bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Do Young Adults Interpret the DSM Diagnostic Criteria for Alcohol Use Disorders as Intended? A Cognitive Interviewing Study
Authors: Slade Tim , Teesson Maree , Mewton Louise , Memedovic Sonja , Krueger Robert F.
Published: December 2012

Background

Estimates of the prevalence of DSM‐IV alcohol use disorders (AUD; i.e., abuse and dependence) are consistently higher for younger adults compared with their older counterparts. However, questions remain as to whether this “youthful epidemic” of AUD is real or a methodological artifact of the prevailing classification criteria. The aim of the current study was to explore potential shortcomings in the AUD criteria when applied to young adults.

Methods

Experts in the field of substance use disorder classification carried out standardized appraisal of 4 DSM‐IV diagnostic criteria for alcohol abuse/dependence (hazard, tolerance, larger/longer, quit/cut down). Cross‐sectional surveys of 100 young adult drinkers aged 18 to 24 were carried out. All participants were administered a structured diagnostic interview as well as a structured cognitive interview. The cognitive interviews were comprised of a set of predetermined and standardized probe questions designed to shed light on young adults' understanding of interview questions designed to tap the AUD diagnostic criteria. Answers to the cognitive interview probe questions were summarized across the total sample and, where appropriate, comparisons were made between those who endorsed the diagnostic criterion and those who did not.

Results

Results showed that there were substantial inconsistencies in young adults' interpretations of survey questions reflecting impaired control over alcohol. Interpretations of questions designed to measure tolerance to the effects of alcohol and use of alcohol in hazardous situations were largely understood as intended by the architects of DSM.

Conclusions

Survey questions designed to tap compulsive patterns of alcohol use require close attention to ensure they reflect the intentions of the DSM diagnostic criteria for AUD.
Monitoring of Ips typographus and Pityogenes chalcographus: influence of trapping site and surrounding landscape on catches
Authors: Schroeder Leif Martin
Published: December 2012

The influence of trapping site (i.e. fresh clear‐cuts) characteristics and habitat amount (i.e. area of stands that may hold breeding material) in the surrounding landscape on catches of the bark beetles Ips typographus (L.) and Pityogenes chalcographus (L.) in pheromone‐baited flight‐barrier monitoring traps was studied.

For the two species, the study investigated: (i) the extent of the variation in catches among trapping sites; (ii) the extent of this variation that can be explained by models including trapping site characteristics (clear‐cut size, percentage of spruce in the cut stand, altitude) and habitat amounts in the surrounding landscape; and (iii) the spatial scale at which beetles respond to the habitat amount in the landscape.

The variation in catches among trap sites was 15‐fold larger for I. typographus than for P. chalcographus. There was a positive relationship between the catches of I. typographus and (i) the percentage of the surrounding landscape covered by mature spruce forest at radii 500–4000 m and (ii) the percentage of spruce in stands cut when the clear‐cuts used as trapping sites were created. For P. chalcographus, only the second relationship could be demonstrated.

Thus, for monitoring of I. typographus: (i) several trapping sites per landscape are required; (ii) the amount of mature spruce forest around trapping sites needs to be considered when choosing trapping sites; and (iii) the trapping sites need to be standardized with respect to the percentage of spruce in the cut stand when fresh clear‐cuts are used. For P. chalcographus, fewer trapping sites per landscape are required and only the percentage of spruce in the cut stand needs to be considered.
Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1)
Authors: Carroll Richard W
Published: December 2012

Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1) is inherited in an autosomal dominant fashion and predisposes to the development of hyperplastic or neoplastic changes in the parathyroid and pituitary glands and the endocrine pancreas, along with numerous other characteristic tumors and features. The management of each entity differs to some degree from their sporadic counterparts, while the lack of a genotype‐phenotype correlation requires lifelong clinical, biochemical and radiological screening for the development of new tumors. While the syndrome itself is relatively rare (a prevalence of 1–10/100 000), it is likely that health‐care practitioners from numerous specialities will occasionally encounter a patient with MEN1 and therefore a basic knowledge of the syndrome is important. In addition, many of the associated tumors are seen commonly in sporadic form, and a judicious policy is therefore required in deciding how thoroughly patients who develop these tumors should be screened for MEN1. The current literature on MEN1 is reviewed and key learning points are suggested for the clinician.
Dispossession by Accumulation? Mining, Water and the Nature of Enclosure on the Bolivian Altiplano
Authors: Perreault Tom
Published: December 2012

Abstract: This paper examines processes of primitive accumulation and livelihood dispossession on the Bolivian Altiplano. Through empirical examination of the social and environmental effects of mining waste, the paper demonstrates that indigenous campesino community members are experiencing livelihood dispossession by way of three interrelated forms of accumulation: accumulation of toxic sediments on agricultural fields; accumulation of water and water rights by mining firms; and accumulation of territory by mining operations. In the case under examination, full proletarianization is not taking place, and processes of dispossession are not a “fix” for an overaccumulation crisis. The paper argues for greater attention to the contingent role of nature's materiality in processes of dispossession and accumulation.
Antimicrobial activity of different Finnish monofloral honeys against human pathogenic bacteria
Authors: Huttunen Sanna , Riihinen Kaisu , Kauhanen Jussi , Tikkanen‐Kaukanen Carina
Published: December 2012

The antimicrobial activity and phenolic compounds of five Finnish honey products against important human pathogens Streptococcus pneumoniae, S. pyogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, and methicillin‐resistant S. aureus were analyzed. Microbroth dilution method and HPLC‐DAD were used in antimicrobial testing and phenolic compound determination, respectively. Significant antimicrobial activity (p < 0.01) against all the tested pathogens was found from willow herb (Epilobium angustifolium), heather (Calluna vulgaris), and buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum) honeys. This is the first report on antimicrobial activity of Finnish monofloral honeys against streptococcal and staphylococcal bacteria. To our knowledge this is also the first report on the antimicrobial effect of honey against S. pneumoniae.
Vegetation diversity of salt‐rich grasslands in Southeast Europe
Authors: Eliáš Pavol , Sopotlieva Desislava , Dítě Daniel , Hájková Petra , Apostolova Iva , Senko Dušan , Melečková Zuzana , Hájek Michal
Published: December 2012

Question

How does the plant species composition of Pontic–Pannonian salt‐rich habitats vary on a large geographical scale? Do the floristic differences between Pannonia and the Balkans correspond to the current phytosociological classification?

Location

Pannonia (Hungary, Slovakia, Austria, Czech Republic, Croatia, Serbia, Romania) and the Balkans (Bulgaria, Macedonia, Greece).

Methods

Two thousand four hundred and thirty‐seven relevés from halophytic and sub‐halophytic habitats were classified using a modified TWINSPAN. The crispness of classification was checked. DCA and CCA with climate data as explanatory variables were applied.

Results

The classification was best interpreted at the level of 15 clusters. The vegetation changed along the salinity gradient from sub‐halophytic grasslands (including Trifolion resupinati alliance of the Molinio‐Arrhenatheretalia class and Beckmannion eruciformis and Festucion pseudovinae p. p. alliances of the Festuco‐Puccinellietea class) and reed beds (Bolboschoenion maritimi p. p. alliance; the Phragmito‐Magnocaricetea class), through steppe and wet inland halophytic vegetation (Festucion pseudovinae p. p., Puccinellion limosae, Pucinellion convolutae, Bolboschoenion maritimi p. p. and Juncion gerardii of the Festuco‐Puccinellietea class) towards the extreme halophytic vegetation of the Thero‐Salicornietea, Crypsietea and Juncetea maritimi classes. This gradient was longer in the Balkan region, where it spanned from the sub‐mediterranean salt‐rich grasslands to the extremely halophytic vegetation at the Black Sea coast. The second most important gradient coincided with the water regime. Some vegetation types appeared to be confined to either the Pannonian or the Balkan region (especially within dry sub‐halophytic and steppe halophytic grasslands), while others were distributed across the entire study area. The above‐mentioned pattern did not always correspond with current classification systems.

Conclusions

Variation in salt‐rich vegetation predominantly follows the salinity and water regime gradients. Geographical variation, generally coinciding with climatic and historical effects, is also important, especially in drier salt‐rich habitats. Our large‐scale analysis of the floristic variation of salt‐rich habitats might be useful for the unification of classification systems that differ substantially between the countries involved. In addition, the analysis may be useful for adjustment of a classification system in the poorly explored Balkan region, where particular vegetation types were identified with, or delimited from, Central European vegetation types without detailed comparative analysis until now.
Synthesis and Quantum Chemical Studies of New 4‐aminoquinazoline Derivatives as Aurora A/B Kinase Inhibitors
Authors: Zheng Ming , Zheng Youguang , Xue Yunsheng , Liu Yi , An Lin , Zhang Ling , Ji Min , Xue Bai , Wu Xuan , Gong Xuedong , Gu Ning , Zhan Xi
Published: December 2012

Nine novel 4‐aminoquinazoline derivatives were designed and synthesized. Biochemical and cellular analyses demonstrated that most of the derivatives exhibited a strong activity to inhibit Aurora A and B kinases and to suppress the proliferation of a panel of human tumor cell lines (U937, K562, A549, LoVo, and HT29). Quantum chemical studies were also carried out to determine the structural features of these compounds engaged in the inhibition of Aurora kinases.
Dual role of interleukin-10 in the regulation of respiratory syncitial virus (RSV)-induced lung inflammation
Authors: Sun L , Cornell T T , LeVine A , Berlin A A , Hinkovska-Galcheva V , Fleszar A J , Lukacs N W , Shanley T P
Published: December 2012

RSV lower respiratory tract infections (LRTI) are among the most common diseases necessitating hospital admission in children. In addition to causing acute respiratory failure, RSV infections are associated with sequelae such as secondary bacterial infections and reactive airway disease. One characteristic host response observed in severe RSV-induced LRTI and/or subsequent development of asthma is increased expression of interleukin (IL)-10. However, contradictory results have been reported regarding whether IL-10 inhibits asthmatic responses or intensifies the disease. We aimed to reconcile these discordant observations by elucidating the role of IL-10 in regulating the host response to RSV LRTI. In this study, we used a lung-specific, inducible IL-10 over-expression (OE) transgenic mouse model to address this question. Our results showed that the presence of IL-10 at the time of RSV infection not only attenuated acute inflammatory process (i.e. 24 h post-infection), but also late inflammatory changes [characterized by T helper type 2 (Th2) cytokine and chemokine expression]. While this result appears contradictory to some clinical observations where elevated IL-10 levels are observed in asthmatic patients, we also found that delaying IL-10 OE until the late immune response to RSV infection, additive effects rather than inhibitory effects were observed. Importantly, in non-infected, IL-10 OE mice, IL-10 OE alone induced up-regulation of Th2 cytokine (IL-13 and IL-5) and Th2-related chemokine [monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP-1), chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 3 (CCL3) and regulated upon activation normal T cell expressed and secreted (RANTES)] expression. We identified a subset of CD11b+CD11c+CD49b+F4/80–Gr-1– myeloid cells as a prinicipal source of IL-10-induced IL-13 production. Therefore, the augmented pathological responses observed in our ‘delayed’ IL-10 over-expression model could be attributed to IL-10 OE alone. Taken together, our study indicated dual roles of IL-10 on RSV-induced lung inflammation which appear to depend upon the timing of when elevated IL-10 is expressed in the lung.
Osteonecrosis associated with dental implants in patients undergoing bisphosphonate treatment
Authors: Kwon Tae‐Geon , Lee Chung‐O , Park Jin‐Woo , Choi So‐Young , Rijal Girdhari , Shin Hong‐In
Published: December 2012

Objectives

Bisphosphonate‐related jaw necrosis (BRONJ) associated with dental implants is a rare but continuously reported complication. To verify clinical and pathological characteristics of BRONJ around dental implants, the present study analyzed clinical, radiographic and histopathological findings of these lesions.

Patients and methods

Nineteen patients were diagnosed with osteonecrosis of the jaw associated with dental implants and treated at our institute from 2008 to 2011. The patients' medical history, demographic features, radiographic, and histopathological findings along with information on bisphosphonates (BP) administration were analyzed.

Results

The majority of BRONJ patients associated with dental implants used oral BP for osteoporosis. The patients were divided into two groups: BP initiation before (n = 16) and after (n = 3) implant surgery. Only three patients (15.8%) could be regarded as “implant surgery‐triggered” BRONJ. Many patients (n = 9) showed successful osteointegration after fixture installation to an average of 35 months (11–82 months) until the development of osteonecrosis. The histological features of the lesion showed that the necrotic bone with empty lacunae was infiltrated by inflammatory cells and bacterial colonies. Viable osteocytes were also observed in some areas of the bony specimens. Three types of bone destruction pattern were observed: (i) complete necrosis of the bone around the implant (frozen type), (ii) extensive osteolysis around the implant with or without sequestra (osteolytic type), and (iii) sequestration of bone with an implant maintaining direct implant–bone contact (en block sequestration type). These findings could be existed at the same lesions depending on the degree of local bone destruction and the severity of the infection.

Conclusion

These results and those of others suggested that already osseointegrated dental implants can also cause the osteonecrosis around the implant after BP administration. En block sequestration of bone with implant might be one of the characteristics of implant‐related BRONJ, which is different from peri‐implantitis‐induced bone destruction. The possible role of microcracks in this type of bone destruction needs to be examined further.
Long‐term outcome in patients treated with combined heart and liver transplantation for familial amyloidotic cardiomyopathy
Authors: Nelson Lærke M. , Penninga Luit , Sander Kaare , Hansen Peter B. , Villadsen Gerda E. , Rasmussen Allan , Gustafsson Finn
Published: December 2012

Background

The amyloidogenic transthyretin (ATTR) mutation Leu111Met causes a primarily cardiac amyloidosis: Familial amyloidotic cardiomyopathy (FAC). Combined heart–liver transplantation (CHLTx) is the preferred treatment for patients with heart failure due to familial amyloidosis, but information on outcome of patients with Leu111Met mutation is limited. The aim of this study was to evaluate the long‐term outcome of CHLTx in patients with FAC.

Methods and materials

Between 1998 and 2009, CHLTx was performed in 7 FAC patients (four men). Six patients underwent simultaneous transplantation. All patients suffered from severe cardiomyopathy.

Results

Mean recipient age at transplantation was 48.3 ± 4.2 yr. Mean follow‐up was 55 months. No peroperative mortality occured. Two patients died within the first year (infection, multi‐organ failure) of transplantation. Cumulative survival at 4.5 yr was 71%. No significant liver rejections occurred. One patient experienced an episode of cardiac rejection requiring treatment (H2R). For the surviving five patients, most recent left ventricular ejection fraction was 0.61 ± 0.02, and plasma creatinine was 129 ± 47 μM. None developed significant allograft vasculopathy or neuropathy after transplantation. No recurrence of cardiac amyloid was found.

Conclusions

CHLTx in selected patients with FAC due to Leu111Met mutation offers acceptable long‐term survival, almost comparable with isolated cardiac transplantation. Allograft rejection was rare.
Verrucous hemangioma expresses primitive markers
Authors: Laing Emma L. , Brasch Helen D. , Steel Ryan , Jia Jun , Itinteang Tinte , Tan Swee T. , Day Darren J.
Published: December 2012

Background

Verrucous hemangioma (VH) presents clinically as a vascular malformation but has similar histopathologic features to infantile hemangioma. This study characterized the cell population within VH.

Material and methods

Paraffin‐embedded sections from two male patients with VH were processed for immunohistochemistry. The expression of SMA, CD34, glucose transporter‐1 (Glut‐1), D2‐40, brachyury, angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE), Oct‐4, hemoglobin ζ chain (HBZ), Wilms tumor protein (WT‐1) and CD45 was examined.

Results

The lymphatic marker, D2‐40, was not expressed in VH, whereas Glut‐1 was widely expressed in infantile hemangioma, it was only focally expressed by the endothelium of VH. The endothelium of VH expressed the primitive markers, Oct‐4, brachyury and ACE. The primitive marker, WT‐1, was expressed predominantly on the pericyte layer of both VH and infantile hemangioma. However, HBZ was only expressed in infantile hemangioma. CD45, a mature hematopoetic marker, was expressed by cells within the interstitium, away from the endothelium of VH and infantile hemangioma.

Discussion

The expression of the primitive markers, Oct‐4, brachyury and ACE on the endothelium, and WT‐1 predominantly on the pericyte layer of VH shows a primitive microvascular phenotype similar to infantile hemangioma. However, the absence of the embryonic marker, HBZ, expressed only in first trimester placenta and in proliferating infantile hemangioma, suggests a different cellular origin. HBZ could be used to distinguish between the two conditions.
Gastric balloon to treat obesity: Filled with air or fluid?
Authors: Caglar Erkan , Dobrucali Ahmet , Bal Kadir
Published: December 2012

Background

Our aim was to study the efficacy and safety of different types of intragastric balloon in morbidly obese patients.

Patients and Methods

From 2005 to 2011, intragastric balloons were inserted endoscopically into 32 patients. Intragastric balloons were used in morbidly obese (body mass index [BMI] ≥ 35 kg/m2) individuals who were non‐responsive to 6‐month medical therapy and diet. Balloons were endoscopically removed after 6 months.

Results

Thirty‐six balloons were inserted in a total of 32 patients. Mean age of the patients was 37.28 ± 12.08 (17–64) years and mean height was 169.81 ± 8.17 (150–185) cm. Initial mean weight was 128.87 ± 23.31 kg and BMI was 45.26 ± 8.48 kg/m2. At month 6, mean bodyweight was 116.93 ± 23.18 and BMI was 40.96 ± 7.96 kg/m2 (P < 0.001, P < 0.001, respectively). At the end of 6 months, while the excessweight loss (EWL) median was 13.0 kg, [interquartile range IQR: 5.0–16.0] and percent EWL median was 21.92, [IQR: 12.72–28.49] in the Heliosphere BAG patients, the EWL median was 19.0 kg, [IQR: 14.47–26.72] and the percent EWL median was 38.26, [IQR: 19.73–47.79] in the BioEnterics Intragastric Balloon patients (P = 0.006, P = 0.010, respectively for EWL median and percent EWL median). One patient died (3.1%) of cardiac arrest due to aspiration at day 13 after BIB placement.

Conclusion

Although not without risk, intragastric balloon placement is an effective method for weight loss. BioEnterics Intragastric Balloon is more effective in helping weight loss than the Heliosphere BAG balloon.
Insulin sensitivity not modulated 24 to 78 h after acute resistance exercise in type 2 diabetes patients
Authors: Gordon B. A. , Fraser S. F. , Bird S. R. , Benson A. C.
Published: December 2012

Resistance exercise is recommended as part of the exercise guidelines to prevent and manage type 2 diabetes (T2D), however, the frequency of exercise required to improve glycaemic control and insulin sensitivity is not clear. We recruited and tested 10 individuals with T2D by collecting a fasting blood sample immediately prior to, a whole‐body moderate–high intensity resistance exercise session, and 24, 48 and 72 h afterwards. No changes to estimates of insulin sensitivity (HOMA2), glucose or insulin were observed using a repeated measures analysis of variance (p > 0.05). Further, there were no changes observed to markers of inflammation at 24 h following the resistance exercise session (p > 0.05). These findings suggest that insulin sensitivity is not acutely modified, positively or negatively, at 24, 48 or 72 h after a bout of resistance exercise. Nor are markers of inflammation altered during this time frame in a way that could cause transient insulin resistance.
Putative excitatory and putative inhibitory inputs are localised in different dendritic domains in a Drosophila flight motoneuron
Authors: Kuehn Claudia , Duch Carsten
Published: December 2012

Input–output computations of individual neurons may be affected by the three‐dimensional structure of their dendrites and by the location of input synapses on specific parts of their dendrites. However, only a few examples exist of dendritic architecture which can be related to behaviorally relevant computations of a neuron. By combining genetic, immunohistochemical and confocal laser scanning methods this study estimates the location of the spike‐initiating zone and the dendritic distribution patterns of putative synaptic inputs on an individually identified Drosophila flight motorneuron, MN5. MN5 is a monopolar neuron with > 4000 dendritic branches. The site of spike initiation was estimated by mapping sodium channel immunolabel onto geometric reconstructions of MN5. Maps of putative excitatory cholinergic and of putative inhibitory GABAergic inputs on MN5 dendrites were created by charting tagged Dα7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors and Rdl GABAA receptors onto MN5 dendritic surface reconstructions. Although these methods provide only an estimate of putative input synapse distributions, the data indicate that inhibitory and excitatory synapses were located preferentially on different dendritic domains of MN5 and, thus, computed mostly separately. Most putative inhibitory inputs were close to spike initiation, which was consistent with sharp inhibition, as predicted previously based on recordings of motoneuron firing patterns during flight. By contrast, highest densities of putative excitatory inputs at more distant dendritic regions were consistent with the prediction that, in response to different power demands during flight, tonic excitatory drive to flight motoneuron dendrites must be smoothly translated into different tonic firing frequencies.
Correlates and Consequences of the Pair Bond in Steller's Jays
Authors: Gabriel Pia O. , Black Jeffrey M.
Published: December 2012

Individuals that maintain pair bonds over multiple breeding attempts are often able to improve reproductive success compared to conspecifics that switch partners. However, the behavioral mechanisms driving this ‘mate familiarity effect’ are still largely unknown. We investigated whether long‐standing pairs in the long‐lived, socially monogamousSteller's jay improved their coordination of movements and behaviors, invested more time in pair bond maintenance, or became more compatible in their tendency to take risks over time compared to newly established pairs. We then compared these pair bond characteristics for successful and unsuccessful partnerships in terms of producing offspring. Jay partners regularly perched together, gave soft contact calls and travelled as a pair even in the non‐breeding season. However, the proportion of observations jay partners spent in each other's company (pair tenacity) was unrelated to risk‐taking behavior of pair members, pair bond duration, or the performance of subtle pair bond maintenance behaviors (i.e., a principle component of behaviors, including soft contact calls, proximity to mates, and frequency of arrival and departure flights with mate). However, evidence suggests that reproductive performance still improved in continuing compared to new pair bonds inSteller's jays. Variation in pair tenacity and frequency of pair bond behaviors may be inconsequential because of jays’ overall high level of contact with partners. Additionally, if jays are able to maximize familiarity early in the pair bond through high overall pair tenacity, the additional benefit of increasing coordination and familiarity with increasing pair bond age may be limited.
Relationship between masticatory ability and physical performance in community‐dwelling edentulous older adults wearing complete dentures
Authors: Moriya Shingo , Notani Kenji , Miura Hiroko , Inoue Nobuo
Published: December 2012

Objective

This study aimed to elucidate the association between masticatory ability and physical performance in community‐dwelling edentulous older adults wearing complete dentures.

Background

Physical performance parameters are significant predictors of decreased activities of daily living. Previous studies have shown the relationships between oral conditions and these parameters. Here, we focused on complete denture wearers.

Methods

Two hundred and ten edentulous adults aged ≥65 years and wearing complete dentures were enrolled. The following oral conditions were examined: masticatory ability measured by colour‐changing chewing gum, number of foods considered chewable, pain when using dentures and denture base fit. Handgrip strength (HG) and one‐leg standing time with eyes open (OLST) were used to evaluate muscle strength and static balance. Spearman's rank correlation coefficients were calculated to examine the correlations between oral conditions and physical performance. Forward stepwise linear regression models were applied with each physical performance parameters as the dependent variable and oral conditions as the independent variable.

Results

The women did not show significant correlations between oral conditions and the physical performance. In men, significant and positive correlations were found between the number of chewable foods and HG, and between the colour scores and OLST. The significant correlation between the colour scores and OLST was still noted in the stepwise liner regression analysis after adjusting for demographic, social and medical conditions, and other oral conditions.

Conclusion

In Japanese elderly edentulous men wearing complete dentures, masticatory ability evaluated as the mixing ability may be associated with static balance.
Rehabilitation of the older vascular amputee: A review of the literature
Authors: Fleury Aisling M , Salih Salih A , Peel Nancye M
Published: December 2012

The aim was to review the literature on factors affecting prosthetic rehabilitation of older vascular lower extremity amputees. A search of the literature was carried out using the MEDLINE, EMBASE and CINAHL databases up to September 2010. Only original English language articles were accepted. Relevant studies were reviewed and selected based on prespecified inclusion criteria namely: age more than 65 years; vascular cause for the amputation; amputation level of below knee, through‐the‐knee or above knee; and discussed factors affecting rehabilitation. Age alone is not an absolute contraindication to prosthetic limb prescription; however, it does influence the potential success of gait retraining. Other factors influencing prosthetic fitting and use include comorbidities, premorbid function, level of amputation, status of the remaining limb and patient motivation. Prosthetic gait retraining is not possible in every older dysvascular amputee; however, almost all amputees will benefit from a rehabilitation program to increase independence in transfers and learn wheelchair skills. The MESH key words were: “aged” “diabetes complications” “peripheral vascular diseases” “amputees” “amputation” “rehabilitation” and “artificial limbs”. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2013; 13: 264–273.
Study on the factors determining home death of patients during home care: A historical cohort study at a home care support clinic
Authors: Kawagoe Seiji , Tsuda Toshihide , Doi Hiroyuki
Published: December 2012

Aim

Associations between markedly low activities of daily living (ADL) at the start of home visit care and patient home death were analyzed using data from a home care support clinic in Japan that has a low rate of home deaths.

Methods

The study was a historical cohort study. It involved patients who began to receive home visit care from a home visit care support clinic between 1 April 2006 and 31 March 2011. Using home death as a dependent variable and presence/absence of markedly low ADL and other parameters (cancer, the patient's desire for home death, etc.) as independent variables, the adjusted hazard ratio and 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated using the Cox proportional hazards model.

Results

Markedly low ADL were associated with home death even after adjustment for factors that influence home death (adjusted hazard ratio 4.40; 95% CI 2.37–8.16). Cancer and the patient's desire for home death were statistically significant factors involved in home death. In a subgroup analysis according to the presence/absence of cancer, the association between markedly low ADL and home death was stronger in the cancer‐free group (adjusted hazard ratio 10.78; 95% CI 2.89–40.26) than in the cancer group (adjusted hazard ratio 5.58; 95% CI2.39–13.05).

Conclusion

Patients' desire for home death could be fulfilled if home care support clinics provide home visit services to not only terminal‐stage cancer patients, but also bedridden cancer‐free patients. We must establish systems for older adults to remain at home during the terminal period of their lives. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2012; 13: 874–880.
Optineurin and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Maruyama Hirofumi , Kawakami Hideshi
Published: December 2012

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is a devastating disease, and thus it is important to identify the causative gene and resolve the mechanism of the disease. We identified optineurin as a causative gene for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. We found three types of mutations: a homozygous deletion of exon 5, a homozygous Q398X nonsense mutation and a heterozygous E478G missense mutation within its ubiquitin‐binding domain. Optineurin negatively regulates the tumor necrosis factor‐α‐induced activation of nuclear factor kappa B. Nonsense and missense mutations abolished this function. Mutations related to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis also negated the inhibition of interferon regulatory factor‐3. The missense mutation showed a cyotoplasmic distribution different from that of the wild type. There are no specific clinical symptoms related to optineurin. However, severe brain atrophy was detected in patients with homozygous deletion. Neuropathologically, an E478G patient showed transactive response DNA‐binding protein of 43 kDa‐positive neuronal intracytoplasmic inclusions in the spinal and medullary motor neurons. Furthermore, Golgi fragmentation was identified in 73% of this patient's anterior horn cells. In addition, optineurin is colocalized with fused in sarcoma in the basophilic inclusions of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis with fused in sarcoma mutations, and in basophilic inclusion body disease. These findings strongly suggest that optineurin is involved in the pathogenesis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2013; 13: 528–532.
Migrant transnationalism and the choice of transfer channels for remittances: the case of Moldova
Authors: SIEGEL MELISSA , LÜCKE MATTHIAS
Published: December 2012

Migrant remittances, particularly when transferred through the banking system, may contribute to financial development in migrants' home countries. We analyse the determinants of the choice of transfer channel (formal services versus informal operators or personal transfers) by Moldovan migrants in 2006. We estimate a multinomial logit model from household survey data. Our explanatory variables include socio‐economic characteristics of the migrant and other household members, the pattern of migration (destination country, legal status, duration), and financial information (average amount and frequency of payments). Key reasons not to use a formal transfer channel are a migrant's emphasis on low transfer cost (rather than speed, convenience or security), irregular legal status in the host country, and short migration spells. Our findings demonstrate that migrants' transnational capacities and activities in their entirety bear upon the choice of transfer channel; any policy interventions to promote the use of formal channels should reflect this.
Both G3BP1 and G3BP2 contribute to stress granule formation
Authors: Matsuki Hideaki , Takahashi Masahiko , Higuchi Masaya , Makokha Grace N , Oie Masayasu , Fujii Masahiro
Published: December 2012

Upon exposure to various environmental stresses such as arsenite, hypoxia, and heat shock, cells inhibit their translation and apoptosis and then repair stress‐induced alterations, such as DNA damage and the accumulation of misfolded proteins. These types of stresses induce the formation of cytoplasmic RNA granules called stress granules (SGs). SGs are storage sites for the many mRNAs released from disassembled polysomes under these stress conditions and are essential for the selective translation of stress‐inducible genes. Ras‐GTPase‐activating protein SH3 domain‐binding protein 1 (G3BP1) is a component of SGs that initiates the assembly of SGs by forming a multimer. In this study, we examined the role of G3BP2, a close relative of G3BP1, in SG formation. Although single knockdown of either G3BP1 or G3BP2 in 293T cells partially reduced the number of SG‐positive cells induced by arsenite, the knockdowns of both genes significantly reduced the number. G3BP2 formed a homo‐multimer and a hetero‐multimer with G3BP1. Moreover, like G3BP1, the overexpression of G3BP2 induced SGs even without stress stimuli. Collectively, these results suggest that both G3BP1 and G3BP2 play a role in the formation of SGs in various human cells and thereby recovery from these cellular stresses.
Effect of non‐isothermal processing and moisture content on the anthocyanin degradation and colour kinetics of cherry pomace
Authors: Greiby Ibrahim , Siddiq Muhammad , Dolan Kirk D. , Kelkar Shantanu
Published: December 2012

Anthocyanins (ACY) and colour changes in cherry pomace under non‐isothermal processing were investigated. Pomace at moisture levels of 70% (MC‐70), 41% (MC‐41) and 25% (MC‐25) was heated at 126.7 °C in a retort for 25, 40 and 60 min. Total ACY, Hunter colour values, total colour difference (ΔE), chroma, hue angle (h°) and browning index (BI) were analysed. Thermal degradation kinetics for colour parameters were determined using zero‐ and first‐order models. ACY degradation increased with heating time and ranged from 34 to 68% for 25 and 60 min heating, respectively. The half‐life of ACY was 38, 33 and 27 min for MC‐70, MC‐41 and MC‐25 pomace, respectively. The ΔE increased with increasing heating time, whereas BI exhibited an inverse trend. Except for ∆E for MC‐70, the zero‐order kinetic model showed better fit (R2 = 0.85–0.97) to experimental data than the first‐order kinetic model for Hunter colour b values and ∆E.
Changes in Spleen Size in Patients with Acute Ischemic Stroke: A Pilot Observational Study
Authors: Sahota Preeti , Vahidy Farhaan , Nguyen Claude , Bui Thanh-Tung , Yang Bing , Parsha Kaushik , Garrett Jennifer , Bambhroliya Arvind , Barreto Andrew , Grotta James C. , Aronowski Jaroslaw , Rahbar Mohammad H. , Savitz Sean
Published: December 2012

Background

In animal models, the spleen contracts after acute ischemic stroke, followed by release of inflammatory cells leading to secondary brain injury.

Aims

We aim to characterize splenic responses in patients with acute ischemic stroke.

Methods

In this prospective observational study, we measured daily spleen sizes with abdominal ultrasound in 30 patients with suspected acute ischemic stroke. Splenic ultrasounds were also performed in 20 healthy individuals.

Results

A generalized estimating equation, longitudinal regression model for adjusted spleen measurements showed the difference between baseline spleen volume (within six-hours of stroke onset) and the volume at the last measured time point (up to seven-days) to be statistically significant (volume difference of 51·9 cm3, P = 0·04). Healthy controls had significantly smaller day-to-day variations; the maximum observed difference in mean spleen volume between any two time points was 9·5 cm3, with the average change over the period of observation being 1·24 cm3. A statistically significant negative association was also observed between the pattern of change of total white blood cell count and spleen volume ( P = 0·01). An analysis of individual cases demonstrated possible associations between daily spleen volume changes and clinical course.

Conclusions

We hypothesize that the spleen may initially contract after ischemic stroke followed by a re-expansion and that it contributes to ischemic brain injury mediated via cellular components. Characterization of the splenic response after stroke and its contribution to cerebral ischemic injury has the potential to provide new opportunities for the development of novel stroke therapies.
Feed‐through insecticides for the control of the sand fly Phlebotomus argentipes
Authors: INGENLOFF K. , GARLAPATI R. , POCHÉ D. , SINGH M. I. , REMMERS J. L. , POCHÉ R. M.
Published: December 2012

Three rodent feed‐through studies were conducted to evaluate the efficacy of insecticides to control Phlebotomus argentipes (Diptera: Psychodidae). The initial test evaluated diflubenzuron, eprinomectin, fipronil and ivermectin as feed‐through treatments in Rattus rattus (Rodentia: Muridae). In the preliminary trial, all four insecticides yielded 100% mortality of P. argentipes larvae within 20 days of exposure to treated rodent faeces. Based upon the initial results, fipronil was evaluated further as a feed‐through utilizing Bandicota bengalensis (Rodentia: Muridae). The B. bengalensis trial evaluated fipronil against both adult and larval sandflies at 250 p.p.m., 100 p.p.m. and 50 p.p.m. The results showed the fipronil treatment to have 100% efficacy against larvae up to 20 days post‐treatment and over 74% efficacy against adult sandflies presented with B. bengalensis faeces up to 10 days post‐treatment at all three dosage levels. The results of the three studies suggest that all four insecticides may be useful tools with which to control Leishmania vector populations.
Spatio‐temporal variation of biting flies, Stomoxys spp. (Diptera: Muscidae), along a man‐made disturbance gradient, from primary forest to the city of Makokou (North‐East, Gabon)
Authors: MAVOUNGOU J.‐F. , PICARD N. , KOHAGNE L. T. , M'BATCHI B. , GILLES J. , DUVALLET G.
Published: December 2012

Understanding the pattern of abundance of vector populations is important to control the potential of transmission of associated pathogens. The pattern of abundance of Stomoxys Geoffroy, an ubiquitous blood‐sucking fly, is poorly known in tropical Africa. In this study, we investigated the spatio‐temporal pattern of abundance of the Stomoxys genus along a gradient of man‐made disturbance in north‐eastern Gabon. Three sites (one in primary forest, one in secondary forest and one in a man‐made environment) were monitored during 13 months using Vavoua traps. Seven species and subspecies were found to live in sympatry, but with distinct patterns of abundance with respect to space and time. The most abundant species was Stomoxys transvittatus Villeneuve, whereas the rarest species was S. xanthomelas Roubaud. Stomoxys calcitrans Linné was preferentially found in man‐made environments, whereas S. xanthomelas was preferentially found in primary forest. Stomoxys abundance was the greatest in secondary forest, then in man‐made environments and finally in primary forest. A seasonal variation in Stomoxys abundance was also found. In conclusion, forest degradation and deforestation are likely both to favour the concentration of populations of Stomoxys, and to change the specific composition of the Stomoxys community.
Livelihoods, power, and food insecurity: adaptation of social capital portfolios in protracted crises—case study Burundi
Authors: Vervisch Thomas G.A. , Vlassenroot Koen , Braeckman Johan
Published: December 2012

The failure of food security and livelihood interventions to adapt to conflict settings remains a key challenge in humanitarian responses to protracted crises. This paper proposes a social capital analysis to address this policy gap, adding a political economy dimension on food security and conflict to the actor‐based livelihood framework. A case study of three hillsides in north Burundi provides an ethnographic basis for this hypothesis. While relying on a theoretical framework in which different combinations of social capital (bonding, bridging, and linking) account for a diverse range of outcomes, the findings offer empirical insights into how social capital portfolios adapt to a protracted crisis. It is argued that these social capital adaptations have the effect of changing livelihood policies, institutions, and processes (PIPs), and clarify the impact of the distribution of power and powerlessness on food security issues. In addition, they represent a solid way of integrating political economy concerns into the livelihood framework.
The growing role of web‐based geospatial technology in disaster response and support
Authors: Kawasaki Akiyuki , Berman Merrick Lex , Guan Wendy
Published: December 2012

This paper examines changes in disaster response and relief efforts and recent web‐based geospatial technological developments through an evaluation of the experiences of the Center for Geographic Analysis, Harvard University, of the Sichuan (2008) and Haiti (2010) earthquake responses. This paper outlines how conventional GIS (geographic information systems) disaster responses by governmental agencies and relief response organisations and the means for geospatial data‐sharing have been transformed into a more dynamic, more transparent, and decentralised form with a wide participation. It begins by reviewing briefly at historical changes in the employment of geospatial technologies in major devastating disasters, including the Sichuan and Haiti earthquakes (case studies for our geospatial portal project). It goes on to assess changes in the available dataset type and in geospatial disaster responders, as well as the impact of geospatial technological changes on disaster relief effort. Finally, the paper discusses lessons learned from recent responses and offers some thoughts for future development.
Return or relocate? An inductive analysis of decision‐making in a disaster
Authors: Henry Jacques
Published: December 2012

This paper proposes an inductive analysis of the decision as to whether to return or to relocate by persons in the State of Louisiana, United States, who evacuated after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita in August and September 2005, respectively. Drawing on interviews with evacuees in these events and extensive fieldwork in the impacted area, the paper seeks to identify the folk dimensions of the decision‐making process, assess their arrangements, and situate the process in the larger context of risk and resilience in an advanced society. It suggests that, despite the material and emotional upheaval experienced by affected persons, the decision‐making process is a rational endeavour combining a definite set of tightly interconnected factors, involving material dimensions and substantive values that can act in concert or in conflict. In addition, it indicates that there are significant variations by geographic areas, homeownership, and kind of decision. Some theoretical implications, practical measures, and suggestions for future research are examined.
Quantitative assessment of post‐disaster housing recovery: a case study of Punta Gorda, Florida, after Hurricane Charley
Authors: Rathfon Dana , Davidson Rachel , Bevington John , Vicini Alessandro , Hill Arleen
Published: December 2012

Quantitative assessment of post‐disaster housing recovery is critical to enhancing understanding of the process and improving the decisions that shape it. Nevertheless, few comprehensive empirical evaluations of post‐disaster housing recovery have been conducted, and no standard measurement methods exist. This paper presents a quantitative assessment of housing recovery in Punta Gorda, Florida, United States, following Hurricane Charley of August 2004, including an overview of the phases of housing recovery, progression of recovery over time, alternative trajectories of recovery, differential recovery, incorporation of mitigation, and effect on property sales. The assessment is grounded in a conceptual framework that considers the recovery of both people and place, and that emphasises recovery as a process, not as an endpoint. Several data sources are integrated into the assessment—including building permits, remotely sensed imagery, and property appraiser data—and their strengths and limitations are discussed with a view to developing a standardised method for measuring and monitoring housing recovery.
New Computational Model Based on Finite Element Method to Quantify Damage Evolution Due to External Sulfate Attack on Self‐Compacting Concretes
Authors: Khelifa Mohammed‐Rissel , Guessasma Sofiane
Published: December 2012

Abstract:  This work combines experimental and numerical investigations to study the mechanical degradation of self‐compacting concrete under accelerated aging conditions. Four different experimental treatments are tested among them constant immersion and immersion‐drying protocols allow an efficient external sulfate attack of the material. Significant damage is observed due to interfacial ettringite. A predictive analysis is then adopted to quantify the relationship between ettringite growth and mechanical damage evolution during aging. Typical 3D microstructures representing the cement paste‐aggregate structures are generated using Monte Carlo scheme. These images are converted into a finite element model to predict the mechanical performance under different criteria of damage kinetics. The effect of ettringite is then associated to the development of an interphase of lower mechanical properties. Our results show that the observed time evolution of Young's modulus is best described by a linear increase of the interphase content. Our model results indicate also that the interphase regions grow at maximum stress regions rather than exclusively at interfaces. Finally, constant immersion predicts a rate of damage growth five times lower than that of immersion‐drying protocol.