamous Epithelial Cells Do Not Accurately Predict Urine Culture Contamination, but May Predict Urinalysis Performance in Predicting Bacteriuria
Authors: Mohr Nicholas M. , Harland Karisa K. , Crabb Victoria , Mutnick Rachel , Baumgartner David , Spinosi Stephanie , Haarstad Michael , Ahmed Azeemuddin , Schweizer Marin , Faine Brett
Published: January 2016

Objectives

The presence of squamous epithelial cells (SECs) has been advocated to identify urinary contamination despite a paucity of evidence supporting this practice. We sought to determine the value of using quantitative SECs as a predictor of urinalysis contamination.

Methods

Retrospective cross‐sectional study of adults (≥18 years old) presenting to a tertiary academic medical center who had urinalysis with microscopy and urine culture performed. Patients with missing or implausible demographic data were excluded (2.5% of total sample). The primary analysis aimed to determine an SEC threshold that predicted urine culture contamination using receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve analysis. The a priori secondary analysis explored how demographic variables (age, sex, body mass index) may modify the SEC test performance and whether SECs impacted traditional urinalysis indicators of bacteriuria.

Results

A total of 19,328 records were included. ROC curve analysis demonstrated that SEC count was a poor predictor of urine culture contamination (area under the ROC curve = 0.680, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.671 to 0.689). In secondary analysis, the positive likelihood ratio (LR+) of predicting bacteriuria via urinalysis among noncontaminated specimens was 4.98 (95% CI = 4.59 to 5.40) in the absence of SECs, but the LR+ fell to 2.35 (95% CI = 2.17 to 2.54) for samples with more than 8 SECs/low‐powered field (lpf). In an independent validation cohort, urinalysis samples with fewer than 8 SECs/lpf predicted bacteriuria better (sensitivity = 75%, specificity = 84%) than samples with more than 8 SECs/lpf (sensitivity = 86%, specificity = 70%; diagnostic odds ratio = 17.5 [14.9 to 20.7] vs. 8.7 [7.3 to 10.5]).

Conclusions

Squamous epithelial cells are a poor predictor of urine culture contamination, but may predict poor predictive performance of traditional urinalysis measures.
Effect of Indoleamine 2,3‐Dioxygenase Expressed in HTR‐8/SVneo Cells on Decidual NK Cell Cytotoxicity
Authors: Ban Yanli , Zhao Ying , Liu Fen , Dong Baihua , Kong Beihua , Qu Xun
Published: January 2016

Problem

To study the effect of indoleamine 2,3‐dioxygenase (IDO) expressed in HTR‐8/SVneo cells on NKG2D and NKp46 expression and cytotoxicity of decidual NK (dNK) and peripheral NK (pNK) cells.

Method of study

CD56+ dNK and pNK cells purified were cultured with HTR‐8/SVneo cell conditioned medium (CM), 1‐MT+HTR‐8/SVneo cell CM, and complete RPMI 1640 medium (negative control) in vitro. The mRNA and protein expression of NKG2D and NKp46 in NK cells were then assessed by qRT‐PCR and flow cytometry, respectively. Their cytotoxicity was evaluated with LDH assays, and TNF‐α secretion was analyzed by ELISA.

Results

For dNK cells, the mRNA and protein expression of NKp46 as well as NKG2D did not differ significantly among the three groups (P > 0.05), whereas for pNK cells, the expression level was significantly decreased in HTR‐8/SVneo cell CM group than the other two groups (P < 0.01). Peripheral NK cells cultured with HTR‐8/SVneo cell CM showed reduced cytotoxicity and TNF‐α secretion than the other two groups (P < 0.01), although there were no significant differences among three groups for dNK cells (P > 0.05).

Conclusion

IDO expressed by HTR‐8/SVneo cells can down‐regulate NKp46 and NKG2D expression and reduce cytotoxicity in pNK cells, and may contribute to keep dNK cytotoxicity at a low level, suggesting an important role for IDO in the maintenance of normal pregnancy.
Resveratrol Enhances Apoptosis in Endometriotic Stromal Cells
Authors: Taguchi Ayumi , Koga Kaori , Kawana Kei , Makabe Tomoko , Sue Fusako , Miyashita Mariko , Yoshida Mitsuyo , Urata Yoko , Izumi Gentaro , Tkamura Masashi , Harada Miyuki , Hirata Tetsuya , Hirota Yasushi , Wada‐Hiraike Osamu , Fujii Tomoyuki , Osuga Yutaka
Published: January 2016

Problem

Resistance to apoptosis, together with inflammatory and invasive activity, contributes to the pathogenesis of endometriosis; therefore, approaches that can safely enhance apoptosis in endometriotic tissue are highly sought after as a means of managing the disease. Although resveratrol (RVT) is known to induce apoptosis or increase sensitivity to apoptotic stimuli in various cancer cell types, its effect on human endometriosis has remained uncertain. This study aimed to investigate whether RVT induces or enhances apoptosis in human endometriotic stromal cells (ESCs).

Method of study

Endometriotic tissues were collected, during laparoscopies, from women affected by ovarian endometriosis. ESCs were prepared, cultured, and treated with RVT. Apoptosis was assessed by annexin V–PI staining. Survivin mRNA expression in ESCs was examined using RT‐PCR. ESCs were pre‐treated with or without RVT and then incubated with TNF‐α‐related‐apoptosis‐inducing ligand (TRAIL), which is a known pro‐apoptotic molecule.

Results

RVT alone did not induce apoptosis in ESCs. RVT significantly reduced survivin mRNA expression (P < 0.05). Pre‐treatment with RVT significantly enhanced TRAIL‐induced apoptosis (8.13 ± 0.83% (control) versus 29.19 ± 7.39% (pre‐treated with RVT), P < 0.05).

Conclusion

This study indicates that RVT suppresses survivin expression and enhances TRAIL‐induced apoptosis in ESCs.
“We Are All Carrying Someone Else's Child!”: Relatedness and Relationships in Third‐Party Reproduction
Authors: Berend Zsuzsa
Published: January 2016

In this article, I explore surrogates’ rich, diverse, and collective negotiations of relatedness and relationships on the largest U.S. surrogacy support website. Surrogates reconfigure existing kinship understandings and maintain that intent and love are firmer bases of parenthood than biogenetic connection. Increasing use of donor gametes contributes to the emphasis on desire to be parents. In gestational surrogacy, genetic relatedness between the child and the intended parents strengthens claim to parenthood but lack thereof does not call parenthood into question. Traditional surrogates’ biogenetic connection to the child they carry is never considered to be grounds for claims to motherhood. Surrogates and intended parents “do kinship” and consider the actions of kinship more consequential that its biological facts. In their accounts, desire for children is “natural” and the choice to raise them is understood as morally positive. Genetic facts, however, are understood as morally neutral. Surrogates and intended parents contend that surrogate babies belong to the parents who want them. Surrogates’ emphasis on chosen solidarity works to diminish the importance of genetic relatedness and helps them uphold the traditional boundaries of their own nuclear family and that of the intended parents. [kinship, assisted reproduction, U.S. surrogacy, family]
Totally laparoscopic gastrectomy for early gastric cancer accompanied by huge hiatal hernia: A case report
Authors: Hagiwara Chie , Yajima Kazuhito , Iwasaki Yoshiaki , Oohinata Ryouki , Yuu Ken , Ishiyama Satoshi , Amaki Misato , Nakano Daisuke , Yamaguchi Tatsuro , Matsumoto Hiroshi , Takahashi Keiichi
Published: January 2016

We herein present a case in which we used a totally laparoscopic approach for early gastric cancer accompanied by a huge hiatal hernia. An 80‐year‐old Japanese woman was referred with a chief complaint of dysphagia. A clinical diagnosis of early gastric cancer, T1b (SM) N0M0, stage IA, accompanied by hiatal hernia, was made. Distal gastrectomy with D1 plus lymphadenectomy was carried out. After the gastrectomy, the hernial sac was excised and the hernial orifice was closed. Reconstruction using the Roux‐en‐Y method was selected. The postoperative course was uneventful and she was discharged on postoperative day 10.
Laparoscopic abdominoperineal resection with lateral lymph node dissection for anorectal melanoma: A case report
Authors: Matsuda Kenji , Takifuji Katsunari , Hotta Tsukasa , Yokoyama Shozo , Ieda Junji , Iwamoto Hiromitsu , Tsumura Ayako , Kitadani Junya , Yamaue Hiroki
Published: January 2016

Because anorectal melanoma, a rare cancer with a poor outcome, does not respond well to local radiation therapy or systemic chemotherapy, surgery is the primary treatment. Herein, we present a case of anorectal melanoma with lateral and inguinal lymph node metastases. A 61‐year‐old woman presented with rectal bleeding. Colonoscopy revealed a black tumor with ulceration in the anorectum. A CT scan revealed an anorectal tumor with left lateral lymph node swelling and right inguinal lymph node swelling. We performed a laparoscopic abdominoperineal resection with lateral lymph node dissection and right inguinal lymph node dissection. One year after the initial operation, pulmonary metastases were observed, and pulmonary resection was performed. After the pulmonary resection, brain metastases developed, and surgical resection was performed. Despite the recurrence of disease, the patient has survived for 52 months since the initial surgery and continues to receive systemic chemotherapy.
Case of intra‐abdominal spindle cell tumor after laparoscopic resection of sigmoid colon cancer
Authors: Okada Naoya , Nakamura Fumitaka , Nanno Yoshihide , Takada Minoru , Ambo Yoshiyasu , Kishida Akihiro , Kashimura Nobuichi , Shinohara Toshiya
Published: January 2016

We herein report a rare case of a patient who developed a spindle cell tumor at the inferior mesenteric artery clipping site. A 58‐year‐old man underwent laparoscopy‐assisted sigmoid colectomy for sigmoid colon cancer. As follow‐up, CT scans were performed every 6 months after the primary surgery. At the 1‐year CT, an nodular soft tissue density mass measuring 54 mm in diameter was found in the mesentery. Although we initially suspected locoregional recurrence of the colon cancer resected 1 year earlier, PET‐CT showed that the tumor was unrelated to the previous cancer. During the subsequent laparotomy, the mass appeared to originate from the inferior mesenteric artery clipping site, and it adhered to the jejunum and the left ureter. We completely resected the tumor and part of the jejunum, which we separated from the abdominal aorta and left ureter. The tumor was histologically diagnosed of a spindle cell tumor. The patient has been free from recurrence since the surgery more than 4.5 years ago. Preoperative PET‐CT was helpful in ruling out local recurrence of colon cancer, which might have made palliative care a better option than surgical resection.
Successful treatment of a patient with an infected urachal remnant via single‐incision laparoscopic surgery: Report of a case
Authors: Nakamura Hiroyuki , Oshita Akihiko , Imamura Yuji , Sasaki Masaru , Kohyama Mohei , Tazaki Tatsuya , Sugiyama Yoichi , Daimaru Yutaka , Nakamitsu Atsushi
Published: January 2016

We report on a case of an infected urachal remnant successfully treated via a single‐incisional laparoscopic technique. An 18‐year‐old woman was diagnosed with an infected urachal remnant. The center of the umbilicus was pulled and inverted from the skin, and the cephalic side of the urachus was dissected from the umbilicus. A single‐incision laparoscopic technique employing ultrasonic coagulating shears was used to dissect the urachal remnant from the stump of the umbilicus to the caudal end. Single‐incision laparoscopic excision of the urachal remnant can be used successfully as a minimally invasive technique with optimal cosmetic outcomes.
Laparoscopic excision of abdominal wall desmoid tumor
Authors: Meshikhes Abdul‐Wahed , Al‐Zahrani Hana , Ewies Tarek
Published: January 2016

Open surgical resection is the mainstay treatment for desmoid tumors. Laparoscopic resection is rarely used and not well described in the literature. We report a case of a single, 35‐year‐old woman who presented with palpable abdominal wall desmoid tumor. The patient had had laparoscopic cholecystectomy 2 years earlier, and the tumor was at the insertion site of the right upper quadrant trocar. The diagnosis was made by a Tru‐Cut biopsy at another institution, after the lesion had increased in size and caused increased discomfort. The patient underwent successful laparoscopic resection of the tumor. This report aimed to promote laparoscopic resection of abdominal wall desmoid tumors, whenever feasible, and describe the laparoscopic technique. We believe this is the second case of laparoscopic excision of desmoid tumor reported in the English‐language literature.
Gray and white matter trajectories in patients with bipolar disorder
Authors: Sani Gabriele , Chiapponi Chiara , Piras Fabrizio , Ambrosi Elisa , Simonetti Alessio , Danese Emanuela , Janiri Delfina , Brugnoli Roberto , De Filippis Sergio , Caltagirone Carlo , Girardi Paolo , Spalletta Gianfranco
Published: January 2016

Objectives

Findings on brain structural abnormalities in patients with bipolar disorder (BP) are inconsistent and little is known about age‐related evolution of these changes. We employed a cross‐sectional, case–control study to compare structural age‐related brain trajectories in patients with BP and healthy control subjects (HC) over a period of approximately 50 years. The primary aim was to understand whether white (WM) and gray matter (GM) abnormalities are present from the beginning of the illness and how they change over time.

Methods

Seventy‐eight patients with BP and 78 HC matched for age, gender, and educational level underwent a high‐resolution structural magnetic resonance imaging protocol. A voxel‐based morphometry (VBM) analysis was used to capture GM and WM differences between subjects with BP and HC. Factorial analysis of covariance was used to compare brain volume alterations at different ages between the groups.

Results

We found an age‐related atrophy in GM and WM volumes both in patients with BP and HC. A main effect of diagnosis emerged in the posterior cingulate cortex bilaterally, in the right thalamus, in the cerebellum bilaterally, and in the left posterior limb of the internal capsule. No interaction between diagnosis and age emerged, indicating that the volumes of these areas were permanently reduced in subjects with BP throughout the entire age range under investigation.

Conclusions

Brain alterations in patients with BP are present from the beginning of the illness and remain stable over time. All the affected areas are involved in mood and psychomotor control process. This suggests a possible neurodevelopmental involvement in the mechanism of BP.
A randomized controlled trial to determine the efficacy of a high carbohydrate and high protein ready‐to‐eat food product for weight loss
Authors: Fuller N. R. , Fong M. , Gerofi J. , Leung L. , Leung C. , Denyer G. , Caterson I. D.
Published: January 2016

Incorporating meal replacements has been shown to produce a significantly greater weight loss than a conventional reduced calorie diet. Ready‐to‐eat conventional foods may also be effective in this role and provide additional benefit because of their palatability, acceptance and enjoyment and thus increase dietary compliance. This trial investigated the efficacy of a ready‐to‐eat food product (Vita‐Weat biscuit) that is both high in carbohydrate and high in protein as part of a diet prescription for weight loss in an overweight and obese population group. A total of 76 participants were randomized to a 6‐week weight loss intervention including the ready‐to‐eat food product (intervention group) or advice on the ‘Australian Guide to Healthy Eating’ (control group). Both groups lost approximately 2 kg weight which equated to a reduction in body mass index of 0.70 kg m−2. There was no significant difference in percentage weight loss from screening to 6 weeks between the two groups; mean difference for the intervention vs. control group: −0.20% (95% confidence interval: −0.96, 1.36); P = 0.73. Both diets were nutritionally matched and well‐accepted over the 6‐week period. This study shows that the inclusion of a ready‐to‐eat food product can be included as part of a dietary programme to achieve a clinically significant weight loss over a short period. This may have benefit when incorporated into an individual's meal plan intermittently to assist weight control. It also provides support for current public health nutritional guidelines as the participants in this study following such advice were also successful in achieving a clinically meaningful weight loss.
Lipomodelling for the management of symptomatic peristomal contour abnormalities: a pilot and feasibility study
Authors: Bonomi R. , Conway A. Z. , Rapisarda I. F. , Koulouglioti C. , Sajid M. S. , Betal D. , Kalra L.
Published: January 2016

Aim

Lipomodelling has been successfully used in reconstructive breast surgery but not yet in patients with permanent stomas.

Method

A feasibility study of six patients with permanent stomas was undertaken. Patients underwent lipomodelling of the peristomal area. The number of leakages and quality of life were measured before and for 6 months after the procedure.

Results

All patients reported an improvement in their stoma‐related quality of life and a reduction in the number of leakages experienced (mean: 2.25 leakages/24 h before lipomodelling and 0.5 leakages/24 h after lipomodelling).

Conclusion

Lipomodelling appears to be an effective method to reduce stoma leakages caused by peristomal skin contour abnormalities.
Evolutionary Clustering for Mining and Tracking Dynamic Multilayer Networks
Authors: Amelio Alessia , Pizzuti Clara
Published: January 2016

This article proposes a framework for community discovery in temporal multiplex networks by extending the evolutionary clustering approach to encompass both time and multiple dimensions. In this extended framework, the problem of finding community structures for time‐evolving networks with multiple types of ties is reformulated by adding the concept of dimensional smoothness, relative to a single timestamp, to that of temporal smoothness, at the base of evolutionary clustering. At each timestamp, the method tries to maximize the quality of the clustering obtained for the current multidimensional network and to minimize the differences with respect to that obtained at the previous timestamp. Moreover, the evolution of a community between two consecutive timestamps is maintained by exploiting the Hungarian approach, which determines the best cluster correspondence between two consecutive timestamps. Experiments on synthetic and real‐world networks show the capability of the approach in discovering and tracking group organization of actors constituting the network.
Diffuse alveolar hemorrhage associated with low molecular weight heparin and dual anti‐platelet therapy after percutaneous coronary intervention
Authors: Yıldırım Fatma , Kara İskender , Okuyan Hızır , Abacı Adnan , Türkoğlu Melda , Aygencel Gülbin
Published: January 2016

A 54‐year‐old man underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and two stents were placed on left anterior coronary artery and circumflex artery. Low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) together with ticagrelor 90 mg twice a day and acetylsalicylic acid (Aspirin) were started after PCI due to high risk of stent thrombosis. On the fourth day of patient's follow‐up in the intensive care unit (ICU), bloody secretion was started from endotracheal tube. Hemoglobin dropping, bilateral infiltration on the chest X‐ray and bleeding from lung were diagnosed as diffuse alveolar hemorrhage (DAH). Apart from LMWH and antiplatelet therapies with aspirin and ticagrelor, there were no other identified risk factors for DAH. As far as we know, our report is the first case of DAH caused by LMWH and dual anti‐platelet therapy including ticagrelor.
No survival benefit to gaining private health insurance coverage for post‐lung transplant care in adults with cystic fibrosis
Authors: Tumin Dmitry , Foraker Randi E. , Tobias Joseph D. , Hayes Don
Published: January 2016

The use of public insurance is associated with diminished survival in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) following lung transplantation. No data exist on benefits of gaining private health insurance for post‐transplant care among such patients previously using public insurance. The United Network for Organ Sharing database was used to identify first‐time lung transplant recipients participating in Medicare or Medicaid, diagnosed with CF, and transplanted between 2005 and 2015. Survival outcomes were compared between recipients gaining private insurance after transplantation and those maintaining public coverage throughout follow‐up. Since implementation of the lung allocation score, 575 adults with CF received lung transplantation funded by Medicare or Medicaid and contributed data on insurance status post‐transplant. There were 128 (22%) patients who gained private insurance. Multivariable analysis of time‐varying insurance status found no survival benefit of gaining private insurance (HR = 0.822; 95% CI = 0.525, 1.286; p = 0.390). Further analysis demonstrated that resuming public insurance coverage was detrimental, relative to gaining and keeping private insurance (HR = 2.315; 95% CI = 1.020, 5.258; p = 0.045). Survival disadvantages of lung transplant recipients with CF who have public health insurance were not ameliorated by a switch to private coverage for post‐transplant care.
Cost‐effectiveness of whole‐body bone scans in the pre‐liver transplant assessment of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma in Southern Brazil
Authors: Rodríguez Santiago , Balbinotto Neto Giácomo , Kiss Guillermo , Brandão Ajacio ,   the Liver Transplantation Group
Published: January 2016

Background

Bone metastases (BM) are rare in patients with early‐stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In many centers, liver transplantation (LTx) policies require patients withHCCto undergo bone scans (BSs).

Methods

We retrospectively assessed the benefit ofBSfor patients with a diagnosis ofHCCwait‐listed forLTx.

Results

BSwas performed in 259 of 328 patients (78.9%) and was suggestive ofBMin only one (0.4%). At follow‐up, 276 patients had receivedLTx, of whom 207 had undergoneBS. Histopathological examination of explants failed to confirm the presence ofHCCin 20 patients from theBSgroup. The survival and recurrence rates of the 187 patients with confirmedHCCin the explant who underwentBSas part of pre‐LTx assessment and 69 patients who did not undergoBSwere compared. The one‐ and five‐yr post‐transplant survival rates were 81% and 69%, respectively, in theBSgroup vs. 78% and 62%, respectively, in patients who did not undergoBS(p = 0.25). The one‐ and five‐yr post‐LTx recurrence rates were 4.8% and 10.7%, respectively, in theBSgroup vs. 2.9% and 10.1%, respectively, in patients who did not undergoBS(p = 0.46).

Conclusions

BSgenerated expenditures of US$39 296 and was not cost‐effective.
Serial perfusion in native lungs in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and other interstitial lung diseases after single lung transplantation
Authors: Sokai Akihiko , Handa Tomohiro , Chen Fengshi , Tanizawa Kiminobu , Aoyama Akihiro , Kubo Takeshi , Ikezoe Kohei , Nakatsuka Yoshinari , Oguma Tsuyoshi , Hirai Toyohiro , Nagai Sonoko , Chin Kazuo , Date Hiroshi , Mishima Michiaki
Published: January 2016

Background

Lung perfusions after single lung transplantation (SLT) have not been fully clarified in patients with interstitial lung disease (ILD). The present study aimed to investigate temporal changes in native lung perfusion and their associated clinical factors in patients with ILD who have undergone SLT.

Methods

Eleven patients were enrolled. Perfusion scintigraphy was serially performed up to 12 months after SLT. Correlations between the post‐operative perfusion ratio in the native lung and clinical parameters, including pre‐operative perfusion ratio and computed tomography (CT) volumetric parameters, were evaluated.

Results

On average, the perfusion ratio of the native lung was maintained at approximately 30% until 12 months after SLT. However, the ratio declined more significantly in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) than in other ILDs (p = 0.014). The perfusion ratio before SLT was significantly correlated with that at three months after SLT (ρ = 0.64, p = 0.048). The temporal change of the perfusion ratio in the native lung did not correlate with those of the CT parameters.

Conclusion

The pre‐operative perfusion ratio may predict the post‐operative perfusion ratio of the native lung shortly after SLT in ILD. Perfusion of the native lung may decline faster in IPF compared with other ILDs.
Effects of Remanufacturable Product Design on Market Segmentation and the Environment
Authors: Shi Tianqin , Gu Wenjun , Chhajed Dilip , Petruzzi Nicholas C.
Published: January 2016

Despite documented benefits of remanufacturing, many manufacturers have yet to embrace the idea of tapping into remanufactured‐goods markets. In this article, we explore this dichotomy and analyze the effect of remanufacturable product design on market segmentation and product and trade‐in prices by studying a two‐stage profit‐maximization problem in which a price‐setting manufacturer can choose whether or not to open a remanufactured‐goods market for its product. Our results suggest that it is optimal for a manufacturer to design a remanufacturable product when the value‐added from remanufacturing is relatively high but product durability is relatively low and innovation is nominal. In addition, we find that entering a remanufactured‐goods market in and of itself does not necessarily translate into environmental friendliness. On the one hand, the optimal trade‐in program could result in low return and/or remanufacturing rates. On the other hand, a low price for remanufactured products could attract higher demand and thereby potentially result in more damage to the environment. Meanwhile, external restrictions imposed on total greenhouse gas emissions draw criticism in their own right because they risk stifling growth or reducing overall consumer welfare. Given these trade‐offs, we therefore develop and compare several measures of environmental efficiency and conclude that emissions per revenue can serve as the best proxy for emissions as a metric for measuring overall environmental stewardship.
Comparing risks of cerebral palsy in births between Australian Indigenous and non‐Indigenous mothers
Authors: Blair Eve , Watson Linda , O'Kearney Emily , D'Antoine Heather , Delacy Michael J ,   the Australian Cerebral Palsy Register Group
Published: January 2016

Aim

To compare proportions of live births subsequently described as having cerebral palsy (CP), the distributions of associated impairments, and the causes of postneonatal CP between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (Indigenous) and non‐Indigenous populations in Australia.

Method

Data from statutory birth records and CP registers for the 1996 to 2005 birth cohort in Queensland, Western Australia, and the Northern Territory were stratified by Indigenous status and whether the CP was acquired pre/perinatally or postneonatally. Relative risks associated with Indigenous status were estimated and the distributions of causes of postneonatal CP compared.

Results

Indigenous births had a relative risk of 4.9 (95% confidence interval [CI] 3.0–7.9) for postneonatal CP but only of 1.42 (95% CI 1.2–1.7) for pre/perinatal CP. Almost half of postneonatal CP in Indigenous infants resulted from infection, whereas for non‐Indigenous infants the most frequent cause was cerebrovascular accident. The impairments of Indigenous CP and of postneonatally acquired CP tended to be more numerous and more severe.

Interpretation

Indigenous children are at significantly greater risk of CP, particularly postneonatal CP. The predominant cause of postneonatal CP in non‐Indigenous children has shifted to cerebrovascular accident over time; however, infections followed by head injury are still the most frequent causes in Indigenous infants.
The National Disability Insurance Scheme: a time for real change in Australia
Authors: Reddihough Dinah S , Meehan Elaine , Stott N. Susan , Delacy Michael J ,   the Australian Cerebral Palsy Register Group
Published: January 2016

In Australia, the supports and services for persons with disabilities have long been underfunded and fragmented. Often, individuals did not receive the services they needed, but rather the services they were entitled to based on how or when they acquired their disability. As a result, there was an increasing reliance on ageing carers, a lack of permanent and respite accommodation, and reduced employment and educational opportunities. Individuals with disabilities and their families were often isolated and financially disadvantaged. In March 2013, legislation was passed in Australia to establish a National Disability Insurance Scheme, a radical new way of funding disability services. No longer would funding be directed to agencies, but rather to individuals who would make their own plan and select their preferred services and service providers, giving them more control over the services and supports they receive. The hope is that this change from a welfare‐driven to an insurance‐based model will improve equity of service delivery, levels of participation, and overall quality of life among Australians with disabilities and their families.
Ultraviolet irradiation promotes FOXP3 transcription via p53 in psoriasis
Authors: Zhang Dongmei , Chen Yang , Chen Ling , Yang Riyao , Wang Li , Liu Wenying , Zhai Zhifang , Shen Zhu
Published: January 2016

The decrease of forkhead box P3‐positive (FOXP3 + ) regulatory T cells (Tregs) causes an immune imbalance with effector T cells in psoriasis. Previous studies have demonstrated that in addition to its known effects on keratinocytes and effector T cells, ultraviolet (UV) irradiation alleviates psoriasis via the upregulation of FOXP3 + Tregs. However, the mechanism is unclear. Here, we found that FOXP3 + T cells were increased in psoriatic lesions after UVB irradiation (t' = 3.7006, P < 0.01), as determined by immunohistochemical staining. In addition, the levels of FOXP3 and p53, one of the downstream targets of UV irradiation, showed accordant changes after UV irradiation. Experiments that used a MAPK inhibitor, p53 mutant cell lines, p53 inhibitor and p53 shRNA showed a decrease in FOXP3 levels, suggesting that p53 is required for UV‐induced FOXP3 transcription. Next, we demonstrated that there are two binding sites for p53 on FOXP3 by informatics tools, a dual‐luciferase reporter assay and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assay. One binding site (−1771 to −1583) is located at the promoter region and is adjacent to a previously reported p53‐binding region in breast cancer cells. The other (+3845 to +4042) is located within the first intron and has not been previously reported. Our study demonstrated that FOXP3 is regulated, at least in part, by the binding of p53 to several binding sites in the promoter and intron regions following UV irradiation in psoriasis. It will be helpful to further clarify the regulatory mechanism of FOXP3 transcription and to provide new insights into the mechanisms that mediate the effects of UV irradiation in autoimmune skin disorders.