bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pharmacokinetics of testosterone cream applied to scrotal skin
Authors: Iyer R. , Mok S. F. , Savkovic S. , Turner L. , Fraser G. , Desai R. , Jayadev V. , Conway A. J. , Handelsman D. J.
Published: March 2017

Scrotal skin is thin and has high steroid permeability, but the pharmacokinetics of testosterone via the scrotal skin route has not been studied in detail. The aim of this study was to define the pharmacokinetics of testosterone delivered via the scrotal skin route. The study was a single‐center, three‐phase cross‐over pharmacokinetic study of three single doses (12.5, 25, 50 mg) of testosterone cream administered in random sequence on different days with at least 2 days between doses to healthy eugonadal volunteers with endogenous testosterone suppressed by administration of nandrolone decanoate. Serum testosterone, DHT and estradiol concentrations were measured by liquid chromatograpy, mass spectrometry in extracts of serum taken before and for 16 h after administration of each of the three doses of testosterone cream to the scrotal skin. Testosterone administration onto the scrotal skin produced a swift (peak 1.9–2.8 h), dose‐dependent (p < 0.0001) increase in serum testosterone with the 25 mg dose maintaining physiological levels for 16 h. Serum DHT displayed a time‐ (p < 0.0001), but not dose‐dependent, increase in concentration reaching a peak concentration of 1.2 ng/mL (4.1 nm) at 4.9 h which was delayed by 2 h after peak serum testosterone. There were no significant changes in serum estradiol over time after testosterone administration. We conclude that testosterone administration to scrotal skin is well tolerated and produces dose‐dependent peak serum testosterone concentration with a much lower dose relative to the non‐scrotal transdermal route.
Acute cholangitis: current concepts
Authors: Lan Cheong Wah David , Christophi Christopher , Muralidharan Vijayaragavan
Published: March 2017

Background

Acute cholangitis, also known as ascending cholangitis, is a life‐threatening systemic condition that results from a biliary tree infection and obstruction. Severe acute cholangitis was reported to have a mortality rate between 11 and 27% in the 1990s. This article is a literature review about acute cholangitis. Its aim is to review the latest literature about acute cholangitis and to discuss its pathogenesis, clinical presentation, diagnosis, prognosis, risk factors and treatment.

Methods

Ovid Medline and PubMed database searches were performed for articles about acute cholangitis published in English from 1877 to 2016. The keyword search headings included ‘acute’, ‘ascending’ and ‘cholangitis’, and a combination of these were used. Only articles with full‐text descriptions were chosen for this literature review.

Results

Common causes of biliary tree obstruction include choledocholithiasis, benign and malignant biliary strictures. According to the Tokyo Guidelines, clinical presentation, laboratory blood results and diagnostic imaging are important in the diagnosis of acute cholangitis. Treatments consist of intravenous fluids and antibiotics followed by biliary decompression and drainage. Available drainage options include endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography, endoscopic ultrasound and open surgical drainage.

Conclusion

It is important to diagnose acute cholangitis as early as possible to initiate appropriate treatments to reduce mortality and morbidity.
A comparison inhibitory effects of cisplatin and MNPs‐PEG‐cisplatin on the adhesion capacity of bone metastatic breast cancer
Authors: Mokhtari Mohammad Javad , Koohpeima Fatemeh , Mohammadi Hadi
Published: March 2017

To date, high mortality in women due to malignancy breast cancer related to the metastasis to the bone is a significant challenge. As, magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) conjugated with the biocompatible polymers was employed for the delivery of some hydrophobic anticancer agents, the main aim of the current research was to assess whether cisplatin‐loaded MNPs enhanced the anticancer effect of free cisplatin in breast cancer cells. MNPs decorated with PEG were synthesized by an improved coprecipitation technique, and then cisplatin was loaded onto the MNPs via a simple mixing method. Afterward, its morphology, size, chemical structure, magnetic property, hydrodynamic diameter, zeta potential, and crystal structure were characterized by scanning and transmittance electron microscopy, Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy, vibrating sample magnetometer, dynamic light scattering, and X‐ray powder diffraction and flame atomic absorption spectroscopy respectively. Additionally, the effects of cisplatin and MNPs‐PEG‐cisplatin on viability, migration and adhesion capacity of T47D cells were investigated by evaluating α2‐integrin and β1‐integrin; mRNAs were assessed by real‐time RT‐PCR. Consequently, the in vitro assay results showed a considerable dose‐dependent inhibitory effect of cisplatin and MNPs‐PEG‐cisplatin on proliferation, migration, and adhesion of T47D cells. Finally, current research was shown that MNPs‐PEG‐cisplatin strongly increased anticancer effects compared with free cisplatin in the T47D cell line.
Extent of surgery did not affect recurrence during 7‐years follow‐up in papillary thyroid cancer sized 1‐4 cm: Preliminary results
Authors: Kim Min Joo , Lee Myung‐Chul , Lee Guk Haeng , Choi Hoon Sung , Cho Sun Wook , Kim Su‐jin , Lee Kyu Eun , Park Young Joo , Park Do Joon
Published: March 2017

Objective

There is debate whether hemithyroidectomy is sufficient for patients with papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) sized 1‐4 cm. Therefore, we investigated whether hemithyroidectomy affects recurrence rate compared with thyroidectomy in patients with PTC sized 1‐4 cm.

Design

Retrospective observational study.

Patients

We included 147 patients with 1‐4 cm PTC who underwent hemithyroidectomy between 2004 and 2008. They were matched with 298 patients who underwent thyroidectomy, comparing age, sex, tumour size, multiplicity, extrathyroidal extension status and lymph node (LN) metastasis status.

Measurements

Recurrence‐free survival (RFS) was compared between hemithyroidectomy and thyroidectomy groups.

Results

Median follow‐up length was 7 years, during which there were nine (6.1%) and 17 (5.7%) recurrences in hemithyroidectomy and thyroidectomy groups, respectively. Recurrence‐free survival in the hemithyroidectomy group was not different from that in the thyroidectomy group regardless of variant, multifocality, LN metastasis and radioactive iodine treatment. However, in subgroup analysis, hemithyroidectomy significantly increased the risk of recurrence in patients with contralateral nodules on the preoperative imaging.

Conclusions

Recurrence after hemithyroidectomy was not different from that after thyroidectomy during a median follow‐up of 7 years. However, because thyroidectomy might be favoured in patients with contralateral nodules at preoperative evaluation, a thorough evaluation of the contralateral thyroid lobe is necessary.
Glucose metabolism in mammalian photoreceptor inner and outer segments
Authors: Narayan Daniel S , Chidlow Glyn , Wood John PM , Casson Robert J
Published: March 2017

Photoreceptors are the first‐order neurons of the visual pathway, converting light into electrical signals. Rods and cones are the two main types of photoreceptors in the mammalian retina. Rods are specialized for sensitivity at the expense of resolution and are responsible for vision in dimly lit conditions. Cones are responsible for high acuity central vision and colour vision. Many human retinal diseases are characterized by a progressive loss of photoreceptors. Photoreceptors consist of four primary regions: outer segments, inner segments, cell bodies and synaptic terminals. Photoreceptors consume large amounts of energy, and therefore, energy metabolism may be a critical juncture that links photoreceptor function and survival. Cones require more energy than rods, and cone degeneration is the main cause of clinically significant vision loss in retinal diseases. Photoreceptor segments are capable of utilizing various energy substrates, including glucose, to meet their large energy demands. The pathways by which photoreceptor segments meet their energy demands remain incompletely understood. Improvements in the understanding of glucose metabolism in photoreceptor segments may provide insight into the reasons why photoreceptors degenerate due to energy failure. This may, in turn, assist in developing bio‐energetic therapies aimed at protecting photoreceptors.
“Build a friendship with them”: The discourse of “at‐risk” as a barrier to relationship building between young people who trade sex and social workers
Authors: Abel Gillian , Wahab Stéphanie
Published: March 2017

Young people in statutory care and protection interact with social workers, who hold potential to provide a supportive adult role in their lives. Many however, run away at an early age and end up on the street trading sex for money or other favours. There is potential to improve outcomes for young people in care if the relationship between young people and their social workers is better addressed. This paper uses data from a qualitative study of 14 young people who traded sex and who had experienced interactions with social workers. A thematic analysis identified three themes: the rigidity of social work practice; contesting the family situation; and resisting the at‐risk label. We argue that to have any impact on outcomes for young people in care, social workers need to prioritise relationship‐building above the need to conform to organizational protocols and guidelines. Such guidelines assist the social worker in assessing whether family situations pose high risk for a young person, but the “at‐risk” label is contested by young people, which results in a lack of trust and a barrier to relationship building.
Adolescent‐to‐parent violence and abuse: Parents' management of tension and ambiguity—an interpretative phenomenological analysis
Authors: Clarke Kerry , Holt Amanda , Norris Clare , Nel Pieter W.
Published: March 2017

Adolescent violence and abuse towards parents is under researched, especially in the UK where reports of the phenomenon are increasing with little clear guidance as to how practitioners might respond. In this qualitative study, 6 parents were recruited through youth offending teams and were interviewed about their lived experiences of violence and/or abuse from their adolescent child. Using interpretative phenomenological analysis, 3 superordinate themes emerged (a) the tensions and (b) the ambiguities produced by living with the violence and abuse and (c) the ways that parents manage the harms caused by these tensions and ambiguities. Theoretical and clinical implications are discussed, including consideration of how practitioners might support parents who are living with adolescent‐to‐parent violence and abuse to establish healthy and sustainable coping strategies while repairing family relationships.
Portland Oregon, Music Scenes, and Change: A Cultural Approach to Collective Strategies of Empowerment
Authors: London Jeffrey
Published: March 2017

This article highlights the role of the independent music culture of Portland, Oregon, in establishing a productive culture of consumption and spaces that contribute to the place character of the city. Derived from an ethnographic research project of urban culture and social change in Portland, Oregon, guided interviews and extended participant observation helped to bring to light the cultural economy that artists and musicians make for the city. The cultural production of Portlanders in the indie music community, and those who work and produce in neighborhood settings, has served the city in the most recent period of rapid gentrification. Many scholars have focused on the way bohemian concentrations have led to gentrification; others have highlighted the contingent labor that art makers provide. What I argue here is as the city develops in these ways, artisanal workers and music makers work to use their established networks and situated meaning in the city to fend off these processes and extend their presence in space. Through these collective strategies of empowerment, culture and music move into political discourse and affect political action on the city level.
TNF‐inhibitor associated psoriatic alopecia: Diagnostic utility of sebaceous lobule atrophy
Authors: Afanasiev Olga K. , Zhang Cathryn Z. , Ruhoy Steven M.
Published: March 2017

The increasingly successful and widespread use of Tumor Necrosis Factor inhibitors (TNFi) to treat autoimmune and inflammatory conditions has also been accompanied by adverse reactions, both systemic and cutaneous. Psoriasiform cutaneous rashes are well described. Recently, TNF inhibitor associated psoriatic alopecia (TiAPA) is being more frequently reported. The purpose of this study is to describe the features of TiAPA, including marked atrophy of sebaceous lobules as a histologic clue to diagnosis, helping to distinguish it from other types of alopecia. Clinical and histopathological features of 3 patients who developed scalp alopecia while on TNFi treatment were examined. Clinical follow up was conducted after discontinuation of TNFi. A review of the previous literature on the subject was also conducted. Atrophy of sebaceous lobules is a potentially reversible, characteristic and conspicuous feature of TiAPA that can be distinguished from idiopathic psoriatic alopecia by clinical history of drug exposure and sometimes by histologic presence of a mixed inflammatory response including plasma cells and eosinophils.
Syringocystadenocarcinoma papilliferum: Clinicopathologic analysis of 10 cases
Authors: Zhang Yan , Kong Yun‐Yi , Cai Xu , Shen Xu‐Xia , Kong Jin‐Cheng
Published: March 2017

Background

Syringocystadenocarcinoma papilliferum (SCACP) is an exceedingly rare cutaneous adnexal neoplasm. We aimed to investigate the clinicopathologic and immunophenotypic features of SCACP, and to discuss the prognosis of this rare entity.

Method

We retrospectively collected clinical, pathological and follow‐up data of 10 cases with SCACP.

Results

There were 8 males and 2 females, with ages ranging from 26 to 74 years. The chest was most frequently involved. Histologically, 1 case only showed SCACP in situ, 9 cases presented with variable invasive components of adenocarcinoma and/or squamous cell carcinoma in addition to areas of in situ. Apocrine differentiation with decapitation was evident in 4 cases and mucinous metaplasia was noted in 1 case. P63 was positive in invasive squamous cell carcinoma, while CK7 was variably positive in invasive adenocarcinoma. Regional lymph node metastasis was confirmed by pathological examination in 4 patients. Follow up was available for 9 patients, ranging from 3 to 112 months. Three patients died of the disease within 1 year after recurrences.

Conclusions

Because of high rates of regional lymph node metastasis and mortality in our patients, clinical behavior of SCACP seems to be more aggressive than that previously reported.
A systematic review of combined student‐ and parent‐based programs to prevent alcohol and other drug use among adolescents
Authors: Newton Nicola C. , Champion Katrina E. , Slade Tim , Chapman Cath , Stapinski Lexine , Koning Ina , Tonks Zoe , Teesson Maree
Published: March 2017

Issues.Alcohol and other drug use among adolescents is a serious concern, and effective prevention is critical. Research indicates that expanding school‐based prevention programs to include parenting components could increase prevention outcomes. This paper aims to identify and describe existing combined student‐ and parent‐based programs for the prevention of alcohol and other drug use to evaluate the efficacy of existing programs.Approach.The PsycINFO, Medline, Central Register of Controlled trials and Cochrane databases were searched in April 2015 and additional articles were obtained from reference lists. Studies were included if they evaluated a combined universal intervention for students (aged 11–18 years old) and their parents designed to prevent alcohol and/or other drug use, and were delivered in a school‐based setting. Risk of bias was assessed by two independent reviewers. Because of the heterogeneity of the included studies, it was not possible to conduct a meta‐analysis and a qualitative description of the studies was provided.Key Findings.From a total of 1654 screened papers, 22 research papers met inclusion criteria, which included 13 trials of 10 programs. Of these, nine programs demonstrated significant intervention effects in terms of delaying or reducing adolescent alcohol and/or other drug use in at least one trial.Conclusion.This is the first review of combined student‐ and parent‐based interventions to prevent and reduce alcohol and other drug use. Whilst existing combined student‐ and parent‐based programs have shown promising results, key gaps in the literature have been identified and are discussed in the context of the development of future prevention programs. [Newton NC, Champion KE, Slade T, Chapman C, Stapinski L, Koning I, Tonks Z, Teesson M. A systematic review of combined student‐ and parent‐based programs to prevent alcohol and other drug use among adolescents.Drug Alcohol Rev2017;36:337‐351]
Latent classes of alcohol problems in Mauritian men: Results from the Joint Child Health Project
Authors: Luczak Susan E. , Prescott Carol A. , Venables Peter H.
Published: March 2017

Introduction and Aims. The purpose of this study was to identify latent classes of alcohol problems and their sociodemographic correlates in the east African nation of Mauritius. Design and Methods. Participants were from the Joint Child Health Project, a longitudinal study of a 1969–1970 birth cohort of 1795 individuals. In mid‐adulthood (M = 37 years), all available participants (n = 1206; 67% of the original cohort) were assessed for demographic characteristics, and lifetime drinkers were assessed for alcohol‐related problems. Given the low endorsement of problems by women, only male lifetime drinkers (n = 520) were included in the latent class analyses. Results. Analyses indicated the best‐fitting model contained four classes of drinkers: Non‐problematic (66%), Moderate (16%), Hazardous (11%) and Severe (6%). Lower education and occupation were associated with Moderate and Severe problem classes, whereas higher education and occupation were associated with the Hazardous class. Being Hindu, Tamil and Creole were differentially predictive of class membership, but being Muslim was not. Discussion and Conclusions. Our findings provide evidence of a distinct Hazardous drinking class that has unique demographic correlates and may represent a cluster of problems that is more bound by cultural factors. We also found problem classes on a severity continuum from none to moderate to severe problems. This study highlights the importance of examining societal, subgroup and person‐level factors to produce a more nuanced understanding of distinct classes of alcohol‐related problems. [Luczak SE, Prescott CA, Venables PH. Latent classes of alcohol problems in Mauritian men: Results from the Joint Child Health Project.
A bibliometric review of drug and alcohol research focused on Indigenous peoples of Australia, New Zealand, Canada and the United States
Authors: Clifford Anton , Shakeshaft Anthony
Published: March 2017

Issues

Indigenous peoples of Australia, New Zealand, Canada and the United States experience a disproportionately high burden of harms from substance misuse. Research is therefore required to improve our understanding of substance use in Indigenous populations and provide evidence on strategies effective for reducing harmful use.

Approach

A search of 13 electronic databases for peer‐reviewed articles published between 1993 and 2014 focusing on substance use and Indigenous peoples of Australia, New Zealand, Canada and the United States. Relevant abstracts were classified as data or non‐data based research. Data‐based studies were further classified as measurement, descriptive or intervention and their trends examined by country and drug type. Intervention studies were classified by type and their evaluation designs classified using the Cochrane Effective Practice and Organisation of Care (EPOC) data collection checklist.

Key Findings

There was a statistically significant increase from 1993 to 2014 in the percentage of total publications that were data‐based (P < 0.001). Overall, data‐based publications were mostly descriptive for all countries (84–93%) and drug types (74–95%). There were fewer measurement (0–4%) and intervention (0–14%) publications for all countries and the percentage of these did not change significantly over time. Forty‐two percent of intervention studies employed an EPOC evaluation design.

Implications

Strategies to increase the frequency and quality of measurement and intervention research in the Indigenous drug and alcohol field are required.

Conclusion

The dominance of descriptive research in the Indigenous drug and alcohol field is less than optimal for generating evidence to inform Indigenous drug and alcohol policy and programs. [Clifford A, Shakeshaft A. A bibliometric review of drug and alcohol research focused on Indigenous peoples of Australia, New Zealand, Canada and the United States. Drug Alcohol Rev 2017;36:509‐522]
Profile of children diagnosed with a fetal alcohol spectrum disorder: A retrospective chart review
Authors: Reid Natasha , Shelton Doug , Warner Judith , O'Callaghan Frances , Dawe Sharon
Published: March 2017

Introduction and Aims. Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) is a significant public health concern, and growing recognition in Australia led to the establishment of a specialist service for young children. The aim of the current study was to report on the diagnostic profile of a group of children who attended the service, to document the extent to which there were comorbid diagnoses and to provide information on the neurocognitive functioning of the children. Design and Methods. This study was a retrospective chart review conducted by the diagnostic service. A pre‐formulated tool to extract the diagnostic data from the client files was designed, a chart review was performed, and the required data was extracted. FASD diagnoses were made using the 4‐Digit Diagnostic Code. Results. Thirty‐one families participated, and the majority of children were diagnosed with static encephalopathy (alcohol exposed) or neurobehavioral disorder (alcohol exposed) (11 children each; 36%). Only one child was diagnosed with fetal alcohol syndrome (alcohol exposed), and five children were diagnosed with partial fetal alcohol syndrome (alcohol exposed). Twenty‐six children (84%) had a comorbid diagnosis, with 19 (61%) having a comorbid diagnosis of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. While the majority of children were not found to display growth deficiency or significant facial features, 18 children (58%) had significant central nervous system dysfunction. Discussion and Conclusions. The current study demonstrates that with the relevant training and expertise, assessment and diagnosis of FASD can be embedded within the existing health services available in Australia. [Reid N, Shelton D,Warner J, O'Callaghan F, Dawe S. Profile of children diagnosed with a fetal alcohol spectrum disorder: A retrospective chart review. Drug Alcohol Rev 2017;00:000‐000]
Cardiovascular safety of vildagliptin in patients with type 2 diabetes: A European multi‐database, non‐interventional post‐authorization safety study
Authors: Williams Rachael , de Vries Frank , Kothny Wolfgang , Serban Carmen , Lopez‐Leon Sandra , Chu Changan , Schlienger Raymond
Published: March 2017

The aim of this non‐interventional, multi‐database, analytical cohort study was to assess the cardiovascular (CV) safety of vildagliptin vs other non‐insulin antidiabetic drugs (NIADs) using real‐world data from 5 European electronic healthcare databases. Patients with type 2 diabetes aged ≥18 years on NIAD treatment were enrolled. Adjusted incidence rate ratios (IRRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the outcomes of interest (myocardial infarction [MI], acute coronary syndrome [ACS], stroke, congestive heart failure [CHF], individually and as a composite) were estimated using negative binomial regression. Approximately 2.8% of the enrolled patients (n = 738 054) used vildagliptin at any time during the study, with an average follow‐up time of 1.4 years, resulting in a cumulative current vildagliptin exposure of 28 330 person‐years. The adjusted IRRs (vildagliptin [±other NIADs] vs other NIADs) were in the range of 0.61 to 0.97 (MI), 0.55 to 1.60 (ACS), 0.02 to 0.77 (stroke), 0.49 to 1.03 (CHF), and 0.22 to 1.02 (composite CV outcomes). The IRRs and their 95% CIs were close to 1, demonstrating no increased risk of adverse CV events, including the risk of CHF, with vildagliptin vs other NIADs in real‐world conditions.
Inequality with Ordinal Data
Authors: Cowell Frank A. , Flachaire Emmanuel
Published: March 2017

The standard theory of inequality measurement assumes that the equalisand is a cardinal quantity, with known cardinalization. However, one often needs to make inequality comparisons where either the cardinalization is unknown or the underlying data are categorical. We propose an alternative approach to inequality analysis that is rigorous, has a natural interpretation, and embeds both the ordinal data problem and the well‐known cardinal data problem. We show how the approach can be applied to the inequality of happiness and of health status.
Clinical reasoning skills in final‐year dental students: A qualitative cross‐curricula comparison
Authors: Nafea E. T. , Dennick R.
Published: March 2017

Aims

The aim of this research was to explore the perceptions of undergraduate dental students regarding clinical reasoning skills and also discover the influences of different curriculum designs on the acquisition of these skills by students.

Methods

Eighteen final‐year students from three different dental schools with varied curricula and cultures participated in the current research. The research used qualitative methodology. The study took place in 2013‐2014. Interviews captured the participants’ own understanding of clinical reasoning and its acquisition plus they “talked through” a clinical problem using a “think‐aloud” technique. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the transcripts of the recorded interviews. Results obtained were related to curriculum structure.

Results

Unfamiliarity with the term clinical reasoning was common in students. Students from different schools used different strategies to reason when discussing clinical vignettes. Clinical reasoning process was dominated by pattern recognition. Students’ behaviours seemed to be influenced by cultural factors.

Conclusions

This research contributes to a greater understanding of how students learn, understand and apply dental clinical reasoning which will improve educational practices in the future.
Are dental students ready for supercomplex dental practice?
Authors: Leadbeatter D. , Peck C.
Published: March 2017

Contemporary dental practice requires practitioners who are able to draw upon varying interconnected knowledge and skills, in order to make judgments and take action when faced with multiple, often contradictory, ways of interpreting a situation. However, the curricula that prepare students for dental practice are traditionally based on the theoretical knowledge and technical skills to be gained by students. This is despite evidence in the dental literature of a collective desire for graduates to have more range and depth in their repertoire. Examination of contemporary dental practice through the lens of supercomplexity (Higher Education, 40, 409 and 2000) provides contextual understanding and a platform to explore the types of learning and curriculum approaches that can best prepare students for professional practice. From the insights offered by examples from other professional fields, we, as dental educators, can begin to conceptualise learning dentistry as much more than competency frameworks or descriptions of what students need to know and be able to do. Rather, to equip graduates for contemporary dental practice, the dental curriculum needs to become a vehicle for students to develop personally and professionally as well as teaching the theoretical and technical aspects of dentistry.
Multicenter validation of a simplified method for paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria screening
Authors: Gatti Arianna , Del Vecchio Luigi , Geuna Massimo , Della Porta Matteo G. , Brando Bruno
Published: March 2017

Background

Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) diagnostic guidelines recommend single‐tube five‐ to six‐color or two‐tube four‐color assays. PNH clones are detectable in only a fraction of patients at risk, and screening for new PNH cases can be complex and expensive. In this multicenter study, we have validated a simplified, one‐tube two‐color FLAER‐based assay suitable for PNH screening.

Methods

Six laboratories received samples containing spiked PNH leukocyte clones to be analyzed in parallel with a common six‐color cocktail (FLAER/CD24/CD45/CD64/CD15/CD14) and a simplified two‐color mixture (FLAER/CD15), a shared calibration procedure, and a common analysis protocol. Replicate precision and sensitivity tests were performed on PNH patients, from undiluted to 1:10 000. Specificity tests were performed on normal donors to identify the possible sources of artifacts.

Results

The performance comparison between six‐color and two‐color assays showed an excellent agreement for granulocyte PNH clones. Dilution experiments showed an accurate detectability down to 0.01% sensitivity level for granulocyte PNH clones and to 1% for monocytes. Specificity experiments disclosed that basophils and platelets can contaminate the monocyte gate and generate false PNH events.

Conclusions

A simplified two‐color (FLAER/CD15) PNH screening test has been validated in a highly standardized multicenter study and proved feasible and effective in ongoing regional programs. Precision, sensitivity, and specificity of the simplified test for granulocytes were comparable to the more complex and expensive six‐color assay and applicable for screening also in peripheral laboratories. The diagnostic confirmation of PNH should be always performed by a reference center using the established technique on all cell lineages.
Hereditary spastic paraplegia caused by compound heterozygous mutations outside the motor domain of the KIF1A gene
Authors: Krenn M. , Zulehner G. , Hotzy C. , Rath J. , Stogmann E. , Wagner M. , Haack T. B. , Strom T. M. , Zimprich A. , Zimprich F.
Published: March 2017

Background and purpose

Hereditary spastic paraplegia is a clinically and genetically heterogeneous group of rare, inherited disorders causing an upper motor neuron syndrome with (complex) or without (pure) additional neurological symptoms. Mutations in the KIF1A gene have already been associated with recessive and dominant forms of hereditary spastic paraplegia (SPG30) in a few cases.

Methods

All family members included in the study were examined neurologically. Whole‐exome sequencing was used in affected individuals to identify the responsible candidate gene. Conventional Sanger sequencing was conducted to validate familial segregation.

Results

A family of Macedonian origin with two affected siblings, one with slowly progressive and the other one with a more complex and rapidly progressing hereditary spastic paraplegia is reported. In both affected individuals, two novel pathogenic mutations outside the motor domain of the KIF1A gene were found (NM_001244008.1:c.2909G>A, p.Arg970His and c.1214dup, p.Asn405Lysfs*40) that segregate with the disease within the family establishing the diagnosis of autosomal recessive SPG30.

Conclusions

This report provides the first evidence that mutations outside the motor domain of the gene can cause (recessive) SPG30 and extends the genotype−phenotype association for KIF1A‐related diseases.
What should we expect from multiple sclerosis therapy? Results of an integrated analysis of delayed‐release dimethyl fumarate pivotal trials
Authors: Lanzillo R.
Published: March 2017

Click here to view the accompanying paper in this issue.
Predicting the spatio‐temporal distributions of pelagic sharks in the western and central North Pacific
Authors: Kai Mikihiko , Thorson James T. , Piner Kevin R. , Maunder Mark N.
Published: March 2017

Spatio‐temporal modeling estimates a species distribution function that represents variation in population density over space and time. Recent studies show that the approach may precisely identify spatial hotspots in species distribution, but have not addressed whether seasonal hotspots are identifiable using commonly available fishery data. In this study, we analyzed the seasonal spatio‐temporal distribution of pelagic sharks in the western and central North Pacific using fishery catch rates and a generalized linear mixed model with spatio‐temporal effects. Different spatial distribution patterns were observed between two shark species. The hotspots of shortfin mako (SFM) appeared in the vicinity of the coastal and offshore waters of Japan and the Kuroshio‐Oyashio transition zone (TZ), whereas the hotspots of blue shark (BSH) were widely distributed in the areas from the TZ to the waters of the Emperor Seamount Chain. Shortfin mako distribution changes seasonally with clear north‐south movement, which follows higher sea surface temperatures (SST). However, preferred spring and summer water temperature was still colder than those in fall and winter, but not as cold as for BSH, which did not show seasonal north‐south movement. BSH exhibits seasonal east‐west movement apparently unrelated to temperature. The spatial fishing effort by season generally follows the seasonal movement of temperature possibly making SFM more vulnerable to the fishery than BSH. These findings could be used to reduce the capture risk of bycatch sharks and to better manage the spatial distribution of fishing for targeted sharks.
The influence of thermal tolerances on geographical ranges of endotherms
Authors: Khaliq Imran , Böhning‐Gaese Katrin , Prinzinger Roland , Pfenninger Markus , Hof Christian
Published: March 2017

Aim

To understand how climatic conditions influence the geographical distributions of species and their potential responses to climate change, we investigated the relationships between the thermal tolerances of species and the size and limits of their distributions. We tested two hypotheses for endotherms: the climatic variability hypothesis, which predicts increases in range size with increasing breadth of thermal tolerance, and the climatic extreme hypothesis, which predicts that range limits are related to thermal tolerance limits. Furthermore, we tested whether these relationships differ between temperate and tropical areas.

Location

Global.

Time period

Present.

Major taxa studied

Birds and mammals.

Methods

We compiled data on thermal tolerances that had been measured in physiological experiments for 453 endothermic species, along with information on geographical ranges and climatic conditions. We applied phylogenetic generalized least square regressions to test for relationships between thermal tolerance and (a) range size or limits and (b) breadth and extremes of the climatic conditions that each species experiences across its distribution.

Results

We found that range size was not related to the breadth thermal tolerance for endotherms. However, the range limits at high latitudes as well as the minimum temperatures experienced by species were closely related to the physiological cold tolerances of species. These relationships were particularly strong in temperate regions, but these patterns were not found in the tropics.

Main conclusions

Our results are inconsistent with the predictions of the climatic variability hypothesis, but are in line with the predictions of the climatic extreme hypothesis. Furthermore, the factors determining species distributions do not appear to be the same in tropical and temperate regions. Our study emphasizes the need to combine spatially explicit distribution models with information from physiological experiments in order to capture regional differences and improve predictions of the responses of species to climate change.
A global assessment of climatic niche shifts and human influence in insect invasions
Authors: Hill Matthew P. , Gallardo Belinda , Terblanche John S.
Published: March 2017

Aim

Non‐native invasive insects have major impacts on ecosystem function, agricultural production and human health. To predict the geographical distributions of these species, correlative ecological niche models (ENMs) are typically used. Such methods rely on assumptions of niche conservatism, although there is increasing evidence that many species undergo niche shifts during invasions. The magnitude and direction of niche shifts, however, is likely to vary within and between taxonomic groups, highlighting that an assessment of potential niche shifts in such insects is required.

Location

Global.

Time period

Current.

Major taxa studied

Insects.

Methods

We compile a novel database of 22 globally invasive, non‐native insect species and test for niche expansion and unfilling across this group. We examine if factors such as the native range size, poleward shifts and human influence may be associated with observed niche changes. Finally, we construct ENMs and examine the reliability of their predictions in light of our niche shift results.

Results

Niche expansion was apparent in 12 of the 22 species, suggesting that altered species–climate relationships during invasion is common for this group. Likewise, niche unfilling occurred in 15 of the species. Increasing human disturbance (combining human population, transport networks and land use) explained 40% of observed niche expansions and 54% of incidents of niche unfilling. Niche metrics and ENM performance were sensitive to the choice of background extents.

Main conclusions

Many non‐native insects expand into new climates in their invasive ranges. The prevalence of niche unfilling across this group suggests climate disequilibrium and the potential for further range expansion. Non‐native invasive insects tend to invade areas with similar human disturbance to their native range, and habitat accessibility appears important for these species to achieve their full invasion range potential. Ideally, ENMs should not be used in isolation for this group, but should be coupled with other methods or experiments to test for potential niche change.
Combining phylogeny and co‐occurrence to improve single species distribution models
Authors: Morales‐Castilla Ignacio , Davies T. Jonathan , Pearse William D. , Peres‐Neto Pedro
Published: March 2017

Aim

We present a novel quantitative framework that combines information on phylogeny and the spatial distributions of related species to enhance the single‐species distributional models commonly used in ecology.

Innovation

While species distribution models (SDMs) are becoming increasingly sophisticated, they rarely take into consideration the shared evolutionary histories of species. Species are not independent entities, and phylogenies may capture how species have configured their spatial distributions as a response to their ecological similarities and interactions in space and through evolutionary time. Our framework provides a flexible approach to include phylogenies as a surrogate for missing trait data within SDMs, and may be particularly valuable for disentangling current and historical drivers of species distributions and modelling data‐poor species when their close relatives are better sampled.

Main conclusions

Using both simulations and empirical examples, we demonstrate how the inclusion of phylogenetic information can significantly improve the fit of species distribution models by up to 30% for certain species. We show that the potential of phylogenies to improve model fit directly relates to the phylogenetic structure of species distributions and suggest that our framework has the potential to reconcile the apparent conflict between current and historical drivers of biodiversity patterns.
The power of policy networks in authoritarian regimes: Changing environmental policy in China
Authors: Teets Jessica
Published: March 2017

In this article, I examine how civil society organizations (CSOs) in China created policy networks among government officials to change environmental policies. I contend that these networks work in similar ways to those in democracies, despite the focus in the literature on how policymaking in authoritarian regimes lacks societal participation. China adopted strict regulations to control CSOs by requiring registration with a supervisory agency. However, CSOs exploit the regulations to use the supervisory agency as an access point to policymakers whom they otherwise could not reach. I use case studies to demonstrate how the strategies used to construct policy networks determined their success in changing policy. This finding represents an initial step in theorizing bottom‐up sources of policymaking in authoritarian regimes given that these regimes all create mechanisms for government control over CSOs, have difficulty accessing good information for policymaking from society, and a policy process formally closed to citizen participation.
Restoring trust in the police: Why female officers reduce suspicions of corruption
Authors: Barnes Tiffany D. , Beaulieu Emily , Saxton Gregory W.
Published: March 2017

Recent studies show a clear link between women in government and reduced concerns about corruption. Until now, it remains unclear which underlying attitudes about women explain the perception that they will reduce corruption. Using a survey question about adding women to a police force, with an embedded experimental treatment, we examine three distinct stereotypes that might explain the power of women to reduce concerns about corruption: gender stereotypes of women as more ethical and honest, the perception of women as political outsiders, and beliefs that women are generally more risk averse. We find that people do perceive women as more effective at combating corruption, and these perceptions are greatly enhanced when information about women's outsider status and risk aversion is provided.
Magnetic and magnetoresistance of BiFe0.5Cr0.5O3 thin film over Pt(111) substrate at various thicknesses by sol‐gel method
Authors: Raja Victor William , Arumugam Marikani , Durairaj Madhavan
Published: March 2017

The effect of thickness on distorted double perovskite structured BiFe0.5Cr0.5O3 (BFCO) thin films have been investigated for the first time using soft chemical method over Pt(111)/Ti/SiO2/Si substrate. The X‐ray diffraction (XRD) shows the presence of both BFO and BCO phases and confirms the formation of double perovskite‐structured BFCO. The morphology of the films changes with the increase in layers signifying the thickness dependence. The magnetization (M) versus magnetizing field (H) curve was well consistent with magnetoresistance (M‐R) results and exhibits anisotropic magnetoresistance. Thickness‐dependent dielectric behaviors of BFCO thin films were deeply understood from space charge, intrinsic and extrinsic mechanisms. The BiFe0.5Cr0.5O3 crystal systems with 60 nm thin layer showed an improved magnetism and magnetoresistance properties and are applicable to future magnetic application in the field of spintronics as a promising device.
Varieties of Transnationalism and Its Changing Determinants across Immigrant Generations: Evidence from French Data1
Authors: Safi Mirna
Published: March 2017

In this article, I use the French Trajectories and Origins survey to describe patterns and trends of cross-border ties across immigrant generations. Transnational activities are measured through a wide range of cross-border ties, grouped into three dimensions: sociopolitical, economic, and a third dimension that I call re-migration. Three sets of determinants are taken into account: variables measuring exposure to the country of origin, variables describing incorporation in the host country, and variables that are specific to each generation. Conversely to the straight-line assimilation paradigm, the findings put the analytical power of the generational variable into perspective by (1) highlighting the wide variability of transnationalism within each generation and (2) measuring distinct intergenerational trends along different types of cross-border engagement. A thorough investigation of the sources of within-generation heterogeneity emphasizes the explanatory power of state-level, religious, and ethnoracial variables.
Nurses' attitudes towards the use of PRN psychotropic medications in acute and forensic mental health settings
Authors: Barr Lesley , Wynaden Dianne , Heslop Karen
Published: March 2017

Many countries now have national mental health policies and guidelines to decrease or eliminate the use of seclusion and restraint yet the use of Pro Re Nata (PRN) medications has received less practice evaluation. This research aimed to identify mental health nurses' attitudes towards the use of PRN medications with mental health consumers. Participants were working in forensic mental health and non‐forensic acute mental health settings. The “Attitudes towards PRN medication use survey” was used and data were collected online. Data were analysed using the Statistical Package Social Sciences, Version 22.0. Practice differences between forensic and other acute mental health settings were identified related to the use of PRN medications to manage symptoms from nicotine, alcohol and other drug withdrawal. Differences related to the useage of comfort rooms and conducting comprehensive assessments of consumers' psychiatric symptoms were also detected. Qualitative findings highlighted the need for increased accountability for the prescribing and administration of PRN medications along with more nursing education/training to use alternative first line interventions. Nurses administering PRN medications should be vigilant regarding the indications for this practice to ensure they are facilitating the consumer's recovery by reducing the use of all forms of potentially restrictive practices in the hospital setting. The reasons for using PRN medications and PRN administration rates must be continually monitored to avoid practices such as high dose antipsychotics use and antipsychotic polypharmacy to ensure the efficacy of the consumers' management plans on their health care outcomes.