bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cigarette smoking among intimate partner violence perpetrators and victims: Findings from the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions
Authors: Crane Cory A. , Pilver Corey E. , Weinberger Andrea H.
Published: July 2014

Background and Objectives

Cigarette smoking and intimate partner violence (IPV) are preventable, major public health issues that result in severe physical and psychological consequences. The primary aim of the current study was to examine the consistency and strength of the association between these highly variable behaviors using a nationally representative sample.

Methods

Self‐reported IPV perpetration, victimization, and smoking data were collected from 25,515 adults (54% female) through the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions. Multinomial logistic regression models were constructed to determine the relationships among smoking status (current daily, intermittent, former, and never smoker) and IPV (minor and sever victimization as well as perpetration).

Results

Results indicated a robust relationship between IPV and smoking among both victims and perpetrators. The odds for current daily and intermittent smoking were significantly elevated among those who reported both minor and severe IPV relative to their non‐violent counterparts. Mood and anxiety disorders were significant comorbid conditions in the interpretation of the relationship between severe IPV and smoking.

Conclusions

The current study provides strong evidence for a robust relationship between IPV and smoking across current smoking patterns, IPV severity levels, and IPV experience patterns.

Scientific Significance

Findings emphasize the need to better understand the mechanisms by which smoking and IPV are associated and how this interdependence may impact approaches to treatment. Specifically, research is required to assess the efficacy of integrated smoking cessation and IPV treatment or recovery programs over more traditional, exclusive approaches. (Am J Addict 2014;23:493–501)
Examining potential school contextual influences on gambling among high school youth
Authors: Lee Grace P. , Martins Silvia S. , Pas Elise T. , Bradshaw Catherine P.
Published: July 2014

Background and Objectives

Gambling is an increasing concern among adolescence, yet there has been limited investigation into school‐level factors that may increase the risk for gambling. The current study examined the relationship between substance use and gambling, and explored the influence of school context on adolescent gambling.

Methods

Data come from 25,456 students in 58 high schools participating in the Maryland Safe and Supportive Schools Initiative. Youth‐reports of socio‐demographics, lifetime gambling, and past‐month substance use (ie, alcohol, cigarette, marijuana, non‐medical prescription drug) were collected. School‐level characteristics were student suspension rate, student mobility, percentage of students receiving free/reduce‐priced meals, percentage of African American students, urbanicity, gambling prevalence, gambling problem prevalence, and substance use prevalence. Weighted multilevel analyses were conducted.

Results

One‐third (n = 8,318) reported lifetime gambling, and 10% (n = 2,580) of the full sample, or 31% of the gamblers, experienced gambling problems. Being male and alcohol, marijuana, and non‐medical prescription drug use were associated with twice the odds of gambling. Among gamblers, being male, African American, and cigarette, marijuana, and non‐medical prescription drug use were associated with higher odds of gambling problems. The school‐level factors of suspension rate and percentage of African American had minimal, inverse associations with gambling; however, none were related to gambling problems.

Conclusions

Multilevel results indicated that adolescents that are male and use substances are more likely to gamble and have gambling problems.

Scientific Significance

The findings indicate a need for prevention programs targeting risky behaviors to also target gambling as such behaviors often co‐occur among adolescents. (Am J Addict 2014;23:510–517)
Understanding the Formation of Vertical Cracks in Solution Precursor Plasma Sprayed Yttria‐Stabilized Zirconia Coatings
Authors: Govindarajan Sivakumar , Dusane Rajiv Onkar , Joshi Shrikant Vishwanath
Published: July 2014

Yttria‐stabilized zirconia (YSZ) deposition by the solution precursor plasma spraying (SPPS) route has been of interest for potential thermal barrier coating (TBC) applications. It has been surmised that realization of unique microstructural features like vertical cracks, nanosized pores and fine splats in the TBCs can significantly enhance coating durability and performance. However, satisfactory control over the YSZ coating microstructure has been elusive in the absence of an adequate understanding of the mechanism responsible for coating deposition in SPPS. This study demonstrates the ability to tailor microstructure of deposited YSZ coatings over a wide range, from nano‐porous coatings to a vertically cracked microstructure. Varying of precursor flow rate has been shown to dictate the pyrolysis events occurring in situ and, adopting this approach, YSZ coatings with widely varying microstructural features have been developed. The coatings have been characterized in detail and the observations correlated with in‐flight particle generation and splat formation. These studies also provide useful insights into the possible origin of vertical cracks in the coating for which a mechanism is proposed.
Fabrication of Hydroxyapatite Hollow Microspheres by the Composite‐Hydroxide Approach
Authors: Hu Luyang , Chen Haibo , Zhang Yumin , Li Benxia , Zhang Shanmei
Published: July 2014

Hydroxyapatite (HAp) hollow microspheres with hierarchically porous structure and nanorice‐like architecture units were synthesized by the composite‐hydroxide approach. NH4H2PO4 was first reacted with hydroxides to form a hydroxide‐insoluble M3PO4 (the term M represents either Na or K). The diffusing M3PO4 at the liquid–solid interface then reacted with the Ca(OH)2, forming insoluble HAp hollow spheres by Kirkendall process. Results show that when reaction time is increased from 3 to 12 h, the average diameter of the microspheres increased from 2.64 to 4.16 μm. In addition, the size homogeneity of the hollow microspheres was improved gradually due to Ostwald ripening. The prepared hollow microspheres were treated by ultrasound, and nanorice‐like component units with a large mass of mesopores (<10 nm) were displayed. These prepared HAp hollow microspheres might be expected to apply to ion adsorption and drug delivery.
Benefiting from Failures to Address Climate Change
Authors: Lawford‐Smith Holly
Published: July 2014

The politics of climate change is marked by the fact that countries are dragging their heels in doing what they ought to do; namely, creating a binding global treaty, and fulfilling the duties assigned to each of them under it. Many different agents are culpable in this failure. But we can imagine a stylised version of the climate change case, in which no agents are culpable: if the bad effects of climate change were triggered only by crossing a particular threshold, and it was reasonably, but mistakenly, believed by each country that insufficiently many other countries were willing to cooperate in order for that threshold to remain uncrossed, no country would be required to make a unilateral contribution. Yet even without culpability, we can diagnose a moral ill: the world has gone other than it should have. If not for the mistaken beliefs, there would have been a global climate treaty, and all the avoidance of future suffering that would come with it. In this article I argue that this moral ill has implications for the non‐culpable agents, in that it generates duties to disgorge actual holdings over and above the counterpart holdings in the relevant counterfactual: those holdings the agents would have had, were the world to have gone as it should.
The Normative Implications of Benefiting from Injustice
Authors: Haydar Bashshar , Øverland Gerhard
Published: July 2014

In this article we investigate whether non‐culpably benefiting from wrongdoing or injustice generates a moral requirement to disgorge these benefits in order to compensate the victims. We argue that a strong requirement to disgorge such benefits is generated only if other conditions or factors are present. We identify three such factors and claim that their presence would explain why the normative features of certain types of cases of benefiting from wrongdoing differ from cases of benefiting from simple misfortune or bad luck.
Atypical Variants of Right Ventricular Outflow Arrhythmias
Authors: MULPURU SIVA K. , KONECNY TOMAS , MADHAVAN MALINI , KAPA SURAJ , NOSEWORTHY PETER A. , MCLEOD CHRISTOPHER J. , FRIEDMAN PAUL A. , PACKER DOUGLAS L. , ASIRVATHAM SAMUEL J.
Published: July 2014

RVOT Atypical Variants

Background

Right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) arrhythmias are a common form of ventricular tachycardia (VT) in patients with structurally normal heart. The underlying mechanism is due to triggered activity. Mapping and ablation is relatively straightforward targeting the earliest point of activation. Previously reported causes of difficult ablation in the RVOT region include under recognized right ventricular cardiomyopathy/sarcoidosis, presence of endocavitary structures, close proximity to the coronary vasculature, and origin from non‐RVOT structures.

Methods and Results

We identified all patients undergoing PVCs/sustained RVOT VT ablation from January 2013 to December 2013. This included 33 patients. Of these, we identified procedures that were considered difficult despite a single morphology arrhythmia being targeted and no underlying cardiomyopathy present. Difficulty was specifically considered when ablation at the earliest site of activation was not successful and eventual successful ablation was at a distance of greater than 15 mm from the early activation site. We identified 3 patients (n = 3, 100% male) with evidence of reentrant arrhythmia based on slow conduction zones necessary for the tachycardia/arrhythmia, mid diastolic signals during VT or preceding bigeminal PVCs, pace mapping from the site abnormal signals reproducing the arrhythmia morphology but with prominent conduction delay, the entire cycle length of the tachycardia or coupling interval for the PVCs being mapping, or based on reset characteristics.

Conclusion

In patients with atypical forms of RVOT VT, careful mapping and ablation of the myocardial sleeves near the pulmonic valve can eliminate the arrhythmia.
Clinical Impact of Nonsustained Ventricular Tachycardia Recorded by the Implantable Cardioverter‐Defibrillator in Patients with Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Authors: FRANCIA PIETRO , SANTINI DARIA , MUSUMECI BEATRICE , SEMPRINI LORENZO , ADDUCI CARMEN , PAGANNONE ERIKA , PROIETTI GIULIA , VOLPE MASSIMO , AUTORE CAMILLO
Published: July 2014

NSVT in ICD Patients with HCM

Background

Nonsustained ventricular tachycardia (NSVT) is a risk factor for sudden death (SD) in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). Implantable cardioverter‐defibrillators (ICDs) enable accurate assessment of NSVT burden and characteristics. In a cohort of HCM patients with ICD, we characterized Holter‐ and ICD‐retrieved NSVT and evaluated their relationship with prognosis.

Methods and Results

We studied a cohort of consecutive HCM patients who underwent Holter ECG before receiving a primary prevention ICD. Patients were followed from ICD implantation to the first appropriate ICD therapy. We evaluated the association of NSVT characteristics with ICD interventions.

Study cohort included 51 HCM patients (28 males, mean age: 48 ± 15 years). Thirty‐four patients (66%) had NSVT at pre‐ICD Holter ECG. Out of 17 patients with negative baseline Holter, 7 (41%) showed ICD‐NSVT. In patients with both Holter‐ and ICD‐NSVT, these latter were faster (199 ± 27 bpm vs. 146 ± 24 bpm; P < 0.001) and longer (16 ± 8 beats vs. 10 ± 11 beats; P = 0.008) than Holter‐NSVT. During follow‐up (38 ± 24 months), 11 patients (22%) experienced appropriate ICD therapy. NSVT length in beats (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.05; 95% CI: 1.00–1.10; P = 0.02) but not heart rate (HR: 1.00; 95% CI: 0.98–1.02; P = 0.86) predicted ICD intervention. A simple index of NSVT severity (heart rate × length in beats/100 >28) predicted ICD intervention (HR: 5.45; 95% CI: 1.10–27.32; P = 0.03).

Conclusions

Long‐lasting and rapid NSVT recorded during continuous rhythm monitoring predict appropriate ICD intervention in high‐risk HCM patients. Further studies should assess whether prolonged rhythm monitoring may assist in evaluating patients at intermediate risk of SD, in which the decision to implant an ICD needs to be individualized.
Physician perceptions and experience of current treatment in actinic keratosis
Authors: Stockfleth E. , Peris K. , Guillen C. , Cerio R. , Basset‐Seguin N. , Foley P. , Sanches J. , Culshaw A. , Erntoft S. , Lebwohl M.
Published: July 2014

Background

Topical therapy is important in the treatment of actinic keratosis (AK), a major risk factor for, and early development stage of, squamous cell carcinoma. Despite this, research addressing the limitations and challenges associated with topical field therapy in actinic keratosis is lacking.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to highlight the challenges associated with maximizing compliance in patients receiving topical AK therapy and to investigate real‐world experience with currently available topical therapies including perceptions of adherence and persistence.

Methods

A 45‐min online survey was developed and completed by physicians in eight countries. All had previously prescribed topical AK therapy and ≥1 other treatment. Physicians' consensus was summarized as overall agreement/disagreement from ≥70% of respondents (≥60% for case‐specific questions).

Results

More than 70% of the 427 respondents agreed that topical field therapy is essential and had concerns that lengthy treatments and local skin reactions caused non‐adherence/persistence. More than 90% of physicians would preferentially prescribe the shortest duration treatment to such patients.

Conclusions

The research clarifies the challenges associated with prescribing topical AK therapy and highlights that short treatment duration and rapid clearance of skin reactions are key considerations for physicians. This provides a basis for the generation of recommendations for improving the real‐world efficacy of topical therapy.
Development and psychometric validation of the REFlective evaLuation of psoriasis Efficacy of Treatment and Severity (REFLETS) questionnaire: a common measure of plaque‐type psoriasis severity and treatment efficacy for patients and clinicians
Authors: Gilet H. , Roborel de Climens A. , Arnould B. , Bachelez H. , Bagot M. , Beaulieu P. , Joly P. , Jullien D. , Le Maître M. , Ortonne J.P. , Paul C. , Thibout E.
Published: July 2014

Background

To date, there is no global consensus on the definition of the severity of psoriasis. The REFlective evaLuation of psoriasis Efficacy of Treatment and Severity (REFLETS) questionnaire has recently been developed to provide a better understanding of plaque‐type psoriasis severity and treatment efficacy from both patient and clinician perspectives.

Objective

This study aimed to develop and psychometrically validate the new REFLETS questionnaire to evaluate patient and clinician perceptions of plaque‐type psoriasis severity and treatment efficacy.

Methods

Two similar versions of the REFLETS questionnaire were developed following a rigorous methodology for clinicians and patients, referring to ‘the psoriasis of your patient' or to ‘your psoriasis’, respectively. An observational, longitudinal, multicentre study was conducted in France with 34 dermatologists and 430 mild to severe plaque‐type psoriasis patients to finalize the questionnaire and evaluate its psychometric properties.

Results

Two dimensions were defined – severity and treatment efficacy – with three subdimensions within severity (impact of psoriasis, symptoms and disease course), and two individual items on joint pain. The questionnaire was well accepted by clinicians and patients. Excellent internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.66–0.98) and test–retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficients = 0.83–0.94) were demonstrated. REFLETS scores were moderately to highly correlated to Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (r = 0.35–0.70), Skindex‐29 (r = 0.46–0.82) and DLQI scores (r = 0.36–0.82). Patients with decreased psoriasis severity and those with increased treatment efficacy, according to patient global evaluations, had lower severity and higher treatment efficacy REFLETS scores, respectively.

Conclusion

REFlective evaLuation of psoriasis Efficacy of Treatment and Severity is a promising tool for assessing plaque‐type psoriasis severity and treatment efficacy from patient and clinician perspectives. It may help to improve patient and clinician communication in treatment decision making.
Artificial selection on larval growth curves in Tribolium: correlated responses and constraints
Authors: Irwin K. K. , Carter P. A.
Published: July 2014

Body size is often constrained from evolving. Although artificial selection on body size in insects frequently results in a sizable response, these responses usually bear fitness costs. Further, these experiments tend to select only on size at one landmark age, rather than selecting for patterns of growth over the whole larval life stage. To address whether constraints may be caused by larval growth patterns rather than final size, we implemented a function‐valued (FV) trait method of selection, in which entire larval growth curves from Tribolium were artificially selected. The selection gradient function used was previously predicted to give the maximal response and was implemented using a novel selection index in the FV framework. Results indicated a significant response after one generation of selection, but no response in subsequent generations. Correlated responses included increased mortality, increased critical weight, and decreased development time (DT). The lack of response in size and development time after the first generation was likely caused by increased mortality suffered in selected lines; we demonstrated that the selection criterion caused both increased body size and increased mortality. We conclude that artificial selection on continuous traits using FV methods is very efficient and that the constraint of body size evolution is likely caused by a suite of trade‐offs with other traits.
Energy Modeling and Simulation of Flexible Manufacturing Systems Based on Colored Timed Petri Nets
Authors: Wang Qiulian , Wang Xianglian , Yang Suihong
Published: July 2014

Increasing pressures from a variety of directives and standards have caused manufacturing enterprises to consider and implement energy assessment and energy performance goals—to improve both their economic and their environmental performance. Flexible manufacturing systems (FMSs) pose a challenge for energy management because of their complexity and the difficulty of data collection. FMSs allow manufacturers to adjust to customers’ requirements and meet changing demands, which makes it possible for manufacturers to respond quickly to the market. To address this challenge, a practical energy model for machining systems based on colored timed Petri nets (CTPNs) is proposed. In this article, the energy consumption of FMS are first analyzed. Then, an energy model of FMSs based on CTPNs is proposed in which the uncertainty of task assignment and volatility of operation time are treated by Petri net (PN) functions so that data on the consumption of FMSs can be collected automatically. Finally, through the case study of an FMS with two jobs, the proposed energy model is simulated and the simulation results with colored PN tools are shown to be significant in practice.
A tale worth telling: the impact of the diagnosis experience on disclosure of genetic disorders
Authors: Goodwin J. , Schoch K. , Shashi V. , Hooper S. R. , Morad O. , Zalevsky M. , Gothelf D. , Campbell L. E.
Published: July 2014

Background

Research suggests children with genetic disorders exhibit greater coping skills when they are aware of their condition and its heritability. While the experiences parents have at diagnosis may influence their decision to disclose the diagnosis to their children, there is little research into this communication. The aim of the current study was to examine the relationship between the diagnosis experience and the disclosure experience for parents of children with developmental disorders of a known genetic aetiology: parents of children with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q11DS) were compared with a group of parents with children affected with other genetic diagnoses, with a similar age of diagnosis (e.g. fragile X syndrome) and a group where diagnosis generally occurs early (i.e. Down syndrome).

Method

The sample comprised 559 parents and caregivers of children with genetic developmental disorders, and an online survey was utilised. Items from the questionnaire were combined to create variables for diagnosis experience, parental disclosure experience, child's disclosure experience, and parental coping and self‐efficacy.

Results

Across all groups parents reported that the diagnosis experience was negative and often accompanied by a lack of support and appropriate information. Sixty‐eight per cent of those in the 22q11DS and 58.3% in the Similar Conditions groups had disclosed the diagnosis to their child, whereas only 32.7% of the Down syndrome group had. Eighty‐six per cent of the Down syndrome group felt they had sufficient information to talk to their child compared with 44.1% of the Similar Conditions group and 32.6% of the 22q11DS group. Parents reported disclosing the diagnosis to their child because they did not want to create secrets; and that they considered the child's age when disclosing. In the 22q11DS and Similar Conditions groups, a poor diagnosis experience was significantly associated with negative parental disclosure experiences. In the Similar Conditions group, a poor diagnosis experience was also significantly associated with a more negative child disclosure experience.

Conclusions

As expected this study highlights how difficult most parents find the diagnosis experience. Importantly, the data indicate that the personal experiences the parents have can have a long‐term impact on how well they cope with telling their child about the diagnosis. It is important for clinicians to consider the long‐term ramifications of the diagnosis experience and give the parents opportunities; through, for instance, psychoeducation to prepare for telling their child about the diagnosis. Further research is warranted to explore what type of information would be useful for parents to receive.
Using a Life Course Model to Examine Racial Disparities in Low Birth Weight During Adolescence and Young Adulthood
Authors: Brewin Dorothy , Nannini Angela
Published: July 2014

Introduction

This study examined relationships between health, social, environmental, and economic factors during adolescence and the subsequent risk of giving birth to a low‐birth‐weight (LBW) infant, to inform strategies for reducing racial disparities in LBW.

Methods

Data were derived from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health. A sample of 1213 adolescents, reporting on first pregnancies, was created with 35% black, non‐Hispanic (black) and 65% white, non‐Hispanic (white) participants. Independent variables were from the domains of individual characteristics, health status, access to care, and social environment. The dependent variable was low birth weight. Overall and race‐specific logistic regression models were estimated.

Results

Black women had 1.9 times the odds of giving birth to an LBW infant as white women. Factors associated with LBW differed between black women and white women. Black women with a history of hypertension were 6 times more likely to have an LBW infant. Intimate partner support during prenatal care was protective for black women. Factors associated with an increased risk of giving birth to an LBW infant for white women included an intergenerational pattern of LBW, low body mass index during adolescence, and smoking during pregnancy. Socioeconomic factors during adolescence did not predict the odds of having an LBW infant for either group, except for white women whose parents had less than a high school education and black women living in medium‐poverty neighborhoods.

Discussion

Findings suggest that strategies to reduce racial disparities should address the specific needs of the population being served over the life course.
Gender Identity Rather Than Sexual Orientation Impacts on Facial Preferences
Authors: Ciocca Giacomo , Limoncin Erika , Cellerino Alessandro , Fisher Alessandra D. , Gravina Giovanni Luca , Carosa Eleonora , Mollaioli Daniele , Valenzano Dario R. , Mennucci Andrea , Bandini Elisa , Di Stasi Savino M. , Maggi Mario , Lenzi Andrea , Jannini Emmanuele A.
Published: July 2014

Introduction

Differences in facial preferences between heterosexual men and women are well documented. It is still a matter of debate, however, how variations in sexual identity/sexual orientation may modify the facial preferences.

Aim

This study aims to investigate the facial preferences of male-to-female (MtF) individuals with gender dysphoria (GD) and the influence of short-term/long-term relationships on facial preference, in comparison with healthy subjects.

Methods

Eighteen untreated MtF subjects, 30 heterosexual males, 64 heterosexual females, and 42 homosexual males from university students/staff, at gay events, and in Gender Clinics were shown a composite male or female face. The sexual dimorphism of these pictures was stressed or reduced in a continuous fashion through an open-source morphing program with a sequence of 21 pictures of the same face warped from a feminized to a masculinized shape.

Main Outcome Measures

An open-source morphing program (gtkmorph) based on the X-Morph algorithm.

Results

MtF GD subjects and heterosexual females showed the same pattern of preferences: a clear preference for less dimorphic (more feminized) faces for both short- and long-term relationships. Conversely, both heterosexual and homosexual men selected significantly much more dimorphic faces, showing a preference for hyperfeminized and hypermasculinized faces, respectively.

Conclusions

These data show that the facial preferences of MtF GD individuals mirror those of the sex congruent with their gender identity. Conversely, heterosexual males trace the facial preferences of homosexual men, indicating that changes in sexual orientation do not substantially affect preference for the most attractive faces.
Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of intravenous dexmedetomidine in the horse
Authors: Rezende M. L. , Grimsrud K. N. , Stanley S. D. , Steffey E. P. , Mama K. R.
Published: July 2014

The aim of the study was to describe the pharmacokinetics and selected pharmacodynamics of intravenous dexmedetomidine in horses. Eight adult horses received 5 μg/kg dexmedetomidineIV. Blood samples were collected before and for 10 h after drug administration to determine dexmedetomidine plasma concentrations. Pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated using noncompartmental analysis. Data from one outlier were excluded from the statistical summary. Behavioral and physiological responses were recorded before and for 6 h after dexmedetomidine administration. Dexmedetomidine concentrations decreased rapidly (elimination half‐life of 8.03 ± 0.84 min). Time of last detection varied from 30 to 60 min. Bradycardia was noted at 4 and 10 min after drug administration (26 ± 8 and 29 ± 8 beats/min respectively). Head height decreased by 70% at 4 and 10 min and gradually returned to baseline. Ability to ambulate was decreased for 60 min following drug administration, and mechanical nociceptive threshold was increased during 30 min. Blood glucose peaked at 30 min (134 ± 24 mg/dL) and borborygmi were decreased for the first hour after dexmedetomidine administration. Dexmedetomidine was quickly eliminated as indicated by the rapid decrease in plasma concentrations. Physiological, behavioral, and analgesic effects observed after dexmedetomidine administration were of short duration.
Antioxidant activity of hyaluronic acid investigated by means of chemiluminescence of equine neutrophil bursts and electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy
Authors: Braga P. C. , Dal Sasso M. , Lattuada N. , Greco V. , Sibilia V. , Zucca E. , Stucchi L. , Ferro E. , Ferrucci F.
Published: July 2014

Activated neutrophils (PMNs), the ROS/RNS released by PMNs and the derived inflammatory processes are involved in the pathogenesis and progression of human inflammatory airway diseases. Similar diseases are also present in horses which suffer from recurrent airway obstruction (RAO), exercise‐induced pulmonary haemorrhage (EIPH) and inflammatory airway diseases (IAD). Hyaluronic acid (HA) plays numerous roles in modulating inflammatory processes. The aim of this study was to examine whether a preparation of HA (MW 900 000 Da) interferes with ROS/RNS during the course of equine PMN respiratory bursts, and to establish the lowest concentration at which it still has antioxidant activity by means of luminol‐amplified chemiluminescence (LACL). Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy was also used to investigate the direct antiradical activity of HA. The hydroxyl radical was significantly scavenged in a concentration‐dependent manner at HA concentrations ranging from 2.5 to 0.16 mg/mL. Superoxide anion, Tempol radical and the ABTS•+were significantly inhibited at concentrations ranging from 2.5 to 0.62 mg/mL. The LACL of stimulated equine neutrophils showed that HA induced a statistically significant concentration–effect reduction from 5 mg/mL to 1.25 mg/mL. These findings were confirmed also when l‐Arg was added to investigate the inhibition of the resulting peroxynitrite anion. Our findings indicate that, in addition to the human use, HA can also be used to antagonize the oxidative stress generated by free radicals in horses peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). In order to achieve therapeutic concentrations, a direct aerosol administration to horses with horse respiratory diseases can be considered, as this route of application is also recommended in human medicine.
Urethral Metastasis from Rectal Adenocarcinoma: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: CHANG Chun‐Feng , HSU Shun‐Neng , CHIEN Shang‐Tao , WANG Chian‐Ting , NI Ying‐Jui , HSU Ching‐Wen , MEI Jian‐Tai
Published: July 2014

Case

A 73‐year‐old man with Dukes' C adenocarcinoma of the rectum, pT3N2bM0, stage IIIB, presented with voiding difficulties including poor stream and terminal dribbling for one month. The patient was under careful surveillance and had no postoperative recurrence. Physical examination revealed a palpable irregular nodular lesion (0.5 × 0.5 cm2) at the penile‐scrotal junction. He underwent urethroscopy, which showed a cauliflower lesion in the pendulous urethra. Transurethral resection was performed and histopathologic and immunochemical staining demonstrated a metastatic moderately differentiated urethral adenocarcinoma from the colorectal primary.

Outcome

His voiding disorder improved significantly post‐operation and he commenced second‐line chemotherapy combined with regional radiotherapy. Follow‐up urethrocystoscopy and abdominal computed tomography demonstrated no recurrence or metastatic disease. His tumor marker remained within the normal range for 12 months.

Conclusion

Urethral metastasis from primary colon cancer is extremely rare. This disease, with its various atypical presentations, presents a diagnostic challenge to the clinician. In patients with recurrent or persistent lower urinary tract symptoms, further urologic workup including thorough history taking, physical examination, and imaging surveys is warranted.
Accumulation of the Type IV prepilin triggers degradation of SecY and YidC and inhibits synthesis of Photosystem II proteins in the cyanobacterium Synechocystis PCC 6803
Authors: Linhartová Markéta , Bučinská Lenka , Halada Petr , Ječmen Tomáš , Šetlík Jiří , Komenda Josef , Sobotka Roman
Published: July 2014

Type IV pilins are bacterial proteins that are small in size but have a broad range of functions, including motility, transformation competence and secretion. Although pilins vary in sequence, they possess a characteristic signal peptide that has to be removed by the prepilin peptidase PilD during pilin maturation. We generated a pilD (slr1120) null mutant of the cyanobacterium Synechocystis 6803 that accumulates an unprocessed form of the major pilin PilA1 (pPilA1) and its non‐glycosylated derivative (NpPilA1). Notably, the pilD strain had aberrant membrane ultrastructure and did not grow photoautotrophically because the synthesis of Photosystem II subunits was abolished. However, other membrane components such as Photosystem I and ATP synthase were synthesized at levels comparable to the control strain. Proliferation of the pilD strain was rescued by elimination of the pilA1 gene, demonstrating that PilA1 prepilin inhibited the synthesis of Photosystem II. Furthermore, NpPilA1 co‐immunoprecipitated with the SecY translocase and the YidC insertase, and both of these essential translocon components were degraded in the mutant. We propose that unprocessed prepilins inactivate an identical pool of translocons that function in the synthesis of both pilins and the core subunits of Photosystem II.
Liturgical Irenicism and the Unity of the Church
Authors: Smith Innocent
Published: July 2014

The liturgy has often been a source of conflict within Christian communities. After comparing several recent exhortations by Pope Francis and Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI concerning the importance of the unity of the Church, this essay examines resources for articulating an approach of “liturgical irenicism” on the basis of texts from Augustine, Thomas Aquinas, and the Magisterium of the Church.
Part‐Time Work, Fixed‐Term Contracts, and the Returns to Experience
Authors: Fernández‐Kranz Daniel , Paul Marie , Rodríguez‐Planas Núria
Published: July 2014

Using data from Spanish Social Security records, we investigate the returns to experience for female workers in different flexible work arrangements. Our model consists of four random‐effects equations simultaneously estimated using Markov Chain Monte Carlo techniques. We find a large negative wage effect of working part‐time (PT), which differs by motherhood status and contract type. We also find that working PT involves lower returns to experience than standard full‐time employment and thus a substantial negative wage effect accumulates over time for those employed PT. Finally, our simulations reveal that working PT also raises the probability of working under a fixed‐term contract.
The development of a specialty: an interview with Dr. Mark C. Rogers, a pioneering pediatric intensivist
Authors: Mai Christine L. , Firth Paul G. , Ahmed Zulfiqar , Rodriguez Samuel , Yaster Myron
Published: July 2014

Dr. Mark C. Rogers (1942–), Professor of Anesthesiology, Critical Care Medicine, and Pediatrics at the Johns Hopkins University, was recruited by the Department of Pediatrics at Johns Hopkins Hospital in 1977 to become the first director of its pediatric intensive care unit. After the dean of the medical school appointed him to chair the Department of Anesthesia in 1979, Rogers changed the course and culture of the department. He renamed it the Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, and developed a long‐term strategy of excellence in clinical care, research, and education. However, throughout this period, he never lost his connection to pediatric intensive care. He has made numerous contributions to pediatric critical care medicine through research and his authoritative textbook, Rogers' Textbook of Pediatric Intensive Care. He established a training programme that has produced a plethora of leaders, helped develop the pediatric critical care board examination, and initiated the first World Congress of Pediatric Intensive Care. Based on a series of interviews with Dr. Rogers, this article reviews his influential career and the impact he made on developing pediatric critical care as a specialty.
Patient Satisfaction with Fentanyl Sublingual Spray in Opioid‐Tolerant Patients with Breakthrough Cancer Pain
Authors: Rauck Richard , Parikh Neha , Dillaha Larry , Barker Jerry , Stearns Lisa
Published: July 2014

Objectives

Breakthrough cancer pain (BTCP) is associated with decreased satisfaction with around‐the‐clock opioid therapy. This analysis examined patient satisfaction with fentanyl sublingual spray for BTCP during the open‐label titration period of a randomized, placebo‐controlled study.

Methods

Opioid‐tolerant patients with 1 to 4 daily BTCP episodes were included. During a 26‐day, open‐label titration phase, a successful dose (100 to 1600 mcg) of fentanyl sublingual spray was established that provided effective analgesia for 2 consecutive BTCP episodes with tolerable side effects. The Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire for Medication (TSQM) was administered at baseline to assess satisfaction with previous BTCP medication and at the end of the titration to assess satisfaction with fentanyl sublingual spray.

Results

Of 130 enrolled patients, 115 (88.5%) had a TSQM measure at baseline and at the end of their titration period. Scores on all 4 TSQM domains increased from baseline to end of the titration, with mean (standard error [SE]) improvements of 22.3 (2.3) for effectiveness, 7.7 (3.2) for side effects, 6.8 (2.2) for convenience, and 12.9 (2.8) for global satisfaction (P < 0.05 for all). Satisfaction with symptom relief (26.1% to 77.4%) and onset of action (21.7% to 82.6%) also improved from baseline to end of titration. At least one adverse event (AE) was reported by 78 patients (60.0%). The most common AEs considered possibly or probably related to study medication were dizziness, somnolence, and nausea (n = 10 [7.7%] each).

Discussion

These data indicate markedly improved satisfaction among patients receiving fentanyl sublingual spray relative to previous BTCP medications.
Mitochondrial dynamics regulate melanogenesis through proteasomal degradation of MITF via ROS‐ERK activation
Authors: Kim Eun Sung , Park So Jung , Goh Myeong‐Jin , Na Yong‐Joo , Jo Doo Sin , Jo Yoon Kyung , Shin Ji Hyun , Choi Eun Sun , Lee Hae‐Kwang , Kim Ju‐Yeon , Jeon Hong Bae , Kim Jin Cheon , Cho Dong‐Hyung
Published: July 2014

Mitochondrial dynamics control mitochondrial functions as well as their morphology. However, the role of mitochondrial dynamics in melanogenesis is largely unknown. Here, we show that mitochondrial dynamics regulate melanogenesis by modulating the ROS‐ERK signaling pathway. Genetic and chemical inhibition of Drp1, a mitochondrial fission protein, increased melanin production and mitochondrial elongation in melanocytes and melanoma cells. In contrast, down‐regulation of OPA1, a mitochondria fusion regulator, suppressed melanogensis but induced massive mitochondrial fragmentation in hyperpigmented cells. Consistently, treatment with CCCP, a mitochondrial fission chemical inducer, also efficiently repressed melanogenesis. Furthermore, we found that ROS production and ERK phosphorylation were increased in cells with fragmented mitochondria. And inhibition of ROS or ERK suppressed the antimelanogenic effect of mitochondrial fission in α‐MSH‐treated cells. In addition, the activation of ROS‐ERK pathway by mitochondrial fission induced phosphorylation of serine73 on MITF accelerating its proteasomal degradation. In conclusion, mitochondrial dynamics may regulate melanogenesis by modulating ROS‐ERK signaling pathway.
Retrospective Review of Relapse after Systemic Cyclosporine in Children with Atopic Dermatitis
Authors: Sibbald Cathryn , Pope Elena , Ho Nhung , Weinstein Miriam
Published: July 2014

Cyclosporine is a systemic therapy used for control of severe atopic dermatitis (AD) in children. Although traditionally recommended at a dose of 5 mg/kg/day for 6 months, a longer duration of treatment may be necessary to bring a child with active and severe disease into remission. There are few data on the short‐ and long‐term effectiveness of longer courses of therapy. This was a retrospective chart review of children treated with cyclosporine at a Canadian hospital‐affiliated clinic between 2000 and 2013. Fifteen patients with adequate follow‐up were identified. Twelve (80%) were male and the mean age at initiation of cyclosporine was 11.2 ± 3.4 years. The mean duration of cyclosporine therapy was 10.9 ± 2.7 months (range 7–15 months) at a starting dose of 2.8 ± 0.6 mg/kg/day. Of 12 patients (80%) who responded to cyclosporine, 5 patients (42%) had relapsed at a follow‐up of 22.7 ± 15.0 months. The duration of therapy was longer in patients who did not relapse (17.7 ± 10.7 months) than in those who did (10.2 ± 2.7 months) (p = 0.06). Adverse events led to discontinuation in three patients (20%) and included infection‐related complications in two patients and reversible renal toxicity in one. These results suggest that a longer duration of low‐dose cyclosporine may help decrease the risk of relapse in patients with severe AD who are resistant to topical therapies.
Turning inward versus outward: Relationship work in young adults and romantic functioning
Authors: JENSEN JAKOB F. , RAUER AMY J.
Published: July 2014

This study examined 106 romantically involved young adults to determine the frequency of disclosure of romantic problems to both partners and best friends and links to romantic functioning. Results revealed females and males did not differ in frequency of this “relationship work” (RW) with either partners or friends and both engaged in more frequent RW with partners. Simple slopes analyses indicated that discussing romantic problems often with a friend and rarely with a partner was associated with poorer romantic functioning (e.g., less happiness, commitment, love). Conversely, when engaging in frequent RW with partners, regardless of RW performed with friends, relationships flourished. Findings link the social network to romantic functioning and reinforce the importance of discussing romantic problems with one's partner.
Early drinking onset: A study of prevalence and determinants among 13‐year‐old adolescents in Norway
Authors: Adolfsen Frode , Strøm Henriette Kyrrestad , Martinussen Monica , Natvig Henrik , Eisemann Martin , Handegård Bjørn Helge , Koposov Roman
Published: July 2014

Early drinking onset is associated with different psychosocial adjustment problems among adolescents. The aim of this study was to assess determinants associated with early drinking and to identify factors predicting early drinking onset among adolescents. The study included 1,550 eighth‐graders with a mean age of 13.5 years from 41 schools. A total of 24% (boys 29%, girls 19%) had ever drunk alcohol, while 14% had drunk some alcohol in the last 30 days. Further, early drinking was associated with gender, religion, school performance, smoking and bullying in the bivariate tests. Predictors of early drinking onset were identified by generalized linear mixed models with two multivariable models created. The first model included social and environmental variables. Entering intentions, expectancies, attitudes and norms into the multivariable analysis resulted in a significant improvement of the model fit constituting 86% in the second model. The percentage correctly classified those (56%) who had been drinking in the second model which was two times higher compared to the first model. Gender, religion and smoking emerged as significant predictors of drinking in both models.
The Political Communication of Independent Regulatory Agencies
Authors: Puppis Manuel , Maggetti Martino , Gilardi Fabrizio , Biela Jan , Papadopoulos Yannis
Published: July 2014

Since independent regulatory agencies (IRAs) became key actors in European regulatory governance in the 1990s, a significant share of policy‐making has been carried out by organizations that are neither democratically elected nor directly accountable to elected politicians. In this context, public communication plays an important role. On the one hand, regulatory agencies might try to use communication to raise their accountability and thereby to mitigate their democratic deficit. On the other hand, communication may be used with the intent to steer the behavior of the regulated industry when more coercive regulatory means are unfeasible or undesirable. However, empirical research focusing directly on how regulators communicate is virtually non‐existent. To fill this gap, this paper examines the public communication of IRAs in four countries (the United Kingdom, Germany, Ireland, and Switzerland) and three sectors (financial services, telecommunications, and broadcasting). The empirical analysis, based on qualitative interviews and a quantitative content analysis, indicates that the organization of the communication function follows a national pattern approach while a policy sector approach is helpful for understanding the use of communication as a soft tool of regulation.
Health service delivery models for the provision of antiretroviral therapy in sub‐Saharan Africa: a systematic review
Authors: Lazarus Jeffrey V. , Safreed‐Harmon Kelly , Nicholson Joey , Jaffar Shabbar
Published: July 2014

Objectives

In response to the lack of evidence‐based guidance for how to continue scaling up antiretroviral therapy (ART) in ways that make optimal use of limited resources, to assess comparative studies of ART service delivery models implemented in sub‐Saharan Africa.

Methods

A systematic literature search and analysis of studies that compared two or more methods of ART service delivery using either CD4 count or viral load as a primary outcome.

Results

Most studies identified in this review were small and non‐randomised, with low statistical power. Four of the 30 articles identified by this review conclude that nurse management of ART compares favourably to physician management. Seven provide evidence of the viability of managing ART at lower levels within the health system, and one indicates that vertical and integrated ART programmes can achieve similar outcomes. Five articles show that community/home‐based ART management can be as effective as facility‐based ART management. Five of seven articles investigating community support link it to better clinical outcomes. The results of four studies suggest that directly observed therapy may not be an important component of ART programmes.

Conclusions

Given that the scale‐up of antiretroviral therapy represents the most sweeping change in healthcare delivery in sub‐Saharan Africa in recent years, it is surprising to not find more evidence from comparative studies to inform implementation strategies. The studies reported on a wide range of service delivery models, making it difficult to draw conclusions about some models. The strongest evidence was related to the feasibility of decentralisation and task‐shifting, both of which appear to be effective strategies.