bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of Menstrual Cycle on Cardiac Autonomic Function Assessed by Heart Rate Variability and Heart Rate Recovery
Authors: Yazar Şadan , Yazıcı Mehmet
Published: February 2016

Objective: The purpose of the present study was to investigate autonomic tone during the follicular and luteal phases of the menstrual cycle using heart rate variability (HRV) and heart rate recovery (HRR) in healthy women. Subjects and Methods: Thirty women aged 22-37 years with regular menstrual cycles were included in the study. The HRV and HRR were measured at the follicular and luteal phases. The HRV was obtained using the time domain method with 24-hour long-term recordings. For time domain analysis, the following were obtained: standard deviation of all normal sinus R-R intervals during 24 h (SDNN), mean of the standard deviation of all normal sinus R-R intervals for all 5-min segments (SDNN index), standard deviation of average normal sinus R-R intervals for all 5-min segments (SDANN), root mean square of the successive normal sinus R-R interval difference (rMSSD), and percentage of successive normal sinus R-R intervals longer than 50 ms (pNN50). The HRR was calculated at the first, second, and third minute of recovery after the cessation of peak exercise using a treadmill test. The paired sample t test was used for the comparison of both phases of the menstrual cycle. Results: The SDNN (136 ± 39 vs. 154 ± 32 ms; p = 0.015) and SDANN (122 ± 36 vs. 142 ± 36 ms; p = 0.004) were significantly lower during the luteal phase than during the follicular phase. The HRR, rMSSD, and pNN50 were not different between the 2 phases. Conclusion: Parasympathetic tone markers of HRV and HRR were unaffected by the menstrual phase. Lower SDNN and SDANN during the luteal phase than during the follicular phase could have resulted from enhanced sympathetic activity during the luteal phase.
Morphological Symmetry of Maxillary Anterior Teeth before and after Prosthodontic Planning: Comparison between Conventional and Digital Diagnostic Wax-Ups
Authors: Abduo Jaafar
Published: February 2016

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of different prosthodontic planning methods on the morphological symmetry of maxillary anterior teeth. Materials and Methods: In 13 patients receiving fixed prosthodontic treatment, dental models were obtained from the Oral Health Centre of Western Australia. Two forms of diagnostic prosthodontic planning were executed: conventional wax-up and digital wax-up. The asymmetry was evaluated at two levels: tooth morphological asymmetry (TMA) and anterior segment morphological asymmetry (ASMA). For the TMA, the labial surface of each anterior tooth was superimposed on a mirror image of the contralateral tooth. The ASMA involved superimposition of the combined labial surface of all the anterior teeth on one side on the mirror image of the combined labial surface of the contralateral side. For each asymmetry, the discrepancies in the form of 3D Euclidean distances were calculated and statistically evaluated by the Kruskal-Wallis test (p = 0.05). Results: At the TMA level, the digital wax-up models had significantly less asymmetry (p < 0.00) than the pre-treatment and conventional wax-up models. The pre-treatment and conventional wax-up models had similar asymmetry (p = 0.35). However, at the ASMA level, the difference between the models was insignificant (p > 0.05). Conclusion: In this study, the single tooth symmetry had improved after the digital wax-up. However, the conventional wax-up had a minimal impact on single tooth symmetry. ASMA was minimally affected by the two wax-ups.
Aerobic Interval Training Reduces the Burden of Atrial Fibrillation in the Short Term
Authors: Malmo Vegard , Nes Bjarne M. , Amundsen Brage H. , Tjonna Arnt-Erik , Stoylen Asbjorn , Rossvoll Ole , Wisloff Ulrik , Loennechen Jan P.
Published: February 2016

Background—

Exercise training is an effective treatment for important atrial fibrillation (AF) comorbidities. However, a high level of endurance exercise is associated with an increased AF prevalence. We assessed the effects of aerobic interval training (AIT) on time in AF, AF symptoms, cardiovascular health, and quality of life in AF patients.

Methods and Results—

Fifty-one patients with nonpermanent AF were randomized to AIT (n=26) consisting of four 4-minute intervals at 85% to 95% of peak heart rate 3 times a week for 12 weeks or to a control group (n=25) continuing their regular exercise habits. An implanted loop recorder measured time in AF continuously from 4 weeks before to 4 weeks after the intervention period. Cardiac function, peak oxygen uptake (

o
2
peak), lipid status, quality of life, and AF symptoms were evaluated before and after the 12-week intervention period. Mean time in AF increased from 10.4% to 14.6% in the control group and was reduced from 8.1% to 4.8% in the exercise group (
P
=0.001 between groups). AF symptom frequency (
P
=0.006) and AF symptom severity (
P
=0.009) were reduced after AIT. AIT improved

o
2
peak, left atrial and ventricular ejection fraction, quality-of-life measures of general health and vitality, and lipid values compared with the control group. There was a trend toward fewer cardioversions and hospital admissions after AIT.

Conclusions—

AIT for 12 weeks reduces the time in AF in patients with nonpermanent AF. This is followed by a significant improvement in AF symptoms,

o
2
peak, left atrial and ventricular function, lipid levels, and QoL.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT01325675.
Significance of Intermediate Values of Fractional Flow Reserve in Patients With Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Adjedj Julien , De Bruyne Bernard , Floré Vincent , Di Gioia Giuseppe , Ferrara Angela , Pellicano Mariano , Toth Gabor G. , Bartunek Jozef , Vanderheyden Marc , Heyndrickx Guy R. , Wijns William , Barbato Emanuele
Published: February 2016

Background—

The fractional flow reserve (FFR) value of 0.75 has been validated against ischemic testing, whereas the FFR value of 0.80 has been widely accepted to guide clinical decision making. However, revascularization when FFR is 0.76 to 0.80, within the so-called gray zone, is still debatable.

Methods and Results—

From February 1997 to June 2013, all patients with single-segment disease and an FFR value within the gray zone or within the 2 neighboring FFR strata (0.70–0.75 and 0.81–0.85) were included. Study end points consisted of major adverse cardiovascular events (death, myocardial infarction, and any revascularization) up to 5 years. Of 17 380 FFR measurements, 1459 patients were included. Of them, 449 patients were treated with revascularization and 1010 patients were treated with medical therapy. In the gray zone, the major adverse cardiovascular events rate was similar (37 [13.9%] versus 21 [11.2%], respectively;
P
=0.3) between medical therapy and revascularization, whereas a strong trend toward a higher rate of death or myocardial infarction (25 [9.4] versus 9 [4.8],
P
=0.06) and overall death (20 [7.5] versus 6 [3.2],
P
=0.059) was observed in the medical therapy group. Among medical therapy patients, a significant step-up increase in major adverse cardiovascular events rate was observed across the 3 FFR strata, especially with proximal lesion location. In revascularization patients, the major adverse cardiovascular events rate was not different across the 3 FFR strata.

Conclusions—

FFR in and around the gray zone bears a major prognostic value, especially in proximal lesions. These data confirm that FFR≤0.80 is valid to guide clinical decision making.
Spiritual Development and Gratitude among Indian Emerging Adults
Authors: Thurackal Jobi Thomas , Corveleyn Jozef , Dezutter Jessie
Published: February 2016

Gratitude, a significant Christian value, is regarded as a duty among Indians. The present study examines the role played by spiritual development in gratitude among the Indian population. The participants were emerging Indian male adults, aged between 18 and 30 years. The first sample is from 495 Catholic Indian seminarians (267 theology students and 228 philosophy students) with intensive spiritual training, and the second is from 504 Catholic Indian nonseminarians. We use the Gratitude Questionnaire-6 and the Spiritual Assessment Inventory (SAI) in the study. The results show that the factors of SAI, Awareness (of God) and Realistic Experience (of God), had medium-size correlations with gratitude in both samples. Awareness predicted gratitude in both samples and Realistic Acceptance predicted gratitude only in seminarians. The study shows that individuals with an awareness of God's presence tend to be highly grateful. Spiritually mature individuals who undergo spiritual training were also more grateful.
Leaf-rolling sawflies (Hymenoptera, Pamphiliidae, Pamphiliinae) of Tianmushan Mountains, Zhejiang Province, China
Authors: SHINOHARA AKIHIKO , WEI MEI-CAI
Published: February 2016

Two species of Neurotoma, six species of Onycholyda, and five species of Pamphilius are recorded from Tianmushan, Zhejiang Province, China, and a key is given to these three genera and 13 species. Three new species, Onycholyda atra Shinohara & Wei, sp. nov. from Zhejiang Province, O. fulvicornis Shinohara, sp. nov. from Shaanxi Province and Zhejiang Province, and Pamphilius padus Shinohara, sp. nov. from Zhejiang Province, are described. New distribution records are: Onycholyda shaanxiana Shinohara, 1999, from Hubei Province, Zhejiang Province and Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, O. subquadrata (Maa, 1944) from Zhejiang Province, O. tianmushana Shinohara & Xiao, 2006, from Hunan Province and Jiangxi Province, Pamphilius palliceps Shinohara & Xiao, 2006, from Anhui Province, P. lizejiani Shinohara in Shinohara & Wei, 2012, from Zhejiang Province, P. shengi Wei in Wei & Xiao, 1999, from Hubei Province and Zhejiang Province, and P. qinlingicus Wei in Wu & Wei, 2010, from Zhejiang Province. The larva of P. padus feeds on Padus obtusata (Rosaceae) and that of P. palliceps feeds on Rosa multiflora (Rosaceae), both singly making a leaf-roll. Rubus peltatus (Rosaceae) is recorded as a host plant of O. atra based on the observation of oviposition.
Three new species of Papuagrion Ris, 1913 (Odonata: Coenagrionidae) from the Hindenburg Wall region of western Papua New Guinea
Authors: ORR A.G. , RICHARDS S.J.
Published: February 2016

Three distinctive new species of Papuagrion Ris, 1913 are described from a high altitude area (1,770–1,820 m a.s.l.) at the base of the Hindenburg Wall, Western Province, Papua New Guinea. These are P. chrysosoma sp. nov., P marijanmatoki sp. nov. and P. tydecksjuerging sp. nov.; all type material is deposited in the South Australian Museum (SAMA). These were the only species of the genus collected at higher altitudes in the Ok Tedi headwaters, and none of them were encountered at lower altitudes (300–900 m) despite intensive searches there. The new species described here bring to 26 the number of Papuagrion species known from the New Guinea region.
Metapeachia schlenzae sp. nov. (Cnidaria: Actiniaria: Haloclavidae) a new burrowing sea anemone from Brazil, with a discussion of the genus Metapeachia
Authors: GUSMÃO LUCIANA C.
Published: February 2016

The diversity of burrowing sea anemones from Brazil is poorly known with only three species recorded. Metapeachia schlenzae sp. nov. is described from specimens collected in the intertidal zone of São Sebastião and Cabo Frio in the southeastern coast of Brazil. Metapeachia schlenzae sp. nov. is the second species described for the genus and the second haloclavid recorded from Brazil. A comparison between Metapeachia schlenzae sp. nov. and Metapeachia tropica, the type species of the genus, is included. The two valid species of Metapeachia differ in the morphology of the conchula, internal anatomy, cnidae and geographical distribution.
A new species of the genus Anthaxia Eschscholtz, 1829 from Mauritania (Coleoptera: Buprestidae: Anthaxiini)
Authors: BÍLÝ SVATOPLUK
Published: February 2016

Although the Buprestid fauna of the Sahel is relatively well-known many new species have been discovered in this region in the course of the last decades. Also many new species of the tribe Anthaxiini, whose life cycle is connected with the plant genus Acacia (Fabaceae), have been described since the last (and first) comprehensive study by Mateu (1972). This exhaustive paper deals with all insects developing in (or living on) Acacia spp. During the project dealing with the pests of the genus Acacia in Mauritania and Benin run by J. F. Vayssieres (IITA), a new species of Anthaxia Eschscholtz, 1829 was discovered; the description of this new species is given in this paper.
“Tragic girls” and “crack whores”: Alcohol, femininity and Facebook
Authors: Hutton Fiona , Griffin Christine , Lyons Antonia , Niland Patricia , McCreanor Tim
Published: February 2016

New Zealand, similar to many other westernised nations, has a well-developed national culture of drinking to intoxication. Within this cultural context, young women are exhorted to engage with the night time economy, get drunk and have “fun” without relinquishing claims to “respectability”. More recently, the rise of Facebook and other social networking sites has coincided with shifts in postfeminism, neo-liberalism and the development of the night time economy. Social networking sites have become a mundane part of people’s everyday lives, whilst still reflecting structural constraints such as class, ethnicity and gender. This article reports on a qualitative study of young women’s drinking practices and uses of Facebook. Focus group discussions were conducted with eight friendship groups involving 36 participants aged 18–25 years. Transcripts of these discussions were subjected to thematic analysis. Three key themes were identified: “tragic girls” and “crack whores”; “drunken femininities”; and “Facebook, alcohol and drunken femininities”. The results indicated that young women experienced significant tensions in expressing their “drunken femininities” both in public and online, whilst also engaging in “airbrushing” of Facebook photos to minimize the appearance of intoxication for known and unknown audiences.
Tobacco-free Economy: A SAM-based Multiplier Model to Quantify the Impact of Changes in Tobacco Demand in Bangladesh
Authors: Husain Muhammad Jami , Khondker Bazlul Haque
Published: February 2016

In Bangladesh, where tobacco use is pervasive, reducing tobacco use is economically beneficial. This article uses the latest Bangladesh social accounting matrix (SAM) multiplier model to quantify the economy-wide impact of demand-driven changes in tobacco cultivation, bidi industries and cigarette industries. First, we compute various income multiplier values (i.e., backward linkages) for all production activities in the economy to quantify the impact of changes in demand for the corresponding products on gross output for 86 activities, demand for 86 commodities, returns to 4 factors of production and income for 8 household groups. Next, we rank tobacco production activities by income multiplier values relative to other sectors. Finally, we present three hypothetical ‘tobacco-free economy’ scenarios by diverting demand from tobacco products into other sectors of the economy and by quantifying the economy-wide impact. The simulation exercises with three different tobacco-free scenarios show that, compared to the baseline values, total sectoral output increases by 0.92, 1.3 and 0.75 per cent. The corresponding increases in the total factor returns (i.e., gross domestic product, GDP) are 1.57, 1.75 and 1.75 per cent. Similarly, total household income increases by 1.40, 1.58 and 1.55 per cent.

JEL Classification: E1, C6, O2
Financial Development, Remittances and Economic Growth: Evidence Using a Dynamic Panel Estimation
Authors: Chowdhury Murshed
Published: February 2016

This study examines how remittances can influence economic growth under different levels of financial development. Using a dynamic panel estimation of 33 top remittance-recipient developing countries from 1979 to 2011, the results suggest that financial development neither works as a substitute nor a complement for the remittance–growth nexus. While remittances are effective in promoting economic growth, the influence of financial variables is found to be insignificant. More developed financial systems may attract more remittances; however, the interaction effect of financial development and remittances is not growth enhancing. Promoting financial literacy, reducing the cost of sending remittances through banks and encouraging the overall use of formal financial institutions may induce a stronger remittance–growth nexus.

JEL Classification: F24, F41, F63, F68
International Migration, Remittances and Labour Force Participation of Left-behind Family Members: A Study of Kerala
Authors: Khan M. Imran , Valatheeswaran C.
Published: February 2016

The article examines the impact of international migration on the labour supply of male and female left-behind household members in both market and non-market work. In addition, we examine the labour supply behaviour of women whose husbands have migrated abroad. After controlling for potential endogeneity using the instrument variable (IV-probit) approach, estimates show that the supply of male and female left-behind members in market work decreases. While international migration results in the relocation of labour supply of male left-behind members from salary and casual wage workers to self-employed workers, it increases female left-behind members’ participation in household duties and reduces their participation in unpaid family work. The heterogeneity effect confirms that the impact of international migration is greater in rural than in urban areas.

JEL Classification: F22, F24, J21, J24, J16, J61
Modelling a Causal Relationship between the Internet and Academic Research Performance in an Australian University: A Case Study
Authors: Mamun Shamsul Arifeen Khan , Rahman Mohammad Mafizur
Published: February 2016

This study examines the relationship between academics’ use of the Internet for academic purposes and their research performance using cross-sectional data collected from academics of the University of Southern Queensland (USQ), Australia, during the period February–March 2014. In this study, a system of simultaneous equation models is used to control the potential bias associated with simultaneity between the use of the Internet and academics’ research performances. The simultaneity, a potential econometric problem, was overlooked in past studies. A finding of this study is that academics’ use of the Internet is a statistically significant contributor to research output in an Australian university. The estimated elasticity of research output is 0.16 with respect to changes in Internet use.

JEL Classifications: C3, D8, I2
An Analysis of Tariff Reductions in the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP): Implications for the Indian Economy
Authors: Narayanan Badri , Sharma Sachin Kumar
Published: February 2016

Our purpose is to undertake a comparative analysis of the likely impact of tariff reduction under the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) on various macro and trade variables of the Indian economy under different scenarios. The TPP was concluded in October 2015, but it is yet to be ratified by the partner countries, and while Asian giants like India, China and Korea have not joined the TPP, there are some talks about their joining the partnership in future. Ours is a unique study that evaluates India’s perspective on joining the TPP, in terms of tariff reduction, and not in terms of the removal of non-tariff barriers. We employ the widely used standard Global Trade Analysis Project (GTAP) model for this exercise. This is a unique framework with a global economy-wide approach, in a Computable General Equilibrium (CGE) setting. Five different scenarios of complete integration in terms of tariff reduction between different regions are simulated using the GTAP model. Under each scenario, the tariff among members of a group of regions is eliminated, but is unchanged for other regions. Higher welfare arising from allocative efficiency comes with the cost of a relatively lower consumption of domestic products and investment, resulting in a loss in terms of GDP. Therefore, we conclude that there are mixed prospects and no strong reason for India to pursue being part of the TPP in future, from a perspective of tariff reductions.

JEL Classification: F15, F17
Young Women’s Experiences of Self-harm
Authors: Curtis Cate
Published: February 2016

Though self-harm is a significant problem among young people, the extant literature is somewhat unclear as to the meanings and functions of different forms. Nonetheless, it appears that young women engage in self-harm in general more frequently than any other group. This research explored the narratives of 22 young women who had engaged in both non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) and suicidal behaviour, to examine the meanings of self-harm. The behaviours are distinct insofar as they take different forms and serve different purposes. However, a key contribution of this research is that, in contrast to constructions of self-harming behaviours as occurring on a continuum from the less to more severe with overlapping or confused motivations and intentions, the data suggest a cyclical pattern of behaviour, in which the protagonist moves between NSSI and suicidal behaviour, and NSSI is clearly counter-suicidal.
The Risks Faced by Adolescent Workers in the United Kingdom
Authors: Hobbs Sandy , McKechnie Jim , Simpson Amanda
Published: February 2016

Most young people in the United Kingdom undertake some kind of part-time employment before they reach the minimum school-leaving age. The United Kingdom claims to protect this group of workers and meet its obligations under Article 32 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child by legislation. Research clearly shows that the system is ineffective and fails to adequately protect young workers. Empirical investigations indicate that there is reason for concern about this situation. This article considers the risks to young workers with respect to education, health and safety and financial exploitation. Faced with such evidence successive governments have shown themselves unwilling to take effective action in this area. We consider potential explanations for such inaction.
Impact of dual expression of MYC and BCL2 by immunohistochemistry on the risk of CNS relapse in DLBCL
Authors: Savage Kerry J. , Slack Graham W. , Mottok Anja , Sehn Laurie H. , Villa Diego , Kansara Roopesh , Kridel Robert , Steidl Christian , Ennishi Daisuke , Tan King L. , Ben-Neriah Susana , Johnson Nathalie A. , Connors Joseph M. , Farinha Pedro , Scott David W. , Gascoyne Randy D.
Published: February 2016

Key Points

Dual expression of MYC and BCL2 is associated with an increased risk of CNS relapse in DLBCL treated with R-CHOP.
Co-overexpression of TGF-β and SOX9 via rAAV gene transfer modulates the metabolic and chondrogenic activities of human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Tao Ke , Frisch Janina , Rey-Rico Ana , Venkatesan Jagadeesh K. , Schmitt Gertrud , Madry Henning , Lin Jianhao , Cucchiarini Magali
Published: February 2016

Background

Articular cartilage has a limited potential for self-healing. Transplantation of genetically modified progenitor cells like bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) is an attractive strategy to improve the intrinsic repair capacities of damaged articular cartilage.

Methods

In this study, we examined the potential benefits of co-overexpressing the pleiotropic transformation growth factor beta (TGF-β) with the cartilage-specific transcription factor SOX9 via gene transfer with recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) vectors upon the biological activities of human MSCs (hMSCs). Freshly isolated hMSCs were transduced over time with separate rAAV vectors carrying either TGF-β or sox9 in chondrogenically-induced aggregate cultures to evaluate the efficacy and duration of transgene expression and to monitor the effects of rAAV-mediated genetic modification upon the cellular activities (proliferation, matrix synthesis) and chondrogenic differentiation potency compared with control conditions (lacZ treatment, sequential transductions).

Results

Significant, prolonged TGF-β/sox9 co-overexpression was achieved in chondrogenically-induced hMSCs upon co-transduction via rAAV for up to 21 days, leading to enhanced proliferative, biosynthetic, and chondrogenic activities relative to control treatments, especially when co-applying the candidate vectors at the highest vector doses tested. Optimal co-administration of TGF-β with sox9 also advantageously reduced hypertrophic differentiation of the cells in the conditions applied here.

Conclusion

The present findings demonstrate the possibility of modifying MSCs by combined therapeutic gene transfer as potent future strategies for implantation in clinically relevant animal models of cartilage defects in vivo.
Tracking of autologous adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stromal cells with in vivo magnetic resonance imaging and histology after intralesional treatment of artificial equine tendon lesions - a pilot study
Authors: Geburek Florian , Mundle Kathrin , Conrad Sabine , Hellige Maren , Walliser Ulrich , van Schie Hans T. M. , van Weeren René , Skutella Thomas , Stadler Peter M.
Published: February 2016

Background

Adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (AT-MSCs) are frequently used to treat equine tendinopathies. Up to now, knowledge about the fate of autologous AT-MSCs after intralesional injection into equine superficial digital flexor tendons (SDFTs) is very limited. The purpose of this study was to monitor the presence of intralesionally injected autologous AT-MSCs labelled with superparamagnetic iron oxide (SPIO) nanoparticles and green fluorescent protein (GFP) over a staggered period of 3 to 9 weeks with standing magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and histology.

Methods

Four adult warmblood horses received a unilateral injection of 10 × 106autologous AT-MSCs into surgically created front-limb SDFT lesions. Administered AT-MSCs expressed lentivirally transduced reporter genes for GFP and were co-labelled with SPIO particles in three horses. The presence of AT-MSCs in SDFTs was evaluated by repeated examinations with standing low-field MRI in two horses and post-mortem in all horses with Prussian blue staining, fluorescence microscopy and with immunofluorescence and immunohistochemistry using anti-GFP antibodies at 3, 5, 7 and 9 weeks after treatment.

Results

AT-MSCs labelled with SPIO particles were detectable in treated SDFTs during each MRI in T2*- and T1-weighted sequences until the end of the observation period. Post-mortem examinations revealed that all treated tendons contained high numbers of SPIO- and GFP-labelled cells.

Conclusions

Standing low-field MRI has the potential to track SPIO-labelled AT-MSCs successfully. Histology, fluorescence microscopy, immunofluorescence and immunohistochemistry are efficient tools to detect labelled AT-MSCs after intralesional injection into surgically created equine SDFT lesions. Intralesional injection of 10 × 106AT-MSCs leads to the presence of high numbers of AT-MSCs in and around surgically created tendon lesions for up to 9 weeks. Integration of injected AT-MSCs into healing tendon tissue is an essential pathway after intralesional administration. Injection techniques have to be chosen deliberately to avoid reflux of the cell substrate injected.In vivolow-field MRI may be used as a non-invasive tool to monitor homing and engraftment of AT-MSCs in horses with tendinopathy of the SDFT.
Transferring embryos with indeterminate PGD results: the ethical implications
Authors: Insogna Iris G. , Ginsburg Elizabeth
Published: February 2016

Background

In vitro fertilization (IVF) and pre-implantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) are becoming increasingly common techniques to select embryos that are unaffected by a known genetic disorder. Though IVF-PGD has high success rates, 7.5 % of blastocysts have inconclusive results after testing. A recent case involving a known BRCA-1 carrier was brought before our Assisted Reproductive Technology Ethics Committee in order to gain a better appreciation for the ethical implications surrounding the transfer of embryos with indeterminate testing.

The case presentation

Thirty-nine year old G0 BRCA-1 carrier requiring IVF for male factor infertility. The couple elected for PGD to select against BRCA-1 gene carrier embryos. However, several embryos were returned with inconclusive results. The couple wished to proceed with the transfer of embryos with an unknown carrier status. The case was presented before our Assisted Reproductive Technology Ethics Committee.

Conclusion

Many considerations were explored, including the physician's duty to protect patient autonomy, the physician's duty to act in the best interest of the future child, and the physician's duty towards society. Transferring both embryos with unknown carrier status and known-carrier status was debated. Ultimately, the transfer of inconclusive embryos was felt to be ethically permissible in most cases if patients had been adequately counseled. However, the re-biopsy of embryos with inconclusive testing results was encouraged. The transfer of known-carrier embryos was felt to be unethical for certain disease-states, depending on the severity of illness and timing of disease onset. We strongly encourage physicians to create an action plan in advance with their patients, prior to testing, in the event that embryos are returned with inconclusive PGD results. The committee’s decision, though helpful in guiding practice, should not overshadow the individual physician-patient relationship, and the need for thorough counseling.
Dynamics of volatility spillover between stock market and foreign exchange market: evidence from Asian Countries
Authors: Jebran Khalil , Iqbal Amjad
Published: February 2016

Background

The purpose of this study is to examine volatility spillover effects between stock market and foreign exchange market in selected Asian countries; Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka, China, Hong Kong and Japan. This study considered daily data from 4th January, 1999 to 1st January, 2014.

Methods

This study opted EGARCH (Exponential Generalized Auto Regressive Conditional Heteroskedasticity) model for the purpose of analyzing asymmetric volatility spillover effects between stock and foreign exchange market.

Results

The EGARCH analyses reveal bidirectional asymmetric volatility spillover between stock market and foreign exchange market of Pakistan, China, Hong Kong and Sri Lanka. The results reveal unidirectional transmission of volatility from stock market to foreign exchange market of India. The analysis reveals no evidence of volatility transmission between the two markets in reference to Japan.

Conclusions

The result of this study provide valuable insights to economic policy makers for financial stability perspective and to investors regarding decision making in international portfolio and currency risk strategies.
Editorial: Preventing postoperative ileus with n-3 PUFA
Authors: Moore Beverley A
Published: February 2016

Discussion on how perioperative IV infusion, followed by oral supplementation of DHA-enriched n-3 PUFA, may provide a safe means to attenuate POI.
Improved accuracy of cross-borehole radar velocity models for ice property analysis
Authors: Axtell Charlotte , Murray Tavi , Kulessa Bernd , Clark Roger A. , Gusmeroli Alessio
Published: February 2016

Cross-borehole radar (XBHR) is widely used for the quantification of pore-scale liquid water in geologic materials, inferred from bulk velocity variations caused by differences in electromagnetic properties between the water and the surrounding material. The XBHR can accurately and repeatedly measure variation at depth, with sampled material remaining under natural stresses, while maintaining good lateral sampling. However, even small errors in measured radar velocities result in large errors in water content estimates, emphasizing the need to quantify and minimize errors. We have rigorously assessed the sources of uncertainty in XBHR surveys undertaken in a glaciological setting. We have summarized and quantified the three main areas of uncertainty in data collection: (1) instrument time drift, (2) first-break picking, and (3) borehole geometry. Our analysis of field data indicated that contemporary acquisition procedures can produce velocity errors of [Formula: see text] ([Formula: see text]), equivalent to [Formula: see text] water content. We have developed several revisions to produce improved data acquisition. Through enhancement of existing techniques, the velocity uncertainties were improved to [Formula: see text]. We also found the measurement of borehole diameter during hot-water drilling, which could hypothetically further reduce the velocity uncertainty to [Formula: see text], equivalent to [Formula: see text] water content. The need for such precise measurement is clear because an increase in englacial water content, from 0% to 0.8%, has been proven to triple the strain rate and soften the ice. Liquid water between ice crystals has also been linked to faster velocities in ice streams and surging events.
Efficacy of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and adverse
events: Meta-regression and mediation analysis of placebo-controlled
trials
Authors: Barth Michael , Kriston Levente , Klostermann Swaantje , Barbui Corrado , Cipriani Andrea , Linde Klaus
Published: February 2016

Background

It has been suggested that the efficacy of antidepressants has been
overestimated in clinical trials owing to unblinding of drug treatments
by adverse events.

Aims

To investigate the association between adverse events and the efficacy of
selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).

Method

The literature was searched to identify randomised, double-blind,
placebo-controlled trials of SSRIs in the treatment of major depression.
Efficacy outcomes were response to treatment and change in depressive
symptoms. Reporting of adverse events was used as an indicator of
tolerability. Random effects meta-analyses were used to calculate pooled
estimates. Meta-regression analyses were performed to investigate the
association between adverse events and efficacy. Potential mediation was
investigated with the Baron & Kenny approach.

Results

A total of 68 trials (n = 17 646) were included in the
analyses. In meta-analysis SSRIs were superior to placebo in terms of
efficacy (odds ratio, OR = 1.62, 95% CI 1.51–1.72). More patients
allocated to SSRIs reported adverse events than did patients receiving
placebo (OR = 1.73, 95% CI 1.58–1.89). Meta-regression analyses did not
find an association between adverse events and efficacy
(P = 0.439). There was no indication of adverse
events mediating the effect of SSRI treatment.

Conclusions

Our results do not support, but also do not unequivocally disprove, the
hypothesis that adverse events lead to an overestimation of the effect of
SSRIs over placebo.
Antidepressant treatment response: ‘I want it all, and I want it
now!’
Authors: Malhi Gin S. , Lingford-Hughes Anne R. , Young Allan H.
Published: February 2016

The treatment of depression remains suboptimal, highlighting the need for
more effective antidepressants. Traditional drug discovery and development
is time-consuming and costly, prompting the need for faster translation of
novel therapies into practice. But clinical expediency comes at a cost
against which potential benefits need to be considered judiciously.
Maintaining Adherence Programme: evaluation of an innovative service model
Authors: Lewis Llewellyn , O'Keeffe Christine , Smyth Ian , Mallalieu Judi , Baldock Laura , Oliver Sam
Published: February 2016

Aims and method

The Maintaining Adherence Programme (MAP) is a new model of care for patients with schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder and bipolar affective disorder which aims to encourage adherence and prevent relapse. This evaluation, conducted by retrospective and prospective data collection (including patient questionnaires and staff interviews), aimed to describe MAP's impact on healthcare resource use, clinical measures and patient and staff satisfaction, following its implementation in a university National Health Service (NHS) foundation trust in England. We included 143 consenting patients who entered MAP before 31 March 2012.

Results

In-patient bed days and non-MAP NHS costs reduced significantly in the 18 months post-MAP entry. At 15–18 months post-MAP, Medication Adherence Rating Scale scores had improved significantly from baseline and there was a shift towards less severe clinician-rated disease categories. Based on patient surveys, 96% would recommend MAP to friends, and staff were also overwhelmingly positive about the service.

Clinical implications

MAP was associated with reduced cost of treatment, improvements in clinical outcomes and very high patient and staff satisfaction.
Development of a compassion-focused and contextual behavioural environment and validation of the Therapeutic Environment Scales (TESS)
Authors: Veale David , Miles Sarah , Naismith Iona , Pieta Maria , Gilbert Paul
Published: February 2016

Aims and method

The aims of the study were to develop a scale sensitive enough to measure the interpersonal processes within a therapeutic environment, and to explore whether the new scale was sensitive enough to detect differences between settings, including a community based on compassionate mind and contextual behaviourism. The Therapeutic Environment Scales (TESS) were validated with 81 participants in three different settings: a specialist service for anxiety disorders, a specialist in-patient ward and a psychodynamic therapeutic community.

Results

TESS was found to be reliable and valid. Significant differences were seen between the services on the dimensions of compassion, belongingness, feeling safe, positive reinforcement of members' acts of courage, extinction and accommodation of unhelpful behaviours, inconsistency and high expressed emotion. These processes were over time associated with improved outcomes on a specialist service for anxiety disorders.

Clinical implications

The TESS offers a first step in exploring important interpersonal relationships in therapeutic environments and communities. An environment based on a compassionate mind and contextual behaviourism offers promise for the running of a therapeutic community.
End-of-life care in psychiatry: ‘one chance to get it right’
Authors: Galappathie Nuwan , Khan Sobia Tamim
Published: February 2016

End-of-life care has been given increasing importance within healthcare settings. In June 2014, the Leadership Alliance for the Care of Dying People published One Chance to Get it Right. This nationally accepted guidance replaces previous end-of-life care pathways such as the Liverpool Care Pathway and outlines how dying patients should be managed irrespective of setting. Increasingly, patients with mental health problems are entering their final days of life within psychiatric in-patient or acute hospital settings, and psychiatrists need to be aware of the new guidance and ready to implement it within psychiatric practice.
BJPsych Bulletin author mentoring scheme –helping trainees become published authors
Authors: Pimm Jonathan , Galbraith Niall
Published: February 2016

The publishing world is changing rapidly. Innovations include the move to open access, the rise of social media and the transition to digitalisation. In the light of these developments and with ever-increasing pressures on early career psychiatrists and trainees to publish papers in journals with a recognised pedigree, the BJPsych Bulletin is piloting an author mentoring scheme. Mentors will help clinicians and aspiring academics develop articles from a pedestrian manuscript to one that will hopefully provoke important debate and aid changes in current practices. The scheme will run on a trial basis for approximately 12 months and will then be reviewed. Mentoring has been found to have an important effect of research output including publication and grant success; the hope is that this new initiative at the BJPsych Bulletin will result in such dividends to all involved.
Obesity-associated Inflammation Induces microRNA-155 Expression in Adipocytes and Adipose Tissue: Outcome on Adipocyte Function
Authors: Karkeni Esma , Astier Julien , Tourniaire Franck , El Abed Mouna , Romier Béatrice , Gouranton Erwan , Wan Lin , Borel Patrick , Salles Jérôme , Walrand Stéphane , Ye Jianping , Landrier Jean-François
Published: February 2016

Context:

Obesity alters adipose tissue's metabolic and endocrine functions and causes a chronic local and systemic low-grade inflammatory state to develop, generating obesity-associated complications. In the last decade, many entities contributing to and regulating this inflammatory state have been identified, among which are microRNAs.

Objective:

This study aimed to identify microRNA regulated in inflamed adipocytes and adipose tissue, and its effect on adipocyte biology.

Design and Results:

We screened the expression profile of TNFα-treated adipocytes (a major pro-inflammatory protein expressed in obese adipose tissue), and identified miR-155 as the most responsive microRNA. The involvement of TNFα on the basal miR-155 expression was confirmed in the adipose tissue of Tnfa−/− mice where miR-155 was significantly reduced. Also, mice overexpressing p65 or invalidated for p65 in adipose tissue respectively increased and decreased miR-155 expression, in line with the involvement of the nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) pathway in miR-155 induction. miR-155 expression was higher in obese subjects' adipose tissue than in that of normal-weight subjects, and correlated with TNFα expression and body mass index. Gain and loss of function of miR-155 showed its effect on adipocyte function, probably via its ability to target PPARγ mRNA 3′UTR. Interestingly, miR-155 overexpression also resulted in an increased inflammatory state in adipocytes.

Conclusion:

Altogether, these data are evidence of a proinflammatory loop mediated by NF-κB and miR-155 that could participate in the amplification of inflammatory status in adipocytes.
Specific Metabolic Profiles and Their Relationship to Insulin Resistance in Recent-Onset Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Knebel Birgit , Strassburger Klaus , Szendroedi Julia , Kotzka Jorg , Scheer Marsel , Nowotny Bettina , Müssig Karsten , Lehr Stefan , Pacini Giovanni , Finner Helmut , Klüppelholz Birgit , Giani Guido , Al-Hasani Hadi , Roden Michael ,   for the German Diabetes Study Group
Published: February 2016

Context:

Insulin resistance reflects the inadequate insulin-mediated use of metabolites and predicts type 2 diabetes (T2D) but is also frequently seen in long-standing type 1 diabetes (T1D) and represents a major cardiovascular risk factor.

Objective:

We hypothesized that plasma metabolome profiles allow the identification of unique and common early biomarkers of insulin resistance in both diabetes types.

Design, Setting, and Patients:

Two hundred ninety-five plasma metabolites were analyzed by mass spectrometry from patients of the prospective observational German Diabetes Study with T2D (n = 244) or T1D (n = 127) and known diabetes duration of less than 1 year and glucose-tolerant persons (CON; n = 129). Abundance of metabolites was tested for association with insulin sensitivity as assessed by hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamps and related metabolic phenotypes.

Main Outcomes Measures:

Sixty-two metabolites with phenotype-specific patterns were identified using age, sex, and body mass index as covariates.

Results:

Compared with CON, the metabolome of T2D and T1D showed similar alterations in various phosphatidylcholine species and amino acids. Only T2D exhibited differences in free fatty acids compared with CON. Pairwise comparison of metabolites revealed alterations of 28 and 49 metabolites in T1D and T2D, respectively, when compared with CON. Eleven metabolites allowed differentiation between both diabetes types and alanine, α-amino-adipic acid, isoleucin, and stearic acid showed an inverse association with insulin sensitivity in both T2D and T1D combined.

Conclusion:

Metabolome analyses from recent-onset T2D and T1D patients enables identification of defined diabetes type-specific differences and detection of biomarkers of insulin sensitivity. These analyses may help to identify novel clinical subphenotypes diabetes.
The Final Years of the Constable of France, 1593–1627
Authors: Thomas Daniel
Published: February 2016

The abolition of the office of constable in 1627 has often been viewed as part of Richelieu's supposed campaign against the excessive power of the high nobility, both within and without the royal army, and has been seen as an action that helped construct the system of “absolute monarchy” in France. Yet more recently questions have been raised about the real significance of the office's suppression. Building on this debate, this article offers an examination of the vicissitudes of the office of constable between 1593 and 1627 to provide a more detailed portrait of this position and its powers during its final years. By doing so, the article also provides wider insight into the crucial relationships among royal offices, armed force, and the nobility in early modern France.

L'abolition de l'office du connétable en 1627 a souvent été considérée comme un élément d'une campagne mené par Richelieu contre le pouvoir excessif de la haute noblesse, simultanément à l'intérieur et à l'extérieur de l'armée royale. Cette suppression a ainsi participé à la construction de la « monarchie absolue » en France. Pourtant, plus récemment, des chercheurs ont soulevé des questions vis-à-vis le vrai sens de la suppression de l'office. S'appuyant sur ce débat, cet article propose un examen des vicissitudes de la charge du connétable entre 1593 et 1627, afin de proposer un portrait plus détaillé de ce poste et de ses pouvoirs lors de ses dernières années. L'article propose ainsi un plus large aperçu de la relation fondamentale entre les offices royaux, la force armée et la noblesse dans la France moderne.