bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Innate and adaptive immune responses in neurodegeneration and repair
Authors: Amor Sandra , Woodroofe M. Nicola
Published: June 2013

Emerging evidence suggests important roles of the innate and adaptive immune responses in the central nervous system (CNS) in neurodegenerative diseases. In this special review issue, five leading researchers discuss the evidence for the beneficial as well as the detrimental impact of the immune system in the CNS in disorders including Alzheimer's disease, multiple sclerosis and CNS injury. Several common pathological mechanisms emerge indicating that these pathways could provide important targets for manipulating the immune reposes in neurodegenerative disorders. The articles highlight the role of the traditional resident immune cell of the CNS ‐ the microglia ‐ as well as the role of other glia astrocytes and oligodendrocytes in immune responses and their interplay with other immune cells including, mast cells, T cells and B cells. Future research should lead to new discoveries which highlight targets for therapeutic interventions which may be applicable to a range of neurodegenerative diseases.
Report of the first Asia–Pacific Forum on antiviral treatment of influenza, Asia–Pacific Alliance for the Control of Influenza, Bangkok, 14 June 2012
Authors: Jennings Lance C. , Smith David W. , Chan Paul K.S.
Published: June 2013

On 14 June 2012, the Asia–Pacific Alliance for the Control of Influenza (APACI) convened the first Antiviral Forum jointly with the Influenza Foundation of Thailand and the Thailand Department of Disease Control. The goals of the meeting were to improve pandemic planning in the region from lessons learned during the 2009 pandemic, particularly with regard to the safety and efficacy of antiviral use; gain a better understanding of the therapeutic use of antivirals in seasonal influenza; review and analyse the official influenza control policies of Asia–Pacific countries and evidence gaps to support policy development; and to establish collaborative relationships to promote best practices in the use of antivirals for the treatment of influenza. The urgent need for education highlighting the importance of influenza and the benefits of antiviral drug use in the Asia–Pacific region was identified.
Household Consumption through Recent Recessions*
Authors: Crossley Thomas F. , Low Hamish , O'Dea Cormac
Published: June 2013

This paper examines trends in household consumption and saving behaviour in each of the last three recessions in the UK. The ‘Great Recession’ has been different from those that occurred in the 1980s and 1990s. It has been both deeper and longer, but also the composition of the cutbacks in consumption expenditures differs, with a greater reliance on cuts to nondurable expenditure than was seen in previous recessions, and the distributional pattern across individuals differs. The young have cut back expenditure more than the old, as have mortgage holders compared with renters. By contrast, the impact of the recession has been similar across education groups. We present evidence that suggests that two aspects of fiscal policy in the UK in 2008 and 2009 – the temporary reduction in the rate of VAT and a car scrappage scheme – had some success in encouraging households to increase durable purchases.
Effectiveness of low‐dose milnacipran for a patient suffering from pain disorder with delusional disorder (somatic type) in the orofacial region
Authors: Ukai Katsuyuki , Kimura Hiroyuki , Arao Munetaka , Aleksic Branko , Yamauchi Aya , Ishihara Ryoko , Iritani Shuji , Kurita Kenichi , Ozaki Norio
Published: June 2013

Glossodynia is chronic pain localized around the tongue, with no perceivable organic abnormalities. In the fields of oral and maxillofacial surgery, it is categorized as an oral psychosomatic disease. In contrast, psychiatric nosology classifies glossodynia as a pain disorder among somatoform disorders, per the DSM‐IV. The patient was a 71‐year‐old woman who developed symptoms of glossodynia, specifically a sore tongue. In the decade before she presented to us, she had had bizarre symptoms of oral cenesthopathy such as the sensation that her teeth had become ‘limp and floppy’ and that she needles in her mouth. Treatment was attempted using several psychotropic drugs, but no satisfactory response was noted. Because the patient was referred to our outpatient clinic, we tried psychotropic therapy again. Additionally, valproic acid, tandospirone and sertraline were administered (in this order), but the patient still showed no response. However, when sertraline was changed to milnacipran, all symptoms disappeared in a short period. We suggest that a small dose of milnacipran can be effective for controlling oral cenesthopathy as well as glossodynia.
Community‐level vs species‐specific approaches to model selection
Authors: Madon Bénédicte , Warton David I. , Araújo Miguel B.
Published: June 2013

A topic of particular current interest is community‐level approaches to species distribution modelling (SDM), i.e. approaches that simultaneously analyse distributional data for multiple species. Previous studies have looked at the advantages of community‐level approaches for parameter estimation, but not for model selection – the process of choosing which model (and in particular, which subset of environmental variables) to fit to data. We compared the predictive performance of models using the same modelling method (generalised linear models) but choosing the subset of variables to include in the model either simultaneously across all species (community‐level model selection) or separately for each species (species‐specific model selection). Our results across two large presence/absence tree community datasets were inconclusive as to whether there was an overall difference in predictive performance between models fitted via species‐specific vs community‐level model selection. However, we found some evidence that a community approach was best suited to modelling rare species, and its performance decayed with increasing prevalence. That is, when data were sparse there was more opportunity for gains from “borrowing strength” across species via a community‐level approach. Interestingly, we also found that the community‐level approach tended to work better when the model selection problem was more difficult, and more reliably detected “noise” variables that should be excluded from the model.
Effect of Processing Parameters on Cerium Oxide Coating Deposition in Solution Precursor Plasma Spray
Authors: Singh Virendra , Draper Robert , Seal Sudipta
Published: June 2013

Solution precursor plasma spray was used to deposit cerium oxide coating. This study is to understand the coating deposition mechanism in solution precursor plasma spray for cerium oxide using a cerium nitrate liquid precursor. This study includes the effect of various processing parameters on coating micro structure, such as plasma power, standoff distance, and solution concentration. Single scan experiments were performed to better understand the single splat formation and unpyrolyzed precursor deposition. X‐ray diffraction analysis was conducted to determine average crystallite size of the coating from different concentration and formation of single phase cerium oxide formation. Detailed microstructural characterizations of the coatings were carried out by scanning electron microscopy.
Synthesis and Characterization of Eu3+‐Doped Transparent Glass–ceramics Containing Nanocrystalline SrIINbIVO3
Authors: Gangadharini Upender , Molla Atiar Rahaman , Tarafder Anal , Karmakar Basudeb
Published: June 2013

The glass–ceramics containing a rarely achievable nanocrystalline SrIINbIVO3 phase in the 53.75SiO2–18.25K2O–9Bi2O3–9SrO–9Nb2O5–0.5CeO2–0.5Eu2O3 (mol%) glass system were prepared by the melt‐quench technique followed by a two‐stage controlled heat treatment. The unusual oxidation state of Nb in SrIINbIVO3 crystal is 4+ and upon heat treatment of the samples at lower temperature of 500°C for several hours, the glass composition and chemical environment around Nb ions played a key role for the formation of SrIINbIVO3 in the glass–ceramics. The microstructure of the glass–ceramics was studied using TEM and FESEM. The TEM images advocate 10–40 nm crystallite size of SrIINbIVO3. FTIR study confirms that all the samples consist of SiO4, BiO3, BiO6, and NbO6 structural units. The refractive index at different wavelengths was found to vary in the range 1.7105–1.7905 and increase with increase in heat‐treatment time. The luminescence spectra of Eu3+‐doped glass and glass–ceramics were recorded at 465 nm excitation wavelength and the luminescence intensity is found to be increased with heat‐treatment time due to increase in crystallinity. The high intensity ratio of 5D0→7F2 to 5D0→7F1 indicates that the Eu3+‐doped nanocrystalline SrIINbIVO3 glass–ceramics are promising candidate materials as red‐light source.
Impact pattern of dialectical thinking on perceived leadership training outcomes
Authors: Tong Jiajin , Yao Xiang , Lu Zhixin , Wang Lei
Published: June 2013

This research examined the impact of dialectical thinking (DT) on perceived training outcomes in commercial leadership training using a quasi‐experimental design. Study 1 found that high‐DT individuals had better perceived on‐site training outcomes when compared with individuals with low DTs, regardless of training methods. But there was no significant difference between low and high DTs on subsequent behavioral improvements. It was also found that self‐reported training outcomes were consistent with others' observation. To further validate the on‐site effect of DT, we introduced a cognitive style manipulation prior to training to increase DT levels among trainees in Study 2. Individuals following the cognitive style manipulation reported significantly better perceived training outcomes. The implications of this research for field training are discussed.
Renal Sympathetic Denervation as an Adjunct to Catheter Ablation for the Treatment of Ventricular Electrical Storm in the Setting of Acute Myocardial Infarction
Authors: HOFFMANN BORIS A. , STEVEN DANIEL , WILLEMS STEPHAN , SYDOW KARSTEN
Published: June 2013

Renal Denervation in Ischemic Ventricular Storm

 We present a case of ventricular storm (VS) in a patient with acute ST‐elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). After initial successful thrombus extraction and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) of the proximal left anterior descending (LAD) coronary artery, a 63‐year‐old male patient showed recurrent monomorphic ventricular tachycardia (VT) and fibrillation (VF) episodes refractory to antiarrhythmic drug therapy. After initial successful VT ablation, fast VT and VF episodes remained an evident problem despite maximum antiarrhythmic drug therapy. Due to an increasing instability, renal sympathetic denervation (RDN) was performed. ICD interrogation and 24‐hour Holter monitoring excluded recurrent episodes of VT or VF at a 6‐month follow‐up (FU) after discharge. This case highlights that RDN was effective and safely performed in a hemodynamically unstable patient with VS after STEMI and adjunct catheter ablation. RDN may open a new avenue for an adjunctive interventional bailout treatment of such highly challenging patients.
Close cooperation between science, management and industry benefits sustainable exploitation of the Falkland Islands squid fisheriesa
Authors: Arkhipkin A. , Barton J. , Wallace S. , Winter A.
Published: June 2013

The Falkland Islands fishing industry is unique, as 60–80% of its annual catch consists of two squid species, Illex argentinus and Doryteuthis gahi. Short annual life cycles make both species susceptible to intra‐annual environmental changes, resulting in large biomass fluctuations that must be addressed in management of the stocks. In the D. gahi fishery, short chains of communication between science, management and industry allow effective cooperation in the interest of long‐term sustainable exploitation. The industry is responsive to short‐notice requests for in‐season information about the fishery. Management takes into account both scientific advice and industry recommendations, through ongoing consultations before and during the fishing seasons. As a result of this cooperation, D. gahi is one of the best managed squid fisheries in the world with local fishing companies being amongst the largest and most profitable enterprises in the Falklands economy. The I. argentinus fishery has the same potential, but a further level of cooperative management is needed as this squid is a straddling stock between several countries and the high seas. Development of a regional fisheries management organization in the South Atlantic Ocean is required to control multilateral exploitation and ensure long‐term sustainability of I. argentinus stocks.
The Gray Institute ‘open’ high‐content, fluorescence lifetime microscopes
Authors: BARBER P.R. , TULLIS I.D.C. , PIERCE G.P. , NEWMAN R.G. , PRENTICE J. , ROWLEY M.I. , MATTHEWS D.R. , AMEER‐BEG S.M. , VOJNOVIC B.
Published: June 2013

We describe a microscopy design methodology and details of microscopes built to this ‘open’ design approach. These demonstrate the first implementation of time‐domain fluorescence microscopy in a flexible automated platform with the ability to ease the transition of this and other advanced microscopy techniques from development to use in routine biology applications. This approach allows easy expansion and modification of the platform capabilities, as it moves away from the use of a commercial, monolithic, microscope body to small, commercial off‐the‐shelf and custom made modular components. Drawings and diagrams of our microscopes have been made available under an open license for noncommercial use at http://users.ox.ac.uk/~atdgroup. Several automated high‐content fluorescence microscope implementations have been constructed with this design framework and optimized for specific applications with multiwell plates and tissue microarrays. In particular, three platforms incorporate time‐domain FLIM via time‐correlated single photon counting in an automated fashion. We also present data from experiments performed on these platforms highlighting their automated wide‐field and laser scanning capabilities designed for high‐content microscopy. Devices using these designs also form radiation‐beam ‘end‐stations’ at Oxford and Surrey Universities, showing the versatility and extendibility of this approach.
CORRUPTION'S DIRECT EFFECTS ON PER‐CAPITA INCOME GROWTH: A META‐ANALYSIS
Authors: Ugur Mehmet
Published: June 2013

Corruption is a symptom of weak institutional quality and could have potentially adverse effects on economic growth. However, heterogeneity in reported findings makes it difficult to synthesize the evidence base with a view to test competing hypotheses and/or support evidence‐based policy and practice. To address this issue, we have extracted 327 estimates of corruption's direct effect on per‐capita GDP growth from 29 primary studies, following a peer‐reviewed and pre‐published systematic review protocol. Precision‐effect and funnel asymmetry tests indicate that corruption has a negative effect on per‐capita GDP growth after controlling for publication selection bias and within‐study dependence. However, multivariate meta‐regression analysis results indicate that the overall effect is not robust to inclusion of moderating variables through a general‐to‐specific procedure for model specification. We report that the marginal effect of corruption on per‐capita GDP growth is more adverse when the primary study estimates relate to long‐run growth, are based on low‐income‐country data only, and extracted from journal papers. The effect is less adverse in studies that use the International Country Risk Guide corruption perceptions index and in those reporting estimates from two‐stage least‐squares estimations.
Fracture Resistance of Manually and CAD/CAM Manufactured Ceramic Onlays
Authors: Yildiz Coskun , Vanlıoğlu Burcin Akoglu , Evren Buket , Uludamar Altay , Kulak‐Ozkan Yasemin
Published: June 2013

Purpose

This in vitro study aimed to evaluate fracture resistance in lithium disilicate onlays fabricated with IPS e.max Press and IPS e.max CAD systems and luted with different adhesive cements.

Material and Methods

Fifty maxillary first molars were prepared using a mesio‐occluso‐disto‐lingual onlay cavity model. Ten onlays from each group were cemented using etch‐and‐rinse adhesives and high‐viscosity composite resin cement, and 10 were cemented with self‐adhesive, dual‐curing universal resin cement. Fracture resistance was measured.

Results

Significant differences were observed between resin cements (p < 0.05) and between materials (p < 0.05), but the interaction of these variables did not produce a significant difference. The fracture resistance of pressable ceramics was significantly higher than that of CAD/CAM onlays (p < 0.05), and Syntac Variolink was significantly higher than that of Multilink Sprint (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

All groups showed clinically acceptable fracture strength results. According to the study, both the onlay fabrication system and adhesive cements can be a viable treatment option.
The All‐or‐Nothing Workplace: Flexibility Stigma and “Opting Out” Among Professional‐Managerial Women
Authors: Stone Pamela , Hernandez Lisa Ackerly
Published: June 2013

Using a model of the stigmatization of flexible work based on status legitimation theory, we analyze the experiences of a sample of 54 mothers who “opted out” of professional jobs. Qualitative text analysis reveals that features of women's workplaces are conducive to the creation and maintenance of flexibility stigma and bias and that women working flexibly are subjected to various forms of stigmatizing treatment, which plays a role in their decision to suspend their careers. We find limited evidence, however, that women perceive high levels of stigma and differential treatment as reflecting bias or prejudice. Instead, the majority appears to accept the legitimacy of professional time norms and view their treatment as justifiable. We identify factors that moderate or inhibit their perception of flexibility bias, as distinct from stigma per se, and discuss the limitations of our research as well as its implications for future research and policy.
Workplace Mistreatment of Middle Class Workers Based on Sex, Parenthood, and Caregiving
Authors: Berdahl Jennifer L. , Moon Sue H.
Published: June 2013

Research suggests that women, but not men suffer negative professional consequences if they have children. These unequal consequences can be attributed to stereotypes about women's and men's roles as caregivers and breadwinners for their families, respectively. Two field studies of workplace mistreatment among middle‐class employees examined whether fathers who violate these gender stereotypes by actively caregiving for their families suffer negative consequences at work. Study 1 (N = 232) examined not man enough harassment (being derogated as insufficiently masculine) and Study 2 (N = 451) examined general forms of mistreatment. Results showed that caregiving fathers experience more harassment and mistreatment than traditional fathers and than men without children. Women without children experience more harassment and mistreatment than mothers, and mothers who spend less time on caregiving experience more harassment and mistreatment than mothers who spend more time on caregiving. We discuss implications for theory and practice.
Short‐Term Effects of Atorvastatin in Normal Dogs and Dogs with Congestive Heart Failure Due to Myxomatous Mitral Valve Disease
Authors: Cunningham S.M. , Rush J.E. , Freeman L.M.
Published: June 2013

Background

3‐Hydroxy‐3‐methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitors (statins) may improve heart failure class and survival in people with congestive heart failure (CHF) of various etiologies.

Hypothesis/Objectives

To evaluate the tolerability of atorvastatin in healthy dogs, and the short‐term effects of atorvastatin on clinical markers of disease severity, lipid profiles, and markers of systemic inflammation and oxidative stress in dogs with CHF.

Animals

Eleven normal dogs and 12 client‐owned animals with CHF attributable to myxomatous mitral valve disease.

Methods

Prospective nonblinded observational study. Normal dogs (n = 11) were first treated with atorvastatin and re‐evaluated after 14 and 30 days for clinical tolerability and alterations in certain laboratory results. Subsequently, dogs with CHF (n = 12) were treated with atorvastatin at a dosage of 2 mg/kg q24h for 8 weeks. Echocardiography, blood pressure (BP), quality of life questionnaire, and blood sampling were performed pre and post atorvastatin administration.

Results

Atorvastatin was well tolerated and did not result in apparent adverse effects or biochemical abnormalities in healthy dogs and in dogs with CHF. Healthy dogs experienced a decrease in total cholesterol (TC) concentration (P = .03) after atorvastatin administration. Decreases in TC concentration (P = .02), non‐HDL cholesterol concentration (P = .02), total white blood cell count (P = .03), neutrophils (P = .01), and systolic BP (P = .01) were noted in the CHF group after 8 weeks of atorvastatin.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Atorvastatin was well tolerated at clinically relevant doses in healthy dogs and dogs with CHF. Further investigation into the effects of statin treatment in dogs with CHF is warranted.
The role of diagnostic imaging and liver biopsy in the diagnosis of focal nodular hyperplasia in children
Authors: Valentino Pamela L. , Ling Simon C. , Ng Vicky L. , John Philip , Bonasoni Paola , Castro Denise A. , Taylor Glenn , Chavhan Govind B. , Kamath Binita M.
Published: June 2013

Background & Aims

Focal nodular hyperplasia (FNH), a benign liver tumour, has a characteristic appearance on diagnostic imaging (DI) and histology. The role of liver biopsy in children for the diagnosis of FNH is unclear. This study investigates the diagnostic accuracy of DI for FNH in children without comorbidities, compared to liver biopsy.

Methods

A total of 304 consecutive patients (age <18 years) with a biopsied liver mass were retrospectively ascertained (1990–2010). Individuals with a history of malignancy, liver disease or syndromes with increased malignancy risk were excluded. DI and biopsy data were reviewed.

Results

After excluding 205 cases, 99 liver masses were studied. Based on histology, the most common diagnosis was hepatoblastoma (46/99, 44%) followed by FNH (23/99, 23%). The mean age at FNH diagnosis was 11.1 ± 5.2 years, with female preponderance (78%), and a median follow‐up of 1.35 years (interquartile range 0.54, 4.20 years). 19/23 biopsy‐proven FNH met standard criteria for FNH on DI. In 4/23 cases of biopsy‐proven FNH, imaging did not suggest FNH. Two false positive cases included adenoma and fibrolamellar hepatocellular carcinoma. On review of original reports, DI had 82.6% sensitivity and 97.4% specificity for the diagnosis of FNH. On blind review, the sensitivity of DI for FNH diagnosis was 81.3% for MRI (13/16), and 53.3% for CT (8/15).

Conclusions

In this cohort of children with liver masses and no comorbidities, a diagnosis of FNH by imaging was highly specific, and MRI was the most sensitive study for its diagnosis. Liver biopsy may be deferred in selected children if the DI, particularly MRI, is indicative of FNH.
Clinical but not histological factors predict long‐term prognosis in patients with histologically advanced non‐decompensated alcoholic liver disease
Authors: Masson Steven , Emmerson Ingrid , Henderson Elsbeth , Fletcher Emma H. , Burt Alastair D. , Day Christopher P. , Stewart Stephen F.
Published: June 2013

Background

Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) is a significant threat to public health and a leading cause of death. Despite this, the long‐term clinical course and predictive factors of survival in histologically advanced ALD are not well described.

Aims

The aim of this study was to identify clinical and histological factors that predict long‐term (15‐year) survival in outpatients with histologically advanced non‐decompensated ALD.

Methods

Patients (n = 134) with biopsy‐proven histologically advanced (stage III or IV) ALD were followed up for 15 years or until death or orthotopic liver transplantation. At baseline, clinical and laboratory data were collected. On biopsy, the degree of fibrosis as well as other histological features (fat type and severity, lymphocyte and neutrophil infiltration) were scored semiquantitatively.

Results

Most patients were male (72%) with a median age 51 (46–57). Overall, the 5‐, 10‐ and 15‐year survival was 63, 36 and 24% respectively. In multivariate analysis, persistent drinking (P = 0.01), smoking (P = 0.03), age (P = 0.01) and serum albumin at baseline (P = 0.001) were associated with significantly increased risk of death. Persistent drinking was associated with the highest risk. No histological features, including whether the stage of ALD was bridging fibrosis or cirrhosis, correlated with prognosis.

Conclusion

In outpatients with biopsy‐proven histologically advanced non‐decompensated ALD, clinical but not histological factors determine prognosis. Persistent alcohol intake is the strongest predictor and smoking habit, age and serum albumin are also independently prognostic. Abstinence from alcohol and smoking cessation should be the priorities in the long‐term management of ALD.
Photodynamic fungicidal efficacy of hypericin and dimethyl methylene blue against azole‐resistant Candida albicans strains
Authors: Paz‐Cristobal M. P. , Royo D. , Rezusta A. , Andrés‐Ciriano E. , Alejandre M. C. , Meis J. F. , Revillo M. J. , Aspiroz C. , Nonell S. , Gilaberte Y.
Published: June 2013

Antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) is an emerging alternative to treat infections based on the use of photosensitisers (PSs) and visible light. To investigate the fungicidal effect of PDT against azole‐resistant Candida albicans strains using two PSs with a different mechanism of action, hypericin (HYP) and 1,9‐dimethyl methylene blue (DMMB), comparing their efficacy and the reactive oxygen species (ROS) species involved in their cytotoxicity. Azole‐resistant and the azole‐susceptible C. albicans strains were used. Solutions of 0.5 and 4 McFarland inoculum of each Candida strain were treated with different concentrations of each PS, and exposed to two light‐emitting diode light fluences (18 and 37 J cm−2). Mechanistic insight was gained using several ROS quenchers. The minimal fungicidal concentration of HYP for ≥3 log10 CFU reduction (0.5 McFarland) was 0.62 μmol l−1 for most strains, whereas for DMMB it ranged between 1.25 and 2.5 μmol l−1. Increasing the fluence to 37 J cm−2 allowed to reduce the DMMB concentration. Higher concentrations of both PSs were required to reach a 6 log10 reduction (4 McFarland). H2O2 was the main phototoxic species involved in the fungicidal effect of HYP‐aPDT whereas 1O2 was more important for DMMB‐based treatments. aPDT with either HYP or DMMB is effective in killing of C. albicans strains independent of their azole resistance pattern. HYP was more efficient at low fungal concentration and DMMB at higher concentrations.
The effect of maternal flora on Candida colonisation in the neonate
Authors: Filippidi Anthoula , Galanakis Emmanouil , Maraki Sofia , Galani Irene , Drogari‐Apiranthitou Maria , Kalmanti Maria , Mantadakis Elpis , Samonis George
Published: June 2013

Colonisation may be the first step for the development of Candida infection. The source of neonatal colonisation is thought to be the hospital environment or the maternal vaginal tract. This study investigated to what extend Candida isolates in neonates are similar to isolates from their mother's vaginal tract. Vaginal samples were collected from 347 pregnant women within 48 h before delivery. Samples from oral and rectal mucosa of their neonates were collected within 24–72 h after delivery, were cultured and yeast species were identified. Antifungal susceptibility tests against six antifungal agents were performed. All paired isolates from mother and infant were genotyped by pulse field gel electrophoresis. A total of 82 mothers and of 16 infants were found colonised by Candida spp. C. albicans was the most common species in pregnant women (n = 68) followed by C. glabrata (n = 11). Only C. albicans was isolated from infants, mainly (14/16) from rectal site. All colonised neonates were born to mothers colonised by C. albicans. Candida genotyping revealed identical strains in all investigated neonate–mother pairs. All isolates were susceptible to amphotericin B. Our findings strongly suggest that vertical transmission has the principal role in the neonatal colonisation by C. albicans in the very first days of life.
Normal values for esophageal high‐resolution manometry
Authors: Bogte A. , Bredenoord A. J. , Oors J. , Siersema P. D. , Smout A. J. P. M.
Published: June 2013

Background

Esophageal high‐resolution manometry (HRM) is a novel method to assess esophageal motility. Several software and hardware systems are currently available. A set of normal values for HRM parameters was established in the US, using proprietary tactile‐sensing catheter technology (Given Imaging). We wished to determine normal values for HRM performed with another type of catheter (Unisensor).

Methods

Fifty‐two healthy volunteers underwent supine HRM. Each subject swallowed 10 liquid water boluses. Esophageal contraction parameters were evaluated and normal values were calculated (defined as 5th and 95th percentile of values).

Key Results

The normal range for the following parameters was calculated; distal contractile integral (mean 1319.44, with a 5–95th percentile range [185.65–3407.60]), contractile front velocity (mean 3.98, 5–95th percentile range [2.40–6.50]), Intrabolus pressure (mean 9.68, range [1.00–19.00]), contraction amplitude measured 5 cm above the esophagogastric junction (EGJ; mean 78.76, range [23.00–146.00]), contraction amplitude 15 cm above the EGJ (mean 43.66, range [3.60–96.00]), transition zone (TZ) length (mean 1.34, range [0.00–5.63]), upper esophageal sphincter (UES) pressure (mean 81.63, range [19.50–165.10]), EGJ length (mean 2.97, range [2.17–4.00]), EGJ resting pressure (mean 29.35, range [8.95–51.40]), EGJ relaxation pressure (mean 16.79, range [1.00–39.35]), IRPs4 (mean 13.42, range [2.59–28.28]), and gastric pressure (mean 5.06, range [0.00–9.46]).

Conclusions & Inferences

Overall, the normal values of esophageal HRM parameters obtained with the Unisensor catheter resemble those of the previously published series. Marked differences in upper limits of normal were found for parameters related to the esophageal sphincters and TZ length. Users of HRM should be aware of these differences and define pathology based on comparison to appropriate normal values.
Use of dexamethasone to minimise post‐operative sequelae after third molar surgery: comparison of five different routes of administration
Authors: Majid O.W. , Mahmood W.K.
Published: June 2013

Aim

The aim of this randomised non‐blind prospective study was to compare the effect of dexamethasone sodium phosphate 4 mg in five different routes of administration on post‐operative sequelae and quality of life (QOL) measures for patients undergoing surgical removal of impacted lower third molars.

Material and methods

A total of 72 patients (32 males and 40 females) were included in the study and were randomly divided into six equal study groups: five treatment groups received dexamethasone 4 mg as intramuscular injection, intravenous injection, oral tablets, submucosal injection and endoalveolar powder; and control group which received no dexamethasone. Swelling, trismus and pain were evaluated at the first, third and seventh day post‐operatively. A modified questionnaire was used to measure different aspects of QOL.

Results

All dexamethasone groups showed statistically significant improvement in swelling and pain at all intervals (P < 0.05) and in trismus at day 1 and day 3 intervals (P < 0.05) as compared to control. QOL measures also showed significant improvement (P < 0.01). Results among treatment groups were comparable for all parameters. No relevant side effects were seen nor reported.

Conclusions

Local routes of dexamethasone administration showed comparable effect to systemic routes and were simple, safe, painless and cost‐effective therapeutic options.
Primary Cutaneous CD4+ Small to Medium‐Size Pleomorphic T‐Cell Lymphoma in a 12‐Year‐Old Girl
Authors: Volks Natalie , Oschlies Ilske , Cario Gunnar , Weichenthal Michael , Fölster‐Holst Regina
Published: June 2013

Primary cutaneous CD4+ small to medium‐size pleomorphic T‐cell lymphoma (PCSM‐TCL) is a rare disease that has been added as a provisional entity to the World Health Organization European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (WHO‐EORTC) classification of lymphomas with primary cutaneous manifestations. Patients commonly present with a solitary nodule or plaque on the head or upper trunk, but are usually otherwise in good health. The prognosis is favorable, but the optimal treatment has not been defined. Recent publications have described the expression of programmed death‐1 in PCSM‐TCL and T‐cell pseudolymphoma, suggesting a diagnostic value of this marker in the differential diagnosis of PCSM‐TCL in contrast to other types of cutaneous T‐cell lymphoma. We present the case of a 12‐year‐old girl with a tumor of the right supraorbital area. She was treated as an outpatient four times with intralesional triamcinolone acetonide at intervals of 3 to 4 weeks. In addition to the case history, this report includes the clinical and histologic findings and a review of the current literature.
Acitretin‐Responsive Ichthyosis in Chanarin–Dorfman Syndrome with a Novel Mutation in the ABHD5/CGI‐58 Gene
Authors: Srinivasaraghavan Rangan , Krishnamurthy Sriram , Chandar Rumesh , Cassandrini Denise , Mahadevan Subramanian , Bruno Claudio , Santorelli Filippo M.
Published: June 2013

Chanarin–Dorfman syndrome (CDS) is a rare nonlysosomal neutral lipid storage disorder characterized by congenital ichthyosis, lipid vacuoles in leukocytes (Jordan's anomaly), and hepatomegaly. The authors herein report an 18‐month‐old boy with ichthyosis and hepatomegaly diagnosed with CDS and confirmed to have a novel c.506–3C>G mutation in the ABHD5/CGI‐58 gene. Our case also illustrates that retinoids such as acitretin could be useful in the treatment of skin manifestations in CDS even in the presence of liver derangement.
The Uncertainty Paradox: Perceived Threat Moderates the Effect of Uncertainty on Political Tolerance
Authors: Haas Ingrid Johnsen , Cunningham William A.
Published: June 2013

People respond to dissimilar political beliefs in a variety of ways, ranging from openness and acceptance to closed‐mindedness and intolerance. While there is reason to believe that uncertainty may influence political tolerance, the direction of this influence remains unclear. We propose that threat moderates the effect of uncertainty on tolerance; when safe, uncertainty leads to greater tolerance, yet when threatened, uncertainty leads to reduced tolerance. Using independent manipulations of threat and uncertainty, we provide support for this hypothesis. This research demonstrates that, although feelings of threat and uncertainty can be independent, it is also important to understand their interaction.
The Secrecy Heuristic: Inferring Quality from Secrecy in Foreign Policy Contexts
Authors: Travers Mark , Van Boven Leaf , Judd Charles
Published: June 2013

Three experiments demonstrate that in the context of U.S. foreign policy decision making, people infer informational quality from secrecy. In Experiment 1, people weighed secret information more heavily than public information when making recommendations about foreign political candidates. In Experiment 2, people judged information presented in documents ostensibly produced by the Department of State and the National Security Council as being of relatively higher quality when those documents were secret rather than public. Finally, in Experiment 3, people judged a National Security Council document as being of higher quality when presented as a secret document rather than a public document and evaluated others' decisions more favorably when those decisions were based on secret information. Discussion centers on the mediators, moderators, and broader implications of this secrecy heuristic in foreign policy contexts.
Dementia with Lewy bodies: early diagnostic challenges
Authors: Fujishiro Hiroshige , Iseki Eizo , Nakamura Shinichiro , Kasanuki Koji , Chiba Yuhei , Ota Kazumi , Murayama Norio , Sato Kiyoshi
Published: June 2013

Dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) is defined pathologically as neurodegeneration associated with Lewy bodies (LB). LB‐related symptoms, including olfactory dysfunction, dysautonomia, and mood and sleep disorders, are increasingly recognized as clinical signs that enable the early detection of DLB, because these symptoms often antedate dementia by years or even decades. It remains unknown if the clinical history of LB‐related symptoms is sufficient for the prodromal state of DLB to be suspected in memory clinics. We retrospectively investigated the clinical courses, including olfactory dysfunction, dysautonomia, depression, and rapid eye movement sleep behaviour disorder, of 90 patients with probable DLB. The timing of LB‐related symptoms that preceded or followed relative to the onset of memory loss was calculated. LB‐related symptoms were present in 79 of 90 patients (87.8%) with probable DLB before or at the time of memory loss onset. These symptoms preceded the onset of memory loss between 1.2 and 9.3 years. We also report on four non‐demented patients with a clinical history of LB‐related symptoms in our memory clinic. All four patients showed reduced cardiac [123I]‐metaiodobenzylguanidine levels. Moreover, [18F]fluoro‐D‐glucose positron emission tomography scans revealed glucose hypometabolism in the occipital cortex in two patients. One patient converted to probable DLB with the development of parkinsonism 2 years after major depression was diagnosed. Based on a clinical history of LB‐related symptoms, we propose a conceptual framework to identify these symptomatic but non‐demented individuals that led us to suspect the underlying pathophysiology of Lewy body disease. Further prospective study is warranted to determine the clinical significance of LB‐related symptoms in non‐demented patients.
Care staff training in residential homes for managing behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia based on differential reinforcement procedures of applied behaviour analysis: a process research
Authors: Noguchi Dai , Kawano Yoshiyuki , Yamanaka Katsuo
Published: June 2013

Previous studies of care staff training programmes for managing behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) based on the antecedent–behaviour–consequence analysis of applied behaviour analysis have not included definite intervention strategies. This case study examined the effects of such a programme when combined with differential reinforcement procedures. We examined two female care home residents with dementia of Alzheimer's type. One resident (C) exhibited difficulty in sitting in her seat and made frequent visits to the restroom. The other resident (D) avoided contact with others and insisted on staying in her room. These residents were cared for by 10 care staff trainees. Using an original workbook, we trained the staff regarding the antecedent–behaviour–consequence analysis with differential reinforcement procedures. On the basis of their training, the staff implemented individual care plans for these residents. This study comprised a baseline phase and an intervention phase (IN) to assess the effectiveness of this approach as a process research. One month after IN ended, data for the follow‐up phase were collected. In both residents, the overall frequency of the target behaviour of BPSD decreased, whereas the overall rate of engaging in leisure activities as an alternative behaviour increased more during IN than during the baseline phase. In addition, the overall rate of staff actions to support residents' activities increased more during IN than during the baseline phase. However, the frequency of the target behaviour of BPSD gradually increased during IN and the follow‐up phase in both residents. Simultaneously, the rate of engaging in leisure activities and the staff's treatment integrity gradually decreased for C. The training programme was effective in decreasing BPSD and increasing prosocial behaviours in these two cases. However, continuous support for the staff is essential for maintaining effects.
Changes in Mini‐Mental State Examination score in Alzheimer's disease patients after stopping habitual drinking
Authors: Toda Aiko , Tagata Yuko , Nakada Tomoko , Komatsu Miwa , Shibata Nobuto , Arai Heii
Published: June 2013

Background

Globally, Alzheimer's disease (AD) is becoming an increasing problem as the population ages, and the effects of lifestyle factors on cognitive decline need to be better understood. This study examined the effects of alcohol abstinence on cognitive decline in AD.

Methods

Cognitive function after alcohol abstinence was retrospectively reviewed in AD patients (high and low alcohol consumption groups) and then compared with an alcohol‐naïve AD group. The alcohol‐naïve AD group included 18 outpatients with no history of habitual drinking. The alcohol‐abstinence AD group included 20 outpatients who stopped drinking after their diagnoses. The latter group was classified into high and low groups depending on the amount of they drank before abstinence. Cognitive function was evaluated with the Mini‐Mental State Examination at baseline, 6 months, and 12 months. For statistical analyses, a repeated measures, two‐factor anova and post‐hoc multiple comparisons were performed using the Bonferroni method.

Results

There was a significant effect of time on Mini‐Mental State Examination score, but there was no difference in the baseline scores of the alcohol‐naïve and alcohol‐abstinence AD groups. The score was significantly lower at 6 and 12 months than at baseline in the alcohol‐naïve group, but no significant difference was seen in the alcohol‐abstinence group. There was a significant interaction between time and alcohol consumption subgroup on the score, with no difference in baseline score between the low and high consumption groups. The score was significantly lower only in the high consumption group at 12 months.

Conclusions 

In AD patients with a history of habitual drinking, abstinence was effective for reducing cognitive decline during the clinical course. However, such an effect was not seen in patients who had consumed high amounts of alcohol before diagnosis of AD.
Discrepancy between subjective and objective assessments of wandering behaviours in dementia as measured by the Algase Wandering Scale and the Integrated Circuit tag monitoring system
Authors: Yayama So , Yamakawa Miyae , Suto Shunji , Greiner Chieko , Shigenobu Kazue , Makimoto Kiyoko
Published: June 2013

Aim

Although wandering is one of the major research focuses of the behavioural psychological symptoms of dementia, assessment of wandering has mostly relied on caregiver‐administered questionnaires. The purpose of this study was to compare staff‐administered Algase Wandering Scale outcomes with objective temporal and spatial movement indicators obtained from the Integrated Circuit (IC) tag monitoring system.

Methods

Patients with dementia were recruited from a dementia care unit in Osaka, Japan in 2007. Primary nurses administered the Algase Wandering Scale, and the temporal and spatial movements of the subjects were monitored by the IC tag. Written informed consent was obtained from each subject's proxies.

Results

Nurses' assessments of wandering were in agreement with the IC tag outcomes only during the day shift. Spatial movements assessed by the staff did not reflect those measured by the IC tag.

Conclusion

This objective measurement of wandering showed the limitations in the assessment of spatial and temporal movement by the staff.
Pond shutdown as a strategy for preventing outbreaks of white spot disease in shrimp farms in Mexico
Authors: Hernandez‐Llamas Alfredo , Magallon‐Barajas Francisco J. , Perez‐Enriquez Ricardo , Cabanillas‐Ramos Julio , Esparza‐Leal Hector M. , Portillo‐Clark Guillermo
Published: June 2013

Pond shutdown is a strategy used to eliminate residual pathogens. For 2005–2011, we analysed the relationship between the prevalence of white spot disease (WSD) and the length of pond shutdown (LPS) and discussed its effectiveness for the prevention of WSD in Mexico. The LPS increased significantly from 2.1 months in 2005 to 3.1 months in 2011. The prevalence of WSD diminished significantly from 2005 to 2009, but no evidence of diminution was found when 2010 and 2011 were included in the time series. A χ2‐test for trend indicated that the prevalence of WSD diminished significantly as LPS increased in 2005 through to 2009 and 2005 through to 2011 (P < 0.05). When analysed on an annual basis, the prevalence decreased significantly in relation with LPS in 2006 (P = 0.048), 2007 (P = 0.002), 2008 (P = 0.0001) and 2009 (P = 0.001); no evidence for decreasing the prevalence occurred in 2005 (P = 0.1), 2010 (P = 0.17) or 2011 (P = 0.52). The χ2‐test adjusted for confounding indicated that decreases in prevalence in 2005 to 2009 could be attributed to increases of LPS rather than confounding variables such as increased resistance of shrimp, diminished virulence and improved cultivation practices. We discuss the possible relationship between the warm water temperatures in the Gulf of California and increases in the prevalence of WSD. We conclude that LPS has been an adequate management strategy for preventing WSD, supporting recent compulsory measures taken by the Mexican government to improve biosecurity in shrimp farms.
Dynamic self‐thinning model for sessile animal populations with multilayered distribution
Authors: Fuentes‐Santos Isabel , Cubillo Alhambra M. , Fernández‐Reiriz María José , Labarta Uxío
Published: June 2013

The main drawback of the traditional self‐thinning model is how time is handled. Self‐thinning (ST) has been formally recognized as a dynamic process, while the current ST models have not included the temporal effect. This restricts the analysis to the average competitive behaviour of the population and produces a biased estimation of the self‐thinning parameters. In this study, we extend the dynamic ST model introduced by Roderick and Barnes (2004) to the analysis of multilayered sessile animal populations. For this purpose, we incorporate the number of layers and the density per layer into the dynamical approach. The performance of the dynamic model was checked and compared with the classical ST model through the analysis of mussel populations grown at different density treatments. Unlike the traditional model, the dynamical approach detected the effect of culture density on the competitive behaviour of individuals and allowed to analyse the temporal evolution of intraspecific competition by estimating the ST exponent trajectory. Moreover, this approach provided an ecological interpretation of any possible value of the ST exponent. Thus, our results support the use of the dynamic model in the analysis of self‐thinning in sessile animal multilayered populations. The estimation of the ST exponent trajectory reflects the dynamic nature of the ST process, providing a more realistic description of population dynamics than the traditional model.