bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Implementation of the INTERGROWTH‐21st Project in China
Authors: Pan Y , Wu MH , Wang JH , Pang RY , Knight HE , Cheikh Ismail L ,   for the International Fetal and Newborn Growth Consortium for the 21 Century (INTERGROWTH‐21)
Published: May 2013

Please cite this paper as: Pan Y, Wu M, Wang J, Pang R, Knight H, Cheikh Ismail L, for the International Fetal and Newborn Growth Consortium for the 21st Century (INTERGROWTH‐21st). Implementation of the INTERGROWTH‐21st Project in China. BJOG 2013; 120 (Suppl. 2): 87–93.

The East Asian site in the INTERGROWTH‐21st Project was Shunyi County, Beijing, China, which is an affluent suburb of north Beijing delivering approximately 7000 women annually. The Newborn Cross‐Sectional Study (NCSS) sample was drawn from two hospitals, covering >85% of births in the county. The Fetal Growth Longitudinal Study sample (FGLS) was recruited from the antenatal clinic of Shunyi Maternal & Child Health Hospital, the larger of the two institutions. Special activities to promote the study in this population included: (1) the distribution of health education materials about the importance of antenatal care and (2) the organisation of seminars by the study team to brief key stakeholders at the two hospitals about the goals of the research. One of the major challenges at this site in the early stages of the study was a reluctance to have an early ultrasound dating scan (<14+0 weeks of gestation). This challenge was overcome after a thorough evaluation of the literature regarding the benefits of an early ultrasound scan for dating purposes, as a result of which there was a formal change in hospital policy.
The objectives, design and implementation of the INTERGROWTH‐21st Project
Authors: Villar J , Altman DG , Purwar M , Noble JA , Knight HE , Ruyan P , Cheikh Ismail L , Barros FC , Lambert A , Papageorghiou AT , Carvalho M , Jaffer YA , Bertino E , Gravett MG , Bhutta ZA , Kennedy SH ,   for the International Fetal and Newborn Growth Consortium for the 21 Century (INTERGROWTH‐21)
Published: May 2013

Please cite this paper as: Villar J, Altman D, Purwar M, Noble J, Knight H, Ruyan P, Cheikh Ismail L, Barros F, Lambert A, Papageorghiou A, Carvalho M, Jaffer Y, Bertino E, Gravett M, Bhutta Z, Kennedy S, for the International Fetal and Newborn Growth Consortium for the 21st Century (INTERGROWTH‐21st). The objectives, design and implementation of the INTERGROWTH‐21st Project. BJOG 2013; 120 (Suppl. 2): 9–26.

INTERGROWTH‐21st is a multicentre, multiethnic, population‐based project, being conducted in eight geographical areas (Brazil, China, India, Italy, Kenya, Oman, UK and USA), with technical support from four global specialised units, to study growth, health and nutrition from early pregnancy to infancy. It aims to produce prescriptive growth standards, which conceptually extend the World Health Organization (WHO) Multicentre Growth Reference Study (MGRS) to cover fetal and newborn life. The new international standards will describe: (1) fetal growth assessed by clinical and ultrasound measures; (2) postnatal growth of term and preterm infants up to 2 years of age; and (3) the relationship between birthweight, length and head circumference, gestational age and perinatal outcomes. As the project has selected healthy cohorts with no obvious risk factors for intrauterine growth restriction, these standards will describe how all fetuses and newborns should grow, as opposed to traditional charts that describe how some have grown at a given place and time. These growth patterns will be related to morbidity and mortality to identify levels of perinatal risk. Additional aims include phenotypic characterisation of the preterm and impaired fetal growth syndromes and development of a prediction model, based on multiple ultrasound measurements, to estimate gestational age for use in pregnant women without access to early/frequent antenatal care.
Conceptual basis for prescriptive growth standards from conception to early childhood: present and future
Authors: Uauy R , Casanello P , Krause B , Kuzanovic JP , Corvalan C ,   for the International Fetal and Newborn Growth Consortium for the 21 Century (INTERGROWTH‐21)
Published: May 2013

Background

Healthy growth in utero and after birth is fundamental for lifelong health and wellbeing. The World Health Organization (WHO) recently published standards for healthy growth from birth to 6 years of age; analogous standards for healthy fetal growth are not currently available. Current fetal growth charts in use are not true standards, since they are based on cross‐sectional measurements of attained size under conditions that do not accurately reflect normal growth. In most cases, the pregnant populations and environments studied are far from ideal; thus the data are unlikely to reflect optimal fetal growth. A true standard should reflect how fetuses and newborns ‘should’ grow under ideal environmental conditions.

Objective

The development of prescriptive intrauterine and newborn growth standards derived from the INTERGROWTH‐21st Project provides the data that will allow us for the first time to establish what is ‘normal’ fetal growth.

Methods

The INTERGROWTH‐21st study centres provide the data set obtained under pre‐established standardised criteria, and details of the methods used are also published.

Design

Multicentre study with sites in all major geographical regions of the world using a standard evaluation protocol.

Results

These standards will assess risk of abnormal size at birth and serve to evaluate potentially effective interventions to promote optimal growth beyond securing survival.

Discussion

The new normative standards have the potential to impact perinatal and neonatal survival and beyond, particularly in developing countries where fetal growth restriction is most prevalent. They will help us identify intrauterine growth restriction at earlier stages of development, when preventive or corrective strategies might be more effective than at present.

Conclusion

These growth standards will take us one step closer to effective action in preventing and potentially reversing abnormal intrauterine growth. Achieving ‘optimal’ fetal growth requires that we act not only during pregnancy but that we optimize the maternal uterine environment from the time before conception, through embryonic development until fetal growth is complete. The remaining challenge is how ‘early’ will we be able to act, now that we can better monitor fetal growth.
40‐Hz Square‐Wave Stimulation Requires Less Energy to Produce Muscle Contraction: Compared with the TASER®X26 Conducted Energy Weapon
Authors: Comeaux James A. , Jauchem James R. , Duane Cox D. , Crane Carrie C. , D'Andrea John A.
Published: May 2013

Conducted energy weapons (CEWs) (including the Advanced TASER® X26 model produced by TASER International, Inc.) incapacitate individuals by causing muscle contractions. In this study using anesthetized swine, the potential incapacitating effect of primarily monophasic, 19‐Hz voltage imposed by the commercial CEW was compared with the effect of voltages imposed by a laboratory device that created 40‐Hz square waves. Forces of muscle contraction were measured with the use of strain gauges. Stimulation with 40‐Hz square waves required less pulse energy than stimulation with the commercial CEW to produce similar muscle contraction. The square‐pulse stimulation, at the higher repetition rate, caused a more complete tetanus at a lower energy. Use of such a simple shape of waveform may be used to make future nonlethal weapon devices more efficient.
Tables for the Metric Evaluation of Pair‐Matching of Human Skeletal Elements
Authors: Thomas Richard M. , Ubelaker Douglas H. , Byrd John E.
Published: May 2013

A common task in forensic anthropology involves pair‐matching of left and right skeletal elements. This can be achieved through visual pair‐matching by evaluating similarities in morphology, and through osteometric sorting, a quantitative technique. To simplify the process of osteometric sorting, this article explains the use of a statistic (M), which captures the amount of size variation found between homologous bones from single individuals. A database of skeletal measurements for all major paired postcranial bones is used to calculate values of M from a variety of sources. The maximum value and the 90th and 95th percentiles of M are provided in tabular format, and values of M from forensic cases can be compared to these tables as an objective means for determining whether homologous bones could have originated from the same individual. This simple technique can be combined with visual pair‐matching to be particularly effective in cases involving commingling of skeletons.
Standardization of Histological Procedures for the Detection of Toxic Substances by Immunohistochemistry in Dipteran Larvae of Forensic Importance
Authors: Souza Carina M. , Lima Carolina G. P. , Alves‐Jr Marcos J. , Arrais‐Silva Wagner W. , Giorgio Selma , Linhares Arício X. , Thyssen Patricia J.
Published: May 2013

Immunohistochemistry (IHC) technique is an alternative toxicological analysis to detect drugs in insects of forensic importance, but it requires thorough histological procedures. In this study, we tested different fixatives—phosphate‐buffered paraformaldehyde 4% (PP), Carnoy's fluid (CF), Kahle's solution (KS), ethanol in different concentrations, and ethanol associated toPPandCF, time of fixation and histological processes for dipteran larvae's tissue, aiming to develop a sample preparation protocol for IHC application. A suitable fixation was achieved usingPPfor 12 and 24 h,CFfor 3 h, 70% ethanol for 19 days, and 70% ethanol/CFfor 2 h/3 h. Postfixation using negative pressure, two immersions in xylene for 30 min each, and one in xylene plus paraffin for 45 min increased tissue preservation. An immunohistochemical test for cocaine detection was performed using monoclonal benzoylecgonine antibody from mouse, peroxidase‐conjugated anti‐mouse IgG and visualized by 3,3′‐diaminobenzidine method showed these histological procedures didn't compromise antigenicity.
Prevalence of Depression, Anxiety, Stress, and Anger in Turkish Prisoners
Authors: Unver Yener , Yuce Mehmet , Bayram Nuran , Bilgel Nazan
Published: May 2013

In Turkey, prison studies are rare and the mental health status of prisoners has not received proper attention. The purpose of this cross‐sectional and descriptive study was to assess the prevalence of depression, anxiety, stress, and anger among a group of Turkish prisoners. Two self‐reporting instruments (the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale‐42 and Multidimensional Anger Scale) were filled out by 685 prisoners. Prisoners in the study group were found to be depressive, anxious, and stressed. Anger symptoms and aggressive behaviors were found to be at a moderate level. Prisoners with a history of being subjected to domestic violence in childhood had higher depression, anxiety, and stress scores than those without such a history. Young prisoners, those who had been previously imprisoned, with substance dependency and higher stress and anxiety levels reported more anger symptoms than others. Psychological support, together with stress and anger management programs, seems to be essential.
The Compatibility of Fingerprint Visualization Techniques with Immunolabeling
Authors: van Dam Annemieke , Aalders Maurice C. G. , van Leeuwen Ton G. , Lambrechts Saskia A. G.
Published: May 2013

The chemical composition of a fingermark potentially holds a wealth of information about the fingermark donor, which can be extracted by immunolabeling. Immunolabeling can be used to detect specific components in fingermarks; however, to be applicable in the forensic field, it should be compatible with commonly used fingerprint visualization techniques. In this study, the compatibility of immunolabeling with two different fingerprint visualization techniques, magnetic powdering and ninhydrin staining, was investigated on fingermarks deposited on glass and on nitrocellulose membranes. With dermcidin as antigen of interest, immunolabeling was performed successfully on all developed fingermarks. We can conclude that immunolabeling is compatible with magnetic powdering and ninhydrin staining, which can be of great forensic value.
Fall from a Balcony—Accidental or Homicidal? Reconstruction by Numerical Simulation
Authors: Muggenthaler Holger , Drobnik Stefanie , Hubig Michael , Schönpflug Markus , Mall Gita
Published: May 2013

In the case presented, conflicting witness accounts and the subject's injuries were highly suspicious of an assault that might have caused the balcony fall. For the reconstruction, a simulation software, originally designed for motor vehicle accident reconstruction, was used. Three scenarios were simulated using the PC‐Crash multibody pedestrian model: (S1) Subject was pushed against and fell over balcony rail, (S2) subject fell off from a seated position, (S3) subject fell off from a prone position on the rail. (S1) could be ruled out due to inconsistent results in terms of landing area and minimum velocity. Realistic results were obtained for (S3) with a fall off from a prone position on the rail. After a few months, the comatose subject awoke and gave an account of what had happened being consistent with the simulation results. This case demonstrates the feasibility of multibody simulations also in cases of nontraffic incidents.
An Uncommon Accident and Unusual Cause of Death—A Fatal Domestic Ram Attack
Authors: Živković Vladimir , Nikolić Slobodan
Published: May 2013

Domestic animal attacks are not common; their fatal attacks are even rarer. Herein, a case of a 78‐year‐old woman attacked by a ram is presented. She sustained multiple head and chest injuries. The autopsy findings and the inspection of the scene revealed that the fatal aortic injury had been caused by direct force from the front, which subsequently caused a powerful anteroposterior chest compression, resulting in an incomplete tear by flexion and compression of the aortic arch. The aortic dissection propagated in both an ante‐ and retrograde direction, with intact adventitia. However, due to a rise in pressure in the formed false lumen, dissection propagated downward to the base of the heart, and further into the subepicardial adipose tissue, forming a subepicardial hematoma. This hematoma gradually compressed the proximal sections of the coronary arteries, impairing their filling, and producing a myocardial ischemia. In addition, circulation had probably been already disturbed by the right‐sided pneumothorax, as well as a possible pneumomediastinum.
High‐Throughput STR Analysis for DNA Database Using Direct PCR,
Authors: Sim Jeong Eun , Park Su Jeong , Lee Han Chul , Kim Se‐Yong , Kim Jong Yeol , Lee Seung Hwan
Published: May 2013

Since the Korean criminal DNA database was launched in 2010, we have focused on establishing an automated DNA database profiling system that analyzes short tandem repeat loci in a high‐throughput and cost‐effective manner. We established a DNA database profiling system without DNA purification using a direct PCR buffer system. The quality of direct PCR procedures was compared with that of conventional PCR system under their respective optimized conditions. The results revealed not only perfect concordance but also an excellent PCR success rate, good electropherogram quality, and an optimal intra/inter‐loci peak height ratio. In particular, the proportion of DNA extraction required due to direct PCR failure could be minimized to <3%. In conclusion, the newly developed direct PCR system can be adopted for automated DNA database profiling systems to replace or supplement conventional PCR system in a time‐ and cost‐saving manner.
Subarachnoid Hemorrhage and Carbon Monoxide Exposure: Accidental Association or Fatal Link?
Authors: De‐Giorgio Fabio , Grassi Vincenzo M. , Miscusi Massimo , Mancuso Cesare , d'Aloja Ernesto , Pascali Vincenzo L.
Published: May 2013

This case study reports a fatal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) with concomitant accidental carbon monoxide (CO) exposure in 32‐year‐old man. Autopsy results indicated an antemortem aspiration of smoke, and a massive SAH was identified as the cause of death. Intriguingly, the carboxyhemoglobin level was 30%, suggesting that CO could have played a specific role. Intracranial hemorrhages following CO exposure in brain areas and tissues such as the basal ganglia, globus pallidus, or white matter are rare, but well characterized, whereas SAH related to CO exposure has not been previously described. In this case report, the possible role of CO, either as a primary cause or as a facilitating factor, in the pathogenesis of SAH is discussed. In particular, we propose the hypothesis that the excessive vasodilating effects produced by CO on the cerebral endothelium results in consequential loss of microvascular integrity.
Impact of Pubertal Stage at First Drink on Adult Drinking Behavior
Authors: Blomeyer Dorothea , Friemel Chris M. , Buchmann Arlette F. , Banaschewski Tobias , Laucht Manfred , Schneider Miriam
Published: May 2013

Background

Early alcohol use is one of the strongest predictors of later alcohol use disorders, with early use usually taking place during puberty. Many researchers have suggested drinking during puberty as a potential biological basis of the age at first drink (AFD) effect. However, the influence of the pubertal phase at alcohol use initiation on subsequent drinking in later life has not been examined so far.

Methods

Pubertal stage at first drink (PSFD) was determined in N = 283 young adults (131 males, 152 females) from an epidemiological cohort study. At ages 19, 22, and 23 years, drinking behavior (number of drinking days, amount of alcohol consumed, hazardous drinking) was assessed using interview and questionnaire methods. Additionally, an animal study examined the effects of pubertal or adult ethanol (EtOH) exposure on voluntary EtOH consumption in later life in 20 male Wistar rats.

Results

PSFD predicted drinking behavior in humans in early adulthood, indicating that individuals who had their first drink during puberty displayed elevated drinking levels compared to those with postpubertal drinking onset. These findings were corroborated by the animal study, in which rats that received free access to alcohol during the pubertal period were found to consume more alcohol as adults, compared to the control animals that first came into contact with alcohol during adulthood.

Conclusions

The results point to a significant role of stage of pubertal development at first contact with alcohol for the development of later drinking habits. Possible biological mechanisms and implications for prevention are discussed.
Sex Differences in College Student Adherence to NIAAA Drinking Guidelines
Authors: Hoeppner Bettina B. , Paskausky Anna L. , Jackson Kristina M. , Barnett Nancy P.
Published: May 2013

Background

Exceeding nationally recommended drinking limits puts individuals at increased risk of experiencing harmful effects due to alcohol consumption. Both weekly and daily limits exist to prevent harm due to toxicity and intoxication, respectively. It remains unclear how well college students adhere to recommended limits, and whether their drinking is sensitive to the wider sex difference in weekly versus daily drinking limits.

Methods

This study used a daily‐level, academic‐year‐long, multisite sample to describe adherence to NIAAA daily (no more than 4 drinks per day for men, 3 drinks per day for women) and weekly (no more than 14 drinks per week for men, 7 drinks per week for women) drinking guidelines, and to test for sex differences and time effects. College students (n = 992; 58% female) reported daily drinking on a biweekly basis using web‐based surveys throughout their first year of college.

Results

Women exceeded weekly limits more frequently (15% of weeks [14 to 17%]) than men (12% [10 to 14%]). Women and men exceeded daily drinking limits similarly often (25 and 27%, respectively). In a generalized estimating equations analysis across all 18 biweekly assessments, adjusted for covariates and a linear trend over time, women were more likely to exceed weekly guidelines compared to men. Sex differences in exceeding daily limits were not significant. Over time, rates of exceeding limits declined for daily limits but only for men for weekly limits.

Conclusions

Female college students are more likely to exceed weekly alcohol intake limits than men. Furthermore, trends over time suggest that college students may be maturing out of heavy episodic drinking, but women may not mature out of harmful levels of weekly drinking. The observed disparity in risk for long‐term health consequences may represent a missed opportunity for education and intervention.
Acute and chronic nicotine effects on behaviour and brain activation during intertemporal decision making
Authors: Kobiella Andrea , Ripke Stephan , Kroemer Nils B. , Vollmert Christian , Vollstädt‐Klein Sabine , Ulshöfer Dorothea E. , Smolka Michael N.
Published: May 2013

Previous studies demonstrated higher discount rates for delayed rewards in smokers than non‐smokers. We performed this study to determine whether those differences in intertemporal choice are due to pharmacological effects of nicotine and to track related brain regions. Thirty‐three non‐smokers and 27 nicotine‐dependent smokers underwent functional magnetic resonance imaging while performing an intertemporal choice task consisting of 40 sets of monetary reward options that varied by delay to delivery. Smokers were investigated in a state of nicotine satiation. Non‐smokers were investigated twice, receiving nicotine (2 mg) and placebo gums in a double‐blinded, randomized cross‐over design. Smokers displayed steeper temporal discounting than non‐smokers. Those behavioural differences were reflected in the brain response during the decision between two alternative money/time pairs: smokers showed less activation in parietal and occipital areas (e.g. precuneus) than non‐smokers under placebo. A single dose of nicotine in non‐smokers led to a similar effect on brain activation but did not impact behaviour. Processing of the reward magnitude of money/time pairs differed between smokers and non‐smokers: smokers showed decreased reactivity of the ventral striatum. Moreover, there was an acute nicotine effect in non‐smokers on processing of the reward magnitude: nicotine increased the correlation of blood oxygen level‐dependent response and mean amount in the left hippocampus, amygdala and anterior insula. We conclude that cross‐sectional differences between smokers and non‐smokers are only, in part, due to the acute pharmacological effects of nicotine. Longitudinal studies are needed to investigate pre‐drug group characteristics as well as consequences of smoking on discounting behaviour and its neural correlates.
Consumer choice and the acceptance of production practice: introduction and overview
Authors: Roosen Jutta
Published: May 2013

The acceptance of agricultural and food production practice by consumers is crucial for the success of innovation and marketing. This is an introduction to a collection of papers that were presented at the 28th Congress of the IAAE. The papers apply different choice modeling methods in this context in order to study the choice of food products offering credence aspects regarding functionality (health), tracability (safety), and denomination of origin and production practice (tradition) in various countries.
Terrorism and jihad in Indonesia: Questions and possible ways forward
Authors: Harb Charles , Fischer Ronald
Published: May 2013

We critically examine the three papers on terrorism and jihad in Indonesia contained in this issue. First, we argue that thorough discussion and definition of key terms (including religious violence and jihad) would have led to a much stronger framework for understanding the voices of the activists and their supporters. Second, the authors could have engaged more systematically with the international literature on intergroup relations and conflict to discuss how psychological and social processes of radicalization are similar or different in the Indonesian context. Third, we highlight methodological and ethical shortcomings in the three papers that call into question a number of the conclusions drawn by the authors. We outline future research questions and provide suggestions to strengthen this important line of research.
Anthropological Theory and Government Policy in Australia's Northern Territory: The Hegemony of the “Mainstream”
Authors: Morphy Frances , Morphy Howard
Published: May 2013

In this article, we set up a dialogue between two theoretical frameworks for understanding the developing relationships between indigenous Australians and the encapsulating Australian society. We argue that the concept of “the intercultural” de‐emphasizes the agency of Aboriginal people and the durability of their social relations and value orientations. We develop the concept of relative autonomy in apposition. Our primary focus is on the Yolngu people of eastern Arnhem Land and on the impact that recent Australian government policy—in particular the Northern Territory “Intervention”—has had on the relatively autonomous trajectory of their society. The view from relative autonomy enables an understanding of the history of Yolngu interaction with outsiders and Yolngu responses to government policy. We argue that unless relative autonomy is understood and taken into account, governments will fail to develop policies that engage Yolngu in the process of regional development.
Corruption and Adherence to Rules in the Construction Sector: Reading the “Bidding Books”
Authors: Tidey Sylvia
Published: May 2013

In this article, I explore how anticorruption strategies affected a tender held in 2008 at the Department of Public Works in Kupang, eastern Indonesia, in ways both unexpected and unintended. I show how anticorruption programs get refracted at the local level and become unanchored from their original intention, leading to an obsession with adherence to the form of the anticorruption discourse that runs counter to its spirit and actually undermines the anticorruption initiative by providing new opportunities for corruption. Here I contribute to recent anthropological attention to both corruption and documents by looking at how traces of corrupt procedures can be found in the very documents designed to counter them. I argue that documents form a significant ethnographic point of departure from which to study the unintended effects of anticorruption programs, especially when they perform the ambiguous effect of both strengthening the anticorruption discourse and subverting it.
2012 Public Anthropology Year in Review: Actually, Rick, Florida Could Use a Few More Anthropologists
Authors: Gomberg‐Muñoz Ruth
Published: May 2013

Here I highlight anthropology that engaged socially relevant issues and pushed the boundaries of public discussions in 2012. In “Debating KONY 2012,” I examine debates surrounding the viral video and anthropologists’ role in illuminating the complexities of globalized conflicts, neocolonialist ideologies, and relationships among people of the world. In “Anthropologists Are the 99%!” I consider the role of anthropologists in the Occupy Movement, both as protest participants and as mediators who have shaped the movement's impression on the public. With “UndocuAnthropology,” I highlight how anthropologists have built bridges between immigrant and native‐born communities, influenced immigration policy, and advocated for immigrant rights in the public sector. I conclude with “Already Gone Native,” where I consider the relationship between academia and the wider world in the current period. Together, this essay illuminates how anthropology made key contributions to some of the most widely discussed social issues in the United States of 2012.
Clinical embryology teaching: is it relevant anymore?
Authors: Scott Karen M. , Charles Antony Robert , Holland Andrew J. A.
Published: May 2013

Background

Embryology finds itself jostling for precious space in the crowded medical curriculum, yet remains important for helping students understand birth defects. It has been suggested that teaching embryology through clinical scenarios can increase its relevance and interest. The aim of this research was to determine the attitudes of final‐year medical students to learning embryology and whether clinical scenarios aid understanding.

Methods

Final‐year medical students undertaking their paediatric rotation in 2009 and 2010 were invited to attend an optional lecture on clinical embryology and participate in the research. In the lecture, three clinical scenarios were presented, in which the lecturer traced the normal development of a foetus and the abnormal development that resulted in a birth defect. Outcomes were assessed quantitatively using a paper‐based survey.

Results

The vast majority of students who valued embryology teaching in their medical programme thought it would assist them with clinical management, and believed learning through case scenarios helped their understanding. Students were divided in their beliefs about when embryology should be taught in the medical programme and whether it would increase their workload.

Conclusion

Embryology teaching appears to be a valuable part of the medical curriculum. Embryology teaching was valued when taught in the clinical environment in later years of the medical programme. Students, clinicians and medical educators should be proactive in finding clinical learning opportunities for embryology teaching.
Testing for the Presence of a Cure Fraction in Clustered Interval‐Censored Survival Data
Authors: Ma Xiangmei , Xiang Liming
Published: May 2013

Clustered interval‐censored survival data are often encountered in clinical and epidemiological studies due to geographic exposures and periodic visits of patients. When a nonnegligible cured proportion exists in the population, several authors in recent years have proposed to use mixture cure models incorporating random effects or frailties to analyze such complex data. However, the implementation of the mixture cure modeling approaches may be cumbersome. Interest then lies in determining whether or not it is necessary to adjust the cured proportion prior to the mixture cure analysis. This paper mainly focuses on the development of a score for testing the presence of cured subjects in clustered and interval‐censored survival data. Through simulation, we evaluate the sampling distribution and power behaviour of the score test. A bootstrap approach is further developed, leading to more accurate significance levels and greater power in small sample situations. We illustrate applications of the test using data sets from a smoking cessation study and a retrospective study of early breast cancer patients.
Identifying the trait syndromes of conservation indicator species: how distinct are British ancient woodland indicator plants from other woodland species?
Authors: Kimberley Adam , Blackburn George A. , Whyatt James D. , Kirby Keith , Smart Simon M.
Published: May 2013

Question

Ancient woodland indicator species (AWIs) are plant species which are thought to be restricted to areas of long‐continuity woodland habitat. In many cases, however, these species have been identified on the basis of personal, to some extent, subjective experience. Do the species proposed as AWIs according to these lists have traits in common, and how distinct is their trait profile from that of other woodland plant species?

Location

United Kingdom.

Methods

We applied classification tree analysis to a plant trait database to assess the extent to which proposed AWI species can be clearly separated from other woodland plants based upon their traits. We contrasted AWI species with an objectively defined list of plants that are not considered to be AWIs but that have been commonly recorded in woodlands. We also investigate the effects of phylogeny and region specificity on species' proposed AWI status.

Results

The results provide support for the distinctiveness of plant species thought to be associated with ancient woodland; they were found to be almost exclusively short, perennial species, usually with a high seed weight. Results also indicate that rarer AWIs have a more distinguishable trait profile than more common species. No link was found between phylogeny and AWI status.

Conclusions

AWI species do have a distinguishable trait profile, despite their often partially subjective selection. The results of the classification tree analysis suggest that traits reflecting poor dispersal ability may be partly responsible for confining these species to ancient woodlands. This confirms other studies that emphasize their low ability to colonize secondary woodland sites and hence vulnerability to habitat conversion.
Resisting chocolate temptation using a brief mindfulness strategy
Authors: Jenkins Kim T. , Tapper Katy
Published: May 2013

Objectives

We examined the effects of two mindfulness‐based strategies on chocolate consumption amongst individuals who were trying to reduce the amount of chocolate they consumed.

Methods

Participants (n = 137) were allocated to one of three conditions and employed either cognitive defusion, acceptance, or relaxation (control) techniques to help them resist chocolate over 5 days. During this period, they carried a bag of chocolates with them and recorded any chocolate or chocolate‐related products they consumed. They also completed a questionnaire measure of the extent to which chocolate consumption was automatic, both before and after the 5‐day period.

Results

Results showed that compared to controls, those in the cognitive defusion group ate significantly less chocolate from the bag (p = .046) and less chocolate according to the diary measure (p = .053). There was evidence that these changes were brought about by reductions in the extent to which chocolate consumption was automatic. There were no differences in chocolate consumption between the acceptance and control groups.

Conclusions

Our results point to a promising brief intervention strategy and highlight the importance of disentangling the effects of different mindfulness‐based techniques.

Statement of contribution

What is already known on this subject?

Multicomponent mindfulness interventions have been successfully applied to a range of health behaviours.

Low levels of self‐control are associated with weight gain and a higher BMI.

What does this study add?

The results show that a brief mindfulness strategy (defusion) helps individuals resist chocolate over 5 days.

The results suggest this may be brought about by reductions in the extent to which eating chocolate is automatic.

A second brief mindfulness strategy (acceptance) failed to help individuals resist chocolate.
Goal pursuit, goal adjustment, and affective well‐being following lower limb amputation
Authors: Coffey Laura , Gallagher Pamela , Desmond Deirdre , Ryall Nicola
Published: May 2013

Objectives

This study examined the relationships between tenacious goal pursuit (TGP), flexible goal adjustment (FGA), and affective well‐being in a sample of individuals with lower limb amputations.

Design

Cross‐sectional, quantitative.

Methods

Ninety‐eight patients recently admitted to a primary prosthetic rehabilitation programme completed measures ofTGP,FGA, positive affect, and negative affect.

Results

Hierarchical regression analyses revealed thatTGPandFGAaccounted for a significant proportion of the variance in both positive and negative affect, controlling for sociodemographic and clinical characteristics.TGPwas significantly positively associated with positive affect, whileFGAwas significantly negatively associated with negative affect. Moderated regression analyses indicated that the beneficial effect ofFGAon negative affect was strongest at high levels of amputation‐related pain intensity and low levels ofTGP.

Discussion

TGPandFGAappear to influence subjective well‐being in different ways, withTGPpromoting the experience of positive affect andFGAbuffering against negative affect.TGPandFGAmay prove useful in identifying individuals at risk of poor affective outcomes following lower limb amputation and represent important targets for intervention in this patient group.

Statement of contribution

What is already known on this subject?

The loss of a limb has a significant impact on several important life domains. Although some individuals experience emotional distress following amputation, the majority adjust well to their limb loss, with some achieving positive change or growth as a result of their experiences.

Theories of self‐regulation propose that disruptions in goal attainment have negative affective consequences. The physical, social, and psychological upheaval caused by limb loss is likely to threaten the attainment of valued goals, which may leave individuals vulnerable to negative psychosocial outcomes if they do not regulate their goals in response to these challenges.

According to the dual‐process model of adaptive self‐regulation, individuals manage discrepancies between perceived and desired goal attainment by either modifying their life situation or behaviour to fit their goals (tenacious goal pursuit [TGP]) or adjusting their goals to situational constraints (flexible goal adjustment [FGA]). Examining psychosocial adjustment to amputation from this perspective may offer some insight into the diversity of affective outcomes observed.

What does this study add?

Contributes to our understanding of the mechanisms underlying adjustment to acquired disability.

Offers a theory‐based explanation for the diversity of psychosocial outcomes observed post‐amputation.

Identifies important targets for interventions to enhance adjustment in this population.
Serendipitous Discovery of a Prodrug of a PARP‐1 Inhibitor
Authors: Dunn Derek , Husten Jean , Aimone Lisa D. , Ator Mark A. , Chatterjee Sankar
Published: May 2013

During SAR development of previously reported pyrrolocarbazole 1, a potent PARP‐1 inhibitor, compound 14, was discovered serendipitously to be a prodrug of compound 1.
Synthesis, Characterization, and Biological Evaluation of 99mTc(CO)3‐Labeled Peptides for Potential Use as Tumor Targeted Radiopharmaceuticals
Authors: Baishya Rinku , Nayak Dipak K. , Chatterjee Nabanita , Halder Kamal K. , Karmakar Sanmoy , Debnath Mita C.
Published: May 2013

During the past decade, several peptides containing Arg‐Gly‐Asp sequence have been conjugated with different chelating agents for labeling with various radionuclides for the diagnosis of tumor development. In this study, we report the synthesis of two tetrapeptides (Asp‐Gly‐Arg‐His and Asp‐Gly‐Arg‐Cys) and one hexapeptide [Asp‐Gly‐Arg‐D‐Tyr‐Lys‐His] by changing the amino acid sequence of the Arg‐Gly‐Asp motif. Peptide synthesis was initiated from aspartic acid. Aspartic acid placed at C‐terminal end of the peptide chain can be conjugated with different drug molecules facilitating their transport to the site of action. The peptides were synthesized in excellent yield and labeled using freshly prepared [99mTc(CO)3(H2O)3]+ intermediate. A complexation yield of over 97% was achieved under mild conditions even at low ligand concentrations of 10−2 m. Radiolabeled peptides were characterized by HPLC and were found to be substantially stable in saline, in His solution as well as in rat serum and tissue (kidney, liver) homogenates. Internalization studies using Ehrlich ascites carcinoma cell line showed rapid and significant internalization (30–35% at 30 min of incubation attaining maximum value of about 40–60% after 2–4 h incubation). A good percentage of quick internalization was also observed in αvβ3‐receptor‐positive B16F10 mouse melanoma cell line (14–16% after 30 min of incubation and 25–30% after 2–4 h incubation). Imaging and biodistribution studies were performed in Swiss albino mice bearing Ehrlich ascites tumor in right thigh. Radiolabeled peptides exhibited fast blood clearance and rapid elimination through the urinary systems. 99mTc(CO)3‐tetra‐Pep2 exhibited remarkable localization at tumor site (1.15%, 1.17%, and 1.37% ID/g at 2, 4, and 6 h p.i., respectively) which could be due to slow clearance of the radiolabeled peptide from blood in comparison with the other two radiolabeled peptides. However, 99mTc(CO)3‐hexa‐Pep exhibited the highest tumor to muscle and tumor to blood ratios among the three. The preliminary results with these amino acid–based peptides are encouraging enough to carry out further experiments for targeting tumor.
Frequency of FMR1 premutation carriers and rate of expansion to full mutation in a retrospective diagnostic FMR1 Korean sample
Authors: Jang J.‐H. , Lee K. , Cho E.‐H. , Lee E.‐H. , Kim J.‐W. , Ki C.‐S.
Published: May 2013

Detection of female premutation (PM) carriers of fragile X syndrome may be important in that a PM allele from the mother can expand to a full mutation (FM) when transmitted to the fetus. Although the PM carrier frequency might be different in varying populations, there is a little data on the Korean population. Furthermore, the risks of expansion to FM have not been studied in Korean PM carriers. In this retrospective study, we estimated the female PM carrier frequency and the risks of expansion to FM in Korean diagnostic samples collected for FMR1 gene testing. Of 10,241 pre‐conceptional or pregnant women, 13 PM [1 in 788; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1/1 250–1/455] and 75 intermediate allele carriers (1 in 137; 95% CI, 1/172–1/110) were identified. In 26 prenatal diagnoses cases, the PM allele was transmitted to the fetus in 13 pregnancies (50%), and five of these expanded to FM. All of the maternal alleles exceeding 70 repeats expanded to FM. In conclusion, the PM frequency in Korean diagnostic samples was lower than that reported in Western populations, while the risk for FM expansion in alleles exceeding 70 repeats might be higher than expected based upon previous reports.
Senescence‐associated superoxide dismutase influences mitochondrial gene expression in budding tunicates
Authors: Kawamura Kaz , Sunanaga Takeshi
Published: May 2013

A recent study has shown that in the budding tunicate Polyandrocarpa misakiensis, the mitochondrial respiratory chain (MRC) dramatically attenuates the gene activity during senescence. In this study, we examined the possible involvement of superoxide dismutase (SOD) in the attenuation of gene expression of cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (COX1) in aged zooids. By RT‐PCR and in situ hybridization, Cu/Zn‐SOD (SOD1) was found to be expressed in most cells and tissues of buds and juvenile zooids but showed a conspicuous decline in senescent adult zooids, except in the gonad tissue in which the cytoplasm of juvenile oocytes was stained heavily. This expression pattern of SOD1 was similar to that of COX1. In contrast to SOD1, Mn‐SOD (SOD2) was expressed constitutively in both somatic and germline tissues of buds, juvenile zooids, and senescent adult zooids. Knockdown of SOD1 by RNAi diminished the gene activity of not only SOD1 but also of COX1. The resultant zooids had transient deficiencies in growth and budding, and they recovered from these deficiencies approximately 1 month later. Our results indicate that in P. misakiensis, SOD1 is a senescence‐associated nuclear gene and that the experimental decline in SOD1 gene expression accompanies the attenuation of MRC gene activity. Although it is uncertain how SOD1 is downregulated during tunicate senescence, the decreased SOD1 activity could be one of the main causes of MRC gene attenuation during normal senescence.
Pathophysiological role of the renin–angiotensin system on erectile dysfunction
Authors: Fraga‐Silva Rodrigo A. , Montecucco Fabrizio , Mach François , Santos Robson A. S. , Stergiopulos Nikos
Published: May 2013

Background

The renin–angiotensin system (RAS) has been shown to play an active role within the erectile tissues. The aim of this narrative review is to summarize the literature addressing the pathophysiological role of RAS on erectile function. Additionally, we update evidence on recent findings on the role of the Ang‐(1‐7) and Mas receptor on the erectile function and its therapeutic potential for treating erectile dysfunction (ED).

Materials and methods

This narrative review is based on the material searched and obtained via MEDLINE and PubMed up to November 2012. The search terms we used are ‘angiotensin, erectile dysfunction, renin, Mas receptor’ in combination with ‘pathophysiology, fibrosis, pathways’.

Results

The levels of angiotensin (Ang) II, the main component of this system, are increased in the corpus cavernosum as compared to those found in the systemic circulation. Moreover, emerging evidence indicates that an increased activity of Ang II via AT1 receptor might contribute to the development of ED, whereas the pharmacological blockage of Ang II/AT1 actions has beneficial effects on the erection. On the other hand, the heptapeptide Ang‐(1‐7), known as a major endogenous counter‐regulator of Ang II actions, favours penile erection via the activation of Mas receptor.

Conclusions

Ang‐(1‐7) and Mas receptor pathway might be considered as a promising therapeutic target for the treatment of ED.
Prognostic role of immunohistochemical analysis of 5 mc in myelodysplastic syndromes
Authors: Poloni Antonella , Goteri Gaia , Zizzi Antonio , Serrani Federica , Trappolini Silvia , Costantini Benedetta , Mariani Marianna , Olivieri Attilio , Catarini Massimo , Centurioni Riccardo , Alesiani Francesco , Giantomassi Federica , Stramazzotti Daniela , Biagetti Simona , Alfonsi Simona , Berardinelli Eleonora , Leoni Pietro
Published: May 2013

Background

Aberrant DNA methylation at CpG islands within promoters is increasingly recognised as a common event in human cancers and has been associated with the silencing of important tumour suppressor genes. Epigenetic therapy using hypomethylating agents has demonstrated clinical effectiveness; the drugs azacitidine and decitabine have been approved for the treatment of MDS.

Method

We investigated the association between global DNA methylation and clinical outcome in MDS. We evaluated 134 MDS bone marrow trephine biopsies (BMTB) by immunohistochemistry and compared the results with those from an age‐matched group of normal BMTB. Immunohistochemistry was performed on paraffin‐embedded sections using the anti‐5‐methylcytosine (5mc) antibody.

Results

Our results showed that the 5mc immunostaining score (M‐score) of patients with MDS was higher than those of normal controls and that overall survival significantly correlated with global DNA methylation, age and IPSS score. Therefore, we found that patients with high levels of methylation had a shorter median overall survival (OS) compared with patients with lower levels. These immunohistochemistry results were confirmed by analysing global DNA methylation on LINE‐1 sequences using the COBRA method and pyrosequencing.

Conclusion

This study reports that global DNA methylation detected by immunohistochemistry predicts OS in MDS.
Towards a Conflict Theory of Recognition: On the Constitution of Relations of Recognition in Conflict
Authors: Bertram Georg W. , Celikates Robin
Published: May 2013

In this paper, we develop an understanding of recognition in terms of individuals’ capacity for conflict. Our goal is to overcome various shortcomings that can be found in both the positive and negative conceptions of recognition. We start by analyzing paradigmatic instances of such conceptions—namely, those put forward by Axel Honneth and Judith Butler. We do so in order to show how both positions are inadequate in their elaborations of recognition in an analogous way: Both fail to make intelligible the fundamental nexus between relations of recognition and individuals’ capacity for conflict. We then move on to reconsider aspects of Hegel's view of recognition—ones that, from our viewpoint, have been unjustly neglected in the debate about recognition: his focus on the constitution of relations of recognition in conflict and on the status of being an author of acts of recognition. On this basis, we then spell out in a more systematic way what we take to be a more convincing conception of recognition. This puts us in the position to gesture at some consequences of this conception in practical contexts, above all with regard to the justification, role and structure of political institutions..