bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development and pilot testing of a parent‐reported health‐related quality of life measure for children on the ketogenic diet: The KetoQoL
Authors: Barwick Katie , Parker Tamara , Murphy Nicole , Todd Alwyn , Leveritt Michael , Wilkinson Shelley A.
Published: April 2017

Aim

The aim of the present study was to develop a parent‐reported tool that will measure health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) in children following ketogenic diet (KD) therapies for refractory epilepsy once it has been pilot tested and analysed.

Methods

Parents of children following KD therapies for epilepsy were recruited through a public hospital in Queensland, Australia, in 2012 and 2014. Qualitative semistructured interviews were conducted in 2012 with 13 parents who described changes seen in their child's HRQoL while on the KD. A quality of life tool (QoL) was developed by adapting the Quality of Life in Childhood Epilepsy tool based on results and themes analysed from the interviews. The KetoQoL was pilot tested with 18 parents recruited in 2014. Interrelationships between variables and questions were explored with exploratory factor analysis (EFA) to determine which questions had the greatest effect on QoL.

Results

The first iteration of the KetoQoL consisted of five main domains: physical, cognitive, social, intrapersonal and effects on the family. The domains were subdivided into 18 variables, totalling 54 items. EFA demonstrated that items from the physical and effects on the family domains had the greatest effect on QoL.

Conclusions

KetoQoL is an HRQoL tool developed using a range of methods and assessed for both face and content validity. Further testing of KetoQoL is required to refine and confirm the factors. This work will enhance the evaluation of treatment effectiveness in children with epilepsy following the KD.
Health Improvement in a Period of Austerity: a Public Health Perspective
Authors: Holland Walter W.
Published: April 2017

This article reviews historical precedents, which might help to guide current practice. It discusses the role of explicit rationing, distinguishes between need and demand and their respective determinants, and considers evidence as a means of prioritising health services. It subsequently outlines some of the strategies to improve or maintain individual and population health. To achieve these objectives, governments must analyse the provision of health services, including preventive care, and ensure that adequate information is available on the utilisation and outcome of these services to determine where care provision is deficient. Health improvements and maintenance must entail both considerations of the provision of health care services as well as measures to improve health. In addition, it is important for any society that adequate information is available on both the utilisation and outcome of any services provided both for evaluation and monitoring, in order that appropriate changes can be made in a timely manner.
Causality between Public Debt and Real Growth in the OECD: A Country‐by‐country Analysis
Authors: Donayre Luiggi , Taivan Ariuna
Published: April 2017

We analyse the direction of causality between public debt and real economic growth in a sample of 20 OECD countries for a period of 40 years starting in 1970. Given the persistence of real growth rates, we estimate canonical cointegrating regressions to allow for the possibility of stochastic cointegrating vectors. We then make inferences about the direction of causality by means of both Granger tests and VAR‐based tests that do not depend on whether the series are integrated or cointegrated. We found that while modern welfare states tend to face low real growth following increases in public debt, more traditional welfare states and those with larger governments typically exhibit either causality from low growth to debt accumulation or bidirectional causality. However, the heterogeneity of the results suggests caution when making general statements about the relationship between these variables. In particular, the causal link is intrinsic to each country and it cannot be inferred that higher debt always leads to lower economic growth.
Timing of paclitaxel treatment in pre‐operative or post‐operative does not affect survival in breast cancer patients
Authors: Wang Jiayu , Chen Shanshan , Xu Binghe , Yuan Peng , Ma Fei , Li Qing , Zhang Pin , Cai Ruigang , Fan Ying , Luo Yang , Li Qiao
Published: April 2017

Background

Two epirubicin and paclitaxel‐based neoadjuvant chemotherapy regimens were compared in breast cancer patients.

Methods

We enrolled 309 breast cancer patients who received two types of regimens: cyclophosphamide + epirubicin dose‐dense neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by sequential postoperative paclitaxel single‐drug medication, and paclitaxel + epirubicin standard neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by two cycles of the same chemotherapy after surgery. The primary endpoint was a pathological complete response (pCR) and the secondary endpoints were disease‐free and overall survival.

Results

The median follow‐up time was 65 months. The overall pCRs for pathological efficacy and efficacy of primary lesions were 14.4% and 29.3%, respectively (P < 0.001). The pCR of the paclitaxel + epirubicin group was significantly higher than in the cyclophosphamide + epirubicin group (17.3% vs. 9.2%; P = 0.0345), but the five‐year disease‐free survival rates in both groups were not significantly different (82.9% vs. 75.3%; P = 0.916).

Conclusions

The results of our study indicated that the timing of paclitaxel therapy, either preoperative or postoperative, does not affect survival times in breast cancer patients.
Seen once or more than once: applying Good–Turing theory to estimate species richness using only unique observations and a species list
Authors: Chao Anne , Colwell Robert K. , Chiu Chun‐Huo , Townsend Ditch
Published: April 2017

Due to sampling limitations, almost every biodiversity survey misses species that are present, but not detected, so that empirical species counts underestimate species richness. A wide range of species richness estimators has been proposed in the literature to reduce undersampling bias. We focus on nonparametric estimators, which make no assumptions about the mathematical form of the underlying species abundance/incidence distributions.

For replicated incidence data, in which only species presence/absence (or detection/non‐detection) is recorded in multiple sampling units, most existing nonparametric estimators of the number of undetected species are based on the frequency counts of the uniques (species detected in only one sampling unit) and duplicates (species detected in exactly two sampling units).

Some survey methods, however, record only uniques and super‐duplicates (species observed in more than one sampling unit). Using the Good–Turing frequency formula, we developed a method to estimate the number of duplicates for such data, allowing estimation of true species richness, including undetected species.

We test our estimators on several empirical datasets for which doubletons were recorded and on simulated sampling data, then apply them to an extensive, but previously unusable survey of coral reef fishes, for which only uniques and super‐duplicates were recorded.

We extend the method to abundance data and discuss other potential applications.
Caenorhabditis elegans orthologs of human genes differentially expressed with age are enriched for determinants of longevity
Authors: Sutphin George L. , Backer Grant , Sheehan Susan , Bean Shannon , Corban Caroline , Liu Teresa , Peters Marjolein J. , van Meurs Joyce B. J. , Murabito Joanne M. , Johnson Andrew D. , Korstanje Ron ,   the Cohorts for Heart and Aging Research in Genomic Epidemiology (CHARGE) Consortium Gene Expression Working Group
Published: April 2017

We report a systematic RNAi longevity screen of 82 Caenorhabditis elegans genes selected based on orthology to human genes differentially expressed with age. We find substantial enrichment in genes for which knockdown increased lifespan. This enrichment is markedly higher than published genomewide longevity screens in C. elegans and similar to screens that preselected candidates based on longevity‐correlated metrics (e.g., stress resistance). Of the 50 genes that affected lifespan, 46 were previously unreported. The five genes with the greatest impact on lifespan (>20% extension) encode the enzyme kynureninase (kynu‐1), a neuronal leucine‐rich repeat protein (iglr‐1), a tetraspanin (tsp‐3), a regulator of calcineurin (rcan‐1), and a voltage‐gated calcium channel subunit (unc‐36). Knockdown of each gene extended healthspan without impairing reproduction. kynu‐1(RNAi) alone delayed pathology in C. elegans models of Alzheimer's disease and Huntington's disease. Each gene displayed a distinct pattern of interaction with known aging pathways. In the context of published work, kynu‐1, tsp‐3, and rcan‐1 are of particular interest for immediate follow‐up. kynu‐1 is an understudied member of the kynurenine metabolic pathway with a mechanistically distinct impact on lifespan. Our data suggest that tsp‐3 is a novel modulator of hypoxic signaling and rcan‐1 is a context‐specific calcineurin regulator. Our results validate C. elegans as a comparative tool for prioritizing human candidate aging genes, confirm age‐associated gene expression data as valuable source of novel longevity determinants, and prioritize select genes for mechanistic follow‐up.
Exercise during pregnancy and risk of gestational hypertensive disorders: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Magro‐Malosso Elena R. , Saccone Gabriele , Di Tommaso Mariarosaria , Roman Amanda , Berghella Vincenzo
Published: April 2017

Introduction

Gestational hypertensive disorders, including gestational hypertension and preeclampsia, are one of the leading causes of maternal morbidity and mortality. The aim of our study was to evaluate the effect of exercise during pregnancy on the risk of gestational hypertensive disorders.

Material and methods

Electronic databases were searched from their inception to February 2017. Selection criteria included only randomized controlled trials of uncomplicated pregnant women assigned before 23 weeks to an aerobic exercise regimen or not. The summary measures were reported as relative risk with 95% confidence intervals. The primary outcome was the incidence of gestational hypertensive disorders, defined as either gestational hypertension or preeclampsia.

Results

Seventeen trials, including 5075 pregnant women, were analyzed. Of them, seven contributed data to quantitative meta‐analysis for the primary outcome. Women who were randomized in early pregnancy to aerobic exercise for about 30–60 min two to seven times per week had a significant lower incidence of gestational hypertensive disorders (5.9% vs. 8.5%; relative risk 0.70, 95% confidence interval 0.53–0.83; seven studies, 2517 participants), specifically a lower incidence of gestational hypertension (2.5% vs. 4.6%; relative risk 0.54, 95% confidence interval 0.40–0.74; 16 studies, 4641 participants) compared with controls. The incidence of preeclampsia (2.3% vs. 2.8%; relative risk 0.79, 95% confidence interval 0.45–1.38; six studies, 2230 participants) was similar in both groups. The incidence of cesarean delivery was decreased by 16% in the exercise group.

Conclusions

Aerobic exercise for about 30–60 min two to seven times per week during pregnancy, as compared with being more sedentary, is associated with a significantly reduced risk of gestational hypertensive disorders overall, gestational hypertension, and cesarean delivery.
Screening and investigation Lactobacillius spp. to improve Secale cereale silage quality
Authors: Kim Hye Sun , Han Ouk Kyu , Kim Sam Churl , Kim Min Jung , Kwak Youn‐Sig
Published: April 2017

Silage is a high‐moisture‐content forage that is used to feed livestock. Using silage as feed is economically feasible and suitable for cattle management. Secale cereale is considered as a high‐quality forage plant. After the heading stage the biomass of S. cereale increases by up to 30%; however, lignification in the cell wall causes low fermentation efficiency and coefficient digestibility, and it may also be contaminated by mycotoxin‐producing fungi and can impair the quality of the silage. Therefore, the aim of this study was to screen beneficial Lactobacillius spp. for S. cereale silage to reduce fungi contamination and to increase fibrinolytic ability in the silage. Up to 100 days fermentation period and total 180 lactic acid bacteria were isolated and only a single isolate, R4‐26, showed strong acidification ability and antifungal activities against mycotoxin‐producing fungus. According to quantitative RT‐PCR results, the mycotoxin‐producing fungal contamination was significantly reduced in the S. cereale silage containing the R4‐26 isolate. In enzymatic assays, only a single isolate, R48‐27 demonstrated cellulase, xylanase, chitinase and esterase activities. In conclusion, the beneficial Lactobacillius spp. strains have the ability to reduce mycotoxigenic fungi contamination and increase fibrinolytic activity to improve quality of the S. cereale silage.
Effects of dietary supplementation with tribasic zinc sulfate or zinc sulfate on growth performance, zinc content and expression of zinc transporters in young pigs
Authors: Deng Bo , Zhou Xihong , Wu Jie , Long Ciming , Yao Yajun , Peng Hongxing , Wan Dan , Wu Xin
Published: April 2017

An experiment was conducted to compare the effects of zinc sulfate (ZS) and tribasic zinc sulfate (TBZ) as sources of supplemental zinc on growth performance, serum zinc (Zn) content and messenger RNA(mRNA)expression of Zn transporters (ZnT1/ZnT2/ZnT5/ZIP4/DMT1) of young growing pigs. A total of 96 Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire pigs were randomly allotted to two treatments and were fed a basal diet supplemented with 100 mg/kg Zn from eitherZSorTBZfor 28 days. Feed : gain ratio in pigs fedTBZwere lower (P < 0.05) than pigs fedZS, and average daily weight gain tended to increase (0.05 ≤ P ≤ 0.10) in pigs fedTBZ. Compared with pigs fedZS, pigs fedTBZhad a higher CuZn‐superoxide dismutase and Zn content in serum (P < 0.05) while they had a lower Zn content in feces (P < 0.05). In addition,ZIP4mRNAexpression of zinc transporter in either duodenum or jejunum of pigs fedTBZwere higher (P < 0.05) than pigs fedZS. These results indicate thatTBZis more effective in serum Zn accumulation and intestinal Zn absorption, and might be a potential substitute forZSin young growing pigs.
Effects of aflatoxin B1 on mitochondrial respiration, ROS generation and apoptosis in broiler cardiomyocytes
Authors: Wang Wen‐Jun , Xu Zhi‐Liang , Yu Cheng , Xu Xiao‐Hong
Published: April 2017

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) develops various toxic effects in the liver by impairing mitochondrial function, inducing cell apoptosis. However, little is focused on its toxicity to broiler cardiomyocytes (BCMs). Here, the mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, cardiac troponin T (cTnT) location, apoptosis induced by AFB1, and antioxidative genes were investigated in BCMs. It was found that AFB1 evoked intracellular ROS generation, and induced apoptosis in BCMs. AFB1 treatment resulted in increased percentage of apoptotic cells, increased location range of cTnT in cytoplasm, upregulated messenger RNA (mRNA) expression of nuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor 2 (Nrf2) and downregulated mRNA expressions of Mn‐superoxide dismutase in BCMs. These findings suggested AFB1 treatment caused significant cardiomyocyte damage and cardiotoxicity, impairment of mitochondrial functions, activated ROS generation, and induced apoptosis, and probably was involved in the Nrf2 signal pathway in BCMs.
Interactions of bovine oocytes with follicular elements with respect to lipid metabolism
Authors: Warzych Ewelina , Pawlak Piotr , Pszczola Marcin , Cieslak Adam , Madeja Zofia E. , Lechniak Dorota
Published: April 2017

Among many factors, lipid metabolism within the follicular environment emerges as an important indicator of oocyte quality. In the literature a crucial significance is described concerning follicular fluid (FF) composition as well as messenger RNA (mRNA) expression in follicular cells. The aim of this study was to describe the relationship between oocyte, FF and follicular cells with regard to lipid metabolism. The set of data originating from individual follicles comprised: lipid droplets (LD) number in oocytes (BODIPY staining), mRNA expression of seven genes in cumulus and granulosa cells (SCD, FADS2, ELOVL2, ELOVL5, GLUT1, GLUT3, GLUT8; real time polymerase chain reaction) and fatty acid (FA) composition in FF (gas chromatography). Obtained results demonstrate significant correlation between oocyte lipid droplets number and FA composition in FF. However, gene expression studies show significant correlation between LD number and GLUT1 gene only. Moreover, the present experiment revealed correlations between FA content in FF and expression of several genes (SCD, FADS2, ELOVL5, GLUT8) in granulosa cells, whereas only the SCD gene in cumulus cells. We suggest that the results of our experiment indicate the importance of glucose : lipid metabolism balance, which contributes to better understanding of energy metabolism conversion between oocytes and the maternal environment.
Influence of riders’ skill on plasma cortisol levels of horses walking on forest and field trekking courses
Authors: Ono Ayaka , Matsuura Akihiro , Yamazaki Yumi , Sakai Wakako , Watanabe Kentaro , Nakanowatari Toshihiko , Kobayashi Hiroshi , Irimajiri Mami , Hodate Koichi
Published: April 2017

The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of rider's skill on the plasma cortisol levels of trekking horses on two courses, walking on field and forest courses (about 4.5 to 5.1 km each). Three riders of different skills did horse trekking (HT) in a tandem line under a fixed order: advanced‐leading, beginner‐second and intermediate‐last. A total of six horses were used and they experienced all positions in both courses; a total of 12 experiments were done. Blood samples were obtained before HT, immediately after and 2 h after HT. As a control, additional blood samples were obtained from the same horses on non‐riding days. Irrespective of the course and the rider's skill, the cortisol level before HT was higher than that of control (P < 0.05). In both courses, the cortisol levels immediately after HT ridden by the advanced rider were higher than that of control (P < 0.05). However, in every case, the cortisol level 2 h after HT was closely similar to the level of the control. Thus, we concluded the stress of trekking horse was not sufficient to disturb the circadian rhythm of the cortisol level, irrespective of the course and the rider's skill.
Advanced treatment technique for swine wastewater using two agents: Thermally polymerized amorphous silica and hydrated lime for color and phosphorus removal and sulfur for nitrogen removal
Authors: Hasegawa Teruaki , Kurose Yohei , Tanaka Yasuo
Published: April 2017

The efficacy of advanced treatment of swine wastewater using thermally polymerized, modified amorphous silica and hydrated lime (M‐CSH‐lime) for color and phosphorus removal and sulfur for nitrogen removal was examined with a demonstration‐scale treatment plant. The color removal rate was approximately 78% at M‐CSH‐lime addition rates of > 0.055 wt/v%. The ‐P removal rate exceeded 99.9% with > 0.023 wt/v%. pH of the effluent from the M‐CSH‐lime reactor increased with the addition rate till a maximum value of 12.7, which was effective in disinfection. The recovered M‐CSH‐lime would be suitable as a phosphorus fertilizer because the total P2O5 content was approximately 10%. The nitrogen oxide (NOx‐N) removal rate by sulfur denitrification increased to approximately 80% when the NOx‐N loading rate was around 0.1 kg‐N/ton‐S/day. It was suggested that the combination of the two processes would be effective in the advanced treatment of swine wastewater.
Effect of P‐glycoprotein inhibition at the blood–brain barrier on brain distribution of (R)‐[11C]verapamil in elderly vs. young subjects
Authors: Bauer Martin , Wulkersdorfer Beatrix , Karch Rudolf , Philippe Cécile , Jäger Walter , Stanek Johann , Wadsak Wolfgang , Hacker Marcus , Zeitlinger Markus , Langer Oliver
Published: April 2017

Aims

The efflux transporter P‐glycoprotein (ABCB1) acts at the blood–brain barrier (BBB) to restrict the distribution of many different drugs from blood to the brain. Previous data suggest an age‐associated decrease in the expression and function of ABCB1 at the BBB. In the present study, we investigated the influence of age on the magnitude of an ABCB1‐mediated drug–drug interaction (DDI) at the BBB.

Methods

We performed positron emission tomography scans using the model ABCB1 substrate (R)‐[11C]verapamil in five young [26 ± 1 years, (mean ± standard deviation)] and five elderly (68 ± 6 years) healthy male volunteers before and after intravenous administration of a low dose of the ABCB1 inhibitor tariquidar (3 mg kg−1).

Results

In baseline scans, the total distribution volume (VT) of (R)‐[11C]verapamil in whole‐brain grey matter was not significantly different between the elderly (VT = 0.78 ± 0.15) and young (VT = 0.79 ± 0.10) group. After partial (incomplete) ABCB1 inhibition, VT values were significantly higher (P = 0.040) in the elderly (VT = 1.08 ± 0.15) than in the young (VT = 0.80 ± 0.18) group. The percentage increase in (R)‐[11C]verapamil VT following partial ABCB1 inhibition was significantly greater (P = 0.032) in elderly (+40 ± 17%) than in young (+2 ± 17%) volunteers. Tariquidar plasma concentrations were not significantly different between the young (786 ± 178 nmol l−1) and elderly (1116 ± 347 nmol l−1) group.

Conclusions

Our results provide the first direct evidence of an increased risk for ABCB1‐mediated DDIs at the BBB in elderly persons, which may have important consequences for pharmacotherapy of the elderly.
Using confirmatory factor analysis to validate the Chamberlin affective instrument for mathematical problem solving with academically advanced students
Authors: Chamberlin Scott A. , Moore Alan D. , Parks Kelly
Published: April 2017

Background

Student affect plays a considerable role in mathematical problem solving performance, yet is rarely formally assessed. In this manuscript, an instrument and its properties are discussed to enable educational psychologists the opportunity to assess student affect.

Aims

The study was conducted to norm the CAIMPS (instrument) with gifted students. In so doing, educational psychologists are informed of the process and the instrument's properties.

Sample

The sample was comprised of 160 middle‐grade (7 and 8) students, identified as gifted, in the United States.

Methods

After completing one of four model‐eliciting activities (MEAs), all participants completed the CAIMPS (Chamberlin Affective Instrument for Mathematical Problem Solving). Data were analysed using confirmatory factor analysis to ascertain the number of factors in the instrument. The normed fit index (0.6939), non‐normed fit index (0.8072), and root mean square error approximation (.076) were at or near the acceptable levels. Alpha levels for factors were also robust (.637–.923).

Results and conclusion

Data suggest that the instrument was a good fit for use with mathematics students in middle grades when solving problems. Perhaps the most impressive characteristic of the instrument was that the four factors (AVI: anxiety, value, and interest), SS (self‐efficacy and self‐esteem), ASP (aspiration), and ANX (anxiety) did not correlate highly with one another, which defies previous hypotheses in educational psychology.
Citizens' views in four jurisdictions on placement policies for maltreated children
Authors: Skivenes Marit , Thoburn June
Published: April 2017

Citizens' opinions on child protection public policy are a key dimension of the legitimacy of a political order. We have conducted a survey vignette on a representative sample of citizens (N = 4,003) in England, Finland, Norway, and California, USA. The findings show that citizens' opinions are clearly in favour of adoption (75%) rather than long‐term foster care (25%). Context may partly explain the findings, as the responses of the majority of Anglo‐American respondents are in line with practice in their countries but for the Nordic respondents, there is a substantial discrepancy between citizens' opinions and on‐going child protection practices.
Inverse association between size of the lipid‐rich necrotic core and vascularization in human carotid plaques
Authors: Hjelmgren Ola , Johansson Lars , Prahl Ulrica , Schmidt Caroline , Bergström Göran M. L.
Published: April 2017

Purpose

To study the relationship between the size of the lipid‐rich necrotic core measured by MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) and the level of plaque vascularization measured by contrast‐enhanced ultrasound, in human carotid plaques. Further, to compare the size of lipid‐rich necrotic core from MRI to plaque echogenicity.

Methods

Thirty‐one subjects with carotid plaques underwent standard B‐mode ultrasound, contrast‐enhanced ultrasound and MRI. The lipid‐rich necrotic core was quantified using MRI. Contrast‐enhanced ultrasound was used to measure carotid plaque vascularization. Standard B‐mode ultrasound was used to measure plaque echogenicity as greyscale median.

Results

The amount of lipid‐rich necrotic core correlated inversely with the degree of plaque vascularization (r = −0·40, P = 0·03). There were no correlations between the degree of plaque vascularization and the amount of fibrous tissue or calcifications. There were no correlations between greyscale median and the lipid‐rich necrotic core, fibrous tissue or calcifications.

Conclusions

We show that more dense plaque vascularization is associated with a lower plaque content of lipid‐rich necrotic core. A large lipid‐rich necrotic core and high plaque vascularization are both proposed as predictors of vulnerability, and our finding is therefore odds with some earlier observations. Our finding can be explained by the fact that the necrotic core of the plaque contains no viable tissue and therefore less of the plaque can be vascularized if the lipid‐rich necrotic core is large. Our study suggests that the true relation between plaque vascularization and other indices of vulnerability is more complex than initially thought.
Total atherosclerotic burden measured by magnetic resonance imaging is related to five‐year decline in cognitive function
Authors: Hansen Tomas , Kilander Lena , Ahlström Håkan , Lind Lars
Published: April 2017

Objective

The aim of this study was to explore whether total atherosclerotic burden is related to future decline in performance on cognitive tests.

Methods

The total atherosclerotic burden (TAS) was assessed by whole‐body magnetic resonance angiography (WBMRA) in 305 subjects at age 70 in the study Prospective Investigation of Vasculature in Uppsala Seniors (PIVUS). The mini‐mental state examination (MMSE) and trail making tests (TMT) A and B were evaluated at ages 75 and 80 in 190 of those subjects. No subject with a diagnosis of dementia was included in the sample.

Results

MMSE did not change during the 5 years of follow‐up, while TMT A and B increased by 4 and 7 s, respectively. TAS at age 70 was significantly related to the individual change in TMT B (P<0·0001) between age 75 and 80, when adjusted for sex, education level, TMT B at age 75 and Framingham score at age 70. No such relationship was seen for the change in TMT A (P = 0·10). The relationship between TAS and the change in MMSE was of borderline significance (P = 0·025).

Conclusion

A relationship was found between the total atherosclerotic burden and future decline in performance on TMT B, highlighting a role of global atherosclerosis in the cognitive decline seen during ageing.
Brachial blood flow under relative levels of blood flow restriction is decreased in a nonlinear fashion
Authors: Mouser J. Grant , Ade Carl J. , Black Christopher D. , Bemben Debra A. , Bemben Michael G.
Published: April 2017

Introduction

Blood flow restriction (BFR), the application of external pressure to occlude venous return and restrict arterial inflow, has been shown to increase muscular size and strength when combined with low‐load resistance exercise. BFR in the research setting uses a wide range of pressures, applying a pressure based upon an individual's systolic pressure or a percentage of occlusion pressure; not a directly determined reduction in blood flow. The relationship between relative pressure and blood flow has not been established.

Purpose

To measure blood flow in the arm under relative levels of BFR.

Methods

Forty‐five people (18–40 years old) participated. Arterial occlusion pressure in the right arm was measured using a 5‐cm pneumatic cuff. Blood flow in the brachial artery was measured at rest and at pressures between 10% and 90% of occlusion using ultrasound.

Results

Blood flow decreased in a nonlinear, stepped fashion. Blood flow decreased at 10% of occlusion and remained constant until decreasing again at 40%, where it remained until 90% of occlusion.

Conclusion

The decrease in brachial blood flow is not proportional to the applied relative pressure. The prescription of blood flow restriction should take into account the stimulus provided at each relative level of blood flow.
Desmoplastic melanoma may mimic a cutaneous peripheral nerve sheath tumor: Report of 3 challenging cases
Authors: Machado Isidro , Llombart Beatriz , Cruz Julia , Traves Víctor , Requena Celia , Nagore Eduardo , Parafioriti Antonina , Monteagudo Carlos , Llombart‐Bosch Antonio
Published: April 2017

Desmoplastic melanoma (DM) and cutaneous malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNST) reveal histological and immunohistochemical similarities, including S100 positivity and negative staining for conventional melanocytic markers. We present 3 cases of cutaneous S100‐positive spindle cell tumors in elderly patients, in which first findings led to initial misdiagnoses as cutaneous MPNST and benign peripheral sheath nerve tumor (neurofibroma). The identification of adjacent atypical melanocytic hyperplasia in the overlying skin along with tumor cell proliferation, also in the superficial dermis, the neurotropic component and the absence of any relationship between the tumor and a major nerve, pre‐existing neural benign tumor or the existence of stigmata suggestive of neurofibromatosis raised consideration of a DM. Careful attention should be paid to the presence of a firm dermal nodule and atypical scar lesions especially in sun‐exposed areas (mainly head and neck region) in elderly patients associated with S100‐positive spindle cell proliferation, solar elastosis and adjacent atypical melanocytic proliferation. In such cases, the possibility of a DM should be excluded with caution, especially if the tumor reveals a paucicellular morphology resembling various non‐melanocytic neoplasms including malignant or benign peripheral sheath nerve tumors.
Basal cell carcinoma: CD56 and cytokeratin 5/6 staining patterns in the differential diagnosis with Merkel cell carcinoma
Authors: Panse Gauri , McNiff Jennifer M. , Ko Christine J.
Published: April 2017

Background

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) can resemble Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) on histopathological examination and while CK20 is a useful marker in this differential, it is occasionally negative in MCC. CD56, a sensitive marker of neuroendocrine differentiation, is sometimes used to identify MCC, but has been reportedly variably positive in BCC as well. In contrast, CK5/6 consistently labels BCC but is not expressed in neuroendocrine tumors.

Methods

We evaluated 20 cases of BCC for the pattern of CD56 and cytokeratin 5/6 (CK5/6) staining, hypothesizing that these 2 stains could differentiate BCC from MCC in difficult cases. Seventeen cases of MCC previously stained with CD56 were also examined.

Results

All BCCs showed patchy expression of CD56 except for 2 cases, which showed staining of greater than 70% of tumor. CK5/6 was diffusely positive in all cases of BCC. Fifteen of 17 MCCs were diffusely positive for CD56. The difference in the pattern of CD56 expression between MCC and BCC (diffuse vs patchy, respectively) was statistically significant (P < .05).

Conclusion

BCC typically shows patchy CD56 expression and diffuse CK5/6 positivity. These 2 markers can be used to distinguish between BCC and MCC in challenging cases.
‘It's like a drink you'd have before you go to a party’: Analysis of a Vodka Cruiser advertising campaign
Authors: Jones Sandra C. , Francis Kate L. , Gordon Chloe S.
Published: April 2017

Introduction and Aims

The aim of the present study was to explore young women's understandings of, and interactions with, an advertising campaign for a pre‐mixed alcohol product that appeared to be promoting pre‐drinking. This campaign was the subject of complaints to the Alcohol Advertising Review Board, revealing an inconsistency between the way the company responded to such complaints (arguing that the campaign does not encourage pre‐drinking) and the way it described the campaign in trade press (the pre‐drink enjoyed by the ‘girls’ while getting ready …).

Design and Methods

Twelve focus groups were conducted with 72 young women, aged 15–25 years in Melbourne, Australia. These young women's interpretations of the messages communicated in this advertising campaign were analysed thematically.

Results

The young women identified, without prompting, the main message of the campaign as being a reference to pre‐drinking. Most notably, the women saw the target audience as young (including underage) women.

Discussion and Conclusions

Given that young women who drink are increasingly doing so at harmful levels, a marketing campaign, which is interpreted by the target audience to encourage pre‐drinking among young (including underage) women, appears to be inconsistent with the industry's own code for alcohol advertising. We renew the call for effective regulation of alcohol advertising to better protect young Australians. [Jones SC, Francis KL, Gordon CS. ‘It's like a drink you'd have before you go to a party’: Analysis of a Vodka Cruiser advertising campaign. Drug Alcohol Rev 2018;37:36–41]
Incidental tricuspid valve fibroelastoma associated with patent foramen ovale in a young female: Straightforward diagnosis but controversial management
Authors: Ruisanchez Cristina , Alonso Angela , Carballo Beatriz , Gil Aritz , Lerena Piedad , Sarralde Jose Aurelio , Ruano Francisco Javier
Published: April 2017

Papillary fibroelastoma is an uncommon primary cardiac tumor, predominantly associated with left‐sided valvular endocardium. Affectation of tricuspid valve leaflets is rare, and management in asymptomatic patients remains controversial. We present a 30‐year‐old female referred for evaluation prior to bariatric surgery. A routine echocardiogram revealed a mobile cardiac mass attached to the tricuspid valve. A patent foramen ovale was also present. Tumor was surgically removed. Histology confirmed the definite diagnosis of a papillary fibroelastoma. In our case, the presence of a patent foramen ovale associated with the right‐sided fibroelastoma was decisive in the decision for surgery.
Role of four‐dimensional echocardiography with high‐definition flow imaging and spatiotemporal image correlation in detecting fetal pulmonary veins
Authors: Sun Xue , Zhang Ying , Fan Miao , Wang Yu , Wang Meilian , Siddiqui Faiza Amber , Sun Wei , Sun Feifei , Zhang Dongyu , Lei Wenjia , Hu Guyue
Published: April 2017

Background

Prenatal diagnosis of fetal total anomalous pulmonary vein connection (TAPVC) remains challenging for most screening sonographers. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the use of four‐dimensional echocardiography with high‐definition flow imaging and spatiotemporal image correlation (4D‐HDFI) in identifying pulmonary veins in normal and TAPVC fetuses.

Material & Methods

We retrospectively reviewed and performed 4D‐HDFI in 204 normal and 12 fetuses with confirmed diagnosis of TAPVC. Cardiac volumes were available for postanalysis to obtain 4D‐rendered images of the pulmonary veins. For the normal fetuses, two other traditional modalities including color Doppler and HDFI were used to detect the number of pulmonary veins and comparisons were made between each of these traditional methods and 4D‐HDFI.

Results

For conventional echocardiography, HDFI modality was superior to color Doppler in detecting more pulmonary veins in normal fetuses throughout the gestational period. 4D‐HDFI was the best method during the second trimester of pregnancy in identifying normal fetal pulmonary veins. 4D‐HDFI images vividly depicted the figure, course, and drainage of pulmonary veins in both normal and TAPVC fetuses.

Conclusion

HDFI and the advanced 4D‐HDFI technique could facilitate identification of the anatomical features of pulmonary veins in both normal and TAPVC fetuses; 4D‐HDFI therefore provides additional and more precise information than conventional echocardiography techniques.
Credit booms and busts in emerging markets
Authors: Andries Alin Marius , Brown Martin
Published: April 2017

We investigate to what extent corporate governance and risk management mitigate the involvement of banks in credit boom and bust cycles. We study a unique, hand‐collected dataset covering 156 banks from Central and Eastern Europe during 2005–2012. We document that stronger risk management is associated with more moderate pre‐crisis credit growth but not with fewer credit losses in the crisis. With respect to bank governance, we find that a higher share of foreign members on the supervisory board is associated with less rapid credit growth in the pre‐crisis period and a lower level of credit losses during the crisis period.
A tale of two fluids: does storing specimens together in liquid preservative causeDNAcross‐contamination in molecular gut‐content studies?
Authors: Athey Kacie J. , Chapman Eric G. , Harwood James D.
Published: April 2017

The study of food webs and trophic interactions increasingly relies onPCR‐based molecular gut‐content analysis. However, this technique may be prone to error from contamination of minute quantities ofDNA; i.e., simply storing specimens together in a liquid medium may lead to cross‐contamination. In this study, we usedPCRto determine the contamination rate when (1) specimens were stored together in 95% ethanol for various time periods, and (2) predators fall into ethylene glycol‐filled pitfall traps where the dying predator may inadvertently consume preyDNA‐contaminated liquid. We designed experiments andPCRprimers to quantify the risk of contamination for both situations and found no contamination by storing specimens together in 95% ethanol. Furthermore, zero predators contained preyDNAin their gut contents from imbibing preyDNA‐contaminated ethylene glycol. These results support the use of mass sampling techniques, like wet pitfall traps, for molecular gut‐content analysis.
Dietary self‐selection and rules of compromise by fifth‐instar Vanessa cardui
Authors: VanOverbeke Dustin R. , Thompson S. Nelson , Redak Richard A.
Published: April 2017

We examined dietary self‐selection and rules of compromise for protein (P) and digestible carbohydrate (C) intake by fifth‐instar Vanessa cardui L. (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae: Nymphalini). We presented six fat‐free diet pairs to larvae in a choice trial to determine the ‘intake target’. In addition, we fed larvae seven fat‐free single diets differing in dietary nutrient ratio in no‐choice trials to determine the rules of compromise they exhibit when constrained to a singular, sub‐optimal dietary source. In choice trials, caterpillars regulated nutrient intake to a ratio of 1 protein to 1.09 carbohydrate (1P:1.09C), exhibiting tighter regulation of protein than of carbohydrate. Furthermore, larvae from different diet pair treatments did not differ in pupal mass or stadium duration. In no‐choice experiments, larvae reduced consumption on increasingly protein‐biased diets and increased consumption on increasingly carbohydrate‐biased diets, relative to a 1P:1C ratio diet. Differences in carbohydrate consumption were much greater between no‐choice treatments than differences in protein consumption. Dietary nutrient ratio affected pupal mass when accounting for initial larval mass. Pupal mass decreased as nutrient ratio was shifted off of 1P:1C, but to a greater extent when the ratio was skewed toward carbohydrate. Stadium duration increased as nutrient ratio diverged from 1P:1C, being more pronounced when shifted toward carbohydrate than toward protein. Regulation to near 1P:1C is consistent with results found for other Lepidoptera, and the rule of compromise exhibited by V. cardui is consistent with that expected for a generalist herbivore.
Cronartium flaccidum sporulates on new Euphrasia species in natural habitats in Finland
Authors: Kaitera J. , Kalleinen L. , Mikkilä J. , Hantula J.
Published: April 2017

Natural sporulation of a pine stem rust, Cronartium flaccidum, was investigated in forested habitats in northern Finland. First, a diffuse sample (100) of seven species of hemiparasitic plants was collected in their natural habitats close to one another. C. flaccidum was found to sporulate on six species. The rust was most common on Melampyrum sylvaticum with 21% of the plants and 2% of the leaves carrying telia. Telia occurred occasionally also on Euphrasia frigida, E. nemorosa, E. stricta, Pedicularis palustris ssp. palustris and Melampyrum pratense (less than 5% of the plants and 0.3% of the leaves). The rust was absent on Rhinanthus minor. Second, a diffuse sample of each of M. sylvaticum, M. pratense, Euphrasia sp. and Rhinanthus sp. was collected from 10 sample plots surrounding the city area. C. flaccidum occurred on 0.29% of the leaves of M. sylvaticum, and 0.02%–0.03% of M. pratense and Euphrasia, but it was lacking from Rhinanthus. The results indicated that C. flaccidum was most common and widespread on M. sylvaticum, but sporulated sporadically also on Euphrasia sp., P. palustris and M. pratense. This is the first report of sporulation of C. flaccidum on Euphrasia frigida and E. nemorosa in their natural habitats. In contrast, a second rust observed in this survey, Coleosporium sp. needle rust, was much more common than C. flaccidum on the investigated plants. In the first site, 43%–54% of plants and 8%–17% of leaves of Melampyrum spp. and 0%–13% of plants and 0%–2% of leaves of Euphrasia spp., Rhinanthus minor and Pedicularis palustris carried uredinia or telia. In the second site, 9%–15% of leaves of Melampyrum spp. and 1%–2% of Euphrasia sp. and Rhinanthus sp. carried rust uredinia and/or telia. The results indicate frequent spore dispersal of both Cronartium and Coleosporium in the area, and versatile rust sporulation on hemiparasitic plant species.
Ten guiding principles for youth mental health services
Authors: Hughes Frank , Hebel Lisa , Badcock Paul , Parker Alexandra G.
Published: April 2017

Aims

Guiding principles are arguably central to the development of any health service. The aim of this article is to report on the outcomes of a youth mental health (YMH) community of practice (CoP), which identified a range of guiding principles that provide a clear point of comparison for the only other set of principles for YMH service delivery proposed to date.

Methods

A YMH CoP was established in 2010 as part of the Victorian State Government approach to improving YMH care. An initial literature search was undertaken to locate articles on YMH service delivery. A number of common themes were identified, which the YMH community of practice (YMHCoP) members then elaborated upon by drawing from their collective experience of the YMH sector. The resultant themes were then refined through subsequent group discussions to derive a definitive set of guiding principles. These principles were then augmented by a second literature search conducted in July 2015.

Results

Fifteen key themes were derived from the initial literature search and YMH CoP discussions. These were refined by the YMH CoP to produce 10 guiding principles for YMH service development. These are discussed through reference to the relevant literature, using the only other article on principles of YMH service delivery as a notable point of comparison.

Conclusion

The 10 principles identified may be useful for quality improvement and are likely to have international relevance. We suggest the timely pursuit of an international consensus on guiding principles for service delivery under the auspices of a peak body for YMH.
Social cognition and the course of social functioning in first‐episode psychosis
Authors: Woolverton Cindy B. , Bell Emily K. , Moe Aubrey M. , Harrison‐Monroe Patricia , Breitborde Nicholas J. K.
Published: April 2017

Background

Social functioning deficits greatly affect individuals with psychotic disorders resulting in decreased ability to maintain relationships, jobs and pursuit of educational goals. Deficits in social cognition have been hypothesized to be an important contributor to these deficits in social functioning. In particular, 5 domains of social cognition have been suggested to be relevant in the study of psychotic disorders: (1) attributional style, (2) emotion recognition, (3) social knowledge, (4) social perception and (5) theory of mind. Yet, to date, no study has simultaneously investigated the association between these 5 domains of social cognition and social functioning.

Methods

We investigated the cross‐section and longitudinal association between social cognition and social functioning among 71 individuals with first‐episode psychosis.

Results

We found modest cross‐sectional associations between social cognition and social functioning that were often in the unexpected direction (ie, greater social cognition associated with worse social functioning). Social cognition at baseline was not associated with the longitudinal course of social functioning.

Conclusions

These unexpected findings fail to align with previous research that has documented a more robust relationship between these 2 constructs, and raise critical questions with regard to the nature of the association between social cognition and social functioning among individuals with first‐episode psychosis.
Two Second‐Personal Conceptions of the Dignity of Persons
Authors: Zylberman Ariel
Published: April 2017

In spite of the burgeoning philosophical literature on human dignity, Stephen Darwall's second‐personal account of the dignity of persons has not received the attention it deserves. This article investigates Darwall's account and argues that it faces a dilemma, for it succumbs either to a problem of antecedence or to the wrong kind of reasons problem. But this need not mean one should reject a second‐personal account. Instead, I argue that an alternative second‐personal conception, one I will call relational, promises to solve the dilemma by avoiding both the problem of antecedence and the wrong kind of reasons problem. More generally, distinguishing these two second‐personal conceptions of the dignity of persons is important to enrich the available philosophical accounts of human dignity.
VHCF response of Gaussian specimens made of high‐strength steels: comparison between unrefined and refined AISI H13
Authors: Tridello A.
Published: April 2017

It is well‐known in the literature that the characteristic defect size of high‐strength steels strongly influences their Very‐High‐Cycle Fatigue (VHCF) response. Currently, several refining processes permit to reduce the characteristic defect size and permit to remove large defects in high‐strength steels, thus inducing a possible significant enhancement of the VHCF response.

The present paper investigates the effects of a specific refinement process, the Electro‐Slag Remelting (ESR), on the VHCF response of an AISI H13 steel. Ultrasonic VHCF tests are carried out on large Gaussian specimens made of unrefined and refined AISI H13 steels. Fracture surfaces are investigated to compare inclusion populations before and after the ESR process. Finally, the fatigue limit and the design S‐N curves are statistically estimated to quantify the beneficial effects induced by the ESR process.