bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography using a newly developed short‐type single‐balloon endoscope in patients with altered gastrointestinal anatomy
Authors: Shimatani Masaaki , Takaoka Makoto , Ikeura Tsukasa , Mitsuyama Toshiyuki , Okazaki Kazuichi
Published: April 2014

Background and Aim

Endoscopic approaches for pancreatobiliary diseases in patients with altered gastrointestinal anatomy had been impractical until the development of balloon‐assisted endoscope (BAE) made it feasible. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the usefulness of a newly developed short‐type single‐balloon endoscope (s‐SBE) for endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in patients with altered gastrointestinal anatomy.

Methods

From March 2013 to November 2013, s‐SBE‐assisted ERCP was done in our hospital in 26 postoperative patients who had surgically altered anatomy. We retrospectively evaluated the success rate of reaching the blind end, the mean time required to reach the blind end, the diagnostic success rate, the therapeutic success rate, the mean procedure time, and complications.

Results

The success rate of reaching the blind end was 92.3%. The mean time required to reach the blind end was 25.3 min. The diagnostic success rate was 91.7%. The diagnostic success rate for naïve papilla was 75%. The mean procedure time was 56.0 min. The success rate of overall s‐SBE‐assisted ERCP was 84.6%. The complication rate was 3.8%.

Conclusion

Diagnostic and therapeutic ERCP using a newly developed s‐SBE is sufficiently effective.
Asserting The Primacy of Health Over Patent Rights: A Comparative Study of the Processes that Led to the Use of Compulsory Licensing in Thailand and Brazil
Authors: Rosenberg Stephanie T.
Published: April 2014

Since the 1970s, the United States has adopted a trade policy agenda that has forced countries to trade away flexible patent provisions for access to US markets. While pharmaceutical companies have argued that the recognition of patent rights is essential for recovering investments in research and development of pharmaceuticals and incentivizing future innovation, the lack of competition has had damaging consequences for public health, as companies tend to set the prices of treatments beyond the reach of consumers and government programs. Thailand and Brazil are bound by law to provide universal access to anti‐retroviral treatment (ART) to People Living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA). This has been made possible in part due to the universal health care systems in each country and the countries' local technical and industrial capacities that provide the government with affordable generic medicines. The introduction of stronger intellectual property protection laws however, has limited possibilities for procuring generic medicines and inflated the cost of treatment. Between 2006–2008, Thailand and Brazil used compulsory licensing to authorize generic competition against the consent of the pharmaceutical companies in order to guarantee the right to health and ensure the viability of government health budgets. This paper will demonstrate how the interaction between individual / collective action and structural and institutional elements in Thailand and Brazil produced propitious conditions for each country to assert the primacy of health over patent rights.
Bioethics in the Malay‐Muslim Community inMalaysia: A Study on the Formulation ofFatwaon Genetically Modified Food by the National Fatwa Council
Authors: Isa Noor Munirah , Baharuddin Azizan , Man Saadan , Chang Lee Wei
Published: April 2014

The field of bioethics aims to ensure that modern scientific and technological advancements have been primarily developed for the benefits of humankind. This field is deeply rooted in the traditions of Western moral philosophy and socio‐political theory. With respect to the view that the practice of bioethics in certain community should incorporate religious and cultural elements, this paper attempts to expound bioethical tradition of the Malay‐Muslim community inMalaysia, with shedding light on the mechanism used by the National Fatwa Council to evaluate whether an application of biological sciences is ethical or not. By using the application of the genetically modified food as a case study, this study has found that the council had reviewed the basic guidelines in the main references ofshari'ahin order to make decision on the permissibility of the application. Thefatwais made after having consultation with the experts in science field. The council has taken all factors into consideration and given priority to the general aim ofshari'ahwhich to serve the interests of mankind and to save them from harm.
Global Health Care Justice, Delivery Doctors and Assisted Reproduction: Taking a Note From Catholic Social Teachings
Authors: Richie Cristina
Published: April 2014

This article will examine the Catholic concept of global justice within a health care framework as it relates to women's needs for delivery doctors in the developing world and women's demands for assisted reproduction in the developed world. I will first discuss justice as a theory, situating it within Catholic social teachings. The Catholic perspective on global justice in health care demands that everyone have access to basic needs before elective treatments are offered to the wealthy.

After exploring specific discrepancies in global health care justice, I will point to the need for delivery doctors in the developing world to provide basic assistance to women who hazard many pregnancies as a priority before offering assisted reproduction to women in the developed world. The wide disparities between maternal health in the developing world and elective fertility treatments in the developed world are clearly unjust within Catholic social teachings. I conclude this article by offering policy suggestions for moving closer to health care justice via doctor distribution.
Long‐term impact of the ketogenic diet on growth and resting energy expenditure in children with intractable epilepsy
Authors: Groleau Veronique , Schall Joan I , Stallings Virginia A , Bergqvist Christina A
Published: April 2014

Aim

The long‐term effects of the ketogenic diet, a high fat diet for treating intractable epilepsy, on resting energy expenditure (REE) are unknown. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of 15 months of ketogenic diet treatment on growth and REE in children with intractable epilepsy.

Method

Growth, body composition, and REE were assessed at baseline, 3 months and 15 months in 24 children (14 males, 10 females; mean age 5y 6mo [SD 26mo], range 7mo–6y 5mo), 10 with cerebral palsy [CP]). Fifteen were identified as ketogenic diet responders at 3 months and continued on the ketogenic diet until 15 months. These were compared to 75 healthy children (43 males, 32 females; mean age 6y 3mo [SD 21mo] age range 2–9y). REE was expressed as percentage predicted, growth as height (HAz) and weight (WAz) z‐scores, and body composition as fat and fat free mass (FFM).

Results

HAz declined −0.2 and −0.6 from baseline to 3 months and 15 months respectively (p=0.001), while WAz was unchanged. In ketogenic diet responders, FFM, age and CP diagnosis predicted REE (overall R2=0.76, p<0.001) and REE did not change. REE adjusted for FFM was lower (p<0.01) in children with CP at baseline (mean [standard error], −143[51] kcals/d) and 15 months (−198[53] kcals/d) compared to the healthy children.

Interpretation

After 15 months of the ketogenic diet, linear growth status declined while weight status and REE were unchanged. REE remained reduced in children with CP.
Kidney biopsy results versus clinical parameters on mortality and ESRD progression in 2687 patients with glomerulonephritis
Authors: Haider Dominik G. , Masghati Salome , Goliasch Georg , Mouhieddine Mohamed , Wolzt Michael , Fuhrmann Valentin , Hörl Walter H. , Kaider Alexandra , Soleiman Afschin
Published: April 2014

Background

Physicians refer proteinuric patients to kidney biopsy in order to clarify the issue of underlying renal disease. We compared kidney biopsy results with classical outcome parameters in a large cohort of patients with biopsy proven glomerulonephritis (GN).

Methods

In a retrospective analysis, 2687 patients with different forms of GN from 123 Austrian centres were investigated. Patient characteristics, the diagnosis of GN and its respective subtype and clinical symptoms such as arterial hypertension, haematuria, amount of proteinuria and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) were tested for their association with all‐cause mortality and progression to end‐stage renal disease (ESRD).

Results

During a median follow‐up of 129·9 months (IQR 89·6; 177·7), 688 patients (25·6%) died and 718 patients required dialysis (29·4%). In multivariate Cox's regression analysis age (HR 1·06), female sex (HR 0·71), eGFR (HR 0·74), the diagnosis of GN and its subtypes predicted patient survival (all P < 0·01), whereas the amount of proteinuria was not associated with patient survival. The incidence of progression to ESRD was associated with female sex (HR 0·71), eGFR (HR 0·65), amount of proteinuria (HR 1·15) and the diagnosis of GN and its subtypes (all P < 0·01). Nephrotic or nephritic syndromes were not associated with patient survival or progression to ESRD and did not add further predictive value to outcome of GN.

Conclusions

Our study demonstrates histological diagnosis of GN and its specific subtype predicts patient survival and dialysis incidence. Therefore, kidney biopsy should be an integral part of routine diagnostic assessment in patients with any forms of suspected GN.
Predation on native sculpin by exotic brown trout exceeds that by native cutthroat trout within a mountain watershed (Logan, UT, USA)
Authors: Meredith Christy S. , Budy Phaedra , Thiede Gary P.
Published: April 2014

We explored potential negative effects of exotic brown trout (Salmo trutta) on native sculpin (Cottus sp.) on the Logan River, Utah, USA by (i) examining factors most strongly correlated with sculpin abundance (e.g., abiotic conditions or piscivory?), (ii) contrasting the extent of brown trout predation on sculpin with that by native cutthroat trout (Oncorhynchus clarkii utah) and (iii) estimating the number of sculpin consumed by brown trout along an elevational gradient using bioenergetics. Abundance of sculpin across reaches showed a strong (r ≥ 0.40) and significant (P < 0.05) correlation with physical variables describing width (positive) and gradient (negative), but not with abundance of piscivorous brown trout or cutthroat trout. In mainstem reaches containing sculpin, we found fish in 0% of age‐1, 10% of age‐2 and 33% of age‐3 and older brown trout diets. Approximately 81% of fish consumed by brown trout were sculpin. Despite a similar length–gape relationship for native cutthroat trout, we found only two fish (one sculpin and one unknown) in the diets of native cutthroat trout similar in size to age‐3 brown trout. Based on bioenergetics, we estimate that an average large (> 260 mm) brown trout consumes as many as 34 sculpin per year. Nevertheless, results suggest that sculpin abundance in this system is controlled by abiotic factors and not brown trout predation. Additional research is needed to better understand how piscivory influences brown trout invasion success, including in‐stream experiments exploring trophic dynamics and interactions between brown trout and native prey under different environmental conditions.
Otolith geochemistry in young‐of‐the‐year peacock bass Cichla temensis for investigating natal dispersal in the Rio Negro (Amazon – Brazil) river system
Authors: Garcez Raniere C. S. , Humston Robert , Harbor David , Freitas Carlos E. C.
Published: April 2014

This study examined otolith geochemistry as a natural marker of natal origins in young‐of‐the‐year (YOY) Cichla temensis in the Negro River Basin of Brazil. We analysed trace element and isotopic composition of otoliths of YOY collected off spawning nests from the main stem and major tributaries. These were compared with regional bedrock geologic composition to explore underlying mechanisms of differences in otolith geochemistry. Our results suggest that spatial differences in otolith geochemistry can be used to distinguish natal origins based on 87Sr/86Sr, Sr/Ca and Ba/Ca ratios. This approach allowed us to correctly classify 99% of juvenile fish to their natal streams using cross‐validation in a linear discriminant function analysis (LDFA). Patterns of otolith isotopic composition correspond with patterns in regional geology as expected based on previously demonstrated correlations, although some fine‐scale spatial differences cannot be accounted for by available geologic information. These results demonstrate that otolith chemistry is valuable as a natural marker of natal origins in this system and suggest that inferences from geologic maps may be useful for interpreting movements based on otolith geochemical signatures. This information provides the basis for future work to investigate the early life history and spatial ecology of this important cichlid.
Bortezomib induces thrombocytopenia by the inhibition of proplatelet formation of megakaryocytes
Authors: Murai Kazunori , Kowata Shugo , Shimoyama Tadashi , Yashima‐Abo Akiko , Fujishima Yukiteru , Ito Shigeki , Ishida Yoji
Published: April 2014

Bortezomib is a potent proteasome inhibitor that has been extensively used to treat multiple myeloma. One of the most common grade 3 adverse events is cyclic thrombocytopenia. In this study, we studied the mechanism by which bortezomib induces thrombocytopenia in a mouse model. After the intravenous administration of bortezomib (2.5 mg/kg) via tail vein, platelet counts significantly decreased on days 2–4 and recovered to the normal range on day 6. Bortezomib (2.5 mg/kg) injected into mice in vivo did not affect colony‐forming unit‐megakaryocytes (CFU‐Mk) or megakaryocytes in the bone marrow. However, proplatelet formation (PPF) significantly decreased on days 2 and 4, after bortezomib administration to mice. Meanwhile, CFU‐Mk formation and the ploidy distribution of cultured megakaryocytes in vitro were not affected by bortezomib used at concentrations of ≤1 ng/mL. The PPF of megakaryocytes in vitro significantly decreased with 0.1, 1, 10, and 100 ng/mL bortezomib. Considering the bortezomib concentration in clinical studies, these data strongly suggest that decreased PPF activity induces thrombocytopenia. To elucidate the mechanism behind decreased PPF, Western blot was performed. Activated Rho expression increased after the incubation of murine platelets with bortezomib. Decreased PPF activity was eliminated by the addition of Y27632, a Rho kinase inhibitor, in vitro. Given that the Rho/Rho kinase pathway is a negative regulator of PPF, bortezomib increases activated Rho, inducing decreased PPF, which results in decreased platelet count.
Antibodies and antibody‐drug conjugates in the treatment of Hodgkin lymphoma
Authors: Eichenauer Dennis A. , Engert Andreas
Published: April 2014

Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) is a B cell‐derived lymphoid malignancy most often affecting young adults. More than 80% of HL patients achieve long‐term remission after appropriate first‐line treatment consisting of multiagent chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy (RT). In addition, approximately 50% of patients with disease recurrence remain relapse‐free after salvage therapy with high‐dose chemotherapy followed by autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT). However, patients with multiple relapses are mostly in a palliative situation, and novel drugs for this patient group are needed. Furthermore, novel less toxic but equally effective first‐line and second‐line approaches are required as therapy‐related late sequelae represent a relevant cause of morbidity and mortality in HL survivors. Several antibodies and antibody‐drug conjugates (ADC) targeting CD30 and CD20 have recently been evaluated in HL. Excellent response rates in heavily pretreated patients were observed with the ADC brentuximab vedotin directed against CD30. Thus, ongoing trials investigate brentuximab vedotin in different additional indications. One example is the first‐line treatment of advanced HL where the drug is currently being evaluated in combination with variants of the first‐line protocols ABVD (adriamycin, bleomycin, vinblastine, dacarbazine) and escalated BEACOPP (bleomycin, etoposide, adriamycin, cyclophosphamide, vincristine, procarbazine, prednisone). Anti‐CD20 antibodies given either as single agent or in combination with conventional chemotherapy have also been investigated and still undergo investigation in prospective studies including HL patients. This article reviews the available data on treatment approaches including antibodies and ADC in HL patients.
Frequency of selected single nucleotide polymorphisms influencing the warfarin pharmacogenetics in Slovak population
Authors: Krajčíová Ľubica , Petrovič Robert , Déžiová Ľudmila , Chandoga Ján , Turčáni Peter
Published: April 2014

Objective

Warfarin represents the most commonly prescribed oral anticoagulants, which functions as an antagonist of vitamin K, an essential factor of blood coagulation cascade. Warfarin has a narrow therapeutic index. An insufficient dose can cause failure of antithrombotic effect, and an overdose increases a risk of bleeding. It is known that variability in two genes (CYP2C9 and VKORC1) has a significant effect on individual response to warfarin dose. These polymorphisms influence more than one‐third of known warfarin dose effect. Pharmacogenetics of warfarin is less affected by polymorphisms in the other genes such as CYP4F2, CYP2C19, and GGCX.

Material and Methods

The frequency of selected single nucleotide polymorphisms including CYP2C9*2 (430C>T), CYP2C9*3 (1075A>C), VKORC1*2 (−1639G>A/1173C>T), VKORC1*3 (3730G>A), GGCX (12970C>G, 8016G>A), CYP2C19*2 (681G>A), and CYP4F2*3 (1297G>A) was tested in a control group consisting of 112 randomly selected individuals by allele‐specific real‐time PCR, restriction fragment length polymorphism, and bidirectional PCR allele‐specific amplification.

Results and Discussion

The current results were statistically evaluated and compared with other populations. The presented results in Slovak population which is in Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium were compared with the prevalence in different countries. The incidence of selected polymorphisms in Slovak population correlates with Caucasians.
The effect of striatal pre‐enkephalin overexpression in the basal ganglia of the 1‐methyl‐4‐phenyl‐1,2,3,6‐tetrahydropyridine mouse model of Parkinson's disease
Authors: Bissonnette Stéphanie , Muratot Sophie , Vernoux Nathalie , Bezeau François , Calon Frédéric , Hébert Sébastien S. , Samadi Pershia
Published: April 2014

The midbrain dopamine (DA) cell death underlying Parkinson's disease (PD) is associated with upregulation of pre‐enkephalin (pENK) in striatopallidal neurons. Our previous results obtained with 1‐methyl‐4‐phenyl‐1,2,3,6‐tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) parkinsonian monkeys suggest that increased striatal expression of pENK mRNA is a compensatory mechanism to alleviate PD‐related motor symptoms. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that increased pENK expression in the striatum protects against the neurotoxic insults of MPTP in mice. To this end, recombinant adeno‐associated virus serotype 2 also containing green fluorescent protein was used to overexpress pENK prior to DA depletion. Our results showed that overexpression of pENK in the striatum of MPTP mice induced: (i) increased levels of the opioid peptide enkephalin (ENK) in the striatum; (ii) higher densities of ENK‐positive fibers in both the globus pallidus (GP) and the substantia nigra; (iii) higher locomotor activity; and (iv) a higher density of striatal tyrosine hydroxylase‐positive fibers in the striatum. In addition, striatal overexpression of pENK in MPTP ‐treated mice led to 52 and 43% higher DA concentrations and DA turnover, respectively, in the GP compared to sham‐treated MPTP mice. These observations are in agreement with the idea that increased expression of pENK at an early stage of disease can improve PD symptoms.
Environmental heterogeneity as a universal driver of species richness across taxa, biomes and spatial scales
Authors: Stein Anke , Gerstner Katharina , Kreft Holger
Published: April 2014

Environmental heterogeneity is regarded as one of the most important factors governing species richness gradients. An increase in available niche space, provision of refuges and opportunities for isolation and divergent adaptation are thought to enhance species coexistence, persistence and diversification. However, the extent and generality of positive heterogeneity–richness relationships are still debated. Apart from widespread evidence supporting positive relationships, negative and hump‐shaped relationships have also been reported. In a meta‐analysis of 1148 data points from 192 studies worldwide, we examine the strength and direction of the relationship between spatial environmental heterogeneity and species richness of terrestrial plants and animals. We find that separate effects of heterogeneity in land cover, vegetation, climate, soil and topography are significantly positive, with vegetation and topographic heterogeneity showing particularly strong associations with species richness. The use of equal‐area study units, spatial grain and spatial extent emerge as key factors influencing the strength of heterogeneity–richness relationships, highlighting the pervasive influence of spatial scale in heterogeneity–richness studies. We provide the first quantitative support for the generality of positive heterogeneity–richness relationships across heterogeneity components, habitat types, taxa and spatial scales from landscape to global extents, and identify specific needs for future comparative heterogeneity–richness research.
Are the Costs of Site Unfamiliarity Compensated With Vigilance? A Field Test in Eurasian Siskins
Authors: Pascual Jordi , Senar Juan Carlos , Domènech Jordi
Published: April 2014

Determination of fitness differentials between individuals adopting different migratory and dispersal strategies is basic to understand the evolution of migration. In the Eurasian siskin Carduelis spinus, both resident and transient birds forage within the same wintering area, providing the rare opportunity to compare their foraging behaviour in the same area and habitat. The aim of this study was to test the predictions associated to the different hypothesized costs of transience by studying the vigilance and foraging behaviour of wild wintering siskins foraging at three bird tables with different predation risk and interference competition levels. Transient siskins showed longer scan durations than residents, either because of site unfamiliarity or subordination (i.e. prior‐occupancy effect). However, residents and transients did not differ in aggression rates, contrary to the dear‐enemy effect. Transient siskins did not show a higher allocation of time to vigilance, contrary to the hypothesis of compensation vigilance to reduce predation risk by dispersing animals. Moreover, transients increased pecking rate with increasing predation risk, showed lower scan rates, longer foraging bouts and, in males, presented marginally higher proportions far from cover. Altogether these results strongly support the hypothesis that transients incur a predation cost due to a less efficient vigilance and foraging system.
Use of laser capture microdissection for the assessment of equine lamellar basal epithelial cell signalling in the early stages of laminitis
Authors: Leise B. S. , Watts M. R. , Roy S. , Yilmaz A. S. , Alder H. , Belknap J. K.
Published: April 2014

Reasons for performing study

Dysadhesion of laminar basal epithelial cells (LBECs) from the underlying dermis is the central event leading to structural failure in equine laminitis. Although many studies of sepsis‐related laminitis have reported multiple events occurring throughout the lamellar tissue, there is minimal information regarding signalling events occurring specifically inLBECs.

Objectives

To determine signalling events in theLBECsduring the early stages of carbohydrate‐induced laminitis.

Study design

Experimental study.

Methods

Eight horses were given an overload of carbohydrate (CHO) consisting of corn starch mixture via nasogastric tube. Prior to administration ofCHO, lamellar biopsies were taken from the left forefoot (control [CON]). Biopsies were taken from the left hind foot at the onset of fever (developmental [DEV]) and from the right forefoot at the onset of Obelgrade 1lameness (OG1). Laminar basal epithelial cells were isolated from cryosections using a laser capture microdissection (LCM) microscope. Next generation sequencing (RNA‐seq) was used to identify transcripts expressed in theLBECsfor each time point and bioinformatic analysis was performed with thresholds for between group comparisons set at a greater than 2‐fold change and P value ≤0.05.

Results

Forty genes (22 increased/18 decreased) were significantly different fromDEVtime vs.CONand 107 genes (57 increased/50 decreased) were significantly different fromOG1time vs.CON. Significant increases in inflammatory genes were present in addition to significantly altered expression of genes related to extracellular matrix composition, stability and turnover.

Conclusions

Signalling related to inflammatory response and extracellular matrix regulation was strongly represented at theDEVandOG1times. These results indicate that theLBECis not only a casualty but also an active participant in lamellar events leading to structural failure of the digital lamellae in equine laminitis.
Wnt5a – a potential factor linking psoriasis to metabolic complications
Authors: Gerdes Sascha , Laudes Matthias , Neumann Katrin , Baurecht Hansjoerg , Mrowietz Ulrich
Published: April 2014

Psoriasis is associated with comorbidity including obesity, insulin resistance and diabetes mellitus type 2. In obesity, the protein wingless‐type MMTV integration site Family, Member 5a (wnt5a) is released from adipose tissue macrophages and was shown to be of importance in the development of insulin resistance. As wnt5a was also shown to be upregulated in psoriatic skin lesions, we investigated whether wnt5a and its counterpart secreted frizzled‐related protein 5 are altered in the circulation of lean and obese patients with psoriasis compared with lean and obese healthy volunteers by measuring serum concentrations of both proteins. Our results showed that wnt5a was significantly higher in lean patients with psoriasis (0.096 ng/ml; SD 0.12) compared with lean healthy controls (0.020 ng/ml; SD 0.04; P ≤ 0.01) as well as in obese patients (0.177 ng/ml; SD 0.14) compared with obese healthy controls (0.011 ng/ml; SD 0.03; P ≤ 0.001). Therefore, we suggest that in psoriasis, an increase in wnt5a may contribute to the development of metabolic comorbidity.
Non‐equilibrium atmospheric pressure plasmas modulate cell cycle‐related gene expressions in melanocytic tumors of RET‐transgenic mice
Authors: Yajima Ichiro , Iida Machiko , Kumasaka Mayuko Y. , Omata Yasuhiro , Ohgami Nobutaka , Chang Jie , Ichihara Sahoko , Hori Masaru , Kato Masashi
Published: April 2014

The incidence of cutaneous malignant melanoma is increasing at a greater rate than that of any other cancer in the world. However, an effective therapy for malignant melanoma has not been established. Recently, some studies have shown an antitumor effect of non‐equilibrium atmospheric pressure plasmas (NEAPPs) in vitro. Here, we examined the in vivo effect of NEAPP on cell cycle regulators, key elements for malignant transformation, in spontaneously developed benign melanocytic tumors in a hairless animal model. NEAPP irradiation decreased expression levels of cell cycle promoters, Cyclin D1, E1 and E2, and increased expression level of a cell cycle repressor, p27KIP1. Cyclin D1, E1 and E2 and p27KIP expression levels were associated with malignant transformation of the benign tumor in the animal model. Our results suggest that NEAPP irradiation suppresses malignant transformation of a benign melanocytic tumor via control of the expression levels of cell cycle regulators.
Shared Parenting—Have We Really Closed the Gap?: A Comment on AFCC's Think Tank Report
Authors: Cognetti Maria P. , Chmil Nadya J.
Published: April 2014

This article provides a review of the final report of the AFCC Think Tank on Research, Policy, Practice, and Shared Parenting from our perspectives as practicing family law attorneys. Specifically, we call into question some of the consensus points of the think tank report, particularly related to the term “custody” as defined in family law. We also expound upon some of the legal rules and doctrines discussed within the think tank report and consider the way some states refer to child custody in their statutes. We agree with the use of factors in deciding custody arrangements on an individualized case‐by‐case basis upon consideration of the best interests of the child, but also consider the reality of the court system today and alternatives to the court system such as alternative dispute resolution.

Key Points for the Family Court Community:

The think tank report recognizes that the concept of child custody is evolving, yet the report is idealistic and falls short in recognizing the reality of custody law and practice today in that our courts and legislatures cannot always keep up with changing social and psychological beliefs and trends.

The term “custody” can have several different meanings as it relates to family law, and it is important for practitioners to be specific in identifying what form of custody is being sought after or referenced.
Dangers Associated With The Avoidance Of Evidence‐Based Practice
Authors: Lamb Michael E.
Published: April 2014

This commentary notes that the report on the AFCC Think Tank on Research, Policy, Practice, and Shared Parenting acknowledges some well‐established research conclusions with respect to the ways in which children's well‐being can be affected by their parents' separation, but avoids making explicit or innovative recommendations for practice. This refusal to engage with implications for practice was repeatedly justified by superficial reference to individual differences and the need for individualized decision making, but the failure to recognize areas where the research literature can be helpful, although not determinative, is disappointing. The commentary ends with a discussion of the known risks of individualized decisions that are not adequately informed by research.

Key Points for the Family Court Community:

Empirical research should inform practice.

Individualization does not preclude guidelines.

Biased decision making is problematic.
Parental Separation and Overnight Care of Young Children, Part I: Consensus Through Theoretical and Empirical Integration
Authors: Pruett Marsha Kline , McIntosh Jennifer E. , Kelly Joan B.
Published: April 2014

The AFCC Think Tank on Research, Policy, Practice, and Shared Parenting was convened in response to an identified need for a progression of thinking in the family law field, removed from the current polarizing debates surrounding the postseparation care of infants and very young children. We share this goal as our research and commentaries have been centrally implicated in the current controversies. Our collaboration over this empirical paper and its clinical counterpart endorses the need for higher‐order thinking, away from dichotomous arguments, to more inclusive solutions grounded in an integrated psycho‐developmental perspective. We first critically appraise the theoretical and empirical origins of current controversies relevant to attachment and parental involvement research. We then describe how attachment and parental involvement contribute complementary perspectives that, taken together, provide a sound basis from which to understand the needs of very young children in separated families. As a companion piece, Part II offers a collective view of a way forward for decision making about overnights for infants and young children, toward the integration of theoretical and empirical with clinical wisdom.

Key Points for the Family Court Community:

An integrative perspective suggests that the goals of attachment and early parental (typically paternal) involvement with very young children after separation are mutually attainable and mutually reinforcing rather than exclusive choices.

An optimal goal for the family is a “triadic secure base” developed through a co‐parenting environment that supports the child's secure attachment with each parent and the recognition by each parent of the other's importance to the child.

Cautions against overnight care during the first three years are not supported. The limited available research substantiates some caution about higher frequency overnight schedules with young children, particularly when the child's relationship with a second parent has not been established and/or parents are in frequent conflict to which the child is exposed.
Joint Legal Custody Presumptions: A Troubling Legal Shortcut
Authors: Ver Steegh Nancy , Gould‐Saltman Hon. Dianna
Published: April 2014

This article examines the legal operation and impact of legal custody presumptions. We compare the nature of joint legal and joint physical custody and explore common misunderstandings about how presumptions work and their practical repercussions for children and parents. We conclude that legal custody presumptions are not suited to the task of promoting quality decision making and healthy parent–child relationships and they recommend alternative approaches.

Key Points for the Family Court Community:

The operation and impact of legal custody presumptions are often misunderstood by practitioners.

The goal of quality decision making on behalf of children is more realistically achieved through other approaches.
Perspectives on Joint Custody Presumptions as Applied to Domestic Violence Cases
Authors: Brinig Margaret F. , Frederick Loretta M. , Drozd Leslie M.
Published: April 2014

Despite the trend toward statutory presumptions in favor of joint legal and physical custody, practitioners increasingly recognize that domestic violence has serious implications for the efficacy and safety of parenting and shared care. This article explores the implications of domestic violence for shared parenting and for the statutory legal and physical custody presumptions and exceptions which are triggered by or are applicable to domestic violence. This article proposes that a better framework for addressing intimate partner violence–related custody cases is one that guides practitioners toward fact‐based determinations of the implications of the violence for parenting and co‐parenting in individual cases.

Key Points for the Family Court Community:

Parents who are coercive controlling abusers frequently exhibit the types of problematic parenting behaviors which make shared parenting unrealistic.

Instead of applying blanket joint custody presumptions, all family court practitioners, including judges, should: (1) be alert to signs that domestic violence may be an issue; (2) understand the nature and context of any abuse; (3) determine the implications, if any, of the abuse for parenting and co‐parenting; and (4) account for the violence and its implications in their handling of cases.

Exceptions for domestic violence cases fail to prevent the inappropriate application of joint custody presumptions to many families for whom domestic violence is a significant issue because: (1) abuse is often not detected by the system, (2) victims have problems proving that the abuse occurred, and (3) many practitioners are disinclined to believe that the abuse occurred.
There is a critical weight range for Australia's declining tropical mammals
Authors: Murphy Brett P. , Davies Hugh F.
Published: April 2014

Many mammals in Australia's tropical north are in severe decline, yet understanding of the drivers of this decline is remarkably limited. Recently, Fisher et al. (Global Ecology and Biogeography, 2014, 23, 181−190) examined the traits that are associated with declining marsupial species in northern Australia. They concluded that, in this region, declines are most pronounced in the smallest species (those with the lowest body mass). This is in strong contrast to the significant declines that occurred earlier in central and southern Australia before the mid 20th century, which were most pronounced in medium‐sized species, the so‐called ‘critical weight range’ (35−5500 g). Here we show that Fisher et al. have misinterpreted their dataset; in northern Australia, the pattern of mammal decline in relation to body mass is remarkably similar to that in central and southern Australia, with mammal decline strongly concentrated in the critical weight range, suggesting fundamentally similar drivers between north and south.
Pyrogeographic models, feedbacks and the future of global fire regimes
Authors: Bowman David M. J. S. , Murphy Brett P. , Williamson Grant J. , Cochrane Mark A.
Published: April 2014

Conceptual and phenomenological macroecological models of current global fire activity have demonstrated the overwhelming control exerted by primary productivity. Fire activity is very high in savanna regions with intermediate primary productivity, and very low in both densely forested regions with high productivity and arid/cold regions with low productivity. However, predicting future global fire activity using such macroecological models of fire's global ‘niche’ may not be possible because of the feedbacks between fire, climate and vegetation that underpin the fire−productivity relationship. Improving forecasts of global fire activity demands the use of dynamic models to determine how climate, CO2, vegetation (i.e. canopy closure and plant functional types) and primary productivity constrain fire and evaluation of the strength of feedbacks amongst these variables.
Self‐rated health and associated factors among older people living alone in Shanghai
Authors: Chen Yu , While Alison E , Hicks Allan
Published: April 2014

Aim

Self‐rated health is a reliable and important health measure related to older people's mortality and quality of life. Few studies regarding the self‐rated health of older people living alone have been carried out in Mainland China. The present study aimed to investigate the self‐rated health of older people living alone in Shanghai and its associated factors.

Methods

A stratified random cluster sample of 521 community‐dwelling older people living alone in Shanghai completed structured questionnaires through face‐to‐face interviews. The data collected included self‐rated health, physical health, depression, functional ability, physical activity, health services satisfaction, loneliness, social support and sociodemographic variables.

Results

More than two‐fifths of the participants (43.2%) reported good self‐rated health. Multinomial logistic regression analyses found that chronic disease, acute disease, functional ability, satisfaction with health services, depression and age were predictors of self‐rated health.

Conclusions

Identifying factors associated with the self‐rated health of older people living alone could inform the delivery of appropriate health and social care interventions to promote older people's health. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2015; 15: 457–464.
Lack of recombinant factor VIII B‐domain induces phospholipid vesicle aggregation: implications for the immunogenicity of factor VIII
Authors: Grushin K. , Miller J. , Dalm D. , Parker E. T. , Healey J. F. , Lollar P. , Stoilova‐McPhie S.
Published: April 2014

Factor VIII (FVIII) is a multidomain blood plasma glycoprotein. Activated FVIII acts as a cofactor to the serine protease factor IXa within the membrane‐bound tenase complex assembled on the activated platelet surface. Defect or deficiency in FVIII causes haemophilia A, a severe hereditary bleeding disorder. Intravenous administration of plasma‐derived FVIII or recombinant FVIII concentrates restores normal coagulation in haemophilia A patients and is used as an effective therapy. In this work, we studied the biophysical properties of clinically potent recombinant FVIII forms: human FVIII full‐length (FVIII‐FL), human FVIII B‐domain deleted (FVIII‐BDD) and porcine FVIII‐BDD bound to negatively charged phospholipid vesicles at near‐physiological conditions. We used cryo‐electron microscopy (Cryo‐EM) as a direct method to evaluate the homogeneity and micro‐organization of the protein‐vesicle suspensions, which are important for FVIII therapeutic properties. Applying concurrent Cryo‐EM, circular dichroism and dynamic light scattering studies to the three recombinant FVIII forms when bound to phospholipid vesicles revealed novel properties for their functional, membrane‐bound state. The three FVIII constructs have similar activity, secondary structure distribution and bind specifically to negatively charged phospholipid membranes. Human and porcine FVIII‐BDD induce strong aggregation of the vesicles, but the human FVIII‐FL form does not. The proposed methodology is effective in characterizing and identifying differences in therapeutic recombinant FVIII membrane‐bound forms near physiological conditions, because protein‐containing aggregates are considered to be a factor in increasing the immunogenicity of protein therapeutics. This will provide better characterization and development of safer and more effective FVIII products with implications for haemophilia A treatment.
Does Helicobacter pylori Protect against Eosinophilic Esophagitis in Children?
Authors: Elitsur Yoram , Alrazzak Baraa Alabd , Preston Deborah , Demetieva Yulia
Published: April 2014

Background

Helicobacter pylori infection and eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) in children seem to have a reversed association with socioeconomic status (hygienic condition) and allergy conditions. While Hp infection (Hp) is highly associated with poor hygiene and/or poor socioeconomic status, but not with allergic conditions (asthma, rhinitis, etc.), EoE has the opposite epidemiological relationship (high association with allergy but low with low hygienic conditions).

Aim

To investigate the association between Hp infection and EoE in children.

Methods

A retrospective chart review of all children who undergo the first upper endoscopy procedure in the gastroenterology clinic, between 2007 and 2012, was performed. Demographic, endoscopic and histological data were collected. The data was divided into 4 diagnostic groups: Hp infection, EoE, reflux esophagitis, and children who had normal histology. The relationship between Hp positive children and the other groups was performed.

Results

A total of 966 charts were available for review. Esophagitis, idiopathic gastritis, EoE, and Hp infection were detected in 268 (28%), 480 (49%), 62 (6%), and 31 (3%) children, respectively. The mean age of the EoE group was significantly lower compared to all reference groups (p < .002), but no significant different was detected among the reference groups (gastritis, GERD, and Hp infection; p = 1.00). Simple logistic regression analysis using Hp infection as a predictor for EoE did not find a significant relationship between these two variables (p‐value = .471, OR = 0.478, 95% CI 0.06–3.56). However, multivariable logistic regression analysis between EoE and the reference groups indicated a significant negative relationship between Hp infection and EoE (p‐value = .023, adjusted OR = 0.096, 95%CI 0.013–0.72). Neither gastritis nor GER showed significant relationship with EoE (p‐values are 1.000 and .992, respectively).

Conclusion

A reversed association between Hp and EoE was found in a cohort of West Virginia children. The possible explanations for these findings are discussed.
Measuring HINARI use in Nigeria through a citation analysis of Nigerian Journal of Clinical Practice
Authors: Anyaoku Ebele N. , Anunobi Chinwe V.
Published: April 2014

Background

HINARI is one of the four programmes of Research4Life managed by the World Health Organization in partnership with Yale University Library. HINARI provides online access to the world's health‐related scientific literature free or at very low cost to researchers in developing countries. The research examined the use of HINARI through a 5‐year (2007–2011) citation analysis of Nigerian Journal of Clinical Practice.

Method

The study was a citation analysis of 5 years of published volumes of Nigerian Journal of Clinical Practice. The analysis was carried out using issues ranging from volume 10 (2007) to 14 (2011). The use of HINARI was determined by comparing the total journal titles and articles cited from HINARI with non‐HINARI journals in the five volumes of Nigerian Journal of Clinical Practice (NJCP).

Results

Results show that only 42.8% of the journal titles cited are available in HINARI. On the contrary, in terms of total articles cited from the journals, HINARI had a higher citation of 56.1% with a greater citation frequency of individual titles.

Conclusion

The higher article citations and repeated use of individual titles available in HINARI suggest that health researchers in Nigeria are using the HINARI resource to a measurable extent.
EGR1 supports the osteogenic differentiation of dental stem cells
Authors: Press T. , Viale‐Bouroncle S. , Felthaus O. , Gosau M. , Morsczeck C.
Published: April 2014

Aim

To evaluate whether and how the transcription factor early growth response gene 1 (EGR1) affects the osteogenic differentiation of dental stem cells.

Methodology

Dental stem cells from apical papilla (SCAPs) and from the dental follicle (DFCs) were transfected with EGR1‐specific siRNA or EGR‐1 expression plasmid. Gene regulation was verified at protein level by Western blotting. The expression of the transcription factors distal‐less homeobox 3 (DLX3), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP2), which are all regulators and markers of the osteogenic differentiation in dental stem cells, was determined by quantitative reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR). To investigate mineralization, SCAP long‐term cultures were stained with alizarin red after EGR1 over‐expression.

Results

EGR1 was induced in SCAPs during osteogenic differentiation. DLX3 and bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP2) were up‐regulated after EGR1 over‐expression and down‐regulated after EGR1 depletion. The expression of ALP was also down‐regulated after EGR1 depletion. The over‐expression of EGR1 in SCAPs promoted mineralization after osteogenic differentiation.

Conclusions

EGR1 supported the osteogenic differentiation of dental stem cells by potentially regulating the expression of DLX3 and BMP2.