bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Visibility as concealment: Informal football matches and wealth disparities in rural Jamaica (Respond to this article at http://www.therai.org.uk/at/debate)
Authors: Tantam William
Published: January 2014

Every weekday evening men from Black River (a coastal Jamaican town) and the nearby communities of New Town, Logwood, and Spring Park play ‘pick‐up ball’ (informal football matches) together. Some of the players are wealthy and well educated and are respected in the communities. Others are unemployed, dependent upon relatives, wives, girlfriends, or cash‐in hand employment opportunities for subsistence. My presentation proceeds from the question: why do these groups play football together? I argue that men of higher socioeconomic status aim to counteract disparities in the economic sphere with competition in the social sphere. By visibly mixing and competing with men of different socioeconomic statuses, wealthier men aim to conceal these disparities. My work proceeds from an understanding of Jamaica as a country with significant and growing inequalities of wealth and class. By looking at the social lives of higher class men in Black River, I argue that these men aim to negotiate potentially volatile socioeconomic conditions through competition and ‘strategic socializing.’ In a sense, these men aim to conceal socioeconomic disparities by making themselves visible as individuals.
Statistical Benchmarks for Health Care Provider Performance Assessment: A Comparison of Standard Approaches to a Hierarchical Bayesian Histogram‐Based Method
Authors: Paddock Susan M.
Published: January 2014

Objective

Examine how widely used statistical benchmarks of health care provider performance compare with histogram‐based statistical benchmarks obtained via hierarchical Bayesian modeling.

Data Sources

Publicly available data from 3,240 hospitals during April 2009–March 2010 on two process‐of‐care measures reported on the Medicare Hospital Compare website.

Study Design

Secondary data analyses of two process‐of‐care measures comparing statistical benchmark estimates and threshold exceedance determinations under various combinations of hospital performance measure estimates and benchmarking approaches.

Principal Findings

Statistical benchmarking approaches for determining top 10 percent performance varied with respect to which hospitals exceeded the performance benchmark; such differences were not found at the 50 percent threshold. Benchmarks derived from the histogram of provider performance under hierarchical Bayesian modeling provide a compromise between benchmarks based on direct (raw) estimates, which are overdispersed relative to the true distribution of provider performance and prone to high variance for small providers, and posterior mean provider performance, for which over‐shrinkage and under‐dispersion relative to the true provider performance distribution is a concern.

Conclusions

Given the rewards and penalties associated with characterizing top performance, the ability of statistical benchmarks to summarize key features of the provider performance distribution should be examined.
Low‐Dose Irradiation Can be Used as a Phytosanitary Treatment for Fresh Table Grapes
Authors: Kim Gina C. , Rakovski Cyril , Caporaso Fred , Prakash Anuradha
Published: January 2014

Grapes (Vitis vinifera var. Sugraone and Vitis labrusca var. Crimson Seedless) were treated with 400, 600, and 800 Gy and the effects on physicochemical factors were measured alongside sensory testing during 3 wk of storage. Significant changes in texture and color with irradiation and age were measured but little visual difference was seen between control and irradiated grapes. However, age had a greater effect on firmness than irradiation for Sugraone grapes. Irradiation did not significantly (P ≤ 0.05) affect the SSC/TA ratio, which increased during storage. The trained panel detected significant changes in the berry texture and rachis color but rated sweetness and flavor significantly higher (P ≤ 0.05) for irradiated Sugraone as compared to the control. Consumers liked both the untreated and 800 Gy treated Sugraone grapes, but liked the untreated grapes more for texture (P ≤ 0.05). However, there was no difference in liking between irradiated (600 Gy or 800 Gy) and control samples of Crimson Seedless for any attribute. The results show that there are varietal differences in response to irradiation but the overall maintenance in quality of irradiated grapes during 3 wk of storage indicates that irradiation can serve as a viable phytosanitary treatment.
Twenty‐four‐hour rhythm of ocular perfusion pressure in non‐arteritic anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy
Authors: Lacharme Tiffany , Almanjoumi Ahmed , Aptel Florent , Khayi Hafide , Pepin Jean‐Louis , Baguet Jean‐Philippe , Romanet Jean Paul , Chiquet Christophe
Published: January 2014

Purpose

In non‐arteritic anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy (NAAION) patients, circulatory insufficiency within the optic nerve has previously been hypothesized to be related to nocturnal systemic hypotension. The main objective of this prospective cohort study was to investigate the nyctohemeral variations in ocular perfusion pressure (OPP) in NAAION patients.

Methods

In 20 patients with NAAION, the intraocular pressure (IOP) was measured using the Tono‐Pen XL™ electronic tonometer every hour for 24 hr. Blood pressure (BP) was evaluated over 24 hr. Mean OPP was calculated with the following formula: OPP sitting position = (0.74 × mean BP) − IOP and OPP lying position = (0.84 × mean BP) − IOP. A nonlinear least squares dual‐harmonic regression analysis approach was used to model the 24‐hr rhythms of OPP data.

Results

On average, a 24‐hr amplitude of 4.7 ± 2.6 mmHg was found for OPP. The patients were classified as either having a diurnal OPP rhythm (i.e. with a diurnal acrophase, 10% of the cases), a nocturnal OPP rhythm (45%) or absence of OPP rhythm (45%). Four patients had a nocturnal reduction in OPP (mean, −11%).

Conclusion

The physiological nocturnal rhythm of OPP was maintained in 45% of the NAAION patients. The nocturnal reduction in OPP seen in 20% of the patients was within the range of OPP where optic nerve blood flow autoregulation is still fully operative. A high prevalence of obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome in our population (71%) may explain the low frequency of systemic nocturnal hypotension.
Risk factors for suicidal ideations in patients with bipolar disorder
Authors: Umamaheswari Vanamoorthy , Avasthi Ajit , Grover Sandeep
Published: January 2014

Objective

To identify the risk factors for suicidal ideation in subjects with bipolar depression.

Methods

One‐hundred and thirty subjects diagnosed with bipolar depression were evaluated on the following scales: Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Beck Hopelessness Scale (BHS), Patient Health Questionnaire‐15 (PHQ‐15), Barrat's Impulsivity Scale (BIS), Irritability, Anxiety, and Depression (IDA) Scale, Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS), Buss–Durke Hostile Inventory (BDHI), and Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS).

Results

Based on the BDI suicidal thoughts and wishes item (score of ≥1), the study sample was divided into those with and those without suicidal ideation. On binary logistic regression analysis, the odds ratio (OR) for the presence of suicidal ideations was highest for grade of severity of current episode [OR = 22.601, 95% confidence interval (CI): 6.39–79.92], followed by the presence of a family history of suicide attempt (OR = 18.06, 95% CI: 1.36–238.39), any preceding life event (OR = 3.797, 95% CI: 1.195–12.067), and past history of suicide attempt (OR = 3.11, 95% CI: 0.649–14.96). Other risk factors for the presence of suicidal ideations were severity of subsyndromal manic symptoms, family history of bipolar disorder, past history of hospitalization, severity of subsyndromal anxiety, hopelessness, hostility, presence of psychotic symptoms, and duration of current episode.

Conclusion

Among the various predictors of suicidal ideations, the severity of the current episode, the presence of a family history of suicide attempt, preceding life event, and past history of suicide attempt are the most important risk factors for suicidal ideations in patients with bipolar disorder. Hence, patients with these risk factors should be closely monitored to prevent suicide attempts and completed suicides.
A penalized EM algorithm incorporating missing data mechanism for Gaussian parameter estimation
Authors: Chen Lin S. , Prentice Ross L. , Wang Pei
Published: January 2014

Missing data rates could depend on the targeted values in many settings, including mass spectrometry‐based proteomic profiling studies. Here, we consider mean and covariance estimation under a multivariate Gaussian distribution with non‐ignorable missingness, including scenarios in which the dimension (p) of the response vector is equal to or greater than the number (n) of independent observations. A parameter estimation procedure is developed by maximizing a class of penalized likelihood functions that entails explicit modeling of missing data probabilities. The performance of the resulting “penalized EM algorithm incorporating missing data mechanism (PEMM)” estimation procedure is evaluated in simulation studies and in a proteomic data illustration.
IgG4 Overexpression Is Rare in Meningiomas with a Prominent Inflammatory Component: A Review of 16 Cases
Authors: Lal Aseem , Dahiya Sonika , Gonzales Michael , Hiniker Annie , Prayson Richard , Kleinschmidt‐DeMasters Bette K. , Perry Arie
Published: January 2014

Meningiomas with prominent inflammation are traditionally classified as “lymphoplasmacyte‐rich meningioma” (LPM). Both inflammatory and neoplastic meningeal proliferations have recently been linked to IgG4 disease, although a potential association with LPM has not been previously explored. Sixteen meningiomas with inflammatory cells outnumbering tumor cells were further characterized by CD3, CD20, CD68 and/or CD163, CD138, kappa, lambda, IgG and IgG4 immunostains. There were 11 female and 4 male patients, ranging from 22 to 78 (median 59) years of age. Tumors consisted of 10 World Health Organization (WHO) grade I, 5 grade II and 1 grade III LPMs. Immunohistochemically, the most numerous cell type was the macrophage in all cases followed by CD3‐positive T cells and fewer CD20‐positive B cells. Plasma cells ranged from moderate‐marked (N = 5) to rare (N = 7), or absent (N = 4). Maximal numbers of IgG4 plasma cells per high power field (HPF) ranged from 0 to 32, with only two cases having counts exceeding 10/HPF. The IgG4/IgG ratio was increased focally in only two cases (30% and 31%). Additionally, plasma cells represented only a minor component in most examples, whereas macrophages predominated, suggesting that “inflammation‐rich meningioma” may be a more accurate term. The inflammatory stimulus for most cases remains to be elucidated.
A new histone deacetylase inhibitor improves liver fibrosis in BDL rats through suppression of hepatic stellate cells
Authors: Park Ki Cheong , Park Ji Hyun , Jeon Jeong Yong , Kim Sang Yong , Kim Jung Min , Lim Chang Yong , Lee Tae Hyung , Kim Hyung Kwan , Lee Hyun Gyu , Kim Sung Min , Kwon Ho Jeong , Suh Jin Suck , Kim Seung Won , Choi Seung Hoon
Published: January 2014

Background and Purpose

Activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) is a crucial step in the pathogenesis of hepatic fibrosis. Histone deacetylase (HDAC) is an attractive target in liver fibrosis because it plays a key role in gene expression and cell differentiation. We have developed a HDAC inhibitor, N‐hydroxy‐7‐(2‐naphthylthio)heptanomide (HNHA), and investigated the anti‐fibrotic activity of HNHA in vitro and in vivo.

Experimental Approach

We investigated the anti‐fibrotic effect of HNHA on mouse and human HSC activation in vitro and in the liver of bile duct‐ligated (BDL) rats in vivo using cell proliferation assays, cell cycle analysis, biochemical assay, immunohistochemistry and Western blots. Liver pathology was assessed with histochemical techniques.

Key Results

HNHA inhibited proliferation and arrested the cell cycle via p21 induction in HSCs. In addition, HNHA induced apoptosis of HSCs, which was correlated with reduced COX‐2 expression, NF‐κB activation and cell death signals. HNHA restored liver function and decreased the accumulation of extracellular matrix in the liver via suppression of HSC activation in BDL rats in vivo. HNHA administration also increased survival in BDL rats.

Conclusions and Implications

HNHA improved liver function, suppressed liver fibrosis and increased survival of BDL rats, accompanied by reduction of cell growth, activation and survival of HSCs. These findings show that HNHA may be a potent anti‐fibrosis agent against hepatic fibrosis because of its multi‐targeted inhibition of HSC activity in vivo and in vitro.
Cannabinoids inhibit cholinergic contraction in human airways through prejunctional CB1 receptors
Authors: Grassin‐Delyle S , Naline E , Buenestado A , Faisy C , Alvarez J‐C , Salvator H , Abrial C , Advenier C , Zemoura L , Devillier P
Published: January 2014

Background and Purpose

Marijuana smoking is widespread in many countries, and the use of smoked synthetic cannabinoids is increasing. Smoking a marijuana joint leads to bronchodilation in both healthy subjects and asthmatics. The effects of Δ9‐tetrahydrocannabinol and synthetic cannabinoids on human bronchus reactivity have not previously been investigated. Here, we sought to assess the effects of natural and synthetic cannabinoids on cholinergic bronchial contraction.

Experimental Approach

Human bronchi isolated from 88 patients were suspended in an organ bath and contracted by electrical field stimulation (EFS) in the presence of the phytocannabinoid Δ9‐tetrahydrocannabinol, the endogenous 2‐arachidonoylglycerol, the synthetic dual CB1 and CB2 receptor agonists WIN55,212‐2 and CP55,940, the synthetic, CB2‐receptor‐selective agonist JWH‐133 or the selective GPR55 agonist O‐1602. The receptors involved in the response were characterized by using selective CB1 and CB2 receptor antagonists (SR141716 and SR144528 respectively).

Key Results

Δ9‐tetrahydrocannabinol, WIN55,212‐2 and CP55,940 induced concentration‐dependent inhibition of cholinergic contractions, with maximum inhibitions of 39, 76 and 77% respectively. JWH‐133 only had an effect at high concentrations. 2‐Arachidonoylglycerol and O‐1602 were devoid of any effect. Only CB1 receptors were involved in the response because the effects of cannabinoids were antagonized by SR141716, but not by SR144528. The cannabinoids did not alter basal tone or contractions induced by exogenous Ach.

Conclusions and Implications

Activation of prejunctional CB1 receptors mediates the inhibition of EFS‐evoked cholinergic contraction in human bronchus. This mechanism may explain the acute bronchodilation produced by marijuana smoking.
The dual PPARα/γ agonist aleglitazar increases the number and function of endothelial progenitor cells: implications for vascular function and atherogenesis
Authors: Werner C M , Schirmer S H , Gensch C , Pavlickova V , Pöss J , Wright M B , Böhm M , Laufs U
Published: January 2014

Background and Purpose

Aleglitazar is a dual PPARα/γ agonist but little is known about its effects on vascular function and atherogenesis. Hence, we characterized its effects on circulating angiogenic cells (CAC), neoangiogenesis, endothelial function, arteriogenesis and atherosclerosis in mice.

Experimental Approach

C57Bl/6 wild‐type (WT, normal chow), endothelial NOS (eNOS)−/− (normal chow) and ApoE−/− (Western‐type diet) mice were treated with aleglitazar (10 mg·kg−1·day−1, i.p.) or vehicle.

Key Results

Aleglitazar enhanced expression of PPARα and PPARγ target genes, normalized glucose tolerance and potently reduced hepatic fat in ApoE−/− mice. In WT mice, but not in eNOS−/−, aleglitazar up‐regulated Sca‐1/VEGFR2‐positive CAC in the blood and bone marrow and up‐regulated diLDL/lectin‐positive CAC. Aleglitazar augmented CAC migration and enhanced neoangiogenesis. In ApoE−/− mice, aleglitazar up‐regulated CAC number and function, reduced markers of vascular inflammation and potently improved perfusion restoration after hindlimb ischaemia and aortic endothelium‐dependent vasodilatation. This was associated with markedly reduced formation of atherosclerotic plaques. In human cultured CAC from healthy donors and patients with coronary artery disease with or without diabetes mellitus, aleglitazar increased migration and colony‐forming units in a concentration‐dependent manner. Furthermore, oxidative stress‐induced CAC apoptosis and expression of p53 were reduced, while telomerase activity and expression of phospho‐eNOS and phospho‐Akt were elevated. Comparative agonist and inhibitor experiments revealed that aleglitazar's effects on CAC migration and colony‐forming units were mediated by both PPARα and PPARγ signalling and required Akt.

Conclusions and Implications

Aleglitazar augments the number, function and survival of CAC, which correlates with improved vascular function, enhanced arteriogenesis and prevention of atherosclerosis in mice.
Clinical utility of chromogranin A in SDHx‐related paragangliomas
Authors: Zuber Samuel , Wesley Robert , Prodanov Tamara , Eisenhofer Graeme , Pacak Karel , Kantorovich Vitaly
Published: January 2014

Background

Measurement of plasma/urinary catecholamine metabolites – especially normetanephrine (NMN) – represents a gold standard in biochemical detection of succinate dehydrogenase subunit B (SDHB) and D (SDHD)‐related pheochromocytomas (PHEO) and paragangliomas (PGL). This study was designed to assess diagnostic utility of chromogranin A (CgA) alone or in combination with NMN in patients with PHEO/PGL related to mutations in SDHB and SDHD.

Materials and methods

A retrospective study of SDHB and SDHD NIH patients' cohort, which included 41 patients with SDHB mutation‐related PHEO/sPGL and 18 patients with either SDHD or SDHB mutation‐related head and neck PGL (HNPGL) with both CgA and NMN measured at the time of diagnosis at NIH.

Results

In the SDHB group, CgA showed sensitivity of 73.2% and specificity of 95.9%, while for NMN they were 70.7% and 98.6%, respectively. Elevations in CgA and NMN were complementary in 92.7% of patients with proven tumors. Both tests performed well on receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. CgA levels were elevated in 76.9% of SDHB patients and in 80% of patients with metastatic disease and normal NMN levels. CgA values in patients with HNPGL were significantly lower than in patients with PHEO/sPGL.

Conclusion

CgA is a valuable complementary biomarker in work‐up of SDHB‐related PHEO/sPGL. In combination with plasma NMN, CgA further enhances tumor detection by 22.0% with minimal loss in specificity. Although non‐specific for PHEO/PGL, CgA may well supplement plasma NMN to facilitate diagnostic evaluation of SDHB‐related PHEO/sPGL, especially where the measurement of plasma metanephrines could otherwise be delayed by decreased availability or cost restriction.
Decreased cholesterol efflux capacity in patients with low cholesteryl ester transfer protein plasma levels
Authors: Scharnagl Hubert , Heuschneider Christina , Sailer Sabrina , Kleber Marcus E. , März Winfried , Ritsch Andreas
Published: January 2014

Background

Cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) has been considered as a possible target for treatment of cardiovascular disease. However, first clinical studies employing CETP inhibitors have failed to demonstrate clinical benefit. Additionally, we have previously shown that low endogenous plasma levels of CETP are associated with increased mortality in coronary artery disease (CAD) patients. We hypothesized that low CETP plasma levels are associated with decreased high‐density lipoprotein (HDL) function.

Materials and Methods

Serum HDL efflux capacity was measured in 154 patients of the Ludwigshafen Risk and Cardiovascular Health (LURIC) study displaying extremely low (< 0·68 μg/mL, n = 77) or high (> 2·13 μg/mL, n = 77) CETP concentrations in their plasma, respectively. The LURIC study is a prospective observational study of patients referred to coronary angiography at baseline with a median follow‐up time of 7·75 years. Primary and secondary endpoints were cardiovascular and all‐cause mortality, respectively.

Results

High CETP patients showed a significant increase in the capacity of their plasma to mediate cholesterol efflux from cholesterol laden macrophages when compared to the efflux capacity observed in low CETP patients (+ 5·4%, P = 0·015). As shown by multiregression analysis, the impact of CETP on cholesterol efflux capacity was independent from classical risk and lifestyle factors, as well as from lipid parameters including HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and triglycerides.

Conclusions

Our findings indicate that low plasma concentrations of CETP might indeed lead to impaired HDL function within the reverse cholesterol transport pointing towards an atheroprotective role of CETP at least in patients with high risk of CAD.
First report of Teratosphaeria zuluensis causing stem canker of Eucalyptus grandis in Uganda
Authors: Jimu L. , Wingfield M. J. , Mwenje E. , Roux J.
Published: January 2014

Teratosphaeria stem canker is one of the most important diseases to have emerged on non‐native plantation‐grown Eucalyptus trees globally. In 2012, Eucalyptus grandis trees with typical Teratosphaeria stem canker symptoms were observed in Uganda. Multigene sequence analyses of isolates from these cankers led to the identification of T. gauchensis, previously recorded in Uganda, and T. zuluensis. This study represents the first report of T. zuluensis in Uganda. Furthermore, this is the first report of the co‐occurrence of T. zuluensis and T. gauchensis in a single area.
Cyanobacteria dominance influences resource use efficiency and community turnover in phytoplankton and zooplankton communities
Authors: Filstrup Christopher T. , Hillebrand Helmut , Heathcote Adam J. , Harpole W. Stanley , Downing John A.
Published: January 2014

Freshwater biodiversity loss potentially disrupts ecosystem services related to water quality and may negatively impact ecosystem functioning and temporal community turnover. We analysed a data set containing phytoplankton and zooplankton community data from 131 lakes through 9 years in an agricultural region to test predictions that plankton communities with low biodiversity are less efficient in their use of limiting resources and display greater community turnover (measured as community dissimilarity). Phytoplankton resource use efficiency (RUE = biomass per unit resource) was negatively related to phytoplankton evenness (measured as Pielou's evenness), whereas zooplankton RUE was positively related to phytoplankton evenness. Phytoplankton and zooplankton RUE were high and low, respectively, when Cyanobacteria, especially Microcystis sp., dominated. Phytoplankton communities displayed slower community turnover rates when dominated by few genera. Our findings, which counter findings of many terrestrial studies, suggest that Cyanobacteria dominance may play important roles in ecosystem functioning and community turnover in nutrient‐enriched lakes.
Characterization and diagnostic evaluation of chronic polyneuropathies induced by oxaliplatin and docetaxel comparing skin biopsy to quantitative sensory testing and nerve conduction studies
Authors: Krøigård T. , Schrøder H. D. , Qvortrup C. , Eckhoff L. , Pfeiffer P. , Gaist D. , Sindrup S. H.
Published: January 2014

Background and purpose

Chemotherapy‐induced peripheral neuropathy negatively affects the quality of life for many patients treated with oxaliplatin or docetaxel for gastrointestinal cancer or breast cancer. Symptoms can persist long after treatment and often include neuropathic pain. Our objective was to characterize the neuropathies with regard to symptoms, neurological signs and objective evidence of damage to the structure and function of the peripheral nerves. Furthermore, the diagnostic values of skin biopsy, quantitative sensory testing (QST) and nerve conduction studies (NCS) were compared.

Methods

Patients complaining of neuropathy symptoms at least 3 months after completion of treatment with oxaliplatin (n = 20) or docetaxel (n = 20) were recruited from the Department of Oncology or using hospital records. Neuropathy scores were determined along with the intraepidermal nerve fibre density in skin biopsies from the proximal and distal parts of the leg, QST and NCS.

Results

Clinically only sensory functions were affected. In general, neuropathy scores were higher in the oxaliplatin‐treated group. Both sensory and motor fibres were affected in the NCS, showing predominantly signs of axonal damage. Mechanical detection threshold was most often affected in the QST. NCS, QTS and skin biopsy were abnormal in 11, 13 and 17 and 7, 11 and 15 of the oxaliplatin‐treated patients and docetaxel‐treated patients, respectively.

Conclusions

Chemotherapy‐induced peripheral neuropathy after oxaliplatin or docetaxel treatment is a clinically sensory, axonal neuropathy affecting only small nerve fibres in some patients. NCS are often normal, whereas QST and skin biopsy have a higher diagnostic sensitivity.
Effects of emergency medical service transport on acute stroke care
Authors: Minnerup J. , Wersching H. , Unrath M. , Berger K.
Published: January 2014

Background and purpose

Since early treatment of acute stroke is associated with an improved outcome, emergency medical service (EMS) transport of stroke patients is recommended. It remains unclear, however, whether EMS transport leads to faster treatment. The impact of the transport mode on pre‐ and in‐hospital processes of care was therefore investigated.

Methods

The present study was based on a prospective database of 158 hospitals of the Stroke Register of Northwestern Germany, which included 162 511 stroke patients admitted between January 2010 and December 2011. Main outcome measures were the baseline characteristics associated with EMS transport and process‐of‐care indicators according to the transport mode.

Results

Overall, 101 850 (72.0%) patients were transported by EMS and 39 324 (28.0%) by self‐transport. The baseline characteristics showing the strongest associations with EMS use were the care situation [institutional care, adjusted odds ratio (OR) 7.81; 95% CI 6.86–8.90], a disturbed level of consciousness (adjusted OR 3.00; 95% CI 2.59–3.48) and having a subarachnoid (adjusted OR 2.79; 95% CI 2.24–3.49) or intracerebral hemorrhage (adjusted OR 2.26; 95% CI 1.92–2.67). For self‐transport patients the probability of being in a higher onset‐to‐door time category was 4.36 (95% CI 4.26–4.47) and the probability of being in a higher door‐to‐imaging time category was 1.32 (95% CI 1.28–1.36). Compared with self‐transport, EMS transport was independently associated with thrombolysis (adjusted OR 1.95, 95% CI 1.77–2.15).

Conclusions

Patient transport with EMS was independently associated with faster hospital arrival and shorter time periods from hospital admission to brain imaging and to the frequency of thrombolysis.
Anatomy of the vestibule of the omental bursa and epiploic foramen in the horse
Authors: Freeman D. E. , Pearn A. R.
Published: January 2014

Reasons for performing study

Epiploic foramen entrapment (EFE) is a common cause of colic in horses and available anatomical descriptions of this foramen and the associated vestibule of the omental bursa tend to be inconsistent, contradictory and inaccurate.

Objectives

To describe the anatomy of the vestibule of the omental bursa and epiploic foramen.

Study design

Dissection of 21 fresh equine cadavers shortly after euthanasia.

Methods

The anatomy of the vestibule of the omental bursa, epiploic foramen and related structures in the cranial abdomen were examined in situ and after removal from the abdomen. Photographs were taken and illustrations rendered to bring the relationship of the different folds, ligaments and organs involved into a 3D concept.

Results

The entrance into the vestibule and the passageway through it to the epiploic foramen is bounded by the gastropancreatic fold dorsally, caudally and ventrally. This fold constitutes the caudoventral boundary of the epiploic foramen along with the portal vein cranially and ventrally. The craniodorsal boundary of the epiploic foramen is formed by the caudate lobe of the liver.

Conclusions

The gastropancreatic fold plays a more important role in the anatomy of the vestibule of the omental bursa and the epiploic foramen than has been documented in the most widely used anatomy textbooks written in English. Because of the importance of EFE in horses, information from this study about the relevant anatomy could provide a first step towards improved methods for treatment and laparoscopic prevention of these diseases.
Metabolic states with maximal specific rate carry flux through an elementary flux mode
Authors: Wortel Meike T. , Peters Han , Hulshof  Josephus , Teusink Bas , Bruggeman Frank J.
Published: January 2014

Specific product formation rates and cellular growth rates are important maximization targets in biotechnology and microbial evolution. Maximization of a specific rate (i.e. a rate expressed per unit biomass amount) requires the expression of particular metabolic pathways at optimal enzyme concentrations. In contrast to the prediction of maximal product yields, any prediction of optimal specific rates at the genome scale is currently computationally intractable, even if the kinetic properties of all enzymes are available. In the present study, we characterize maximal‐specific‐rate states of metabolic networks of arbitrary size and complexity, including genome‐scale kinetic models. We report that optimal states are elementary flux modes, which are minimal metabolic networks operating at a thermodynamically‐feasible steady state with one independent flux. Remarkably, elementary flux modes rely only on reaction stoichiometry, yet they function as the optimal states of mathematical models incorporating enzyme kinetics. Our results pave the way for the optimization of genome‐scale kinetic models because they offer huge simplifications to overcome the concomitant computational problems.

Database

The mathematical model described here has been submitted to the JWS Online Cellular Systems Modelling Database and can be accessed at http://jjj.mib.ac.uk/database/wortel2/index.html free of charge.

[Database section added 14 May 2014 after original online publication]
Vascular access‐related infection in nocturnal home hemodialysis
Authors: Hayes Wesley N. , Tennankore Karthik , Battistella Marisa , Chan Christopher T.
Published: January 2014

Frequent hemodialysis is associated with increased vascular access adverse events. We hypothesized that bacteremia would be more frequent in patients with central venous catheter (CVC) than arteriovenous fistula or arteriovenous graft (AVF/AVG) in nocturnal home hemodialysis (NHHD). We reviewed blood culture reports and concurrent clinical data for a cohort of one hundred eighty‐seven NHHD patients between January 1, 2006 and June 30, 2012. The primary outcome was time to first bacteremia, technique failure, or death after commencing NHHD. Types of bacteremia and clinical consequences were analyzed. Analyses were adjusted for a priori defined confounders. One hundred eighty‐seven patients were included with a total follow up of six hundred five patient years. Initial vascular access was AVF in seventy‐eight (42%) patients, AVG in eleven (6%) patients, and CVC in ninety‐eight (52%) patients. A total of 79.3% of patients with a CVC reached the composite endpoint of bacteremia, technique failure, or death in the study period; 44.5% of patients with an AVF or AVG reached this composite endpoint. Adjusted time to first bacteremia, technique failure, or death was significantly shorter in patients with initial CVC access (hazard ratio 2.42, 95% confidence interval 1.50–3.90, p < 0.001). Risk factors for bacteremia were comorbid status quantified by the Charlson Comorbidity Index (p < 0.001) and diabetes (p < 0.001). Coagulase negative staphylococcus was the commonest organism cultured accounting for 51.4% bacteremias. The second commonest organism was staphylococcus aureus (20.3% bacteremias). Patients undergoing NHHD with a CVC have a shorter duration to first infection, technique failure, or death than those with permanent vascular access.
Resident female Northern Lapwings Vanellus vanellus fight to exclude settlement by secondary females
Authors: Grønstøl Gaute , Lislevand Terje , Byrkjedal Ingvar
Published: January 2014

In systems with bi‐parental care, sexual conflict theory states that a transition from monogamy to polygyny should increase fitness prospects for males and reduce fitness prospects of resident females. Behavioural observations of Northern Lapwings Vanellus vanellus suggested that resident females try to monopolize their breeding resources by attacking females prospecting for secondary status, and males commonly respond by intervening on behalf of the prospecting females. In four territories the resident females successfully defended their monogamous status, in nine territories the resident females made at least one successful eviction before being forced to accept polygyny and in nine territories observed eviction attempts were unsuccessful. These observations indicate that mating status in Northern Lapwings is partly determined by the competitive ability of resident females.
Antibiotic intravenous-to-oral switch guidelines: barriers to adherence and possible solutions
Authors: Warburton John , Hodson Karen , James Delyth
Published: January 2014

Objectives

To identify reasons for poor adherence to antibiotic intravenous-to-oral switch guidelines and to explore the possible solutions. To rate the importance of the barriers and solutions identified, as perceived by a multidisciplinary expert panel.

Methods

Three-round Delphi study in an expert panel comprising doctors, nurses and pharmacists, with concurrent semi-structured interviews.

Key findings

The three rounds of the Delphi were completed by 13 out of the 30 healthcare professionals invited to participate. No nurses were included in the final round. Consensus was achieved for 28 out of 35 statements, with the most important barrier being that of inappropriate antibiotic review at the weekend, and the most important solution being to raise guideline awareness. The findings from the seven interviews (three doctors, two pharmacists and two nurses) complemented those from the Delphi study, although they provided more specific suggestions on how to improve the adherence to guidelines.

Conclusion

This study, using a combination of quantitative and qualitative methods, has identified several barriers to explore further and offered many practical solutions to improve practice. The importance of a multidisciplinary approach to address guideline non-adherence was emphasised. Clinical guidelines must be well publicised and well written to prevent a feeling of guideline saturation in the healthcare populous. Novel approaches may have to be investigated in order to further encourage adherence with antibiotic intravenous-to-oral switch guidelines.
Structure and expression of a cysteine proteinase gene from Spodoptera litura and its response to biocontrol fungus Nomuraea rileyi
Authors: Chen H. , Yin Y. , Feng E. , Xie X. , Wang Z.
Published: January 2014

Cysteine proteinases (Cyps) play vital roles in many biological processes, including physiological and pathological reactions. In the present study, we cloned a full cDNA of SlCyp, encoding a 344‐amino‐acid protein from Spodoptera litura. The putative amino acid sequence shared >75% identity with Cyps from other insects. A phylogenetic analysis revealed that SlCyp is closely related to other known lepidopteran Cyps. Real‐time PCR and Western blotting analyses showed that SlCyp is induced by Nomuraea rileyi infection in all the tissues tested. The strongest SlCyp mRNA and protein expression was found in haemocytes, followed by the fat bodies, of unchallenged and N. rileyi‐challenged S. litura. A time‐course analysis showed that SlCyp mRNA and protein expression levels were upregulated in the haemocytes and fat bodies by N. rileyi infection. Upon N. rileyi infection, the proteolytic activities of SlCyp were also significantly higher in the haemolymph than in normal or phosphate‐buffered‐saline‐challenged controls. These results suggest that SlCyp plays an important role in the innate immunity of S. litura in response to N. rileyi. SlCyp mRNA and protein expression and activities were also elevated during sixth‐instar moulting and metamorphosis. Knocking down SlCyp transcripts with double‐stranded RNA interference caused prepupal, pupal, and adult phenotypic changes, and SlCyp‐silenced mutant larvae displayed a significantly lower survival rate after N. rileyi infection. These facts suggest that SlCyp plays a significant role in resisting N. rileyi infection and an essential role in larval development. Our data should facilitate the development of techniques for S. litura control.
IsoSpike: Improved Double‐Spike Inversion Software
Authors: Creech John B. , Paul Bence
Published: January 2014

The double‐spike approach for correction of instrumental mass bias in mass spectrometry data is well established. However, there is very little consistency within the scientific community in terms of double‐spike data reduction. Double‐spike solutions require computer calculation, using either geometric or algebraic approaches, and are often performed using spreadsheet calculations that vary from group to group and between isotope systems. Here, we present IsoSpike, a generalised computer procedure for the processing of double‐spike mass spectrometry data, built as an add‐on for the Iolite data‐reduction package (www.iolite.org.au). Use of this software permits visualisation of mass spectrometry data in a time window, and rigorous treatment and screening of data. Additionally, IsoSpike uses an integration‐by‐integration approach where the double‐spike calculations are performed on every integration within an analysis, providing straightforward quantification of uncertainties on double‐spike‐corrected isotope ratios. The advantages of this approach over traditional methods are discussed here. Platinum stable isotope data are presented as an example data set, although the procedure is applicable to any double‐spike system. IsoSpike is freely available from www.isospike.org.
Influence of type‐I Interferon receptor expression level on the response to type‐I Interferons in human pancreatic cancer cells
Authors: Booy Stephanie , van Eijck Casper H. J. , Dogan Fadime , van Koetsveld Peter M. , Hofland Leo J.
Published: January 2014

Pancreatic cancer is a highly aggressive malignancy with limited treatment options. Type‐I interferons (e.g. IFN‐α/‐β) have several anti‐tumour activities. Over the past few years, clinical studies evaluating the effect of adjuvant IFN‐α therapy in pancreatic cancer yielded equivocal results. Although IFN‐α and ‐β act via the type‐I IFN receptor, the role of the number of receptors present on tumour cells is still unknown. Therefore, this study associated, for the first time, in a large panel of pancreatic cancer cell lines the effects of IFN‐α/‐β with the expression of type‐I IFN receptors. The anti‐tumour effects of IFN‐α or IFN‐β on cell proliferation and apoptosis were evaluated in 11 human pancreatic cell lines. Type‐I IFN receptor expression was determined on both the mRNA and protein level. After 7 days of incubation, IFN‐α significantly reduced cell growth in eight cell lines by 5–67%. IFN‐β inhibited cell growth statistically significant in all cell lines by 43–100%. After 3 days of treatment, IFN‐β induced significantly more apoptosis than IFN‐α. The cell lines variably expressed the type‐I IFN receptor. The maximal inhibitory effect of IFN‐α was positively correlated with the IFNAR‐1 mRNA (P < 0.05, r = 0.63), IFNAR‐2c mRNA (P < 0.05, r = 0.69) and protein expression (P < 0.05, r = 0.65). Human pancreatic cancer cell lines variably respond to IFN‐α and ‐β. The expression level of the type‐I IFN receptor is of predictive value for the direct anti‐tumour effects of IFN‐α treatment. More importantly, IFN‐β induces anti‐tumour effects already at much lower concentrations, is less dependent on interferon receptor expression and seems, therefore, more promising than IFN‐α.
Development and reliability testing of the quality clinical placement evaluation tool
Authors: Courtney‐Pratt Helen , Fitzgerald Mary , Ford Karen , Johnson Caddi , Wills Karen
Published: January 2014

Aims and objectives

To develop and test the content and face validity, and reliability of the quality clinical placement evaluation tool.

Background

The importance of clinical experience during undergraduate nursing degrees is undisputed. To date, tools available to measure quality of clinical placements have focused on single perspectives, that of the undergraduate or that of the supervising nurse. The quality clinical placement evaluation tool was proposed to provide an assessment of clinical placement experiences informed by supervising ward nurses and undergraduate stakeholders.

Design

The study employed a cross‐sectional design.

Methods

The internal validity of an existing instrument was evaluated by an expert panel and modified for use in the acute care sector. Surveys were completed by undergraduate students (n = 48) and supervising ward nurses (n = 47). Factor analysis was used to identify themes drawn from the literature and explore redundancy of items. Reliability was assessed using Cronbach's alpha for internal consistency and test–retest (five to seven days apart).

Results

Reliability testing showed good internal consistency for the tool; test–retest reliability testing results were moderate to good for students and fair to moderate for nurses. Factor analysis identified three core themes related to supervising ward nurse responses that could also be applied to undergraduate nurses. The domains identified were the following: welcome and belonging; support to meet learning needs; and confidence and competence: reflections on learning.

Conclusions

The quality clinical placement evaluation has shown statistically acceptable levels of reliability and validity for measuring the quality of clinical placement from perspectives of undergraduates and supervising ward nurses.

Relevance to clinical practice

The tool provides tertiary institutions, acute care facilities, wards and individuals with the means to capture views of the quality of clinical placement which can also be used to undertake comparisons over time and between sites.
Therapeutic options for the treatment of chronic pain in dogs
Authors: MacFarlane P. D. , Tute A. S. , Alderson B.
Published: January 2014

Chronic pain is a widely recognised problem in humans and is being increasingly recognised as a significant problem in dogs. Whilst a large number of therapies are described and utilised to treat chronic pain in dogs, there is a severe shortage of evidence to guide practitioners in selection of treatments. Until more evidence becomes available, practitioners should adopt a cautious approach, utilising licensed treatments first when possible. Non‐pharmacological therapies should be incorporated into the chronic pain management plan whenever possible. Given the probable prevalence of chronic pain in dogs there is an urgent need for research to identify effective treatments.
Migration and Social Structure: The Spatial Mobility ofChinese Lawyers
Authors: Liu Sida , Liang Lily , Michelson Ethan
Published: January 2014

This article uses the case ofChinese migrant lawyers to examine how the spatial mobility of individual practitioners shapes the social structure of the profession. Drawing on data from 261 interviews conducted in twelveChinese provinces during 2004–2010, the 2009ChineseLegalEnvironmentSurvey, lawyer yearbooks, and other public sources, the authors examine the patterns, causes, outcomes, and structural consequences ofChinese lawyers' internal migration. The empirical analysis shows that the spatial mobility ofChinese lawyers has not only increased the stratification and inequality of law practice in major cities such asBeijing andShanghai, but it has also aggravated the shortage of legal service and intensified interprofessional competition in western and ruralChina. Based on findings from theChinese case, the article connects the sociology of law and migration studies and moves toward a new processual theory for understanding the relationship between microlevel mobility and macrolevel stratification in the legal profession.
Prevention, diagnosis and treatment of high‐throughput sequencing data pathologies
Authors: Zhou Xiaofan , Rokas Antonis
Published: January 2014

High‐throughput sequencing (HTS) technologies generate millions of sequence reads from DNA/RNA molecules rapidly and cost‐effectively, enabling single investigator laboratories to address a variety of ‘omics’ questions in nonmodel organisms, fundamentally changing the way genomic approaches are used to advance biological research. One major challenge posed by HTS is the complexity and difficulty of data quality control (QC). While QC issues associated with sample isolation, library preparation and sequencing are well known and protocols for their handling are widely available, the QC of the actual sequence reads generated by HTS is often overlooked. HTS‐generated sequence reads can contain various errors, biases and artefacts whose identification and amelioration can greatly impact subsequent data analysis. However, a systematic survey on QC procedures for HTS data is still lacking. In this review, we begin by presenting standard ‘health check‐up’ QC procedures recommended for HTS data sets and establishing what ‘healthy’ HTS data look like. We next proceed by classifying errors, biases and artefacts present in HTS data into three major types of ‘pathologies’, discussing their causes and symptoms and illustrating with examples their diagnosis and impact on downstream analyses. We conclude this review by offering examples of successful ‘treatment’ protocols and recommendations on standard practices and treatment options. Notwithstanding the speed with which HTS technologies – and consequently their pathologies – change, we argue that careful QC of HTS data is an important – yet often neglected – aspect of their application in molecular ecology, and lay the groundwork for developing a HTS data QC ‘best practices’ guide.
Altered intrinsic regional activity and corresponding brain pathways reflect the symptom severity of functional dyspepsia
Authors: Nan J. , Liu J. , Zhang D. , Yang Y. , Yan X. , Yin Q. , Xiong S. , von Deneen K. M. , Liang F. , Gong Q. , Qin W. , Tian J. , Zeng F.
Published: January 2014

Background

Increasing evidence shows central abnormalities in functional dyspepsia (FD) patients, but whether the symptom severity is directly reflected in altered brain patterns remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to explore how FD affected the resting functional brain patterns for different degrees of symptom severity.

Methods

Functional magnetic resonance imaging was carried out in 40 FD patients and 20 healthy controls. The resting‐state brain changes in regional homogeneity (ReHo) and seed correlation analysis were investigated in patients relative to controls. To what degree the brain changes reflected the severity of the disease was assessed by a pattern classification technique.

Key Results

Altered ReHo values (p < 0.05, FDR corrected) were discovered in multiple brain areas in FD patients, and only the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) and thalamus exhibited significant correlation with the severity of dyspepsia symptoms. Compared with controls, the neural signal changes of the thalamus were not found in the less severe FD patient group but in the relatively more severe group, while the ACC showed aberrations in both groups. Seed‐based correlation analysis revealed ACC‐ and thalamus‐related functional connectivity differences between FD patients and controls at a voxel‐wise level, and the altered thalamic circuits provided the best performance in distinguishing FD patients with different levels of symptom severity.

Conclusions & Inferences

Our results indicated that the functional abnormalities of the ACC and thalamus may occur at different clinical courses in FD. This may help us better understand the progression of FD.