bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A national survey of anaesthetists (NAP5 Baseline) to estimate an annual incidence of accidental awareness during general anaesthesia in the UK
Authors: Pandit J. J. , Cook T. M. , Jonker W. R. , O'Sullivan E. ,   on behalf of the 5th National Audit Project (NAP5) of the Royal College of Anaesthetists and the Association of Anaesthetists of Great Britain and Ireland
Published: March 2013

As part of the 5th National Audit Project of the Royal College of Anaesthetists and the Association of Anaesthetists of Great Britain and Ireland concerning accidental awareness during general anaesthesia, we issued a questionnaire to every consultant and staff and associate specialist anaesthetist in the UK. The survey was designed to ascertain the number of new cases of accidental awareness that became known to them, for patients under their direct or supervised care, for a calendar year, and also to estimate how many cases they had experienced during their careers. The survey also asked about use of monitoring designed to measure the depth of anaesthesia. All local co‐ordinators responsible for each of 329 hospitals (organised into 265 ‘centres’) in the UK responded, as did 7125 anaesthetists (82%). There were 153 new cases of accidental awareness notified to respondents in 2011, an estimated incidence of 1:15 414, lower than the 1–2:1000 previously reported in prospective clinical trials. Almost half the cases (72, 47%) occurred at or after induction of anaesthesia but before surgery, with 46 (30%) occurring during surgery and 35 (23%) after surgery before full recovery. Awareness during surgery appeared to lead more frequently to pain or distress than at induction and emergence (62% vs 28% and 23%, respectively). Depth of anaesthesia monitors were available in 164 centres (62%), but routinely used by only 132 (1.8%) of anaesthetists. The disparity between the incidence of awareness as notified to anaesthetists and that reported in trials warrants further examination and explanation.
Autism before diagnosis: crying, feeding and sleeping problems in the first two years of life
Authors: Barnevik Olsson Martina , Carlsson Lotta Höglund , Westerlund Joakim , Gillberg Christopher , Fernell Elisabeth
Published: March 2013

Aim

To chart early registered regulatory problems (RP) in a representative group of young children with and without autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

Methods

The target group comprised 208 preschool children with ASD, whose records from the Child Health Centres (CHC) were reviewed regarding numbers of consultations for excessive crying, feeding and sleeping problems. The records from an age‐ and gender‐matched comparison group were obtained from the same CHCs as those of the index children

Results

Significant differences between the ASD and comparison groups were found for each domain studied and when domains were collapsed. Two or more consultations had occurred in 44% of the children in the ASD group and in 16% of the comparison group (p < 0.001). No correlations were found with regard to gender, later severity of autism, cognitive level or degree of hyperactivity.

Conclusion

Regulatory problems (RP) were much more common in children who later received a diagnosis of ASD. Children with many RP in infancy require attention from CHC and paediatric services and need to be followed with regard to development and family support.
Problems of Analysis by FTIR of Calcium Sulphate–Based Preparatory Layers: The Case of a Group of 16th‐Century Portuguese Paintings
Authors: Melo H. P. , Cruz A. J. , Candeias A. , Mirão J. , Cardoso A. M. , Oliveira M. J. , Valadas S.
Published: March 2013

This paper provides a contribution to FTIR analysis of calcium sulphate‐based grounds of paintings when a mixture of compounds with different degrees of hydration is present. The study is based on the analysis with that technique, electron microscopy coupled with energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectrometry and X‐ray diffraction of both the grounds of 16th‐century Portuguese paintings and reference samples prepared with anhydrite and calcium sulphate dihydrate bound in an animal glue solution. It is shown that the interpretation of the degree of hydration of calcium sulphate ground samples using FTIR cannot be based solely on the study of the hydroxyl bands, as is usual in routine work, but that small deviations of the S–O vibration bands are an important indicator of the presence of anhydrite in the grounds.
Histamine‐induced vasodilatation in the human forearm vasculature
Authors: Sandilands Euan A. , Crowe Jane , Cuthbert Hayley , Jenkins Paul J. , Johnston Neil R. , Eddleston Michael , Bateman D. Nicholas , Webb David J.
Published: March 2013

Aim

To investigate the mechanism of action of intra‐arterial histamine in the human forearm vasculature.

Methods

Three studies were conducted to assess changes in forearm blood flow (FBF) using venous occlusion plethysmography in response to intra‐brachial histamine. First, the dose–response was investigated by assessing FBF throughout a dose‐escalating histamine infusion. Next, histamine was infused at a constant dose to assess acute tolerance. Finally, a four way, double‐blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled crossover study was conducted to assess FBF response to histamine in the presence of H1‐ and H2‐receptor antagonists. Flare and itch were assessed in all studies.

Results

Histamine caused a dose‐dependent increase in FBF, greatest with the highest dose (30 nmol min−1) infused [mean (SEM) infused arm vs. control: 26.8 (5.3) vs. 2.6 ml min−1 100 ml−1; P < 0.0001]. Dose‐dependent flare and itch were demonstrated. Acute tolerance was not observed, with an increased FBF persisting throughout the infusion period. H2‐receptor antagonism significantly reduced FBF (mean (95% CI) difference from placebo at 30 nmol min−1 histamine: −11.9 ml min−1 100 ml−1 (−4.0, −19.8), P < 0.0001) and flare (mean (95% CI) difference from placebo: −403.7 cm2 (−231.4, 576.0), P < 0.0001). No reduction in FBF or flare was observed in response to the H1‐receptor antagonist. Itch was unaffected by the treatments. Histamine did not stimulate vascular release of tissue plasminogen activator or von Willebrand factor.

Conclusion

Histamine causes dose‐dependent vasodilatation, flare and itch in the human forearm. H2‐receptors are important in this process. Our results support further exploration of combined H1‐ and H2‐receptor antagonist therapy in acute allergic syndromes.
Smartphone apps to support hospital prescribing and pharmacology education: a review of current provision
Authors: Haffey Faye , Brady Richard R. W. , Maxwell Simon
Published: March 2013

Junior doctors write the majority of hospital prescriptions but many indicate they feel underprepared to assume this responsibility and around 10% of prescriptions contain errors. Medical smartphone apps are now widely used in clinical practice and present an opportunity to provide support to inexperienced prescribers. This study assesses the contemporary range of smartphone apps with prescribing or related content. Six smartphone app stores were searched for apps aimed at the healthcare professional with drug, pharmacology or prescribing content. Three hundred and six apps were identified. 34% appeared to be for use within the clinical environment in order to aid prescribing, 14% out with the clinical setting and 51% of apps were deemed appropriate for both clinical and non‐clinical use. Apps with drug reference material, such as textbooks, manuals or medical apps with drug information were the commonest apps found (51%), followed by apps offering drug or infusion rate dose calculation (26%). 68% of apps charged for download, with a mean price of £14.25 per app and a range of £0.62–101.90. A diverse range of pharmacology‐themed apps are available and there is further potential for the development of contemporary apps to improve prescribing performance. Personalized app stores may help universities/healthcare organizations offer high quality apps to students to aid in pharmacology education. Users of prescribing apps must be aware of the lack of information regarding the medical expertise of app developers. This will enable them to make informed choices about the use of such apps in their clinical practice.
Combined real‐time PCR and galactomannan surveillance improves diagnosis of invasive aspergillosis in high risk patients with haematological malignancies
Authors: Rogers Thomas R. , Morton Charles Oliver , Springer Jan , Conneally Eibhlin , Heinz Werner , Kenny Claire , Frost Susanna , Einsele Hermann , Loeffler Juergen
Published: March 2013

Invasive aspergillosis (IA) is a leading complication of intensive treatment for haematological malignancies. Earlier diagnosis should facilitate effective antifungal therapy and prevent progression to invasive disease, which is often lethal. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays, targeting the 28S and ITS ribosomal gene regions respectively, were evaluated for early detection of Aspergillus DNA and for diagnostic utility in patients receiving treatment in two busy haematopoietic stem cell transplant centres. Patients undergoing intensive chemotherapy, autologous or allogeneic transplant were eligible for inclusion in the study. EDTA blood and serum samples for circulating Aspergillus biomarkers, including galactomannan (GM), were collected twice‐weekly on a prospective basis from all study patients who were categorized according to international consensus criteria for defining invasive fungal disease (IFD). Of 278 patients recruited there were 44 probable IA cases and only one proven case. Moderate sensitivity and specificity, poor positive predictive value (50–80%), but good negative predictive value (>80–90%) were common to both PCR assays. Overall biomarker performance could be improved by combining positive results of either PCR assay with GM taken within a 12‐d period. The addition of PCR to GM monitoring in high‐risk patients with haematological malignancies provides greater diagnostic accuracy in invasive aspergillosis.
Identification of emerging FLT3 ITD‐positive clones during clinical remission and kinetics of disease relapse in acute myeloid leukaemia with mutated nucleophosmin
Authors: Ottone Tiziana , Zaza Serena , Divona Mariadomenica , Hasan Syed Khizer , Lavorgna Serena , Laterza Serena , Cicconi Laura , Panetta Paola , Giandomenico Jonny Di , Cittadini Michela , Ciardi Claudia , Montefusco Enrico , Franchi Annibale , Annino Luciana , Venditti Adriano , Amadori Sergio , Lo‐Coco Francesco
Published: March 2013

FLT3 internal tandem duplication (ITD) mutations are frequently detected at diagnosis in cytogenetically normal acute myeloid leukaemia (CN‐AML) and predict unfavourable outcome. FLT3 ITD is an unstable aberration and may be lost or acquired at relapse. Recent whole genome sequencing studies have suggested that FLT3 ITD+ve AML relapse may evolve from small subclones undetectable at diagnosis by routine polymerase chain reaction (PCR). We developed a patient‐specific real‐time quantitative‐PCR (RQ‐PCR) to implement FLT3 ITD detection in six AML patients whose blasts carried wild‐type FLT3 at diagnosis and who relapsed with FLT3 ITD by routine PCR. Patient‐specific forward primers were designed after cloning and sequencing the FLT3 ITD in each case. The assay allowed retrospective detection of FLT3 ITD in diagnostic samples of 4/6 cases and to establish the kinetics of clonal evolution preceding relapse. After conventional chemotherapy, all patients had early relapse despite having been classified as NPM1+ve/FLT3 ITD−ve at presentation, with shorter remissions being observed in four patients re‐classified as FLT3 ITD+ve by the new assay. Notably, FLT3 ITD clone became detectable by conventional PCR in three patients tested during remission after initial treatment. Our data underscore the need of identifying low FLT3 ITD levels, which are probably associated with relapse in otherwise good prognosis CN‐AML.
How big is the physical activity intention–behaviour gap? A meta‐analysis using the action control framework
Authors: Rhodes Ryan E. , de Bruijn Gert‐Jan
Published: March 2013

Objectives

The physical activity (PA) intention–behaviour gap is a topic of considerable contemporary research, given that most of our models used to understand physical activity suggest that intention is the proximal antecedent of behavioural enactment. The purpose of this study was to quantify the intention–PA gap at public health guidelines with a meta‐analysis of the action control framework.

Design

Systematic review and meta‐analysis.

Methods

Literature searches were conducted in July 2012 among five key search engines. This search yielded a total of 2,865 potentially relevant records; of these, 10 studies fulfilled the full eligibility criteria (N = 3,899).

Results

Random‐effects meta‐analysis procedures with correction for sampling bias were employed in the analysis for estimates of non‐intenders who subsequently did not engage in physical activity (21%), non‐intenders who subsequently performed physical activity (2%), intenders who were not successful at following through with their PA (36%), and successful intenders (42%). The overall intention–PA gap was 46%.

Conclusion

These results emphasize the weakness in early intention models for understanding PA and suggest this would be a problem during intervention. Contemporary research that is validating and exploring additional constructs (e.g., self‐regulation, automaticity) that augment intention or improving the measurement of motivation seems warranted.

Statement of contribution

What is already known on this subject? Intention is considered the proximal antecedent of behaviour in many popular models. Intention is also an established correlate of physical activity behaviour, yet discordance is considerable in experimental research.

What does this study add? This meta‐analysis of studies that have assessed concordance/discordance of physical activity intention and behaviour at public health guidelines shows the intention–behaviour gap at 48% and the discordance is from intenders who do not act. The results demonstrate that discordance is not just from extreme levels of intention or behaviour (e.g., intend to exercise six times but only exercise five), but from levels that are relevant to health promotion.
Evaluation of robotic and laparoscopic partial nephrectomy for small renal tumours (T1a)
Authors: Froghi Saied , Ahmed Kamran , Khan Mohammad S. , Dasgupta Prokar , Challacombe Ben
Published: March 2013

Objective

To compare laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (LPN) with robotic PN (RPN) using meta‐analytical techniques, since there has been a rise in the incidence of small renal masses (SRM; <4 cm) minimally invasive approaches are becoming more popular in dealing with such pathologies.

Materials and Methods

A systematic review of the literature was performed to identify studies comparing LPN and RPN.

Comparative studies evaluating RPN and LPN that fulfilled the inclusion criteria were selected.

Data on preoperative, operative (operative time, estimated blood loss [EBL], and warm ischaemia time [WIT]), postoperative (length of stay [LOS]) variables and complications were collected.

A meta‐analysis using random effect model was performed.

A further Bland–Altman analysis of some of the operative variables was done to compare their reproducibility and mean difference in techniques.

Results

Six studies matched the selection criteria. In all, 256 patients were analysed (40% RPN and 60% LPN).

There was no significant different in EBL (P = 0.12, 95% confidence interval [CI] –12.01 to 104.26).

Similarly, there was no significant different in WIT between the groups (P = 0.23, 95% CI –15.22 to 3.70).

Also, LOS (P = 0.22, 95% CI –0.38 to 0.09) and overall postoperative complication rates were not significantly different between the groups (P = 0.84, 95% CI –0.05 to 0.06).

Conclusions

Despite multiple studies reporting better perioperative variables for RPN, the present study found no significant differences between RPN and LPN. This has implications for both the surgeon and the patient.

Lack of randomised controlled trials in addition to a lack of long‐term oncological data for RPN are current limitations.
Assessing Extinction Risk in Small Metapopulations of Golden‐headed Lion Tamarins (Leontopithecus chrysomelas) in Bahia State,Brazil
Authors: Zeigler Sara L. , De Vleeschouwer Kristel M. , Raboy Becky E.
Published: March 2013

Golden‐headed lion tamarins (GHLTs;Leontopithecus chrysomelas) are endangered primates endemic to theBrazilianAtlantic Forest, where loss of forest and its connectivity threaten species survival. Understanding the role of habitat availability and configuration on population declines is critical for guiding proactive conservation for this, and other, endangered species. We conducted population viability analysis to assess vulnerability of tenGHLTmetapopulations to habitat loss and small population size. Seven metapopulations had a low risk of extirpation (or local extinction) over the next 100 years assuming no further forest loss, and even small populations could persist with immediate protection. Three metapopulations had a moderate/high risk of extirpation, suggesting extinction debt may be evident in parts of the species’ range. When deforestation was assumed to continue at current rates, extirpation risk significantly increased while abundance and genetic diversity decreased for all metapopulations. Extirpation risk was significantly negatively correlated with the size of the largest patch available to metapopulations, underscoring the importance of large habitat patches for species persistence. Finally, we conducted sensitivity analysis using logistic regression, and our results showed that local extinction risk was sensitive to percentage of females breeding, adult female mortality, and dispersal rate and survival; conservation or research programs that target these aspects of the species’ biology/ecology could have a disproportionately important impact on species survival. We stress that efforts to protect populations and tracts of habitat of sufficient size throughout the species’ distribution will be important in the near‐term to protect the species from continuing decline and extinction.
Risk factors of chemotherapy‐induced nausea and vomiting: Index for personalized antiemetic prophylaxis
Authors: Sekine Ikuo , Segawa Yoshihiko , Kubota Kaoru , Saeki Toshiaki
Published: March 2013

Chemotherapy‐induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) is one of the most problematic adverse events that affects the well‐being of cancer patients. Risk factors for CINV and its elimination are necessary to increase the indications for and effectiveness of chemotherapy. We enrolled 1549 chemotherapy‐naïve patients in two phase II trials and one phase III trial of palonosetron between 2005 and 2007. Treatment failure (any emetic episodes or any administration of rescue medication) and/or nausea, and their associations with patient factors were evaluated in acute and in delayed phases using univariate and multivariate analyses. Female gender (odds ratio, 95% confidence interval: 2.96, 2.09–4.20), age <55 years (2.56, 1.94–3.37), non‐habitual alcohol intake (1.90, 1.43–2.51) and non‐smoker (1.40, 1.04–1.90) were associated with treatment failure in the acute phase. In contrast, only female gender (1.88, 1.34–2.64) was associated with treatment failure in the delayed phase. The number of risk factors was significantly associated with CINV in both acute and delayed phases. Patient risk factors were significantly associated with CINV. Depending on the relationship between CINV‐related risk factors and a tailored antiemetic treatment, high‐risk patients defined by the listed risk factors may be candidates for future clinical trials.
Photodynamic therapy involves an antiangiogenic mechanism and is enhanced by ferrochelatase inhibitor in urothelial carcinoma
Authors: Inoue Keiji , Fukuhara Hideo , Kurabayashi Atsushi , Furihata Mutsuo , Tsuda Masayuki , Nagakawa Keisuke , Fujita Hirofumi , Utsumi Kozo , Shuin Taro
Published: March 2013

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the mechanism of photodynamic therapy (PDT) supplemented with exogenously added 5‐aminolevulinic acid (ALA) on human urothelial cancer (UC). Moreover, we aimed to determine whether the therapeutic effects of ALA‐based PDT (ALA‐PDT) for UC could be enhanced by deferoxamine (DFX), an inhibitor of ferrochelatase. The efficiency of ALA‐PDT on these cells was analyzed using flow cytometry and the type of cell death was also assessed. The ALA‐PDT promoting effect of DFX was examined on both UC cells and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC). The ALA‐PDT decreased levels of mitochondrial membrane potential and induced cell death mainly via apoptosis in these cells. Moreover, inhibition of ferrochelatase by DFX led to an increase of protoporphyrin IX (PpIX) accumulation and enhanced the effect of ALA‐PDT on UC cells. We further investigated the effect of DFX on in vivo PDT with a tumor‐bearing animal model and found that DFX efficiently enhanced tumor cell apoptosis. ALA‐PDT induced death of neovascular endothelial cells in tumors but did not affect small vessel endothelial cells in normal tissues surrounding the tumor. Furthermore, DFX enhanced inhibition of neovascularization. These results demonstrated ALA‐PDT dominantly induced apoptosis over necrosis by direct action on UC as well as via antiangiogenic action on neovacular endothelial cells, suggesting that the therapeutic damage by ALA‐PDT could be kept to a minimum in the surrounding normal tissues. In addition, increased accumulation of PpIX by DFX could enhance this effectiveness of ALA‐PDT.
Early tumor shrinkage in metastatic colorectal cancer: Retrospective analysis from an irinotecan‐based randomized first‐line trial
Authors: Giessen Clemens , Laubender Ruediger P. , Fischer von Weikersthal Ludwig , Schalhorn Andreas , Modest Dominik P. , Stintzing Sebastian , Haas Michael , Mansmann Ulrich R. , Heinemann Volker
Published: March 2013

Early tumor shrinkage (ETS) has been highlighted as a favorable prognostic factor related to progression‐free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) in cytotoxic treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer. Data from a randomized phase III study comparing infusional 5‐fluorouracil plus irinotecan (FUFIRI) versus irinotecan plus oxaliplatin (mIROX) were evaluated. Patient groups were analyzed according to the relative change in maximum tumor diameter between baseline and after 7 weeks of treatment. The ETS cohort was defined as a decrease of ≥20%. Additionally, the non‐ETS cohort was subdivided into “minor shrinkage” (0–19%), “tumor progression” (any increase) and development of “new metastatic lesions”. Progression‐free survival and OS were estimated in all patient subgroups. Assessment of ETS was possible in 201 patients. Early tumor shrinkage was observed in 47% (94/201) and non‐ETS in 53% (107/201) of patients. Patients with ETS had a more favorable outcome with regard to PFS (9.9 months vs 6.1 months, P = 0.029) and OS (27.5 months vs 17.8 months, P = 0.002). In the non‐ETS subgroups, patients with “minor shrinkage” (PFS 8.4 months, OS 21.6 months) showed a markedly better outcome than patients with “early tumor progression” (PFS 4.0 months, OS 15.3 months) or with “new metastatic lesions (PFS 2.2 months, OS 7.6 months). In conclusion, ETS assessment offers accelerated response evaluation when compared to RECIST. In patients treated with chemotherapy alone, ETS ≥20% is associated with excellent outcome. Non‐ETS is a heterogeneous subgroup where patients with minor shrinkage clearly benefit from treatment, and patients with early progression or development of new lesions have an unfavorable prognosis.
Des‐γ‐carboxy prothrombin ratio measured by P‐11 and P‐16 antibodies is a novel biomarker for hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Tameda Masahiko , Shiraki Katsuya , Sugimoto Kazushi , Ogura Suguru , Inagaki Yuji , Yamamoto Norihiko , Ikejiri Makoto , Takei Yoshiyuki , Ito Masaaki , Nobori Tsutomu
Published: March 2013

Serum tumor markers, including α‐fetoprotein (AFP) and des‐γ‐carboxy prothrombin (DCP), are currently used in the diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). There is, however, an aberrant increase in serum DCP in patients with obstructive jaundice, vitamin K deficiency or who are taking warfarin, resulting from a problem with the current methodology for measurement of this marker. This study aimed to elucidate the utility of a new biomarker, NX‐PVKA, for early diagnosis of HCC. A total of 96 patients were included in the HCC group. The control group included 138 liver cirrhosis (LC) patients without HCC. Serum concentrations of conventional DCP, AFP, AFP‐L3 and NX‐PVKA were measured. The NX‐PVKA ratio was calculated by dividing DCP by NX‐PVKA. In patients not taking warfarin, the area under the curve values of DCP, NX‐PVKA ratio, AFP and AFP‐L3 were 0.715, 0.690, 0.737 and 0.654, respectively, confirming the clinical utility of these markers in detecting HCC. In cases with DCP > 35 mAU/mL in particular, a significant increase in the NX‐PVKA ratio was observed in patients with HCC. In those cases, the cut‐off value for the NX‐PVKA ratio that was optimized by the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was 1.15. In addition, the sensitivity and specificity for diagnosing HCC were 69.2% and 75.9%, respectively. Patients with HCC had higher NX‐PVKA ratios compared to patients with LC taking warfarin (P = 0.063). These results suggest that, when used in combination with DCP, the NX‐PVKA ratio is a promising novel marker for the detection of HCC.
Experimental and Computational Study of the Interaction of Novel Colchicinoids with a Recombinant Human αI/βI‐Tubulin Heterodimer
Authors: Mane Jonathan Y. , Semenchenko Valentyna , Perez‐Pineiro Rolando , Winter Philip , Wishart David , Tuszynski Jack A.
Published: March 2013

The binding free energies on human tubulin of selected colchicine and thiocolchicine compounds were determined. Two methods were used for the determination of binding free energies: one is based on theoretical prediction simulating the dissociation of the compound from tubulin using a series of molecular dynamics simulations, and the other method involves a series of experiments that measured the affinity of the compound on a synthetically expressed and purified tubulin protein using a spectrofluorometric technique.
Early Neglect Is Associated With Alterations in White Matter Integrity and Cognitive Functioning
Authors: Hanson Jamie L. , Adluru Nagesh , Chung Moo K. , Alexander Andrew L. , Davidson Richard J. , Pollak Seth D.
Published: March 2013

Cognitive deficits have been reported in children who experienced early neglect, especially children raised in institutionalized settings. Previous research suggests that early neglect may differentially affect the directional organization of white matter in the prefrontal cortex (PFC). This may be one mechanism to explain cognitive deficits associated with neglect. To test this idea, properties of white matter and neurocognitive performance were assessed in children who suffered early neglect and those raised in typical environments (n = 63, Mage = 11.75 years). As predicted, prefrontal white matter microstructure was affected, consistent with more diffuse organization, in children that suffered early neglect and this was related to neurocognitive deficits. Such findings underscore how early adversity may affect the PFC and explain cognitive deficits associated with neglect.
Developmental Trajectories of Maladaptive Perfectionism Among African American Adolescents
Authors: Herman Keith C. , Wang Kenneth , Trotter Reid , Reinke Wendy M. , Ialongo Nicholas
Published: March 2013

This study examined the developmental trajectories of maladaptive perfectionism over a 7‐year period among African American youth living in an urban setting (N = 547). In particular, the study attempted to determine whether two maladaptive aspects of perfectionism (socially prescribed and self‐critical) changed over time and could be distinguished by variables in 6th and 12th grades (Mage at study entry [first grade] was 6.22 years [SD = 0.34]). Four classes best described the developmental trajectories on both measures of maladaptive perfectionism: high, low, increasing, and decreasing. Sixth‐ and 12th‐grade correlates, including measures of internalizing symptoms, mostly confirmed the distinctiveness of these classes. Parallel process analyses suggested that the two processes are complementary, yet distinct. Implications regarding the prevention of maladaptive perfectionism are discussed.
A UK epidemic of testosterone prescribing, 2001–2010
Authors: Gan Earn H. , Pattman Stewart , H. S. Pearce Simon , Quinton Richard
Published: March 2013

Context

Testosterone replacement therapy is the standard treatment for male hypogonadism. There has lately been increased marketing in the medical media promoting testosterone replacement for men with erectile dysfunction or for older men with low serum testosterone, despite the lack of long‐term safety and efficacy data. Therefore, we aimed to examine trends in testosterone prescribing in UK primary care over the last 10 years.

Methods

Data about the use of testosterone preparations from the Departments of Health Prescription Cost Analysis for community pharmacies 2001–2010, for England, Scotland and Wales, were collated. Community requests for serum total testosterone assay in men to the Biochemistry Department at the Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals Trust were also examined over the same time period.

Results

The number of prescriptions for testosterone preparations increased by nearly 90% from 157 602 to 298 134 dispensed items annually, over a 10‐year period. However, due to a particularly significant (fivefold) increase in prescribing of (more expensive) transdermal preparations, the cost to the NHS showed a 267% escalation, from £3·2 to £11·7 million, annually over the same period.

Local requests from primary care in the Newcastle and North Tyneside area for serum testosterone measurement in men also increased, from 347 requests in 2000 to 823 requests in 2010, a 137% increase. However, the number of men with likely unequivocal hypogonadism (testosterone less than 6·0 nm) remained constant at 5·2% in 2000 and 6·3% in 2010.

Conclusion

Many men in the UK might be receiving testosterone replacement therapy with neither clearly established indications nor robustly diagnosed hypogonadism. A national registry for men treated with testosterone and further evidence to improve current guidance (national and/or international) on the indications for testosterone replacement would be beneficial.
Can Internal Governance Mechanisms Prevent Asset Appropriation? Examination of Type I Tunneling in China
Authors: Shan Yuan George
Published: March 2013

Manuscript Type

Empirical

Research Question/Issue

Direct transfer (Type I tunneling) means that the controlling shareholders transfer resources from the firm for their own benefit. This study aims to investigate the impact of internal and external governance mechanisms from the perspective of principal‐principal (P‐P) conflicts on Type I tunneling.

Research Findings/Insights

Using hand‐collected data comprising 117 Chinese listed companies with 540 firm‐year observations during 2001–2005, the results show that state ownership and the number of board of directors' meetings are positively correlated with Type I tunneling, whereas the number of independent directors reveals a negative association. Other internal governance mechanisms including foreign ownership, the size of the board of directors, supervisory board size, number of professional supervisors, and the number of supervisory board meetings were found to have no impact.

Theoretical/Academic Implications

Several implications can be drawn. First, this study has modeled tunneling using a well‐accepted theoretical perspective – agency theory of P‐P conflicts. But the results show that agency theory does not appropriately explain tunneling behavior in China and so institutional theory is suggested as an alternative theoretical perspective for future research. Second, corporate governance reforms relating to supervisory boards have not been sufficient to ensure that they properly fulfill their role of oversight. Rather, such supervisory boards are perhaps playing more of a “rubber stamp” role.

Practitioner/Policy Implications

This study recommends prescribing the legal responsibilities and obligations for two‐tier boards in the Chinese context, allowing them to undertake their duties diligently.
Interventions for alcohol and drug problems in outpatient settings: A systematic review
Authors: Watson Judith M. , Fayter Debra , Mdege Noreen , Stirk Lisa , Sowden Amanda J. , Godfrey Christine
Published: March 2013

Issues

Research evidence indicates a high prevalence of substance abuse among patients presenting in general hospital settings. Such misuse of alcohol and illicit drugs has a major impact on population health and on costs to health services and to society at large. This review aimed to identify the interventions for alcohol or illicit drug misuse problems that have been evaluated for hospital outpatient populations.

Approach

Thirteen electronic databases including MEDLINE, EMBASE and PsycInfo were searched for published and unpublished studies in any language up to August 2011. Reference lists of included studies and reviews were also hand‐searched. We included randomised and controlled clinical trials of any intervention for adult participants identified as having alcohol and/or drug problems presenting to hospital outpatient settings other than addiction or psychiatric units. Participants could be attending hospital for any reason other than treatment for substance abuse. A narrative synthesis was conducted.

Key Findings

There is some evidence to suggest that interventions based on motivational techniques might be effective in treatment of alcohol misuse in oral–maxillofacial clinics but not in general outpatient departments. The evidence is insufficient to allow any conclusions to be derived on the effectiveness of interventions in the treatment of drug misuse and combined alcohol–drug misuse in outpatient settings.

Conclusions

Further research is needed to investigate interventions for alcohol and drug misuse in outpatient settings. Additionally, problems remain in terms of study quality. Procedures to ensure the rigour of a study were often poorly reported.
[Watson JM, Fayter D, Mdege N, Stirk L, Sowden AJ, Godfrey C. Interventions for alcohol and drug problems in outpatient settings: A systematic review. Drug Alcohol Rev 2013;32:356–367]
Gene flow maintains genetic diversity and colonization potential in recently range‐expanded populations of anOriental bird, theLight‐ventedBulbul (Pycnonotus sinensis,Aves:Pycnonotidae)
Authors: Song Gang , Yu Lijiang , Gao Bin , Zhang Ruiying , Qu Yanhua , Lambert David Martin , Li Shouhsien , Zhou Tianlin , Lei Fumin
Published: March 2013

Aim

Two alternative genetic patterns are typical in recently established populations. One is reduced genetic diversity but significant population structuring compared with original populations. The other is the persistence of genetic polymorphisms and the lack of differentiation in frontier populations. This study aims to test for these patterns by examining population genetics of the Light‐vented Bulbul (Pycnonotus sinensis), an Oriental bird that has been undergoing rapid range expansion.

Location

Eastern China.

Methods

Molecular analyses were conducted on mitochondrialDNAand microsatellite datasets from 256 individuals. Intraspecific phylogeny was reconstructed by Bayesian inference and network analysis. Analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) and Bayesian clustering were applied to determine population structure. Genetic diversity was tested to determine whether there were significant differences between frontier and source populations. Population expansions were tested in mtDNAand microsatellites. Gene flow and recent migrants were estimated by Bayesian methods.

Results

Both high‐ and low‐nucleotide diversities were recorded in frontier populations, and differences in genetic diversity between frontier and source populations were not statistically significant. Population differentiation was recorded in some source but not in frontier populations. Population size expansion was detected both in frontier and in source populations, and for the whole dataset, commencing before the Last Glacial Maximum.

Main conclusions

Genetic diversity can be maintained in expanding populations of the Light‐vented Bulbul, and genetic differentiation can be avoided, where substantial genetic exchanges are occurring. This study also discusses the potential effects of evolutionary properties such as historical population growth on recently recorded range expansion.
Endoscopic resection (endoscopic submucosal dissection/endoscopic mucosal resection) for superficial Barrett's esophageal cancer
Authors: Koike Tomoyuki , Nakagawa Kenichiro , Iijima Katsunori , Shimosegawa Tooru
Published: March 2013

Recently developed endoscopic resection (endoscopic submucosal dissection [ESD]/ endoscopic mucosal resection) has dramatically changed the therapeutic approach for Barrett's esophageal cancer. The rationale for endoscopic resection is that lesions confined to the mucosal layer have negligible risk for developing lymph node metastasis and can be successfully eradicated by endoscopic treatment as a curative treatment with minimal invasiveness. According to some reports that analyzed the rate of lymph‐node involvement relative to the depth of mucosal or submucosal tumor infiltration, endoscopic resection is clearly indicated for intramucosal carcinoma and might be extended to lesions with invasion into the submucosa (<200 μm, sm1) because of the low risk for lymph node metastasis. MostJapanese experts recommend ESD for Barrett's esophageal cancer after accurate diagnosis of the margin of cancer using narrow band imaging with magnifying endoscopy because of its high curative rate. However, few studies have evaluated the long‐term outcomes of endoscopic resection for Barrett's esophageal cancer in Japan. Further investigations should be conducted to establish endoscopic resection for Barrett's esophageal cancer.
Replantation of avulsed primary incisors: a critical review of a controversial treatment
Authors: Holan Gideon
Published: March 2013

Compared with the abundant literature on the replantation of avulsed permanent teeth, the literature on replantation of avulsed primary teeth is significantly more limited. A search of PubMed, using the terms: primary teeth, primary incisors, avulsion, exarticulation, replantation and reposition, and search in the reference list of the relevant articles, revealed 16 case reports of replantation of 31 primary incisors in 24 children. This article is a critical review of the arguments against replantation that have been presented in textbooks, review articles, and clinical guidelines.
The evolution of parental care in insects: the roles of ecology, life history and the social environment
Authors: WONG JANINE W. Y. , MEUNIER JOËL , KÖLLIKER MATHIAS
Published: March 2013

Parental care increases the fitness of offspring at a cost to the parents in terms of residual reproductive success. This trade‐off may be affected by ecology, life history and the social environment, which raises the question as to how these factors contribute to the evolution of parental care. Here, previous hypotheses concerning the evolution of parental care in insects are summarized and discussed and the underlying empirical evidence is reviewed.

Ecological factors such as harsh environments, ephemeral food sources or predation pressure are broadly accepted as evolutionary drivers of parental care. The most consistent evidence supports a role for natural enemies such as predators, microbes and cannibalistic conspecifics. Also, the importance of ecological factors may interact with the life history (parity) of a species, either as a pre‐adaptation facilitating the evolution of parental care or as a consequence of enhanced parental investment under parental care. Yet, only limited experimental research has been carried out to test the combined influence of ecology and life history in the evolution of parental care.

Several forms of care can mediate the transition from solitary to family living, which entails the emergence of a novel – social – environment that generates new selection pressures from interactions within and between families. In this context, we review examples of studies on communal breeding, brood parasitism, parent–offspring conflict and co‐adaptation, and discuss how these social interactions may in turn be influenced by ecological factors such as food availability or population density.

Insects are uniquely suitable for experimental and comparative research on the complex interplay between ecology, life history, and the social environment.
Specialist pollinating seed predator exhibits oviposition strategy consistent with optimal oviposition theory
Authors: CASTILLO DEAN M. , KULA ABIGAIL A. R. , FENSTER KATHRYN A. D. , FENSTER CHARLES B. , DUDASH MICHELE R.
Published: March 2013

The outcome of mutualistic interactions depends on the costs and benefits for each of the partners, which have been shown to be both context‐ and species‐dependent. This phenomenon is seen in the interactions between plants in the genus Silene and moths in the genus Hadena.

In this study, the interaction between native North American species Silene stellata and Hadena ectypa is examined to understand the factors that influence female H. ectypa oviposition decisions, a behaviour that influences both herbivore and plant fitness.

While most studies focus on oviposition preference between different host plant species, here it is shown that for a specialist pollinating seed predator, oviposition preference occurs within a host species (and even within a plant) based upon individual flower age and pollination status.

Female H. ectypa preferentially visited and oviposited on young flowers and flowers that were unpollinated. Larvae also preferred to feed on young fruits.

Female H. ectypa oviposition choice was consistent with optimal oviposition theory, as oviposition preference was correlated with larval feeding preference and not just adult visitation preference.
The effect of multi‐species host density on superparasitism and sex ratio in a gregarious parasitoid
Authors: KRAFT THOMAS S. , VAN NOUHUYS SASKYA
Published: March 2013

The ecological factors that influence key life‐history traits such as brood size and sex ratio are enormously important to the survival and population dynamics of insect species.

The effects of host density on life‐history characteristics of a parasitoid,Pteromalus apum, were examined in a field experiment conducted in the Åland Islands, Finland. This gregarious parasitoid preys on two co‐occurring butterfly species,Melitaea cinxiaandMelitaea athalia. The abundances of both butterfly species contribute to host density for the parasitoid.

The goals of the study were to: (i) test sex allocation theory in a field setting by evaluating how host density and species affect parasitoid brood size and sex ratio; and (ii) understand how parasitoid foraging behaviour and co‐occurrence of multiple host species relate to life‐history traits of the parasitoid.

Local host density and species were experimentally manipulated and natural parasitism was then allowed to occur. Larger brood sizes were found at low host density due to higher rates of superparasitism. Further, parasitoid brood size and sex ratio (proportion male progeny) were positively related, with a much stronger effect at low host density.

These results illustrate that host density affects life‐history and population‐level traits of parasitoids. The fact that low host density was associated with high superparasitism (larger brood size) supports predictions based on the ‘apparent commensal’ indirect interaction between the host species. This work highlights the value of research that integrates interactions between species with the study of foraging behaviour and life‐history traits.
Neural processing of high and low spatial frequency information in faces changes across development: qualitative changes in face processing during adolescence
Authors: Peters Judith C. , Vlamings Petra , Kemner Chantal
Published: March 2013

Face perception in adults depends on skilled processing of interattribute distances (‘configural’ processing), which is disrupted for faces presented in inverted orientation (face inversion effect or FIE). Children are not proficient in configural processing, and this might relate to an underlying immaturity to use facial information in low spatial frequency (SF) ranges, which capture the coarse information needed for configural processing. We hypothesized that during adolescence a shift from use of high to low SF information takes place. Therefore, we studied the influence of SF content on neural face processing in groups of children (9–10 years), adolescents (14–15 years) and young adults (21–29 years) by measuring event‐related potentials (ERPs) to upright and inverted faces which varied in SF content. Results revealed that children show a neural FIE in early processing stages (i.e. P1; generated in early visual areas), suggesting a superficial, global facial analysis. In contrast, ERPs of adults revealed an FIE at later processing stages (i.e. N170; generated in face‐selective, higher visual areas). Interestingly, adolescents showed FIEs in both processing stages, suggesting a hybrid developmental stage. Furthermore, adolescents and adults showed FIEs for stimuli containing low SF information, whereas such effects were driven by both low and high SF information in children. These results indicate that face processing has a protracted maturational course into adolescence, and is dependent on changes in SF processing. During adolescence, sensitivity to configural cues is developed, which aids the fast and holistic processing that is so special for faces.
A global quantitative synthesis of local and landscape effects on wild bee pollinators in agroecosystems
Authors: Kennedy Christina M. , Lonsdorf Eric , Neel Maile C. , Williams Neal M. , Ricketts Taylor H. , Winfree Rachael , Bommarco Riccardo , Brittain Claire , Burley Alana L. , Cariveau Daniel , Carvalheiro Luísa G. , Chacoff Natacha P. , Cunningham Saul A. , Danforth Bryan N. , Dudenhöffer Jan‐Hendrik , Elle Elizabeth , Gaines Hannah R. , Garibaldi Lucas A. , Gratton Claudio , Holzschuh Andrea , Isaacs Rufus , Javorek Steven K. , Jha Shalene , Klein Alexandra M. , Krewenka Kristin , Mandelik Yael , Mayfield Margaret M. , Morandin Lora , Neame Lisa A. , Otieno Mark , Park Mia , Potts Simon G. , Rundlöf Maj , Saez Agustin , Steffan‐Dewenter Ingolf , Taki Hisatomo , Viana Blandina Felipe , Westphal Catrin , Wilson Julianna K. , Greenleaf Sarah S. , Kremen Claire
Published: March 2013

Bees provide essential pollination services that are potentially affected both by local farm management and the surrounding landscape. To better understand these different factors, we modelled the relative effects of landscape composition (nesting and floral resources within foraging distances), landscape configuration (patch shape, interpatch connectivity and habitat aggregation) and farm management (organic vs. conventional and local‐scale field diversity), and their interactions, on wild bee abundance and richness for 39 crop systems globally. Bee abundance and richness were higher in diversified and organic fields and in landscapes comprising more high‐quality habitats; bee richness on conventional fields with low diversity benefited most from high‐quality surrounding land cover. Landscape configuration effects were weak. Bee responses varied slightly by biome. Our synthesis reveals that pollinator persistence will depend on both the maintenance of high‐quality habitats around farms and on local management practices that may offset impacts of intensive monoculture agriculture.