bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hunting Down the Chimera of Multiple Disciplinarity in Conservation Science
Authors: POOLEY SIMON P. , MENDELSOHN J. ANDREW , MILNER‐GULLAND E. J.
Published: December 2013

The consensus is that both ecological and social factors are essential dimensions of conservation research and practice. However, much of the literature on multiple disciplinary collaboration focuses on the difficulties of undertaking it. This review of the challenges of conducting multiple disciplinary collaboration offers a framework for thinking about the diversity and complexity of this endeavor. We focused on conceptual challenges, of which 5 main categories emerged: methodological challenges, value judgments, theories of knowledge, disciplinary prejudices, and interdisciplinary communication. The major problems identified in these areas have proved remarkably persistent in the literature surveyed (c.1960–2012). Reasons for these failures to learn from past experience include the pressure to produce positive outcomes and gloss over disagreements, the ephemeral nature of many such projects and resulting lack of institutional memory, and the apparent complexity and incoherence of the endeavor. We suggest that multiple disciplinary collaboration requires conceptual integration among carefully selected multiple disciplinary team members united in investigating a shared problem or question. We outline a 9‐point sequence of steps for setting up a successful multiple disciplinary project. This encompasses points on recruitment, involving stakeholders, developing research questions, negotiating power dynamics and hidden values and conceptual differences, explaining and choosing appropriate methods, developing a shared language, facilitating on‐going communications, and discussing data integration and project outcomes. Although numerous solutions to the challenges of multiple disciplinary research have been proposed, lessons learned are often lost when projects end or experienced individuals move on. We urge multiple disciplinary teams to capture the challenges recognized, and solutions proposed, by their researchers while projects are in process. A database of well‐documented case studies would showcase theories and methods from a variety of disciplines and their interactions, enable better comparative study and evaluation, and provide a useful resource for developing future projects and training multiple disciplinary researchers.

Cazando la Quimera de la Multidisciplina en la Ciencia de la Conservación
Sucralfate paste enema: a new method of topical treatment for haemorrhagic radiation proctitis
Authors: McElvanna K. , Wilson A. , Irwin T.
Published: December 2013

Aim

Rectal sucralfate has been reported to deliver clinical improvement in haemorrhagic radiation proctitis, but patients with active proctitis find the enema suspension difficult to retain thus reducing compliance and effectiveness. We describe a novel method of rectal administration via a low‐volume sucralfate paste and report its results in a series of 23 patients.

Method

Patients with rectal bleeding occurring more than 6 months after radiotherapy were shown how to prepare and self‐administer sucralfate paste enemas (SPEs) twice daily for 6 weeks. The SPE was prepared using two sucralfate 1‐g tablets mixed with 4.5 ml of water in an enema applicator producing a low‐volume paste. The clinical response was evaluated by comparison of pre‐ and posttreatment clinical proctitis scores (Radiation Therapy Oncology Group/European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer).

Results

Eighteen male (postprostatic radiotherapy) and five female (postcervical radiotherapy) patients with a median age of 67 (32–75) years were included. The median interval between pelvic irradiation and SPE treatment was 24 (7–69) months. Twenty‐two patients had full clinical scoring, of whom 16 (73%) demonstrated clinical improvement. Six (27%) had neither clinical improvement nor deterioration. Seven (32%) had resolution of all symptoms.

Conclusion

Most patients demonstrated clinical improvement. This initial experience of the sucralfate paste enema may provide the basis for a prospective study of its effectiveness in the treatment of haemorrhagic radiation proctitis.
Does Saying ‘Yes’ to Capital Inflows Necessarily Mean Good Business? the Effect of Antimoney Laundering Regulations in the Latin American and the Caribbean Economies
Authors: Farías María Elisa , de Almeida Monica Arruda
Published: November 2013

This study explores the level of compliance and the subsequent economic performance of states in the context of anti‐money laundering (AML) regulations. Following Holmstrom and Tirole (1997) and Obstfeld and Rogoff (1998), we examine why countries admit illicit flows of money and the economic costs of these transactions. Analyzing 36 Latin American and Caribbean jurisdictions between 1960 and 2010, we find that poor institutional performance by a jurisdiction (AML ratings, blacklists with non‐cooperator countries, and corruption indicators) affects negatively the investment ratio to GDP, the FDI ratio to GDP, and financial development (ratio of credit markets to GDP). These findings are novel in the literature, offering an important contribution to the debate on financial regulatory convergence.
Impact of audiovisual method in educating children facing dental avulsion
Authors: Soubra Balsam Noueiri , Debs Nahla Nassif
Published: December 2013

Introduction

Dental trauma is a major problem in oral health in childhood especially if the result is a tooth avulsion. Subsequently, an appropriate management is essential to preserve the avulsed tooth.

Aim

The goal of this study is to evaluate the knowledge of children concerning dental trauma and to highlight the importance of audio and visual methods in educating viewers in the management of such accident.

Materials and methods

Three hundred and forty four children, aged between 8 and 11 years old, participated in this study. Half of them answered a questionnaire about the management of a tooth avulsion. Then, they watch an educational movie played by a speaker. Three months later, they answer the same questionnaire. The remaining 172 children are divided into two equal groups A and B. Group A watches the movie, and group B listens to the story and answers the same questionnaire. One more time, both groups watch the film and listen to its verbal interpretation, then both answer the same questionnaire again. The answers are analyzed.

Results

Before watching the movie, 4 of 172 children answer correctly the question related to the conservation of the avulsed tooth. Three months after watching the movie, the correct answers increase to 52. For the second part of the study, after audiovisual information, the full score in group A increases from 20 to 58, and in group B from 49 to 67.

Conclusion

The study highlights the importance of audiovisual method in transmitting an educational message and improving the knowledge of a large ‘target audience’.
Global University Rankings — Impacts and Unintended Side Effects
Authors: Kehm Barbara M.
Published: December 2013

In this article, global and other university rankings are critically assessed with regard to their unintended side effects and their impacts on the European and national landscape of universities, as well as on individual institutions. An emphasis is put on the effects of ranking logics rather than on criticising their methodology. Nevertheless, it is briefly outlined what rankings measure and whom they serve. The second part takes a look at impacts of rankings on the European, national and institutional level. A third part casts rankings as a particular form of transnational policy coordination which enabled the European Commission to design its own policy script with regard to rankings. In the conclusions it is argued that ranking results have, in turn, become indicators or proxies for the economic competitiveness of nations, thus making the actual reality of universities and what they are about disappear. Thus, rankings constitute a de‐contextualised symbolic value which is truly postmodern and create a new material reality which is no longer related to its original.
Anti‐JC virus (JCV) antibody prevalence in the JCV Epidemiology in MS (JEMS) trial
Authors: Bozic C. , Subramanyam M. , Richman S. , Plavina T. , Zhang A. , Ticho B.
Published: November 2013

Background and purpose

Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) is caused by reactivation of JC virus (JCV) infection due to combined host and viral factors. Anti‐JCV antibodies provide a means to assess JCV exposure and stratify PML risk. The reported seroprevalence of anti‐JCV antibodies varies from 39% to 91% depending on assay methodology and population studied. A two‐step anti‐JCV antibody assay (STRATIFY JCV™; Focus Diagnostics, Cypress, CA, USA) detected anti‐JCV antibodies in approximately 55% of multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. This study describes the prevalence of anti‐JCV antibodies in a large, multinational MS population.

Methods

This cross‐sectional epidemiology study was designed to enroll a minimum of 2000 patients with an MS diagnosis of any type, irrespective of treatment, from Europe, Canada and Australia. Anti‐JCV antibody prevalence was determined by STRATIFY JCV; the effects of demographic and disease characteristics were evaluated.

Results

A total of 7724 patients from 10 countries participated in the study. Overall anti‐JCV antibody prevalence was 57.1% (95% confidence interval 56.0%–58.2%). Seroprevalence was significantly associated with increasing age, gender and country of current residence (P < 0.0001). No significant differences in anti‐JCV antibody prevalence were associated with MS disease characteristics, including duration and type of MS and number and duration of MS therapies.

Conclusions

Overall seroprevalence of anti‐JCV antibodies in MS patients from Europe, Canada and Australia was consistent with previous studies using the STRATIFY JCV assay. Anti‐JCV prevalence differed significantly by age, gender and country, but no geographical pattern was evident. Disease and treatment type were not associated with differences in anti‐JCV antibody status.
Medicinal compounds with antiepileptic/anticonvulsant activities
Authors: Zhu Hui‐Ling , Wan Jian‐Bo , Wang Yi‐Tao , Li Bao‐Cai , Xiang Cheng , He Jing , Li Peng
Published: December 2013

Objective

Epilepsy is a serious neural disease that affects around 50 million people all over the world. Although for the majority patients with epilepsy, seizures are well controlled by currently available antiepileptic drugs (AEDs), there are still >30% of patients suffered from medically refractory epilepsy and approximately 30–40% of all epileptic patients affected by numerous side effects and seizure resistance to the current AEDs. Therefore, many researchers try to develop novel approaches to treat epilepsy, for example, to discover new antiepileptic constituents from herbal medicines. Although there are already several reviews on phytotherapy in epilepsy, most of them placed emphasis on the plant crude extracts or their isolated fractions, not pure active compounds derived from herbal medicines. This article aims to review components in herbal medicines that have shown antiepileptic or anticonvulsant properties.

Methods

We searched online databases and identified articles using the preset searching syntax and inclusion criteria. The active medicinal compounds that have shown anticonvulsant or antiepileptic activity were included and classified according to structural types.

Results

We have reviewed herein the active constituents including alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenoids, saponins, and coumarins. The screening models, the seizures‐inducing factors and response, the effective dose, the potential mechanisms, as well as the structure‐activity relationships in some of these active components have also been discussed.

Significance

The in vitro and in vivo experimental data reviewed in this paper would supply the basic science evidence for research and development of novel AEDs from medicinal plants.
Change Analysis for the Dependence Structure and Dynamic Pricing of Basket Default Swaps
Authors: Li Ping , Li Ze‐Zheng
Published: December 2013

In this paper we use a type of dynamic copula method to characterise the dependence structure between financial assets and price basket default swaps (BDSs). We first employ a goodness‐of‐fit test and a binary segmentation procedure to analyse the change of dependence structure between the obligations underlying a BDS, then present a numerical example to demonstrate the change analysis and BDS pricing process. We find that in different time periods, the best copula fitting the data is not the same; therefore the tranche spreads of the BDS are also different. We also compare our results with those obtained from static copulas and dynamic Gaussian copulas. The results show that the static copula and dynamic Gaussian copula methods underestimate the spreads for riskier tranches and overestimate those for less risky tranches.
Regional difference in sebum production by androgen susceptibility in human facial skin
Authors: Seo Young Joon , Li Zheng Jun , Choi Dae Kyoung , Sohn Kyung Cheol , Kim Hyeong Rae , Lee Young , Kim Chang Deok , Lee Young Ho , Shi Ge , Lee Jeung Hoon , Im Myung
Published: December 2013

Androgens are important hormones that influence sebum production from the sebaceous glands. Human facial skin can be categorized as T‐ and U‐zones, which are areas with high and low levels of sebum secretion, respectively. This study was performed to investigate whether there are topographical differences in androgen receptor (AR) expression related to regional variations in facial sebum secretion. The results of in vivo analysis indicated a statistically significant increase in AR expression in the sebaceous gland T‐zones compared with the U‐zones. In vitro experiments using human primary sebocytes also yielded similar results, with higher levels of AR protein and mRNA expression in T‐zones. The results of this study suggested that differences in androgen susceptibility may be an important factor influencing regional differences in sebum production in human facial skin.
Interaction of human minichromosome maintenance protein‐binding protein with minichromosome maintenance 2–7
Authors: Kusunoki Shunsuke , Ishimi Yukio
Published: December 2013

It has been reported that minichromosome maintenance protein‐binding protein (MCM‐BP) functions in the formation of the pre‐replication complex, unloading of minichromosome maintenance (MCM)2–7 from chromatin in late S phase, and formation of the cohesion complex by interacting with MCM3–7 proteins, suggesting that MCM‐BP functions in several different reactions during the cell cycle. Here, we examined the interaction of human MCM‐BP with MCM2–7 and structural maintenance of chromosome 3 in synchronized HeLa cells by immunoprecipitation. The results show that MCM‐BP mainly interacts with MCM7 in the Triton‐soluble fraction from S phase and G2 phase cells, and it also interacts with structural maintenance of chromosome 3 in the fraction from G2 phase cells. In vitro studies show that MCM‐BP disassembles MCM2–7 bound to DNA with a fork‐like structure by interacting with MCM3, MCM5, and MCM7. These results suggest that MCM‐BP functions in disassembling MCM2–7 on chromatin during S phase and G2 phase by interacting with MCM3, MCM5, and MCM7.

Structured digital abstract

MCM-BP physically interacts with MCM6 by anti bait coimmunoprecipitation (1, 2)

MCM-BP physically interacts with MCM8 by anti bait coimmunoprecipitation (View interaction)

MCM-BP physically interacts with MCM7 by anti bait coimmunoprecipitation (View interaction)

MCM-BP physically interacts with MCM2 by anti bait coimmunoprecipitation (View interaction)

MCM-BP physically interacts with MCM7, MCM4, MCM3, MCM5 and MCM6 by anti tag coimmunoprecipitation (View interaction)

MCM4 physically interacts with MCM7 by anti bait coimmunoprecipitation (View interaction)

MCM-BP physically interacts with CDC7 by anti bait coimmunoprecipitation (View interaction)

MCM-BP physically interacts with PSF2 by anti bait coimmunoprecipitation (View interaction)

MCM-BP physically interacts with SLD5 by anti bait coimmunoprecipitation (View interaction)

MCM-BP physically interacts with SMC3 by anti bait coimmunoprecipitation (View interaction)

MCM-BP physically interacts with MCM6, MCM7, MCM3, MCM4, ORC3, MCM5 and SMC3 by anti bait coimmunoprecipitation (View interaction)

MCM-BP physically interacts with MCM5 by anti bait coimmunoprecipitation (View interaction)

MCM-BP physically interacts with MCM3 by anti bait coimmunoprecipitation (View interaction)
Abnormal semantic processing in females with fragile X‐associated tremor/ataxia syndrome
Authors: Yang J.‐C. , Simon C. , Schneider A. , Seritan A. L. , Hamilton L. , Hagerman P. J. , Hagerman R. J. , Olichney J. M.
Published: December 2013

Fragile X‐associated tremor/ataxia syndrome (FXTAS), a neurodegenerative disorder, affects fragile X (FMR1) gene premutation carriers in late life. Studies have shown cognitive impairments in FXTAS including executive dysfunction, working memory and visuospatial deficits. However, less is known about cognition in females with FXTAS. Thus, we examined semantic processing and verbal memory in female FXTAS patients with event‐related potentials (ERPs) and neuropsychological testing. Sixty‐one females (34 FXTAS, Mage = 62.7; 27 controls, Mage = 60.4) were studied with 32‐channel ERPs during a category judgment task in which semantically congruous (50%) and incongruous items were repeated approximately 10–140 seconds later. N400 and P600 amplitude data were submitted to analysis of covariance. Neuropsychological testing demonstrated lower performance in verbal learning and executive function in females with FXTAS. Event‐related potential analyses showed a significant reduction of the N400 congruity effect (incongruous − congruous) in the FXTAS group. The N400 congruity effect reduction in females with FXTAS was mainly due to increased N400 amplitude to congruous new words. No significant abnormalities of the N400 repetition effect or the P600 repetition effect were found, indicating preserved implicit memory and verbal memory, respectively, in females with FXTAS. The decreased N400 congruity effect suggests abnormal semantic expectancy and/or semantic network disorganization in female FXTAS patients. The enhanced N400 amplitude to congruous new words may reflect decreased cognitive flexibility among FXTAS women, making access to less typical category exemplar words more difficult.
What Cruising Infants Understand about Support for Locomotion
Authors: Berger Sarah E. , Chan Gladys L. Y. , Adolph Karen E.
Published: November 2013

“Cruising” infants can only walk using external support to augment their balance. We examined cruisers' understanding of support for upright locomotion under four conditions: cruising over a wooden handrail at chest height, a large gap in the handrail, a wobbly unstable handrail, and an ill‐positioned low handrail. Infants distinguished among the support properties of the handrails with differential attempts to cruise and handrail‐specific forms of haptic exploration and gait modifications. They consistently attempted the wood handrail, rarely attempted the gap, and occasionally attempted the low and wobbly handrails. On the wood and gap handrails, attempt rates matched the probability of cruising successfully, but on the low and wobbly handrails, attempt rates under‐ and overestimated the probability of success, respectively. Haptic exploration was most frequent and varied on the wobbly handrail, and gait modifications—including previously undocumented “knee cruising”—were most frequent and effective on the low handrail. Results are discussed in terms of developmental changes in the meaning of support.
National Inventory of Core Capabilities for Pandemic Influenza Preparedness and Response: Results from 36 countries with reviews in 2008 and 2010
Authors: Moen Ann , Kennedy Pamela J. , Cheng Po‐Yung , MacDonald Goldie
Published: December 2013

Background

Re‐emergence in 2003 of human cases of avian H5N1 and the resultant spread of the disease highlighted the need to improve the capacity of countries to detect and contain novel viruses. To assess development in this capacity, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) produced a tool for assessing a country's capability in 12 critical areas related to pandemic preparedness, including monitoring and identifying novel influenza viruses.

Objectives

Capabilities the CDC tool assesses range from how well a country has planned and is prepared for an outbreak to how prepared a country is to respond when a pandemic occurs. Included in this assessment tool are questions to determine whether a country has a detailed preparedness plan and the laboratory capacity to identify various strains of influenza quickly and accurately.

Methods

The tool was used first in 2008 when 40 countries in collaboration with CDC calculated baseline scores and used a second time in 2010 by 36 of the original 40 countries to determine whether they had improved their preparedness. Using basic mathematical comparison and statistical analyses, we compared data at the aggregate capability level as well as at the indicator and country levels. Additionally, we examined the comments of respondents to the assessment questionnaire for reasons (positive and negative) that would explain changes in scores from 2008 to 2010.

Results

Analysis of results of two assessments in 36 countries shows statistically significant improvement in all 12 capabilities on an aggregate level and 47 of 50 indicators.
Systematic review of influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 virus shedding: duration is affected by severity, but not age
Authors: Fielding James E. , Kelly Heath A. , Mercer Geoffry N. , Glass Kathryn
Published: December 2013

Duration of viral shedding following infection is an important determinant of disease transmission, informing both control policies and disease modelling. We undertook a systematic literature review of the duration of influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 virus shedding to examine the effects of age, severity of illness and receipt of antiviral treatment. Studies were identified by searching the PubMed database using the keywords ‘H1N1’, ‘pandemic’, ‘pandemics’, ‘shed’ and ‘shedding’. Any study of humans with an outcome measure of viral shedding was eligible for inclusion in the review. Comparisons by age, degree of severity and antiviral treatment were made with forest plots. The search returned 214 articles of which 22 were eligible for the review. Significant statistical heterogeneity between studies precluded meta‐analysis. The mean duration of viral shedding generally increased with severity of clinical presentation, but we found no evidence of longer shedding duration of influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 among children compared with adults. Shorter viral shedding duration was observed when oseltamivir treatment was administered within 48 hours of illness onset. Considerable differences in the design and analysis of viral shedding studies limit their comparison and highlight the need for a standardised approach. These insights have implications not only for pandemic planning, but also for informing responses and study of seasonal influenza now that the A(H1N1)pdm09 virus has become established as the seasonal H1N1 influenza virus.
Common montane birds are declining in northern Europe
Authors: Lehikoinen Aleksi , Green Martin , Husby Magne , Kålås John Atle , Lindström Åke
Published: December 2013

Large‐scale multi‐species data on population changes of alpine or arctic species are largely lacking. At the same time, climate change has been argued to cause poleward and uphill range shifts and the concomitant predicted loss of habitat may have drastic effects on alpine and arctic species. Here we present a multi‐national bird indicator for the Fennoscandian mountain range in northern Europe (Finland, Sweden and Norway), based on 14 common species of montane tundra and subalpine birch forest. The data were collected at 262 alpine survey plots, mainly as a part of geographically representative national breeding bird monitoring schemes. The area sampled covers around 1/4 million km2, spanning 10 degrees of latitude and 1600 km in a northeast–southwest direction. During 2002–2012, nine of the 14 bird species declined significantly in numbers, in parallel to higher summer temperatures and precipitation during this period compared to the preceding 40 yr. The population trends were largely parallel in the three countries and similar among montane tundra and subalpine birch forest species. Long‐distance migrants declined less on average than residents and short‐distance migrants. Some potential causes of the current decline of alpine birds are discussed, but since montane bird population sizes may show strong natural annual variation due to several factors, longer time series are needed to verify the observed population trends. The present Fennoscandian monitoring systems, which from 2010 onwards include more than 400 montane survey plots, have the capacity to deliver a robust bird indicator in the climate‐sensitive mountainous regions of northernmost Europe for conservation purposes.
WHERE DID EARLY ROMAN HISTORY COME FROM?
Authors: GRIFFITHS ALAN
Published: December 2013

Evaluating the narratives of late sixth- and early fifth-century Roman history provided by writers like Livy, Dionysius of Halicarnassus, and Plutarch has proved a contentious business. Some scholars are keen to believe that genuine traditions lie beneath the superficial literary encrustation, while others are inclined to minimize these elements and to emphasize the role of pre-existing Greek historiographical templates in shaping accounts of the early period at Rome. This paper tries to add support to the latter tendency by identifying, beyond the mere mess of motifs, a consistent and continuous sequence of events at Rome that matches up with contemporary goings-on in Sparta and Athens. A small but perfectly-formed detail is pounced upon as confirmatory proof of the hypothesis.
Inverse relationship between gestational weight gain and glucose uptake in human placenta from female foetuses
Authors: Walker S. P. , Ugoni A. M. , Lim R. , Lappas M.
Published: December 2013

Background

Maternal obesity and gestational weight gain (GWG) have a significant impact on the in utero environment, and thus on foetal development and the health of the offspring later in life.

Objective

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of maternal pre‐existing obesity and maternal GWG on glucose uptake from placentas from male and female offspring.

Methods

Total glucose uptake was measured in placental explants using radio‐labelled glucose.

Results

In the female placentas (n = 36), GWG and glucose uptake were significantly negatively correlated (r = −0.7, P < 0.0001; n = 36), and customized birthweight centile correlated with placental glucose uptake (r = 0.36, P = 0.03) but not GWG. In the male placentas (n = 45), GWG and glucose uptake were not related, and customized birthweight centile correlated with GWG (r = 0.34, P = 0.02; n = 45), but not placental glucose uptake.

Conclusions

The female placenta can adapt glucose uptake in the face of excessive GWG. The male placenta showed no evidence of changing glucose uptake in response to maternal GWG.
Recent breeding history of dog breeds in Sweden: modest rates of inbreeding, extensive loss of genetic diversity and lack of correlation between inbreeding and health
Authors: Jansson M. , Laikre L.
Published: December 2013

One problem in modern dogs is a high occurrence of physical diseases, defects and disorders. Many breeds exhibit physical problems that affect individual dogs throughout life. A potential cause of these problems is inbreeding that is known to reduce the viability of individuals. We investigated the possible correlation between recent inbreeding and health problems in dogs and used studbook data from 26 breeds provided by the Swedish Kennel Club for this purpose. The pedigrees date back to the mid‐20th century and comprise 5–10 generations and 1 000–50 000 individuals per pedigree over our study period of 1980–2010. We compared levels of inbreeding and loss of genetic variation measured in relation to the number of founding animals during this period in the investigated dog breeds that we classified as ‘healthy’ (11 breeds) or ‘unhealthy’ (15) based on statistics on the extent of veterinary care obtained from Sweden's four largest insurance companies for pets. We found extensive loss of genetic variation and moderate levels of recent inbreeding in all breeds examined, but no strong indication of a difference in these parameters between healthy versus unhealthy breeds over this period. Thus, recent breeding history with respect to rate of inbreeding does not appear to be a main cause of poor health in the investigated dog breeds in Sweden. We identified both strengths and weaknesses of the dog pedigree data important to consider in future work of monitoring and conserving genetic diversity of dog breeds.
Changes in oral antidiabetic prescriptions and improved glycemic control during the years 2002–2011 in Japan (JDDM32)
Authors: Oishi Mariko , Yamazaki Katsuya , Okuguchi Fuminobu , Sugimoto Hidekatsu , Kanatsuka Azuma , Kashiwagi Atsunori ,   Japan Diabetes Clinical Data Management Study Group
Published: December 2013

Aims/Introduction

Six kinds of oral antidiabetic drugs (OADs), including the new dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP‐4) inhibitors, are available. The present study aimed to define trends within the prescribing patterns of OADs, as well as changes in glycemic control in Japan over a 10‐year period from 2002 to 2011.

Materials and Methods

We carried out a cross‐sectional study using data of type 2 diabetes mellitus patients from 24 clinics for 2002, 2005, 2008 and 2011. OAD use was analyzed combined with clinical data.

Results

Sulfonylureas (SUs) were the most commonly used OAD, but their use for monotherapy markedly decreased over the study period. Biguanides (BGs) were the second most commonly used OAD, and their prescribing rate increased both for mono‐ and combination therapy. DPP‐4 inhibitors (DPP‐4I), released in 2009, were the third most commonly prescribed OAD in 2011 both for mono‐ and combination therapy. Among combination therapies, two OADs were mostly prescribed, but the use of three OADs and four OADs in 2011 was two‐ and 14.8‐fold those in 2002. These trends were accompanied by an improvement in average glycated hemoglobin from 7.5 ± 1.2% in 2002 to 7.1 ± 0.9% in 2011.

Conclusions

The OAD prescribing trend has moved away from monotherapy with SUs and toward combination therapies to achieve better glycemic control. Increased use of BGs and DPP‐4I was predominant in 2011. These trends were accompanied by an improvement of the glycated hemoglobin level.
Fictive Kin, Families We Choose, and Voluntary Kin: What Does the Discourse Tell Us?
Authors: Nelson Margaret K.
Published: December 2013

Scholarship on fictive kinship has relied on many different terminologies. I argue for a new precision. I review existing discussions and draw on those to suggest a new, experimental typology. I suggest that the typology illuminates a variety of issues, including the aspects of family that are accomplished through fictive kin. I also discuss issues surrounding fictive kinship for which no information exists but about which the typology might help make predictions.
Making Valid Causal Inferences About Corrective Actions by Parents From Longitudinal Data
Authors: Larzelere Robert E. , Cox, Ronald B.
Published: December 2013

As a result of an inherent selection bias, most longitudinal analyses are biased against corrective actions that parents use to address perceived child problems. This bias can lead to unjustified or even counterproductive recommendations about corrective parental actions. To overcome this bias, this article summarizes current scholarship on improving the validity of causal inferences. Enhancing research designs is preferred, using quasi‐experimental design components and natural experiments. Comparing a typical longitudinal design with a one‐group pre‐post design shows how longitudinal designs can be improved to enhance causal validity. Perfect statistical controls for confounds or perfect instrumental variables to circumvent them could produce unbiased causal evidence. Strategies to approximate that ideal are summarized, as well as methods to check for the adequacy of those approximations.
Urie Bronfenbrenner's Theory of Human Development: Its Evolution From Ecology to Bioecology
Authors: Rosa Edinete Maria , Tudge Jonathan
Published: December 2013

We describe the evolution, over three phases, of Bronfenbrenner's theory from an ecological to a bioecological theory. Phase 1 (1973–1979) culminated in the publication ofThe Ecology of Human Development(1979). Phase 2 (1980–1993) saw almost immediate modifications to the theory, with more attention paid to the role of the individual and greater concern with developmental processes. In Phase 3 (1993–2006), proximal processes were defined and placed at the heart of bioecological theory, and from 1998, the Process‐Person‐Context‐Time (PPCT) model was described as the theory's appropriate research design. Given the extent of these changes, and to avoid theoretical incoherence, scholars should be cautious about stating that their research is based on Bronfenbrenner's theory without specifying which version they are using.
The consequences of malnutrition following discharge from rehabilitation to the community: a systematic review of current evidence in older adults
Authors: Marshall S. , Bauer J. , Isenring E.
Published: November 2013

Background

The prevalence of malnutrition in the rehabilitation setting is estimated to be 30–50%, with older adults at higher nutritional risk. Malnutrition also exists in the community setting, where 10–30% of adults are malnourished; however, the relationship between the two settings has been little explored. The present study aimed to determine the association between malnutrition in older adults admitted for rehabilitation and nutrition status, functional status, quality of life, institutionalisation, acute care admissions and mortality once discharged to the community.

Methods

Six electronic databases were searched for relevant publications (1990–2013) using controlled vocabulary. Longitudinal papers were included in which older adults (≥65 years) were admitted for rehabilitation if nutrition assessment was performed during admission with relevant outcomes measured following discharge to the community.

Results

Five observational studies were eligible for review which had similar populations. The five reviews comprised 1020 participants in total and, once discharged, follow‐up ranged from immediate to 26 months. Malnutrition during rehabilitation was negatively associated with physical function and quality of life, and positively associated with risk of institutionalisation, hospitalisation and mortality. Although these studies were of high quality and strength, the overall contribution to the evidence is limited as a result of the small number of heterogenic studies. No intervention studies were identified.

Conclusions

Malnutrition in older adults admitted for rehabilitation has a negative effect on functional recovery and quality of life following discharge to the community. This review highlights an evidence gap along the continuum of care for malnourished older adults, where further observational and intervention research is needed following discharge from rehabilitation to the community.
Hand‐held health records for individuals with intellectual disability: a systematic review
Authors: Nguyen M. , Lennox N. , Ware R.
Published: December 2013

Background

Hand‐held health records (HHHRs) aim to empower individuals with intellectual disability (ID) and improve the communication between all those involved in their health care. HHHRs can be used to identify additional health needs and contribute to improved treatment for individuals with ID. This review summarises evidence concerning the use of HHHRs with individuals with ID.

Methods

Systematic searching of electronic databases and email contact with established researchers in the field were used to identify relevant articles related to the use of HHHRs among individuals with ID.

Results

Seven articles were identified and included for review. Studies involved the development, evaluation, acceptability and facilitators and barriers of implementation of HHHRs. HHHRs did not lead to improved short‐term healthcare activity, but did lead to more discussion about health problems, increased health‐related knowledge and awareness of personal health issues.

Conclusions

HHHRs are well accepted among users with ID. However, no short‐term benefits were found and future research needs to examine the long‐term effects of HHHRs.
Parkin reverses TDP‐43‐induced cell death and failure of amino acid homeostasis
Authors: Hebron Michaeline , Chen Wenqiang , Miessau Matthew J. , Lonskaya Irina , Moussa Charbel E.‐H.
Published: December 2013

The E3 ubiquitin ligase Parkin plays a central role in the pathogenesis of many neurodegenerative diseases. Parkin promotes specific ubiquitination and affects the localization of transactivation response DNA‐binding protein 43 (TDP‐43), which controls the translation of thousands of mRNAs. Here we tested the effects of lentiviral Parkin and TDP‐43 expression on amino acid metabolism in the rat motor cortex using high frequency 13C NMR spectroscopy. TDP‐43 expression increased glutamate levels, decreased the levels of other amino acids, including glutamine, aspartate, leucine and isoleucine, and impaired mitochondrial tricarboxylic acid cycle. TDP‐43 induced lactate accumulation and altered the balance between excitatory (glutamate) and inhibitory (GABA) neurotransmitters. Parkin restored amino acid levels, neurotransmitter balance and tricarboxylic acid cycle metabolism, rescuing neurons from TDP‐43‐induced apoptotic death. Furthermore, TDP‐43 expression led to an increase in 4E‐BP levels, perhaps altering translational control and deregulating amino acid synthesis; while Parkin reversed the effects of TDP‐43 on the 4E‐BP signaling pathway. Taken together, these data suggest that Parkin may affect TDP‐43 localization and mitigate its effects on 4E‐BP signaling and loss of amino acid homeostasis.

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TDP‐43 increases 4E‐BP levels and alters translational control, leading to elevation in glutamate (Glu) and lactate (Lac) and attenuation of glutamine (Gln), aspartate (Asp), leucine (Leu), and isoleucine (IsoLeu). TDP‐43 decreases GABA levels and inhibits mitochondrial tri‐carboxylic acid cycle (TCA), leading to neuronal loss. Parkin facilitates nuclear TDP‐43 translocation to the cytoplasm and decreases oxidative stress, protects TCA cycle and promotes cell survival.
An Exploration of the Perception of Minerality in White Wines by Projective Mapping and Descriptive Analysis
Authors: Heymann Hildegarde , Hopfer Helene , Bershaw Dwayne
Published: December 2013

Minerality is a way for wine writers to associate wines with their terroir. Little research has been carried out on the concept of minerality. In this study white wines were compared by projective mapping (PM) performed by wine industry professionals to a standard sensory descriptive analysis (DA) by trained judges. The PM found minerality to be positively correlated with acid taste and citrus, fresh, wet stone, and chemical aromas, and negatively correlated to butter, butterscotch, vanilla, and oak aromas. The PM panel minerality was associated with both aroma and taste perception. The DA found minerality to be positively correlated with reduced, chalky, and grassy aromas and bitter taste, and negatively correlated with barrel, caramel, honey, juicy fruit, musty, and cat pee aromas. Wine groupings were similar between the two panels. Minerality was highly associated with malic acid, tartaric acid, and titratable acidity, and moderately associated with free and total sulfur dioxide.

Practical Applications

There were similar concepts for minerality between the two types of panels, but there were also differences. This gives us the hope that teasing out the exact concept of minerality in white wines should be possible.
Protest Suicide: A Systematic Model with Heuristic Archetypes
Authors: Spehr Scott , Dixon John
Published: December 2013

Suicide as a form of political protest is a little studied social phenomenon that cannot be dismissed simply as being irrational or patholognomic. We consider protest suicide to be a meaningful social action as purposive political act intended to change oppressive policies or practices. This paper synthesizes theoretical propositions associated with suicide in general, and protest suicide in particular, so as to construct a general explanatory model of protest suicide as a social phenomenon. Then, it analyzes protest suicide as a meaningful social action. People considering protest suicide have to discern the logic of the situation in which such action is to take place. This involves answering two fundamental questions: Is suicide an acceptable course of social action? Is the envisaged protest suicide likely to achieve their hopes, aspirations and goals? How these questions are answered gives rise to a set of protest suicide archetypes. Our analysis generates a more sophisticated understanding of the potential reasons for, and motivations behind, protest suicide as a social phenomenon.
Tempo and mode of the multiple origins of salinity tolerance in a water beetle lineage
Authors: Arribas Paula , Andújar Carmelo , Abellán Pedro , Velasco Josefa , Millán Andrés , Ribera Ignacio
Published: December 2013

Salinity is one of the most important drivers of the distribution, abundance and diversity of organisms. Previous studies on the evolution of saline tolerance have been mainly centred on marine and terrestrial organisms, while lineages inhabiting inland waters remain largely unexplored. This is despite the fact that these systems include a much broader range of salinities, going from freshwater to more than six times the salinity of the sea (i.e. >200 g/L). Here, we study the pattern and timing of the evolution of the tolerance to salinity in an inland aquatic lineage of water beetles (Enochrus species of the subgenus Lumetus, family Hydrophilidae), with the general aim of understanding the mechanisms by which it was achieved. Using a time‐calibrated phylogeny built from five mitochondrial and two nuclear genes and information about the salinity tolerance and geographical distribution of the species, we found that salinity tolerance appeared multiple times associated with periods of global aridification. We found evidence of some accelerated transitions from freshwater directly to high salinities, as reconstructed with extant lineages. This, together with the strong positive correlation found between salinity tolerance and aridity of the habitats in which species are found, suggests that tolerance to salinity may be based on a co‐opted mechanism developed originally for drought resistance.
Unexpected Consequences of Ricardian Expectations—Erratum
Authors: Schlicht Ekkehart
Published: December 2013

This note identifies a severe mistake in my article ‘Unexpected Consequences of Ricardian Expectations’ that appeared in this journal in the July 2013 issue.
Yersinia Ysc‐Yop type III secretion feedback inhibition is relieved through YscV‐dependent recognition and secretion of LcrQ
Authors: Li Yunlong , Li Lamei , Huang Li , Francis Matthew S. , Hu Yangbo , Chen Shiyun
Published: December 2013

Human pathogenic Yersinia species share a virulence plasmid encoding the Ysc‐Yop type III secretion system (T3SS). A plasmid‐encoded anti‐activator, LcrQ, negatively regulates the expression of this secretion system. Under inducible conditions, LcrQ is secreted outside of bacterial cells and this activates the T3SS, but the mechanism of targeting LcrQ for type III secretion remains largely unknown. In this study, we characterized the regulatory role of the export apparatus component YscV. Depletion or overexpression of YscV compromised Yop synthesis and this primarily prevented secretion of LcrQ. It followed that a lcrQ deletion reversed the repressive effects of excessive YscV. Further characterization demonstrated that the YscV residues 493–511 located within the C‐terminal soluble cytoplasmic domain directly bound with LcrQ. Critically, YscV‐LcrQ complex formation was a requirement for LcrQ secretion, since YscVΔ493–511 failed to secrete LcrQ. This forced a cytoplasmic accumulation of LcrQ, which predictably caused the feedback inhibition of Yops synthesis. Based on these observations, we proposed a model for the YscV‐dependent secretion of LcrQ and its role in regulating Yop synthesis in Yersinia.
Deciphering the genetic basis of Moraxella catarrhalis complement resistance: a critical role for the disulphide bond formation system
Authors: de Vries Stefan P. W. , Rademakers Rob J. A. , van der Gaast‐de Jongh Christa E. , Eleveld Marc J. , Hermans Peter W. M. , Bootsma Hester J.
Published: December 2013

The complement system is an important innate defence mechanism, and the ability to resist complement‐mediated killing is considered a key virulence trait of the respiratory tract pathogen M. catarrhalis. We studied the molecular basis of complement resistance by transcriptional profiling and Tn‐seq, a genome‐wide negative‐selection screenings technology. Exposure of M. catarrhalis to human serum resulted in increased expression of 84 genes and reduced expression of 134 genes, among which genes encoding ABC transporter systems and surface proteins UspA1 and McaP. By subjecting a ∼ 15 800 transposon mutant library to serum, mutants of 53 genes were negatively selected, including the key complement‐resistance factor uspA2H. Validation with directed mutants confirmed Tn‐seq phenotypes of uspA2H and 11 newly identified genes, with mutants of MCR_0424, olpA, MCR_1483, and dsbB most severely attenuated. Detailed analysis showed that both components of the disulphide bond formation (DSB) system, DsbB and DsbA, were required for complement‐resistance in multiple isolates, and fulfil a critical role in evasion of IgG‐dependent classical pathway‐mediated killing. Lipooligosaccharide (LOS) structure and membrane stability were severely affected in ΔdsbA strains, suggesting a pivotal role for the DSB system in LOS structure safeguarding and membrane stability maintenance.
Where should we operate on the preterm neonate?
Authors: Jenkins Ian A. , Kelly Ugarte Lauren R. , Mancuso Thomas J.
Published: November 2013

The ideal venue for neonatal surgical procedures has been the subject of a contentious debate between the leading pediatric hospitals throughout the world. Bias toward the location of neonatal surgery tends to be based on institutional practices. The following opposing viewpoints from two leading pediatric institutions in the United Kingdom and the United States highlight the relevant issues.