bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of inconsistency in networks of interventions
Authors: Veroniki Areti Angeliki , Vasiliadis Haris S , Higgins Julian PT , Salanti Georgia
Published: March 2013

Background The assumption of consistency, defined as agreement between direct and indirect sources of evidence, underlies the increasingly popular method of network meta-analysis. No evidence exists so far regarding the extent of inconsistency in full networks of interventions or the factors that control its statistical detection.

Methods In this paper we assess the prevalence of inconsistency from data of 40 published networks of interventions involving 303 loops of evidence. Inconsistency is evaluated in each loop by contrasting direct and indirect estimates and by employing an omnibus test of consistency for the entire network. We explore whether different effect measures for dichotomous outcomes are associated with differences in inconsistency, and evaluate whether different ways to estimate heterogeneity affect the magnitude and detection of inconsistency.

Results Inconsistency was detected in from 2% to 9% of the tested loops, depending on the effect measure and heterogeneity estimation method. Loops that included comparisons informed by a single study were more likely to show inconsistency. About one-eighth of the networks were found to be inconsistent. The proportions of inconsistent loops do not materially change when different effect measures are used. Important heterogeneity or the overestimation of heterogeneity was associated with a small decrease in the prevalence of statistical inconsistency.

Conclusions The study suggests that changing the effect measure might improve statistical consistency, and that an analysis of sensitivity to the assumptions and an estimator of heterogeneity might be needed before reaching a conclusion about the absence of statistical inconsistency, particularly in networks with few studies.
Organically Managed Soils Reduce Internal Colonization of Tomato Plants by Salmonella enterica Serovar Typhimurium
Authors: Gu Ganyu , Cevallos-Cevallos Juan M. , Vallad Gary E. , van Bruggen Ariena H. C.
Published: March 2013

A two-phase experiment was conducted twice to investigate the effects of soil management on movement of Salmonella enterica Typhimurium in tomato plants. In the first phase, individual leaflets of 84 tomato plants grown in conventional or organic soils were dip inoculated two to four times before fruiting with either of two Salmonella Typhimurium strains (109 CFU/ml; 0.025% [vol/vol] Silwet L-77). Inoculated and adjacent leaflets were tested for Salmonella spp. densities for 30 days after each inoculation. Endophytic bacterial communities were characterized by polymerase chain reaction denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis before and after inoculation. Fruit and seed were examined for Salmonella spp. incidence. In phase 2, extracted seed were planted in conventional soil, and contamination of leaves and fruit of the second generation was checked. More Salmonella spp. survived in inoculated leaves on plants grown in conventional than in organic soil. The soil management effect on Salmonella spp. survival was confirmed for tomato plants grown in two additional pairs of soils. Endophytic bacterial diversities of tomato plants grown in conventional soils were significantly lower than those in organic soils. All contaminated fruit (1%) were from tomato plants grown in conventional soil. Approximately 5% of the seed from infested fruit were internally contaminated. No Salmonella sp. was detected in plants grown from contaminated seed.
Norovirus Surrogate Survival on Spinach During Preharvest Growth
Authors: Hirneisen Kirsten A. , Kniel Kalmia E.
Published: March 2013

Produce can become contaminated with human viral pathogens in the field through soil, feces, or water used for irrigation; through application of manure, biosolids, pesticides, and fertilizers; and through dust, insects, and animals. The objective of this study was to assess the survival and stability of human noroviruses and norovirus surrogates (Murine norovirus [MNV] and Tulane virus [TV]) on foliar surfaces of spinach plants in preharvest growth conditions. Spinach plants were housed in a biocontrol chamber at optimal conditions for up to 7 days and infectivity was determined by plaque assay. Virus inoculation location had the largest impact on virus survival as viruses present on adaxial leaf surfaces had lower decimal reduction time (D values) than viruses present on abaxial leaf surfaces. Under certain conditions, spinach type impacted virus survival, with greater D values observed from survival on semi-savoy spinach leaves. Additional UVA and UVB exposure to mimic sunlight affected virus survival on adaxial surfaces for both semi-savoy and smooth spinach plants for both viruses. Human GII norovirus inoculated onto semi-savoy spinach had an average D value that was not statistically significant from MNV and TV, suggesting that these surrogates may have similar survival on spinach leaves compared with human noroviruses. An understanding of the behavior of enteric viruses on spinach leaves can be used to enhance growers' guidelines and for risk assessment with certain growing conditions.
Identification of Salmonella enterica Genes with a Role in Persistence on Lettuce Leaves During Cold Storage by Recombinase-Based In Vivo Expression Technology
Authors: Kroupitski Y. , Brandl M. T. , Pinto R. , Belausov E. , Tamir-Ariel D. , Burdman S. , Sela (Saldinger) S.
Published: March 2013

Recurrent outbreaks of enteric illness linked to lettuce and a lack of efficacious strategies to decontaminate produce underscores the need for a better understanding of the molecular interactions of foodborne pathogens with plants. This study aimed at identifying Salmonella enterica genes involved in the persistence of this organism on post-harvest lettuce during cold storage using recombinase-based in vivo expression technology (RIVET). In total, 37 potentially induced loci were identified in four distinct screenings. Knockout mutations in eight upregulated genes revealed that four of them have a role in persistence of the pathogen in this system. These genes included stfC, bcsA, misL, and yidR, encoding a fimbrial outer membrane usher, a cellulose synthase catalytic subunit, an adhesin of the autotransporter family expressed from the Salmonella pathogenicity island-3, and a putative ATP/GTP-binding protein, respectively. bcsA, misL, and yidR but not stfC mutants were impaired also in attachment and biofilm formation, suggesting that these functions are required for survival of S. enterica on post-harvest lettuce. This is the first report that MisL, which has a role in Salmonella binding to fibronectin in animal hosts, is involved also in adhesion to plant tissue. Hence, our study uncovered a new plant attachment factor in Salmonella and demonstrates that RIVET is an effective approach for investigating human pathogen–plant interactions in a post-harvest leafy vegetable.
Explaining Voters' Defection from Labour over the 2005–10 Electoral Cycle: Leadership, Economics and the Rising Importance of Immigration
Authors: Evans Geoffrey , Chzhen Kat
Published: March 2013

We examine the significance of leadership, economic problems and immigration for defection from voting Labour over the period 2005–10. Vote switching at different points throughout the electoral cycle is estimated using discrete-time event history analysis models. Contrary to established expectations about the impact of the financial crisis and weaknesses in Gordon Brown's premiership, political leadership and economic evaluations had similar effects on defection during the early part of the electoral cycle, when Tony Blair was still in place, and the economy was still growing. In contrast, during the later period the economic crisis failed to impact on vote switching, which derived more noticeably from concerns over immigration or dislike of Brown. The emergence of immigration as a source of electoral punishment for Labour appears to derive from a particular dissatisfaction with the government's performance on an issue of rising salience; by comparison the economic crisis may well have been sufficiently global to have weakened attributions of responsibility to the government.
The Long and the Short of it: Local Campaigning at the British 2010 General Election
Authors: Johnston Ron , Pattie Charles , Fisher Justin , Cutts David , Fieldhouse Edward
Published: March 2013

Studies of recent British general elections have shown that the amount spent by candidates on their local campaigns was closely linked to the outcome in their constituencies; the more they spent the better their performance. Such research was hampered, however, by the short period for which spending returns were available; campaigning begins long before then. The 2010 election was the first for which candidate spending data were available for a longer period, when candidates could spend about two-and-a-half times as much as the legal limit for the ‘short campaign’ immediately preceding election day. This first detailed analysis of those data addresses variations in the amount spent across constituencies and their impact, focusing on whether spending on the two campaign periods had separate and independent impacts. Intensive local campaigning – as measured by the amount spent – during the long campaign provided a vote-winning foundation, on which the short campaign then built, especially for the two parties that raised the least money to spend in the months preceding the official campaign.
Media Personalisation in Context: A Cross-National Comparison between the UK and the Netherlands, 1992–2007
Authors: Boumans Jelle W. , Boomgaarden Hajo G. , Vliegenthart Rens
Published: March 2013

The phenomenon of (media) personalisation has generated a considerable amount of scholarly attention and is regarded as being a significant aspect of contemporary politics and political communication. To investigate long-term trends in personalisation, this study draws on a unique data set that is composed of Dutch and British newspaper articles from a sixteen-year period. The evidence suggests that personalisation is present in both countries, but its realisation differs in each country: where the UK is characterised by a concentration of attention towards the prominent offices and the Prime Minister, the Netherlands has seen an increased visibility of the ‘non-prominent’ Cabinet members. The second part of the study investigates the impact of various events on the visibility levels of the most prominent ministerial functions, with particular attention paid to the Prime Minister. Leaders appear not to be more in the foreground during national crises. Finally, the explanatory power of events for determining the visibility of Cabinet members does not seem to increase in importance over time.
Constitution or Competence? the SNP's Re-Election in 2011
Authors: Johns Robert , Mitchell James , Carman Christopher J.
Published: March 2013

The Scottish National Party's outright win in the Scottish Parliament election on 5 May 2011 confounded pre-election polls and commentaries as well as a (broadly) proportional electoral system which was held to minimise the risk of a Nationalist majority moving Scotland to independence. But an extraordinary result in historical context looks much more ordinary when we explore voters' attitudes and choices. According to data from the ESRC-funded Scottish Election Study 2011, the SNP won its majority for that most mundane of electoral reasons: most voters thought that the party would do a better job in office than its rivals, including its chief rival, the Labour Party.
A preliminary study on functionality of Gundelia tournefortii L. as a new stabiliser in ice cream production
Authors: Cakmakci Songul , Dagdemir Elif
Published: March 2013

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of Gundelia tournefortii L. leaves and G. tournefortii L. milk as a new natural stabiliser on the quality characteristics of ice cream. For this aim, G. tournefortii L. leaves were added to an ice cream mix at three different concentrations (0.6, 1.0 and 3.0% w/w), and also, its milk was used as a stabiliser at 0.6% w/w concentration for ice cream production. Certain physical and sensorial characteristics of ice creams were compared with those of some commercial food gums such as guar gum, carrageenan and salep. Also, the chemical structure of G. tournefortii L. milk was determined using infrared spectra and elemental analyses. In comparison with commercial stabilisers, G. tournefortii L. did not display a notable effect on quality characteristics (viscosity, overrun, first dripping times and complete melting times). However, when considering these quality characteristics, the values for G. tournefortii L. milk were close to the values obtained for the commercial gums. In terms of sensorial characteristics, all the concentrations of G. tournefortii L. leaves were given low scores by panellists compared to the commercial stabiliser. However, G. tournefortii L. milk was given scores similar to the commercial stabiliser.
Sevoflurane alters the expression of receptors and enzymes involved in Aβ clearance in rats
Authors: LIU Y. , GAO M. , MA L. , ZHANG L. , PAN N.
Published: March 2013

Background

Patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) exhibit a failure in the clearance of amyloid β peptides (Aβ) from the central nervous system. Previous studies have suggested an association between anesthesia and the occurrence of AD. The aim of the present report was to further explore this possibility.

Methods

Animals were administered sevoflurane for 2 h. We performed immunohistochemistry and real‐time polymerase chain reaction to assess the levels of low‐density lipoprotein receptor‐related protein 1 (LRP‐1), the receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) protein, insulin‐degrading enzyme (IDE), and neprilysin (NEP) in aged and young rat's brain.

Result

Levels of LRP‐1 were significantly decreased, while those of RAGE increased in the aged and young groups. Immunoreactivity for IDE was significantly decreased at 3 and increased at 15 days in the young group. In contrast, immunoreactivity for NEP was significantly increased at 1 but decreased at 15 days in aged rats. Levels of IDE messenger RNA (mRNA) were significantly decreased at 3 and 7 days in the aged group but was consistently decreased at 1, 3, 7, and 15 days in the young group. Levels of NEP mRNA were significantly decreased in the aged group but increased in the young group at 1, 3, 7, and 15 days.

Conclusion

Sevoflurane leads to a reduction in the levels of LRP‐1, while increasing RAGE and decreasing IDE and NEP in both aged and, to a lesser extent, young rat's brain. These receptor and enzymatic changes may promote the accumulation of Aβ in brain tissues and thus exacerbate Alzheimer's‐like pathology.
Vested interests in addiction research and policy. Why do we not see the corporate interests of the alcohol industry as clearly as we see those of the tobacco industry?
Authors: Casswell Sally
Published: March 2013

Aims

To compare the current status of global alcohol corporations with tobacco in terms of their role in global governance and to document the process by which this difference has been achieved and the consequences for alcohol control policy.

Methods

Participant observation in the global political arena, review of industry materials (submissions, publications, conference presentations, websites) and review of published literature formed the basis for the current analysis.

Results

Recent events in the global political arena have highlighted the difference in perception of the alcohol and tobacco industries which has allowed alcohol corporations to participate in the global governance arena in a way in which tobacco has not been able. The transnational producers of alcohol have waged a sophisticated and successful campaign during the past three decades, including sponsorship of intergovernmental events, funding of educational initiatives, research, publications and sponsoring sporting and cultural events. A key aspect has been the framing of arguments to undermine perceptions of the extent of alcohol‐related harms to health by promoting ideas of a balance of benefits and harms. An emphasis on the heaviest drinkers has been used to promote the erroneous idea that ‘moderate’ drinkers experience no harm and a goal of alcohol policy should be to ensure they are unaffected by interventions. This leads to highly targeted interventions towards the heaviest drinkers rather than effective regulation of the alcohol market.

Conclusion

A sophisticated campaign by global alcohol corporations has promoted them as good corporate citizens and framed arguments with a focus on drinkers rather than the supply of alcohol. This has contributed to acceptance in the global governance arena dealing with policy development and implementation to an extent which is very different from tobacco. This approach, which obscures the contribution supply and marketing make to alcohol‐related harm, has also contributed to failure by governments to adopt effective supply‐side policies.
Actor Fragmentation and Civil War Bargaining: How Internal Divisions Generate Civil Conflict
Authors: Cunningham Kathleen Gallagher
Published: March 2013

Wars within states have become much more common than wars between them. A dominant approach to understanding civil war assumes that opposition movements are unitary, when empirically, most of them are not. I develop a theory for how internal divisions within opposition movements affect their ability to bargain with the state and avoid conflict. I argue that more divided movements generate greater commitment and information problems, thus making civil war more likely. I test this expectation using new annual data on the internal structure of opposition movements seeking self‐determination. I find that more divided movements are much more likely to experience civil war onset and incidence. This analysis suggests that the assumption that these movements are unitary has severely limited our understanding of when these disputes degenerate into civil wars.
Ocular surface assessment in soft contact lens wearers; the contribution of tear osmolarity among other tests
Authors: Muselier‐Mathieu Aurore , Bron Alain M. , Mathieu Bénigne , Souchier Maxime , Brignole‐Baudouin Françoise , Acar Niyazi , Brétillon Lionel , Creuzot‐Garcher Catherine
Published: March 2013

Purpose:  To determine whether tear osmolarity contributes to the assessment of the ocular surface in soft contact lens (CL) wearers.

Methods:  Prospective, case–control series in 44 CL wearers (28 tolerant and 16 intolerant) and 34 healthy subjects. Every patient underwent a thorough ophthalmic examination with a tear osmolarity test (TearLab System), conjunctival impression cytology and meibomian lipid sampling. Symptoms, break‐up time (BUT), tear osmolarity, conjunctival expression of HLA‐DR and meibomian fatty acid composition were evaluated.

Results:  Tear osmolarity did not differ between controls and CL wearers (p = 0.23). Flow cytometry results expressed in antibody‐binding capacity (ABC) units and percentage of positive cells revealed a significant difference between the intolerant CL wearer group and the control group (p < 0.0001). Comparisons between tolerant and intolerant CL wearers showed only a significant difference for mean fluorescence levels expressed in ABC units (p < 0.0001). The BUT was significantly shorter in intolerant and tolerant CL wearers subjects than in healthy subjects (p < 0.0001), whereas there was no significant difference in meibomian fatty acid composition (p = 0.99) between the two groups.

Conclusion:  Contact lens wear is responsible for ocular surface alterations whose patterns are very similar to those reported in early dry‐eye syndrome. However, tear osmolarity was not modified in these selected CL wearers. The yield of tear osmolarity with TearLab™ in assessing ocular surface disorders in CL wearers deserves further investigation.
Codes of ethics in the light of fairness and harm
Authors: Munter Dan
Published: March 2013

Nine codes of ethics from companies in the Swedish financial sector were subjected to a content analysis to determine how they address and treat employees. The codes say a great deal about employee conduct and misconduct but next to nothing about employee rights, their rightful expectations or their value to the firm. The normative analysis – echoing some of the value‐basedHRMliterature – draws on the foundational values of respect, equality, reciprocity and care. The analysis shows that most of the codes are in conflict with these values. Such a treatment is then in conflict with fairness and risks harming the employees. Some of the features that make these codes ethically problematic are typical of how corporate codes have been described in previous code studies. Consequently, the normative analysis reaches beyond the scope of this material and in the end, what is at stake, is a very typical code design.
Modeling the relationship between perceived corporate citizenship and organizational commitment considering organizational trust as a moderator
Authors: Wang Yi‐Ju , Tsai Yuan‐Hui , Lin Chieh‐Peng
Published: March 2013

This study proposes a research model based on social identity theory, which examines the moderating role of organizational trust on the relationship between corporate citizenship and organizational commitment. In the model, organizational commitment is positively influenced by organizational trust and four dimensions of perceived corporate citizenship, including economic, legal, ethical and discretionary citizenship. The model paths are hypothesized to be moderated by organizational trust. Empirical testing using a survey of personnel from 12 large firms confirms most of our hypothesized effects. Theoretical and managerial implications of our findings are discussed.
Inhibitory Control During Emotional Distraction Across Adolescence and Early Adulthood
Authors: Cohen‐Gilbert Julia E. , Thomas Kathleen M.
Published: March 2013

This study investigated the changing relation between emotion and inhibitory control during adolescence. One hundred participants between 11 and 25 years of age performed a go‐nogo task in which task‐relevant stimuli (letters) were presented at the center of large task‐irrelevant images depicting negative, positive, or neutral scenes selected from the International Affective Picture System. Longer reaction times for negative trials were found across all age groups, suggesting that negative but not positive emotional images captured attention across this age range. However, age differences in accuracy on inhibitory trials suggest that response inhibition is more readily disrupted by negative emotional distraction in early adolescence relative to late childhood, late adolescence, or early adulthood.
Interleukin-32 production associated with biliary innate immunity and proinflammatory cytokines contributes to the pathogenesis of cholangitis in biliary atresia
Authors: Okamura A , Harada K , Nio M , Nakanuma Y
Published: March 2013

Biliary atresia (BA) is thought to be associated with infections by viruses such as Reoviridae and is characterized histologically by fibrosclerosing cholangitis with proinflammatory cytokine-mediated inflammation. Interleukin (IL)-32 affects the continuous inflammation by increasing the production of proinflammatory cytokines. In this study, the role of IL-32 in the cholangitis of BA was examined. Immunohistochemistry for IL-32 and caspase 1 was performed using 21 samples of extrahepatic bile ducts resected from BA patients. Moreover, using cultured human biliary epithelial cells (BECs), the expression of IL-32 and its induction on stimulation with a Toll-like receptor [(TLR)-3 ligand (poly(I:C)] and proinflammatory cytokines was examined. BECs composing extrahepatic bile ducts showing cholangitis expressed IL-32 in BA, but not in controls. Caspase 1 was expressed constantly on BECs of both BA and control subjects. Furthermore, poly(I:C) and proinflammatory cytokines [(IL-1β, interferon (IFN)-γ and tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α] induced IL-32 expression strongly in cultured BECs, accompanying the constant expression of TLR-3 and caspase 1. Our results imply that the expression of IL-32 in BECs was found in the damaged bile ducts of BA and induced by biliary innate immunity via TLR-3 and proinflammatory cytokines. These findings suggest that IL-32 is involved initially in the pathogenic mechanisms of cholangitis in BA and also plays an important role in the amplification and continuance of periductal inflammatory reactions. It is therefore tempting to speculate that inhibitors of IL-32 could be useful for attenuating cholangitis in BA.
Higher doses of cabergoline further improve metabolic parameters in patients with prolactinoma regardless of the degree of reduction in prolactin levels
Authors: Ciresi Alessandro , Amato Marco Calogero , Guarnotta Valentina , Lo Castro Flavia , Giordano Carla
Published: March 2013

Objective

Currently available studies that fully analyse the metabolic parameters in patients with prolactinoma are scarce and discordant. The aim of this study was to evaluate the metabolic effects of cabergoline (CAB) treatment in patients with newly diagnosed prolactinoma in relation to disease control and CAB dosage.

Design

This is a retrospective clinical‐based therapy analysis.

Patients

Forty‐three patients with prolactinoma (eight men, 35 women), aged 33·65 ± 11·23 years, were evaluated metabolically at baseline and after 12 months of CAB treatment.

Measurements

Body mass index (BMI), systolic and diastolic blood pressure, waist circumference (WC), lipid profile, haemoglobinA1c (HbA1c), glucose and insulin levels (and their areas under the curve, AUC) after an oral glucose tolerance test, homoeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (Homa‐IR) index, insulin sensitivity index (ISI) Matsuda, oral disposition index (DIo) and visceral adiposity index (VAI) were measured at baseline and after 12 months of treatment.

Results

Twelve months of CAB reduced WC (P < 0·001), total (P = 0·001) and low‐density lipoprotein \terol (P < 0·001), triglycerides (P = 0·024), fasting insulin (P < 0·001), AUCINSULIN (P < 0·001), HbA1c (P = 0·022), Homa‐IR (P < 0·001) and VAI (P < 0·001), with a concomitant increase in high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (P < 0·001) and in ISI Matsuda (P < 0·001), regardless of the degree of reduction in prolactin levels. The patients receiving higher doses (>0·50 mg/week) of CAB showed lower BMI (P = 0·009), fasting insulin (P = 0·001), Homa‐IR (P < 0·001) and VAI (P = 0·018) and higher ISI Matsuda (P = 0·002) and DIo (P = 0·011), compared with those on lower doses.

Conclusions

A significant metabolic improvement was observed in patients with prolactinoma after 12 months of CAB treatment, especially when higher doses were used, highlighting the importance of considering the metabolic profile in these patients and the role of active treatment with high CAB doses.
What predicts adverse outcomes in untreated primary hyperparathyroidism? The Parathyroid Epidemiology and Audit Research Study (PEARS)
Authors: Yu Ning , Leese Graham P. , Donnan Peter T.
Published: March 2013

Objective

This study aims to identify the best biochemical risk factors alongside other factors for predicting adverse outcomes seen in untreated primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT).

Design

Population‐based cohort study, 1997–2006.

Setting

Tayside, Scotland,UK.

Patients

Patients with untreated diagnosedPHPT.

Outcome measures and methods

Outcomes considered were all‐cause mortality, fatal and nonfatal cardiovascular disease (CVD). Models were derived using survival analysis. Potential biochemical predictors tested were baseline serum calcium, parathyroid hormone (PTH), creatinine and alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and other covariates considered were gender, age at diagnosis, deprivation, previous comorbidities and bisphosphonates usage.

Results

From 1997 to 2006, 2097 patients (mean age, 68·4 years; 69·9% women) with untreatedPHPTwere identified with a total follow‐up of 7338 person years, in the population of Tayside, Scotland. The median baseline calcium was 2·61 mm, andPTHwas 7·2 pm.PTHwas the only statistically significant risk factor in all outcomes observed adjusting for other covariates. Serum creatinine andALPpredicted mortality outcomes in the short term (≤3 years), but not long term. Calcium was associated with increased risk of all‐cause mortality in the short term but had no significant impact on other outcomes.

Conclusion

BaselinePTH, rather than calcium, best predicts long‐term outcomes in untreatedPHPT.
Early pancreas allograft thrombosis
Authors: Ramessur Chandran Sharmila , Kanellis John , Polkinghorne Kevan R. , Saunder Alan C. , Mulley William R.
Published: March 2013

Objectives

To determine factors associated with early pancreatic allograft thrombosis (EPAT). Thrombosis is the leading non‐immunological cause of early pancreatic allograft failure. Multiple risk factors have been postulated. We hypothesized that recipient perioperative hypotension was a major risk factor and evaluated the correlation of this and other parameters with EPAT.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the records of the 118 patients who received a pancreatic allograft at our center between October 1992 and January 2010. Multiple donor and recipient parameters were analyzed as associates of EPAT by univariate and multivariate analysis.

Results

There were 12 episodes of EPAT, resulting in an incidence of 10.2%. On univariate analysis, EPAT was associated with perioperative hypotension, vasopressor use, and neuropathy in the recipient (p ≤ 0.04 for all). On multivariate analysis corrected for age, sex, and peripheral vascular disease, only vasopressor use retained a significant association with EPAT with a hazard ratio of 8.74 (CI 1.11–68.9, p = 0.04). Factors associated with vasopressor use included recipient ischemic heart disease, peripheral vascular disease, retinopathy or neuropathy, and any surgical complication.

Conclusions

Significant hypotension, measured by the need for perioperative vasopressor use was associated with EPAT, suggesting that maintenance of higher perfusion pressures may avoid this complication.
Coronary events in patients undergoing orthotopic liver transplantation: perioperative evaluation and management
Authors: Ali Asghar , Bhardwaj Hem L. , Heuman Douglas M. , Jovin Ion S.
Published: March 2013

Patients with advanced liver disease have a high prevalence of cardiac risk factors. The stress of liver transplant surgery predisposes these patients to major cardiac events, such as myocardial infarction or ventricular arrhythmias in addition to heart failure exacerbation. Liver transplant patients who experience coronary events in the perioperative period have a decreased five‐yr survival rate. Cardiovascular risk stratification prior to liver transplant can be accomplished by dobutamine stress echocardiography, stress myocardial perfusion imaging, cardiac computed tomography, and coronary angiography. Pre‐liver transplant management of cardiovascular pathology includes cardiovascular intervention like percutaneous coronary intervention, coronary bypass graft surgery, or medical management. Thorough screening and optimal management of underlying cardiovascular pathology and cardiovascular risk factors should decrease the incidence of new cardiac events in liver transplant recipients.
Higher levels of small dense low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) are associated with cardiac autonomic neuropathy in patients with Type 2 diabetes
Authors: Jang E.‐H. , Park Y.‐M. , Hur J. , Kim M.‐K. , Ko S.‐H. , Baek K.‐H. , Song K.‐H. , Lee K.‐W. , Kwon H.‐S.
Published: March 2013

Aim

To investigate the relationship between small dense LDL cholesterol and cardiac autonomic neuropathy among patients with Type 2 diabetes.

Methods

A total of 175 patients who had not taken lipid‐lowering agents previously were enrolled consecutively in this study. Small dense LDL cholesterol level was measured using polyacrylamide tube gel electrophoresis, which fractionates LDL cholesterol into seven components according to particle size and charge. We analysed the mean LDL cholesterol particle size and the proportion of small dense LDL cholesterol.

Results

The mean (± sd) patient age was 56 (± 14) years, the mean (± sd) duration of diabetes was 10.3 (± 8.3) years, the mean (± sd) proportion of small dense LDL cholesterol was 21.3 (± 17.6)% and the mean (± sd) LDL cholesterol size was 26.33 (± 0.8) nm. Men with cardiac autonomic neuropathy had a longer duration of diabetes compared with those without cardiac autonomic neuropathy. Women with cardiac autonomic neuropathy had a larger waist circumference, higher plasma triglyceride levels, smaller mean (± sd) LDL cholesterol size [26.8 (± 4.3) nm vs 26.4 (± 6.9) nm; P < 0.01] and larger mean (± sd) proportion of small dense LDL cholesterol [10.1 (± 9.9)% vs 19.1 (± 16.8)%; P < 0.01] compared with those without cardiac autonomic neuropathy. After adjusting for other confounding risk factors, the triglyceride/ HDL cholesterol ratio (odds ratio = 1.698, 95% CI: 1.07–2.69; P = 0.025) and mean LDL cholesterol size (odds ratio = 0.873, 95% CI: 0.77–0.99; P = 0.038) remained as independent risk factors for cardiac autonomic neuropathy in women.

Conclusions

A more atherogenic lipid profile such as the triglyceride: HDL cholesterol ratio and a smaller mean LDL cholesterol particle size were related to the prevalence of cardiac autonomic neuropathy in women with Type 2 diabetes.
Projection of the burden of Type 2 diabetes mellitus in Germany: a demographic modelling approach to estimate the direct medical excess costs from 2010 to 2040
Authors: Waldeyer R. , Brinks R. , Rathmann W. , Giani G. , Icks A.
Published: March 2013

Aim

To model the future costs of Type 2 diabetes in Germany, taking into account demographic changes, disease dynamics and undiagnosed cases.

Methods

Using a time‐discrete Markov model, the prevalence of diabetes (diagnosed/undiagnosed) between 2010 and 2040 was estimated and linked with cost weights. Demographic, epidemiological and economic scenarios were modelled. Inputs to the model included the official population forecasts, prevalence, incidence and mortality rates, proportions of undiagnosed cases, health expenditure and cost ratios of an individual with (diagnosed/undiagnosed) diabetes to an individual without diabetes. The outcomes were the case numbers and associated annual direct medical excess costs of Type 2 diabetes from a societal perspective in 2010€.

Results

In the base case, the case numbers of diabetes will grow from 5 million (2.8 million diagnosed) in 2010 to a maximum of 7.9 million (4.6 million diagnosed) in 2037. From 2010 to 2040, the prevalence rate amonf individuals ≥40 years old will increase from 10.5 to 16.3%. The annual costs of diabetes will increase by 79% from €11.8 billion in 2010 to €21.1 billion in 2040 (€9.5 billion to €17.6 billion for diagnosed cases).

Conclusions

The projected increase in costs will be attributable to demographic changes and disease dynamics, and will be enhanced by higher per capita costs with advancing age. Better epidemiological and economic data regarding diabetes care in Germany would improve the forecasting accuracy. The method used in the present study can anticipate the effects of alternative policy scenarios and can easily be adapted to other chronic diseases.
Low RPS14 expression in MDS without 5q ‐ aberration confers higher apoptosis rate of nucleated erythrocytes and predicts prolonged survival and possible response to lenalidomide in lower risk non‐5q‐ patients
Authors: Wu Lingyun , Li Xiao , Xu Feng , Zhang Zheng , Chang Chunkang , He Qi
Published: March 2013

Objectives

Haploinsufficiency of the ribosomal protein S14 (RPS14) has been identified as a causal factor in myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) with isolated del (5q). This study was carried out to investigate RPS14 expression in MDS without 5q deletion and the role of lower expressed RPS14 plays in pathogenesis and the prognosis and lenalidomide‐response predicting of non‐5q‐MDS.

Patients and Methods

The expression level of RPS14 transcription was detected in 156 MDS patients without 5q‐. The apoptosis of bone marrow (BM) nucleated erythrocytes was also analyzed. Furthermore, patient prognosis with lower or normal RPS14 expression was analyzed, and the role of RPS14 expression in lenalidomide‐response prediction was evaluated.

Results

The reduced RPS14 expression occurred in 83 of 156 (53.2%) non‐5q‐patients. Patients with RPS14 lower expression presented higher platelet counts in the peripheral blood compared with RPS14 normal patients (P = 0.012). The lower RPS14 expression status was inversely correlated with increased apoptosis ratio in nucleated erythrocytes from BM (r = −0.54, P = 0.013). Patients with lower RPS14 expression have a higher 2‐yr survival probability than normal RPS14 cases in the international prognosis scoring system (IPSS) lower risk group (90.8% vs. 71.7%; P = 0.018). A multivariate analysis showed RPS14 expression status was an independent predictor for survival in lower risk MDS patients without 5q deletion. Twelve patients were treated with lenalidomide. Five of seven patients achieved an erythroid response in the lower RPS14 expression group (5/7, 71.4%), compared with zero responses in the five normal RPS14 patients (P = 0.018).

Conclusion

Lower RPS14 expression in MDS patients without 5q deletion is associated with increased apoptosis of nucleated erythrocytes in lower risk MDS. Additionally, lower RPS14 predicts prolonged survival and possible response to lenalidomide in lower risk MDS patients.
A decision support tool for the management of freshwater pest fish incursions in Australia
Authors: Acevedo Silvana , Saddlier Stephen , Clunie Pam , Ayres Renae
Published: March 2013

There are no national emergency response arrangements for freshwater pest fish incursions in Australia. Individual States and Territories vary widely in their current response arrangements to freshwater pest fish incursions, with many being dealt with on an ad‐hoc basis and with varying degrees of efficacy. In recognition of this, the Invasive Animals Cooperative Research Centre funded a project to ‘Advance the development of national emergency response arrangements for freshwater fish incursions in Australia’. One of the recommendations of this project was creating a web‐based support tool (DST) to provide direction and assistance in managing freshwater pest fish incursions. This article describes the DST created. The DST leads the user through a series of questions relating to the species sighting, details of the fish and its capture, and site information at a particular location. These questions address issues that managers must consider when choosing appropriate control techniques. Information entered in two sections (site details and fish details) influence the suggested control techniques. The final product of the DST is a standard online report that contains a summary of all information entered and a ranking of the most common control techniques used in Australia. The report is then submitted to and assessed by the relevant State Government authority responsible for the management of freshwater pest fish incursions. Managers are then able to consider their options, taking into consideration current permits, resources and capability. The DST is anticipated to maximize the speed and quality of freshwater pest fish incursion reporting and to help the responsible government agency decide on the most appropriate management action. The DST will also provide government agency staff access to other relevant information and facilitate consistency in the decision‐making approach by government agencies throughout Australia.
Neonatal thalamic hemorrhage is strongly associated with electrical status epilepticus in slow wave sleep
Authors: Kersbergen Karina J. , de Vries Linda S. , Leijten Frans S. S. , Braun Kees P. J. , Nievelstein Rutger A. J. , Groenendaal Floris , Benders Manon J. N. L. , Jansen Floor E.
Published: March 2013

Purpose

Thalamic hemorrhage has been associated with neonatal cerebral sinovenous thrombosis (CSVT), especially when the straight sinus is involved, and often presents with neonatal seizures. Early thalamic injury has previously been shown to predispose to epilepsy and electrical status epilepticus in slow wave sleep (ESES). The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence of sleep‐induced epileptic electroencephalography (EEG) abnormalities and postneonatal epilepsy after neonatal thalamic hemorrhage associated with CSVT, in the absence of more widespread cerebral damage.

Methods

Between 2003 and 2008 15 neonates were diagnosed with a thalamic hemorrhage due to suspected or proven CSVT. Neurodevelopment and the history of seizures were assessed at follow‐up in the outpatient clinic in all 14 survivors (age 2–9 years). Whole‐night or sleep‐deprived EEG recordings were obtained to assess the prevalence of interictal epileptiform activity (EA) and calculate a sleep‐induced spike and wave index (SWI).

Key Findings

Three children were diagnosed with classic ESES (SWI >85%). Two children had ESES spectrum disorder (SWI between 50% and 85%), and in two children significant sleep‐induced epileptiform activity (SIEA) was noted (SWI between 25% and 50%). Two other children were diagnosed with focal epilepsy, in the absence of sleep‐induced epileptiform EEG abnormalities. Five children (age 2–7 years) had normal EEG recordings at follow‐up. Deficits in neurodevelopment were seen significantly more often in children with ESES, ESES spectrum, or SIEA.

Significance

Neonates with thalamic hemorrhage associated with straight sinus thrombosis, without evidence of more widespread cerebral damage, are at high risk of developing ESES (spectrum) disorder (35%), SIEA (14%), or focal epilepsy (14%). Electrographic abnormalities may already be present prior to recognition of cognitive deficits. Early diagnosis may guide parents and caregivers, and subsequent treatment may improve neurodevelopmental outcome. Routine annual sleep EEG recordings in children with neonatal thalamic injury following CSVT may improve recognition of ESES.
Seizure‐like discharges induced by 4‐aminopyridine in the olfactory system of the in vitro isolated guinea pig brain
Authors: Uva Laura , Trombin Federica , Carriero Giovanni , Avoli Massimo , de Curtis Marco
Published: March 2013

Purpose

The study of the interactions leading to network‐ or region‐specific propagation of seizures is crucial to understand ictogenesis. We have recently found that systemic (arterial) application of the potassium channel blocker, 4‐aminopyridine (4AP), induces different and independent seizure activities in olfactory and in limbic structures. Here, we have characterized the network and cellular features that support 4AP‐induced seizure‐like events in the olfactory cortex.

Methods

Simultaneous extracellular recordings were performed from the piriform cortex, the entorhinal cortex, the olfactory tubercle, and the amygdala of the in vitro isolated guinea pig brain preparation. Intracellular, sharp electrode recordings were obtained from neurons of different layers of the region of ictal onset, the piriform cortex. Seizure‐like discharges were induced by both arterial perfusion and local intracortical injections of 4AP.

Key Findings

Arterial application of 4AP induces independent seizure activities in limbic and olfactory cortices. Both local applications of 4AP and cortico‐cortical disconnections demonstrated that region‐specific seizure‐like events initiated in the primary olfactory cortex and propagate to anatomically related areas. Seizures induced by arterial administration of 4‐AP are preceded by runs of fast activity at circa 30–40 Hz and are independently generated in the hemispheres. Simultaneous extracellular and intracellular recordings in the piriform cortex revealed that the onset of seizure correlates with (1) a gradual amplitude increase of fast activity runs, (2) a large intracellular depolarization with action potential firing of superficial layer neurons, and (3) no firing in a subpopulation of deep layers neurons. During the ictal event, neuronal firing was abolished for 10–30 s in all neurons and gradually restored and synchronized before seizure termination.

Significance

Our data show that olfactory neuronal networks sustain the generation of seizure‐like activities that are independent from those observed in adjacent and connected limbic cortex regions. The data support the concept that functionally and anatomically hard‐wired networks generate region‐specific seizure patterns that could be substrates for system epilepsy.
Canine epilepsy as a translational model?
Authors: Potschka Heidrun , Fischer Andrea , von Rüden Eva‐Lotta , Hülsmeyer Velia , Baumgärtner Wolfgang
Published: March 2013

Dogs with spontaneous diseases can exhibit a striking similarity in etiology, clinical manifestation, and disease course when compared to human patients. Therefore, dogs are intensely discussed as a translational model of human disease. In particular, genetic studies in selected dog breeds serve as an excellent tool to identify epilepsy disease genes. In addition, canine epilepsy is discussed as a translational platform for drug testing. On one hand, epileptic dogs might serve as an interesting model by allowing the evaluation of drug efficacy and potency under clinical conditions with a focus on chronic seizures resistant to standard medication, preventive strategies, or status epilepticus. On the other hand, several limitations need to be considered including owner‐based seizure monitoring, species differences in pharmacokinetics and drug interactions, as well as cost‐intensiveness. The review gives an overview on the current state of knowledge regarding the etiology, clinical manifestation, pathology, and drug response of canine epilepsy, also pointing out the urgent need for further research on specific aspects. Moreover, the putative advantages, the disadvantages, and limitations of antiepileptic drug testing in canine epilepsy are critically discussed.
Maladaptive Habitat Use of a North American Woodpecker in Population Decline
Authors: Frei Barbara , Fyles James W. , Nocera Joseph J.
Published: March 2013

Rapid anthropogenic habitat changes can lead to non‐ideal habitat use by animals, often resulting in lower fitness and population declines. An extreme case of use and fitness mismatch is an ecological trap where habitat quality cues are disjointed from the true quality of the habitat. Species primarily associated with anthropogenically altered habitat, such as red‐headed woodpeckers (Melanerpes erythrocephalus), may be especially vulnerable to use and fitness mismatch as they encounter novel environmental challenges. We investigated multi‐scale habitat use and nesting success of red‐headed woodpeckers to assess their vulnerability to mismatches between use and fitness as a result of non‐ideal habitat use across multiple scales. We found that habitat characteristics that promote feeding potential such as canopy openness and greater dead limb length appeared paramount and were consistent in use across several spatial scales although reproductive fitness suffered. This contrasts with the assumption that habitat use by nesting birds should instead favor predation avoidance at smaller scales to improve reproductive fitness and suggests that maladaptive, food‐based habitat use by red‐headed woodpeckers in southern Ontario may result in ecological traps for the species. Whether due to poor habitat choices or costly ones in favor of feeding potential, it is vital to consider this behavior in conservation and management plans for this and similar species. We suggest multi‐scale habitat use studies that consider fitness outcomes are critical for species‐at‐risk in human‐modified landscapes.