bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Higher Frequency of Anastomotic Leakage with Stapled Compared to Hand‐Sewn Ileocolic Anastomosis in a Large Population‐Based Study
Authors: Gustafsson Pontus , Jestin Pia , Gunnarsson Ulf , Lindforss Ulrik
Published: February 2015

Background

The stapling technique was recommended in a recent Cochrane analysis based on relatively small randomized trials between 1970 and 2009. Data from a large Swedish population‐based quality register were analyzed in order to compare the leakage frequency between stapled and hand‐sewn ileocolic anastomoses in colon cancer surgery.

Methods

Three‐thousand four‐hundred and twenty‐eight patients with an ileocolic anastomosis were entered in a Swedish regional quality register for colon cancer, including the type of anastomosis used. The patients were analyzed by logistic regression regarding risk for leakage, and Cox proportional hazard regression for survival associated with the technique used for anastomosis. Analyses were made for gender, age, elective or emergency surgery, duration of surgery, bleeding, cancer stage, and local radicality.

Results

Most anastomoses were hand sewn (1,908 of 3,428, 55.7 %, p < 0.001), whereas stapling was more common among emergency cases (342 of 618, 55.3 %, p < 0.001). Clinically relevant leakage appeared in 58 patients (1.7 %), of whom 51 (87.9 %) were re‐operated. Leakage was found to be more frequent after stapled anastomosis (2.4 vs. 1.2 %, p = 0.006), and in multivariate analysis, stapled anastomosis was the only risk factor (OR = 2.04 95 % CI 1.19–3.50). There was no difference in overall survival related to the technique.

Conclusion

Hand‐sewn anastomosis is not associated with a higher leakage rate when comparing to a stapling procedure and is recommended for routine and emergency right‐sided colon cancer surgery. This recommendation is based on what appears to be a lower leakage rate, similar survival and lower material cost.
Concentration- and roughness-dependent antibacterial and antifungal activities of CuO thin films and their Cu ion cytotoxicity and elution behavior
Authors: Shim Gyu-In , Kim Seong-Hwan , Eom Hyung-Woo , Choi Se-Young
Published: February 2015

In this study, we aimed to evaluate the antibacterial and antifungal properties, cytotoxicity, and elution behavior of copper oxide (CuO) thin films with varying concentrations and roughness values. CuO films greater than 0.2 mol % showed 99.9 % antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Campylobacter jejuni, and Penicillium funiculosum. Cu ions were found to be noncytotoxic in New Zealand white rabbits. The concentration of Cu ions from CuO thin films eluted in drinking water in 24 h at 100 °C was 0.014 μg L−1, which was below the standard acceptable level of 0.02 μg L−1. The transmittance of CuO thin film-coated glass was similar to that of parent glass. The antimicrobial activity, cytotoxicity, elution behavior, and transmittance of CuO deposited on glass suggest that these films could be useful in household devices and display devices.
The Surgical Management of Hand Enchondroma without Postcurettage Void Augmentation: Authors' Experience and a Systematic Review
Authors: Bachoura Abdo , Rice Ian S. , Lubahn Andrew R. , Lubahn John D.
Published: February 2015

Background

Postcurettage void augmentation in the management of hand enchondroma is a debated practice. The objectives of this study are to present the outcomes of hand enchondroma treatment by curettage without void augmentation at the authors' institution and to systematically review the literature pertinent to this aspect of management.

Methods

Initially, a retrospective case series of patients treated for hand enchondroma at the authors' institution was conducted to assess postoperative complications and radiographic consolidation. All patients were treated by curettage without void augmentation. Next, a systematic review was conducted. Postcurettage void management was categorized into four groups: (1) curettage alone, (2) curettage followed by augmentation with cancellous autograft, (3) curettage followed by augmentation with bioactive and osteoconductive materials other than autograft, and (4) curettage followed by augmentation with bone cements. Complication and recurrence rates were compared.

Results

The authors' series was composed of 24 patients with 26 lesions. The mean age was 38.9 years (range 14–61), and the mean follow-up was 26 months (range 3–120). There was one recurrence but no postoperative fractures or nonunions. As for the systematic review, a total of 22 studies involving 591 patients and 609 lesions were assessed. Complications occurred at an incidence of 0.7 % following curettage alone, 3.5 % following autograft, 0 % following augmentation with bioactive/osteoconductive materials, and 2.0 % following cement augmentation. No statistical differences were noted for complication or recurrence rates.

Conclusions

Simple curettage is an effective and inexpensive technique that does not lead to increased complication rates in the treatment of most hand enchondromas.
Conformity in the lab
Authors: Goeree Jacob K. , Yariv Leeat
Published: February 2015

We use a revealed preference approach to disentangle conformity, an intrinsic taste to follow others, from information-driven herding. We provide observations from a series of sequential decision-making experiments in which subjects choose the type of information they observe before making their decision. Namely, subjects choose between observing a private (statistically informative) signal or the history of play of predecessors who have not chosen a private signal (i.e., a statistically uninformative word-of-mouth signal). In our setup, subjects choose the statistically uninformative social signal <mml:math xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xmlns:mnf="http://cambridge.org/core/manifest" xmlns:cup="http://contentservices.cambridge.org" xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:m="http://cambridge.org/core/metadata" xmlns:core="http://cambridge.org/core" xmlns:c="http://cambridge.org/core/content">34% of the time and, of those, <mml:math xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xmlns:mnf="http://cambridge.org/core/manifest" xmlns:cup="http://contentservices.cambridge.org" xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:m="http://cambridge.org/core/metadata" xmlns:core="http://cambridge.org/core" xmlns:c="http://cambridge.org/core/content">88% follow their observed predecessors’ actions. When allowing for payoff externalities by paying subjects according to the collective action chosen by majority rule, the results are amplifed and the social signal is chosen in <mml:math xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xmlns:mnf="http://cambridge.org/core/manifest" xmlns:cup="http://contentservices.cambridge.org" xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:m="http://cambridge.org/core/metadata" xmlns:core="http://cambridge.org/core" xmlns:c="http://cambridge.org/core/content">51% of all cases, and <mml:math xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xmlns:mnf="http://cambridge.org/core/manifest" xmlns:cup="http://contentservices.cambridge.org" xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:m="http://cambridge.org/core/metadata" xmlns:core="http://cambridge.org/core" xmlns:c="http://cambridge.org/core/content">59% of those who pick the social signal follow the majority choice. The results from the majority treatment demonstrate that conformist behavior is not driven by inequality aversion, nor by strategic voting behavior in which voters balance others who are uninformed. Raising the stakes five-fold does not eliminate conformist behavior; in both treatments, the social signal is chosen nearly <mml:math xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xmlns:mnf="http://cambridge.org/core/manifest" xmlns:cup="http://contentservices.cambridge.org" xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:m="http://cambridge.org/core/metadata" xmlns:core="http://cambridge.org/core" xmlns:c="http://cambridge.org/core/content">50% of the time. Individual level analysis yields the identification of rules of thumb subjects use in making their decisions.
Transforming Food Systems Through Food Sovereignty: An Australian Urban Context
Authors: Davila Federico , Dyball Robert
Published: February 2015

This article draws on La Via Campesina's definition of food sovereignty and its potential for reconceptualising food as a basic human right within the dominant Australian food discourse. We argue that the educative value that emerges from urban food production in Australia stems from the action of growing food and its capacity to transform individuals’ social and environmental concerns over food systems. Community participation in urban food production can promote a learning process that generates political understanding and concerns over food systems. We use the education theories of transformative learning and critical consciousness to discuss how Australian urban food production systems can create this social and environmental support for alternative food systems. By having control over food production practices and building collective understandings of how food choices impact global food systems, elements of food sovereignty can develop in an Australian urban context.
Some Thoughts about the Suitability of the Reliable Change Index (RCI) for Analysis of Ordinal Scale Data
Authors: Perdices Michael
Published: February 2015

The reliable change index (RCI) was introduced approximately 30 decades ago in order to provide an empirical, statistically grounded technique for determining whether improvement after a therapeutic intervention was real or due to measurement error. Since the definitions of the properties and limitations of scales of measurement described by Stevens in 1947, there has been vigorous controversy about whether it is permissible to analyse ordinal data with parametric statistics. Specifically, are parameters and statistics such as means and standard deviations meaningful in the context of ordinal data? These are important concerns because many of the scales used to measure outcomes in behavioural research and clinical settings yield ordinal-scale measures. Given that the standard deviation is used in the computation of the RCI, the question as to whether or not the RCI is reliable when used with ordinal-scale data is explored. Data from the SPRS-2 was used to calculate minimum reliable difference criteria in terms of both (ordinal) Total Raw Scores (MRDRS) and logit scores (MRDLS) derived from Rasch analysis. Test–retest differences across the Total Raw Score range were evaluated using each criterion. At both extremes of the range, small changes in Total Raw Score not deemed to be reliable according to the MRDRScriterion were classified as reliable according to the MRDLScriterion. Conversely, test–retest changes in the centre of the range deemed to be reliable according to the MRDRScriterion were classified as unreliable according to the MRDLScriterion. It is suggested that while MRDRScan determinenumericallyreliable differences, MRDLScan determine reliable differences that are meaningful in terms of the underlying construct being measured.
A new approach using high-resolution computed tomography to test the buoyant properties of chambered cephalopod shells
Authors: Lemanis Robert , Zachow Stefan , Fusseis Florian , Hoffmann René
Published: February 2015

The chambered shell of modern cephalopods functions as a buoyancy apparatus, allowing the animal to enter the water column without expending a large amount of energy to overcome its own weight. Indeed, the chambered shell is largely considered a key adaptation that allowed the earliest cephalopods to leave the ocean floor and enter the water column. It has been argued by some, however, that the iconic chambered shell of Paleozoic and Mesozoic ammonoids did not provide a sufficiently buoyant force to compensate for the weight of the entire animal, thus restricting ammonoids to a largely benthic lifestyle reminiscent of some octopods. Here we develop a technique using high-resolution computed tomography to quantify the buoyant properties of chambered shells without reducing the shell to ideal spirals or eliminating inherent biological variability by using mathematical models that characterize past work in this area. This technique has been tested onNautilus pompiliusand is now extended to the extant deep-sea squidSpirula spirulaand the Jurassic ammoniteCadocerassp. hatchling.Cadocerasis found to have possessed near-neutral to positive buoyancy if hatched when the shell possessed between three and five chambers. However, we show that the animal could also overcome degrees of negative buoyancy through swimming, similar to the paralarvae of modern squids. These calculations challenge past inferences of benthic life habits based solely on calculations of negative buoyancy. The calculated buoyancy ofCadocerassupports the possibility of planktonic dispersal of ammonite hatchlings. This information is essential to understanding ammonoid ecology as well as biotic interactions and has implications for the interpretation of geochemical data gained from the isotopic analysis of the shell.
Superluminal Spot Pair Events in Astronomical Settings: Sweeping Beams
Authors: Nemiroff Robert J.
Published: February 2015

Sweeping beams of light can cast spots moving with superluminal speeds across scattering surfaces. Such faster-than-light speeds are well-known phenomena that do not violate special relativity. It is shown here that under certain circumstances, superluminal spot pair creation and annihilation events can occur that provide unique information to observers. These spot pair events are not particle pair events—they are the sudden creation or annihilation of a pair of relatively illuminated spots on a scattering surface. Real spot pair illumination events occur unambiguously on the scattering surface when spot speeds diverge, while virtual spot pair events are observer dependent and perceived only when real spot radial speeds cross the speed of light. Specifically, a virtual spot pair creation event will be observed when a real spot’s speed toward the observer drops below c, while a virtual spot pair annihilation event will be observed when a real spot’s radial speed away from the observer rises above c. Superluminal spot pair events might be found angularly, photometrically, or polarimetrically, and might carry useful geometry or distance information. Two example scenarios are briefly considered. The first is a beam swept across a scattering spherical object, exemplified by spots of light moving across Earth’s Moon and pulsar companions. The second is a beam swept across a scattering planar wall or linear filament, exemplified by spots of light moving across variable nebulae including Hubble’s Variable Nebula. In local cases where the sweeping beam can be controlled and repeated, a three-dimensional map of a target object can be constructed. Used tomographically, this imaging technique is fundamentally different from lens photography, radar, and conventional lidar.
Understanding Pre-electoral Coalitions in Central and Eastern Europe
Authors: Ibenskas Raimondas
Published: February 2015

While pre-electoral coalitions have important effects on the functioning of democracy, their formation has only been systematically examined in the context of established democracies. This study examines the patterns and factors of electoral alliance formation in eleven democracies in Central and Eastern Europe by focusing on joint candidate lists. It finds that electoral coalitions are more frequent in newer democracies than in established democracies. The formation of alliances is systematically related to their potential costs and benefits. On the one hand, coalitions can provide small parties with legislative representation and larger parties with important government coalition partners. On the other hand, parties face costs related to their electoral compatibility and the sharing of election candidacies and office positions.
WATER SAVING, WATER PRODUCTIVITY AND YIELD OUTPUTS OF FINE-GRAIN RICE CULTIVARS UNDER CONVENTIONAL AND WATER-SAVING RICE PRODUCTION SYSTEMS
Authors: JABRAN K. , ULLAH E. , HUSSAIN M. , FAROOQ M. , HAIDER N. , CHAUHAN B. S.
Published: February 2015

In this study, we compared the weed emergence, water input, water saving, water productivity, panicle sterility, yield outputs and economic returns of transplanting with alternate wetting and drying (TRAWD) and dry direct seeding (DSR) with transplanting under continuous flooding (TRCF) using three fine-grain rice cultivars: Super Basmati; Basmati 2000; and Shaheen Basmati. Higher weed infestation was recorded in DSR than in TRCF and TRAWD. Raising rice as TRAWD and DSR had considerable water savings but a lower grain yield than TRCF. High panicle sterility was primarily responsible for low grain yield in TRAWD and DSR systems. Nonetheless, water productivity was better in DSR and TRAWD than TRCF. Shaheen Basmati in the DSR system and Basmati 2000 in TRCF fetched the highest economic returns during 2008 and 2009, respectively. In conclusion, fine-grain rice cultivars can be grown in water-saving production systems (e.g. TRAWD and DSR); however, these water-saving production systems might incur a yield penalty.
Inhibitory activity of Lactobacillus plantarum TF711 against Clostridium sporogenes when used as adjunct culture in cheese manufacture
Authors: González Lorena , Zárate Victoria
Published: February 2015

Bacteriocins produced by lactic acid bacteria are of great interest to the food-processing industry as natural preservatives. This work aimed to investigate the efficacy of bacteriocin-producing Lactobacillus plantarum TF711, isolated from artisanal Tenerife cheese, in controlling Clostridium sporogenes during cheese ripening. Cheeses were made from pasteurised milk artificially contaminated with 104 spores m/l C. sporogenes. Experimental cheeses were manufactured with Lb. plantarum TF711 added at 1% as adjunct to commercial starter culture. Cheeses made under the same conditions but without Lb. plantarum TF711 served as controls. Evolution of microbiological parameters, pH and NaCl content, as well as bacteriocin production was studied throughout 45 d of ripening. Addition of Lb. plantarum TF711 did not bring about any significant change in starter culture counts, NaCl content and pH, compared with control cheese. In contrast, clostridial spore count in experimental cheeses were significantly lower than in control cheeses from 7 d onwards, reaching a maximum reduction of 2·2 log units on day 21. Inhibition of clostridia found in experimental cheeses was mainly attributed to plantaricin activity, which in fact was recovered from these cheeses.
Comparison of lateral microsurgical preauricular and anterior endoscopic approaches to the jugular foramen
Authors: Komune N , Komune S , Matsushima K , Rhoton A L
Published: February 2015

Introduction:

This project compares access to the anterolateral part of the jugular foramen provided by the lateral microsurgical preauricular and the anterior endoscopic approaches, and defines the important landmarks involved in each approach.

Study Design:

Cadaveric study.

Results:

The endoscopic transnasal/transmaxillary transpterygoid corridor provides a less invasive route for selected lesions in the jugular foramen than the traditional open route through the preauricular subtemporal infratemporal fossa approach. However, the anterior endoscopic approach provides a smaller channel to the jugular foramen than the preauricular approach.

Conclusions:

The anterior endoscopic approach to the anterolateral part of the jugular foramen is a useful alternative to the lateral microsurgical preauricular approach in carefully selected cases. The vaginal process of the tympanic part of the temporal bone provides a valuable landmark to aid in accessing the jugular foramen in both procedures and can be drilled to open the foramen in the preauricular approach.
Efficacy of pre-operative computed tomography evaluation of the tympanic cavity for hearing improvement after stapes surgery for tympanosclerosis with stapes fixation
Authors: Kikkawa S , Kubo K , Kawano H , Komune S
Published: February 2015

Objective:

Our aim was to determine if stapes surgery is useful for treating inflammatory ear diseases.

Materials and methods:

Thirteen patients underwent single-stage or staged surgery for stapes fixation due to tympanosclerosis alone or with cholesteatoma. Operative criteria were: no tympanic membrane retraction, perforation or adhesion; middle-ear cavity with aeration >1 year; a fixed stapes. Computed tomography was used to analyse the relation between operative success and pre-operative pneumatisation.

Results:

Success rate at six months was 75 per cent. Hearing results were stable with little deterioration and no complications. Patients with poor pneumatisation had good results (with improved air–bone gap) only after staged surgery. Well-aerated ears heard better even with single-stage surgery.

Conclusions:

Pre-operative computed tomography and intra-operative findings are necessary to determine the pneumatisation status of tympanic mastoid cavities. If criteria approved, poorly pneumatised patients underwent staged surgery. Stapedectomy achieved good hearing results for inflammatory middle-ear disease with stapes fixation.
Transnasal endoscopic surgery of post-operative maxillary cysts
Authors: Sawatsubashi M , Murakami D , Oda M , Komune S
Published: February 2015

Objective:

The present study investigates the indications for transnasal endoscopic surgery in treating post-operative maxillary cysts.

Methods:

In this retrospective study, the records of 118 patients with post-operative maxillary cysts (88 unilateral and 30 bilateral) consisting of 148 procedures were reviewed.

Results:

A transnasal endoscopic approach was performed in 144 lesions (97.3 per cent). A combined endonasal endoscopic and canine fossa (external) approach was performed in 4 of 148 lesions, because the cysts were located distant from the nasal cavity and had a thick bony wall. A ventilation stent was placed in four patients (four cysts) to avoid post-operative meatal antrostomy stenosis. Recurrence was observed in five patients (4.2 per cent), all of whom subsequently underwent transnasal endoscopic revision surgery.

Conclusion:

Transnasal endoscopic surgery is an effective treatment for post-operative maxillary cyst with the exception of cysts located distant from the nasal cavity.
Endonasal endoscopic surgery with combined middle and inferior meatal antrostomies for fungal maxillary sinusitis
Authors: Sawatsubashi M , Murakami D , Umezaki T , Komune S
Published: February 2015

Objective:

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the combination of inferior and middle meatal antrostomies for treatment of a maxillary sinus fungus ball by functional endoscopic sinus surgery.

Methods:

A retrospective analysis including 28 patients with non-invasive fungal maxillary sinusitis was performed. Fourteen patients underwent FESS with both middle and inferior meatal antrostomies (combined group). The remaining 14 patients were treated with FESS through only the middle meatal antrostomy (control group).

Results:

Post-operative computed tomography showed normal maxillary sinuses in all patients in the combined group. In contrast, in the control group, five patients (36 per cent) exhibited a normal maxillary sinus, seven (50 per cent) showed maxillary mucosal thickening and two (14 per cent) had persistent fungus balls in the maxillary sinus.

Conclusion:

FESS with a combination of middle and inferior meatal antrostomies proved more effective for treating fungal maxillary sinusitis.
Safe and rapid contouring of fibro-osseous lesions in the orbital area using navigation with minimally invasive cranial bone registration
Authors: Kamizono K , Yoshida S , Cho B , Matsumoto N , Fukushima J , Jinnouchi M , Ouchida R , Sawatsubashi M , Hashizume M , Komune S
Published: February 2015

Background:

Bone contouring is currently the best treatment for fibro-osseous lesions after bone growth arrest. Navigation systems available for this surgery allow intra-operative visualisation with improved cosmetic outcomes. However, conventional navigation systems using superficial skin registration cannot prevent subtle discrepancies.

Method:

To address this problem, we used a non-invasive cranial bone registration that uses patient-specific dental templates to maintain exact registration. We created the preset goal using the mirror image of the unaffected side for unilateral lesions, and using images obtained before the onset of symptoms for bilateral lesions. This system achieved precise pre-operative simulation. A sound aid in the navigation system provided information regarding proximity to critical structures and to the preset goal.

Results:

We used this system to contour fibro-osseous lesions in three patients. All patients achieved good facial contours and improvement in symptoms.

Conclusions:

This method offers a safe, rapid surgical aid in treating orbital fibro-osseous lesions.
Clinical outcomes of tracheoesophageal diversion for intractable aspiration
Authors: Adachi K , Umezaki T , Kiyohara H , Miyaji H , Komune S
Published: February 2015

Objectives:

The purpose of the present study was to examine the clinical outcomes of using tracheoesophageal diversion for preventing intractable aspiration.

Method:

We retrospectively reviewed 25 patients who underwent tracheoesophageal diversion from 2003 to 2009 at our hospital (median age, 25 years; range, 0–78 years). End-to-side anastomosis was used in 16 cases and side-to-side anastomosis was used in 9.

Results:

The average operative time was 141 minutes for end-to-side anastomosis and 191 minutes for side-to-side anastomosis. Peri-operative complications were observed in only two (8 per cent) cases: one with infection and one with haematoma. No fistulas were observed. Aspiration was prevented in all cases, but the nutritional route depended on the swallowing function of the patient. Oral feeding was the main nutritional route after surgery in only four patients (16 per cent).

Conclusion:

This procedure is well suited to patients who lack speech communication and are at high risk of aspiration.
Extrapulmonary small cell carcinoma in head and neck
Authors: Yasumatsu R , Nakashima T , Yamauchi M , Toh S , Komune S
Published: February 2015

Purpose:

The management of extrapulmonary small cell carcinoma has not been standardised to date. This study reviewed the clinical course, management and survival outcomes of patients with extrapulmonary small cell carcinoma in the head and neck region.

Methods:

Nine patients with extrapulmonary small cell carcinoma in the head and neck were included in this study.

Results:

Five patients received radical surgery followed by adjuvant chemotherapy or radiotherapy or both. Two other patients were treated with chemotherapy consisting of CPT11 plus cisplatin or CPT11 plus cisplatin plus VP-16 three times. Two other patients received chemoradiotherapy consisting of S-1 or CPT11 plus cisplatin. The median overall survival was 14.5 months, with a three-year survival rate of 23.7 per cent.

Conclusions:

The prognosis of extrapulmonary small cell carcinoma is generally poor. Further prospective multicentre studies are required for better understanding of disease entities and response to treatment modalities.
Adenosquamous carcinoma of unknown primary origin: a case report and literature review
Authors: Takeuchi T , Yasui T , Izeki M , Komune S
Published: February 2015

Background:

Adenosquamous carcinoma is a rare variant of semicircular canal that can affect various regions, including the head and neck. Adenosquamous carcinoma is characterised pathologically by the simultaneous presence of distinct areas of semicircular canal and adenocarcinoma, and usually takes an aggressive course with local recurrences, early lymph node metastases and distant disseminations.

Case:

We report a rare case of neck adenosquamous carcinoma of unknown primary origin, which was well-controlled by thorough resection without any other additional therapy.

Conclusion:

We discuss the diagnosis and treatment of adenosquamous carcinoma along with a review of pertinent literature. We also consider the potential differential diagnosis of branchiogenic carcinoma.
Direct, indirect and pleiotropic effects of candidate genes on internalizing disorder psychopathology
Authors: Hettema J. M. , Chen X. , Sun C. , Brown T. A.
Published: February 2015

Background

Twin studies of internalizing disorders suggest that their high co-morbidity is partially explained by shared genetic risk. Few studies have investigated pleiotropic effects of well-validated candidate genes across phenotypes.

Method

Subjects were 928 Caucasian patients who presented to an out-patient clinic specializing in the assessment and treatment of anxiety and mood disorders. We constructed latent dimensional phenotypes across the internalizing spectrum (neuroticism, extraversion, depression, generalized anxiety, panic/agoraphobia, social phobia, post-traumatic stress, and obsessions–compulsions) by combining diagnostic criteria with other clinical indicators. We selected multiple variants in four evidence-based candidate genes (SLC6A4, COMT, GAD1, RGS2) with previously reported effects on several of these phenotypes. We conducted genetic association testing of their direct and indirect effects as well as gene × stress interactions (G × E).

Results

We detected 19 nominally significant main effect associations for the 10 polymorphisms tested among the eight phenotypes (24%). These were generally phenotype non-specific, showing pleiotropic effects across multiple domains. The majority of observed sharing was between depression, panic disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Some of these were best explained by mediational models in which genes increase liability for disorders indirectly via their effects on temperament. Limited G × E effects were detected between variants inSLC6A4and both panic/agoraphobia and post-traumatic stress.

Conclusions

Examining just a few candidate genes for their potential roles in internalizing phenotypes, we found moderate support for the shared effects of several polymorphisms. These findings highlight the richness and complexity by which genes potentially contribute to psychopathology via pleiotropy, moderation by stress, and mediation by temperament.
Operation Pied Piper: a geographical reappraisal of the impact of wartime evacuation on scarlet fever and diphtheria rates in England and Wales, 1939–1945
Authors: SMALLMAN-RAYNOR M. R. , CLIFF A. D.
Published: February 2015

This paper examines the geographical impact of the British Government's wartime evacuation scheme on notified rates of two common acute childhood diseases (scarlet fever and diphtheria) in the 1470 local government districts of England and Wales, 1939–1945. Drawing on the notifications of communicable diseases collated by the General Register Office (GRO), we establish pre-war (baseline) disease rates for the 1470 districts. For the war years, techniques of binary logistic regression analysis are used to assess the associations between (a) above-baseline (‘raised’) disease rates in evacuation, neutral and reception districts and (b) the major phases of the evacuation scheme. The analysis demonstrates that the evacuation was temporally associated with distinct national and regional effects on notified levels of disease activity. These effects were most pronounced in the early years of the dispersal (1939–1941) and corresponded with initial levels of evacuation-related population change at the regional and district scales.
Asian genotypes of dengue virus 4 in Brazil
Authors: PINHO A. C. O. , SARDI S. I. , PAULA F. L. , PEIXOTO I. B. , BRANDÃO C. J. , FERNANDEZ F. M. C. , CAMPOS G. S.
Published: February 2015

Dengue virus, commonly transmitted by mosquitoes, causes a human disease of significant social impact and presents a serious public health problem in Brazil. This report describes the unusual emergence of DENV-4 in northern Brazil after a nearly 30-year-long absence. DENV-4 genotype I is of Asian origin and was identified in the serum of patients receiving treatment at a hospital serving the Salvador area (Brazilian state of Bahia). The identification of dengue virus serotypes through molecular and phylogenetic analysis is essential for predicting disease severity or fatal illness, principally in endemic countries such as Brazil.
Exercise-induced ventricular re-polarisation changes in moderate congenital aortic valve stenosis
Authors: Beauséjour Louis-Simon , Gravel Hugo , Mawad Wadi , Dahdah Nagib , Curnier Daniel
Published: February 2015

Introduction

Pressure overload increases in patients with moderate aortic valvular stenosis during exercise. In the absence of symptoms, it remains difficult, however, to discriminate patients for surgery based only on pressure overload. Other parameters, such as the dispersion of ventricular re-polarisation (d-QT), which reportedly increases with the transvalvular pressure gradient, have not been fully studied in this condition.

Objective

To determine the pattern of QT and d-QT response to exercise testing in children with moderate aortic valve stenosis in order to evaluate the impact of pressure overload from an electrophysiological perspective.

Materials and methods

In all, 15 patients were compared with 15 controls paired for age (14.8±2.5 versus 14.2±1.5 years old) and gender (66.7% male). All the patients underwent exercise stress testing with 12-lead electrocardiograph recording. QT was measured from the onset of QRS to the apex (QTa) at rest, at peak exercise, and at 1 and 3 minutes upon recovery. QT was corrected using the Fridericia equation, and d-QT was calculated.

Results

Resting QTc was similar among the study groups, but increased significantly in study patients compared with the control group at maximal effort (p=0.004) and after 1 (p<0.001) and 3 (p<0.001) minutes of recovery. A significant association was identified between groups for d-QT (p=0.034), and post-hoc tests revealed a significant difference only at rest (p=0.001).

Conclusions

Ventricular re-polarisation abnormalities can be unmasked and highlighted by the assessment of electrical re-polarisation during exercise challenge in patients with asymptomatic moderate aortic valve stenosis. Using QT response to exercise could be beneficial for better optimisation of risk stratification in these patients.
Cardiac MRI in patients with complex CHD following primary or secondary implantation of MRI-conditional pacemaker system
Authors: Al-Wakeel Nadya , O h-Ici Darach , Schmitt Katharina R. , Messroghli Daniel R. , Riesenkampff Eugénie , Berger Felix , Kuehne Titus , Peters Bjoern
Published: February 2015

Objectives

In patients with CHD, cardiac MRI is often indicated for functional and anatomical assessment. With the recent introduction of MRI-conditional pacemaker systems, cardiac MRI has become accessible for patients with pacemakers. The present clinical study aims to evaluate safety, susceptibility artefacts, and image reading of cardiac MRI in patients with CHD and MRI-conditional pacemaker systems.

Material and methods

CHD patients with MRI-conditional pacemaker systems and a clinical need for cardiac MRI were examined with a 1.5-T MRI system. Lead function was tested before and after MRI. Artefacts and image readings were evaluated using a four-point grading scale.

Results

A total of nine patients with CHD (mean age 34.0 years, range 19.5–53.6 years) received a total of 11 cardiac MRI examinations. Owing to clinical indications, seven patients had previously been converted from conventional to MRI-conditional pacemaker systems. All MRI examinations were completed without adverse effects. Device testing immediately after MRI and at follow-up showed no alteration of pacemaker device and lead function. Clinical questions could be addressed and answered in all patients.

Conclusion

Cardiac MRI can be performed safely with high certainty of diagnosis in CHD patients with MRI-conditional pacemaker systems. In case of clinically indicated lead and box changing, CHD patients with non-MRI-conditional pacemaker systems should be considered for complete conversion to MRI-conditional systems.
Feasibility of an experiential community garden and nutrition programme for youth living in public housing
Authors: Grier Karissa , Hill Jennie L , Reese Felicia , Covington Constance , Bennette Franchennette , MacAuley Lorien , Zoellner Jamie
Published: February 2015

Objective

Few published community garden studies have focused on low socio-economic youth living in public housing or used a community-based participatory research approach in conjunction with youth-focused community garden programmes. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the feasibility (i.e. demand, acceptability, implementation and limited-effectiveness testing) of a 10-week experiential theory-based gardening and nutrition education programme targeting youth living in public housing.

Design

In this mixed-methods feasibility study, demand and acceptability were measured using a combination of pre- and post-programme surveys and interviews. Implementation was measured via field notes and attendance. Limited-effectiveness was measured quantitatively using a pre–post design and repeated-measures ANOVA tests.

Setting

Two public housing sites in the Dan River Region of south central Virginia, USA.

Subjects

Forty-three youth (primarily African American), twenty-five parents and two site leaders.

Results

The positive demand and acceptability findings indicate the high potential of the programme to be used and be suitable for the youth, parents and site leaders. Field notes revealed numerous implementation facilitators and barriers. Youth weekly attendance averaged 4·6 of 10 sessions. Significant improvements (P<0·05) were found for some (e.g. fruit and vegetable asking self-efficacy, overall gardening knowledge, knowledge of MyPlate recommendations), but not all limited-effectiveness measures (e.g. willingness to try fruits and vegetables, fruit and vegetable eating self-efficacy).

Conclusions

This community-based participatory research study demonstrates numerous factors that supported and threatened the feasibility of a gardening and nutrition programme targeting youth in public housing. Lessons learned are being used to adapt and strengthen the programme for future efforts targeting fruit and vegetable behaviours.
Association between sucrose intake and risk of overweight and obesity in a prospective sub-cohort of the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer in Norfolk (EPIC-Norfolk)
Authors: Kuhnle Gunter GC , Tasevska Natasha , Lentjes Marleen AH , Griffin Julian L , Sims Matthew A , Richardson Larissa , Aspinall Sue M , Mulligan Angela A , Luben Robert N , Khaw Kay-Tee
Published: February 2015

Objective

The objective of the present study was to investigate associations between sugar intake and overweight using dietary biomarkers in the Norfolk cohort of the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC-Norfolk).

Design

Prospective cohort study.

Setting

EPIC-Norfolk in the UK, recruitment between 1993 and 1997.

Subjects

Men and women (n 1734) aged 39–77 years. Sucrose intake was assessed using 7 d diet diaries. Baseline spot urine samples were analysed for sucrose by GC-MS. Sucrose concentration adjusted by specific gravity was used as a biomarker for intake. Regression analyses were used to investigate associations between sucrose intake and risk of BMI>25·0 kg/m2 after three years of follow-up.

Results

After three years of follow-up, mean BMI was 26·8 kg/m2. Self-reported sucrose intake was significantly positively associated with the biomarker. Associations between the biomarker and BMI were positive (β=0·25; 95 % CI 0·08, 0·43), while they were inverse when using self-reported dietary data (β=−1·40; 95 % CI −1·81, −0·99). The age- and sex-adjusted OR for BMI>25·0 kg/m2 in participants in the fifth v. first quintile was 1·54 (95 % CI 1·12, 2·12; Ptrend=0·003) when using biomarker and 0·56 (95 % CI 0·40, 0·77; Ptrend<0·001) with self-reported dietary data.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that sucrose measured by objective biomarker but not self-reported sucrose intake is positively associated with BMI. Future studies should consider the use of objective biomarkers of sucrose intake.
On the Use of the Unusual Green Pigment Brochantite (Cu4(SO4)(OH)6) in the 16th-Century Portuguese-Flemish Paintings Attributed to The Master Frei Carlos Workshop
Authors: Valadas Sara , Freire Rita V. , Cardoso Ana , Mirão José , Dias Cristina B. , Vandenabeele Peter , Candeias António
Published: February 2015

This paper reports an unusual green pigment, brochantite (Cu4(SO4)(OH)6), on 16th-century Portuguese-Flemish paintings, attributed to the Master Frei Carlos workshop. This green mineral is usually identified as an impurity or alteration product in the green pigments verdigris (Cu(CH3COO)2nCu(OH)2) or malachite (CuCO3 Cu(OH)2). However, after thorough investigation with a broad range of analytical techniques, it became clear that, in this case, brochantite was applied as a pigment. The abundance, pigment granulometry, and pigment morphology suggest intentional use by this Portuguese-Flemish Master as a natural pigment rather than its accidental use as an alteration product. This seems to be a distinguishable feature to other painters (Flemish and Portuguese) working in Portugal at the beginning of the 16th century.

The multi-analytical study of these easel paintings was first performed by physical imaging techniques and material characterization was carried out by optical microscopy, micro-Fourier-transform infrared-spectroscopy, micro-Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry, and micro-X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD).
Niche marketing and farm diversification processes: Insights from New Zealand and Canada
Authors: Hamlin Robert , Knight John , Cuthbert Ron
Published: February 2015

In many developed countries agriculture is undergoing significant changes. Traditional commodity markets are increasingly being supplemented or even displaced by niche markets served by firms producing specialty products. The purpose of this paper is to determine why firms seek out niche markets and what contributes to their success. This paper investigates the characteristics that make niche markets attractive to small and medium-sized agricultural firms and the ways in which these firms become highly adapted for their chosen niche. Results indicate that forming alliances and the development of horizontal and vertical networks are among the most common and most important strategies employed by successful niche marketers. The study found that firms market niche products as part of a portfolio of products that often includes an anchoring commodity. Results also suggest that aggressive growth and pricing strategies may negatively impact a firm's ability to sustain barriers to entry. The development of a niche positioning strategy is often the outcome of a reaction to an existing situation rather than of a priori strategic planning.
Changes in picturing of ‘self’ in social anxiety disorder: a case report
Authors: Tanaka Yasuko , Kobori Osamu , Nakazato Michko
Published: February 2015

Social anxiety disorder (SAD) is characterized by significant distress regarding social performance situations. Patients experience strong embarrassment about how they are perceived by others due to increased self-focused attention. This case report presents two cases of SAD and the effects of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) on ‘picturing of self’ (e.g. self-picturing and self-projection). The goal was to demonstrate the changes in ‘picturing of self’ using brief video feedback (VF) as a treatment and projective drawing as an assessment method of CBT, especially with SAD. The CBT consisted of psychoeducation and case formulation, cognitive restructuring, and behavioural experiments. In one case VF was used to provide additional means by showing the patient's own actual moving figure, the self-picture. For the other case, the patient was instructed to ‘draw a person’ and the changes in drawing style were assessed. Through the course of CBT, Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale scores reduced significantly in both cases. ‘Picturing of self’ changed as a result of the use of CBT. Brief VF and projective drawing would be useful for individuals to see the change in themselves.
Re-evaluating the post-communist success story: party elite loyalty, citizen mobilization and the erosion of Hungarian democracy
Authors: Herman Lise Esther
Published: February 2015

In light of the instability of several Central Eastern European democracies following their accession to the European Union, most dramatically embodied by the ‘constitutional revolution’ taking place in Hungary since April 2010, this paper offers a critical reading of the dominant, rational-institutionalist model of democratic consolidation. Drawing on the Hungarian case, it argues that the conditions set out by this model are insufficient for ensuring a democratic regime against erosion. On this basis, the paper considers additional elements to understand Fidesz’s reforms: the importance of deeper commitments to democracy among the leadership of mainstream parties, and the pivotal role of party strategies of citizen mobilization in the consolidation of young democracies. Drawing on these insights, the paper argues for approaching democratic consolidation as an agent-led process of cultural change, emphasizing the socializing role of mainstream parties’ strategies of mobilization in the emergence of a democratic political culture. The last section concludes with methodological and empirical considerations, outlining a three-fold agenda for future research.