bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The First Report of Bayés Syndrome in Hemodialysis Patient
Authors: Marano Marco , D'Amato Anna , Cantone Alessandra
Published: April 2016

A chronic hemodialysis patient—known to have advanced interatrial block (IAB)—had reported symptoms suggesting arrhythmias, hence she underwent hemodialysis treatment while on the cardiac monitor. This allowed us to recognize the occurrence of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation and, in turn, disclose the first case of Bayés syndrome. Even though atrial fibrillation and IAB are very frequent in hemodialysis patients, Bayés syndrome, that comprehends both, has never been described, likely because the IAB is often overlooked and undiagnosed. This case could improve the awareness of IAB and of the Bayés syndrome in hemodialysis population.
Hinchey I and II diverticular abscesses: long‐term outcome of conservative treatment
Authors: Buchwald Pamela , Dixon Liane , Wakeman Christopher J. , Eglinton Tim W. , Frizelle Frank A.
Published: April 2016

Background

The management of diverticular disease and its complications are an increasing burden to the health system. The natural history of conservatively managed diverticular abscesses (Hinchey I and II) is poorly described and it remains open to debate whether subsequent sigmoid resection is indicated after conservative management. This observational study compares outcomes of patients treated with conservative management (antibiotics +/− percutaneous drainage) and surgery.

Methods

All patients admitted at Christchurch Hospital with diverticulitis between 1 January 1998 and 31 December 2009 were recorded in a database. A retrospective analysis of patients with an abscess due to complicated diverticulitis was undertaken. Initial management, recurrence and subsequent surgery were recorded. The patients were followed until 1 January 2014.

Results

Of 1044 patients with diverticulitis, 107 with diverticular abscess were included in this analysis. The median age was 66 ± 16 and 60 were male. All patients had sigmoid diverticulitis and were diagnosed with a computed tomography. The median abscess size was 4.2 ± 2.1 cm. During median follow‐up of 110 months, the overall recurrence rate was 20% (21/107). Recurrence varied according to initial treatment; namely antibiotics (30%), percutaneous drainage plus antibiotics (27%) and surgery (5%) (P = 0.004). The median time to recurrence was 4 ± 11.7 months, and most recurrences were treated conservatively; four patients underwent delayed surgery.

Conclusion

Recurrence after diverticular abscess is higher after initial conservative treatment (antibiotics +/− percutaneous drainage) compared with surgery, however, patients with recurrent disease can be treated conservatively with similar good outcomes and few patients required further surgery.
High risks of maternal and perinatal complications in singletons born after oocyte donation
Authors: Nejdet Sarah , Bergh Christina , Källén Karin , Wennerholm Ulla‐Britt , Thurin‐Kjellberg Ann
Published: April 2016

Introduction

Previous studies have shown an increased risk of obstetric complications in pregnancies after oocyte donation (OD). The present study includes all singletons born after OD over 10 years in Sweden.

Material and methods

This was a retrospective population‐based cohort study. Data from all Swedish in vitro fertilization (IVF) clinics between 2003 and 2012 were collected. Data were cross‐linked with the Swedish Medical Birth Registry. The study included 388 OD singletons, 26 696 IVF/ICSI singletons and 999 804 spontaneously conceived (SC) singletons. An adjusted odds ratio (aOR) was calculated with adjustment for relevant confounders.

Results

Singleton OD pregnancies had a significantly increased risk of preeclampsia compared with IVF (aOR 3.05; 95% CI 2.23–4.16) and SC (aOR 2.84; 95% CI 2.10–3.84), and increased risk of postpartum hemorrhage (>1000 mL) compared with IVF (aOR 2.66; 95% CI 2.04–3.49) and SC (aOR 2.87; 95% CI 2.20–3.71), a higher risk of preterm birth (<37 weeks) compared with IVF (aOR 1.79; 95% CI 1.30–2.46) and SC (aOR 1.58; 95% CI 1.15–2.16) and a higher risk of low birthweight (<2500 g) compared with IVF (aOR 1.67; 95% CI 1.15–2.42) and SC (aOR 1.46; 95% CI 1.01–2.11). The rate of large‐for‐gestational age was significantly increased in singletons born after OD with frozen cycles than with fresh cycles (odds ratio 5.29, 95% CI 1.30–21.54).

Conclusions

Singleton pregnancies conceived after OD are associated with increased maternal and perinatal risks compared with IVF/ICSI pregnancies using the woman's own oocytes and with SC.
Farming for survival and rice for investment: The intersection of Japanese aid and Cambodian development
Authors: Horita Akiko
Published: April 2016

This paper illustrates conflicting priorities in Japan's aid policy to Cambodia and how those policies appear in the implementation of the aid. Japan's aid is driven by a strategic policy to integrate Cambodia into the regional economy while the same aid focuses on assisting small‐scale farmers in that country. On the Cambodian side, the government has employed a market‐oriented approach of development in the context of local patron/client mode of governance, in which, the agricultural policy has also become oriented towards large‐scale investment and export. By looking at the case of Japan's technical cooperation in Cambodia's rice sector, this paper examines how the conflicts within Japan's aid policy are internalised in the Cambodian context and appear as conflicts between Japanese and Cambodian approaches to agricultural development.
Impact of strategies to reduce polypharmacy on clinically relevant endpoints: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Johansson Tim , Abuzahra Muna E. , Keller Sophie , Mann Eva , Faller Barbara , Sommerauer Christina , Höck Jennifer , Löffler Christin , Köchling Anna , Schuler Jochen , Flamm Maria , Sönnichsen Andreas
Published: April 2016

Aim

The aim of the present study was to explore the impact of strategies to reduce polypharmacy on mortality, hospitalization and change in number of drugs.

Methods

Systematic review and meta‐analysis: a systematic literature search targeting patients ≥65 years with polypharmacy (≥4 drugs), focusing on patient‐relevant outcome measures, was conducted. We included controlled studies aiming to reduce polypharmacy. Two reviewers independently assessed studies for eligibility, extracted data and evaluated study quality.

Results

Twenty‐five studies, including 10 980 participants, were included, comprising 21 randomized controlled trials and four nonrandomized controlled trials. The majority of the included studies aimed at improving quality or the appropriateness of prescribing by eliminating inappropriate and non‐evidence‐based drugs. These strategies to reduce polypharmacy had no effect on all‐cause mortality (odds ratio 1.02; 95% confidence interval 0.84, 1.23). Only single studies found improvements, in terms of reducing the number of hospital admissions, in favour of the intervention group. At baseline, patients were taking, on average, 7.4 drugs in both the intervention and the control groups. At follow‐up, the weighted mean number of drugs was reduced (−0.2) in the intervention group but increased (+0.2) in controls.

Conclusions

There is no convincing evidence that the strategies assessed in the present review are effective in reducing polypharmacy or have an impact on clinically relevant endpoints. Interventions are complex; it is still unclear how best to organize and implement them to achieve a reduction in inappropriate polypharmacy. There is therefore a need to develop more effective strategies to reduce inappropriate polypharmacy and to test them in large, pragmatic randomized controlled trials on effectiveness and feasibility.
False Prolongation of Prothrombin Time in the Presence of a High Blood Concentration of Daptomycin
Authors: Yamada Tomoyuki , Kato Ryuji , Oda Kazutaka , Tanaka Hidema , Suzuki Kaoru , Ijiri Yoshio , Ikemoto Toshiyuki , Nishihara Masami , Hayashi Tetsuya , Tanaka Kazuhiko , Tamai Hiroshi , Ukimura Akira , Katsumata Takahiro
Published: April 2016

Prothrombin time (PT) can reportedly be falsely prolonged by the antimicrobial drug daptomycin (DAP), and concomitant use of phosphatidylglycerol (PG). Although high doses of DAP (>6 mg/kg/day) are recommended for severe infection and result in a high blood concentration, the extent to which high blood concentrations of DAP interfere with PT, in the presence or absence of PG, has yet to be determined when using the HemosIL RecombiPlasTin 2G (Werfen Japan, Tokyo, Japan). We examined the effects of high doses of DAP on PT using this reagent. DAP (0–500 mg/L) was added to normal plasma and plasma with an already prolonged PT in the presence or absence of liposomal amphotericin B (L‐AMB, 5–50 mg/L) or COATSOME EL‐01 empty cationic liposomes (CS, 25–250 mg/L). Furthermore, we undertook a Monte Carlo simulation to calculate the probability of achieving DAP concentrations >100, >200 and >500 mg/L 0–48 hr after administering 6–12 mg/kg of DAP. Apparent PT increased with increasing DAP concentration, but neither L‐AMB nor CS appeared to further elevate PT when co‐administered with DAP. The probability of achieving DAP concentrations >100 and >200 mg/L increased with DAP dose. Higher doses of DAP than the approved dose caused false prolongation of PT. PT should be monitored carefully in patients taking high doses of DAP; ideally, PT should be measured at the trough blood concentration of DAP. Concomitant use of L‐AMB and CS did not generally further elevate PT when co‐administered with DAP.
Iron Supplements and Magnesium Peroxide: An Example of a Hazardous Combination in Self‐Medication
Authors: Vrolijk Misha F. , Opperhuizen Antoon , Jansen Eugène H. J. M. , Bast Aalt , Haenen Guido R. M. M.
Published: April 2016

The use of self‐medication, which includes dietary supplements and over‐the‐counter drugs, is still on the rise, while safety issues are not well addressed yet. This especially holds for combinations. For example, iron supplements and magnesium peroxide both produce adverse effects via the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). This prompted us to investigate the effect of the combination of three different iron supplements with magnesium peroxide on ROS formation. Hydroxyl radical formation by the three iron supplements either combined with magnesium peroxide or alone was determined by performing a deoxyribose assay. Free iron content of iron supplements was determined using ferrozine assay. To determine hydrogen peroxide formation by magnesium peroxide, a ferrous thiocyanate assay was performed. Finally, electron spin resonance spectroscopy (ESR) was performed to confirm the formation of hydroxyl radicals. Our results show that magnesium peroxide induces the formation of hydrogen peroxide. All three iron supplements induced the formation of the extremely reactive hydroxyl radical, although the amount of radicals formed by the different supplements differed. It was shown that combining iron supplements with magnesium peroxide increases radical formation. The formation of hydroxyl radicals after the combination was confirmed with ESR. All three iron supplements contained labile iron and induced the formation of hydroxyl radicals. Additionally, magnesium peroxide in water yields hydrogen peroxide, which is converted into hydroxyl radicals by iron. Hence, iron supplements and magnesium peroxide is a hazardous combination and exemplifies that more attention should be given to combinations of products used in self‐medication.
Accounting for Interactions and Complex Inter-Subject Dependency in Estimating Treatment Effect in Cluster-Randomized Trials with Missing Outcomes
Authors: Prague Melanie , Wang Rui , Stephens Alisa , Tchetgen Tchetgen Eric , DeGruttola Victor
Published: April 2016

Semi-parametric methods are often used for the estimation of intervention effects on correlated outcomes in cluster-randomized trials (CRTs). When outcomes are missing at random (MAR), Inverse Probability Weighted (IPW) methods incorporating baseline covariates can be used to deal with informative missingness. Also, augmented generalized estimating equations (AUG) correct for imbalance in baseline covariates but need to be extended for MAR outcomes. However, in the presence of interactions between treatment and baseline covariates, neither method alone produces consistent estimates for the marginal treatment effect if the model for interaction is not correctly specified. We propose an AUG–IPW estimator that weights by the inverse of the probability of being a complete case and allows different outcome models in each intervention arm. This estimator is doubly robust (DR); it gives correct estimates whether the missing data process or the outcome model is correctly specified. We consider the problem of covariate interference which arises when the outcome of an individual may depend on covariates of other individuals. When interfering covariates are not modeled, the DR property prevents bias as long as covariate interference is not present simultaneously for the outcome and the missingness. An R package is developed implementing the proposed method. An extensive simulation study and an application to a CRT of HIV risk reduction-intervention in South Africa illustrate the method.
Central nervous system involvement in AIDS‐related lymphomas
Authors: Barta Stefan K. , Joshi Jitesh , Mounier Nicolas , Xue Xiaonan , Wang Dan , Ribera Josep‐Maria , Navarro Jose‐Tomas , Hoffmann Christian , Dunleavy Kieron , Little Richard F. , Wilson Wyndham H. , Spina Michele , Galicier Lionel , Noy Ariela , Sparano Joseph A.
Published: April 2016

Central nervous system (CNS) involvement is reportedly more common in acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)‐related lymphomas (ARL). We describe factors and outcomes associated with CNS involvement at baseline (CNSB) and relapse (CNSR) in 886 patients with newly diagnosed ARL. Of 886 patients, 800 received either intrathecal (IT) therapy for CNSB or IT prophylaxis. CNSB was found in 13%. CNSB was not associated with reduced overall survival (OS). There was no difference in the prevalence of CNSB between the pre‐combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) and cART eras. 5·3% of patients experienced CNSR at a median of 4·2 months after diagnosis (12% if CNSB; 4% if not). Median OS after CNSR was 1·6 months. On multivariate analysis, only CNSB [hazard ratio (HR) 3·68, P = 0·005] and complete response to initial therapy (HR 0·14, P < 0·0001) were significantly associated with CNSR. When restricted to patients without CNSB, IT CNS prophylaxis with 3 vs. 1 agent did not significantly impact the risk of CNSR. Despite IT CNS prophylaxis, 5% of patients experienced CNSR. Our data confirms that CNSR in ARL occurs early and has a poor outcome. Complete response to initial therapy was associated with a reduced frequency of CNSR. Although CNSB conferred an increased risk for CNSR, it did not impact OS.
Improvement of medical care in a cohort of newborns with sickle‐cell disease in North Paris: impact of national guidelines
Authors: Couque Nathalie , Girard Delphine , Ducrocq Rolande , Boizeau Priscilla , Haouari Zinedine , Missud Florence , Holvoet Laurent , Ithier Ghislaine , Belloy Marie , Odièvre Marie‐Héléne , Benemou Michel , Benhaim Patricia , Retali Brigitte , Bensaid Philippe , Monier Brigitte , Brousse Valentine , Amira Roger , Orzechowski Christine , Lesprit Emmanuelle , Mangyanda Laurent , Garrec Nathalie , Elion Jacques , Alberti Corinne , Baruchel André , Benkerrou Malika
Published: April 2016

We conducted a retrospective study on newborns with sickle‐cell disease (SCD), born 1995–2009, followed in a multicentre hospital‐based network. We assessed patient outcomes, medical care and compliance with the national guidelines published in December 2005. Data from 1033 patients (742 SS/Sβ°‐thalassaemia) with 6776 patient‐years of follow‐up were analysed (mean age 7·1 ± 3·9 years). SCD‐related deaths (n = 13) occurred only in SS‐genotype patients at a median age of 23·1 months, mainly due to acute anaemia (n = 5, including 2 acute splenic sequestrations) and infection (n = 3). Treatment non‐compliance was associated with a 10‐fold higher risk of SCD‐related death (P = 0·01). Therapeutic intensification was provided for all stroke patients (n = 12), almost all patients with abnormal transcranial Doppler (TCD) (n = 76) or with >1 acute chest syndrome/lifetime (n = 64) and/or ≥3 severe vaso‐occlusive crises/year (n = 100). Only 2/3 of patients with baseline haemoglobin <70 g/l received intensification, mainly for other severity criteria. Overall, hydroxycarbamide was under‐prescribed, given to 2/3 of severe vaso‐occlusive patients and 1/3 of severely anaemic patients. Nevertheless, introduction of the on‐line guidelines was concomitant with an improvement in medical care in the 2006–2009 cohort with a trend towards increased survival at 5 years, from 98·3% to 99·2%, significantly increased TCD coverage (P = 0·004) and earlier initiation of intensification of therapy (P ≤ 0·01).
How we manage immune thrombocytopenia in the elderly
Authors: Mahévas Matthieu , Michel Marc , Godeau Bertrand
Published: April 2016

With prolonged life expectancy, immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is frequent in elderly people. In this setting, ITP diagnosis is challenging because of the concern about an underlying myelodysplastic syndrome. Studies of older adults are lacking, and recommendations for treatment are based mainly on expert opinion. The therapeutic strategy differs from that for younger patients and must take into account the greater risk of bleeding and thrombosis, presence of comorbidities, possible impaired cognitive performance or poor life expectancy and concomitant medications, such as anticoagulant and antiplatelet therapy. Steroids and intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) therapy remain the first‐line treatments in elderly patients, but prolonged treatment with steroids should be avoided and IVIg treatment may lead to renal failure. Splenectomy is less effective than in young patients and risk of thrombosis is increased. Severe co‐morbidities can also contraindicate surgery. Therefore, other second‐line treatments are frequently preferred. Danazol and dapsone can be an option for the less severe ITP form. Rituximab is a good option except in patients with a history of infection or with hypogammaglobulinaemia. Thrombopoietin agonists are attractive, especially for patients with severe comorbidities or with limited life expectancy but the risk of thrombosis is a concern.
Increased iron stores prolong the QT interval – a general population study including 20 261 individuals and meta‐analysis of thalassaemia major
Authors: Henriksen Lise Fischer , Petri Anne‐Sofie , Hasselbalch Hans Carl , Kanters Jørgen Kim , Ellervik Christina
Published: April 2016

The prolongation of cardiac repolarization (QT interval) has been investigated in studies of patients with secondary iron overload. However, no previous population‐based study examining the effect of increased iron stores on QT interval prolongation has previously been undertaken. We tested the hypothesis that increased iron stores and haemochromatosis genotype (genetically increased iron stores) are associated with prolongation of the QT interval. We included 20 261 individuals from the Danish General Suburban Population Study and examined differences in QT interval according to ferritin concentration, transferrin saturation, iron concentration, transferrin concentration and haemochromatosis genotype (C282Y/C282Y). Furthermore, we performed a meta‐analysis of case‐control studies on thalassaemia major patients and QT interval. Age‐ and C‐reactive protein‐adjusted mean corrected QT (QTc) intervals for ferritin concentration ≥99% vs. ≥25–<50% percentile were 418·9 ms vs. 412·7 ms in men (P < 0·001) and 422·4 ms vs. 419·1 ms in women (P = 0·78). Corresponding values for transferrin saturation were 417·6 ms vs. 412·6 ms in men (P = 0·02) and 421·5 ms vs. 419·4 ms in women (P = 0·86). The associations were not explained by inflammation and haemochromatosis genotype was not associated with QT interval length. In conclusion, increased iron stores, independent of haemochromatosis genotype and inflammation, are associated with prolongation of the QTc interval in men. This is a novel finding. In addition, the meta‐analysis showed prolonged QT interval in thalassaemia major patients compared to healthy controls.
Common Impact of Chronic Kidney Disease and Brain Microhemorrhages on Cerebral Aβ Pathology in SHRSP
Authors: Pirici Daniel , Stanaszek Luiza , Garz Cornelia , Niklass Solveig , Heinze Hans‐Jochen , Kalinski Thomas , Attems Johannes , Schreiber Stefanie
Published: April 2016

While chronic kidney disease seems to be an independent risk factor for cognitive decline, its impact on cerebral amyloid‐β (Aβ) depositions, one hallmark of Alzheimer's Disease (AD) pathology, has not been investigated.

Utilizing 80 male nontransgenic spontaneously hypertensive stroke prone rats (SHRSP) at various ages (12 to 44 weeks), tubulointerstitial renal damage, prevalence of cerebral microhemorrhages and Aβ accumulations were quantified. Using age‐adjusted general linear models we investigated the main and interaction effects of renal damage and cerebral microhemorrhages on cerebral Aβ load. In addition, using post mortem human brain tissue of 16 stroke patients we examined the co‐localization of perivascular Aβ deposits and small vessel wall damage.

Statistical models revealed an age‐independent main effect of tubulointerstitial kidney damage on brain Aβ accumulations, which was reinforced by the consecutive presence of cerebral microhemorrhages. Moreover, cerebral microhemorrhages independently predicted brain Aβ burden in SHRSP. In up to 69% of all human cases perivascular Aβ deposits were detected in the direct vicinity of small vessel wall damage.

Our results support the associations between vascular pathology and Aβ deposition, and demonstrate a relationship between chronic kidney disease and cerebral Aβ pathology. Hence, our data suggest that prevention of chronic renal damage may reduce cerebral Aβ pathology.
Antioxidant effects of resveratrol in the cardiovascular system
Authors: Xia Ning , Daiber Andreas , Förstermann Ulrich , Li Huige
Published: April 2016

The antioxidant effects of resveratrol (3,5,4'‐trihydroxy‐trans‐stilbene) contribute substantially to the health benefits of this compound. Resveratrol has been shown to be a scavenger of a number of free radicals. However, the direct scavenging activities of resveratrol are relatively poor. The antioxidant properties of resveratrol in vivo are more likely to be attributable to its effect as a gene regulator. Resveratrol inhibits NADPH oxidase‐mediated production of ROS by down‐regulating the expression and activity of the oxidase. This polyphenolic compound reduces mitochondrial superoxide generation by stimulating mitochondria biogenesis. Resveratrol prevents superoxide production from uncoupled endothelial nitric oxide synthase by up‐regulating the tetrahydrobiopterin‐synthesizing enzyme GTP cyclohydrolase I. In addition, resveratrol increases the expression of various antioxidant enzymes. Some of the gene‐regulating effects of resveratrol are mediated by the histone/protein deacetylase sirtuin 1 or by the nuclear factor‐E2‐related factor‐2. In this review article, we have also summarized the cardiovascular effects of resveratrol observed in clinical trials.

Linked Articles

This article is part of a themed section on Redox Biology and Oxidative Stress in Health and Disease. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v174.12/issuetoc
The key role of the largest extant Neotropical frugivore (Tapirus terrestris) in promoting admixture of plant genotypes across the landscape
Authors: Giombini Mariano I. , Bravo Susana P. , Tosto Daniela S.
Published: April 2016

The historical and contemporary loss of large‐bodied frugivores has disrupted many plant‐disperser mutualisms, with potentially profound consequences for plants. Although several aspects of seed dispersal by megafrugivores have already been examined, the role of these species in promoting seed‐mediated gene flow has remained unexplored. We evaluated the role of the Amazonian tapir (Tapirus terrestris), the largest Neotropical frugivore, in shaping plant genetic structure through seed‐mediated gene flow. We used microsatellites to analyze the genetic patterns of Syagrus romanzoffiana seedlings recruited in tapir latrines and around conspecific adult palms, the two sites where seeds and seedlings are most frequently found in this species. While the genetic diversity of seedlings was rather similar in both sites, the kinship structure was substantially weaker in latrines. Most seedlings recruited around adult palms were half‐ or full‐sibs originating from those adults. In contrast, seedlings recruited in latrines came from several (>5, on average) contributing mothers other than the nearest adult (95%) and were mostly non‐sibs (72%). Kinship patterns indicated that tapir‐mediated dispersal promotes the admixture of genotypes across space. Also, our results suggested that genetic diversity and the number of contributing mothers in latrines increase with the number of fruiting adults visited by tapirs before defecating and with the accumulation of feces over time. We provide evidence of the relevance of tapirs in mobilizing maternal progenies (and genotypes) across the landscape and recruiting clusters of unrelated seedlings. This study suggests a key role for plant–megafrugivore interactions in seed‐mediated gene flow and emphasizes the importance of preserving such mutualisms.
Boosting Pose Ranking Performance via Rescoring with MM‐GBSA
Authors: Greenidge Paulette A. , Lewis Richard A. , Ertl Peter
Published: April 2016

In this self‐docking study, we address the so‐called scoring problem. The ‘scoring problem’ is the inability to unambiguously identify biologically the most relevant pose, when the docking score is the main selection criterion. We use the Molecular Mechanics/Generalized Born Surface Area and ChemPLP scoring functions to assess the structure reproduction performance. Heavy‐atom root‐mean‐squared deviation values are used to compare the docked poses with the crystallographic ones. ‘Partial matching’ is introduced. This algorithm captures the visual observation that the majority of a ligand can be well docked, but yet report a root‐mean‐squared deviation value of >2.0 Å. Often this is attributable to arbitrary placements of flexible side chains in undefined solvent regions. The metrics introduced by this algorithm are applicable for assessing the contribution of ligand sampling to the scoring problem. It is shown that rescoring ChemPLP poses with the Molecular Mechanics/Generalized Born Surface Area scoring function improves pose ranking by better discriminating against non‐cognate‐like poses. We conclude that poses should not be retained solely on their ranks, but on the score difference relative to the best‐ranked pose.
Obesity leads to declines in motor skills across childhood
Authors: Cheng J. , East P. , Blanco E. , Kang Sim E. , Castillo M. , Lozoff B. , Gahagan S.
Published: April 2016

Background

Poor motor skills have been consistently linked with a higher body weight in childhood, but the causal direction of this association is not fully understood. This study investigated the temporal ordering between children's motor skills and weight status at 5 and 10 years.

Methods

Participants were 668 children (54% male) who were studied from infancy as part of an iron deficiency anaemia preventive trial and follow‐up study in Santiago, Chile. All were healthy, full‐term and weighing 3 kg or more at birth. Cross‐lagged panel modelling was conducted to understand the temporal precedence between children's weight status and motor proficiency. Analyses also examined differences in gross and fine motor skills among healthy weight, overweight, and obese children.

Results

A higher BMI at 5 years contributed to declines in motor proficiency from 5 to 10 years. There was no support for the reverse, that is, poor motor skills at 5 years did not predict increases in relative weight from 5 to 10 years. Obesity at 5 years also predicted declines in motor proficiency. When compared with normal weight children, obese children had significantly poorer total and gross motor skills at both 5 and 10 years. Overweight children had poorer total and gross motor skills at 10 years only. The differences in total and gross motor skills among normal weight, overweight and obese children appear to increase with age. There were small differences in fine motor skill between obese and non‐obese children at 5 years only.

Conclusions

Obesity preceded declines in motor skills and not the reverse. Study findings suggest that early childhood obesity intervention efforts might help prevent declines in motor proficiency that, in turn, may positively impact children's physical activity and overall fitness levels.
Introducing Remote Enculturation: Learning Your Heritage Culture From Afar
Authors: Ferguson Gail M. , Costigan Catherine L. , Clarke Christy V. , Ge Julianna S.
Published: April 2016

Can youth living outside their heritage country become enculturated from afar via avenues of modern globalization? In this article, we expand the theory of how heritage cultural socialization occurs in transnational families by introducing the construct of remote enculturation as a modern form of cultural transmission. Remote enculturation falls within the cultural socialization category of ethnic/racial socialization and is a form of enculturation that involves learning aspects of one's heritage culture via indirect or intermittent exposure, or both. We compare and contrast remote enculturation with traditional enculturation, proposing that self‐initiated remote enculturation, in particular, has strong ties with the development of identity. Research on immigrants’ consumption of foreign media and on parenting international adoptees supports remote enculturation as a distinct avenue of cultural learning, as do the experiences of youth from immigrant families. We conclude with a research agenda to empirically evaluate the construct of remote enculturation.
What families in poverty consider supportive: welfare strategies of parents with young children in relation to (child and family) social work
Authors: Schiettecat Tineke , Roets Griet , Vandenbroeck Michel
Published: April 2016

In current European Welfare states, Child and Family Social Work has been assigned a pivotal role in constructing a route out of (child) poverty. The direction, processes and outcomes of these interventions are, however, rarely negotiated with the families involved. Based on a retrospective biographical research with parents of young children who experienced financial difficulties over time, this paper therefore seeks to uncover and understand how parents give meaning to welfare which strategies they accordingly develop and how these perspectives and welfare strategies interact with Child and Family Social Work interventions. We aim to acquire knowledge about how interventions are constructed, interpreted and being used as potentially supportive levers in realizing the well‐being of parents and children in poverty situations and explore how they may influence families' routes out of poverty. Drawing on Lister's analytical framework of agency within the bounds of structural constraints, our research provides insights in the essentially complex, multi‐layered and paradoxical nature of support and suggests that support cannot simply be perceived as synonymous to mobility out of poverty.
Vesico‐amniotic shunting for lower urinary tract obstruction in a fetus with VACTERL association
Authors: Kanasugi Tomonobu , Kikuchi Akihiko , Haba Gen , Sasaki Yuri , Isurugi Chizuko , Oyama Rie , Sugiyama Toru
Published: April 2016

Newborn cases of VACTERL association with lower urinary tract obstruction (LUTO) are rare and there have been no reports on those patients undergoing fetal therapy in English literature. We successfully performed vesico‐amniotic shunting in a fetus having LUTO caused by abnormality of the external genitalia at 16 weeks’ gestation. Although fetal karyotype was normal 46XY, follow‐up fetal ultrasound examinations revealed ventriculomegaly in the brain, a small stomach and a right multicystic dysplastic kidney. MRI at 31 weeks’ gestation suggested lobar type holoprosencephaly. Diagnosis of VACTERL association was confirmed postnatally. We consider that vesico‐amniotic shunting is indicated for a fetus of VACTERL association with LUTO if the parents wish the procedure after genetic counseling and explanations about the fetal conditions.
DID FOREIGN OWNERSHIP OF KOREAN CREDIT RATING AGENCIES IMPROVE THEIR RATINGS?
Authors: Joe Denis Yongmin , Oh Frederick Dongchuhl
Published: April 2016

In this study, we investigate whether foreign equity participation fostered the growth of Korea's credit rating industry during the 2002–2013 period. We find that the rating quality deteriorated steadily even though the foreign ownership of Korea's credit rating agencies increased: Rating levels went up. Our analysis indicates that the Korean government's policy of gradually relaxing the restrictions on foreign ownership of local credit rating agencies was ineffectual. (JEL G24, F21, F65, D43)
Diagnosing active and latent tuberculosis among Iranian HIV‐infected patients
Authors: Baghaei Parvaneh , Esmaeili Shahrbanou , Farshidpour Maham , Javanmard Pedram , Marjani Majid , Moniri Afshin , Nemati Kambiz , Tabarsi Payam
Published: April 2016

Objective

To screen for Tuberculosis (TB) in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) people in an effort to improve early TB diagnosis and reduce TB transmission.

Methods

A prospective study was conducted on adult HIV people from 2008 to 2011. Three samples of sputum, cell blood count, tuberculin skin test (TST) and chest X‐ray were obtained from all patients. The characteristics of HIV patients with TB and HIV patients without TB were compared to each other.

Results

Of the 154 HIV patients included, 58 (38%) had tuberculosis with a mean CD4 cell count of 68 cells/mm3. Active TB was found in 56 (47%) patients with a history of intravenous drug use. Cough (OR = 3.1, 95% CI 1.2–7.79), positive TST (OR = 8.15, 95% CI 3.28–20.25) and an abnormal chest X‐ray (OR = 5.1, 95% CI 1.84–14.2) were the predicting factors for detecting active TB among HIV patients. The sensitivity and specificity of a combination of any symptoms with chest X‐ray, smear, TST or all of these were 96.5% and 86.5%, respectively. CD4 cell count <100 (OR = 2.67; 95% CI 1.23–5.78) and smoking (OR = 13.4; 95% CI 3.04–59.4) remained independently associated with TB in a multivariate analysis.

Conclusion

There was a high prevalence of TB within the HIV population. Screening for TB among these patients can be carried out at every clinic or health facility using a combination of symptoms, TST, chest X‐ray and smear sample.
The Gown Must Go To Town
Authors: Essel Osuanyi Quaicoo
Published: April 2016

This article reviews the “The Gown Must Go to Town” exhibition staged in the Museum of Science and Technology, Accra, highlighting its theme as well as the Afrocentric philosophical messaging of the exhibits. Centered on the dynamism of the city, the exhibits carried conceptual information tailored to comment on the disastrous environmental consequences of the twenty‐first century inventive technological hardware, fibers, and plastic waste (and its mismanagement) that plagues the city. It made powerful visual statements, in an artistic way, of how to control these problems. However, I argue that because of the limitations placed on Ghana, Ghanaian art should pay more focused attention on industrial art instead of conceptual art. This review by no means brands conceptual art as inferior to industrialized art, but it maintains that it is through a focus on industrial art that the nation could meet its own functional and decorative needs, and cease doing so by extensive importation. This argument is based on the fact that conceptual art took its root from Africa in a non‐academic format that has long been practiced in the continent for centuries, and therefore not an emergent art in the African artistic milieu—as it is perceived to be.
The Museum Profession: Protecting and Promoting Professional Commitments
Authors: Mancino Susan
Published: April 2016

Throughout their history, museums have performed diverse public services: from preservation, collection, and exhibition, to interpretation, education, and civic engagement. As Stephen E. Weil () explains, since the mid‐twentieth century, museums have experienced two major revolutions. First, a revolution in focus from collection‐oriented to visitor‐oriented practices, and second, a revolution in public expectations as museums secured a position within the nonprofit sector (81–82). With competition for public, private, and philanthropic support resting upon measurable results, the evaluation of museums depends upon its ability to “accomplish its purpose” (5). However, the question remains: what is the museum's purpose? Which is the more important: collection and artifact preservation, or public engagement and education? An overview of museum practices reveals a multiplicity of professional tasks distributed among three imperatives: preservation, scholarship, and programming (Weil , 11). The competition for resources devoted to each of these imperatives can spark controversy—particularly if museum professionals answer the question of the purpose of museums differently. Organizational communication scholar, Janie M. Harden Fritz, developed a theoretical framework that seeks to respond to such controversies in Professional Civility: Communicating Virtue at Work. This essay considers Fritz's “professional civility” in the context of the American museum sector, lending insight to the question of museum purpose and function.
“Think With Me:” David Carr's Enduring Invitation
Authors: Sheppard Beverly , Semmel Marsha , Bossert Carol
Published: April 2016

David Wildon Carr (1945–2016) was recognized in the international cultural community as a scholar and instigator whose critical thinking challenged museum practitioners to reflect on the purpose and responsibility of their work. In his recent papers and lectures, he argued that those discussing museum experiences are late to enter into a dialogue already in progress—a dialogue which carefully considers the whole person in a community, and wherein thinking with a museum is an enterprise embedded in the learner's experience. This forum, written by three museum professionals in response to his recent untimely death, is intended to capture personal impressions of Carr's contribution to the continuing work of museums. Each author quotes from Carr's writings, since his words have such enduring strength—a strength that will continue to resonate long into the future. Each also offers readers some personal background on his work as a teacher.
Eye blink rate predicts reward decisions in adolescents
Authors: Barkley‐Levenson Emily , Galván Adriana
Published: April 2016

The ventral striatum displays hyper‐responsiveness to reward in adolescents relative to other age groups, and animal research on the developmental trajectory of the dopaminergic system suggests that dopamine may underlie adolescent sensitivity to reward. However, practical limitations prevent the direct measurement of dopamine in healthy adolescents. Eye blink rate (EBR) shows promise as a proxy measure of striatal dopamine D2 receptor function. We investigated developmental differences in the relationship between EBR and reward‐seeking behavior on a risky decision‐making task. Increasing EBR was associated with greater reward maximization on the task for adolescent but not adult participants. Furthermore, adolescents demonstrated greater sensitivity to reward value than adults, as evinced by shifts in decision patterns based on increasing potential reward. These findings suggest that previously observed adolescent behavioral and neural hypersensitivity to reward may in fact be due to greater dopamine receptor activity, as represented by the relationship of blink rate and reward‐seeking behavior. They also demonstrate the feasibility and utility of using EBR as a proxy for dopamine in healthy youth in whom direct measurements of dopamine are prohibitively invasive.
Number of needs: a meaningful metric in childhood disability
Authors: Kraus de Camargo Olaf
Published: April 2016

This commentary is on the original articles by Horridge et al. on pages 570–580 and 581–588 of this issue.
Applied ethics and allocation of foreign aid: disparity in pretensions and practice
Authors: Einarsdóttir Jónína , Gunnlaugsson Geir
Published: April 2016

We explore the applied ethics of development aid and humanitarian assistance, and juxtapose these with claimed objectives and factors that influence the choice of recipients. Despite some diversity among donors, ethical considerations appear not to be a prominent factor for allocation of aid. Although recipients’ need is not entirely ignored, donors’ self‐interest and herd behaviour, and recipients’ merits and voting in the United Nations, play crucial roles in allocation decisions. Likely to be shunned are complex emergencies and fragile states, the overlapping settings for action of development and humanitarian aid. Donors should take to heart and put into practice that allocation of aid is an ethical endeavour that should rest on proper needs assessment, established objectives and adopted agreements.
Role‐dependent Social Preferences
Authors: Bolle Friedel , Otto Philipp E.
Published: April 2016

Bargaining results emerge from the interplay of strategic options and social preferences. For every bargaining game, however, the advantage of a player having certain preferences in terms of negotiated equilibrium revenues might differ. We explore the hypothesis that preferences change according to the players' strength combination. Simple 1×1 bargaining experiments from the literature are discussed, and 2×2 as well as 2×3 assignment market experiments with possible renegotiations are investigated. The assumption that players adopt preferences for two to five roles, defined by strength combinations of the two bargainers, explains the experimental results better than individually constant preferences.
Strengths and Limitations of Current Adult Nomograms for the Aorta Obtained by Noninvasive Cardiovascular Imaging
Authors: Cantinotti Massimiliano , Giordano Raffaele , Clemente Alberto , Assanta Nadia , Murzi Michele , Murzi Bruno , Crocetti Maura , Marotta Marco , Scalese Marco , Kutty Shelby , Iervasi Giorgio
Published: April 2016

Normalized measurements for the evaluation of aortic disease severity are preferred to the adoption of generic cutoff values. The purpose of this review is to evaluate the strengths and limitations of currently available aortic nomograms by echocardiography, computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). A literature search was conducted accessing the National Library of Medicine using the keywords normal values, aorta, echocardiography, CT, and MRI. Addition of these keywords further refined the results: reference values, nomograms, aortic arch, and adults. Thirty studies were included in the final analysis. Despite the strengths noted in the recent investigations, multiple methodological and numerical limitations emerged. The numerical limitations included sample size limitation in most of the studies (only few investigations consisted of >800 subjects and many had 70–300), lack of aortic arch measurements, and paucity of data for non‐Caucasian subjects. Methodological limitations consisted of lack of standardization in measurements (systole vs. diastole, internal vs. external border, axial vs. orthogonal planes), heterogeneity and data normalization issues (various age intervals used, body size often not evaluated, data expressed as observed values rather than estimated values by z‐score), and study design issues. The designs were mostly retrospective with poorly defined inclusion and exclusion criteria. The nomograms presented range of normality with significant differences, but also with some reproducible pattern. Despite recent advances, multiple methodological or numerical limitations exist in adult nomograms for the aorta. Comprehensive nomograms of aortic dimensions at multiple levels including the aortic arch for different imaging techniques, involving a wide sample size, and using standardized methodology for measurements and data normalization are warranted. The availability of robust nomograms may encourage the use of personalized rather than generic cutoff values.
THE HAZARDOUS EFFECTS OF ANTIDUMPING
Authors: Besedeš Tibor , Prusa Thomas J.
Published: April 2016

We investigate the extent to which antidumping actions eliminate trade altogether. Using quarterly 10‐digit HS‐level export data for products involved in U.S. antidumping cases we find that antidumping actions increase the hazard rate by more than 50%. We find strong evidence of investigation effects with the impact during the initiation and preliminary duty phases considerably larger than once final duties are imposed. There are also important differences with respect to the size of duties with cases with large duties experiencing very large investigation effects. We show the antidumping (AD)‐affected countries are less likely to return to the market even after the AD order is removed. (JEL F13, F14)
Spatial variation in Allee effects influences patterns of range expansion
Authors: Walter Jonathan A. , Johnson Derek M. , Haynes Kyle J.
Published: April 2016

Allee effects are thought to slow range expansion and contribute to stable range boundaries. Recent studies have shown Allee effects to vary spatiotemporally due to influences of environmental heterogeneity on population processes. Gradients in Allee effects might occur as a species' range approaches suboptimal conditions while expanding into new territory. Allee effects could exhibit patchiness if drivers of positive density dependence (e.g. mate finding rates) are influenced by habitat patchiness. However, theoretical studies have largely assumed Allee effects to be spatially constant. The goal of this study was to evaluate how spatiotemporal patterns of range expansion respond to spatial variations in Allee effects. We simulated spread in landscapes that differed in the spatial configuration and range of Allee thresholds. We compared spread with a constant Allee effect to spread in landscapes where the Allee threshold varied along a gradient or in a patchy fashion. Landscape configuration affected patterns of range expansion when Allee thresholds were near or exceeded the number of colonizing immigrants. In gradient landscapes, spread decelerated as the range edge approached higher Allee thresholds. In patchy landscapes, spread advanced quickly through areas with lower Allee thresholds and stalled in areas with higher Allee thresholds. Both focal and neighboring locations influenced spread. Spatial variation in Allee effects may be an underappreciated source of heterogeneity in patterns of range expansion. When Allee effects vary, spread estimates based on a spatially averaged Allee threshold may not accurately predict realized rates of spread. Our findings suggest that spread can occur despite generally high Allee thresholds if Allee thresholds are low in a subset of patches. This result has negative implications for controlling the spread of invasive species, but it also suggests range shifts by native species in response to climate change may be possible with even sparsely distributed refugia from Allee effects.